UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number 1-14379
CONVERGYS CORPORATION
Incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio
201 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number 31-1598292
Telephone - Area Code (513) 723-7000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x . No ¨ .
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
At October 31, 2008, there were 122,065,504 common shares outstanding, excluding amounts held in Treasury of 60,685,519.
Form 10-Q
For the Period Ended
September 30, 2008
INDEX
Page | ||||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
||||||
ITEM 1. | Financial Statements: | |||||
3 | ||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and December 30, 2007 | 4 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited) | 5 | |||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 6 | |||||
ITEM 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 19 | ||||
ITEM 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 34 | ||||
ITEM 4. | Controls and Procedures | 35 | ||||
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION |
||||||
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors | 36 | ||||
ITEM 1. | Legal Proceedings | 41 | ||||
ITEM 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 41 | ||||
ITEM 6. | Exhibits | 42 | ||||
43 |
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | Financial Statements |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) |
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 676.2 | $ | 703.7 | $ | 2,082.1 | $ | 2,130.6 | ||||||||
Costs and Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Cost of providing services and products sold |
510.1 | 456.8 | 1,441.7 | 1,377.2 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
150.3 | 131.0 | 440.2 | 412.8 | ||||||||||||
Research and development costs |
15.1 | 18.9 | 37.4 | 57.6 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation |
29.2 | 28.5 | 87.0 | 86.8 | ||||||||||||
Amortization |
6.0 | 2.1 | 9.9 | 6.5 | ||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
| 3.4 | 14.1 | 3.4 | ||||||||||||
Asset impairment |
207.5 | | 207.5 | | ||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
918.2 | 640.7 | 2,237.8 | 1,944.3 | ||||||||||||
Operating (Loss) Income |
(242.0 | ) | 63.0 | (155.7 | ) | 186.3 | ||||||||||
Equity in Earnings of Cellular Partnerships |
7.7 | 2.2 | 25.8 | 7.8 | ||||||||||||
Other Income, net |
9.6 | 1.2 | 7.7 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||
Interest Expense |
(5.5 | ) | (4.2 | ) | (13.3 | ) | (13.6 | ) | ||||||||
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes |
(230.2 | ) | 62.2 | (135.5 | ) | 184.4 | ||||||||||
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense |
(90.2 | ) | 20.4 | (71.9 | ) | 60.2 | ||||||||||
Net (Loss) Income |
$ | (140.0 | ) | $ | 41.8 | $ | (63.6 | ) | $ | 124.2 | ||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax: |
||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
$ | (9.1 | ) | $ | 5.5 | $ | (13.5 | ) | $ | 14.0 | ||||||
Change related to pension liability |
| | 1.4 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities |
(25.5 | ) | 6.1 | (104.2 | ) | 36.2 | ||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
(34.6 | ) | 11.6 | (116.3 | ) | 53.0 | ||||||||||
Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income |
$ | (174.6 | ) | $ | 53.4 | $ | (179.9 | ) | $ | 177.2 | ||||||
(Loss) Earnings Per Common Share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | (1.15 | ) | $ | 0.31 | $ | (0.51 | ) | $ | 0.92 | ||||||
Diluted |
$ | (1.15 | ) | $ | 0.30 | $ | (0.51 | ) | $ | 0.89 | ||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
122.0 | 133.7 | 124.0 | 135.6 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
124.7 | 137.1 | 126.4 | 139.4 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
(In Millions) |
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2008 |
December 31,
2007 |
||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 136.3 | $ | 120.3 | ||||
Receivables, net of allowances of $7.8 and $7.6 |
594.4 | 557.7 | ||||||
Deferred income tax benefits |
102.8 | 32.4 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
43.8 | 36.2 | ||||||
Other current assets |
47.2 | 115.0 | ||||||
Total current assets |
924.5 | 861.6 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
418.8 | 364.4 | ||||||
Goodwill, net |
1,110.3 | 896.2 | ||||||
Other intangibles, net |
79.6 | 39.7 | ||||||
Investment in Cellular Partnerships |
48.6 | 55.0 | ||||||
Deferred charges |
186.1 | 304.3 | ||||||
Other assets |
57.9 | 43.0 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 2,825.8 | $ | 2,564.2 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||
Debt maturing within one year |
$ | 7.9 | $ | 0.6 | ||||
Payables, deferred revenue and other current liabilities |
457.7 | 426.3 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
465.6 | 426.9 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
655.7 | 259.3 | ||||||
Deferred income tax liability |
48.1 | 80.6 | ||||||
Accrued pension liability |
107.5 | 105.2 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
104.2 | 59.6 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
197.9 | 110.9 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
1,579.0 | 1,042.5 | ||||||
Shareholders Equity |
. | |||||||
Preferred shares without par value, 5.0 authorized; none outstanding |
| | ||||||
Common shares without par value, 500.0 authorized; 182.7 outstanding in 2008 and 181.2 outstanding in 2007 |
1,031.2 | 1,007.4 | ||||||
Treasury stock 60.7 shares in 2008 and 53.0 in 2007 |
(1,050.0 | ) | (933.4 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings |
1,331.6 | 1,397.4 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
(66.0 | ) | 50.3 | |||||
Total shareholders equity |
1,246.8 | 1,521.7 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
$ | 2,825.8 | $ | 2,564.2 | ||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
||||||||
(Amounts in Millions) |
2008 | 2007 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (63.6 | ) | $ | 124.2 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
96.9 | 93.3 | ||||||
Asset impairment |
207.5 | | ||||||
Deferred income tax expense |
(64.2 | ) | 40.2 | |||||
Equity in earnings of Cellular Partnerships |
(25.8 | ) | (7.8 | ) | ||||
Stock compensation expense |
14.6 | 19.1 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Change in receivables |
(4.9 | ) | (45.9 | ) | ||||
Change in other current assets |
14.0 | 0.4 | ||||||
Change in deferred charges, net |
(111.7 | ) | (31.0 | ) | ||||
Change in other assets and liabilities |
32.7 | (5.1 | ) | |||||
Change in payables and other current liabilities |
(25.4 | ) | (71.8 | ) | ||||
Other, net |
(1.8 | ) | (4.6 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
68.3 | 111.0 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(72.3 | ) | (77.2 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment |
8.4 | 0.3 | ||||||
Return of capital from Cellular Partnerships |
32.7 | 6.0 | ||||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
(307.8 | ) | (2.8 | ) | ||||
Sales of auction rate securities, net |
| 30.0 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(339.0 | ) | (43.7 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Borrowings (repayments) of commercial paper and other debt, net |
403.3 | (68.3 | ) | |||||
Purchase of treasury shares |
(116.6 | ) | (127.6 | ) | ||||
Other |
| 9.6 | ||||||
Net cash provided (used) in financing activities |
286.7 | (186.3 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
16.0 | (119.0 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
120.3 | 235.9 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 136.3 | $ | 116.9 | ||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
(1) | BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
Convergys Corporation (the Company or Convergys) is a global leader in Relationship Management. The Company provides solutions that drive more value from the relationships its clients have with their customers and employees. Convergys turns these everyday interactions into a source of profit and strategic advantage for the Companys clients. For 25 years, the Companys unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients customers and employees that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.
The Company reports three segments: (i) Customer Management, which provides outsourced agent-assisted and self-service customer care solutions as well as consulting and technology solutions to the in-house market, (ii) Information Management, which provides business and operating support system solutions for the global communications industry; and (iii) HR Management, which provides human resource business process outsourcing solutions, talent management and learning solutions.
These financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for each period shown. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in Financial Statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States have been condensed or omitted. Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. These interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007.
We file annual, quarterly, current reports and proxy statements with the SEC. These filings are available to the public over the Internet on the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov and on the Companys web site at http://www.convergys.com. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facilities in Washington, D.C. You can also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities. You can also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information about Convergys at the offices of the NYSE Euronext, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
(2) | RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS |
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), which 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 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). For all other nonfinancial assets and liabilities, SFAS No. 157 is effective beginning January 1, 2009. Adoption of this Standard on January 1, 2008 did not have an impact on the Companys Financial Statements. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures related to the adoption of this Standard. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 157 will have on nonfinancial assets and liabilities not valued on a recurring basis (at least annually).
In April 2007, the FASB issued EITF 06-04, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements. This Standard requires an employer to recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists. The Company adopted EITF 06-04 effective January 1, 2008. Adoption of this Standard did not have any impact on the Companys Consolidated Statements of Operations and resulted in a $2.2 reduction to the retained earnings balance as of January 1, 2008.
6
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, (SFAS No. 141R) which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its Financial Statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any resulting goodwill and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The Statement also provides for disclosures to enable users of the Financial Statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for Financial Statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and must be applied prospectively to business combinations completed on or after that date. Accordingly, any business combinations the Company engages in will be recorded and disclosed following existing GAAP until December 31, 2008. Adoption of SFAS No. 141R will have an impact on the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements when effective, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the terms and size of the acquisitions consummated after the effective date.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment to ARB No. 51. SFAS No. 160 applies to all entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The new Standard is intended to help investors better understand how derivative instruments and hedging activities affect an entitys financial position, financial performance and cash flows through enhanced disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 161 is effective for Financial Statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys financial position, results of operations or liquidity; however, our disclosures after adoption will comply with the new Standard.
In April 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position FAS142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (FSP FAS 142-3). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumption used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset. FSP FAS 142-3 also requires expanded disclosure related to the determination of intangible asset useful lives. FSP FAS 142-3 will be effective for Financial Statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 will have on the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
(3) | ACQUISITIONS |
On September 3, 2008, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Intervoice, Inc. (Intervoice), a developer of automated voice response systems, for cash consideration of $335.0, or $8.25 per share. Intervoice is a market leader in the delivery of personalized, multi-channel automated information solutions that connect people with information, empowering them to control the way they interact with a business. Integration of Intervoices speech automation, web self-care and mobile applications with the Companys array of automated and live agent services will enable the Company to build upon its leadership position in Relationship Management solutions. The designed voice solutions result in improved operational efficiencies, new revenue streams, and most importantly enhanced differentiation in the large and growing automated services market.
The Intervoice acquisition was accounted for as a purchase transaction. The purchase price has been allocated to fixed assets, liabilities and tangible and identifiable intangible assets based on preliminary independent appraisals of their respective fair values. The excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill. Intervoices results were included within the Customer Management segment upon acquisition and goodwill, as reflected in the table below, was entirely assigned to the Customer Management segment. The operating results of Intervoice were included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company since the date of the acquisition. This acquisition was financed using the $400 Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility.
The Company is in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of the intangible assets; thus, the allocation of the purchase price is subject to change. The Company expects to finalize the opening balance sheet related to this acquisition by December 31, 2008. The purchase price and the preliminary allocation are as follows:
Assets: |
||||
Cash |
$ | 45.4 | ||
Accounts receivable |
36.7 | |||
Property, plant & equipment |
83.9 | |||
Goodwill |
211.5 | |||
Intangible and other assets |
124.1 | |||
Liabilities: |
||||
Accounts payable |
(11.1 | ) | ||
Accrued liabilities |
(18.2 | ) | ||
Deferred taxes |
(74.3 | ) | ||
Other long-term liabilities |
(63.0 | ) | ||
Acquisition Price |
$ | 335.0 | ||
The acquisition does not meet the thresholds for a significant acquisition and, therefore, no pro forma financial information is presented.
(4) | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS |
The Companys operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 included long-term incentive plan expense of $2.9 and $13.1, respectively, compared to $3.3 and $20.1, respectively, for the same periods in 2007. Long-term incentive plan expense includes: (a) incentive plan expense that is paid in cash based on relative shareholder return and (b) stock compensation expense. Stock compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $5.1 and $14.6, respectively, compared to $6.7 and $19.1 respectively, for the same periods in 2007.
8
Stock Options
A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is presented below:
Shares in Millions Except Per Share Amounts |
Shares |
Weighted
Average Exercise Price |
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) |
Weighted
Average Fair Value at Date of Grant (per share) |
|||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at Jan. 1, 2008 |
10.9 | $ | 29.55 | ||||||||
Exercised |
(0.2 | ) | 13.23 | ||||||||
Forfeited/cancelled |
(1.3 | ) | 24.82 | ||||||||
Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2008 |
9.4 | $ | 30.70 | 2.4 | $ | 12.75 |
Restricted Stock Awards
During the first nine months of 2008, the Company granted 1.6 million shares of restricted stock units at a weighted average fair value of $12.91. Included in the above were approximately 1.2 million shares of performance-related restricted stock units granted at the fair value of $12.10 per share that vest upon the Companys satisfaction of certain financial performance conditions (relative shareholder return versus the S&P 500 return) as of December 31, 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company granted 1.5 million shares of restricted stock units at a weighted-average fair value of $24.12. Included in the above were approximately 440,000 shares of performance-related restricted stock units granted at the fair value of $21.09 per share that vest upon the Companys satisfaction of certain financial conditions as of December 31, 2009.
The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the fair value for performance-based restricted stock units issued during 2008 and 2007. The assumptions used in this model for the awards are noted in the table below. Expected volatilities for the 2008 performance awards are based on historical volatility and daily returns for the three-year period ended January 1, 2008 of the Companys stock and S&P 500 companies. The total stock return for the Company over the performance period is based on comparing Convergys average closing price from the fourth quarter of 2007 with the average expected closing price for the fourth quarter of 2010. The total stock return of the S&P 500 companies is computed by comparing the closing price of the S&P 500 companies on December 28, 2007 with the closing price at the end of December 2010. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the award granted is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
September 30, 2008 | September 30, 2007 | |||||
Expected volatility |
30.1 | % | 27.5 | % | ||
Expected term (in years) |
3.0 | 3.0 | ||||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.1 | % | 4.6 | % |
The total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units not yet recognized as of September 30, 2008 was approximately $26, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.5 years. Changes to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were as follows:
Shares in Millions Except Per Share Amounts |
Number of
Shares |
Weighted
Average Fair Value at Date of Grant |
|||||
Non-vested at December 31, 2007 |
3.5 | $ | 20.35 | ||||
Granted |
1.6 | 12.91 | |||||
Vested |
(1.1 | ) | (14.74 | ) | |||
Forfeited |
(0.3 | ) | (17.99 | ) | |||
Non-vested at September 30, 2008 |
3.7 | $ | 17.06 |
9
(5) | BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING CHARGES |
2008 Restructuring
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company initiated a restructuring plan to align resources to future business needs and to shift the geographic mix of some of its resources. Restructuring actions were taken in each business segment, of which $6.9 related to Information Management, $5.4 related to Customer Management and $1.8 related to HR Management. The severance charge of $14.1 will largely be paid in cash pursuant to the Companys existing severance policy and employment agreements. These actions, which will affect approximately 750 professional and administrative employees worldwide, are expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
Restructuring liability activity for the 2008 plan consisted of the following:
2008 | ||||
Balance at January 1, 2008 |
$ | | ||
Severance charge |
14.1 | |||
Severance payments |
(9.2 | ) | ||
Balance at September 30, 2008 |
$ | 4.9 |
2007 Restructuring
During the third quarter of 2007, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $3.4 at Information Management related to a facility closure in the United Kingdom. The $3.4 accrual is equal to the future costs associated with the abandoned facility, net of the proceeds from any probable future sublease agreements. The Company used estimates, based on consultation with its real estate advisors, to arrive at the proceeds from any future sublease agreements. The Company will continue to evaluate such estimates in recording the facilities abandonment charge. Consequently, there may be additional reversals or charges relating to this facility closure in the future. At September 30, 2008, this restructuring reserve had an outstanding balance of $1.7, which will be paid over several years until the lease expires.
(6) | FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES |
As discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have an impact on the Companys Financial Statements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy (Level 1 through 3) based on the quality of inputs used in the valuation technique to measure the fair value of identical assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The following table summarizes the Companys assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) as of September 30, 2008:
September 30,
2008 |
Quoted Prices
In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |
Significant
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||
Derivative assets |
$ | 2.3 | | $ | 2.3 | | ||||
Derivative liabilities |
$ | 97.1 | | $ | 97.1 | |
10
(7) | GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
Goodwill increased to $1,110.3 at September 30, 2008 from $896.2 at December 31, 2007. The additions to the goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 mostly related to the acquisition of Intervoice, as discussed in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As discussed more fully in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets section of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company is required to test goodwill for impairment annually and at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of goodwill may no longer be recoverable. During the third quarter of 2008, the Company performed an impairment review of the $130.3 of goodwill related to the HR Management segment. The review was triggered by the $207.5 of asset impairment charges taken during the third quarter of 2008 as described in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The impairment test for goodwill involves a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including the goodwill allocated to each reporting unit. If the carrying amount is in excess of the fair value, the second step requires the comparison of the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill. Any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill will be recorded as an impairment loss. Fair value of the Companys reporting unit is determined using a combination of the market approach and the income approach. Under the market approach, fair value is based on actual stock price or transaction prices of comparable companies. The market approach requires significant judgment regarding the selection of comparable companies. Under the income approach, value is dependent on the present value of net cash flows to be derived from the ownership. The income approach requires significant judgment including estimates about future cash flows and discount rates.
The Company has determined that the fair value of the HR Management segment is less than its carrying value as of September 30, 2008 and, therefore, the second step of the test is required. The Company has engaged an outside appraisal firm to assist in valuing the intangible assets of the HR Management segment. As this process is not complete, the Company cannot determine if an impairment loss is either probable or estimable. The Company expects to complete the step-two test no later than December 31, 2008. The resulting impairment loss, if any, will be recognized and reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations at that time.
Intangible assets (including software and customer relationships) increased to $120.3 at September 30, 2008 from $40.8 at December 31, 2007. The increase from the acquisition of Intervoice as discussed in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements was partially offset by amortization expenses. As of September 30, 2008, the Companys total intangible assets acquired primarily through business combinations consisted of the following:
Gross Carrying
Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net | ||||||||
Software (classified with property, plant & equipment) |
$ | 84.6 | $ | (43.9 | ) | $ | 40.7 | |||
Customer relationships and other intangibles |
194.0 | (114.4 | ) | 79.6 | ||||||
Total Intangible Assets |
$ | 278.6 | $ | (158.3 | ) | $ | 120.3 |
Customer relationships and other intangibles related amortization expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $9.9 and $6.5, respectively, and is estimated to be approximately $12 for the year ended December 31, 2008. As mentioned above, the increase in the total intangible assets is mostly related to the Intervoice acquisition, and the Company is in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of the intangible assets; thus, the amortization expense and the weighted average useful life of the total intangible assets is subject to change. The Company expects to finalize the opening balance sheet related to this acquisition by December 31, 2008.
11
(8) | INCOME TAXES |
As discussed more fully in the Income Taxes section of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, effective January 1, 2007.
As of December 31, 2007, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $82.9, of which $1.5 is recorded within other current liabilities and $81.4 was recorded within other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. As of September 30, 2008, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $66.9, of which $1.3 is recorded within other current liabilities and $65.6 is recorded within other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that would affect income tax expense, if ever recognized in the Financial Statements is $60.8. This amount includes net interest and penalties of $14.5. The decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $16.0 from December 31, 2007 was largely due to resolution of tax audits in the current year. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease between $13.0 and $23.0 in the next twelve months based upon the resolution of audits; however, actual developments in this area could differ from those currently expected.
(9) | DEFERRED CHARGES |
The Company often performs, in connection with its outsourcing arrangements, certain set-up activities or implementations, including the installation and customization of the Companys proprietary software in its centers. Additionally, with regard to arrangements where all of the services are accounted for as a single unit of accounting, the Company defers all revenue until it begins to deliver the final service. In connection with these arrangements, the Company capitalizes all direct and incremental multiple-element costs (by analogy to SFAS No. 91, Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases) to the extent recovery of these costs is probable. All implementation and set-up activity costs are amortized ratably over the life of the arrangements as costs of providing service. Deferred amounts are periodically evaluated for impairment or when circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover their carrying amounts. In the event these costs are not deemed recoverable, the Company follows the guidance in SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, to determine if an impairment exists. The Company evaluates the probability of recovery by considering profits to be earned during the term of the related contract, the creditworthiness of the client and, if applicable, termination for convenience fee payable by the client in the event that the client terminates the contract early.
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded $272.9 of impairment and implementation charges, of which $207.5 was due to asset impairment and $65.4 was due to expensing of implementation costs that exceeded the termination for convenience fees in the contract at September 30, 2008. Based upon the contract profitability analysis completed in the third quarter of 2008 two HR Management contracts were projected to be unprofitable over their contract terms due to an increase in overall implementation and delivery costs. As a result, $207.5 of the capitalized costs related to these contracts were impaired, and were, therefore, written down in the quarter. After the write-off, one of the contracts is expected to be profitable over its remaining contract term and the other contract is expected to continue to generate losses. The losses from this executory contract will be recorded as incurred, over the contract term through 2016 in the Companys Consolidated Statements of Operations and are not material to the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements.
Further, during the third quarter of 2008, the costs of implementing another large HR outsourcing client exceeded the amount recoverable under the contract at September 30, 2008, even though the contract is expected to be profitable over its term. When implementation costs are deemed not recoverable in accordance with our accounting policy, we expense such excess costs even if the contract is profitable over its term. (See also Deferred Charges section of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for more detailed discussions on deferred charges and the Companys policy on assessing recoverability of deferred charges). The $65.4 charge is classified within the costs of providing services and products sold caption in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company capitalized $206.0 and $80.0, respectively, of client acquisition and implementation costs. The amortization and the impairment charge recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $324.2 compared to $37.5 in the same period last year.
12
(10) | PAYABLES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES |
At Sept. 30,
2008 |
At Dec. 31,
2007 |
|||||
Pension liability |
$ | 4.4 | $ | 22.0 | ||
Restructuring and exit costs |
6.6 | 5.7 | ||||
Government grants |
21.7 | 22.7 | ||||
Accrued taxes |
22.2 | 27.6 | ||||
Accounts payable |
52.9 | 31.2 | ||||
Deferred revenue |
73.3 | 50.2 | ||||
Accrued expenses, other |
154.6 | 132.8 | ||||
Accrued payroll-related expenses |
122.0 | 134.1 | ||||
$ | 457.7 | $ | 426.3 |
(11) | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS |
The Company sponsors a defined benefit pension plan, which includes both a qualified and non-qualified portion, for all eligible employees (the cash balance plan). The Company also sponsors a non-qualified, unfunded executive deferred compensation plan and a supplemental, non-qualified, unfunded plan for certain senior executives (the executive pension plans). The pension benefit formula for the cash balance plan is determined by a combination of compensation and age-based credits and annual guaranteed interest credits. Benefits for the executive deferred compensation plan are based on employee deferrals, matching contributions and investment earnings on participant accounts. Benefits for the supplemental plan are based on age, years of service and eligible pay. Funding of the qualified portion of the cash balance plan has been achieved through contributions made to a trust fund. The contributions have been determined using the aggregate cost method. The Companys measurement date for all plans is December 31. The projected unit credit cost method is used for determining the unfunded executive pension cost for financial reporting purposes. Pension costs for the cash balance plan are determined based on the traditional unit credit cost method. The plan assumptions are evaluated annually and are updated as necessary.
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company amended its cash balance plan to cease future benefit accruals and to close participation effective March 31, 2008. After March 31, 2008, participants will not earn future accruals or credits to their cash balance account with respect to compensation earned after March 31, 2008, but will continue to be credited with interest to their cash balance account. This plan amendment resulted in recognizing a curtailment loss of $4.0 during the first quarter of 2008.
Components of pension cost for the cash balance plan are as follows:
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Service cost (benefits earned during the period) |
| $ | 4.5 | $ | 4.5 | $ | 13.5 | |||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation |
2.7 | 2.9 | 9.2 | 8.7 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(3.2 | ) | (3.6 | ) | (10.8 | ) | (10.9 | ) | ||||||||
Curtailment loss |
| | 4.0 | | ||||||||||||
Settlement loss |
6.1 | | 6.1 | | ||||||||||||
Amortization and deferrals - net |
(0.4 | ) | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.9 | |||||||||||
Pension cost |
$ | 5.2 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 13.8 | $ | 13.2 |
13
Components of pension cost for the unfunded executive pension plans are as follows:
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||
Service cost (benefits earned during the period) |
$ | 0.5 | $ | 0.9 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 2.8 | ||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation |
0.9 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 3.3 | ||||||||
Settlement loss |
0.2 | | 3.3 | 0.6 | ||||||||
Amortization and deferralsnet |
0.1 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | ||||||||
Pension cost |
$ | 1.7 | $ | 2.3 | $ | 7.9 | $ | 7.5 |
The Company contributed $13.5 to fund its cash balance plan during the third quarter of 2008.
(12) | SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 7.7 million shares of Convergys stock for a total cost of $116.6. There were no shares repurchased during the third quarter of 2008 and from October 1, 2008 through the date of filing this report. As of September 30, 2008, the Company may repurchase 7.1 million common shares pursuant to the available share repurchase authorizations.
(13) | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
From time to time, the Company is involved in various loss contingencies, including tax and legal contingencies, that arise in the ordinary course of business. At this time, the Company believes that the results of any such contingencies, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a materially adverse effect on the Companys financial condition. However, the outcome of any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more pending matters could have a materially adverse impact on the Companys financial conditions in the future.
Several related class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on behalf of purchasers of common stock of Intervoice during the period from October 12, 1999 through June 6, 2000 (the Class Period). Plaintiffs have filed claims, which were consolidated into one proceeding, under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5 against Intervoice as well as certain named current and former officers and directors of Intervoice on behalf of the alleged class members. In the complaint, Plaintiffs claim that Intervoice and the named current and former officers and directors issued false and misleading statements during the Class Period concerning the financial condition of Intervoice, the results of the merger with Brite and the alleged future business projections of Intervoice. Plaintiffs have asserted that these alleged statements resulted in artificially inflated stock prices.
The District Court dismissed the Plaintiffs complaint because it lacked the degree of specificity and factual support to meet the pleading standards applicable to federal securities litigation. The Plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which affirmed the dismissal in part and reversed in part. The Fifth Circuit remanded a limited number of issues for further proceedings in the District Court.
On September 26, 2006, the District Court granted the Plaintiffs motion to certify a class of people who purchased Intervoice stock during the Class Period. On November 14, 2006, the Fifth Circuit granted Intervoices petition to appeal the District Courts decision to grant Plaintiffs motion to certify a class. On January 8, 2008, the Fifth Circuit vacated the District Courts class-certification order and remanded the case to the District Court for further consideration in light of the Fifth Circuits decision in Oscar Private Equity Investments v. Allegiance Telecom, Inc. The parties filed additional briefing in the District Court regarding class certification and are awaiting the District Courts ruling. The District Court granted Plaintiffs motion for leave to file a second amended complaint and Intervoice moved to dismiss portions of that amended complaint. On March 14, 2008, the District Court granted that motion in part and denied it in part. Intervoice has largely completed the production of documents in response to the Plaintiffs requests for production. The Company continues to vigorously defend the case.
14
The Company leases certain equipment and facilities used in its operations under operating leases. This includes the Companys office complex in Orlando, Florida, which is leased from Wachovia Development Corporation (Lessor), a wholly owned subsidiary of Wachovia Corporation, under an agreement that expires in June 2010. Upon termination or expiration of the lease, the Company must either purchase the property from the Lessor for $65.0 or arrange to have the office complex sold to a third party. If the office complex is sold to a third party for an amount less than $65.0, the amount paid by the Lessor for the purchase of the complex from an unrelated third party, the Company has agreed under a residual value guarantee to pay the Lessor up to $55.0. If the office complex is sold to a third party for an amount in excess of $65.0, the Company is entitled to collect the excess. At the inception of the lease, the Company recognized a liability of approximately $5.0 for the related residual value guarantee. The value of the guarantee was determined by computing the estimated present value of probability-weighted cash flows that might be expended under the guarantee. The Company recorded a liability for the fair value of the obligation with a corresponding asset recorded as prepaid rent, which is being amortized to rental expense over the lease term. The liability will remain on the balance sheet until the end of the lease term. Under the terms of the lease, the Company will also provide certain indemnities to the Lessor, including environmental indemnities. Due to the nature of such potential obligations, it is not possible to estimate the maximum amount of such exposure or the fair value. The Company does not expect such amounts, if any, to be material. The Company has concluded that it is not required to consolidate the Lessor pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.
At September 30, 2008, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $46.5 related to performance and payment guarantees. The Company believes that any guarantee obligation that may arise will not be material.
The Company also has purchase commitments with telecommunications providers of approximately $9 for the remainder of 2008, $30 for 2009 and $24 for 2010.
(14) | BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION |
As discussed in Note 1, the Company has three segments, which are identified by service offerings. Customer Management provides outsourced agent-assisted and self-service customer care solutions as well as consulting and technology solutions to the in-house market. Information Management provides business and operating support system solutions for the global communications industry. HR Management provides human resource business process outsourcing solutions, talent management and learning solutions. These segments are consistent with the Companys management of the business and reflect its internal financial reporting structure and operating focus.
The Company does not allocate activities below the operating income level to its reported segments. The Companys business segment information is as follows:
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||
Customer Management |
$ | 483.2 | $ | 462.9 | $ | 1,428.2 | $ | 1,392.5 | ||||
Information Management |
133.6 | 177.6 | 457.9 | 546.9 | ||||||||
HR Management |
59.4 | 63.2 | 196.0 | 191.2 | ||||||||
$ | 676.2 | $ | 703.7 | $ | 2,082.1 | $ | 2,130.6 | |||||
Depreciation: |
||||||||||||
Customer Management |
$ | 15.0 | $ | 14.0 | $ | 43.7 | $ | 41.6 | ||||
Information Management |
6.6 | 7.8 | 21.7 | 24.9 | ||||||||
HR Management |
2.4 | 2.2 | 6.5 | 6.6 | ||||||||
Corporate |
5.2 | 4.5 | 15.1 | 13.7 | ||||||||
$ | 29.2 | $ | 28.5 | $ | 87.0 | $ | 86.8 | |||||
15
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Amortization: |
||||||||||||||||
Customer Management |
$ | 1.4 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 2.4 | $ | 1.8 | ||||||||
Information Management |
4.0 | 0.9 | 5.7 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||
HR Management |
0.6 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 1.9 | ||||||||||||
$ | 6.0 | $ | 2.1 | $ | 9.9 | $ | 6.5 | |||||||||
Restructuring Charges: |
||||||||||||||||
Customer Management |
$ | | $ | | $ | 5.4 | $ | | ||||||||
Information Management |
| 3.4 | 6.9 | 3.4 | ||||||||||||
HR Management |
| | 1.8 | | ||||||||||||
$ | | $ | 3.4 | $ | 14.1 | $ | 3.4 | |||||||||
Operating Income (Loss): |
||||||||||||||||
Customer Management |
$ | 23.3 | $ | 40.4 | $ | 64.6 | $ | 141.4 | ||||||||
Information Management |
17.4 | 34.1 | 84.8 | 97.8 | ||||||||||||
HR Management |
(279.8 | ) | (8.3 | ) | (288.9 | ) | (32.8 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate |
(2.9 | ) | (3.2 | ) | (16.2 | ) | (20.1 | ) | ||||||||
$ | (242.0 | ) | $ | 63.0 | $ | (155.7 | ) | $ | 186.3 | |||||||
Capital Expenditures: (1) |
||||||||||||||||
Customer Management |
$ | 10.9 | $ | 8.7 | $ | 29.3 | $ | 24.5 | ||||||||
Information Management |
4.1 | 7.2 | 15.2 | 14.3 | ||||||||||||
HR Management |
1.8 | 10.8 | 7.1 | 14.6 | ||||||||||||
Corporate (2) |
5.7 | 4.6 | 20.7 | 23.8 | ||||||||||||
$ | 22.5 | $ | 31.3 | $ | 72.3 | $ | 77.2 | |||||||||
(1) |
Excluding proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment. |
(2) |
Includes shared services-related capital expenditures. |
At Sept. 30,
2008 |
At Dec. 31,
2007 |
|||||
Goodwill: |
||||||
Customer Management |
$ | 786.1 | $ | 578.5 | ||
Information Management |
193.9 | 187.8 | ||||
HR Management |
130.3 | 129.9 | ||||
$ | 1,110.3 | $ | 896.2 | |||
16
(15) | EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE |
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) computations:
Three Months September 30, 2008 |
Net
(Loss) Income |
Shares |
Per Share
Amount |
|||||||
Basic EPS |
$ | (140.0 | ) | 122.0 | $ | (1.15 | ) | |||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||
Stock-based compensation arrangements |
| |||||||||
Diluted EPS |
$ | (140.0 | ) | 122.0 | $ | (1.15 | ) | |||
Nine Months September 30, 2008 |
||||||||||
Basic EPS |
$ | (63.6 | ) | 124.0 | $ | (0.51 | ) | |||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||
Stock-based compensation arrangements |
| |||||||||
Diluted EPS |
$ | (63.6 | ) | 124.0 | $ | (0.51 | ) | |||
Three Months September 30, 2007 |
||||||||||
Basic EPS |
$ | 41.8 | 133.7 | $ | 0.31 | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||
Stock-based compensation arrangements |
| 3.4 | (0.01 | ) | ||||||
Diluted EPS |
$ | 41.8 | 137.1 | $ | 0.30 | |||||
Nine Months September 30, 2007 |
||||||||||
Basic EPS |
$ | 124.2 | 135.6 | $ | 0.92 | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||
Stock-based compensation arrangements |
| 3.8 | (0.03 | ) | ||||||
Diluted EPS |
$ | 124.2 | 139.4 | $ | 0.89 | |||||
The diluted EPS calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 excludes the effect of dilutive securities because of the loss from continuing operations. The diluted EPS calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 excludes the effect of 9.1 million outstanding stock options because they are anti-dilutive.
(16) | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS |
The Company has outstanding forward exchange contracts and options that mature within the next 48 months, consisting primarily of Canadian dollars, Indian rupees and Philippine pesos with a notional value of $966.4 at September 30, 2008 and $701.6 at December 31, 2007. All the derivative instruments discussed above are designated and effective as cash flow hedges. The following table reflects the fair value of the derivative instruments included within the Consolidated Financial Statements:
September 30, 2008 | December 31, 2007 | |||||
Included within other current assets: |
||||||
Forward exchange contracts and options |
$ | 2.0 | $ | 67.1 | ||
Included within other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities: |
||||||
Forward exchange contracts and options |
$ | 97.1 | $ | 3.2 |
A total of $63.8 of deferred losses and $40.4 of deferred gains, net of tax, related to these cash flow hedges at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, were accumulated in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Gains and losses on derivative contracts that are reclassified from accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to current period earnings are classified together with the hedged transactions in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as costs of providing services and products sold. As of September 30, 2008, deferred losses of $26.3 ($17.3 net of tax), on derivative instruments included in accumulated other comprehensive income are expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months.
17
The Company also enters into derivative instruments (forwards) to economically hedge the foreign currency impact of assets and liabilities denominated in nonfunctional currencies. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, a loss of $3.8 was recognized related to changes in fair value of these derivative instruments not designated as hedges, compared to a $1.5 gain for the same period in 2007. The losses largely offset the currency gains that resulted from changes in the assets and liabilities denominated in nonfunctional currencies. These gains and losses are classified within Other Income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the first quarter of 2008, the Company had entered into treasury lock derivative instruments with a total notional amount of $200.0 in anticipation of a probable debt issuance later in 2008. The treasury lock was terminated during the second quarter of 2008 and the gain on the termination was recorded within accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Consolidated Financial Statements at June 30, 2008. In the current financial market conditions, the Company does not expect to issue debt in the near future, therefore, the $6.0 gain on termination of the treasury lock is recognized within the Other Income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations at September 30, 2008.
(17) | POTENTIAL SEPARATION OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SEGMENT |
The Companys board of directors and senior management team are evaluating a potential separation of the Information Management segment from Convergys to create two independent, publicly traded companies, each focused on its own set of business opportunities. The board has retained a third party financial advisor to assist them in this process. Given the current economic and financial markets, the board of directors and senior management of the Company will provide an update regarding the evaluation in the first quarter of 2009.
18
ITEM 2. |
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
BACKGROUND
Convergys Corporation (the Company or Convergys) is a global leader in Relationship Management. We provide solutions that drive more value from the relationships our clients have with their customers and employees. Convergys turns these everyday interactions into a source of profit and strategic advantage for our clients. For 25 years, our unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients customers and employees that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.
We report three segments: (i) Customer Management, which provides outsourced agent-assisted and self-service customer care solutions as well as consulting and technology solutions to the in-house market, (ii) Information Management which provides business and operating support system solutions for the global communications industry; and (iii) HR Management, which provides human resource business process outsourcing solutions, talent management and learning solutions.
These segments are consistent with the Companys management of the business and reflect its internal financial reporting structure and operating focus.
Customer Management
Our Customer Management segment manages customer relationships on behalf of our clients through our multi-channel customer management contact centers and through consulting engagements. Phone and web-based agent-assisted service channels provide customers with assistance across the entire customer lifecycle. We deliver these services using a variety of tools including computer telephony integration, interactive voice response, advanced speech recognition, knowledge-based management and the Internet through agent-assisted and self-service channels.
On September 3, 2008, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Intervoice, a developer of automated voice response systems, for cash consideration of $335.0 or $8.25 per share. Intervoice is a market leader in the delivery of personalized, multi-channel automated information solutions that connect people with information, empowering them to control the way they interact with a business. We expect the integration of Intervoices speech automation, web self-care and mobile applications with the Companys array of automated and live agent services will enable the Company to build a leadership position in Relationship Management solutions. The designed voice solutions result in improved operational efficiencies, new revenue streams and, most importantly, enhanced differentiation in the large and growing automated services market. The operating results of Intervoice have been included within the Customer Management segment as of the date of the acquisition.
Agent-related revenues, which accounts for more than 90% of Customer Managements revenues for the first nine months of 2008, are typically recognized as services are performed based on staffing hours or the number of contacts handled by service agents using contractual rates. In a limited number of engagements where the client pays a fixed fee, we recognize revenues based on the specific facts and circumstances of the engagement, using the proportional performance method or upon final completion of the engagement. We sometimes earn supplemental revenues depending on our satisfaction of certain service levels or achievement of certain performance measurement targets. The supplemental revenues are recognized only after the required measurement targets are met.
During the first nine months of 2008, Customer Managements revenues increased 3% to $1,428.2 compared to the prior year. Customer Managements operating income and operating margin were $64.6 and 4.5%, respectively, compared with $141.4 and 10.2% in the prior year. The price and volume increase with several of our largest clients was more than offset by approximately $31 of additional expenses due to the weakened U.S. dollar as well as our continued investment to support anticipated future growth.
19
Information Management
Our Information Management segment serves clients principally by providing and managing complex billing and information software that addresses all segments of the communications industry. We provide our software products in one of three delivery modes: licensed, outsourced or build-operate-transfer (BOT). In the licensed delivery mode, the software is licensed to clients who perform billing internally. In the outsourced delivery mode, Information Management provides the billing services by running its software in one of its data centers. Under the BOT delivery mode, Information Management implements and initially runs its software in the clients data center while the client has the option to transfer the operation of the center to itself at a future date.
During the first nine months of 2008, Information Managements revenue was $457.9, a 16% decline compared to the prior year mainly due to the expected negative impact of client migrations in North America. License and related support and maintenance fees, which accounted for 38% of Information Managements revenues for the first nine months of 2008, are earned under perpetual and term license arrangements. The Company invoices its clients for licenses either up-front or monthly based on the number of subscribers, events or units processed using the software. Fees for support and maintenance normally are charged in advance either on an annual, quarterly or monthly basis. Professional and consulting services for installation, implementation, customization, migration, training and managed services accounted for 38% of Information Managements revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The professional and consulting fees are either invoiced monthly to the Companys clients based on time and material costs incurred at contractually agreed upon rates or, in some instances, for a fixed fee. Information Managements remaining revenues consist of monthly fees for processing client transactions in Information Managements data centers and, in some cases, the clients data centers, using Information Managements proprietary software. These data processing revenues are recognized based on the number of invoices, subscribers or events that are processed by Information Management using contractual rates. Information Managements operating income and operating margin for the first nine months of 2008 were $84.8 and 18.5%, respectively, compared with $97.8 and 17.9%, respectively, in the prior year. The margin improvement resulted from continued focus on cost management, including more focused investment in new product capabilities.
Information Management continues to face competition as well as consolidation within the communications industry. In December 2006, AT&T and Bell South Corporation (Bell South) merged. Prior to the merger, Cingular (a joint venture between AT&T and Bell South) was our largest client in terms of revenue. As a result of the merger, AT&T is now our largest client in terms of revenue. We have assisted AT&T with its strategy to migrate subscribers off of the AT&T Wireless billing systems (that we supported) onto AT&Ts two systems (one of which we support through a managed services agreement). The migration was completed during early 2007. In January 2008, AT&T informed us that it intends to migrate its subscribers from the system that we currently support through a managed services agreement onto AT&Ts other system over the next two years. While the migration is subject to change, we anticipate that this will result in a loss of revenue of an amount equal to approximately $40 and $65 in 2009 and 2010, respectively, compared to our 2007 Information Management revenues. The impact of this migration on our 2008 revenues is negligible. We do not expect this migration to have a material impact on our liquidity and capital resources.
In September 2005, Sprint PCS, a large data processing outsourcing client, completed its acquisition of Nextel Communications. In 2006, Sprint Nextel informed us that it intended to consolidate its billing systems onto a competitors system. The migration began in 2006 and was substantially completed by the end of June 30, 2008. Revenues from Sprint Nextel were down 37%, or approximately $33, in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the corresponding period last year. We expect revenue from Sprint Nextel to be down by approximately 50%, or $50, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, compared to prior year and to be down by approximately $50 in 2009, compared to 2008.
Our board of directors and senior management team are evaluating a potential separation of the Information Management business from Convergys to create two independent, publicly traded companies, each focused on its own set of business opportunities. The board has retained a third party financial advisor to assist them in this process. Given the current economic and financial markets, the Company anticipates that the board of directors and senior management will provide an update regarding the evaluation in the first quarter of 2009.
20
Human Resource Management
Our Human Resource Management (HR Management) segment provides a full range of human resource business processing outsourcing solutions including benefits administration, compensation, human resource administration, learning, payroll administration, performance management, recruiting and sourcing services to large companies and governmental entities. We take advantage of our economies of scale in order to standardize human resource processes across departments, business lines, language differences and national borders. For 25 years, our unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients customers and employees that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.
In connection with our efforts to grow the HR Management business and to build a global infrastructure of human resource expertise and know-how, we have incurred significant start-up costs. Furthermore, despite our success in winning long-term outsourcing arrangements with several clients, the sales cycles for these arrangements have ranged from 12 to 24 months. For these reasons, coupled with the fact that we are in the early stages of operations with few of our outsourcing arrangements, where margins tend to be lower, we have generated significant operating losses over the past few years. In the third quarter of 2008, we recorded $272.9 of impairment and implementation charges, of which $207.5 was due to asset impairment and $65.4 was due to expensing of implementation costs. The charges reflect challenges with complex implementations which have caused an increase in overall implementation and delivery costs and an assessment of capitalized implementation expenses.
We have begun a series of actions that will reduce our implementation risk and improve the future earnings and cash flow in HR Management. Actions taken include not signing any new HR outsourcing business with significant implementation risk as well as streamlining existing operations and continuing to better leverage lower-cost labor markets. We are also in discussions with our clients to restructure the contracts and modify the implementation approach.
During the first nine months of 2008, HR Managements revenues increased 3% to $196.0 compared to the prior year. HR Managements operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $288.9 compared to a loss of $32.8 in the prior year and includes the $272.9 in charges mentioned above.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on current expectations, estimates and projections. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs and expectations of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Sometimes these statements will contain words such as believes, expects, intends, could, should, will, plans, anticipates and other similar words. These statements discuss potential risks and uncertainties; and, therefore, actual results may differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company expressly states that it has no current intention to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. See the discussion under the Risks Relating to Convergys and Its Business section of Management Discussion and Analysis.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and segment data. Detailed comparisons of revenue and expenses are presented in the discussions of the operating segments, which follow the consolidated results discussion. Results for interim periods may not be indicative of the results for the full years.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | % | 2008 | 2007 | Change | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 676.2 | $ | 703.7 | $ | (27.5 | ) | (4 | ) | $ | 2,082.1 | $ | 2,130.6 | $ | (48.5 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cost of providing services and products sold |
510.1 | 456.8 | 53.3 | 12 | 1,441.7 | 1,377.2 | 64.5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
150.3 | 131.0 | 19.3 | 15 | 440.2 | 412.8 | 27.4 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development costs |
15.1 | 18.9 | (3.8 | ) | (20 | ) | 37.4 | 57.6 | (20.2 | ) | (35 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
29.2 | 28.5 | 0.7 | 2 | 87.0 | 86.8 | 0.2 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization |
6.0 | 2.1 | 3.9 | | 9.9 | 6.5 | 3.4 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
| 3.4 | (3.4 | ) | (100 | ) | 14.1 | 3.4 | 10.7 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Asset impairment |
207.5 | | 207.5 | | 207.5 | | 207.5 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
918.2 | 640.7 | 277.5 | 43 | 2,237.8 | 1,944.3 | 293.5 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating (Loss) Income |
(242.0 | ) | 63.0 | (305.0 | ) | | (155.7 | ) | 186.3 | (342.0 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity in Earnings of Cellular Partnerships |
7.7 | 2.2 | 5.5 | | 25.8 | 7.8 | 18.0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Income, net |
9.6 | 1.2 | 8.4 | | 7.7 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 97 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense |
(5.5 | ) | (4.2 | ) | (1.3 | ) | 31 | (13.3 | ) | (13.6 | ) | 0.3 | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes |
(230.2 | ) | 62.2 | (292.4 | ) | | (135.5 | ) | 184.4 | (319.9 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense |
(90.2 | ) | 20.4 | (110.6 | ) | | (71.9 | ) | 60.2 | (132.1 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (Loss) Income |
$ | (140.0 | ) | $ | 41.8 | $ | (181.8 | ) | | $ | (63.6 | ) | $ | 124.2 | $ | (187.8 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share |
$ | (1.15 | ) | $ | 0.30 | (1.45 | ) | | $ | (0.51 | ) | $ | 0.89 | $ | (1.40 | ) | |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Consolidated revenues for the third quarter of 2008 were $676.2 compared to $703.7 in the prior year. The revenue decrease was largely due to expected client migrations from Information Management. The operating loss in the third quarter of 2008 was $242.0 compared with operating income of $63.0 in the prior year. Third quarter 2008 results include $272.9 of impairment and implementation charges related to HR Management contracts of which $207.5 was due to asset impairment and $65.4 was due to expensing of implementation costs. The charges reflect challenges with complex implementations which have caused an increase in overall implementation and delivery costs and an assessment of capitalized implementation expenses. As discussed more fully in the Deferred Charges section of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, we typically defer implementation costs and amortize them ratably over the life of the contract. Deferred amounts are periodically evaluated for impairment or when circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover their carrying amounts. Based upon the contract profitability analysis completed in the third quarter of 2008, two HR Management contracts were projected to be unprofitable over their contract terms due to an increase in overall implementation and delivery costs. As a result, $207.5 of capitalized costs related to these contracts were impaired and, therefore, were written down as impairment charges in the third quarter of 2008. After the write-off, one of the contracts is expected to be profitable over its remaining contract term and the other contract is expected to continue to generate losses. The losses from this executory contract will be recorded as incurred, over the contract term through 2016 in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and are not material to the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements. Further, during the third quarter of 2008, the costs of implementing another large HR outsourcing client exceeded the amount recoverable under the contract at September 30, 2008. In accordance with our accounting policy, when implementation costs are deemed not recoverable, we expense such excess costs even if the contract is profitable over its term. This resulted in expensing $65.4 of implementation costs in the third quarter of 2008, even though the contract is expected to be profitable over its term.
The third quarter 2008 net loss and diluted loss per share were $140.0 and $1.15, compared to net income and diluted earnings per share of $41.8 and $0.30 in the prior year. A strong contribution from the cellular partnerships and other non-operating income and the impact of share repurchase program partially offset the charges explained above.
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As a percentage of revenues, costs of products and services were 75.4% compared to 64.9% during the corresponding period last year. The increase was due to increases in costs of products and services as a percentage of revenues at HR Management, reflecting the expensing $65.4 of implementation costs discussed above. Selling, general, and administrative expenses of $150.3 increased 15% from the third quarter of 2007. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 22.2% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 18.6% in the same period last year. The increase was due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses both at Customer Management and at Information Management. The 20% decrease in research and development costs mostly reflects reduced spending at Information Management. We are being selective in our approach to research and development spending, focusing our efforts on only the highest impact areas. We are also adding some development efforts in Asia and acquiring technology through product partnerships and small acquisitions.
During the third quarter of 2008, we recorded equity income in the Cellular Partnerships of $7.7 compared to equity income of $2.2 in the prior year. The $8.4 increase in other income, net in the third quarter of 2008 was primarily related to the recognition of the $6.0 gain on the termination of treasury lock derivative instruments. See Note 16 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details related to this derivative instrument. Our effective tax benefit rate was 39.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to a tax expense rate of 32.8% in the same period last year. This relatively high tax benefit rate is due to the $272.9 HR Management related charge discussed above. The third quarter 2008 tax rate also includes the impact from the higher mix of non-U.S. income that is taxed at lower effective rates.
During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company did not repurchase any shares of Convergys stock. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 7.7 million shares of Convergys stock.
As a result of the above, third quarter 2008 net loss and diluted loss per share were $140.0 and $1.15, respectively, compared with a net income and diluted earnings per share of $41.8 and $0.30, respectively, in the third quarter of 2007.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Consolidated revenues for the first nine months of 2008 were $2,082.1 compared to $2,130.6 in the prior year. Growth in revenues from Customer Management and HR Management partially offset an anticipated decline in Information Management. Operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $155.7 compared with operating income of $186.3 in the prior year. The operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was driven by the $272.9 of impairment and implementation charges recorded at HR Management as well as a 54% operating income decline at Customer Management. The $272.9 of charges, as discussed in more detail in the above section, reflect challenges with complex implementations, which have caused an increase in overall implementation and delivery costs and an assessment of capitalized implementation expenses. The 54% Customer Management operating income decline was primarily due to the negative impact from the weakened U.S. dollar as well as increased investment to support anticipated future growth. The nine months ended September 30, 2008, net loss and diluted loss per share was $63.6 and $0.51, compared to net income and diluted earnings per share of $124.2 and $0.89 in the prior year. Strong contribution from the cellular partnerships helped partially offset lower operating income.
As a percentage of revenues, costs of products and services were 69.2% compared to 64.6% during the corresponding period last year. The increase was due to increases in costs of products and services as a percentage of revenues at HR Management, reflecting expensing the $65.4 implementation costs discussed above. Selling, general, and administrative expenses of $440.2 increased 7% compared to the first nine months of 2007. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 21.1% in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 19.4% in the same period last year. The increase was due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses at Customer Management, reflecting additional costs to support anticipated future growth. The 35% decrease in research and development costs largely reflects reduced spending at Information Management. We are being selective in our approach to research and development spending, focusing our efforts on only the highest impact areas. We are also adding some development efforts in Asia and acquiring technology through product partnerships and small acquisitions.
As discussed more fully under the heading Restructuring Charges, we recorded a restructuring charge of $14.1 during the first quarter of 2008 compared to $3.4 in the prior year. During the first nine months of 2008, we recorded equity income in the Cellular Partnerships of $25.8 compared to equity income of $7.8 in the prior year. The $3.8 increase in other income, net, was primarily related to the recognition of the $6.0 gain on the termination of treasury lock derivative instruments. See Note 16 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details related to this derivative instrument. Our effective tax benefit rate was 53.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to a tax expense rate of 32.6% in the same period last year. This relatively high tax benefit rate is due to the $272.9 of charges at HR Management discussed above. The 2008 effective tax rate also includes an $8.2 favorable impact from the resolution of tax audits during the first quarter of 2008 as well as the impact from the higher mix of non-U.S. income that is taxed at lower effective rates.
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As a result of the above, net loss and diluted loss per share for the first nine months of 2008 were $63.6 and $0.51 compared with net income and diluted earnings per share of $124.2 and $0.89 in the first nine months of 2007.
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements and EITF 06-04, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements. Refer to Notes 2 and 6 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details related to the adoption of these Standards. The adoption of these Standards had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | % | 2008 | 2007 | Change | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Communications |
$ | 285.4 | $ | 275.5 | $ | 9.9 | 4 | $ | 837.4 | $ | 802.9 | $ | 34.5 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
Technology |
41.8 | 37.3 | 4.5 | 12 | 118.6 | 117.5 | 1.1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial services |
61.8 | 64.7 | (2.9 | ) | (4 | ) | 180.3 | 198.5 | (18.2 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
94.2 | 85.4 | 8.8 | 10 | 291.9 | 273.6 | 18.3 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
483.2 | 462.9 | 20.3 | 4 | 1,428.2 | 1,392.5 | 35.7 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of providing services and products sold |
325.6 | 312.9 | 12.7 | 4 | 974.6 | 924.8 | 49.8 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
115.5 | 94.0 | 21.5 | 23 | 333.2 | 279.4 | 53.8 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development costs |
2.4 | 1.0 | 1.4 | | 4.3 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
15.0 | 14.0 | 1.0 | 7 | 43.7 | 41.6 | 2.1 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization |
1.4 | 0.6 | 0.8 | | 2.4 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
| | | | 5.4 | | 5.4 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total costs |
459.9 | 422.5 | 37.4 | 9 | 1,363.6 | 1,251.1 | 112.5 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income |
$ | 23.3 | $ | 40.4 | $ | (17.1 | ) | (42 | ) | $ | 64.6 | $ | 141.4 | $ | (76.8 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||||||||||
Operating Margin |
4.8 | % | 8.7 | % | 4.5 | % | 10.2 | % |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
Customer Management revenues were $483.2, a 4% increase from the third quarter of 2007. Third quarter 2008 revenues included $14.2 in revenue from the Intervoice acquisition that closed on September 3, 2008. The acquisition does not meet the thresholds for a significant acquisition and, therefore, no pro forma financial information is presented.
Revenues from the communications vertical increased 4% from the third quarter of 2007, largely reflecting growth from the Intervoice acquisition. Revenues from the technology vertical increased 12% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007, largely reflecting growth from a new program. Other revenues, which are comprised of clients outside of Customer Managements three largest verticals, increased 10% from the third quarter of 2007, also largely reflecting growth from new programs.
Costs and Expenses
Customer Management total costs and expenses were $459.9, a 9% increase from the third quarter of 2007. Customer Management cost of providing services and products sold during the third quarter of 2008 increased 4% to $325.6 from the third quarter of 2007. As a percentage of revenues, cost of providing services and products sold were 67.4% and relatively flat compared to the prior year. The benefits from improved agent utilization and labor management were offset by an approximately 200 basis point negative impact resulting from the weakened U.S. dollar. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $115.5 in the third quarter of 2008 increased 23% compared to the prior year. This primarily reflects higher costs from continued investments in infrastructure, capacity and sales resources to support anticipated future growth. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 23.9% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 20.3% in the same period last year.
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Operating Income
As a result of the forgoing, Customer Managements third quarter 2008 operating income and margin were $23.3 and 4.8%, respectively, compared to $40.4 and 8.7%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2007.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
Customer Management revenues were $1,428.2, a 3% increase from the first nine months of 2007. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 include $14.2 of revenue from the Intervoice acquisition that closed on September 3, 2008.
Revenues from the communications vertical increased 4% from the first nine months of 2007, reflecting growth with several large wireless clients, partially offset by a reduction in spending from several communication clients due to improvements in their operations and service delivery. Revenues from the financial services vertical decreased 9%, reflecting the completion of programs with clients. Other revenues, which are comprised of clients outside of Customer Managements three largest verticals, increased 7% from the first nine months of 2007, reflecting growth with healthcare and manufacturing clients.
Costs and Expenses
Customer Management total costs and expenses were $1,363.6, a 9% increase from the first nine months of 2007. Customer Management cost of providing services and products sold during the first nine months of 2008 increased 5% to $974.6 from the first nine months of 2007. As a percentage of revenues, cost of providing services and products sold were 68.2%, up 180 basis points from 66.4% in the prior year. The impact of price and volume increases with clients were more than offset by an approximately 180 basis point negative impact resulting from the weakened U.S. dollar as well as increased labor costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $333.2 in the first nine months of 2008 increased 19% compared to the prior year. This reflects higher costs from capacity expansions during the current year to support anticipated revenue growth as well as costs from adding sales and consulting resources. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 23.3% in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 20.1% in the same period last year. As discussed more fully under the heading Restructuring Charges, we recorded a restructuring charge of $5.4 during the first quarter of 2008 to better align cost structure to future business needs.
Operating Income
As a result of the above, Customer Managements first nine months of 2008 operating income and margin were $64.6 and 4.5%, respectively, compared to $141.4 and 10.2%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2007.
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INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Three Months
Ended September 30, |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | % | 2008 | 2007 | Change | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Data processing |
$ | 28.4 | $ | 55.9 | $ | (27.5 | ) | (49 | ) | $ | 108.0 | $ | 186.5 | $ | (78.5 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||||||||||
Professional and consulting |
49.8 | 65.3 | (15.5 | ) | (24 | ) | 174.7 | 199.6 | (24.9 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
License and other |
55.4 | 56.4 | (1.0 | ) | (2 | ) | 175.2 | 160.8 | 14.4 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
133.6 | 177.6 | (44.0 | ) | (25 | ) | 457.9 | 546.9 | (89.0 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of providing services and products sold |
69.5 | 90.9 | (21.4 | ) | (24 | ) | 243.6 | 290.4 | (46.8 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
23.3 | 22.7 | 0.6 | 3 | 62.0 | 74.7 | (12.7 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development costs |
12.8 | 17.8 | (5.0 | ) | (28 | ) | 33.2 | 52.9 | (19.7 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
6.6 | 7.8 | (1.2 | ) | (15 | ) | 21.7 | 24.9 | (3.2 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization |
4.0 | 0.9 | 3.1 | | 5.7 | 2.8 | 2.9 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
| 3.4 | (3.4 | ) | (100 | ) | 6.9 | 3.4 | 3.5 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total costs |
116.2 | 143.5 | (27.3 | ) | (19 | ) | 373.1 | 449.1 | (76.0 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income |
$ | 17.4 | $ | 34.1 | $ | (16.7 | ) | (49 | ) | $ | 84.8 | $ | 97.8 | $ | (13.0 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||||||||
Operating Margin |
13.0 | % | 19.2 | % | 18.5 | % | 17.9 | % |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
Information Management revenues of $133.6 during the third quarter of 2008 were down 25% compared to the corresponding period last year, largely due to North American client migrations. This decrease was partially offset by a one-time payment of approximately $10 from a North American client.
Data processing revenues of $28.4 decreased 49% from the corresponding period last year reflecting North American client migrations. Compared to the prior year, professional and consulting revenues of $49.8 decreased 24% reflecting completion of some programs.
Costs and Expenses
Information Management total costs and expenses were $116.2, a 19% decline from the third quarter of 2007. Compared to prior year, Information Management cost of providing services and products sold during the third quarter of 2008 decreased 24% to $69.5. As a percentage of revenues, cost of providing services and products sold were 52.0% in the third quarter of 2008, and slightly higher compared to prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $23.3 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $22.7 in the prior year. Benefits from continued focus on reducing costs were offset by an increase in pension-related costs during the third quarter of 2008. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.4% in the third quarter of 2008, compared to 12.8% in the prior year, reflecting lower revenues. The 28% decrease in research and development costs reflects our selective approach to research and development spending by focusing our efforts on only the highest impact areas. We are also adding some development efforts in Asia and acquiring technology through product partnerships and small acquisitions.
Operating Income
As a result of the above, Information Managements operating income and operating margin during the third quarter of 2008 were $17.4 and 13.0%, respectively, compared with $34.1 and 19.2%, respectively, during the third quarter of 2007.
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
Information Management revenues of $457.9 during the first nine months of 2008 were down 16% compared to the corresponding period last year largely due to North American client migrations.
Data processing revenues of $108.0 decreased 42% from the corresponding period last year reflecting North American client migrations. Compared to prior year, professional and consulting revenues of $174.7 decreased 12% reflecting completion of some programs. License and other revenues increased 9% to $175.2. Termination revenue resulting from the completion of the Sprint Nextel and another North American client migration was partially offset by completion of some programs.
Revenues from Sprint Nextel were down approximately $33, or 37% in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the corresponding period last year. We expect revenue from Sprint Nextel to be down by approximately $50 or 50%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, compared to the prior year and to be down by approximately $50 in 2009, compared to 2008.
Costs and Expenses
Information Management total costs and expenses were $373.1, a 17% decline from the first nine months of 2007. Compared to the prior year, Information Management cost of providing services and products sold during the first nine months of 2008 decreased 16% to $243.6. As a percentage of revenues, cost of providing services and products sold were 53.2% in the first nine months of 2008, and relatively flat compared to prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $62.0 in the first nine months of 2008 decreased 17% compared to the prior year, reflecting benefits from continued focus on reducing costs. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 13.5% in the first nine months of 2008, compared to 13.7% in the prior year. The 37% decrease in research and development costs reflects our selective approach to research and development spending by focusing our efforts on only the highest impact areas. We are also adding some development efforts in Asia and acquiring technology through product partnerships and small acquisitions. Based on specific opportunities, we may increase our research and development investment in future quarters. As discussed more fully under the heading Restructuring Charges, we recorded a restructuring charge of $6.9 during the first quarter of 2008 to better align cost structure to future business needs as well as to shift the geographic mix of some of our resources. We recorded a restructuring charge of $3.4 during third quarter of 2007 related to a facility closure in the United Kingdom.
Operating Income
As a result of the above, Information Managements operating income and operating margin during the first nine months of 2008 were $84.8 and 18.5%, respectively, compared with $97.8 and 17.9%, respectively, during the first nine months of 2007.
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HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | % | 2008 | 2007 | Change | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
$ | 59.4 | $ | 63.2 | $ | (3.8 | ) | (6 | ) | $ | 196.0 | $ | 191.2 | $ | 4.8 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Cost of providing services and products sold |
115.0 | 53.1 | 61.9 | | 223.5 | 162.1 | 61.4 | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
13.7 | 15.5 | (1.8 | ) | (12 | ) | 43.8 | 52.2 | (8.4 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development costs |
| 0.1 | (0.1 | ) | (100 | ) | | 1.2 | (1.2 | ) | (100 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
2.4 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 9 | 6.5 | 6.6 | (0.1 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization |
0.6 | 0.6 | | | 1.8 | 1.9 | (0.1 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
| | | | 1.8 | | 1.8 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset impairment |
207.5 | | 207.5 | | 207.5 | | 207.5 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total costs |
339.2 | 71.5 | 267.7 | | 484.9 | 224.0 | 260.9 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Loss |
$ | (279.8 | ) | $ | (8.3 | ) | $ | (271.5 | ) | | $ | (288.9 | ) | $ | (32.8 | ) | $ | (256.1 | ) | |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
HR Managements revenues in the third quarter of 2008 were $59.4, a 6% decrease from the third quarter of 2007. Revenue growth from the North American go-live of a large contract was more than offset by completion of the pass-through revenue contract with a large HR outsourcing client.
Costs and Expenses
In the third quarter of 2008, we recorded $272.9 of impairment and implementation charges related to HR Management contracts of which $207.5 was due to asset impairment and $65.4 was due to expensing implementation costs. The charges reflect challenges with complex implementations which have caused an increase in overall implementation and delivery costs and an assessment of capitalized implementation expenses. As discussed more fully in the Deferred Charges section of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, we typically defer implementation costs and amortize them ratably over the life of the contract. Deferred amounts are periodically evaluated for impairment or when circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover their carrying amounts. In the event these costs are not deemed recoverable, the Company follows the guidance in SFAS No. 144 to determine if impairment exists. Based upon the contract profitability analysis completed in the third quarter of 2008, two global HR Management contracts, due to an increase in overall implementation and delivery costs, were projected to be unprofitable over their contract terms. As a result, the capitalized costs of $207.5 related to these contracts were impaired and, therefore, were written down as impairment charges in the quarter. After the write-off, one of the contracts is expected to be profitable over its remaining contract term and the other contract is expected to continue to generate losses. The losses from this executory contract will be recorded as incurred, over the contract term through 2016 in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Further, during the third quarter of 2008, the costs of implementing another large HR outsourcing client exceeded the amount recoverable at September 30, 2008 under the contract. When implementation costs are deemed not recoverable in accordance with our accounting policy, we expense such excess costs even if the contract is profitable over its term. This resulted in expensing of $65.4 of implementation costs in the third quarter of 2008, even though the contract is expected to be profitable over its term.
The $272.9 of charges recorded during the third quarter of 2008 triggered an impairment review of the $130.3 goodwill related to the HR Management segment. As discussed more fully in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets section of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company is required to test goodwill for impairment annually and at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of goodwill may no longer be recoverable. The impairment test for goodwill involves a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including the goodwill allocated to each reporting unit. If the carrying amount is in excess of the fair value, the second step requires the comparison of the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying
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amount of the reporting unit goodwill. Any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill will be recorded as an impairment loss. We have determined that the fair value of the HR Management segment is less than the carrying value as of September 30, 2008 and, therefore, the second step is required. The Company has engaged an outside appraisal firm to assist in valuing the intangible assets of the HR Management segment. As this process is not complete, we cannot determine if an impairment loss is either probable or estimable. We expect to complete the step-two test no later than December 31, 2008. Any resulting impairment loss will be recognized and reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
HR Managements cost of providing services and products sold during the third quarter of 2008 increased to $115.0 from $53.1 in the third quarter of 2007. The increase was related to expensing $65.4 of implementation costs related to a large HR BPO contract in the third quarter of 2008 as discussed above. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $13.7 in the third quarter of 2008 decreased 12% compared to the prior year, largely reflecting a reduction in headcount. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 23.1% in the third quarter of 2008, compared with 24.5% in the prior year.
Operating Income
As a result of the forgoing, HR Managements three months ended September 30, 2008 operating loss was $279.8 compared to $8.3 in the same period last year.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
HR Management revenues in the first nine months of 2008 were $196.0, a 3% increase from the first nine months of 2007. Revenue growth from a contract termination payment received during the first quarter of 2008 and from the North American go-live of a large contract was partially offset by the completion of the pass-through revenue contract with a large HR outsourcing client, as well as declines from the completion of certain legacy programs. Pass-through revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $11.9 and $19.6, respectively.
Costs and Expenses
HR Management cost of providing services and products sold during the first nine months of 2008 increased to $223.5 from $162.1 in the same period last year. As a percentage of revenues, cost of providing services and products sold were 114.0% in the first nine months of 2008, up from 84.8% in the first nine months of 2007. This was primarily related to expensing $65.4 of implementation costs related to a large HR Management contract in the third quarter of 2008, as discussed above. Second quarter of 2007 also included expensing $6.1 of implementation costs related to another large HR Management contract. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $43.8 in the first nine months of 2008 decreased 16% compared to the prior year, largely reflecting a reduction in non-billable headcount and an increase in employees working on client-related projects. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses were 22.3% in the first nine months of 2008, compared with 27.3% in the prior year. As discussed in more detail in the section above, we recorded an asset impairment charge of $207.5 in the third quarter of 2008.
As discussed more fully under the heading Restructuring Charges, we recorded a restructuring charge of $1.8 during the first quarter of 2008 to better align cost structure to future business needs. Results also included a $2.9 gain from the sale of assets during the first quarter of 2008.
Operating Income
As a result of the above, HR Managements nine months ended September 30, 2008 operating loss was $288.9 compared to $32.8 in the same period last year.
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RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
As discussed in Note 5 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we recorded the following restructuring charges:
2008 Restructuring
During the first quarter of 2008, we initiated a restructuring plan to align resources to future business needs and to shift the geographic mix of some of its resources. Restructuring actions were taken in each business segment, of which $6.9 related to Information Management, $5.4 related to Customer Care and $1.8 related to HR Management. The severance charge of $14.1 will largely be paid in cash pursuant to our existing severance policy and employment agreements. These actions, which will affect approximately 750 professional and administrative employees worldwide, are expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
Restructuring liability activity for the 2008 plan consisted of the following:
2008 | ||||
Balance at January 1, 2008 |
$ | | ||
Severance charge |
14.1 | |||
Severance payments |
(9.2 | ) | ||
Balance at September 30, 2008 |
$ | 4.9 |
2007 Restructuring
During the third quarter of 2007, we recorded a restructuring charge of $3.4 at Information Management related to a facility closure in the United Kingdom. The $3.4 accrual is equal to the future costs associated with the abandoned facility, net of the proceeds from any probable future sublease agreements. We used estimates, based on consultation with our real estate advisors, to arrive at the proceeds from any future sublease agreements. We will continue to evaluate such estimates in recording the facilities abandonment charge. Consequently, there may be additional reversals or charges relating to this facility closure in the future. At September 30, 2008, this restructuring reserve had an outstanding balance of $1.7, which will be paid over several years until the lease expires.
CLIENT CONCENTRATION
Our three largest clients accounted for 33.3% of our revenues during the first nine months of 2008, up from 32.9% in the same period of 2007. We serve AT&T, our largest client with 17.9% of revenues in the first nine months of 2008, under Information Management and Customer Management contracts. We serve Sprint Nextel, our second largest client, under Information Management and Customer Management contracts. We provide Customer Management services to Sprint Nextel under a contract between Sprint Nextel and IBM, as a subcontractor to IBM. We serve DirecTV, our third largest client in 2008, under Customer Management contracts. Volumes under certain of our long-term contracts are subject to variation based on, among other things, the spending by clients on outsourced customer support and subscriber levels.
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BUSINESS OUTLOOK
It is not yet clear how the global financial crisis may effect our clients fourth quarter and 2009 business volumes. As a result, our expectations for the fourth quarter of 2008 include: revenues in the range of $725 to $745 and earnings of approximately $0.20 per diluted share. This includes an unusually high effective tax rate in the range of 45% percent resulting from the $272.9 third quarter charges. We expect to achieve an improvement in operating results (excluding the third quarter charges) in the fourth quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter, driven by continuing revenue growth and margin improvement. As stated in more detail in Note 7 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we failed step one of the goodwill impairment test for the HR Management segment at September 30, 2008. We are in the process of performing step two of the test to determine the degree of the goodwill impairment, if any. At this time, we are not able to estimate the amount of a potential charge, if any, as the evaluation is not complete. Total goodwill in HR management at September 30, 2008 is $130.3. Depending on the outcome of the step-two goodwill impairment test, results in the fourth quarter of 2008 may be impacted in the HR Management segment. There is also the potential for restructuring expenses in the fourth quarter of 2008 to streamline the businesses.
With regard to 2009, taking into account the uncertainty in the current economic environment and the potential for a prolonged economic contraction, we are focused on delivering overall revenue and earnings improvement next year, excluding the $272.9 charges recorded in the third quarter of 2008. Driving the year-over-year improvement next year will be overall margin improvement, lower year-over-year currency impacts and a lower effective tax expense rate than we incurred in 2007 and 2006. We will provide additional details on 2009 expectations with the announcement of our fourth quarter 2008 results in January 2009.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Cash Flows
We believe that Convergys has adequate liquidity from cash and expected future cash flows to fund ongoing operations and required debt payments. For 2009, we expect free cash flow to improve significantly as compared to 2008. Major factors causing the expected increase in 2009 free cash flow include:
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A reduction in implementation costs for two global HR Management contracts due to the completion of work required for certain go-live dates. |
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An increase in implementation revenue from these global HR Management clients based on existing contractual payment terms and achieving go-live milestones. |
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An improvement in the HR Management operating results as a result of additional revenue realized from ongoing services being performed post go-live dates and cost reductions. |
The combination of the above factors is expected to result in improvement in the 2009 cash flow of approximately $150 as compared to the 2008 cash flow. Receipts of implementation revenue are based on scheduled contractual amounts and achieving certain milestones, specifically including a go-live for one of the global HR Management clients in the first quarter of 2009. If the go-live date is delayed, our cash flow could be negatively impacted by a material amount.
In addition to the above factors, cash flow will be positively impacted in the fourth quarter of 2008 and in 2009 by actions being taken to accelerate collection of accounts receivables, negotiate improved payment terms with vendors and further reduce capital spending. Free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2008 is expected to exceed approximately $30. Our consolidated free cash flow in 2009 is expected to approximate $200 and exceed net income. Prior to 2007 (when implementation costs in HR Management began to ramp) our free cash flow was generally above net income.
We expect that the combination of 2009 free cash flow and the solid liquidity position as of September 30, 2008, including cash of $136.3, will provide us with the ability to fund ongoing operations and retire the $250 unsecured senior notes due in December 2009 without obtaining additional financing. If external financing markets improve during the next twelve months, then we may examine opportunities to further increase financial flexibility through the capital markets.
Cash flow from operating activities generally provides us with a significant source of funding for our investing and financing activities. Through the first nine months of 2008, cash flow from operating activities has been lower than historical patterns primarily due to cash used to fund implementation costs related to two large HR Management outsourcing contracts. The cost of these implementations, less implementation revenue paid by the clients, and the related amortization of deferred cost and revenue is described below as net deferred charges. Net deferred charges increased by $114.6 through the first nine months of 2008, excluding the impact of the $272.9 charges in the HR Management segment. This $114.6 increase in net deferred charges is a reduction in cash flow from operating activities, and is the primary reason why cash flow from operating activities in 2008 is lower than our historical amounts. We expect that the implementation costs for both of the two large HR Management outsourcing contracts have peaked in 2008.
Cash flow from operating activities totaled $68.3 in the first nine months of 2008, compared to $111.0 in the same period last year. Compared to the prior year, the $42.7 decline in cash flow from operations was driven largely by the increase in net deferred charges due to additional HR Management contract implementation activities in the current year. The negative operating cash flow impact from the increase in net deferred charges and lower net income in 2008 were partially offset by approximately $100 improvements in working capital. As further discussed in Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we made payments of approximately $13 to fund our cash balance pension plan in 2008. This compares to approximately $19 in 2007.
We used $339.0 for investing activities during the first nine months of 2008 compared to $43.7 during the first nine months of 2007. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we paid $307.8 for the acquisition of Intervoice in the Customer Management segment and two other small acquisitions in the Information Management segment. The investing activity during the first nine months of 2008 was favorably impacted by a $32.7 return of capital from the Cellular Partnerships. At this point, we are not aware of any capital calls from the general partner of Cincinnati SMSA Limited Partnership.
Financing activities provided $286.7 during the first nine months of 2008 compared to using cash of $186.3 during the first nine months of 2007. During the third quarter of 2008, we borrowed the entire amount available under our $400 Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility, primarily to fund the acquisition of Intervoice. In the first nine months of 2008, we repurchased 7.7 million of the Companys common shares for $116.6 compared to the purchase of 6.7 million of the Companys common shares for $127.6 in the prior year.
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During the third quarter of 2008, both Moodys and Standard and Poors downgraded our credit ratings. Our debt is still considered investment grade by both agencies. As of September 30, 2008, our credit ratings and outlook are as follows:
Long-Term Debt | Outlook | |||
Moodys |
Baa3 | Under review, possible downgrade | ||
Standard and Poors |
BBB- | Negative credit watch |
Further downgrades could have an impact on both our access to capital markets and financing costs.
The Companys free cash flows, defined as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures (net of proceeds related to disposals) was $4.4 and $34.1 for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Compared to the prior year, the decrease in free cash flow of $29.7 was due to a relatively lower amount of cash generated from operating activities during the first nine months of 2008 as discussed above. The Company uses free cash flow to assess the financial performance of the Company. The Company believes that free cash flow is useful to investors because it relates the operating cash flow of the Company to the capital that is spent to continue and improve business operations, such as investment in the Companys existing businesses. Further, free cash flow facilitates managements ability to strengthen the Companys balance sheet, to repurchase the Companys common shares and to repay the Companys debt obligations. Limitations associated with the use of free cash flow include that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it does not incorporate certain cash payments including payments made on capital lease obligations or cash payments for business acquisitions. Management compensates for these limitations by utilizing both the non-GAAP measure, free cash flow, and the GAAP measure, cash from operating activities, in its evaluation of performance. There are no material purposes for which we use this non-GAAP measure beyond the purposes described above.
Capital Resources, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Commitments
We believe that our financial structure and condition are solid. At September 30, 2008, total capitalization was $1,910.4 consisting of $663.6 of short-term and long-term debt and $1,246.8 of equity. This results in a total debt-to-total capital ratio of 34.7%, which compares to 14.6% at December 31, 2007. The increase in this ratio is due to higher level of borrowings in 2008 compared to 2007, primarily as a result of the acquisition of Intervoice.
During the third quarter of 2008, we borrowed the entire amount available under our $400 Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility. This borrowing was mainly to fund our acquisition of Intervoice as detailed in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The commitment fee on this facility at September 30, 2008 was 0.1%. The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement is October 20, 2011. The participating agents in the credit facility include JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp USA, PNC Bank and Deutsche Bank AG. The Companys credit facility includes certain restrictive covenants including maintenance of interest coverage and debt-to-EBITDA ratios. Our interest coverage ratio, defined as the ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to consolidated interest expense, cannot be less than 4.00 to 1.00 for four consecutive quarters. Our debt-to-EBITDA ratio cannot be greater than 3.25 to 1.0 at any time. We were in compliance with all covenants for the first nine months of 2008.
In December 2004, the Company issued $250.0 in 4.875% unsecured senior notes due December 15, 2009. The notes were offered and sold pursuant to a universal shelf registration statement, previously declared effective in June 2003. At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the senior notes had an outstanding balance of $249.7 and $249.4, respectively. In May 2008, we filed a shelf registration statement for the issuance of senior debt in a form not yet determined. In the current financial market conditions we do not expect to issue under the shelf registration statement in the near future.
We lease certain facilities and equipment used in operations under operating leases. This includes the Companys office complex in Orlando, Florida, which is leased from Wachovia Development Corporation (Lessor), a wholly owned subsidiary of Wachovia Corporation, under an agreement that expires in June 2010. Upon termination or expiration of the lease, the Company
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must either purchase the property from the Lessor for $65.0 or arrange to have the office complex sold to a third party. If the office complex is sold to a third party for an amount less than $65.0, the amount paid by the Lessor for the purchase of the complex from an unrelated third party, the Company has agreed under a residual value guarantee to pay the Lessor up to $55.0. If the office complex is sold to a third party for an amount in excess of $65.0, Convergys is entitled to collect the excess. At the inception of the lease, the Company recognized a liability of approximately $5 for the related residual value guarantee. The value of the guarantee was determined by computing the estimated present value of probability-weighted cash flows that might be expended under the guarantee. The Company recorded a liability for the fair value of the obligation with a corresponding asset recorded as prepaid rent, which is being amortized to rental expense over the lease term. The liability will remain on the balance sheet until the end of the lease term. Under the terms of the lease, the Company also provides certain indemnities to the Lessor, including environmental indemnities. Due to the nature of such potential obligations, it is not possible to estimate the maximum amount of such exposure or the fair value. Convergys does not expect such amounts, if any, to be material. The Company has concluded that we are not required to consolidate the Lessor pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.
We repurchased 7.7 million shares for $116.6 during the first six months of 2008 pursuant to our authorizations. We did not repurchase any shares during the third quarter of 2008. We do not expect to execute additional share repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2008 or in early 2009. The timing and terms of any future transactions depend on a number of considerations including market conditions and our liquidity. At September 30, 2008, the Company has the authority to purchase an additional 7.1 million common shares.
At September 30, 2008, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $46.5 related to performance and payment guarantees. The Company does not believe that any obligation that may arise will be material.
Historically, the Company believed that its ability to borrow was greater than its established credit facilities in place. Due to current financial and credit market conditions, the Company believes that there is only limited ability to borrow additional funds. At September 30, the Company had cash of $136.3 and committed and undrawn credit facilities totaling $50.0. In early October, an additional $25.0 of short-term committed capacity was added.
The majority of the FIN 48 liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $66.9 at September 30, 2008 is expected to be settled within a three-year period.
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. Our risk management strategy includes the use of derivative instruments to reduce the effects on our operating results and cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in currency exchange and interest rates. In using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in exchange rates and interest rates, we expose ourselves to counterparty credit risk. We manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by entering into derivative financial instruments with highly-rated institutions that can be expected to perform fully under the terms of the agreements and by diversifying the number of financial institutions with which we enter into such agreements.
Interest Rate Risk
At September 30, 2008, we had $400 in outstanding variable rate borrowings. The carrying amount of our borrowings reflects fair value due to their short-term and variable interest rate features.
We sometimes use interest rate swaps to hedge our interest rate exposure. These instruments are hedges of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. These contracts are entered into to protect against the risk that the eventual cash flows resulting from such transactions will be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. There were no outstanding interest rate swaps covering interest rate exposure at September 30, 2008.
Based upon our exposure to variable rate borrowings, a one-percentage point change in the weighted average interest rate would change our annual interest expense by $4.0.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our Company serves many of our U.S.-based clients using contact center capacity in Canada, India and the Philippines. Although the contracts with these clients are typically priced in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of the costs incurred to render services under these contracts are denominated in Canadian dollars (CAD), Philippine pesos (PHP) or Indian rupees (INR), which represents a foreign exchange exposure. As of September 30, 2008, we have hedged a portion of our exposure related to the anticipated cash flow requirements denominated in these foreign currencies by entering into forward contracts with several financial institutions to acquire a total of CAD 110.0 at a fixed price of $106.5 through September 2009, PHP 16,067.6 at a fixed price of $362.0 through September 2012 and INR 17,632.1 at a fixed price of $408.0 through June 2012. Additionally, we entered into option contracts to purchase approximately CAD 30.0 for a fixed price of $29.9 through September 2009 and PHP 2,406.6 for a fixed price of $60.0 through September 2010. The fair value of these derivative instruments as of September 30, 2008 is presented in Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The potential loss in fair value at September 30, 2008 for such contracts resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in all foreign currency exchange rates is approximately $100. This loss would be mitigated by corresponding gains on the underlying exposures.
Other foreign currency exposures arise from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency and foreign denominated revenue and profit translated into U.S. dollars. We periodically enter into forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. The purpose of these derivative instruments is to protect the Company against foreign currency exposure pertaining to receivables and payables that are denominated in currencies different from the functional currencies of the Company or the respective subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of these derivatives was not material.
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ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
The Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, together with General Counsel, the Chief Accounting Officer and other key employees, the effectiveness of design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Act)) as of the end of the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Based on this evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the Evaluation Date such that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and are effective to ensure that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
There have been no changes in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
Client consolidations could result in a loss of clients and adversely affect our operating results.
We serve clients in industries that have experienced a significant level of consolidation. We cannot assure that additional consolidations will not occur in which our clients acquire additional businesses or are acquired. Such consolidations may result in the termination of an existing client contract, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results.
In December 2006, AT&T and Bell South merged. The Company has long-standing relationships with both AT&T and Bell South. Prior to the merger, Cingular (a joint venture between AT&T and Bell South) was our largest client in terms of revenue. Beginning in 2005, we have assisted AT&T with its strategy to migrate subscribers off of the AT&T Wireless billing systems (which we supported) onto AT&Ts two systems, one of which we support. The migration was completed earlier in 2007 and has negatively impacted Information Management revenues and operating results. In January 2008, AT&T informed us that it intends to migrate its subscribers from the system that we currently support through a managed services agreement onto AT&Ts other system over the next two years.
A large portion of our revenue is generated from a limited number of clients, and the loss of one or more of our clients could cause a reduction in our revenues and earnings.
We rely on several clients for a large percentage of our revenues. Our three largest clients, AT&T, Sprint Nextel and DirecTV, collectively represented 33.3% of our revenues during the first nine months of 2008. Our relationship with AT&T is represented by separate contracts/work orders with Information Management and Customer Management. Our relationship with Sprint Nextel is represented by separate Information Management and Customer Management contracts. Since February 2004, we have provided Customer Management services to Sprint Nextel under a contract between Sprint Nextel and IBM, whereby we serve as a subcontractor to IBM. We serve DirecTV under Customer Management contracts. As a result, we do not believe that it is likely that our entire relationship with AT&T, Sprint Nextel or DirecTV would terminate at one time; and, therefore, we are not substantially dependent on any particular contract/work order with these clients. However, the loss of all of the contracts/work orders with a particular client at the same time or the loss of one or more of the larger contracts/work orders with a client would adversely affect our total revenues if the revenues from such client were not replaced with revenues from that client or other clients.
A large portion of our accounts receivable are payable by a limited number of clients and the inability of any of these clients to pay its accounts receivable could cause a reduction in our revenues and earnings.
Several significant clients account for a large percentage of our accounts receivable. As of September 30, 2008, our three largest clients, AT&T, Sprint Nextel and DirecTV, collectively accounted for 25.7% of our accounts receivable. During the past four years, each of these clients has generally paid its accounts receivable on a timely basis, and write-downs that we have incurred in connection with such accounts receivable were consistent with write-downs that we incurred with other clients. We anticipate that several clients will continue to account for a large percentage of our accounts receivable. Although we currently do not expect payment issues with any of these clients, if any of them were unable or unwilling, for any reason, to pay our accounts receivable, our income would decrease. We also carry significant receivable balances with other clients whose declaration of bankruptcy could decrease our income.
If our clients are not successful, the amount of business that they outsource and the prices that they are willing to pay for such services may diminish and could result in a reduction of our revenues and earnings.
Our revenues depend on the success of our clients. If our clients or their specific programs are not successful, the amount of business that they outsource may be diminished. Thus, although we have signed contracts, many of which contain minimum revenue commitments, to provide services to our clients, there can be no assurance that the level of revenues generated by such contracts will meet expectations. In addition, several clients, particularly in the communications and technology industries, have experienced substantial price competition. We may continue to face pricing pressure from such clients, which could negatively affect our operating results.
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We process, transmit and store personally identifiable information and unauthorized access to or the unintended release of this information could result in a claim for damage or loss of business and create unfavorable publicity.
We process, transmit and store personally identifiable information, both in our role as a service provider and as an employer. This information may include social security numbers, financial and health information, as well as other personal information. As a result, we are subject to certain contractual terms, as well as federal, state and foreign laws and regulations designed to protect personally identifiable information. We take measures to protect against unauthorized access and to comply with these laws and regulations. Unauthorized access or failure to comply with these laws and regulations may subject us to contractual liability and damages, loss of business, damages from individual claimants, fines, penalties, criminal prosecution and unfavorable publicity, any of which could negatively affect our operating results and financial condition.
The global scope, size and complexity of implementations in our HR Management business could cause delays and cost overruns in those projects, which could adversely affect revenues, cash flows and profits.
We are currently implementing two large HR Outsourcing contracts with global clients. These contracts are complex as they involve providing multiple services such as payroll, recruiting, benefits administration, learning, compensation and human resources administration across many countries. Implementations of the contracts can take more than two years to complete. Due to the complexity of the implementations and changes in customer requirements (i.e., an acquisition by a customer during the implementation), implementation cost overruns and delays are possible. Cost overruns can result in additional expense during the implementation period and over the life of the contract, which would likely affect the profitability of the contract and potentially result in charges. Given the size of some of these contracts, the impact from these cost overruns or schedule delays can have a significant impact on our revenues, cash flows and profits. Delays in completing the implementations can cause us to recognize revenue and profit from the contracts later than we anticipated when the initial contract was signed.
Our ability to deliver our services is at risk if the technology and network equipment that we rely upon is not maintained or upgraded in a timely manner.
Technology is a critical foundation in our service delivery. We utilize and deploy internally developed and third party software solutions across various hardware environments. We operate an extensive internal communications network that links our global sites together in a multi-hub model that enables the rerouting of data and voice traffic. Also, we rely on multiple public communication channels for connectivity to our clients. Maintenance of and investment in these foundational components are critical to our success. If the reliability of technology or network operations fall below required service levels, or a systemic fault affects the organization broadly, business from our existing and potential clients may be jeopardized and cause our revenue to decrease.
Emergency interruption of data centers and customer management and HR management contact centers could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In the event that we experience a temporary or permanent interruption at one or more of our data or contact centers, through casualty, operating malfunction or other causes, we may be unable to provide the data processing, customer management and HR management services we are contractually obligated to deliver. This could result in us being required to pay contractual damages to some clients or to allow some clients to terminate or renegotiate their contracts. Notwithstanding contingency plans and precautions instituted to protect our clients and us from events that could interrupt delivery of services (including property and business interruption insurance that we maintain), there is no guarantee that such interruptions would not result in a prolonged interruption in our ability to provide support services to our clients or that such precautions would adequately compensate us for any losses we may incur as a result of such interruptions.
Defects or errors within our software could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Design defects or software errors may delay software introductions or reduce the satisfaction level of clients and may have a materially adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Our billing software is highly complex and may, from time to time, contain design defects or software errors that may be difficult to detect and/or correct. Since both our clients and we use our billing software to perform critical business functions, design defects, software errors or other potential problems within or outside of our control may arise from the use of our software. It may also result in financial or other damages to our clients, for which we may be held responsible. Although our license agreements with our clients may often contain provisions designed to limit our exposure to potential claims and liabilities arising from client problems, these provisions may not effectively protect us against such claims in all cases and in all jurisdictions. Claims and liabilities arising from client problems could result in monetary damages to us and could cause damage to our reputation, adversely affecting our business and results of operations.
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If the global trend toward outsourcing does not continue, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected.
Revenue growth depends, in large part, on the trend toward outsourcing, particularly as it relates to our customer management and HR management outsourcing operations. Outsourcing involves companies contracting with a third party, such as Convergys, to provide customer management and HR management services rather than performing such services in-house. There can be no assurance that this trend will continue, as organizations may elect to perform such services in-house. A significant change in this trend could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We are susceptible to business and political risks from domestic and international operations that could result in reduced revenues or earnings.
We operate a global business and have facilities located throughout North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asian Pacific region. As part of our strategy, we plan to capture more of the international billing, customer management and HR management markets. Additionally, North American companies require offshore customer management outsourcing capacity. As a result, we expect to continue expansion through start-up operations and acquisitions in foreign countries. Expansion of our existing international operations and entry into additional countries will require management attention and financial resources. In addition, there are certain risks inherent in conducting business internationally including: exposure to currency fluctuations, longer payment cycles, greater difficulties in accounts receivable collection, difficulties in complying with a variety of foreign laws, changes in legal or regulatory requirements, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, political instability and potentially adverse tax consequences. To the extent that we are adversely affected by these risks, our business could be adversely affected and our revenues and/or earnings could be reduced.
In addition, there has been political discussion and debate related to worldwide competitive sourcing, particularly from the United States to offshore locations. Federal and state legislation has been proposed that relates to this issue. Future legislation, if enacted, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our earnings are affected by changes in foreign currency.
Customer Management serves an increasing number of its U.S.-based customer management clients using contact center capacity in Canada, India and the Philippines. Although the contracts with these clients are typically priced in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of the costs incurred by Customer Management to render services under these contracts is denominated in Canadian dollars, Indian rupees or Philippine pesos, which represents a foreign exchange exposure to the Company. We enter into forward exchange contracts and options to limit potential foreign currency exposure. As the U.S. dollar weakened during 2006 and 2007, the operating expenses of these contact centers, once translated into U.S. dollars, increased. The increase in operating expenses was partially offset by gains realized through the settlement of the hedged instruments. However, if the U.S. dollar weakens, our earnings will be negatively impacted.
If we do not effectively manage our capacity, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our ability to profit from the global trend toward outsourcing depends largely on how effectively we manage our Customer Management and HR Management contact center capacity. In order to create the additional capacity necessary to accommodate new or expanded outsourcing projects, we must open new contact centers. The opening or expansion of a contact center may result, at least in the short term, in idle capacity until we fully implement the new or expanded program. We periodically assess the expected long-term capacity utilization of our contact centers. As a result, we may, if deemed necessary, consolidate, close or partially close under-performing contact centers to maintain or improve targeted utilization and margins. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to achieve or maintain optimal utilization of our contact center capacity.
As part of our effort to consolidate our facilities, we seek to sublease a portion of our surplus space, if any, and recover certain costs associated with it. To the extent that we fail to sublease such surplus space, our expenses will increase.
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If we are unable to hire or retain qualified personnel in certain areas of our business, our ability to execute our business plans in those areas could be impaired and revenues could decrease.
We employ approximately 72,000 employees worldwide. At times, we have experienced difficulties in hiring personnel with the desired levels of training or experience. Staffing personnel with appropriate technical expertise is particularly critical in connection with the recent contracts signed by HR Management. Additionally, in regard to the labor-intensive business of Customer Management, quality service depends on our ability to control personnel turnover. Any increase in the employee turnover rate could increase recruiting and training costs and could decrease operating effectiveness and productivity. We may not be able to continue to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel to adequately staff new client projects. Because a significant portion of our operating costs relates to labor costs, an increase in wages, costs of employee benefits or employment taxes could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
War and terrorist attacks or other civil disturbances could lead to economic weakness and could disrupt our operations resulting in a decrease of our revenues and earnings.
War and terrorist attacks have caused uncertainty in the global financial markets and in the United States economy. The war in Iraq and any additional terrorist attacks may lead to continued armed hostilities or further acts of terrorism and civil disturbances in the United States or elsewhere, which may contribute to economic instability in the United States and disrupt our operations in the U.S. and abroad. Such disruptions could cause service interruptions or reduce the quality level of the services that we provide, resulting in a reduction of our revenues. These activities may also cause our clients to delay or defer decisions regarding their use of our services and, thus, delay receipt of additional revenues. In addition, war and terrorist attacks in other regions could disrupt our operations and/or create economic uncertainty with our clients, which could cause a reduction in revenues and earnings.
We have counterparty credit risk from foreign exchange and other derivative contracts.
We enter into forward exchange contracts and options (derivative contracts) to limit potential foreign currency exposure. The counterparties to these derivative contracts are large financial institutions. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on the derivative contracts. The Company limits its counterparty credit risk exposures by entering into derivative contracts with significant financial institutions that are rated A (S&P) or better.
There have been an increasing number of defaults in certain mortgage- and asset-backed fixed income markets that have recently forced a number of financial institutions to report losses due to write-downs of mortgage- and asset-backed securities. As a result, there is an increased risk that one of counterparties could fail, shut down, file for bankruptcy or be unable to pay out their position under certain derivative contracts. The failure of several counterparties or one counterparty that owes us payment under a derivative contract could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
General economic and market conditions may adversely affect the Companys financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.
Our results of operations are affected directly by the level of business activity of our clients, which in turn are affected by the level of economic activity in the industries and markets that they serve. Economic slowdowns in some markets, particularly in the United States, may cause reductions in technology and discretionary spending by our clients, which may result in reductions in the growth of new business as well as reductions in existing business. If our clients enter bankruptcy or liquidate their operations, our revenues could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that weakening economic conditions throughout the world will not adversely impact our results of operations, cash flow and/or financial position. Further deterioration in equity markets will reduce the funded status of our pension plan, which will increase future required contributions. Reduced demand for our services could increase price competition.
We need to maintain adequate liquidity in order to have sufficient cash to meet operating cash flow requirements and to repay maturing debt and other obligations. If we fail to comply with the covenants contained in our various borrowing agreements, it may adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Our liquidity is a function of our ability to successfully generate cash flows from a combination of operations and access to capital markets. As of September 30, 2008, total cash and cash equivalents was $136.3, and our available borrowing capacity under committed lines was $50.0. We believe our liquidity (including operating and other cash flows that we expect to generate) will be sufficient to meet operating requirements and required debt repayments as they occur; however, our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity going forward depends on our ability to generate cash from operations and access to the capital markets. As further described in the Capital Resources section of the Management Discussion and Analysis, our $400.0 revolving credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants. As of September 30, 2008, we were in compliance with all covenants in the agreements.
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The Companys results of operations could be adversely affected by litigation and other commitments and contingencies.
The Company faces risks arising from various unasserted and asserted litigation matters, including, but not limited to, commercial, securities law and patent infringement claims. Unfavorable outcomes in pending litigation matters, or in future litigation, could negatively affect the Company. Aggressive plaintiffs counsel often file litigation on a wide variety of allegations, and even when the allegations are groundless, the Company may need to expend considerable funds and other resources to respond to such litigation.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may make certain commitments, including representations, warranties and indemnities relating to current and past operations, including those related to acquired or divested businesses and issue guarantees of third party obligations.
If the Company were required to make payments as a result of any of these matters, they could exceed the amounts accrued, thereby adversely affecting the Companys results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, or business.
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ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
Refer to Note 13 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we repurchased 7.7 million shares of Convergys stock for $116.6 million pursuant to our share repurchase authorizations. At September 30, 2008, the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 7.1 million additional common shares.
There were no shares repurchased during the third quarter and from October 1, 2008 through the date of filing this report.
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ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
(a) | Exhibits. |
The following are filed as Exhibits to Part II of this Form 10-Q:
Exhibit
|
||
2.1 | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2008, among Convergys Corporation, Dialog Merger Sub, Inc. and Intervoice, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed on July 16, 2008.) | |
3.1 | Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-3 filed on August 10, 2000, File No. 333-43404.) | |
3.2 | Regulations of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-1 filed on July 7, 1998, File No. 333-53619.) | |
4 | Rights Agreement dated November 30, 1998 between Convergys Corporation and The Fifth Third Bank. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A filed December 23, 1998, File No. 001-14379.) | |
10.1 | Change in Control Agreement between Convergys Corporation and Jean-Herve Jenn dated August 8, 2008.* | |
10.2 | Convergys Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (Amended & Restated effective January 1, 2005) dated August 26, 2008.* | |
10.3 | Convergys Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Amended & Restated effective January 1, 2005) dated August 26, 2008.* | |
10.4 | Amendment to $400,000,000 Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated August 11, 2008. | |
21 | Subsidiaries of Convergys Corporation. | |
31.1 | Certification by Chief Executive Officer of Periodic Financial Reports Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
31.2 | Certification by Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Financial Reports Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
32.1 | Certification by Chief Executive Officer of Periodic Financial Reports Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
32.2 | Certification by Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Financial Reports Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
99.1 | $50,000,000 360-Day Revolving Credit Bridge Facility Agreement with the Bank of Nova Scotia, as Administrative Agent, dated August 19, 2008. | |
99.2 | $25,000,000 Revolving Credit Bridge Facility Agreement with the CitiBank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, dated October 3, 2008. |
* | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
The Company will furnish, without charge, to a security holder upon request, a copy of the documents, or the portions thereof, which are incorporated by reference, and will furnish any other exhibit at cost.
ITEMS 3, 4 and 5 Are Not Applicable and Have Been Omitted
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Convergys Corporation | ||||
Date: November 5, 2008 | /s/ Earl C. Shanks | |||
Earl C. Shanks | ||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||
(On behalf of the Registrant and as Chief Financial Officer) |
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Exhibit 10.1 to 2008 10-Q
CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
AGREEMENT
In order to recognize and encourage your continued commitment to Convergys Corporation and any affiliated entity (Convergys or Company), we are pleased to offer you the following benefit:
1. In the event of a Change-In-Control (as defined in Convergys long term incentive plan) that results, within one year after the date of such Change-in-Control, in: A) your involuntary termination; or B) your voluntary termination because of a (i) reduction in your compensation, (ii) material diminution in your responsibilities or position, or (iii) requirement that you relocate outside of a 50-mile radius from your employment location immediately prior to the Change-in-Control (Covered Termination), provided in each case that you have given the Company notice that any of the above events has occurred within 90 days of the initial occurrence of such event, and the Company has not cured the condition within 30 days, you will be provided with severance payments and benefits (less applicable withholdings) as follows:
a) | A lump-sum payment equal to 12 months base salary plus target annual incentive (calculated at the greater of levels existing at your Covered Termination or immediately prior to the Change-In-Control); |
b) | Pro-rated target annual incentive for the year in which your Covered Termination occurs; |
c) | A lump-sum payment equal to the difference between your cost for COBRA coverage and the cost of such coverage for active employees, for 12 months of medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage at the levels in effect at your Covered Termination date, provided that you elect COBRA coverage for such benefits within 60 days of your Covered Termination date; |
d) | Ability to retain and exercise stock options that had vested or will vest within 12 months following your Covered Termination date (provided that no exercises will be permitted after the expiration of the original ten-year term of a stock option); and |
e) | If the present value of all payments, benefits, and accelerated vesting of benefits or awards that you receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from Convergys constitutes a parachute payment as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, and such parachute payment exceeds the limitation under Section 280G ( i.e. , 3 times the base amount, (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3)) by more than 15 percent, you also will receive an amount equal to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, including any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax, which amount will be grossed-up to cover the taxes applicable to such payments, excluding any income taxes and penalties imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Such amount will be paid at the same time the severance benefits payable in cash under this Agreement are paid, but in no event later than the year next following the year in which you remit such excise taxes to the taxing authority. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if the present value of all payments, benefits, and accelerated vesting of benefits or awards that you receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from Convergys constitutes a parachute payment as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) and such parachute payment does not exceed the limitation under Section 280G by more than 15%, the amount of the cash payment you are otherwise entitled to receive under the terms of this Agreement will be reduced to an amount that does not exceed the Section 280G limitation (but not below zero). |
2. Such payments and benefits will not be offered where termination of employment is for cause, is not a Covered Termination, or results from your death or other situation rendering you unable to perform essential duties of your position for 180 consecutive days. The successor will have cause to terminate your employment if you have violated Convergys Code of Business Conduct as it existed immediately prior to the Change-In-Control, have acted recklessly in the performance of your duties, or been convicted of a felony.
Convergys Corporation
Confidential
UK version
3. Eligibility for such payments and benefits will require your execution within 60 days following your Covered Termination of a comprehensive Separation Agreement and Release of All Claims (Release), prepared by the successor, that contains terms consistent with Section 1, above . The successor will deliver such Release within seven days following your Covered Termination. Lump-sum payments under this Agreement will be made within 74 days following your Covered Termination. Payments and benefits will be subject to applicable tax withholding and reporting.
4. This Agreement provides your exclusive severance/separation benefit in the event of a Covered Termination occurring within one year of a Change-in-Control, and therefore supersedes the terms of all prior employment agreements or offer letters and severance pay plans, policies, and practices of any Convergys entity that otherwise would apply to you in the event of such a termination.
5. This Agreement only may be revised, amended, or terminated by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Convergys, in his discretion, by means of a written document signed by the CEO at any time prior to a Change-In-Control. Unless terminated by the CEO prior to a Change-In-Control, the terms of this Agreement will be binding upon Convergys successors.
6. If you are a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A)) at the time of your termination and to the extent that any amounts payable or other benefits receivable by you pursuant to this Agreement provide for a deferral of compensation within the meaning of Section 409A, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, such payment or benefits will be provided, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, no earlier than the first business day following the six-month anniversary of your termination. In determining whether a Covered Termination has occurred under this Agreement, the provisions of Section 409A and its related regulations will apply, and your future services to Convergys or a successor must not exceed 30 percent of the services you rendered prior to your termination. It is intended that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement will be exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A. This Agreement will be construed, administered, and governed in a manner that affects such intent to the greatest extent possible, and neither Convergys nor its successor will take any action that would be inconsistent with such intent.
7. You agree to keep confidential all aspects of this Agreement that are not otherwise publicly available, including but not limited to the fact and amount and/or duration of any payments under this Agreement, except that you may make necessary disclosures as required by legal process, on a confidential basis to an immediate family member, and/or to your attorney or tax advisor who you retain to confidentially advise you in connection with amounts paid under the Agreement.
8. This Agreement will be governed by applicable law in the United Kingdom. This Agreement is not a contract of employment and does not provide you with a right to continued employment with Convergys; it is a side letter applicable only to the subject matter addressed herein.
CONVERGYS CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Clark D. Handy | |
Clark D. Handy | ||
Sr. Vice President Human Resources | ||
Convergys Corporation |
I have read, understand, and am voluntarily signing this Agreement, indicating my agreement with its terms.
/s/ Jean-Herve Jenn | ||
Jean-Herve Jenn | ||
Jean-Herve Jenn | August 8, 2008 | |
Sign Name | Date |
Convergys Corporation
Confidential
UK version
Exhibit 10.2 to 2008 10-Q
CONVERGYS CORPORATION
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
(As amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2005)
CONVERGYS CORPORATION
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
(As amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2005)
1. | Introduction to Plan . |
1.1 Name and Sponsor of Plan . The name of this Plan is the Convergys Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, and its sponsor is Convergys.
1.2 Purpose of Plan . The purpose of the Plan is to provide deferred compensation for the Non-Employee Directors of Convergys.
1.3 Effective Amendment Date of Plan and Effect of Plan On Prior Deferrals .
(a) Deferred Compensation Subject To Following Terms of This Document . In order to conform the Plan to the requirements of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, this document amends and restates the Plan effective as of the Effective Amendment Date (January 1, 2005). Prior to this amendment and restatement, the Plan was named the Convergys Corporation Deferred Compensation and LTIP Award Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors (and earlier was named the Convergys Corporation Deferred Compensation and Option Gain Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors). The provisions of sections 2 through 9 hereof apply to but only to:
(1) amounts that are attributable to compensation that is deferred under section 3 hereof on or after the Effective Amendment Date;
(2) amounts that are attributable to compensation that was deferred under the provisions of the Prior Plan prior to the Effective Amendment Date but was not earned and vested (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-6(a)(2) of the Treasury Regulations) prior to the Effective Amendment Date; and
(3) amounts that are attributable to compensation that was deferred under the provisions of the Prior Plan prior to the Effective Amendment Date and was earned and vested (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-6(a)(2) of the Treasury Regulations) prior to the Effective Amendment Date, but only if the provisions of the Prior Plan that apply to any such compensation are materially modified (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-6(a)(4) of the Treasury Regulations). This document does not by itself materially modify such provisions.
(b) Effective Date of Following Terms of This Document When Applied To Pre-Effective Amendment Date Deferred Compensation . Any amounts described in paragraph (a)(2) and (3) of this subsection 1.3 shall, beginning as of the Effective Amendment Date, be subject to the terms of sections 2 through 9 hereof as if this document had been in effect prior to the Effective Amendment Date.
(c) Incorporation of Terms of Prior Plan . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) and (3) of this subsection 1.3, all rules (including rules as to assumed investments and distributions) that relate to amounts deferred under the Prior Plan, adjusted by assumed earnings and losses thereon as determined under the provisions of the Prior Plan, shall be governed solely by the terms of the Prior Plan (which terms are incorporated herein by reference).
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2. | General Definitions . For all purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings hereinafter set forth, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. |
2.1 Account means, with respect to any Participant, the bookkeeping account maintained for the Participant under the terms of this Plan and to which amounts are credited or otherwise allocated under section 4 hereof in order to help determine the Participants benefits under the Plan.
2.2 Beneficiary means, with respect to any Participant, the person or entity designated by the Participant, on forms furnished and in the manner prescribed by the Committee, to receive any benefit payable under the Plan after the Participants death. If a Participant fails to designate a beneficiary or if, for any reason, such designation is not effective, his or her Beneficiary shall be deemed to be his or her surviving spouse or, if none, his or her estate.
2.3 Board means the Board of Directors of Convergys.
2.4 Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the events described in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection 2.4. All of such events shall be determined under and, even if not so indicated in the following paragraphs of this subsection 2.4, shall be subject to all of the terms of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations.
(a) A change in the ownership of Convergys (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) of the Treasury Regulations). In very general terms, Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) of the Treasury Regulations provides that a change in the ownership of Convergys occurs when a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires outstanding voting securities of Convergys that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of Convergys.
(b) A change in the effective control of Convergys (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) of the Treasury Regulations). In very general terms, Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) of the Treasury Regulations provides that a change in the effective control of Convergys occurs either:
(1) when a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of Convergys possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of Convergys; or
(2) when a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election.
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(c) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Convergys (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) of the Treasury Regulations). In very general terms, Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) of the Treasury Regulations provides that a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Convergys occurs when a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from Convergys that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of Convergys immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.
2.5 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it may thereafter be amended. A reference to a specific section of the Code shall be deemed to be a reference both (i) to the provisions of such section as it exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it is subsequently amended, renumbered, or superseded (by future legislation) and (ii) to the provisions of any section of the Treasury Regulations that is issued under such section.
2.6 Committee means the committee appointed to administer the Plan under the provisions of subsection 6.1 hereof.
2.7 Convergys means Convergys Corporation (and, except for purposes of determining whether a Change in Control has occurred, any legal successor to Convergys Corporation that results from a merger or similar transaction).
2.8 Effective Amendment Date means January 1, 2005.
2.9 LTIP means the Convergys Corporation 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan, as such plan exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it may thereafter be amended.
2.10 Non-Employee Director means any member of the Board who is not an employee of Convergys (or any other member of Convergyss controlled group, as such term is defined in subsection 9.4(c) hereof), but shall not include any person serving as Director Emeritus.
2.11 Other Fee means, with respect to any Non-Employee Director, any fee for the Non-Employee Director established by the Board for attending Board or committee meetings or for serving as a chair of a Board committee that is payable in cash, but shall not include a Retainer or expense reimbursements. An Other Fee payable for any meeting is earned on the date of the meeting (if the Non-Employee Director attends such meeting). An Other Fee payable for serving as a chair of a Board committee is earned by the Non-Employee Director on a quarterly basis (regardless of whether or not the Board fixes such fee for an annual period or refers to it as an annual fee), with such fee payable for any quarter being earned on the first day of such quarter (if the Non-Employee Director serves as a chair of a Board committee on such day).
2.12 Participant means a person who as a Non-Employee Director has any amounts credited to an Account established for him or her under this Plan. Such person shall remain a Participant until the amounts allocated to his or her Account have been fully paid and/or forfeited, as the case may be.
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2.13 Plan means the Convergys Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. This document amends and restates the Plan effective as of the Effective Amendment Date to the extent indicated by subsection 1.3 hereof.
2.14 Prior Plan means the versions of the Plan that were in effect before the Effective Amendment Date. The Prior Plan was most recently (before the Effective Amendment Date) named the Convergys Corporation Deferred Compensation and LTIP Award Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors and was earlier named the Convergys Corporation Deferred Compensation and Option Gain Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
2.15 Restricted Stock Award means, with respect to any Non-Employee Director, an award granted to the Non-Employee Director under the LTIP and under which Shares are issued to the Non-Employee Director by Convergys pursuant to an agreement that restricts the right of the Non-Employee Director to dispose of such shares (and that makes such shares forfeitable) until and unless certain conditions are met.
2.16 Restricted Stock Unit Award means, with respect to any Non-Employee Director, an award granted to the Non-Employee Director under the LTIP and under which the Non-Employee Director has the right to receive a number of Shares in the future if and when certain conditions are met.
2.17 Retainer means, with respect to any Non-Employee Director, the annual fee for serving as a Non-Employee Director that is established by the Board and payable in cash, but shall not include meeting fees, fees for serving as a chair of a Board committee, or expense reimbursements. A Retainer is earned by a Non-Employee Director on a quarterly basis (regardless of whether or not the Board fixes the Retainer for an annual period or refers to it as an annual retainer), with the Retainer payable for any quarter being earned on the first day of such quarter (if the Non-Employee Director is a member of the Board on such day).
2.18 Shares means common shares of Convergys.
2.19 Tax Year means, with respect to any Non-Employee Director, the Non-Employee Directors taxable year for federal income tax purposes. Unless Convergys or the Committee is notified otherwise by the Non-Employee Director, Convergys and the Committee may assume for purposes of this Plan that a Non-Employee Directors Tax Year is a calendar year.
2.20 Treasury Regulations means all final regulations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Code, as such regulations exist as of the date on which this document is executed on its final page by an officer or representative of Convergys and as they are subsequently amended, renumbered, or superseded. A reference to a specific section or paragraph of the Treasury Regulations shall be deemed to be a reference to the provisions of such section or paragraph as it exists as of the date on which this document is executed on its final page by an officer or representative of Convergys and as it is subsequently amended, renumbered, or superseded.
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3. | Deferral Elections . |
3.1 General Rules for Election of Deferrals .
(a) If permitted by the Committee and subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, a Non-Employee Director may elect for any Tax Year to defer the receipt of any whole dollar amount or whole percent (up to 100%) of his or her Retainer and/or Other Fees that are earned by him or her in any Tax Year (for purposes of this subparagraph (a), the subject Tax Year), by completing a deferral form or forms and filing such form or forms with the Committee no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Tax Year (or, if the subject Tax Year is the Tax Year in which he or she first becomes a Non-Employee Director, no later than 30 days after the date on which he or she first becomes a Non-Employee Director, in which case such election shall apply only to his or her Retainer and/or Other Fees that are earned by him or her after his or her deferral election is filed with the Committee).
(b) If permitted by the Committee and subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, a Non-Employee Director may elect to defer the receipt of any whole number of Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award and/or a Restricted Stock Unit Award, to the extent that any such award is earned by him or her in any Tax Year, by completing a deferral form or forms and filing such form or forms with the Committee no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Tax Year (or, no later than 30 days after the date on which such award is granted if (i) under the terms of such award the award is subject to a forfeiture condition requiring the Participants continued services for a period of at least 12 months from the date the award is granted and (ii) the election is made at least 12 months in advance of the earliest date at which the forfeiture condition could lapse).
(c) If permitted by the Committee and subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, a Non-Employee Director may change, or terminate and thereby void, any deferral election that he or she has made for any Retainer and/or Other Fees earned in any Tax Year, or any Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award granted to him or her in such Tax Year, under the provisions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 3.1, by completing an appropriate form and filing such form with the Committee, up to but not after the latest day by which he or she could still make a deferral election for such amount under the provisions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 3.1 (and provided that, with respect to the deferral of any Retainer and/or Other Fees earned in the Tax Year in which he or she first becomes a Non-Employee Director, prior to his or her initial deferral election being used to defer the receipt of such compensation pursuant to the provisions of this subsection 3.1).
(d) When a Non-Employee Directors award is a Restricted Stock Award, an election made by the Non-Employee Director to surrender to Convergys any of the restricted Shares subject to such award (on a deferral form that is filed with the Committee within the period described in paragraph (b) of this subsection 3.1) shall be deemed to be an election to defer the receipt of the part of the award reflected by such surrendered restricted Shares for all purposes of subsection 3.1 and the other provisions of the Plan.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any election that a Non-Employee Director makes under the provisions of this subsection 3.1 to defer the receipt of any part of a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award
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shall be deemed to be void and of no effect in the event and when the Non-Employee Director forfeits any right to receive such award part ( e.g. , if and when the Participant fails to satisfy the conditions necessary to ever become entitled to receive such award part) and in such case no amounts attributable to such award part shall be credited to the Account of the Non-Employee Director under the Plan.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraphs (b) and (d) of this subsection 3.1 or any other provision of the Plan, a Non-Employee Director may not elect to defer the receipt of any part of a Restricted Stock Award (pursuant to the provisions of this subsection 3.1 or otherwise) when such award is granted to the Non-Employee Director after December 31, 2006.
3.2 Special Pre-March 15, 2005 Deferral Election Right . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan and pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of Q&A-21 of Internal Revenue Service Notice 2005-1, the requirements of subsection 3.1 hereof relating to the timing of deferral elections shall not be applicable to any election that is made by a Non-Employee Director on or before March 15, 2005 to defer the receipt of any compensation that both is subject to the terms of this Plan under the provisions of subsection 3.1 hereof and relates to services performed by the Non-Employee Director on or before December 31, 2005, provided that the compensation to which the deferral election relates has not or had not been paid or become payable by the time of the election and the election to defer is or was made in accordance with the terms of the Plan or the Prior Plan that at the time of the election were then in effect.
4. | Maintenance and Valuation of Account . |
4.1 Account . An Account shall be established for each Participant in accordance with the following paragraphs of this subsection 4.1 to reflect the amounts of (i) his or her Retainer, Other Fees, Restricted Stock Awards, and Restricted Stock Unit Awards that are to be credited to such Account under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection 4.1 and (ii) the assumed investment of such amounts. The Committee shall create subaccounts under any Participants Account to the extent needed administratively ( e.g. , to account for different distribution rules that apply to different portions of the Participants Account). For purposes of this Plan, the net investment returns and losses of the assumed investment of any credits made to a Participants Account shall be deemed to be attributable to the portion of such Account that reflects such credits.
(a) Crediting To Account of Deferred Amounts . Subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, any amount deferred by a Participant under the Plan pursuant to the provisions of subsection 3.1 hereof shall be credited to the Account of the Participant as of the day on which such deferred amount would otherwise have been paid to the Participant; except that any part of a Restricted Stock Award deferred by a Participant under the Plan pursuant to the provisions of subsection 3.1 hereof shall be credited to the Account of the Participant as of the day on which the restricted Shares that are reflected by such part are surrendered to Convergys.
(b) Determination of Share Value or Shares Credited To Account . When any part of a Restricted Stock Award or a Restricted Stock Unit Award is deferred by a Participant under the Plan and credited to the Account of the Participant, the credit to the Account (that is made as of the day determined under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection 4.1) shall be denominated in Shares and equal the number of Shares that would otherwise be paid to the Participant (or that would otherwise have their restrictions lapse under such award part).
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(c) Assumed Investment of Account . Any amounts credited to the Account of a Participant under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this subsection 4.1 shall be assumed to have been invested in the investments designated or deemed to be designated by the Participant on a form provided by and filed with the Committee, and adjusted by reason of such assumed investments, in accordance with the provisions of subsection 4.2 hereof.
4.2 Assumed Investments . The Committee shall designate in notices or other documents provided to Participants a limited number of assumed investments for purposes of the Plan. Such assumed investments will generally be (but will not be required to be) limited to mutual funds or similar types of investments but may and generally will include an assumed investment in Shares. Some or all of the assumed investments designated for the Plan may be changed by the Committee to other assumed investments, effective as of any date, in which case prior written notice of such change shall be provided by the Committee to all Participants.
(a) General Rules on Participant Designations of Assumed Investments . The credits to any Participants Account made in accordance with subsection 4.1 hereof shall be assumed to have been invested among such assumed investments, and in such proportions, as is elected in a writing filed by the Participant with the Committee, except that any investment direction of the Participant is subject to such reasonable administrative rules concerning such assumed investment directions as are adopted or used by the Committee.
(b) Initial Assumed Investment Election . The Participant must elect on or before the first date a credit is made to the Account established for him or her under the provisions of subsection 4.1 hereof the assumed investments in which his or her Account credits are to be initially assumed to be invested and the proportions of each credit initially assumed to be invested in each designated assumed investment. Otherwise, the Participant shall be deemed to have elected that his or her Account credits will not be assumed to be invested in any investment until he or she makes an investment election under the provisions of this subsection 4.2 (or, if the Committee in its discretion so decides, the Participant shall be deemed to have elected that his or her Account credits will be assumed to be initially invested in an investment or investments chosen by the Committee).
(c) Change in Assumed Investment Election . Further, the Participant may request a change in the assumed investments of his or her Account and the proportions of his or her new Account credits assumed to be invested in each designated investment to other assumed investments and/or proportions effective as of any January 1, or as of any other date as the Committee may provide in its discretion, upon written notice to the Committee prior to such date (or such earlier date as may be established by the Committee).
(d) Adjustment of Account for Assumed Investment Returns and Losses . The amounts credited to any Participants Account shall be adjusted as of each December 31, and as of such other dates as the Committee may provide in its discretion, to reflect the assumed investment returns or losses (since the last prior adjustment in the Account) that are attributable to the assumed investments in which his or her Account is deemed to be invested.
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(e) Special Assumed Investment Rule for Deferred Restricted Stock Award and Restricted Stock Unit Award Credits . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, when any amounts credited to a Participants Account reflect any deferred part of a Restricted Stock Award or a Restricted Stock Unit Award the Participant shall be deemed to have designated such credits to be assumed to be invested solely in Shares from the day such amounts are credited to the Account.
4.3 Valuation .
(a) Valuation of Account . The balance of the Account of a Participant shall be determined periodically (under procedures adopted by the Committee) to reflect all amounts credited to the Account under the foregoing provisions of this section 4 since the latest preceding date on which the Account balance was determined, any gains and losses in the value of the Accounts assumed investments since the latest date on which the Account balance was determined, and any payments or forfeitures since the latest preceding date on which the Account balance was determined.
(b) Account Statements . As soon as practical following the end of each calendar year, each Participant (or, in the event of his or her death, his or her Beneficiary) shall be furnished a statement as of December 31 of such calendar year showing the balance of the Participants Account, the total increases and reductions made in the balance of such Account during such calendar year, and, if amounts allocated to such Account are assumed to have been invested in securities, a description of such securities, including the number of shares assumed to have been purchased by the amounts allocated to such Account.
4.4 Shares Adjustment Rules . To the extent a Participants Account is assumed to have been invested in Shares, the following provisions of this subsection 4.4 shall apply.
(a) Cash Dividends . Whenever any cash dividends are paid with respect to Shares, additional amounts shall be allocated to the Participants Account as of the dividend payment date. The additional amount to be allocated to the Account shall be determined by multiplying the per share cash dividend paid with respect to the Shares on the dividend payment date by the number of assumed Shares allocated to the Account on the day preceding the dividend payment date. Subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, such additional amount allocated to the Participants Account shall be assumed to have been invested in additional Shares on the day on which such dividends are paid.
(b) Changes in Shares . If there is any change in Shares through the declaration of a stock dividend or a stock split, through a recapitalization resulting in a stock split, or through a combination or a change in shares, the number of shares assumed to have been allocated to each Account shall be appropriately adjusted.
4.5 Fair Market Value of Shares . Whenever Shares are to be valued for purposes of the Plan as of any date (such as a date on which distribution of such Shares is to be made by Convergys), the value of each such Share shall be determined by the Committee in good faith pursuant to methods and procedures established by the Committee and in accordance with a method appropriate to the valuation of the Shares under Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv) of the Treasury Regulations. In general, when the Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, such value shall be based on the closing price of a Share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the latest date preceding the subject date for which the valuation is being made.
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4.6 Deduction of Payments or Forfeitures from Account and Cancellation of Account .
(a) Deduction of Payments and Forfeitures From Account . Any payment, including an annual installment payment, or forfeiture of any portion of a Participants Account under the provisions of the Plan shall be charged, as of the date such payment or forfeiture is deemed to be made under the other provisions of this Plan, to such Account portion (or, in other words, deducted from the amounts then allocated to such Account portion). Except as is otherwise provided under administrative policies adopted by the Committee, any such payment or forfeiture shall be charged among all of the types of assumed investments applicable to such Account portion, on a pro rata basis.
(b) Cancellation of Account . Further, the Account of a Participant shall be cancelled, and the amount then allocated to such Account shall be reduced to zero, on the date as of which the entire amount allocated to the Account at such time is deemed to be paid to the Participant (or his or her Beneficiary under this Plan) and/or forfeited under the other provisions of the Plan.
4.7 Account Balance . For purposes of the Plan, the amounts allocated to the Account of a Participant ( i.e. , the balance of such Account) at any specific time shall be deemed to be the net sum of amounts credited, charged, or otherwise allocated to such Account at such time under the other provisions of the Plan.
5. | Distributions . |
5.1 General Distribution Rules . Subject to the following provisions of this section 5 and the other provisions of the Plan, this subsection 5.1 concerns the rules for payment of amounts allocated to the Account of a Participant that normally will apply (except for the special rules described in the following subsections of this section 5).
(a) Retainer and/or Other Fees Distribution Elections . Subject to the following provisions of this section 5 and to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, the Participant may, in any deferral form filed with the Committee and by which he or she elects to defer the receipt of any portion of his or her Retainer and/or Other Fees to the extent they may be deferred under subsection 3.1 hereof, make the elections described in this paragraph (a) with respect to the payment of all amounts allocated to the Participants Account that are attributable to the credits made to his or her Account by reason of such deferral election (for purposes of this paragraph (a), the subject deferred amounts).
(1) Subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, the Participant may elect to receive the subject deferred amounts (i) in one lump sum payment made as of the first day of the first calendar year that begins after the date on which the Participant separates from service with Convergys or (ii) in annual payments over two to ten years. If the Participant elects to receive the subject deferred amounts in annual installments of two or more payments, then (i) the date as of which the first annual installment payment is to be made shall be the first day of the first calendar year that
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begins after the date on which the Participant separates from service with Convergys (for purposes of this paragraph (a), the subject deferred amounts commencement date) and (ii) the date as of which any annual installment payment other than the first annual installment payment is to be made shall be an annual anniversary of such commencement date.
(2) If the Participant elects to receive the subject deferred amounts in annual installments of two or more payments, then the amount of each installment payment shall be a fraction of the subject deferred amounts determined as of the installment payment date, the numerator of which is 1 and the denominator of which is equal to the total number of installments remaining to be paid of the subject deferred amounts (including the installment to be paid on the subject installment payment date).
(3) In the event the Participant fails in the applicable deferral form to make an election as to the payment of the subject deferred amounts, then he or she shall be deemed to have elected that such amounts shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum payment as of the first day of the first calendar year that begins after the date on which the Participant separates from service with Convergys.
(4) The Participant may, by filing an appropriate form with the Committee not less than twelve months before the date that any portion of the subject deferred amount would be or begin to be paid under the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (a) (for purposes of this subparagraph (4), the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date), elect to change any or all of the initial elections he or she has made or has been deemed to have made under this paragraph (a) (with respect to the commencement date of the payments and the period over which payments will be made) that apply to the subject deferred amounts, provided that:
(A) any such new election shall not become effective until at least twelve months elapse from the filing of such election with the Committee (and thus will be ineffective should the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date occur prior to the expiration of such twelve month period);
(B) any such new election would comply with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (a) other than for the time as of which such election is made and the commencement timing of payment as per (a)(4)(C) below; and
(C) any such new election must provide for a new commencement date for the subject deferred amounts that is five years after the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date.
(b) Restricted Stock Award and Restricted Stock Unit Award Distribution Elections . Subject to the following provisions of this section 5 and to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, the Participant may, in any deferral form filed with the Committee and by which he or she elects to defer the receipt of any portion of a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award granted to him or her, to the extent it may be deferred under subsection 3.1 hereof, make the elections described in this paragraph (b) with respect to the payment of all amounts allocated to the Participants Account that are attributable to the credits made to his or her Account by reason of such deferral election (for purposes of this paragraph (b), the subject deferred amounts).
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(1) Subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, the Participant may elect that the date as of which the subject deferred amounts shall commence to be paid (for purposes of this paragraph (b), the subject deferred amounts commencement date) shall be the first day of any calendar year that begins after the date on which the Participant separates from service with Convergys.
(2) Subject to such administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, the Participant may also elect to receive the subject deferred amounts (i) in one lump sum payment made as of the subject deferred amounts commencement date or (ii) in annual payments over two to ten years.
(A) If the Participant elects to receive the subject deferred amounts in annual installments of two or more payments, then the amount of each installment payment shall be a fraction of the subject deferred amounts determined as of the installment payment date, the numerator of which is 1 and the denominator of which is equal to the total number of installments remaining to be paid as of the subject deferred amounts (including the installment to be paid on the subject installment payment date).
(B) If the Participant elects to receive the subject deferred amounts in annual installments of two or more payments, then (i) the date as of which the first annual installment payment is to be made shall be the subject amounts commencement date and (ii) the date as of which any annual installment payment other than the first annual installment payment is to be made shall be an annual anniversary of such commencement date.
(3) In the event the Participant fails in the applicable deferral form to make an election as to the payment of the subject deferred amounts, then he or she shall be deemed to have elected that such amounts shall be paid to the Participant in two annual installments, with the first installment being made as of the first day of the second calendar year that begins after the date on which the Participant separates from service with Convergys and the second installment being made as of the first day of the third calendar year that begins after the date on which the Participant separates from service with Convergys.
(4) The Participant may, by filing an appropriate form with the Committee not less than twelve months before the date that any portion of the subject deferred amount would be or begin to be paid (pursuant to an actual or deemed election) under the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (b) (for purposes of this subparagraph (4), the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date), elect to change any or all of the initial elections he or she has made or has been deemed to have made under this paragraph (b) (with respect to the commencement date of the payments and the period over which payments will be made) that apply to the subject deferred amounts, provided that:
(A) any such new election shall not become effective until at least twelve months elapse from the filing of such election with the Committee (and thus will be ineffective should the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date occur prior to the expiration of such twelve month period);
(B) any such new election would comply with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (b) other than for the time as of which such election is made; and
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(C) any such new election must provide for a new commencement date for the subject deferred amounts that is at least five years after the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date.
5.2 Special Pre-December 31, 2008 Distribution Election Right . Notwithstanding any of the provisions of subsection 5.1 hereof, Convergys may, in its discretion and pursuant to and in accordance with certain transition relief contained in guidance that is cited in Section XII.A of the preamble to Sections 1.409A-1 through 1.409A-6 of the Treasury Regulations and as such relief was extended in Internal Revenue Service Notice 2007-86, and by adopting and distributing written forms, notices, or other written documents, permit any Participant to make, at any time prior to December 31, 2008 and by filing with the Committee a writing or form approved or prepared by the Committee, a new election as to the commencement date of the payments, the period over which payments will be made, and/or the amount of each of such payments that will apply to any portion of the amounts subject to deferral under this Plan prior to the date of such election (for purposes of this subsection 5.2, the Participants previously deferred amounts) and have such new election treated for all purposes of this Plan as if such new election had been initially made on a timely basis in accordance with the provisions of subsection 5.1 hereof.
(a) Conditions on Pre-December 31, 2008 Distribution Election . Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in no event shall any election made under the provisions of this subsection 5.2 be given any effect under the Plan unless the Participant actually makes such new election on or before December 31, 2008; and (ii) any election made under the provisions of this subsection 5.2 shall not be given any effect under the Plan to the extent that it attempts to apply to any portion of the Participants previously deferred amounts that would otherwise be paid during the same calendar year as the calendar year in which the election is made or attempts to cause any portion of the Participants previously deferred amounts to be paid during the same calendar year as the calendar year in which the election is made.
(b) Incorporation of Pre-December 31, 2008 Distribution Election Forms . Any written forms, notices, or other written documents adopted and distributed by Convergys under the terms of this subsection 5.2 shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Plan and an amendment to this Plan.
5.3 Death .
(a) Death Before Payments Otherwise Begin . If a Participant dies before the date as of which any specific part of his or her Account has begun to be paid under the other provisions of this section 5 (whether such death occurs before, on, or after the Participants separation from service with Convergys), then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan (including any election by a Participant), Convergys shall pay to the Participants Beneficiary any amounts then allocated to such part of the Participants Account in one lump sum as of the first day of the first calendar year that begins after the date of the Participants death, unless the Participant has made a specific election no later than the date a lifetime distribution election could be made under section 5.1 or 5.2, that in the event of the Participants death before payments begin, payments shall be made in five annual installments. In the event of such election and Participant death before payments begin, benefits shall be paid in five annual installments beginning as of the first day of the first calendar year that begins after the date of the Participants death, provided that if the Participant had separated from service under section 9.4 before death, and any payment of the Account would be made sooner under 5.1 or 5.2 due to the separation from service, payment shall be made under 5.1 and 5.2 on account of separation from service rather than under this section 5.3(a).
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(b) Death After Payments Begin . If a Participant dies on or after the date as of which any part of his or her Account has begun to be paid under the other provisions of this section 5, then Convergys shall make to the Participants Beneficiary all payments of the amounts allocated to such part of the Participants Account that would have been paid to the Participant after his or her death under the other provisions of this section 5 had he or she not died (and at the same times and on the same schedule that would have applied had the Participant not died).
5.4 Change in Control . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, if a Change in Control occurs, the amounts allocated to each Participants Account shall be paid to him or her (or, if he or she has died by the date of such Change in Control, the Participants Beneficiary) in one lump sum as of the day next following the date on which such a Change in Control occurs.
5.5 Cash or Share Form of Payment . Any payment made under the Plan to a Participant (or a Participants Beneficiary) shall be made (i) in Shares to the extent it is attributable to the Participants deferral of any Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award and assumed to be invested in whole Shares and (ii) in cash to the extent it is (a) attributable to the Participants deferral of any Retainer or Other Fees or (b) attributable to the Participants deferral of any Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award and assumed to be invested in a fractional, and not whole, Share. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, if a payment is being made pursuant to a Change in Control, all amounts that are attributable to his or her deferral of any Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award may, in the discretion of Convergys, be paid in cash in an amount equal to (i) in the event of a tender offer or similar event, the final offer price per share paid for Shares times the number of Shares credited to his or her Account or (ii) in any other case, the aggregate value of the Shares credited to such Account.
5.6 Distributions for Benefit Payment Tax Withholding Requirements . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, Convergys shall have the right (without notice to or approval by a Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or any other person) to withhold from any amounts otherwise payable by Convergys to or on account of the Participant, or from any payment otherwise then being made by Convergys to the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or any other person by reason of the Plan, an amount which Convergys determines is sufficient to satisfy all federal, state, local, and foreign tax withholding requirements that may apply with respect to benefit payments accruing or paid under the Plan. To the extent such tax withholding requirements are satisfied from any payment otherwise then being made by Convergys to the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or any other person by reason of the Plan, the amount so withheld shall be deemed a distribution to the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or such other person, as the case may be.
5.7 Administrative Period To Make Payments . The other provisions of this section 5 provide that any payment that is made under the Plan to or with respect to a Participant shall occur as of a specific date and sometimes refer to such a date as a commencement date or a payment date. However, in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.409A-3(d) of the Treasury
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Regulations and in order to permit a reasonable administrative period for Convergys to make payments required under the Plan, and notwithstanding any other provision of this section 5 or any other provision of the Plan, any payment that is made under the Plan to or with respect to a Participant shall be deemed to have been made as of the specific date as of which it is to be paid under the other provisions of the Plan as long as it is made on such date or a later date within the same Tax Year of the Participant (or, if later, by the 15 th day of the third calendar month following such specified date).
5.8 Facility of Payment . Any amounts payable hereunder to any person who is under legal disability or who, in the judgment of the Committee, is unable to properly manage the persons financial affairs may be paid to the legal representative of such person or may be applied for the benefit of such person in any manner which the Committee may select, and any such payment shall be deemed to be payment for such persons account and shall be a complete discharge of all liability of Convergys with respect to the amount so paid.
6. | Administration of Plan . |
6.1 Administrator of Plan . Convergys shall be the administrator of the Plan. However, the Plan shall be administered on behalf of Convergys by the Committee. The Committee shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board, unless and until the Board appoints a different committee to administer the Plan.
6.2 Powers of Committee . The Committee, in connection with administering the Plan, is authorized to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of the Plan and is given complete discretionary authority to determine any persons eligibility for benefits under the Plan, to construe the terms of the Plan, and to decide any other matters pertaining to the Plans administration. The Committee shall determine any question arising in the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan, which determination shall be binding and conclusive on all persons (subject only to the claims procedure provisions of subsection 6.6 below). The Committee may correct errors, however arising, and, as far as possible, adjust any benefit payments accordingly.
6.3 Actions of Committee .
(a) Manner of Acting as Committee . The Committee shall act by a majority of its members at the time in office, and any such action may be taken either by a vote at a meeting or in writing without a meeting. The Committee may by such majority action appoint subcommittees and may authorize any one or more of its members or any agent of it to execute any document or documents or to take any other action, including the exercise of discretion, on behalf of the Committee.
(b) Appointment of Agents . The Committee may appoint or employ such counsel, auditors, physicians, clerical help, actuaries, and/or any other agents as in the Committees judgment may seem reasonable or necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, and any agent it so employs may carry out any of the responsibilities of the Committee that are delegated to him or her with the same effect as if the Committee had acted directly. The Committee may provide for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation of the Plan.
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(c) Conflict of Interest of Committee Member . Any member of the Committee who is also a Participant in the Plan shall not participate in any meeting, discussion, or action of the Committee that specifically concerns his or her own situation.
6.4 Compensation of Committee and Payment of Administrative Expenses . The members of the Committee shall not receive any extra or special compensation for serving as the administrative committee with respect to the Plan and, except as required by law, no bond or other security need be required of them in such capacity in any jurisdiction. All expenses of the administration of the Plan shall be paid by Convergys.
6.5 Limits on Liability . Convergys shall hold each member of the Committee harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses, and liabilities arising from any act or omission of the member under or relating to the Plan, other than any expenses or liabilities resulting from the members own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which the members of the Committee may be entitled as a matter of law.
6.6 Claims Procedures .
(a) Initial Claim . If a Participant, a Participants Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through a Participant has a dispute as to the failure of the Plan to pay or provide a benefit, as to the amount of Plan benefit paid, or as to any other matter involving the Plan, the person may file a claim for the benefit or relief believed by the person to be due. Such claim must be provided by written notice to the Committee. The Committee shall decide any claims made pursuant to this subsection 6.6.
(b) Rules If Initial Claim Is Denied . If a claim made pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection 6.6 is denied, in whole or in part, the Committee shall generally furnish notice of the denial in writing to the claimant within 90 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, 45 days) after receipt of the claim by the Committee; except that if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, the period in which the Committee is to furnish the claimant written notice of the denial shall be extended for up to an additional 90 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, an additional 30 days), and the Committee shall provide the claimant within the initial 90-day (or 45-day) period a written notice indicating the reasons for the extension and the date by which the Committee expects to render the final decision.
(c) Final Denial Notice . If a claim made pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection 6.6 is denied, in whole or in part, the final notice of denial shall be written in a manner designed to be understood by the claimant and set forth (i) the specific reasons for the denial, (ii) specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based, (iii) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, and (iv) information as to the steps to be taken if the claimant wishes to appeal such denial of his or her claim, including the time limits applicable to making a request for an appeal.
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(d) Appeal of Denied Claim . Any claimant who has a claim denied under the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection 6.6 may appeal the denied claim to the Committee. Such an appeal must, in order to be considered, be filed by written notice to the Committee within 60 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, 180 days) of the receipt by the claimant of a written notice of the denial of his or her initial claim. If any appeal is filed in accordance with such rules, the claimant (i) shall be given, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim and (ii) shall be provided the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the claim. A formal hearing may be allowed in its discretion by the Committee but is not required.
(e) Appeal Process . Upon any appeal of a denied claim, the Committee shall provide a full and fair review of the subject claim, taking into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the claimant (without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination of the claim), and generally decide the appeal within 60 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, 45 days) after the filing of the appeal; except that if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the appeal, the period in which the appeal is to be decided may be extended for up to an additional 60 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, an additional 45 days) and the Committee shall provide the claimant written notice of the extension prior to the end of the initial period. However, if the decision on the appeal is extended due to the claimants failure to submit information necessary to decide the appeal, the period for making the decision on the appeal shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information.
(f) Appeal Decision Notice If Appeal Is Denied . If an appeal of a denied claim is denied, the decision on appeal shall (i) be set forth in a writing designed to be understood by the claimant, (ii) specify the reasons for the decision and references to pertinent provisions of this Plan on which the decision is based, and (iii) contain statements that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim. The decision on appeal shall generally be furnished to the claimant by the Committee within the applicable appeal period that is described above.
(g) Miscellaneous Claims Procedure Rules . If a Participants disability is material to an applicable claim appeal, then, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall appoint other persons who are not either members of the Committee or subordinates of any such members to conduct the appeal (and any reference to the Committee in the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection 6.6 that deal with such appeal shall be read to refer to such other appointed persons). Also, a claimant may appoint a representative to act on his or her behalf in making or pursuing a claim or an appeal of a claim. In addition, the Committee may prescribe additional rules which are consistent with the other provisions of this subsection 6.6 in order to carry out the claim procedures of this Plan.
7. | Funding Obligation . |
7.1 General Rule for Source of Benefits . All payments of any benefit provided under the Plan to or on account of a Participant shall be made from the general assets of Convergys. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, neither the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, nor any other person claiming through the Participant shall have any right or claim to any payment of the benefit to be provided pursuant to the Plan which in any manner whatsoever is superior to or different from the right or claim of a general and unsecured creditor of Convergys.
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7.2 Rabbi Trust . Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 7.1 hereof, Convergys may, in its sole and absolute discretion, establish a trust (for purposes of this subsection 7.2, the Trust) to which contributions may be made by Convergys in order to fund its obligations under the Plan. If, and only if, Convergys exercises its discretion to establish a Trust, the following paragraphs of this subsection 7.2 shall apply (notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan).
(a) Grantor Trust Requirement . The Trust shall be a grantor trust under the Code, in that Convergys shall be treated as the grantor of the Trust within the meaning of subpart E, part I, subchapter J, chapter 1, subtitle A of the Code.
(b) Creditors Rights Under Trust When Convergys Insolvent . The Trust shall be subject to the claims of Convergyss creditors in the event of Convergyss insolvency. For purposes hereof, Convergys shall be considered insolvent if either (i) Convergys is unable to pay its debts as they become due or (ii) Convergys is subject to a pending proceeding as a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code.
(c) Contributions To Trust . Except as may otherwise be required by the terms of the Trust itself, Convergys may make contributions to the Trust for the purposes of meetings its obligations under the Plan at any time, and in such amounts, as Convergys determines in its discretion.
(d) Payments From Trust . Any payment otherwise required to be made by Convergys under the Plan shall be made by the Trust instead of Convergys in the event that Convergys fails to make such payment directly and the Trust then has sufficient assets to make such payment, provided that Convergys is not then insolvent. If Convergys becomes insolvent, however, then all assets of the Trust shall be held for the benefit of Convergyss creditors and payments from the Trust account shall cease or not begin, as the case may be.
(e) Remaining Liability of Convergys . Unless and except to the extent any payment required to be made pursuant to the Plan by Convergys is made to the Trust, the obligation to make such payment remains exclusively that of Convergys.
(f) Terms of Trust Incorporated . The terms of the Trust are hereby incorporated by reference into the Plan. To the extent the terms of the Plan conflict with the terms of the Trust, the terms of the Trust shall control.
8. | Amendment and Termination of Plan . |
8.1 Right and Procedure to Terminate Plan . Convergys reserves the right to terminate the Plan in its entirety.
(a) Procedure To Terminate Plan . The procedure for Convergys to terminate the Plan in its entirety is as follows. In order to completely terminate the Plan, the Board shall adopt resolutions, pursuant and subject to the regulations or by-laws of Convergys and any applicable law, and either at a duly called meeting of the Board or by a written consent in lieu of a meeting, to terminate the Plan. Such resolutions shall set forth therein the effective date of the Plans termination.
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(b) Effect of Termination of Plan . In the event the Board adopts resolutions completely terminating the Plan, no further benefits may be paid after the effective date of the Plans termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plans termination shall not affect the payment (in accordance with the provisions of the Plan) of the Plans benefits attributable to compensation the deferral of which (i) has already been elected by a Participant or otherwise required under the terms of this Plan, and (ii) cannot still be voided by the Participants election or otherwise under the terms of Sections 1.409A-1 through 1.409A-6 of the Treasury Regulations, by the later of the effective date of the Plans termination or the date such resolutions terminating the Plan are adopted.
8.2 Amendment of Plan . Subject to the other provisions of this subsection 8.2, Convergys may amend the Plan at any time and from time to time in any respect; provided that no such amendment shall decrease the benefits attributable to compensation the deferral of which (i) has already been elected by a Participant or otherwise required under the terms of this Plan, and (ii) cannot still be voided by the Participants election or otherwise under the terms of Sections 1.409A-1 through 1.409A-6 of the Treasury Regulations, by the later of the effective date of the amendment or the date the amendment is adopted.
(a) Procedure To Amend Plan . Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this subsection 8.2, in order to amend the Plan, the Board shall adopt resolutions, pursuant and subject to the regulations or by-laws of Convergys and any applicable law, and either at a duly called meeting of the Board or by a written consent in lieu of a meeting, to amend the Plan. Such resolutions shall either (i) set forth the express terms of the Plan amendment or (ii) simply set forth the nature of the amendment and direct an officer of Convergys to have prepared and to sign on behalf of Convergys the formal amendment to the Plan. In the latter case, such officer shall have prepared and shall sign on behalf of Convergys an amendment to the Plan which is in accordance with such resolutions.
(b) Alternative Procedure To Amend Plan . In addition to the procedure for amending the Plan set forth in paragraph (a) of this subsection 8.2, the Board may also adopt resolutions, pursuant and subject to the regulations or by-laws of Convergys and any applicable law, and either at a duly called meeting of the Board or by a written consent in lieu of a meeting, to delegate to any officer of Convergys or to the Committee the authority to amend the Plan.
(1) Such resolutions may either grant the officer or the Committee broad authority to amend the Plan in any manner the officer or the Committee deems necessary or advisable or may limit the scope of amendments he, she, or it may adopt, such as by limiting such amendments to matters related to the administration of the Plan. In the event of any such delegation to amend the Plan, the officer or the Committee to whom or which authority is delegated shall amend the Plan by having prepared and signed on behalf of Convergys an amendment to the Plan which is within the scope of amendments which he, she, or it has authority to adopt.
(2) Also, any such delegation to amend the Plan may be terminated at any time by later resolutions adopted by the Board.
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(3) Finally, in the event of any such delegation to amend the Plan, and even while such delegation remains in effect, the Board shall continue to retain its own right to amend the Plan pursuant to the procedure set forth in paragraph (a) of this subsection 8.2.
9. | Miscellaneous . |
9.1 Delegation . Except as is otherwise provided in sections 6 and 8 hereof, any matter or thing to be done by Convergys shall be done by its Board, except that, from time to time, the Board by resolution may delegate to any person or committee certain of its rights and duties hereunder. Any such delegation shall be valid and binding on all persons, and the person or committee to whom or which authority is delegated shall have full power to act in all matters so delegated until the authority expires by its terms or is revoked by the Board, as the case may be.
9.2 Non-Alienation of Benefits .
(a) General Non-Alienation Rule . Except to the extent required by applicable law, no Participant or Beneficiary may alienate, commute, anticipate, assign, pledge, encumber, transfer, or dispose of the right to receive the payments required to be made by Convergys hereunder, which payments and the right to receive them are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. In the event of any attempt to alienate, commute, anticipate, assign, pledge, encumber, transfer, or dispose of the right to receive the payments required to be made by Convergys hereunder, Convergys shall have no further obligation to make any payments otherwise required of it hereunder (except to the extent required by applicable law).
(b) Exception for Domestic Relations Orders . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection 9.2, any benefit payment otherwise due to a Participant under the Plan may, in the discretion of the Committee and if it determines such action is required to satisfy applicable law, be made to a person other than the Participant to the extent necessary to fulfill a domestic relations order (as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B)).
9.3 No Spousal Rights . Nothing contained in the Plan shall give any spouse or former spouse of a Participant any right to benefits under the Plan of the types described in Code Sections 401(a)(11) and 417 (relating to qualified preretirement survivor annuities and qualified joint and survivor annuities).
9.4 Separation From Service . For all purposes of the Plan, a Participant shall be deemed to have separated from service with Convergys on the date both he or she has ceased to be a Non-Employee Director and the contract (or, if applicable, contracts) under which all of his or her services for Convergyss controlled group are performed has expired, provided that the expiration of such contract (or, if applicable, contracts) constitutes a good faith and complete termination of the Participants contractual relationship with Convergyss controlled group. In this regard, an expiration of such contract (or, if applicable, contracts) does not constitute a good faith and complete termination of the Participants contractual relationship with Convergyss controlled group if Convergyss controlled group anticipates a renewal of the contractual relationship or the Participant becoming an employee of any member of Convergyss controlled group. The following subsections of this subsection 9.4 shall apply in determining when a Participant has incurred a separation from service with Convergyss controlled group.
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(a) Effect of Participant Becoming Employee . If the Participant would otherwise have been deemed to have separated from service with Convergys under the foregoing provisions of this subsection 9.4 except for the fact that he or she becomes an employee of any member of Convergyss controlled group, then he or she shall be deemed to have separated from service with Convergys only when he or she is deemed to have separated from service in accordance with the provisions of subsection 10.4 of the Convergys Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated as of January 1, 2005 (for purposes of this subsection 9.4, the EDCP) or the commensurate provision of any amended or successor EDCP document.
(b) Specified Employees . In addition, if the Participant would otherwise have been deemed to have separated from service with Convergys under the foregoing provisions of this section 9.4 except for the fact that he or she becomes an employee of any member of Convergyss controlled group, and if the Participant is a specified employee on the date he or she is deemed to have separated from service in accordance with the provisions of subsection 10.4 of the EDCP, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the date as of which the payment of the Participants Account shall commence under the provisions of subsection 5.1 hereof shall to the extent necessary be deferred until at least the date immediately following the date which is six months after the date he or she so separates from service under the provisions of subsection 10.4 of the EDCP. For purposes of this subsection 9.4, the Participant shall be deemed to be a specified employee on the date he or she is deemed to have separated from service in accordance with the provisions of subsection 10.4 of the EDCP if, and only if, he or she would be deemed a specified employee on such date under the provisions of subsection 6.1(d) of the EDCP.
(c) Controlled Group Definition . For purposes of this subsection 9.4 and the other provisions of the Plan, Convergyss controlled group means, collectively, (i) Convergys and (ii) each other corporation or other organization that is deemed to be a single employer with Convergys under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code ( i.e. , as part of a controlled group of corporations that includes Convergys or under common control with Convergys), provided that such Code sections will be applied and interpreted by substituting at least 50 percent for each reference to at least 80 percent that is contained in Code Section 1563(a)(1), (2), and (3) and in Section 1.414(c)-2 of the Treasury Regulations.
9.5 No Effect On Employment as Board Member . The Plan is not a contract of employment as a member of the Board, and the terms of employment of any Participant as a Board member shall not be affected in any way by the Plan except as specifically provided in the Plan. The establishment of the Plan shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon any Participant for a continuation of employment as a member of the Board or in any other capacity, nor shall it interfere with the right of Convergys to remove any Convergys director and to treat him or her without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Participant in the Plan. Each Participant (and any Beneficiary of or other person claiming through the Participant) who may have or claim any right under the Plan shall be bound by the terms of the Plan.
9.6 Applicable Law . The Plan shall be governed by applicable federal law and, to the extent not preempted by applicable federal law, the laws of the State of Ohio.
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9.7 Separability of Provisions . If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been included.
9.8 Headings . Headings used throughout the Plan are for convenience only and shall not be given legal significance.
9.9 Application of Code Section 409A . The Plan is intended to satisfy and comply with all of the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any Treasury Regulations issued thereunder. The provisions of the Plan shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with such intent.
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IN ORDER TO EFFECT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PLAN DOCUMENT, Convergys Corporation, the sponsor of the Plan, has caused its name to be subscribed to this Plan document, to be effective as of January 1, 2005.
CONVERGYS CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ David R. Whitwam | |
Chair, Compensation and Benefits Committee | ||
August 26, 2008 |
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Exhibit 10.3 to 2008 10-Q
CONVERGYS CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
(As amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2005)
CONVERGYS CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
(As amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2005)
1. | Introduction to Plan . |
1.1 Name and Sponsor of Plan . The name of this Plan is the Convergys Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, and its sponsor is Convergys.
1.2 Purpose of Plan . The purpose of the Plan is to provide supplemental retirement and death benefits for a select group of managers of the Company.
1.3 Effective Amendment Date of Plan .
(a) Plan Benefits Subject To Terms of This Document . In order to conform the Plan to the requirements of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, this document amends and restates the Plan effective as of the Effective Amendment Date (January 1, 2005). The provisions of sections 2 through 8 hereof apply to but only to:
(1) amounts that are attributable to benefits accrued under Section 4.1 hereof on or after the Effective Amendment Date;
(2) amounts that are attributable to benefits accrued under Section 4.1 prior to the Effective Amendment Date that were not earned and vested prior to the Effective Amendment Date (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-6(a)(2) and -6(a)(3)(i) of the Treasury Regulations, which provide that amounts are earned and vested only if not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and that the earned and vested amount is the present value of the amount that would be received upon separation from service and payment on the earliest possible date and any amount the Participant actually becomes entitled to under plan terms in effect on October 3, 2004 and without regard to services or compensation after December 31, 2004); and
(3) amounts that are attributable to benefits accrued under the provisions of the Prior Plan prior to the Effective Amendment Date that were earned and vested (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-6(a)(2) and -6(a)(3)(i) of the Treasury Regulations) prior to the Effective Amendment Date, but only if the provisions of the Prior Plan that apply to any such compensation are materially modified (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-6(a)(4) of the Treasury Regulations). This document does not by itself materially modify such provisions.
(b) Effective Date of Following Terms of This Document When Applied To Pre-Effective Amendment Date Deferred Compensation . Any benefits described in paragraph (a)(2) and (3) of this subsection 1.3 shall, beginning as of the Effective Amendment Date, be subject to the terms of sections 2 through 8 hereof as if this document had been in effect prior to the Effective Amendment Date.
(c) Incorporation of Terms of Prior Plan . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) and (3) of this subsection 1.3, all rules (including rules as to assumed investments and distributions) that relate to benefits under the Prior Plan shall be governed solely by the terms of the Prior Plan (which terms are incorporated herein by reference).
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2. General Definitions . For all purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings hereinafter set forth, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
2.1 Beneficiary means, with respect to any Participant, the person or entity designated by the Participant, on forms furnished and in the manner prescribed by the Committee, to receive any benefit payable under the Plan after the Participants death. If a Participant fails to designate a beneficiary or if, for any reason, such designation is not effective, his or her Beneficiary shall be deemed to be his or her surviving spouse or, if none, his or her estate.
2.2 Board means the Board of Directors of Convergys.
2.3 Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the events described in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection 2.3. All of such events shall be determined under and, even if not so indicated in the following paragraphs of this subsection 2.3, shall be subject to all of the terms of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations.
(a) A change in the ownership of Convergys (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) of the Treasury Regulations). In very general terms, Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) of the Treasury Regulations provides that a change in the ownership of Convergys occurs when a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires outstanding voting securities of Convergys that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of Convergys.
(b) A change in the effective control of Convergys (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) of the Treasury Regulations). In very general terms, Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) of the Treasury Regulations provides that a change in the effective control of Convergys occurs either:
(1) when a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of Convergys possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of Convergys; or
(2) when a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election.
(c) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Convergys (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) of the Treasury Regulations). In very general terms, Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) of the Treasury Regulations provides that a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Convergys occurs when a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from Convergys that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of Convergys immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.
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2.4 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it may thereafter be amended. A reference to a specific section of the Code shall be deemed to be a reference both (i) to the provisions of such section as it exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it is subsequently amended, renumbered, or superseded (by future legislation) and (ii) to the provisions of any section of the Treasury Regulations that is issued under such Code section.
2.5 Committee means the committee appointed to administer the Plan under the provisions of subsection 5.1 hereof.
2.6 Company means all of the Employers considered collectively.
2.7 Convergys means Convergys Corporation (and, except for purposes of determining whether a Change in Control has occurred, any legal successor to Convergys Corporation that results from a merger or similar transaction).
2.8 Date of Separation means, with respect to any Participant, the date on which the Participant separates from service with the Company.
2.9 Effective Amendment Date means January 1, 2005.
2.10 Employee means any person who is a common law employee of the Company ( i.e. , a person whose work procedures are subject to control by the Company) and is treated as an employee on an employee payroll of the Company.
2.11 Employer means each of: (i) Convergys; and (ii) each other corporation or other organization that is deemed to be a single employer with Convergys under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code ( i.e. , as part of a controlled group of corporations that includes Convergys or under common control with Convergys).
2.12 ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as it exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it may thereafter be amended. A reference to a specific section of ERISA shall be deemed to be a reference both (i) to the provisions of such section as it exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it is subsequently amended, renumbered, or superseded (by future legislation) and (ii) to the provisions of any government regulation that is issued under such section as of the Effective Amendment Date or as of a later date.
2.13 Initial Benefit Form Election Date means, with respect to any Participant, the later of: (i) the date on which his or her initial designation as a Senior Manager eligible to participate in the Plan becomes effective pursuant to the provisions of subsection 3.1 hereof (for purposes of this subsection 2.13, the Participants initial designation date); or (ii) if on the Participants initial designation date he or she still needs to complete at least twelve additional months of service as an Employee in order to be credited with at least five Years of Service, the 30 th day after the Participants initial designation date, but not later than twelve months before he or she would be credited with five Years of Service (e.g., the full 30 day period is available only if there are thirteen months remaining before reaching five Years of Service). Notwithstanding the foregoing, clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall not apply to the Participant in the event the Participants death or a Change in Control occurs before the first annual anniversary of the Participants initial designation date.
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2.14 Participant means, with respect to any date, any person who (i) is on such date or has previously been a Senior Manager and (ii) is on such date either entitled to accrue benefits under the Plan or entitled (determined without regard to the provisions of subsection 4.8 hereof) to have a benefit paid under the Plan to or with respect to him or her.
2.15 Pension Plan means the Convergys Corporation Pension Plan, as such plan exists as of the Effective Amendment Date and as it may thereafter be amended, and including both the part of such plan that is intended to qualify as a tax-favored plan under Section 401(a) of the Code and the part of such plan that is not intended to qualify as a tax-favored plan under Section 401(a) of the Code but instead is subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Pension Plan is a defined benefit pension plan that is sponsored by Convergys.
2.16 Plan means the Convergys Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. This document amends and restates the Plan effective as of the Effective Amendment Date to the extent indicated by subsection 1.3 hereof.
2.17 Prior Plan means the versions of the Plan that were in effect before the Effective Amendment Date.
2.18 Senior Manager means, as of any date, a person who on such date is an Employee, who has previously been designated as a participant in the Plan by action of the Board or the Committee (adopted either prior to the Effective Amendment Date or on or after such date) in accordance with the provisions of section 3 below, and who has not previously been removed as a participant in the Plan by action of the Board or the Committee adopted in accordance with the provisions of section 3 below.
2.19 Treasury Regulations means all final regulations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Code, as such regulations exist as of the date on which this document is executed on its final page by an officer or representative of Convergys and as they are subsequently amended, renumbered, or superseded. A reference to a specific section or paragraph of the Treasury Regulations shall be deemed to be a reference to the provisions of such section or paragraph as it exists as of the date on which this document is executed on its final page by an officer or representative of Convergys and as it is subsequently amended, renumbered, or superseded.
2.20 Years of Service means, with respect to any Senior Manager, the Senior Managers full years of service as an Employee, computed on the basis that twelve full months of service (whether or not consecutive) constitutes one full year of service. For purposes of the Plan, service prior to January 1, 1999 as an employee with Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its affiliates shall be deemed to be service as an Employee.
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3. | Eligible Employees . |
3.1 Designation of Senior Managers Eligible To Participate in Plan . Either the Board or the Committee, by action taken under its policies and procedures, may at any time on or after the Effective Amendment Date designate any Employee who it determines is (or may at any time prior to the Effective Amendment Date have designated any Employee who it determined was) (i) a senior manager of the Company who is key to the success of the Company, and (ii) part of a select group of management or highly compensated employees (within the meaning of Sections 201, 301, and 401 of ERISA), as a participant in the Plan. For purposes of the Plan, such a designation shall be effective on the date such action is or was taken by the Board or the Committee (as the case may be) or such later date that is or was set by the Board or the Committee in such action. Any Employee who is or was designated as a senior manager for purposes of the Plan is referred to in the Plan as a Senior Manager.
3.2 Removal of Senior Managers as Participants in Plan . In addition, either the Board or the Committee, by action taken under its policies and procedures, may at any time on or after the Effective Amendment Date designate that any Senior Manager shall no longer be considered a Senior Manager under the Plan and shall no longer participate in the Plan (other than to the extent he or she may participate in the Plan for the purpose of receiving benefits he or she accrued while he or she was designated as a Senior Manager under the Plan) should it determine that such Employee (i) is no longer a senior manager of the Company who is key to the success of the Company or (ii) is no longer part of a select group of management or highly compensated employees (within the meaning of Sections 201, 301, and 401 of ERISA).
4. | Benefits . |
4.1 Participants Retirement Benefit .
(a) Basic Benefit Eligibility and Formula . Subject to the other provisions of this section 4, if a Participant separates from service with the Company after completing at least five Years of Service, he or she shall be entitled to receive a monthly benefit, commencing as of the sixth month anniversary of the Participants Date of Separation (or, if later, the sixth month anniversary of the date on which the Participant would have both attained age 55 and completed at least ten Years of Service had he or she remained an Employee until such date) and payable for his or her life. The monthly amount of such benefit shall, subject to the other provisions of this section 4, be equal to the result obtained (not less than zero) by subtracting (i) his or her Pension Plan Benefit (determined as of his or her Date of Separation) from (ii) 50% of his or her Average Monthly Compensation (determined as of his or her Date of Separation); provided, however, that the amount of such monthly benefit shall be reduced by the sum of (i) 3.5% for each full year by which his or her years of age at his or her Date of Separation is less than 62 and (ii) 3.5% for each full year by which his or her Years of Service at his or her Date of Separation is less than 25.
(1) For purposes of this paragraph (a), a Participants Average Monthly Compensation, as determined as of the Participants Date of Separation, shall be the average obtained by dividing (i) his or her highest annual cash compensation target (as defined below) on any date during the five year period ending on his or her Date of Separation by (ii) 12. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Mr. Dougherty and Mr. Shanks Average Monthly Compensation shall be base salary plus annual incentive goal in effect as of December 31, 2007, without increase or decrease for changes in compensation levels after that date. For purposes hereof, a Participants annual cash compensation target means, as of any date, his or her annual base salary and annual incentive target that is in effect on such date, determined without regard to whether or not all or any part of such amount is deferred by the Participant pursuant to a deferred compensation plan or agreement, 401(k) plan, and/or cafeteria plan of the Company or is paid in the form of securities or other property which is not immediately included in his or her income for federal income tax purposes.
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(2) Also for purposes of this paragraph (a), a Participants Pension Plan Benefit means the benefits (if any) which the Participant is entitled to receive under the Pension Plan, if such benefits were expressed as a monthly benefit commencing on the date as of which his or her benefit under this subsection 4.1 is to commence and payable for his or her life (as determined by the Committee in accordance with, if needed, reasonable actuarial assumptions chosen by the Committee in its discretion and which assumptions may but do not necessarily have to be the actuarial assumptions that are used under the Pension Plan as of the Participants Date of Separation to determine the actuarial equivalence of two different annuity benefits). If a Participant has received or is entitled to receive a benefit from the Company which, in the opinion of the Committee, is intended to supplement or be in lieu of a benefit under the Pension Plan, the value of such other benefit shall also be deemed to be a benefit under the Pension Plan.
(3) The Committee may in ancillary documentation provide for the Participants benefit to be computed using a different percentage income replacement, average monthly earnings definition, or any other component of the amount or payment entitlement of the benefit hereunder, which documentation may take the form of a participation agreement, employment agreement, notice of participant, or other document, which need only be agreed to by the Participant if an already-accrued benefit is affected.
(b) Special Benefit Eligibility and Formula Rule in Event of Change in Control . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection 4.1, if a Participant separates from service with the Company prior to completing at least five Years of Service but after a Change in Control has occurred, he or she shall be entitled to receive a monthly benefit, commencing as of the later of (i) the sixth month anniversary of the Participants Date of Separation, or (ii) the date on which the Participant would have both attained age 62 and completed at least 25 Years of Service had he or she remained an Employee until such date, and payable for his or her life. The monthly amount of such benefit shall be equal to the product produced by multiplying (i) the monthly amount determined under the second sentence of paragraph (a) of this subsection 4.1 by (ii) a fraction that has a numerator equal to the number of the Participants Years of Service as of the date of the Change in Control and a denominator equal to the Years of Service the Participant would have completed if he or she had remained an Employee until the date on which the Participant would have both attained age 62 and completed at least 25 Years of Service.
(c) Participants Election of Alternative Installment or Annuity Benefit Form . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection 4.1, any Participant may elect, by a written form filed with the Committee on or prior to the Participants Initial Benefit Form Election Date and subject to the consent of the Committee and such additional administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, to receive the benefit to which he or she may become entitled under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 4.1 in either of the following forms (in lieu of a monthly benefit payable for the life of the Participant):
(1) fifteen equal annual installments that commence as of the date such benefit would otherwise commence under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 4.1; or
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(2) a monthly annuity commencing as of the date such benefit would otherwise commence under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 4.1 and payable for the life of the Participant and continuing after his or her death to an individual Beneficiary designated by the Participant (in his or her election of this form of benefit) for the Beneficiarys life at one-half of the rate payable during the joint lives of the Participant and the Beneficiary (provided that such Beneficiary survives the Participant).
Any optional form of benefit hereunder shall be actuarially equivalent (as determined by the Committee under reasonable actuarial assumptions chosen by the Committee in its discretion and which assumptions may but do not necessarily have to be the actuarial assumptions that are used under the Pension Plan at the time of the election to determine the actuarial equivalence of two different annuity benefits) to the standard form of benefit otherwise payable to the Participant under the provisions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 4.1. Also, if a Participant whose benefit is being paid in fifteen annual installments dies before receiving all of the installments, the remaining installments shall be paid, when due, to his or her Beneficiary.
(d) Participants Special Election of Alternative Lump Sum Benefit Form . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection 4.1, any Participant may elect, by a written form filed with the Committee on or prior to the Participants Initial Benefit Form Election Date and subject to the consent of the Committee and such additional administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, to receive the benefit to which he or she may become entitled under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection 4.1 in the form of a lump sum payment that is made as of the sixth month anniversary of the Participants Date of Separation (in lieu of any other form of benefit otherwise provided under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection 4.1). Such election may designate that it is to apply (i) in the event (and only in the event) that the Participants Date of Separation occurs within two years after a Change in Control, (ii) in the event that the Participants Date of Separation occurs other than within two years after a Change in Control, or (iii) in both of the situations described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this sentence.
(1) Any such lump sum benefit shall be actuarially equivalent (as determined by the Committee in accordance with the actuarial assumptions described in subparagraph (2) immediately below) to the standard form of benefit otherwise payable to the Participant under the provisions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 4.1.
(2) The actuarial assumptions used to determine the amount of such lump sum benefit shall be based on the average of the cost quotes, obtained by the Committee from at least two insurance companies that (i) have a rating equivalent to A.M. Best A+ or higher and (ii) are licensed to do business in the State of Ohio, for the purchase of an annuity contract providing the lump sum benefit; provided, however, that if the cost quotes from the two insurance companies chosen by the Committee differ by more than 5%, a third cost quote will be obtained by the Committee from a third insurance company that meets the criteria described in this sentence and the average of the two highest quotes will be used to determine the amount of the lump sum benefit.
(e) Special Pre-December 31, 2008 Distribution Election Right . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this subsection 4.1, Convergys may, in its discretion and pursuant to and in accordance with certain transition relief contained in guidance that is cited in Section XII.A of the preamble to Sections 1.409A-1 through 1.409A-6 of the
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Treasury Regulations and as such relief was extended in Internal Revenue Service Notice 2007-86, and by adopting and distributing written forms, notices, or other written documents, permit any Participant to make, at any time prior to December 31, 2008 and by filing with the Committee a writing or form approved or prepared by the Committee, a new election (i) to receive the benefit to which he or she is or may become entitled under subsection 4.1 hereof in any of the forms of benefit described in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this subsection 4.1 (in lieu of a monthly benefit payable for the life of the Participant or any other form of benefit permitted hereunder), even if such election occurs later than the Participants Initial Benefit Form Election Date.
(1) Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in no event shall any election made under the provisions of this paragraph (e) be given any effect under the Plan unless the Participant actually makes such new election on or before December 31, 2008; and (ii) any election made under the provisions of this paragraph (e) shall not be given any effect under the Plan if the Participants benefit accrued under the Plan would otherwise commence to be paid as of any date during the same calendar year as the calendar year in which the election is made or if such election attempts to cause the Participants benefit accrued under the Plan to commence to be paid as of any date during the same calendar year as the calendar year in which the election is made.
(2) Any written forms, notices, or other written documents adopted and distributed by Convergys under the terms of this paragraph (e) shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Plan and an amendment to this Plan.
(f) Subsequent Distribution Election . The Participant may, by filing an appropriate form with the Committee not less than twelve months before the date that any portion of the Participants benefit would be or begin to be paid under the forgoing provisions of section 4.1 or 4.2 (for purposes of this subparagraph (f), the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date), elect to change the form of payment of the benefit, provided that:
(1) any such new election shall not become effective until twelve months elapse from the filing of such election with the Committee (and thus will be ineffective should the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date occur prior to the expiration of such twelve month period);
(2) any such new election would comply with the foregoing provisions of this section 4.1 other than for the time as of which such election is made and the commencement timing of payment as per (f)(4)(C) below; and
(3) upon such a new election, the commencement date of benefit payments shall be the date five years after the subject deferred amounts initial commencement date.
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4.2 Death Benefit .
(a) Death Benefit Eligibility . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan and in lieu of any other benefit applicable to the Participant under subsection 4.1 hereof, if a Participant dies while an Employee (or if a Participant who has completed five or more Years of Service dies after he or she has ceased to be an Employee but in any event before the date as of which any benefit under the Plan commences to be paid to him or her under the other provisions of the Plan), then his or her Beneficiary shall be entitled to receive a death benefit (referred to in this subsection 4.2 as the Participants preretirement death benefit).
(b) Preretirement Death Benefits Standard Form and Amount . Except to the extent otherwise provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this subsection 4.2, a Participants preretirement death benefit shall be payable in fifteen annual installments commencing on the 60 th day following the date of the Participants death), provided that any scheduled payment that would have begun before such 60 th day had the Participant not died shall be made at the regularly scheduled date and the actuarial equivalent shall be adjusted to reflect such payments. Such death benefit (payable in such fifteen annual installments) shall be actuarially equivalent (as determined by the Committee under reasonable actuarial assumptions chosen by the Committee in its discretion and which assumptions may but do not necessarily have to be the actuarial assumptions that are used under the Pension Plan at the time of the election to determine the actuarial equivalence of two different annuity benefits) to the monthly benefit which, had the Participant not died, would have been payable to the Participant under subsection 4.1(a) hereof or would have been payable to the Participant under subsection 4.1(a) hereof if such subsection did not require the Participant to have completed at least five Years of Service in order to be entitled to a benefit under that subsection (except that, if the Participant had not completed at least five Years of Service by the date of his or her death, such monthly benefit shall be deemed to be equal to the product produced by multiplying such monthly benefit by a fraction that has a numerator equal to the number of the Participants Years of Service as of the date of his or her death and a denominator equal to five).
(c) Special Election of Alternative Lump Sum Benefit Form for Preretirement Death Benefit . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this subsection 4.2, any Participant may elect, by a written form filed with the Committee on or prior to the Participants Initial Benefit Form Election Date and subject to the consent of the Committee and such additional administrative rules as the Committee may prescribe, to have the preretirement benefit to which his or her Beneficiary may become entitled paid to the Beneficiary (in the event such death benefit actually becomes payable under this subsection 4.2) in the form of a lump sum payment paid 60 days after the date of death (in lieu of the form of benefit otherwise provided under paragraph (b) of this subsection 4.2), provided that any scheduled payment that would have begun before such 60 th day had the Participant not died shall be made at the regularly scheduled date.
(1) Any such lump sum benefit shall be actuarially equivalent (as determined by the Committee in accordance with the actuarial assumptions described in subparagraph (2) immediately below) to the form of the preretirement death benefit otherwise payable to the Participants Beneficiary under the provisions of paragraph (b) of this subsection 4.2.
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(2) The actuarial assumptions used to determine the amount of such lump sum benefit shall be based on the average of the cost quotes, obtained by the Committee from at least two insurance companies that (i) have a rating equivalent to A.M. Best A+ or higher and (ii) are licensed to do business in the State of Ohio, for the purchase of an annuity contract providing the lump sum preretirement death benefit; provided, however, that if the cost quotes from the two insurance companies chosen by the Committee differ by more than 5%, a third cost quote will be obtained by the Committee from a third insurance company that meets the criteria described in this sentence and the average of the two highest quotes will be used to determine the amount of the lump sum benefit.
(d) Special Pre-December 31, 2008 Distribution Election Right for Preretirement Death Benefit . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection 4.2, Convergys may, in its discretion and pursuant to and in accordance with certain transition relief contained in guidance that is cited in Section XII.A of the preamble to Sections 1.409A-1 through 1.409A-6 of the Treasury Regulations and as such relief was extended in Internal Revenue Service Notice 2007-86, and by adopting and distributing written forms, notices, or other written documents, permit any Participant to make, at any time prior to December 31, 2008 and by filing with the Committee a writing or form approved or prepared by the Committee, a new election to have the preretirement benefit to which his or her Beneficiary may become entitled paid to the Beneficiary (in the event such death benefit actually becomes payable under this subsection 4.2) in the form of a lump sum payment 60 days after the date of the Participants death (in lieu of the form of benefit otherwise provided under paragraph (b) of this subsection 4.2), even if such election occurs later than the Participants Initial Benefit Form Election Date.
(1) Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in no event shall any election made under the provisions of this paragraph (d) be given any effect under the Plan unless the Participant actually makes such new election on or before December 31, 2008; and (ii) any election made under the provisions of this paragraph (d) shall not be given any effect under the Plan if the preretirement death benefit would otherwise commence to be paid as of any date during the same calendar year as the calendar year in which the election is made or if such election attempts to cause the preretirement death benefit to commence to be paid as of any date during the same calendar year as the calendar year in which the election is made.
(2) Any written forms, notices, or other written documents adopted and distributed by Convergys under the terms of this paragraph (d) shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Plan and an amendment to this Plan.
4.3 Annuity and Installment Payments After Initial Payment . Any monthly payment under an annuity benefit provided under the Plan with respect to a Participant that is made after the first payment of such annuity shall be made as of a monthly anniversary of the first payment of such annuity. Similarly, any annual payment under an installment benefit provided under the Plan with respect to a Participant that is made after the first payment of such installment method shall be made as of an annual anniversary of the first payment of such annuity.
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4.4 Distributions for Payment of Taxes .
(a) Distribution for FICA and Related Income Taxes . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Company shall have the right (without notice to or approval by a Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or any other person) to pay the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (for purposes of this paragraph (a), FICA) tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a), and 3121(v)(2) on compensation deferred under the Plan with respect to the Participant (for purposes of this paragraph (a), the FICA amount), plus (i) any income tax at source on wages imposed under Code Section 3401 or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state, local, or foreign tax laws as a result of the payment of the FICA amount and (ii) any additional income tax at source on wages attributable to the pyramiding Code Section 3401 wages and taxes, from any benefit accrued under the Plan with respect to the Participant (or from any amounts otherwise payable by the Company to or on account of the Participant).
(1) However, the total payment that is taken under the provisions of this paragraph (a) from any benefit accrued under the Plan for the Participant must not exceed the aggregate of the FICA amount and the income tax withholding related to the FICA amount.
(2) To the extent payments made in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (a) are satisfied from any benefit accrued under the Plan for the Participant, then such benefit will immediately be reduced by the present actuarial equivalent value of such payments.
(b) Distributions for Benefit Payment Tax Withholding Requirements . Also notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Company shall have the right (without notice to or approval by a Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or any other person) to withhold from any amounts otherwise payable by the Company to or on account of the Participant, or from any payment otherwise then being made by the Company to the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or any other person by reason of the Plan, an amount which the Company determines is sufficient to satisfy all federal, state, local, and foreign tax withholding requirements that may apply with respect to such benefit payment made under the Plan. To the extent such tax withholding requirements are satisfied from any payment otherwise then being made by the Company to the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or any other person by reason of the Plan, the amount so withheld shall be deemed a distribution under the Plan to the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or such other person, as the case may be.
4.5 Administrative Period To Make Payment . The other provisions of this section 4 provide that any payment that is made under the Plan to or with respect to a Participant shall occur as of a specific date and sometimes refer to such a date as a commencement date or a payment date. However, in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.409A-3(d) of the Treasury Regulations and in order to permit a reasonable administrative period for the Company to make payments required under the Plan, and notwithstanding any other provision of this section 4 or any other provision of the Plan, any payment that is made under the Plan to or with respect to a Participant shall be deemed to have been made as of the specific date as of which it is to be paid under the other provisions of the Plan as long as it is made no earlier than 30 days before such date and no later than a later date within the same tax year of the Participant (or, if later, by the 15 th day of the third calendar month following such specified date), provided that the Participant shall not be permitted directly or indirectly to designate the tax year of payment.
4.6 Employer To Make Payment . Unless the Committee otherwise provides, any payment with respect to a Participants benefit under this Plan shall be the liability of and, subject to the provisions of subsection 6.2 hereof, made by the Employer which last employs the Participant as a Senior Manager prior to the payment.
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4.7 Facility of Payment . Any amounts payable hereunder to any person who is under legal disability or who, in the judgment of the Committee, is unable to properly manage the persons financial affairs may be paid to the legal representative of such person or may be applied for the benefit of such person in any manner which the Committee may select, and any such payment shall be deemed to be payment for such persons account and shall be a complete discharge of all liability of the applicable Employer with respect to the amount so paid.
4.8 Special Forfeiture Provisions . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion, forfeit any benefit or part of a benefit that is or has been accrued by a Participant under the other provisions of this section 4 (and which benefit has not yet been paid), in which case such benefit or part of a benefit shall not be payable under this Plan, if the Committee determines that any of the following events has occurred:
(a) Discharge for Cause . The Participant is discharged by an Employer for cause. For purposes of the Plan, cause means a Participant has violated the Employers Code of Business Conduct, has acted recklessly in the performance of duties for the Employer, or has been convicted of a felony;
(b) Prior Misconduct . The Participant had while employed by an Employer engaged in conduct that was not then known by the Employer but could and reasonably would have resulted in the Participant being discharged for cause had the Employer then known of such conduct; or
(c) Competition with Employer . The Participant, without the express written consent of the Board or the Committee, at any time is employed by, becomes associated with, renders service to, or owns an interest in any business that is competitive with any Employer or with any business in which an Employer has a substantial interest (other than as a shareholder with a nonsubstantial interest in such business).
4.9 No Other Benefits Under Plan . Except as otherwise is specifically provided in this section 4 or by other action by the Board or the Committee, no Participant, or any person claiming by or through him or her, shall be entitled to receive any benefit under the Plan.
5. | Administration of Plan . |
5.1 Administrator of Plan . Convergys shall be the administrator of the Plan. However, the Plan shall be administered on behalf of Convergys by the Committee. The Committee shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board, unless and until the Board appoints a different committee to administer the Plan.
5.2 Powers of Committee . The Committee, in connection with administering the Plan, is authorized to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of the Plan and is given complete discretionary authority to determine any persons eligibility for benefits under the Plan, to construe the terms of the Plan, and to decide any other matters pertaining to the Plans administration. The Committee shall determine any question arising in the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan, which determination shall be binding and conclusive on all persons (subject only to the claims procedure provisions of subsection 5.6 below). The Committee may correct errors, however arising, and, as far as possible, adjust any benefit payments accordingly.
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5.3 Actions of Committee .
(a) Manner of Acting as Committee . The Committee shall act by a majority of its members at the time in office, and any such action may be taken either by a vote at a meeting or in writing without a meeting. The Committee may by such majority action appoint subcommittees and may authorize any one or more of its members or any agent of it to execute any document or documents or to take any other action, including the exercise of discretion, on behalf of the Committee.
(b) Appointment of Agents . The Committee may appoint or employ such counsel, auditors, physicians, clerical help, actuaries, and/or any other agents as in the Committees judgment may seem reasonable or necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, and any agent it so employs may carry out any of the responsibilities of the Committee that are delegated to him or her with the same effect as if the Committee had acted directly. The Committee may provide for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation of the Plan.
(c) Conflict of Interest of Committee Member . Any member of the Committee who is also a Participant in the Plan shall not participate in any meeting, discussion, or action of the Committee that specifically concerns his or her own situation.
5.4 Compensation of Committee and Payment of Administrative Expenses . The members of the Committee shall not receive any extra or special compensation for serving as the administrative committee with respect to the Plan and, except as required by law, no bond or other security need be required of them in such capacity in any jurisdiction. All expenses of the administration of the Plan shall be paid by the Company.
5.5 Limits on Liability . The Company shall hold each member of the Committee harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses, and liabilities arising from any act or omission of the member under or relating to the Plan, other than any expenses or liabilities resulting from the members own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which the members of the Committee may be entitled as a matter of law.
5.6 Claims Procedures .
(a) Initial Claim . If a Participant, a Participants Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through a Participant has a dispute as to the failure of the Plan to pay or provide a benefit, as to the amount of Plan benefit paid, or as to any other matter involving the Plan, the person may file a claim for the benefit or relief believed by the person to be due. Such claim must be provided by written notice to the Committee. The Committee shall decide any claims made pursuant to this subsection 5.6.
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(b) Rules If Initial Claim Is Denied . If a claim made pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection 5.6 is denied, in whole or in part, the Committee shall generally furnish notice of the denial in writing to the claimant within 90 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, 45 days) after receipt of the claim by the Committee; except that if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, the period in which the Committee is to furnish the claimant written notice of the denial shall be extended for up to an additional 90 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, an additional 30 days), and the Committee shall provide the claimant within the initial 90-day (or 45-day) period a written notice indicating the reasons for the extension and the date by which the Committee expects to render the final decision.
(c) Final Denial Notice . If a claim made pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection 5.6 is denied, in whole or in part, the final notice of denial shall be written in a manner designed to be understood by the claimant and set forth (i) the specific reasons for the denial, (ii) specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based, (iii) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, and (iv) information as to the steps to be taken if the claimant wishes to appeal such denial of his or her claim, including the time limits applicable to making a request for an appeal and, in the event the claim is one for benefits under the Plan, a statement of the claimants right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse benefit determination on appeal.
(d) Appeal of Denied Claim . Any claimant who has a claim denied under the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection 5.6 may appeal the denied claim to the Committee. Such an appeal must, in order to be considered, be filed by written notice to the Committee within 60 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, 180 days) of the receipt by the claimant of a written notice of the denial of his or her initial claim. If any appeal is filed in accordance with such rules, the claimant (i) shall be given, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim and (ii) shall be provided the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the claim. A formal hearing may be allowed in its discretion by the Committee but is not required.
(e) Appeal Process . Upon any appeal of a denied claim, the Committee shall provide a full and fair review of the subject claim, taking into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the claimant (without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination of the claim), and generally decide the appeal within 60 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, 45 days) after the filing of the appeal; except that if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the appeal, the period in which the appeal is to be decided may be extended for up to an additional 60 days (or, if a Participants disability is material to the claim, an additional 45 days) and the Committee shall provide the claimant written notice of the extension prior to the end of the initial period. However, if the decision on the appeal is extended due to the claimants failure to submit information necessary to decide the appeal, the period for making the decision on the appeal shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information.
(f) Appeal Decision Notice If Appeal Is Denied . If an appeal of a denied claim is denied, the decision on appeal shall (i) be set forth in a writing designed to be understood by the claimant, (ii) specify the reasons for the decision and references to pertinent provisions of this Plan on which the decision is based, and (iii) contain statements that the claimant is entitled to
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receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim and, in the event the appeal involves a claim for benefits under the Plan, of the claimants right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA. The decision on appeal shall generally be furnished to the claimant by the Committee within the applicable appeal period that is described above.
(g) Miscellaneous Claims Procedure Rules . If a Participants disability is material to an applicable claim appeal, then, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall appoint other persons who are not either members of the Committee or subordinates of any such members to conduct the appeal (and any reference to the Committee in the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection 5.6 that deal with such appeal shall be read to refer to such other appointed persons). Also, a claimant may appoint a representative to act on his or her behalf in making or pursuing a claim or an appeal of a claim. In addition, the Committee may prescribe additional rules which are consistent with the other provisions of this subsection 5.6 in order to carry out the claim procedures of this Plan.
6. | Funding Obligation . |
6.1 General Rule for Source of Benefits . Except as is otherwise provided herein, all payments of any benefit provided under the Plan to or on account of a Participant shall be made from the general assets of the Employer which last employed the Participant as a Senior Manager. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, neither the Participant, his or her Beneficiary, nor any other person claiming through the Participant shall have any right or claim to any payment of the benefit to be provided pursuant to the Plan which in any manner whatsoever is superior to or different from the right or claim of a general and unsecured creditor of such Employer.
6.2 Rabbi Trust . Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 6.1 hereof, Convergys may, in its sole and absolute discretion, establish a trust (for purposes of this subsection 6.2, the Trust) to which contributions may be made by an Employer in order to fund the Employers obligations under the Plan. If, and only if, Convergys exercises its discretion to establish a Trust, the following paragraphs of this subsection 6.2 shall apply (notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan).
(a) Grantor Trust Requirement . The part of the Trust attributable to any Employers contributions to the Trust (for purposes of this subsection 6.2, such Employers Trust account) shall be a grantor trust under the Code, in that such Employer shall be treated as the grantor of such Employers Trust account within the meaning of subpart E, part I, subchapter J, chapter 1, subtitle A of the Code.
(b) Creditors Rights Under Trust When Employer Insolvent . Any Employers Trust account shall be subject to the claims of such Employers creditors in the event of such Employers insolvency. For purposes hereof, an Employer shall be considered insolvent if either (i) such Employer is unable to pay its debts as they become due or (ii) such Employer is subject to a pending proceeding as a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code.
(c) Contributions To Trust . Except as may otherwise be required by the terms of the Trust itself or by subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (c), an Employer may make contributions to its Trust account for the purposes of meeting its obligations under the Plan at any time, and in such amounts, as such Employer determines in its discretion.
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(1) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (c), in the event of a Change in Control (except when such Change in Control is part of a change in an Employers financial health within the meaning of Section 409A(b)(2) of the Code), the Company shall, within five business days after the Change in Control, contribute such amounts as are necessary to cause the full present value of all benefits that are accrued under the Plan as of the date of the Change in Control to be fully funded under the Trust.
(2) For purposes of the provisions of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (c), the full present value of all benefits that are accrued under the Plan as of the date of the Change in Control shall be determined based on the following assumptions: (i) the date of retirement for each Participant shall be considered to be the later of the date on which such Participant shall both have attained at least age 62 and have completed at least 25 Years of Service or the date of the Change in Control and (ii) the interest and mortality assumptions shall be the same as those used for funding the Pension Plan for its plan year in which the Change in Control occurs (or, if such assumptions are not yet established, the analogous assumptions used for the Pension Plans immediately preceding plan year).
(d) Payments From Trust . Any payment otherwise required to be made by an Employer under the Plan shall be made by such Employers Trust account instead of such Employer in the event that such Employer fails to make such payment directly and such Employers Trust account then has sufficient assets to make such payment, provided that such Employer is not then insolvent. If such Employer becomes insolvent, however, then all assets of such Employers Trust account shall be held for the benefit of such Employers creditors and payments from such Employers Trust account shall cease or not begin, as the case may be.
(e) Remaining Liability of Employer . Unless and except to the extent any payment required to be made pursuant to the Plan by an Employer is made by such Employers Trust account, the obligation to make such payment remains exclusively that of such Employer.
(f) Terms of Trust Incorporated . The terms of the Trust are hereby incorporated by reference into the Plan. To the extent the terms of the Plan conflict with the terms of the Trust, the terms of the Trust shall control.
7. | Amendment and Termination of Plan . |
7.1 Right and Procedure to Terminate Plan . Convergys reserves the right to terminate the Plan in its entirety.
(a) Procedure To Terminate Plan . The procedure for Convergys to terminate the Plan in its entirety is as follows. In order to completely terminate the Plan, the Board shall adopt resolutions, pursuant and subject to the regulations or by-laws of Convergys and any applicable law, and either at a duly called meeting of the Board or by a written consent in lieu of a meeting, to terminate the Plan. Such resolutions shall set forth therein the effective date of the Plans termination.
16
(b) Effect of Termination of Plan . In the event the Board adopts resolutions completely terminating the Plan, no further benefits may be paid after the effective date of the Plans termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plans termination shall not affect the payment (in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions of subsection 4.8 hereof) of each Participants accrued benefit under the Plan as determined as of the later of the effective date of the Plans termination or the date such resolutions terminating the Plan are adopted. For purposes of this subsection 7.1 and the provisions of subsection 7.2 hereof, a Participants accrued benefit under the Plan means, as of any date, the Plan benefit that would have applied under the Plan to the Participant if he or she had permanently ceased to be an Employee no later than such date.
7.2 Amendment of Plan . Subject to the other provisions of this subsection 7.2, Convergys may amend the Plan at any time and from time to time in any respect; provided that no such amendment shall affect the payment (in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions of subsection 4.8 hereof) of each Participants accrued benefit under the Plan (as defined in subsection 7.1(b) hereof) as determined as of the later of the effective date of the amendment or the date such amendment is adopted.
(a) Procedure To Amend Plan . Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this subsection 7.2, in order to amend the Plan, the Board shall adopt resolutions, pursuant and subject to the regulations or by-laws of Convergys and any applicable law, and either at a duly called meeting of the Board or by a written consent in lieu of a meeting, to amend the Plan. Such resolutions shall either (i) set forth the express terms of the Plan amendment or (ii) simply set forth the nature of the amendment and direct an officer of Convergys to have prepared and to sign on behalf of Convergys the formal amendment to the Plan. In the latter case, such officer shall have prepared and shall sign on behalf of Convergys an amendment to the Plan which is in accordance with such resolutions.
(b) Alternative Procedure To Amend Plan . In addition to the procedure for amending the Plan set forth in paragraph (a) of this subsection 7.2, the Board may also adopt resolutions, pursuant and subject to the regulations or by-laws of Convergys and any applicable law, and either at a duly called meeting of the Board or by a written consent in lieu of a meeting, to delegate to any officer of Convergys or to the Committee the authority to amend the Plan.
(1) Such resolutions may either grant the officer or the Committee broad authority to amend the Plan in any manner the officer or the Committee deems necessary or advisable or may limit the scope of amendments he, she, or it may adopt, such as by limiting such amendments to matters related to the administration of the Plan. In the event of any such delegation to amend the Plan, the officer or the Committee to whom or which authority is delegated shall amend the Plan by having prepared and signed on behalf of Convergys an amendment to the Plan which is within the scope of amendments which he, she, or it has authority to adopt.
(2) Also, any such delegation to amend the Plan may be terminated at any time by later resolutions adopted by the Board.
(3) Finally, in the event of any such delegation to amend the Plan, and even while such delegation remains in effect, the Board shall continue to retain its own right to amend the Plan pursuant to the procedure set forth in paragraph (a) of this subsection 7.2.
17
8. | Miscellaneous . |
8.1 Delegation . Except as is otherwise provided in sections 5 and 7 hereof, any matter or thing to be done by Convergys shall be done by its Board, except that, from time to time, the Board by resolution may delegate to any person or committee certain of its rights and duties hereunder. Any such delegation shall be valid and binding on all persons, and the person or committee to whom or which authority is delegated shall have full power to act in all matters so delegated until the authority expires by its terms or is revoked by the Board, as the case may be.
8.2 Non-Alienation of Benefits .
(a) General Non-Alienation Rule . Except to the extent required by applicable law, no Participant or Beneficiary may alienate, commute, anticipate, assign, pledge, encumber, transfer, or dispose of the right to receive the payments required to be made by the Company hereunder, which payments and the right to receive them are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. In the event of any attempt to alienate, commute, anticipate, assign, pledge, encumber, transfer, or dispose of the right to receive the payments required to be made by the Company hereunder, the Company shall have no further obligation to make any payments otherwise required of it hereunder (except to the extent required by applicable law).
(b) Exception for Domestic Relations Orders . Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection 8.2, any benefit payment otherwise due to a Participant under the Plan may, in the discretion of the Committee and if it determines such action is required to satisfy applicable law, be made to a person other than the Participant to the extent necessary to fulfill a domestic relations order (as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B) and Section 206(d)(3)(B)(i) of ERISA).
8.3 No Spousal Rights . Nothing contained in the Plan shall give any spouse or former spouse of a Participant any right to benefits under the Plan of the types described in Code Sections 401(a)(11) and 417 (relating to qualified preretirement survivor annuities and qualified joint and survivor annuities).
8.4 Separation From Service . For all purposes of the Plan, a Participant shall be deemed to have separated from service with the Company on the date he or she dies, retires, or otherwise has a separation from service with the Companys controlled group. The following subsections of this subsection 8.4 shall apply in determining when a Participant has incurred a separation from service with the Companys controlled group.
(a) Effect of Leave of Service . The Participants service with the Companys controlled group shall be treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence where there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Companys controlled group (but not beyond the later of the date on which the leave has lasted for six months or the date on which the Participant no longer retains a right of reemployment with the Companys controlled group under an applicable statute or by contract).
18
(b) Determination of Separation From Service . For purposes of the Plan, a separation from service of the Participant with the Companys controlled group as of any date shall be determined to have occurred when, under all facts and circumstances, either (i) no further services will be performed by the Participant for the Companys controlled group after such date or (ii) the level of bona fide services the Participant will perform for the Companys controlled group after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) will permanently decrease to no more than 20% of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) by the Participant for the Companys controlled group over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of the Participants service for the Companys controlled group if such period has been less than 36 months).
(c) Controlled Group Definition . For purposes of this subsection 8.4, the Companys controlled group means, collectively, (i) each Employer and (ii) each other corporation or other organization that is deemed to be a single employer with an Employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code ( i.e. , as part of a controlled group of corporations that includes an Employer or under common control with an Employer), provided that such Code sections will be applied and interpreted by substituting at least 50 percent for each reference to at least 80 percent that is contained in Code Section 1563(a)(1), (2), and (3) and in Section 1.414(c)-2 of the Treasury Regulations.
8.5 No Effect On Employment . The Plan is not a contract of employment, and the terms of employment of any Senior Manager shall not be affected in any way by the Plan except as specifically provided in the Plan. The establishment of the Plan shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon any Senior Manager for a continuation of employment, nor shall it interfere with the right of the Company to discharge any Employee and to treat him or her without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Participant in the Plan. Each Participant (and any Beneficiary of or other person claiming through the Participant) who may have or claim any right under the Plan shall be bound by the terms of the Plan.
8.6 Applicable Law . The Plan shall be governed by applicable federal law and, to the extent not preempted by applicable federal law, the laws of the State of Ohio.
8.7 Separability of Provisions . If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been included.
8.8 Headings . Headings used throughout the Plan are for convenience only and shall not be given legal significance.
8.9 Application of Code Section 409A . The Plan is intended to satisfy and comply with all of the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any Treasury Regulations issued thereunder. The provisions of the Plan shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with such intent.
19
IN ORDER TO EFFECT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PLAN DOCUMENT, Convergys Corporation, the sponsor of the Plan, has caused its name to be subscribed to this Plan document, to be effective as of January 1, 2005.
CONVERGYS CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ David R. Whitwam | |
Chair, Compensation and Benefits Committee | ||
August 26, 2008 |
20
Exhibit 10.4 to 2008 10-Q
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
August 11, 2008
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to our Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated as of October 20, 2006 (the Credit Agreement ), among Convergys Corporation (the Company ), the several lenders party thereto (the Lenders ), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Citicorp USA, Inc., as Syndication Agent; and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, as amended and in effect on the date hereof. Each capitalized term used and not otherwise defined herein has the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement.
An ambiguity exists in the Credit Agreement creating potentially conflicting interpretations of Section 5.08 of the Credit Agreement and Section 3.12 of the Credit Agreement. To resolve this ambiguity, we hereby request your consent as a Lender under the Credit Agreement to an amendment and restatement of Section 3.12 of the Credit Agreement to read as follows:
SECTION 3.12. Use of Proceeds . Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board). No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U, and X.
Please confirm your consent to the above amendment by countersigning and returning the attached signature page.
This Amendment Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
CONVERGYS CORPORATION, | ||
By: | /s/ Timothy M. Wesolowski | |
Senior Vice President, Controller & Treasurer |
[Document signed by: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A; CitiBank, N.A.; The Bank of Nova Scotia; PNC Bank, N.A.; Wachovia Bank, NA; Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch; Fifth Third Bank; U.S. Bank NA; Wells Fargo Bank NA; UBS Loan Finance LLC; and National City Bank]
Lender Signature Page to the Amendment Agreement dated as of August 11, 2008, to the Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2006, among Convergys Corporation, the several lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. | ||||
Name of Lender: |
||||
by | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
[If a second signature is required by the Lender:] | ||||
by | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
Exhibit 21 to 2008 10-Q
Convergys Corporation Direct and Indirect Subsidiaries |
Jurisdiction | |
Convergys Corporation | Ohio | |
- Convergys Information Management Group Inc. |
Ohio | |
- Convergys EMEA Limited |
United Kingdom | |
- - Convergys EMEA Limited |
Saudi Arabia | |
- - Convergys IMG Ltd |
United Kingdom | |
- - Telesens KSCL SA |
France | |
- - Convergys Egypt LLC |
Egypt | |
- Convergys IMG International Services Inc. |
Ohio | |
- Convergys IMG do Brasil Ltda |
Brasil | |
- Convergys Information Management Group (Singapore) Pte. Ltd |
Singapore | |
- - Shanghai Hong Xun Software Co., Ltd. |
Peoples Republic of China | |
- - - Shanghai Hong Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. |
Peoples Republic of China | |
- Convergys Singapore Pte. Ltd. |
Singapore | |
- - Convergys HR Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. |
Singapore | |
- - -Convergys Employee Care (Thailand) Co. Ltd. |
Thailand | |
- - -Convergys Employee Care Malaysia Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
- - Convergys Benefits Pte. Ltd. |
Singapore | |
- - -Convergys I-Benefits HK Limited |
Hong Kong | |
- - -Convergys Benefits (M) Sdn. Bhd. |
Malaysia | |
- - - - Smiles Solutions Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) |
Malaysia | |
- - Convergys Cyprus Limited |
Cyprus | |
- - -Nodisko Trading Limited |
Cyprus | |
- - - -Rosas Limited |
Cyprus | |
- - - - Nodisko Outsourcing Company Private Limite |
India | |
- Convergys Services Japan K.K. |
Japan | |
- Convergys Cellular Systems Company |
Ohio | |
- Convergys France SAS |
France | |
- Convergys Germany GmbH |
Germany | |
- Convergys Hong Kong Limited |
Hong Kong | |
- Convergys Hungary Services LLC |
Hungary | |
- Convergys IMG Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
- Convergys IMG International Inc. |
Ohio | |
- Convergys IMG Spain, S.L. |
Spain | |
- Convergys Information Management (India) Private Limited |
India | |
- Convergys Information Management Services Limited |
Korea | |
- Convergys Lanka (Private) Limited |
Sri Lanka | |
- Convergys Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V. |
Mexico | |
- Convergys Solucoes Informaticas, Unipessoal, LTDA |
Portugal | |
- Convergys Thailand Co., Ltd. |
Thailand | |
- Convergys CIS (LLC) |
Russia | |
- PT Convergys Indonesia |
Indonesia | |
- Convergys Customer Management Group Inc. |
Ohio | |
- Convergys Costa Rica SRL |
Costa Rica | |
- Convergys Employee Care Argentina S.R.L. |
Argentina | |
- Convergys Employee Care Colombia Limitada |
Colombia | |
- Convergys Employee Care Puerto Rico, LLC |
Puerto Rico | |
- Convergys Employee Care Taiwan Limited |
Taiwan | |
- Convergys India Services Private Limited |
India | |
- Convergys Philippines Services Corporation |
Philippines | |
- - Convergys Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd |
Singapore |
Page 1
- Encore Receivable Management, Inc. |
Kansas | |
- Finali Corporation |
Delaware | |
- - Netsage Corporation |
Delaware | |
- Convergys Learning Solutions Inc. |
Delaware | |
- - Arista Knowledge Systems, Inc. |
Delaware | |
- - DigitalThink (India) Pvt. Ltd. |
India | |
- - Horn Interactive Inc. |
Ohio | |
- - - Tidewater Software, Inc. |
Ontario, Canada | |
- - Image Dynamic Inc. |
Ohio | |
- Convergys Customer Management International Inc. |
Ohio | |
- - Convergys CMG UK Limited |
United Kingdom | |
- - Convergys Customer Management AG |
Switzerland | |
- - Convergys Customer Management Belgium SA |
Belgium | |
- - Convergys Customer Management Italy SRL |
Italy | |
- - Convergys Customer Management Netherlands B.V. |
Netherlands | |
- - Convergys Services Denmark ApS |
Denmark | |
- - Convergys Customer Management Group Canada Holding Inc. |
Delaware | |
- - - Convergys Customer Management Limited Partner ULC |
Nova Scotia, Canada | |
- - - Convergys New Brunswick, Inc. |
New Brunswick, Canada | |
- - - -Convergys CMG Canada Limited Partnership |
Manitoba, Canada | |
- - - Convergys Customer Management Delaware LLC |
Delaware | |
- - - Convergys CMG Utah Inc. |
Utah | |
- Convergys Broadband Asia Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
- Convergys Broadband Japan K.K. |
Japan | |
- Convergys Broadband Taiwan Limited |
Taiwan | |
- Convergys Israel Investments, Ltd. |
Israel | |
- Convergys Solutions Ltd. |
Israel | |
- Convergys Solutions Australia Pty Ltd. |
Australia | |
- - SATTEC Solutions Pty Ltd. |
Australia | |
- Asset Ohio Fourth Street LLC |
Ohio | |
- Convergys Finance Corp. |
Ohio | |
- Convergys Government Solutions LLC |
Ohio | |
- Convergys Information Technology Services (Dalian) Co., Ltd. |
Dalian, China | |
- Convergys Software Service (Beijing) Ltd. |
Peoples Republic of China | |
- Intervoice, Inc. |
Texas | |
- Edify LLC |
Delaware | |
- - Edify Ireland Limited |
Ireland | |
- - Edify EMEA Limited |
United Kingdom | |
- Edify Holding Company, Inc. |
Delaware | |
- Intervoice-Brite, Inc. |
Texas | |
- Intervoice GP, Inc. |
Nevada | |
- - Intervoice Limited Partnership (1%) |
Nevada | |
- Intervoice LP, Inc. |
Nevada | |
- - Intervoice Limited Partnership (99%) |
Nevada | |
- Intervoice Acquisition Subsidiary, Inc. |
Nevada | |
- - Intervoice Columbia Ltda. (6%) |
Columbia | |
- - Intervoice do Brasil Comerico Servicos e Partipacoes Ltda. (.1%) |
Brazil | |
- Intervoice Columbia Ltda. (94%) |
Columbia | |
- Intervoice do Brasil Comerico Servicos e Partipacoes Ltda. (99.9%) |
Brazil | |
- Brite Voice Systems, Inc. |
Kansas | |
- - Intervoice AG |
Switzerland | |
- - Intervoice Pte Ltd. |
Singapore | |
- - Intervoice Brite (Pty) Ltd. |
South Africa |
Page 2
- - BVSI, Inc. |
Delaware | |
- - BVSI Investco, Inc. |
Delaware | |
- - Intervoice Limited |
United Kingdom | |
- - - Intervoice GmbH |
Germany | |
- - - Intervoice SRO |
Czech Republic |
|
All subsidiaries wholly owned except Convergys Broadband Asia Pte Ltd. And its subsidiaries which are owned 75% |
|
All subsidiaries conduct business under their legal name. |
Page 3
Exhibit 31.1 to 2008 10-Q
Certification
I, Dave F. Dougherty, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Convergys Corporation; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: November 5, 2008 | /s/ David F. Dougherty | |||||
David F. Dougherty | ||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2 to 2008 10-Q
Certification
I, Earl C. Shanks, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Convergys Corporation; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: November 5, 2008 | /s/ Earl C. Shanks | |||||
Earl C. Shanks | ||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 32.1 to 2008 10-Q
CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC FINANCIAL REPORT BY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 of Convergys Corporation (the Company), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2008 (the Report), I, David F. Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.
/s/ David F. Dougherty |
David F. Dougherty |
Chief Executive Officer |
November 5, 2008
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Convergys Corporation and will be retained by Convergys Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-Q.
Exhibit 32.2 to 2008 10-Q
CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC FINANCIAL REPORT BY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 of Convergys Corporation (the Company), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2008 (the Report), I, Earl C. Shanks, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.
/s/ Earl C. Shanks |
Earl C. Shanks |
Chief Financial Officer |
November 5, 2008
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Convergys Corporation and will be retained by Convergys Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-Q.
Exhibit 99.1 to 2008 10-Q
[Execution Copy]
$50,000,000
360-DAY
REVOLVING CREDIT BRIDGE FACILITY AGREEMENT
dated as of
August 19, 2008
among
CONVERGYS CORPORATION,
The Lenders Party Hereto
and
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA,
as Administrative Agent
SCOTIA CAPITAL,
as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I | ||||
Definitions | ||||
SECTION 1.01. | Defined Terms | 1 | ||
SECTION 1.02. | Classification of Loans and Borrowings | 17 | ||
SECTION 1.03. | Terms Generally | 17 | ||
SECTION 1.04. | Accounting Terms; GAAP | 17 | ||
ARTICLE II | ||||
The Credits | ||||
SECTION 2.01. | Commitments | 18 | ||
SECTION 2.02. | Loans and Borrowings | 18 | ||
SECTION 2.03. | Requests for Revolving Borrowings | 19 | ||
SECTION 2.04. | Competitive Bid Procedure | 19 | ||
SECTION 2.05. | Increase in Commitments | 22 | ||
SECTION 2.06. | Funding of Borrowings | 23 | ||
SECTION 2.07. | Interest Elections | 24 | ||
SECTION 2.08. | Termination and Reduction of Commitments | 25 | ||
SECTION 2.09. | Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt | 25 | ||
SECTION 2.10. | Prepayment of Loans | 26 | ||
SECTION 2.11. | Fees | 27 | ||
SECTION 2.12. | Interest | 27 | ||
SECTION 2.13. | Alternate Rate of Interest | 28 | ||
SECTION 2.14. | Increased Costs | 29 | ||
SECTION 2.15. | Break Funding Payments | 30 | ||
SECTION 2.16. | Taxes | 31 | ||
SECTION 2.17. | Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs | 32 | ||
SECTION 2.18. | Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | 33 | ||
ARTICLE III | ||||
Representations and Warranties | ||||
SECTION 3.01. | Organization; Powers | 34 | ||
SECTION 3.02. | Authorization; Enforceability | 34 | ||
SECTION 3.03. | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts | 34 | ||
SECTION 3.04. | Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change | 35 | ||
SECTION 3.05. | Properties | 35 | ||
SECTION 3.06. | Litigation and Environmental Matters | 35 |
i
SECTION 3.07. | Compliance with Laws and Agreements | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.08. | Investment Company Status | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.09. | Taxes | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.10. | ERISA | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.11. | Disclosure | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.12. | Use of Proceeds | 37 | ||
SECTION 3.13. | Subsidiaries | 37 | ||
SECTION 3.14. | Sanctioned Persons | 37 | ||
ARTICLE IV | ||||
Conditions | ||||
SECTION 4.01. | Effective Date | 37 | ||
SECTION 4.02. | Each Credit Event | 38 | ||
ARTICLE V | ||||
Affirmative Covenants | ||||
SECTION 5.01. | Financial Statements and Other Information | 39 | ||
SECTION 5.02. | Notices of Material Events | 40 | ||
SECTION 5.03. | Existence; Conduct of Business | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.04. | Payment of Obligations | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.05. | Maintenance of Properties; Insurance | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.06. | Books and Records; Inspection Rights | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.07. | Compliance with Laws | 42 | ||
SECTION 5.08. | Use of Proceeds | 42 | ||
SECTION 5.09. | Guarantee Requirement | 42 | ||
ARTICLE VI | ||||
Negative Covenants | ||||
SECTION 6.01. | Priority Indebtedness | 42 | ||
SECTION 6.02. | Liens | 43 | ||
SECTION 6.03. | Sale and Lease-Back Transactions | 44 | ||
SECTION 6.04. | Fundamental Changes | 45 | ||
SECTION 6.05. | Transactions with Affiliates | 45 | ||
SECTION 6.06. | Restrictive Agreements | 46 | ||
SECTION 6.07. | Hedging Agreements | 46 | ||
SECTION 6.08. | Interest Coverage Ratio | 46 | ||
SECTION 6.09. | Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio | 46 |
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ARTICLE VII | ||||
Events of Default | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||
The Administrative Agent | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||
Miscellaneous | ||||
SECTION 9.01. | Notices | 51 | ||
SECTION 9.02. | Waivers; Amendments | 52 | ||
SECTION 9.03. | Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver | 53 | ||
SECTION 9.04. | Successors and Assigns | 54 | ||
SECTION 9.05. | Survival | 58 | ||
SECTION 9.06. | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 58 | ||
SECTION 9.07. | Severability | 58 | ||
SECTION 9.08. | Right of Setoff | 58 | ||
SECTION 9.09. | Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process | 59 | ||
SECTION 9.10. | WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 59 | ||
SECTION 9.11. | Headings | 60 | ||
SECTION 9.12. | Confidentiality | 60 | ||
SECTION 9.13. | USA Patriot Act | 60 | ||
SECTION 9.14. | Interest Rate Limitation | 61 | ||
SECTION 9.15. | Non-Public Information | 61 | ||
SECTION 9.16. | No Fiduciary Duty | 61 | ||
SECTION 9.17. | Waiver of Notice Period in connection with Termination of the Existing Credit Agreement | 61 |
SCHEDULES:
Schedule 2.01 Commitments
Schedule 3.01 Organization and Powers
Schedule 3.06 Disclosed Matters
Schedule 3.13 Subsidiaries
Schedule 6.01 Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 6.06 Existing Restrictions
EXHIBITS :
Exhibit A Form of Assignment and Assumption
Exhibit B-1 Form of Opinion of Borrowers Special Counsel
Exhibit B-2 Form of Opinion of Special Utah Counsel for certain Guarantors
Exhibit C Form of Guarantee and Contribution Agreement
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360-DAY REVOLVING CREDIT BRIDGE FACILITY AGREEMENT dated as of August 19, 2008 (this Agreement ), among CONVERGYS CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation; the LENDERS party hereto and THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as Administrative Agent.
The Borrower has requested the Lenders to extend credit to enable it to borrow on a revolving credit basis on and after the date hereof and at any time and from time to time prior to the Maturity Date a principal amount not in excess of $50,000,000 at any time outstanding. The proceeds of borrowings hereunder are to be used for commercial paper backup and for other general corporate purposes and may be used to finance the acquisition of Intervoice, Inc.
The Lenders are willing to extend such credit to the Borrower on the terms and subject to the conditions herein set forth.
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
ABR , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.
Acquisition has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(c).
Acquisition Agreement means the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Convergys Corporation, Dialog Merger Sub, Inc., and Intervoice, Inc., dated July 14, 2008.
Adjusted LIBO Rate means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1 / 16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.
Administrative Agent means The Bank of Nova Scotia, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.
Administrative Questionnaire means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
Agents means the Administrative Agent, the Syndication Agent and the Co-Documentation Agents.
Agreement means this 360-Day Revolving Credit Bridge Facility Agreement, as the same may hereafter be modified, supplemented or amended from time to time.
Alternate Base Rate means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 2 of 1%. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.
Applicable Percentage means, with respect to any Lender, the percentage of the total Commitments represented by such Lenders Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.
Applicable Rate means, subject to any increase pursuant to Section 2.05, for any day, with respect to any Eurodollar Revolving Loan or ABR Revolving Loan, or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption Eurodollar Spread, Alternate Base Rate Spread, or Commitment Fee Rate, as the case may be, based upon the ratings by S&P and Moodys, respectively, applicable on such date to the Index Debt:
Index Debt Ratings: |
Eurodollar
Spread |
Alternate Base Rate
Spread |
Commitment
Fee Rate |
||||||
Category 1 |
1.50 | % | 0.50 | % | 0.25 | % | |||
BBB or higher/Baa2 or higher |
|||||||||
Category 2 |
1.75 | % | 0.75 | % | 0.25 | % | |||
BBB/Baa3 or BBB-/Baa2 |
|||||||||
Category 3 |
2.00 | % | 1.00 | % | 0.35 | % | |||
BBB-/Baa3 |
|||||||||
Category 4 |
2.50 | % | 1.50 | % | 0.35 | % | |||
BB+/Ba1 or lower |
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For purposes of the foregoing, (i) if either S&P or Moodys shall not have in effect a rating for the Index Debt (other than by reason of the circumstances referred to in the last sentence of this definition), then such rating agency shall be deemed to have established a rating in Category 4; (ii) if the ratings established or deemed to have been established by S&P and Moodys for the Index Debt shall fall within different Categories (and no single Category above shall include both ratings), then the Applicable Rate shall be determined by reference to the lower of the two ratings; and (iii) if the ratings established or deemed to have been established by S&P and Moodys for the Index Debt shall be changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system of S&P or Moodys), such change shall be effective as of the date on which it is first announced by the applicable rating agency. Each change in the Applicable Rate shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change. If the rating system of S&P or Moodys shall change, or if either such rating agency shall cease to be in the business of rating corporate debt obligations, the Borrower and the Lenders shall negotiate in good faith to amend this definition to reflect such changed rating system or the unavailability of ratings from such rating agency and, pending the effectiveness of any such amendment, the Applicable Rate shall be determined by reference to the rating most recently in effect prior to such change or cessation.
Approved Fund has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b).
Asset Disposition means a sale (or group of related sales) of assets, stock or businesses by the Borrower or any of the Guarantors outside the ordinary course of business for consideration with a value exceeding $100,000,000 in the aggregate.
Assignment and Assumption means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
Augmenting Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).
Availability Period means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Maturity Date.
Balance Sheet CLO has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b).
Board means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
Borrower means Convergys Corporation, an Ohio corporation.
Borrowing means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect or (b) a Competitive Loan or group of Competitive Loans of the same Type made on the same date and as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.
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Borrowing Request means a request by the Borrower for a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.
Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.
Capital Lease Obligations of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
Capital Markets Transaction means any equity, bond, convertible bond or bank financing used to refinance the amounts drawn under the Existing Credit Agreement.
Change in Control means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement), of shares representing more than 25% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Borrower; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of the Borrower nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; or (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of the Borrower by any Person or group.
Change in Law means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.14(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lenders holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement.
Charges has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14.
Class , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Competitive Loans.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
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Commitment means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Revolving Loans hereunder expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lenders Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08, (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04, and (c) increased, with the consent of such Lender, pursuant to Section 2.05. The initial amount of each Lenders Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders Commitments is $50,000,000.
Commitment Increase has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
Competitive Bid means an offer by a Lender to make a Competitive Loan in accordance with Section 2.04.
Competitive Bid Availability Period means the period beginning on the date that the Borrower and each Lender executes an amendment to this Agreement permitting the Borrower to request Competitive Loans to but excluding the Maturity Date.
Competitive Bid Rate means, with respect to any Competitive Bid, the Margin or the Fixed Rate, as applicable, offered by the Lender making such Competitive Bid.
Competitive Bid Request means a request by the Borrower for Competitive Bids in accordance with Section 2.04.
Competitive Loan means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.04.
Consolidated EBITDA means, for any fiscal period, with respect to the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus , to the extent deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, without duplication, the sum of (a) income tax expense, (b) interest expense (including the aggregate yield (expressed in dollars) obtained by the purchasers or investors under any Securitization Transactions on their investments in accounts receivable of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries during such period, determined in accordance with generally accepted financial practice and the terms of such Securitization Transactions), (c) depreciation and amortization expense, (d) any non-cash extraordinary or non-cash non-recurring losses and (e) other non-cash items (other than accruals) reducing Consolidated Net Income, minus, to the extent added in computing such Consolidated Net Income, without duplication, the sum of (i) interest income, (ii) any extraordinary or non-recurring gains and (iii) other non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income, all as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. In the event that there shall have occurred any acquisition or disposition by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of a business or business unit during any period for which Consolidated EBITDA is to be determined, such determination shall be made on a pro forma basis (in accordance with
5
Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933) as if such acquisition or disposition and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness had occurred on the first day of such period.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, for any fiscal period, the aggregate of all interest expense of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period that, in accordance with GAAP, is or should be included in interest expense reflected in the income statement for the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, less the amount of capital lease interest accrued to the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiary for such period that is not reflected in Consolidated EBITDA for such period, all as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus, for any fiscal period, the aggregate yield (expressed in dollars) obtained by the purchasers under any Securitization Transactions on their investments in accounts receivable of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries during such period, determined in accordance with generally accepted financial practice and the terms of such Securitization Transactions. In the event that there shall have occurred any acquisition or disposition by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of a business or business unit during any period for which Consolidated Interest Expense is to be determined, such determination shall be made on a pro forma basis (in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933) as if such acquisition or disposition and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness had occurred on the first day of such period.
Consolidated Net Income means, for any fiscal period, net income of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that should be consolidated with the Borrower for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Total Debt means, at any date, all Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries at such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus , without duplication, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Securitization Transactions.
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.
Default means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
Disclosed Matters means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.
6
Documentation Agent means each Person that the Administrative Agent shall, in its sole discretion, appoint as a documentation agent or co-documentation agent hereunder, in each case in its capacity as a documentation agent or co-documentation agent hereunder.
dollars or $ refers to lawful money of the United States of America.
Effective Date means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
Environmental Laws means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to health and safety matters.
Environmental Liability means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
ERISA Affiliate means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
ERISA Event means (a) any reportable event, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the
7
receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
Eurodollar , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate (or, in the case of a Competitive Loan, the LIBO Rate).
Event of Default has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.
Excluded Taxes means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which any such recipient is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.18(b)), any withholding tax that is imposed by the United States of America on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lenders failure to comply with Section 2.16(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.16(a).
Existing Credit Agreement means the Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2006, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto, the agents and arrangers named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
Federal Funds Effective Rate shall mean, for any day, the rate set forth in the weekly statistical release designated as H.15(519), or any successor publication as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the preceding Business Day opposite the caption Federal Funds (Effective) , provided that (i) if the date for which such rate is to be determined is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions published on the next preceding Business Day, and (ii) if such rate is not so published for any day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged to the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
8
Financial Officer means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower.
Fixed Rate means, with respect to any Competitive Loan (other than a Eurodollar Competitive Loan), the fixed rate of interest per annum specified by the Lender making such Competitive Loan in its related Competitive Bid.
Fixed Rate Loan means a Competitive Loan bearing interest at a Fixed Rate.
Foreign Lender means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is located. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
Foreign Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is not incorporated or otherwise organized under the laws of the United States or its territories or possessions.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Governmental Authority means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
Guarantee of or by any Person (the guarantor ) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the primary obligor ) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
Guarantee Agreement means the guarantee and contribution agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C, to be entered into by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Guarantors.
Guarantee Requirement means, at any time, that the Guarantee Agreement (or a supplement referred to in Section 22 thereof) shall have been executed
9
by each Material Subsidiary (other than a Foreign Subsidiary) existing at such time, shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and shall be in full force and effect.
Guarantor means any Subsidiary that shall be a party to the Guarantee Agreement.
Hazardous Materials means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
Hedging Agreement means any interest rate protection agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement. The principal amount of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements provided for in such Hedging Agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Hedging Agreement were terminated at such time.
Increase Effective Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
Increasing Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).
Indebtedness of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers acceptances and (k) all Securitization Transactions of such Person. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Persons ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.
Indemnified Taxes means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
10
Indemnitee has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
Index Debt means senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Borrower that is not guaranteed by any other Person or subject to any other credit enhancement.
Information has the meaning set forth in Section 9.12.
Initial Loans has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
Interest Election Request means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07.
Interest Payment Date means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December, (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months duration after the first day of such Interest Period and (c) with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than 90 days duration (unless otherwise specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request), each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of 90 days duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and any other dates that are specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request as Interest Payment Dates with respect to such Borrowing.
Interest Period means (a) with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months (or such other period as may be requested by the Borrower and agreed to by all Lenders) thereafter, as the Borrower may elect and (b) with respect to any Fixed Rate Borrowing, the period (which shall not be less than seven days or more than 360 days) commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the date specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request; provided , that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Borrowing that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
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Lenders means (a) the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01, (b) any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, and (c) any Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to Section 2.05.
LIBO Rate means, for any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1 / 100 of 1%) appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period. If for any reason such rate is not available, the term LIBO Rate shall mean, for any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1 / 100 of 1%) appearing on Reuters Screen LIBO Page as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided , however , if more than one rate is specified on Reuters Screen LIBO Page, the applicable rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such rates.
Lien means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
Loan Documents means this Agreement and any promissory note issued hereunder and the Guarantee Agreement.
Loans means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
Margin means, with respect to any Competitive Loan bearing interest at a rate based on the LIBO Rate, the marginal rate of interest, if any, to be added to or subtracted from the LIBO Rate to determine the rate of interest applicable to such Loan, as specified by the Lender making such Loan in its related Competitive Bid.
Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Lenders under this Agreement.
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Material Indebtedness means Indebtedness (other than the Loans), or obligations in respect of one or more Hedging Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $25,000,000.
Material Subsidiary means (a) any Subsidiary that directly or indirectly owns or Controls any Material Subsidiary (unless the only Material Subsidiary directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Subsidiary is CMG Utah Inc.) and (b) CMG Utah Inc. and any other Subsidiary (i) the revenues of which for the most recent period of four fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 were greater than 1% of the Borrowers consolidated revenues for such period and (ii) the assets of which as of the end of such period were greater than 1% of Borrowers consolidated assets as of such date; provided that if at any time (i) the aggregate amount of the revenues of all Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries exceeds 5% of the Borrowers consolidated revenues for the most recent period of four fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 or (ii) the aggregate amount of the assets of all Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries exceeds 5% of the Borrowers consolidated assets as of the end of such period, the Borrower (or, in the event the Borrower has failed to do so within 10 Business Days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient Subsidiaries as Material Subsidiaries to eliminate such excess, and such designated Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of this Agreement constitute Material Subsidiaries. For purposes of making the determinations required by this definition, revenues and assets of Foreign Subsidiaries shall be converted into dollars at the rates used in preparing the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower included in the applicable financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Subsidiary formed solely for the purpose of carrying out one or more Securitization Transactions and owning no assets and conducting no business other than those incidental to such Securitization Transactions shall not constitute a Material Subsidiary.
Maturity Date means the earliest of (i) August 14, 2009, (ii) the closing of a Capital Markets Transaction, (iii) the closing of an Asset Disposition and (iv) the termination or abandonment of the Acquisition Agreement.
Maximum Rate has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
Multiemployer Plan means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
Non-Increasing Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).
OFAC has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.
Other Taxes means any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any
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payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement.
Participant has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(c).
PBGC means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
Permitted Encumbrances means:
(a) Liens imposed by law for taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(b) carriers, warehousemens, mechanics, materialmens, repairmens and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;
(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
(e) judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII; and
(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
provided that the term Permitted Encumbrances shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
Plan means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an employer as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
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Prime Rate means at any time, the rate of interest then most recently established by the Administrative Agent in New York as its base rate for dollars loaned in the United States. Such rate is set by the Administrative Agent as a general prime rate of interest, taking into account such factors as the Administrative Agent may deem appropriate, it being understood that many of the Administrative Agents commercial or other loans are priced in relation to such rate, that it is not necessarily the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer and that the Administrative Agent may make various commercial or other loans at rates of interest having no relationship to such rate.
Priority Indebtedness means, without duplication, (a) all Indebtedness, and the principal amount of the obligations under any Hedging Agreements, of any Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) and (b) all Indebtedness, and the principal amount of the obligations under any Hedging Agreements, of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is secured by any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or that is referred to in clause (d), (f), (h) or (k) of the definition of Indebtedness.
Register has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.
Related Parties means, with respect to any specified Person, such Persons Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Persons Affiliates.
Required Lenders means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Credit Exposures and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the total Revolving Credit Exposures and unused Commitments at such time; provided that, for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, and for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments expire or terminate, the outstanding Competitive Loans of the Lenders shall be included in their respective Revolving Credit Exposures in determining the Required Lenders.
Revolving Credit Exposure means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the outstanding principal amount of such Lenders Revolving Loans.
Revolving Loan means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.03.
S&P means Standard & Poors.
Securitization Transaction means any transfer by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of accounts receivable or interests therein, in a true sale transaction, (a) to a trust, partnership, corporation or other entity, which transfer is funded by the incurrence or issuance by the transferee or any successor transferee of indebtedness or other securities that are to receive payments from, or that represent interests in, the cash flow derived from such accounts receivable or interests therein, or (b) directly to one or more investors or other purchasers. The amount or principal amount of any Securitization Transaction shall be deemed at any time to be the aggregate principal or stated amount of the Indebtedness or other securities referred to in such clause or, if there shall be no such principal or stated amount, the uncollected amount of the accounts receivable or interests
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therein transferred pursuant to such Securitization Transaction net of any such accounts receivable or interests therein that have been written off as uncollectible.
Statutory Reserve Rate means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as Eurocurrency Liabilities in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.
Subsequent Borrowings has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
subsidiary means, with respect to any Person (the parent ) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parents consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.
Subsidiary means any subsidiary of the Borrower.
Syndication Agent means each Person that the Administrative Agent shall, in its sole discretion, appoint as a syndication agent or co-syndication agent hereunder, in each case in its capacity as a syndication agent or co-syndication agent hereunder.
Taxes means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.
Transactions means (a) the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement, the borrowing of Loans and the use of the proceeds thereof and (b) the execution, delivery and performance by the Guarantors of the Guarantee Agreement.
Type , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is
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determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Alternate Base Rate or, in the case of a Competitive Loan or Borrowing, the LIBO Rate or a Fixed Rate.
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)).
Withdrawal Liability means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a Revolving Loan) or by Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Loan) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Revolving Loan). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a Revolving Borrowing) or by Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Borrowing) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing).
SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. The word will shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word shall. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Persons successors and assigns, (c) the words herein, hereof and hereunder, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words asset and property shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the 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 date of the Existing Credit Agreement 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
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effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.
ARTICLE II
The Credits
SECTION 2.01. Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (a) such Lenders Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding such Lenders Commitment or (b) the sum of the total Revolving Credit Exposures plus the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Competitive Loans exceeding the total Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.
SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings. (a) Each Revolving Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Revolving Loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. Each Competitive Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.04. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments and Competitive Bids of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lenders failure to make Loans as required.
(b) Subject to Section 2.13, (i) each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith, and (ii) each Competitive Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided further that in exercising such option, each Lender shall comply with its obligation under Section 2.18(a).
(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000. At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000. Each Competitive Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of ten Eurodollar Revolving Borrowings outstanding.
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(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.
SECTION 2.03. Requests for Revolving Borrowings. To request a Revolving Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;
(iv) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period; and
(v) the location and number of the Borrowers account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06.
If no election as to the Type of Revolving Borrowing is specified, then the requested Revolving Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one months duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lenders Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.
SECTION 2.04. Competitive Bid Procedure. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from time to time during the Competitive Bid Availability Period the Borrower may request Competitive Bids and may (but shall not have any obligation to) accept Competitive Bids and borrow Competitive Loans; provided that the sum of the total Revolving Credit Exposures plus the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Competitive Loans shall not exceed the total Commitments. To request Competitive Bids, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, four Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing and, in the case
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of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that the Borrower may submit no more than one Competitive Bid Request on the same day and a Competitive Bid Request shall not be made within five Business Days after the date of any previous Competitive Bid Request, unless any and all such previous Competitive Bid Requests shall have been withdrawn or all Competitive Bids received in response thereto rejected. Each such telephonic Competitive Bid Request shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Competitive Bid Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Competitive Bid Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be a Eurodollar Borrowing or a Fixed Rate Borrowing;
(iv) the Interest Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period; and
(v) the location and number of the Borrowers account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06.
Promptly following receipt of a Competitive Bid Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of the details thereof by telecopy, inviting the Lenders to submit Competitive Bids.
(b) Each Lender may (but shall not have any obligation to) make one or more Competitive Bids to the Borrower in response to a Competitive Bid Request. Each Competitive Bid by a Lender must be in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and must be received by the Administrative Agent by telecopy, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Borrowing, not later than 9:30 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the proposed date of such Competitive Borrowing, and in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, not later than 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on the proposed date of such Competitive Borrowing. Competitive Bids that do not conform substantially to the form approved by the Administrative Agent may be rejected by the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall notify the applicable Lender as promptly as practicable. Each Competitive Bid shall specify (i) the principal amount (which shall be a minimum of $5,000,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and which may equal the entire principal amount of the Competitive Borrowing requested by the Borrower) of the Competitive Loan or Loans that the Lender is willing to make, (ii) the Competitive Bid Rate or Rates at which the Lender is prepared to make such Loan or Loans (expressed as a percentage rate per annum in the form of a decimal to no more
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than four decimal places) and (iii) the Interest Period applicable to each such Loan and the last day thereof.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower by telecopy of the Competitive Bid Rate and the principal amount specified in each Competitive Bid and the identity of the Lender that shall have made such Competitive Bid.
(d) Subject only to the provisions of this paragraph, the Borrower may accept or reject any Competitive Bid. The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone, confirmed by telecopy in a form approved by the Administrative Agent, whether and to what extent it has decided to accept or reject each Competitive Bid, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Borrowing, not later than 10:30 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Competitive Borrowing, and in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, not later than 10:30 a.m., New York City time, on the proposed date of the Competitive Borrowing; provided that (i) the failure of the Borrower to give such notice shall be deemed to be a rejection of each Competitive Bid, (ii) the Borrower shall not accept a Competitive Bid made at a particular Competitive Bid Rate if the Borrower rejects a Competitive Bid made at a lower Competitive Bid Rate, (iii) the aggregate amount of the Competitive Bids accepted by the Borrower shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the requested Competitive Borrowing specified in the related Competitive Bid Request, (iv) to the extent necessary to comply with clause (iii) above, the Borrower may accept Competitive Bids at the same Competitive Bid Rate in part, which acceptance, in the case of multiple Competitive Bids at such Competitive Bid Rate, shall be made pro rata in accordance with the amount of each such Competitive Bid, and (v) except pursuant to clause (iv) above, no Competitive Bid shall be accepted for a Competitive Loan unless such Competitive Loan is in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000,000; provided further that if a Competitive Loan must be in an amount less than $5,000,000 because of the provisions of clause (iv) above, such Competitive Loan may be for a minimum of $1,000,000 or any integral multiple thereof, and in calculating the pro rata allocation of acceptances of portions of multiple Competitive Bids at a particular Competitive Bid Rate pursuant to clause (iv) the amounts shall be rounded to integral multiples of $1,000,000 in a manner determined by the Borrower. A notice given by the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph shall be irrevocable.
(e) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each bidding Lender by telecopy whether or not its Competitive Bid has been accepted (and, if so, the amount and Competitive Bid Rate so accepted), and each successful bidder will thereupon become bound, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, to make the Competitive Loan in respect of which its Competitive Bid has been accepted.
(f) If the Administrative Agent shall elect to submit a Competitive Bid in its capacity as a Lender, it shall submit such Competitive Bid directly to the Borrower at least one quarter of an hour earlier than the time by which the other Lenders are required to submit their Competitive Bids to the Administrative Agent pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section.
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(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no Competitive Bid Requests shall be made by the Borrower, and no Lender shall make any Competitive Bid or Competitive Loan, in each case prior to the beginning of the Competitive Bid Availability Period.
SECTION 2.05. Increase in Commitments. (a) The Borrower may on up to two occasions at any time not later than three months prior to the Maturity Date, by written notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), request that the total Commitments be increased by an amount that will not result in the total Commitments under this Agreement exceeding $100,000,000 minus the amount of any reduction of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.08. Such notice shall set forth (i) the amount of the requested increase in the total Commitments, (ii) the name of the Person (who shall be a bank or other financial institution approved by the Administrative Agent, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) who has agreed to become a Lender or, if currently a Lender, the amount of the increase in its Commitment, (iii) the date on which such increase is requested to become effective (which shall be not less than 5 days after the date of such notice and (iv) the amount of all proposed fees payable to such new or existing Lender, and (v) any proposed increase in the Applicable Rate. Any increase in the Applicable Rate shall be effective as to all Loans. Any Lender increasing its Commitment is herein called an Increasing Lender and any Lender not increasing its Commitment is herein called a Non-Increasing Lender . Each other Person providing all or any portion of the increased Commitment is herein called an Augmenting Lender . Each Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender shall execute all such documentation as the Administrative Agent shall specify to evidence its Commitment and its status as a Lender hereunder. Increases and new Commitments created pursuant to this clause (a) shall become effective on the date specified in the notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no increase in the total Commitments (or in the Commitment of any Lender) shall become effective under this paragraph unless, (i) on the date of such increase, the representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct and no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower, and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received (with sufficient copies for each of the Lenders) documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date under clauses (c) and (d) of Section 4.01 as to the corporate power and authority of the Borrower to borrow hereunder after giving effect to such increase.
(b) On the effective date (the Increase Effective Date ) of any increase in the total Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05(a) (the Commitment Increase ), (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding (the Initial Loans ) immediately prior to giving effect to the Commitment Increase on the Increase Effective Date shall be deemed to be paid, (ii) each Increasing Lender and each Augmenting Lender that shall have been a Lender prior to the Commitment Increase shall pay to the Administrative Agent in same day funds an amount equal to the difference between (A) the product of (1) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Subsequent Borrowings
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and (B) the product of (1) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Initial Loans, (iii) each Augmenting Lender that shall not have been a Lender prior to the Commitment Increase shall pay to Administrative Agent in same day funds an amount equal to the product of (1) such Augmenting Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Subsequent Borrowings, and (iv) after the Administrative Agent receives the funds specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the Administrative Agent shall pay to each Non-Increasing Lender the portion of such funds that is equal to the difference between (A) the product of (1) such Non-Increasing Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Initial Loans, and (B) the product of (1) such Non-Increasing Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Subsequent Borrowings, (v) after the effectiveness of the Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall be deemed to have made new Borrowings (the Subsequent Borrowings ) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Loans and of the types and for the Interest Periods specified in a Borrowing Request delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.03, (vi) each Non-Increasing Lender, each Increasing Lender and each Augmenting Lender shall be deemed to hold its Applicable Percentage of each Subsequent Borrowing (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) and (vii) the Borrower shall pay each Increasing Lender and each Non-Increasing Lender any and all accrued but unpaid interest on the Initial Loans. The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (i) above in respect of each Eurodollar Loan shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.15 if the Increase Effective Date occurs other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto.
SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings. (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request or Competitive Bid Request.
(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lenders share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate
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determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lenders Loan included in such Borrowing.
SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections. (a) Each Revolving Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Competitive Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.
(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Revolving Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower.
(c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);
(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and
(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period.
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If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one months duration.
(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lenders portion of each resulting Borrowing.
(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Revolving Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.
SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments. (a) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
(b) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $10,000,000 and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.10, the sum of the Revolving Credit Exposure plus the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Competitive Loans would exceed the total Commitments.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments.
SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the
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Maturity Date and (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders the then unpaid principal amount of each Competitive Loan on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan.
(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period, if any, applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lenders share thereof.
(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to the order of such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the order of the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns).
SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans. (a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that the Borrower shall not have the right to prepay any Competitive Loan without the prior consent of the Lender thereof.
(b) The Borrower shall repay all outstanding Borrowings on the thirtieth day following delivery of a certificate in accordance with Section 4.03(c)(ii) if the Acquisition has not occurred prior to such date.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment or (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR
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Revolving Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.08, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Revolving Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Revolving Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.12.
SECTION 2.11. Fees. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account or the account of each Lender, as the case may be, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
(b) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily amount of the unused Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the date hereof to but excluding the date on which such Commitment shall have terminated and such Lender shall have no outstanding Revolving Loans. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year, on any date prior to the Maturity Date on which the Commitments terminate and on the Maturity Date. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days
(c) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent for distribution, if applicable, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances unless otherwise expressly provided in the agreement referred to in clause (a).
SECTION 2.12. Interest. (a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b) The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest (i) in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Loan, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate, or (ii) in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Loan, at the LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus (or minus, as applicable) the Margin applicable to such Loan.
(c) Each Fixed Rate Loan shall bear interest at the Fixed Rate applicable to such Loan.
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(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.
(e) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Revolving Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.
(f) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest. If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:
(a) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period; or
(b) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders (or, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Loan, the Lender that is required to make such Loan) that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;
then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances
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giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective, (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing and (iii) any request by the Borrower for a Eurodollar Competitive Borrowing shall be ineffective; provided that (A) if the circumstances giving rise to such notice do not affect all the Lenders, then requests by the Borrower for Eurodollar Competitive Borrowings may be made to Lenders that are not affected thereby and (B) if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then the other Type of Borrowings shall be permitted.
SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs. (a) If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate); or
(ii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans made by such Lender;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan or Fixed Rate Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lenders capital or on the capital of such Lenders holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lenders holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lenders policies and the policies of such Lenders holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lenders holding company for any such reduction suffered. It is acknowledged that this Agreement is being entered into by the Lenders on the understanding that the Lenders will not be required to maintain capital against their Commitments under currently applicable laws, regulations and regulatory guidelines. In the event the Lenders shall otherwise determine that such understanding is incorrect, it is agreed that the Lenders will be entitled to make claims under this paragraph (b) based upon market requirements prevailing on the date hereof for commitments under comparable credit facilities against which capital is required to be maintained.
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(c) A certificate of a Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lenders right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lenders intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, a Lender shall not be entitled to compensation pursuant to this Section in respect of any Competitive Loan if the Change in Law that would otherwise entitle it to such compensation shall have been publicly announced prior to submission of the Competitive Bid pursuant to which such Loan was made.
SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan or Fixed Rate Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or pursuant to Section 2.05), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Revolving Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.10(b) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (d) the failure to borrow any Competitive Loan after accepting the Competitive Bid to make such Loan, or (e) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan or Fixed Rate Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.18, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate (or, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Loan, the LIBO Rate) that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth in
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reasonable detail any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
SECTION 2.16. Taxes. (a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if the Borrower shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent or Lender (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(b) In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(c) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate in reasonable detail as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(e) Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate.
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SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs. (a) The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or of amounts payable under Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or otherwise) prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at the payment office specified on its signature page to this Agreement, except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.
(b) (i) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (x) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (y) second, towards payment of principal then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties.
(ii) For purposes of determining the available Commitments of the Lenders at any time, each outstanding Competitive Borrowing shall be deemed to have utilized the Commitments of the Lenders (including those Lenders which shall not have made Loans as part of such Competitive Borrowing) pro rata in accordance with such respective Commitments.
(c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate
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thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.
(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
(e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.06(b) or 2.17(d), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lenders obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.
SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, or if any Lender defaults in its obligation to fund Loans hereunder, or if any Lender is a Declining Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests,
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rights and obligations under this Agreement (other than any outstanding Competitive Loans held by it) to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans (other than Competitive Loans), accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.16, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and, except for the matter set forth in Schedule 3.01, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.
SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within the Borrowers or Guarantors, as the case may be, corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and, if required, stockholder action. Each of the Loan Documents has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower or the Guarantors, as applicable, and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower or the Guarantors, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of the Borrower or any of its
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Subsidiaries or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change. (a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, reported on by Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants, and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, certified by its chief financial officer. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above.
(b) Since December 31, 2007, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
SECTION 3.05. Properties. (a) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes.
(b) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters. (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve this Agreement or the Transactions.
(b) Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any
35
permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.
(c) Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements. The Borrower and each Subsidiary is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an investment company as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SECTION 3.09. Taxes. The Borrower and each Subsidiary has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP and (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.10. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $20,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $25,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.
SECTION 3.11. Disclosure. None of the other reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) 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
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they were made, when taken as a whole, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.
SECTION 3.12. Use of Proceeds. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board). No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U, and X.
SECTION 3.13. Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.13 contains an accurate list of all Material Subsidiaries on the date hereof, setting forth their respective jurisdictions of organization and the percentage of their respective ownership interest held by the Borrower or other Subsidiaries. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Material Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.
SECTION 3.14. Sanctioned Persons . None of the Borrower or any Subsidiary nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department ( OFAC ); and the Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Loans or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Person for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
ARTICLE IV
Conditions
SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.
(b) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from the Borrower and each Guarantor either (i) a counterpart of the Guarantee Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed
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signature page of the Guarantee Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of the Guarantee Agreement.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received favorable written opinions (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of Frost Brown Todd LLC, special counsel to the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1 and Parr Waddoups Brown Gee & Loveless, special Utah counsel to the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2, in each case covering such other matters relating to the Borrower, this Agreement or the Transactions as the Required Lenders shall reasonably request. The Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of the Borrower and the Guarantors, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Borrower and the Guarantors, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
(e) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraph (b) of Section 3.04 and paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.
(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder.
(g) There shall be no litigation or administrative proceeding that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(h) The Lenders shall have received projections for the fiscal years 2008 and 2009 for the Borrower.
The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.
SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) Except for those specified in Section 3.04(b), the representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Borrowing (or, in the case of any representation or warranty that by its express terms is limited to a particular date, as of that date).
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(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
(c) Either (a) the acquisition by Dialog Merger Sub, Inc. of no less than two-thirds of the outstanding equity interests of Intervoice, Inc., shall have been consummated in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement without the modification, amendment or waiver of any terms or conditions of such Acquisition Agreement other than any which is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect (the Acquisition ) or (b) the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the date of such Borrowing and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower, confirming that all of the conditions precedent to the Acquisition have been met and that the Acquisition is expected to be consummated within five days of such Borrowing.
Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.
ARTICLE V
Affirmative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated in whole and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:
(a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by Ernst & Young LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a going concern or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;
(b) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or
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periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Sections 6.08 and 6.09 and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;
(d) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports and proxy statements filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Borrower to its shareholders generally, as the case may be;
(e) promptly after Moodys or S&P shall have announced a change in the rating established or deemed to have been established for the Index Debt, written notice of such rating change;
(f) promptly following a request therefor, any documentation or other information that a Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act; and
(g) promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.
SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt written notice of the following:
(a) the occurrence of any Default;
(b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
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(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $20,000,000;
(d) any change in the date of its fiscal year end; and
(e) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.
Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.
SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.04.
SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) the Borrower or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, (a) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.
SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with
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its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested.
SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans will be used only for general corporate purposes (including working capital needs, refinancing Indebtedness, providing commercial paper backup and financing acquisitions that are approved by the board of directors, or other governing body, of the target entity before the acquiror commences a tender offer, proxy solicitation or similar action with respect to the targets voting capital stock). No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X.
SECTION 5.09. Guarantee Requirement. The Borrower will cause the Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied at all times.
ARTICLE VI
Negative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated in whole and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder have been paid in full, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 6.01. Priority Indebtedness . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Priority Indebtedness other than:
(a) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;
(b) Indebtedness existing on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement and set forth on Schedule 6.01, and extensions, renewals or replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; provided that no additional Subsidiaries will be added as obligors or guarantors in respect of any Indebtedness referred to in this clause (b) and no such Indebtedness shall be secured by any additional assets (other than as a result of any Lien covering after-acquired property in effect on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement);
(c) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, or Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary; provided that no
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such Indebtedness shall be assigned to, or subjected to any Lien in favor of, a Person other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary;
(d) Indebtedness incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of, and secured by, any fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and extensions, renewals or replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or add additional Subsidiaries as obligors or guarantors in respect thereof and that are not secured by any additional assets; provided that such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and does not exceed 90% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets;
(e) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes or became a Subsidiary after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement; provided that such Indebtedness exists or existed at the time such Person becomes or became a Subsidiary, is not or was not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary and is not or was not secured by any Liens other than Liens permitted under Section 6.02(c), and extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the Indebtedness referred to above in this clause that do not or did not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or add additional Subsidiaries as obligors or guarantors in respect thereof and that are not secured by any additional assets;
(f) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary as an account party in respect of letters of credit backing obligations of any Subsidiary that do not constitute Indebtedness;
(g) Indebtedness incurred in connection with any sale and lease-back transactions permitted under Section 6.03;
(h) Securitization Transactions to the extent that the aggregate amount, without duplication, of all Securitization Transactions does not at any time exceed $250,000,000; and
(i) other Priority Indebtedness in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not greater than $75,000,000.
SECTION 6.02. Liens. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:
(a) Permitted Encumbrances;
(b) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secured on the date of
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the Existing Credit Agreement and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do and did not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof and (iii) all such Liens secure obligations having an aggregate principal amount not exceeding at any time $10,000,000;
(c) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement prior to the time such Person becomes or became a Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not or was not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures or secured on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not or did not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
(d) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary securing Indebtedness incurred to finance such acquisition, construction or improvement; provided that (i) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (ii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 90% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iii) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(e) any Lien securing the Borrowers obligations under any Hedging Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 6.07;
(f) sales of accounts receivable and interests therein pursuant to Securitization Transactions constituting Priority Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01;
(g) Liens deemed to exist in connection with sale and lease-back transactions permitted under Section 6.03;
(h) Liens securing Priority Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(a), (c) or (i); and
(i) other Liens not specifically listed above securing obligations (other than Indebtedness) not to exceed $1,000,000 at any one time outstanding.
SECTION 6.03. Sale and Lease-Back Transactions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any Person whereby it shall sell or transfer any property used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property which it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or
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purposes as the property being sold or transferred, except to the extent the aggregate sales price for the assets transferred in all such arrangements in effect at any time does not exceed $25,000,000.
SECTION 6.04. Fundamental Changes. (a) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, merge or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all its assets, or all or substantially all the stock of any Subsidiary (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) any Subsidiary may merge into the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided , that in the case of any merger of one Subsidiary into another, if either of such Subsidiaries shall be a Guarantor, the surviving or resulting Subsidiary must at all times after such merger be a Guarantor; (ii) any Subsidiary may sell, lease or otherwise transfer all or substantially all its assets to the Borrower or to another Subsidiary; provided , that in the case of any such transfer by one Subsidiary to another, if the transferor Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor, the transferee Subsidiary must at all times after such transfer be a Guarantor; (iii) any Person other than a Subsidiary may merge with the Borrower or a Subsidiary; provided , that (A) in the case of a merger to which the Borrower is a party, the Borrower must be the surviving or resulting corporation, (B) in the case of a merger to which a Subsidiary is a party, the surviving or resulting Person must be a Subsidiary (and, if any such constituent Subsidiary shall have been a Guarantor, a Guarantor) and (C) in the case of any merger referred to in this clause (iii), the Borrower shall be in compliance on a pro forma basis with the covenants set forth in Sections 6.08 and 6.09 as of the end of and for the most recent period of four fiscal quarters for which financial statements shall have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01, giving effect to such merger and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness as if it had occurred at the beginning of such period; and (iv) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders.
(b) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on the date of execution of the Existing Credit Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.
SECTION 6.05. Transactions with Affiliates. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arms-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the Borrower and the Subsidiaries not involving any other Affiliate and (c) dividends or other distributions (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any shares of any class of capital stock of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash,
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securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancelation or termination of any such shares of capital stock of the Borrower or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such shares of capital stock of the Borrower.
SECTION 6.06. Restrictive Agreements. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement and (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement identified on Schedule 6.06 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition).
SECTION 6.07. Hedging Agreements. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Hedging Agreement, except (a) Hedging Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks (including foreign exchange risks) to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure, and (b) Hedging Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate, from floating rates to fixed rates or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
SECTION 6.08. Interest Coverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense, in each case for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, to be less than 4.0 to 1.0.
SECTION 6.09. Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio. The Borrower will not at any time permit the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Debt at such time to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to be greater than 3.25 to 1.0.
ARTICLE VII
Events of Default
If any of the following events ( Events of Default ) shall occur:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or note when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;
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(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or note, or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days;
(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;
(d) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02, 5.03 (with respect to the Borrowers existence) or 5.08 or in Article VI;
(e) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);
(f) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable;
(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) 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;
(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
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(i) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(j) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
(k) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $15,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;
(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(m) the Guarantee Agreement or any provision thereof shall be declared to be unenforceable or null and void or any Guarantor or any person acting by or on behalf of such Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm any of such Guarantors obligations under the Guarantee Agreement or any Guarantor shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement on its part to be performed or observed pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement;
(n) a Change in Control shall occur; or
(o) there shall occur any event which constitutes a default, event of ineligibility, event of termination or similar event under or in connection with any Securitization Transaction in respect of which the aggregate amount of accounts receivable purchased net of the aggregate amount of accounts receivable collected exceeds $15,000,000 (a Material Securitization Transaction ), or the Borrower or any subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in or arising under any Material Securitization Transaction, if, as a result of such event or failure, the purchasers thereunder or any agent acting on their behalf shall cause or be permitted to cause (any applicable grace or cure period having expired) such Material Securitization Transaction or the
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commitments of the purchasers thereunder to terminate or cease to be fully available;
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.
ARTICLE VIII
The Administrative Agent
Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
The bank serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not the Administrative Agent hereunder.
The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Syndication Agent shall be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as
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shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02), and (c) except as expressly set forth herein, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender (in which case the Administrative Agent shall deliver such written notice to the Lenders or the other Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
The Administrative Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding paragraphs shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.
Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives
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notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the Administrative Agents resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent.
Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
The Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to appoint one or more Persons as syndication agents, documentation agents, co-syndication agents and/or co-documentation agents hereunder, and that it will enter into such amendments of this Agreement and other documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to effect such appointments. It is agreed that no Syndication Agent or Documentation Agent shall, in its capacity as such, have any duties or responsibilities under this Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
SECTION 9.01. Notices. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein or in any other Loan Document shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:
(a) if to the Borrower, to it at Atrium One, 201 E. Fourth Street, 102-1910, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Attention of Timothy M. Wesolowski (Telecopy No. (513) 723-6969);
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(b) if to the Administrative Agent, to the relevant address (or telecopy number) set forth below its signature to this Agreement; and
(c) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.
Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.
SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent 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 and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by the Borrower or any Guarantor therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
(b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders or by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender, including pursuant to Section 2.05, without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the Maturity Date or the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Sections 2.10(b) or 2.17(b) or (c), in each case in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of Required Lenders or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender or (vi) release any Guarantor from its Guarantee obligations under the Guarantee Agreement, or limit its liability in respect of such Guarantee obligations, without the
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written consent of each Lender; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent; and provided, further that this Agreement may be amended without the consent of any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent, any Increasing Lender or any Augmenting Lender) to increase Commitments as provided in Section 2.05.
SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. (a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents and their Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Agents, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Agents or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.
(b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Agents and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an Indemnitee ) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the 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 (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties thereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) any Loan or the use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (regardless of whether instituted by the Borrower or any of its directors, security holders or creditors or by an Indemnitee or any other Person or whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto), whether or not the Transactions are consummated; 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.
(c) To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to any Agent under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to such Agent such Lenders Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such
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unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent in its capacity as such.
(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.
(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.
SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns . (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, a Balance Sheet CLO, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee.
(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, the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 or, if smaller, the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lenders Commitment, unless the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
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(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, provided that this clause shall not apply to rights in respect of outstanding Competitive Loans;
(C) 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;
(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire; and
(E) in the case of an assignment to a Balance Sheet CLO, the assigning Lender shall retain the sole right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, except that the Assignment and Assumption between such Lender and such Balance Sheet CLO may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of such Balance Sheet CLO, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Balance Sheet CLO.
For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms Approved Fund and Balance Sheet CLO have the following meanings:
Approved Fund means, with respect to any Lender that is a fund which invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit, any other fund that invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit and is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor.
Balance Sheet CLO means, with respect to any Lender, any Person (other than a natural person) that is (i) established for the purpose of making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in order to allow such Lender to manage its balance sheet or regulatory or the ordinary course of its business and its economic capital and (ii) administered or managed by such Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender.
(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.16 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be
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treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.
(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the Register ). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may 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 and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignees completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
(c) (i) Any Lender may, without notice to or the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a Participant ) in all or a portion of such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lenders obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.13, 2.14 and 2.16 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.17(c) as though it were a Lender.
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(ii) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.14 or 2.16 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrowers prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.16 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.16(e) as though it were a Lender.
(d) Any Lender, without notice to or the consent of any Borrower or the Administrative Agent, may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(e) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Assumption, the assigning Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder shall be deemed to confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) such assigning Lender warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim and that its Commitments and the outstanding balances of its Loans, in each case without giving effect to assignments thereof that have not become effective, are as set forth in such Assignment and Assumption; (ii) except as set forth in clause (i) above, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto, or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of any of the foregoing, or the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; (iii) each of the assignee and the assignor represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter into such Assignment and Assumption; (iv) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of any amendments or consents entered into prior to the date of such Assignment and Assumption and copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Assumption; (v) such assignee will independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agents on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to it by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are
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reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations that by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower or the Guarantors in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under any Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans or the termination of the Commitments or of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.07. 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.
SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time
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held and other obligations at any time owing by such Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any of and all the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender may have.
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(b) The Borrower 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 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 or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against the Borrower or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) The Borrower 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. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED
59
ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates directors, officers, employees 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 regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, Information means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
SECTION 9.13. 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.
60
SECTION 9.14. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the Charges ), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the Maximum Rate ) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.
SECTION 9.15. Non-Public Information. (a) Each Lender acknowledges that all information furnished to it pursuant to this Agreement from the Borrower or on its behalf and relating to the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or its or their respective businesses may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or its or their securities, and confirms that it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and that it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with the procedures and applicable law, including Federal and state securities laws.
(b) All such information, including requests for waivers and amendments, furnished by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent pursuant to, or in the course of administering, this Agreement will be syndicate-level information, which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and its and their securities. Accordingly, each Lender represents to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that it has identified in its Administrative Questionnaire a credit contact who may receive information that may contain material non-public information in accordance with its compliance procedures and applicable law, including Federal and state securities laws.
SECTION 9.16. No Fiduciary Duty. The Borrower agrees that in connection with all aspects of the Transactions and any communications in connection therewith, the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and their Affiliates, on the other hand, will have a business relationship that does not create, by implication or otherwise, any fiduciary duty on the part of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or their Affiliates, and no such duty will be deemed to have arisen in connection with any such Transactions or communications.
SECTION 9.17. Waiver of Notice Period in connection with Termination of the Existing Credit Agreement. Each Lender that is a party to the Existing Credit Agreement hereby waives the prior notice required for the termination of the commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
CONVERGYS CORPORATION, | ||
by |
/s/ Timothy M. Wesolowski |
|
Name: | Timothy M. Wesolowski | |
Title: | Treasurer |
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THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, individually and as Administrative Agent, |
||
by |
/s/ Annabella Guo |
|
Name: | Annabella Guo | |
Title: | Director | |
by |
/s/ Christropher Johnson |
|
Name: | Christropher Johnson | |
Title: | Managing Director |
E-Mail: | Geraldine_lim@scotiacapital.com | |
karen_lam@scotiacapital.com | ||
Pay to: | The Bank of Nova Scotia |
ABA No. : | 026-002532 | |
Attn: | GWS Loan Operations | |
Account No. | 06101-35 | |
Ref: Convergys Corporation (Purpose of Payment) |
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Attn: |
NYA Loan Operations | |
Attn: | Geraldine Lim | |
Karen Lam |
Telephone No: | 212-225-5706 | |
Facsimile No: | 212-225-5708 |
E-Mail: | geraldine_lim@scotiacapital.com | |
karen_lam@scotiacapital.com |
64
Exhibit 99.2 to 2008 10-Q
EXECUTION COPY
$25,000,000
REVOLVING CREDIT BRIDGE FACILITY AGREEMENT
dated as of
October 3, 2008
among
CONVERGYS CORPORATION,
The Lenders Party Hereto
and
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.,
as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page |
||||
ARTICLE I Definitions | 1 | |||
SECTION 1.01. | Defined Terms | 1 | ||
SECTION 1.02. | Classification of Loans and Borrowings | 17 | ||
SECTION 1.03. | Terms Generally | 17 | ||
SECTION 1.04. | Accounting Terms; GAAP | 17 | ||
ARTICLE II The Credits | 17 | |||
SECTION 2.01. | Commitments | 17 | ||
SECTION 2.02. | Loans and Borrowings | 18 | ||
SECTION 2.03. | Requests for Revolving Borrowings | 18 | ||
SECTION 2.04. | Competitive Bid Procedure | 19 | ||
SECTION 2.05. | Increase in Commitments | 21 | ||
SECTION 2.06. | Funding of Borrowings | 23 | ||
SECTION 2.07. | Interest Elections | 23 | ||
SECTION 2.08. | Termination and Reduction of Commitments | 25 | ||
SECTION 2.09. | Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt | 25 | ||
SECTION 2.10. | Prepayment of Loans | 26 | ||
SECTION 2.11. | Fees | 26 | ||
SECTION 2.12. | Interest | 27 | ||
SECTION 2.13. | Alternate Rate of Interest | 28 | ||
SECTION 2.14. | Increased Costs | 28 | ||
SECTION 2.15. | Break Funding Payments | 30 | ||
SECTION 2.16. | Taxes | 30 | ||
SECTION 2.17. | Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs | 31 | ||
SECTION 2.18. | Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | 33 | ||
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties | 34 | |||
SECTION 3.01. | Organization; Powers | 34 | ||
SECTION 3.02. | Authorization; Enforceability | 34 | ||
SECTION 3.03. | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts | 34 | ||
SECTION 3.04. | Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change | 34 | ||
SECTION 3.05. | Properties | 35 | ||
SECTION 3.06. | Litigation and Environmental Matters | 35 | ||
SECTION 3.07. | Compliance with Laws and Agreements | 35 | ||
SECTION 3.08. | Investment Company Status | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.09. | Taxes | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.10. | ERISA | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.11. | Disclosure | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.12. | Use of Proceeds | 36 |
i
SECTION 3.13. | Subsidiaries | 36 | ||
SECTION 3.14. | Sanctioned Persons | 37 | ||
ARTICLE IV Conditions | 37 | |||
SECTION 4.01. | Effective Date | 37 | ||
SECTION 4.02. | Each Credit Event | 38 | ||
ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants | 38 | |||
SECTION 5.01. | Financial Statements and Other Information | 38 | ||
SECTION 5.02. | Notices of Material Events | 40 | ||
SECTION 5.03. | Existence; Conduct of Business | 40 | ||
SECTION 5.04. | Payment of Obligations | 40 | ||
SECTION 5.05. | Maintenance of Properties; Insurance | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.06. | Books and Records; Inspection Rights | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.07. | Compliance with Laws | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.08. | Use of Proceeds | 41 | ||
SECTION 5.09. | Guarantee Requirement | 41 | ||
ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants | 41 | |||
SECTION 6.01. | Priority Indebtedness | 41 | ||
SECTION 6.02. | Liens | 43 | ||
SECTION 6.03. | Sale and Lease-Back Transactions | 44 | ||
SECTION 6.04. | Fundamental Changes | 44 | ||
SECTION 6.05. | Transactions with Affiliates | 45 | ||
SECTION 6.06. | Restrictive Agreements | 45 | ||
SECTION 6.07. | Hedging Agreements | 45 | ||
SECTION 6.08. | Interest Coverage Ratio | 45 | ||
SECTION 6.09. | Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio | 45 | ||
ARTICLE VII Events of Default | 46 | |||
ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent | 48 | |||
ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous | 51 | |||
SECTION 9.01. | Notices | 51 | ||
SECTION 9.02. | Waivers; Amendments | 51 | ||
SECTION 9.03. | Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver | 52 | ||
SECTION 9.04. | Successors and Assigns | 53 | ||
SECTION 9.05. | Survival | 57 | ||
SECTION 9.06. | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 57 |
ii
SECTION 9.07. | Severability | 58 | ||
SECTION 9.08. | Right of Setoff | 58 | ||
SECTION 9.09. | Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process | 58 | ||
SECTION 9.10. | WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 59 | ||
SECTION 9.11. | Headings | 59 | ||
SECTION 9.12. | Confidentiality | 59 | ||
SECTION 9.13. | USA Patriot Act | 60 | ||
SECTION 9.14. | Interest Rate Limitation | 60 | ||
SECTION 9.15. | Non-Public Information | 60 | ||
SECTION 9.16. | No Fiduciary Duty | 61 |
SCHEDULES : | ||||
Schedule 2.01 | | Commitments | ||
Schedule 3.01 | | Organization and Powers | ||
Schedule 3.06 | | Disclosed Matters | ||
Schedule 3.13 | | Subsidiaries | ||
Schedule 6.01 | | Existing Indebtedness | ||
Schedule 6.06 | | Existing Restrictions | ||
EXHIBITS : | ||||
Exhibit A | | Form of Assignment and Assumption | ||
Exhibit B-1 | | Form of Opinion of Borrowers Special Counsel | ||
Exhibit B-2 | | Form of Opinion of Special Utah Counsel for certain Guarantors | ||
Exhibit C | | Form of Guarantee and Contribution Agreement |
iii
REVOLVING CREDIT BRIDGE FACILITY AGREEMENT dated as of October 3, 2008 (this Agreement ), among CONVERGYS CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation; the LENDERS party hereto and CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
The Borrower has requested the Lenders to extend credit to enable it to borrow on a revolving credit basis on and after the date hereof and at any time and from time to time prior to the Maturity Date a principal amount not in excess of $25,000,000 at any time outstanding. The proceeds of borrowings hereunder are to be used for commercial paper backup and for other general corporate purposes.
The Lenders are willing to extend such credit to the Borrower on the terms and subject to the conditions herein set forth.
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
ABR , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.
Adjusted LIBO Rate means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.
Administrative Agent means Citibank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.
Administrative Questionnaire means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
Agents means the Administrative Agent, the Syndication Agent and the Co-Documentation Agents.
Agreement means this Revolving Credit Bridge Facility Agreement, as the same may hereafter be modified, supplemented or amended from time to time.
Alternate Base Rate means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 2 of 1%. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.
Applicable Percentage means, with respect to any Lender, the percentage of the total Commitments represented by such Lenders Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.
Applicable Rate means, subject to any increase pursuant to Section 2.05, for any day, with respect to any Eurodollar Revolving Loan or ABR Revolving Loan, or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption Eurodollar Spread, Alternate Base Rate Spread, or Commitment Fee Rate, as the case may be, based upon the ratings by S&P and Moodys, respectively, applicable on such date to the Index Debt:
Index Debt Ratings: |
Eurodollar Spread |
Alternate Base Rate
Spread |
Commitment
Fee Rate |
||||||
Category 1 BBB or higher/Baa2 or higher |
1.50 | % | 0.50 | % | 0.25 | % | |||
Category 2 BBB/Baa3 or BBB-/Baa2 |
1.75 | % | 0.75 | % | 0.25 | % | |||
Category 3 BBB-/Baa3 |
2.00 | % | 1.00 | % | 0.35 | % | |||
Category 4 BB+/Ba1 or lower |
2.50 | % | 1.50 | % | 0.35 | % |
For purposes of the foregoing, (i) if either S&P or Moodys shall not have in effect a rating for the Index Debt (other than by reason of the circumstances referred to in the last sentence of this definition), then such rating agency shall be deemed to have established a rating in Category 4; (ii) if the ratings established or deemed to have been established by S&P and Moodys for the Index Debt shall fall within different Categories (and no single Category above shall include both ratings), then the Applicable Rate shall be determined by reference to the lower of the two ratings; and (iii) if the ratings established or deemed to have been established by S&P and Moodys for the Index Debt
2
shall be changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system of S&P or Moodys), such change shall be effective as of the date on which it is first announced by the applicable rating agency. Each change in the Applicable Rate shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change. If the rating system of S&P or Moodys shall change, or if either such rating agency shall cease to be in the business of rating corporate debt obligations, the Borrower and the Lenders shall negotiate in good faith to amend this definition to reflect such changed rating system or the unavailability of ratings from such rating agency and, pending the effectiveness of any such amendment, the Applicable Rate shall be determined by reference to the rating most recently in effect prior to such change or cessation.
Approved Fund has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b).
Asset Disposition means a sale (or group of related sales) of assets, stock or businesses by the Borrower or any of the Guarantors outside the ordinary course of business for consideration with a value exceeding $100,000,000 in the aggregate.
Assignment and Assumption means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
Augmenting Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).
Availability Period means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Maturity Date.
Balance Sheet CLO has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b).
Board means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
Borrower means Convergys Corporation, an Ohio corporation.
Borrowing means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect or (b) a Competitive Loan or group of Competitive Loans of the same Type made on the same date and as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.
Borrowing Request means a request by the Borrower for a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.
Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term
3
Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.
Capital Lease Obligations of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
Capital Markets Transaction means any equity, bond, convertible bond or bank financing used to refinance the amounts drawn under the Existing Credit Agreement.
Change in Control means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement), of shares representing more than 25% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Borrower; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of the Borrower nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; or (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of the Borrower by any Person or group.
Change in Law means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.14(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lenders holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement.
Charges has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14.
Class , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Competitive Loans.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Commitment means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Revolving Loans hereunder expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lenders Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08, (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender
4
pursuant to Section 9.04, and (c) increased, with the consent of such Lender, pursuant to Section 2.05. The initial amount of each Lenders Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders Commitments is $25,000,000.
Commitment Increase has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
Competitive Bid means an offer by a Lender to make a Competitive Loan in accordance with Section 2.04.
Competitive Bid Availability Period means the period beginning on the date that the Borrower and each Lender executes an amendment to this Agreement permitting the Borrower to request Competitive Loans to but excluding the Maturity Date.
Competitive Bid Rate means, with respect to any Competitive Bid, the Margin or the Fixed Rate, as applicable, offered by the Lender making such Competitive Bid.
Competitive Bid Request means a request by the Borrower for Competitive Bids in accordance with Section 2.04.
Competitive Loan means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.04.
Consolidated EBITDA means, for any fiscal period, with respect to the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus , to the extent deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, without duplication, the sum of (a) income tax expense, (b) interest expense (including the aggregate yield (expressed in dollars) obtained by the purchasers or investors under any Securitization Transactions on their investments in accounts receivable of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries during such period, determined in accordance with generally accepted financial practice and the terms of such Securitization Transactions), (c) depreciation and amortization expense, (d) any non-cash extraordinary or non-cash non-recurring losses and (e) other non-cash items (other than accruals) reducing Consolidated Net Income, minus, to the extent added in computing such Consolidated Net Income, without duplication, the sum of (i) interest income, (ii) any extraordinary or non-recurring gains and (iii) other non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income, all as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. In the event that there shall have occurred any acquisition or disposition by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of a business or business unit during any period for which Consolidated EBITDA is to be determined, such determination shall be made on a pro forma basis (in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933) as if such acquisition or disposition and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness had occurred on the first day of such period.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, for any fiscal period, the aggregate of all interest expense of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for
5
such period that, in accordance with GAAP, is or should be included in interest expense reflected in the income statement for the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, less the amount of capital lease interest accrued to the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiary for such period that is not reflected in Consolidated EBITDA for such period, all as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus, for any fiscal period, the aggregate yield (expressed in dollars) obtained by the purchasers under any Securitization Transactions on their investments in accounts receivable of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries during such period, determined in accordance with generally accepted financial practice and the terms of such Securitization Transactions. In the event that there shall have occurred any acquisition or disposition by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of a business or business unit during any period for which Consolidated Interest Expense is to be determined, such determination shall be made on a pro forma basis (in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933) as if such acquisition or disposition and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness had occurred on the first day of such period.
Consolidated Net Income means, for any fiscal period, net income of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that should be consolidated with the Borrower for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Total Debt means, at any date, all Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries at such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus , without duplication, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Securitization Transactions.
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.
Default means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
Disclosed Matters means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.
Documentation Agent means each Person that the Administrative Agent shall, in its sole discretion, appoint as a documentation agent or co-documentation agent hereunder, in each case in its capacity as a documentation agent or co-documentation agent hereunder.
dollars or $ refers to lawful money of the United States of America.
6
Effective Date means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
Environmental Laws means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to health and safety matters.
Environmental Liability means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
ERISA Affiliate means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
ERISA Event means (a) any reportable event, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
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Eurodollar , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate (or, in the case of a Competitive Loan, the LIBO Rate).
Event of Default has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.
Excluded Taxes means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which any such recipient is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.18(b)), any withholding tax that is imposed by the United States of America on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lenders failure to comply with Section 2.16(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.16(a).
Existing Credit Agreement means the Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2006, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto, the agents and arrangers named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
Federal Funds Effective Rate shall mean, for any day, the rate set forth in the weekly statistical release designated as H.15(519), or any successor publication as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the preceding Business Day opposite the caption Federal Funds (Effective) , provided that (i) if the date for which such rate is to be determined is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions published on the next preceding Business Day, and (ii) if such rate is not so published for any day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged to the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
Financial Officer means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower.
Fixed Rate means, with respect to any Competitive Loan (other than a Eurodollar Competitive Loan), the fixed rate of interest per annum specified by the Lender making such Competitive Loan in its related Competitive Bid.
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Fixed Rate Loan means a Competitive Loan bearing interest at a Fixed Rate.
Foreign Lender means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is located. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
Foreign Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is not incorporated or otherwise organized under the laws of the United States or its territories or possessions.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Governmental Authority means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
Guarantee of or by any Person (the guarantor ) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the primary obligor ) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
Guarantee Agreement means the guarantee and contribution agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C, to be entered into by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Guarantors.
Guarantee Requirement means, at any time, that the Guarantee Agreement (or a supplement referred to in Section 22 thereof) shall have been executed by each Material Subsidiary (other than a Foreign Subsidiary) existing at such time, shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and shall be in full force and effect.
Guarantor means any Subsidiary that shall be a party to the Guarantee Agreement.
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Hazardous Materials means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
Hedging Agreement means any interest rate protection agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement. The principal amount of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements provided for in such Hedging Agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Hedging Agreement were terminated at such time.
Increase Effective Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
Increasing Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).
Indebtedness of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers acceptances and (k) all Securitization Transactions of such Person. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Persons ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.
Indemnified Taxes means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
Indemnitee has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
Index Debt means senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Borrower that is not guaranteed by any other Person or subject to any other credit enhancement.
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Information has the meaning set forth in Section 9.12.
Initial Loans has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
Interest Election Request means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07.
Interest Payment Date means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December, (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months duration after the first day of such Interest Period and (c) with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than 90 days duration (unless otherwise specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request), each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of 90 days duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and any other dates that are specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request as Interest Payment Dates with respect to such Borrowing.
Interest Period means (a) with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months (or such other period as may be requested by the Borrower and agreed to by all Lenders) thereafter, as the Borrower may elect and (b) with respect to any Fixed Rate Borrowing, the period (which shall not be less than seven days or more than 360 days) commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the date specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request; provided , that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Borrowing that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
Lenders means (a) the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01, (b) any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, and (c) any Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to Section 2.05.
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LIBO Rate means, for any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period. If for any reason such rate is not available, the term LIBO Rate shall mean, for any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing on Reuters Screen LIBO Page as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided , however , if more than one rate is specified on Reuters Screen LIBO Page, the applicable rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such rates.
Lien means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
Loan Documents means this Agreement and any promissory note issued hereunder and the Guarantee Agreement.
Loans means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
Margin means, with respect to any Competitive Loan bearing interest at a rate based on the LIBO Rate, the marginal rate of interest, if any, to be added to or subtracted from the LIBO Rate to determine the rate of interest applicable to such Loan, as specified by the Lender making such Loan in its related Competitive Bid.
Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Lenders under this Agreement.
Material Indebtedness means Indebtedness (other than the Loans), or obligations in respect of one or more Hedging Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $25,000,000.
Material Subsidiary means (a) any Subsidiary that directly or indirectly owns or Controls any Material Subsidiary (unless the only Material Subsidiary directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Subsidiary is CMG Utah Inc.) and (b) CMG Utah Inc. and any other Subsidiary (i) the revenues of which for the most recent period of four
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fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 were greater than 1% of the Borrowers consolidated revenues for such period and (ii) the assets of which as of the end of such period were greater than 1% of Borrowers consolidated assets as of such date; provided that if at any time (i) the aggregate amount of the revenues of all Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries exceeds 5% of the Borrowers consolidated revenues for the most recent period of four fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 or (ii) the aggregate amount of the assets of all Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries exceeds 5% of the Borrowers consolidated assets as of the end of such period, the Borrower (or, in the event the Borrower has failed to do so within 10 Business Days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient Subsidiaries as Material Subsidiaries to eliminate such excess, and such designated Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of this Agreement constitute Material Subsidiaries. For purposes of making the determinations required by this definition, revenues and assets of Foreign Subsidiaries shall be converted into dollars at the rates used in preparing the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower included in the applicable financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Subsidiary formed solely for the purpose of carrying out one or more Securitization Transactions and owning no assets and conducting no business other than those incidental to such Securitization Transactions shall not constitute a Material Subsidiary.
Maturity Date means the earliest of (i) December 19, 2008, (ii) the closing of a Capital Markets Transaction and (iii) the closing of an Asset Disposition.
Maximum Rate has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
Multiemployer Plan means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
Non-Increasing Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).
OFAC has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.
Other Taxes means any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement.
Participant has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(c).
PBGC means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
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Permitted Encumbrances means:
(a) Liens imposed by law for taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(b) carriers, warehousemens, mechanics, materialmens, repairmens and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;
(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
(e) judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII; and
(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
provided that the term Permitted Encumbrances shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
Plan means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an employer as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
Prime Rate means at any time, the rate of interest then most recently established by the Administrative Agent in New York as its base rate for dollars loaned in the United States. Such rate is set by the Administrative Agent as a general prime rate of interest, taking into account such factors as the Administrative Agent may deem appropriate, it being understood that many of the Administrative Agents commercial or other loans are priced in relation to such rate, that it is not necessarily the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer and that the Administrative Agent may make various commercial or other loans at rates of interest having no relationship to such rate.
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Priority Indebtedness means, without duplication, (a) all Indebtedness, and the principal amount of the obligations under any Hedging Agreements, of any Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) and (b) all Indebtedness, and the principal amount of the obligations under any Hedging Agreements, of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is secured by any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or that is referred to in clause (d), (f), (h) or (k) of the definition of Indebtedness.
Register has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.
Related Parties means, with respect to any specified Person, such Persons Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Persons Affiliates.
Required Lenders means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Credit Exposures and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the total Revolving Credit Exposures and unused Commitments at such time; provided that, for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, and for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments expire or terminate, the outstanding Competitive Loans of the Lenders shall be included in their respective Revolving Credit Exposures in determining the Required Lenders.
Revolving Credit Exposure means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the outstanding principal amount of such Lenders Revolving Loans.
Revolving Loan means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.03.
S&P means Standard & Poors.
Securitization Transaction means any transfer by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of accounts receivable or interests therein, in a true sale transaction, (a) to a trust, partnership, corporation or other entity, which transfer is funded by the incurrence or issuance by the transferee or any successor transferee of indebtedness or other securities that are to receive payments from, or that represent interests in, the cash flow derived from such accounts receivable or interests therein, or (b) directly to one or more investors or other purchasers. The amount or principal amount of any Securitization Transaction shall be deemed at any time to be the aggregate principal or stated amount of the Indebtedness or other securities referred to in such clause or, if there shall be no such principal or stated amount, the uncollected amount of the accounts receivable or interests therein transferred pursuant to such Securitization Transaction net of any such accounts receivable or interests therein that have been written off as uncollectible.
Statutory Reserve Rate means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as Eurocurrency Liabilities in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurodollar
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Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.
Subsequent Borrowings has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
subsidiary means, with respect to any Person (the parent ) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parents consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.
Subsidiary means any subsidiary of the Borrower.
Syndication Agent means each Person that the Administrative Agent shall, in its sole discretion, appoint as a syndication agent or co-syndication agent hereunder, in each case in its capacity as a syndication agent or co-syndication agent hereunder.
Taxes means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.
Transactions means (a) the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement, the borrowing of Loans and the use of the proceeds thereof and (b) the execution, delivery and performance by the Guarantors of the Guarantee Agreement.
Type , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Alternate Base Rate or, in the case of a Competitive Loan or Borrowing, the LIBO Rate or a Fixed Rate.
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)).
Withdrawal Liability means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
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SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings . For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a Revolving Loan) or by Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Loan) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Revolving Loan). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a Revolving Borrowing) or by Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Borrowing) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing).
SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. The word will shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word shall. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Persons successors and assigns, (c) the words herein, hereof and hereunder, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words asset and property shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the 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 date of the Existing Credit Agreement 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.
ARTICLE II
The Credits
SECTION 2.01. Commitments . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in
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(a) such Lenders Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding such Lenders Commitment or (b) the sum of the total Revolving Credit Exposures plus the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Competitive Loans exceeding the total Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.
SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings . (a) Each Revolving Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Revolving Loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. Each Competitive Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.04. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments and Competitive Bids of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lenders failure to make Loans as required.
(b) Subject to Section 2.13, (i) each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith, and (ii) each Competitive Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided further that in exercising such option, each Lender shall comply with its obligation under Section 2.18(a).
(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000. At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000. Each Competitive Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of ten Eurodollar Revolving Borrowings outstanding.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.
SECTION 2.03. Requests for Revolving Borrowings . To request a Revolving Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the
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Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;
(iv) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period; and
(v) the location and number of the Borrowers account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06.
If no election as to the Type of Revolving Borrowing is specified, then the requested Revolving Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one months duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lenders Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.
SECTION 2.04. Competitive Bid Procedure . (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from time to time during the Competitive Bid Availability Period the Borrower may request Competitive Bids and may (but shall not have any obligation to) accept Competitive Bids and borrow Competitive Loans; provided that the sum of the total Revolving Credit Exposures plus the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Competitive Loans shall not exceed the total Commitments. To request Competitive Bids, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, four Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing and, in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that the Borrower may submit no more than one Competitive Bid Request on the same day and a Competitive Bid Request shall not be made within five Business Days after the date of any previous Competitive Bid Request, unless any and all such previous Competitive Bid Requests shall have been withdrawn or all Competitive Bids received in response thereto rejected. Each such telephonic Competitive Bid Request shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Competitive Bid Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Competitive Bid Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
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(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be a Eurodollar Borrowing or a Fixed Rate Borrowing;
(iv) the Interest Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period; and
(v) the location and number of the Borrowers account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06.
Promptly following receipt of a Competitive Bid Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of the details thereof by telecopy, inviting the Lenders to submit Competitive Bids.
(b) Each Lender may (but shall not have any obligation to) make one or more Competitive Bids to the Borrower in response to a Competitive Bid Request. Each Competitive Bid by a Lender must be in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and must be received by the Administrative Agent by telecopy, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Borrowing, not later than 9:30 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the proposed date of such Competitive Borrowing, and in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, not later than 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on the proposed date of such Competitive Borrowing. Competitive Bids that do not conform substantially to the form approved by the Administrative Agent may be rejected by the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall notify the applicable Lender as promptly as practicable. Each Competitive Bid shall specify (i) the principal amount (which shall be a minimum of $5,000,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and which may equal the entire principal amount of the Competitive Borrowing requested by the Borrower) of the Competitive Loan or Loans that the Lender is willing to make, (ii) the Competitive Bid Rate or Rates at which the Lender is prepared to make such Loan or Loans (expressed as a percentage rate per annum in the form of a decimal to no more than four decimal places) and (iii) the Interest Period applicable to each such Loan and the last day thereof.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower by telecopy of the Competitive Bid Rate and the principal amount specified in each Competitive Bid and the identity of the Lender that shall have made such Competitive Bid.
(d) Subject only to the provisions of this paragraph, the Borrower may accept or reject any Competitive Bid. The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone, confirmed by telecopy in a form approved by the Administrative Agent, whether and to what extent it has decided to accept or reject each Competitive Bid, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Borrowing, not later than 10:30 a.m., New
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York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Competitive Borrowing, and in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, not later than 10:30 a.m., New York City time, on the proposed date of the Competitive Borrowing; provided that (i) the failure of the Borrower to give such notice shall be deemed to be a rejection of each Competitive Bid, (ii) the Borrower shall not accept a Competitive Bid made at a particular Competitive Bid Rate if the Borrower rejects a Competitive Bid made at a lower Competitive Bid Rate, (iii) the aggregate amount of the Competitive Bids accepted by the Borrower shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the requested Competitive Borrowing specified in the related Competitive Bid Request, (iv) to the extent necessary to comply with clause (iii) above, the Borrower may accept Competitive Bids at the same Competitive Bid Rate in part, which acceptance, in the case of multiple Competitive Bids at such Competitive Bid Rate, shall be made pro rata in accordance with the amount of each such Competitive Bid, and (v) except pursuant to clause (iv) above, no Competitive Bid shall be accepted for a Competitive Loan unless such Competitive Loan is in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000,000; provided further that if a Competitive Loan must be in an amount less than $5,000,000 because of the provisions of clause (iv) above, such Competitive Loan may be for a minimum of $1,000,000 or any integral multiple thereof, and in calculating the pro rata allocation of acceptances of portions of multiple Competitive Bids at a particular Competitive Bid Rate pursuant to clause (iv) the amounts shall be rounded to integral multiples of $1,000,000 in a manner determined by the Borrower. A notice given by the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph shall be irrevocable.
(e) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each bidding Lender by telecopy whether or not its Competitive Bid has been accepted (and, if so, the amount and Competitive Bid Rate so accepted), and each successful bidder will thereupon become bound, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, to make the Competitive Loan in respect of which its Competitive Bid has been accepted.
(f) If the Administrative Agent shall elect to submit a Competitive Bid in its capacity as a Lender, it shall submit such Competitive Bid directly to the Borrower at least one quarter of an hour earlier than the time by which the other Lenders are required to submit their Competitive Bids to the Administrative Agent pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no Competitive Bid Requests shall be made by the Borrower, and no Lender shall make any Competitive Bid or Competitive Loan, in each case prior to the beginning of the Competitive Bid Availability Period.
SECTION 2.05. Increase in Commitments . (a) The Borrower may on up to two occasions at any time not later than three months prior to the Maturity Date, by written notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), request that the total Commitments be increased by an amount that will not result in the total Commitments under this Agreement exceeding $100,000,000 minus the amount of any reduction of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.08. Such notice shall set forth (i) the amount of the requested increase in the total Commitments, (ii) the
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name of the Person (who shall be a bank or other financial institution approved by the Administrative Agent, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) who has agreed to become a Lender or, if currently a Lender, the amount of the increase in its Commitment, (iii) the date on which such increase is requested to become effective (which shall be not less than 5 days after the date of such notice and (iv) the amount of all proposed fees payable to such new or existing Lender, and (v) any proposed increase in the Applicable Rate. Any increase in the Applicable Rate shall be effective as to all Loans. Any Lender increasing its Commitment is herein called an Increasing Lender and any Lender not increasing its Commitment is herein called a Non-Increasing Lender . Each other Person providing all or any portion of the increased Commitment is herein called an Augmenting Lender . Each Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender shall execute all such documentation as the Administrative Agent shall specify to evidence its Commitment and its status as a Lender hereunder. Increases and new Commitments created pursuant to this clause (a) shall become effective on the date specified in the notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no increase in the total Commitments (or in the Commitment of any Lender) shall become effective under this paragraph unless, (i) on the date of such increase, the representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct and no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower, and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received (with sufficient copies for each of the Lenders) documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date under clauses (c) and (d) of Section 4.01 as to the corporate power and authority of the Borrower to borrow hereunder after giving effect to such increase.
(b) On the effective date (the Increase Effective Date ) of any increase in the total Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05(a) (the Commitment Increase ), (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding (the Initial Loans ) immediately prior to giving effect to the Commitment Increase on the Increase Effective Date shall be deemed to be paid, (ii) each Increasing Lender and each Augmenting Lender that shall have been a Lender prior to the Commitment Increase shall pay to the Administrative Agent in same day funds an amount equal to the difference between (A) the product of (1) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Subsequent Borrowings and (B) the product of (1) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Initial Loans, (iii) each Augmenting Lender that shall not have been a Lender prior to the Commitment Increase shall pay to Administrative Agent in same day funds an amount equal to the product of (1) such Augmenting Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Subsequent Borrowings, and (iv) after the Administrative Agent receives the funds specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the Administrative Agent shall pay to each Non-Increasing Lender the portion of such funds that is equal to the difference between (A) the product of (1) such Non-Increasing Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Initial Loans, and (B) the product of (1) such Non-Increasing Lenders Applicable
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Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the amount of the Subsequent Borrowings, (v) after the effectiveness of the Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall be deemed to have made new Borrowings (the Subsequent Borrowings ) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Loans and of the types and for the Interest Periods specified in a Borrowing Request delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.03, (vi) each Non-Increasing Lender, each Increasing Lender and each Augmenting Lender shall be deemed to hold its Applicable Percentage of each Subsequent Borrowing (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) and (vii) the Borrower shall pay each Increasing Lender and each Non-Increasing Lender any and all accrued but unpaid interest on the Initial Loans. The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (i) above in respect of each Eurodollar Loan shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.15 if the Increase Effective Date occurs other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto.
SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings . (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request or Competitive Bid Request.
(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lenders share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lenders Loan included in such Borrowing.
SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections . (a) Each Revolving Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions
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of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Competitive Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.
(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Revolving Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower.
(c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);
(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and
(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period.
If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one months duration.
(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lenders portion of each resulting Borrowing.
(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so
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notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Revolving Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.
SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments . (a) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
(b) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $10,000,000 and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.10, the sum of the Revolving Credit Exposure plus the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Competitive Loans would exceed the total Commitments.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments.
SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt . (a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Maturity Date and (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders the then unpaid principal amount of each Competitive Loan on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan.
(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period, if any, applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder
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and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lenders share thereof.
(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to the order of such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the order of the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns).
SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans . (a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that the Borrower shall not have the right to prepay any Competitive Loan without the prior consent of the Lender thereof.
(b) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment or (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Revolving Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.08, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Revolving Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Revolving Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.12.
SECTION 2.11. Fees . (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account or the account of each Lender, as the case may
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be, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
(b) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily amount of the unused Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the date hereof to but excluding the date on which such Commitment shall have terminated and such Lender shall have no outstanding Revolving Loans. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year, on any date prior to the Maturity Date on which the Commitments terminate and on the Maturity Date. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days
(c) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent for distribution, if applicable, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances unless otherwise expressly provided in the agreement referred to in clause (a).
SECTION 2.12. Interest . (a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b) The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest (i) in the case of a Eurodollar Revolving Loan, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate, or (ii) in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Loan, at the LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus (or minus, as applicable) the Margin applicable to such Loan.
(c) Each Fixed Rate Loan shall bear interest at the Fixed Rate applicable to such Loan.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.
(e) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the
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event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Revolving Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.
(f) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest . If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:
(a) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period; or
(b) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders (or, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Loan, the Lender that is required to make such Loan) that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;
then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective, (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing and (iii) any request by the Borrower for a Eurodollar Competitive Borrowing shall be ineffective; provided that (A) if the circumstances giving rise to such notice do not affect all the Lenders, then requests by the Borrower for Eurodollar Competitive Borrowings may be made to Lenders that are not affected thereby and (B) if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then the other Type of Borrowings shall be permitted.
SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs . (a) If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or
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credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate); or
(ii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans made by such Lender;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan or Fixed Rate Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lenders capital or on the capital of such Lenders holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lenders holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lenders policies and the policies of such Lenders holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lenders holding company for any such reduction suffered. It is acknowledged that this Agreement is being entered into by the Lenders on the understanding that the Lenders will not be required to maintain capital against their Commitments under currently applicable laws, regulations and regulatory guidelines. In the event the Lenders shall otherwise determine that such understanding is incorrect, it is agreed that the Lenders will be entitled to make claims under this paragraph (b) based upon market requirements prevailing on the date hereof for commitments under comparable credit facilities against which capital is required to be maintained.
(c) A certificate of a Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lenders right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lenders intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, a Lender shall not be entitled to compensation pursuant to this Section in respect of any Competitive Loan if the Change in Law that would otherwise entitle it to such compensation shall have been publicly announced prior to submission of the Competitive Bid pursuant to which such Loan was made.
SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments . In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan or Fixed Rate Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or pursuant to Section 2.05), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Revolving Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.10(b) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (d) the failure to borrow any Competitive Loan after accepting the Competitive Bid to make such Loan, or (e) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan or Fixed Rate Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.18, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate (or, in the case of a Eurodollar Competitive Loan, the LIBO Rate) that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth in reasonable detail any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
SECTION 2.16. Taxes . (a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if the Borrower shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent or Lender (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
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(b) In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(c) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate in reasonable detail as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(e) Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate.
SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs . (a) The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or of amounts payable under Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or otherwise) prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at the payment office specified on its signature page to this Agreement, except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.
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(b) (i) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (x) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (y) second, towards payment of principal then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties.
(ii) For purposes of determining the available Commitments of the Lenders at any time, each outstanding Competitive Borrowing shall be deemed to have utilized the Commitments of the Lenders (including those Lenders which shall not have made Loans as part of such Competitive Borrowing) pro rata in accordance with such respective Commitments.
(c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.
(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds
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Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
(e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.06(b) or 2.17(d), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lenders obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.
SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders . (a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, or if any Lender defaults in its obligation to fund Loans hereunder, or if any Lender is a Declining Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement (other than any outstanding Competitive Loans held by it) to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans (other than Competitive Loans), accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.16, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
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ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers . Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and, except for the matter set forth in Schedule 3.01, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.
SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability . The Transactions are within the Borrowers or Guarantors, as the case may be, corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and, if required, stockholder action. Each of the Loan Documents has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower or the Guarantors, as applicable, and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower or the Guarantors, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts . The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change . (a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, reported on by Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants, and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, certified by its chief financial officer. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above.
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(b) Since December 31, 2007, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
SECTION 3.05. Properties . (a) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes.
(b) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters . (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve this Agreement or the Transactions.
(b) Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.
(c) Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements . The Borrower and each Subsidiary is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing.
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SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status . Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an investment company as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SECTION 3.09. Taxes . The Borrower and each Subsidiary has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP and (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.10. ERISA . No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $20,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $25,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.
SECTION 3.11. Disclosure . None of the other reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) 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, when taken as a whole, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.
SECTION 3.12. Use of Proceeds . Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board). No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U, and X.
SECTION 3.13. Subsidiaries . Schedule 3.13 contains an accurate list of all Material Subsidiaries on the date hereof, setting forth their respective jurisdictions of organization and the percentage of their respective ownership interest held by the Borrower or other Subsidiaries. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock
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of the Material Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.
SECTION 3.14. Sanctioned Persons . None of the Borrower or any Subsidiary nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department ( OFAC ); and the Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Loans or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Person for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
ARTICLE IV
Conditions
SECTION 4.01. Effective Date . The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.
(b) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from the Borrower and each Guarantor either (i) a counterpart of the Guarantee Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of the Guarantee Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of the Guarantee Agreement.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received favorable written opinions (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of Frost Brown Todd LLC, special counsel to the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B, in each case covering such other matters relating to the Borrower, this Agreement or the Transactions as the Required Lenders shall reasonably request. The Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of the Borrower and the Guarantors, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Borrower and the Guarantors, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
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(e) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraph (b) of Section 3.04 and paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.
(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder.
(g) There shall be no litigation or administrative proceeding that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(h) The Lenders shall have received projections for the fiscal years 2008 and 2009 for the Borrower.
The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.
SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event . The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) Except for those specified in Section 3.04(b), the representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Borrowing (or, in the case of any representation or warranty that by its express terms is limited to a particular date, as of that date).
(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.
ARTICLE V
Affirmative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated in whole and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information . The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:
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(a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by Ernst & Young LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a going concern or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;
(b) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Sections 6.08 and 6.09 and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;
(d) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports and proxy statements filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Borrower to its shareholders generally, as the case may be;
(e) promptly after Moodys or S&P shall have announced a change in the rating established or deemed to have been established for the Index Debt, written notice of such rating change;
(f) promptly following a request therefor, any documentation or other information that a Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing
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obligations under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act; and
(g) promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.
SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events . The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt written notice of the following:
(a) the occurrence of any Default;
(b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $20,000,000;
(d) any change in the date of its fiscal year end; and
(e) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.
Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.
SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business . The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.04.
SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations . The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) the Borrower or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance . The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, (a) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.
SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights . The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested.
SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws . The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds . The proceeds of the Loans will be used only for general corporate purposes (including working capital needs, refinancing Indebtedness, providing commercial paper backup and financing acquisitions that are approved by the board of directors, or other governing body, of the target entity before the acquiror commences a tender offer, proxy solicitation or similar action with respect to the targets voting capital stock). No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X.
SECTION 5.09. Guarantee Requirement . The Borrower will cause the Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied at all times.
ARTICLE VI
Negative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated in whole and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder have been paid in full, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 6.01. Priority Indebtedness . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Priority Indebtedness other than:
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(a) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;
(b) Indebtedness existing on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement and set forth on Schedule 6.01, and extensions, renewals or replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; provided that no additional Subsidiaries will be added as obligors or guarantors in respect of any Indebtedness referred to in this clause (b) and no such Indebtedness shall be secured by any additional assets (other than as a result of any Lien covering after-acquired property in effect on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement);
(c) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, or Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary; provided that no such Indebtedness shall be assigned to, or subjected to any Lien in favor of, a Person other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary;
(d) Indebtedness incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of, and secured by, any fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and extensions, renewals or replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or add additional Subsidiaries as obligors or guarantors in respect thereof and that are not secured by any additional assets; provided that such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and does not exceed 90% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets;
(e) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes or became a Subsidiary after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement; provided that such Indebtedness exists or existed at the time such Person becomes or became a Subsidiary, is not or was not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary and is not or was not secured by any Liens other than Liens permitted under Section 6.02(c), and extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the Indebtedness referred to above in this clause that do not or did not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or add additional Subsidiaries as obligors or guarantors in respect thereof and that are not secured by any additional assets;
(f) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary as an account party in respect of letters of credit backing obligations of any Subsidiary that do not constitute Indebtedness;
(g) Indebtedness incurred in connection with any sale and lease-back transactions permitted under Section 6.03;
(h) Securitization Transactions to the extent that the aggregate amount, without duplication, of all Securitization Transactions does not at any time exceed $250,000,000; and
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(i) other Priority Indebtedness in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not greater than $75,000,000.
SECTION 6.02. Liens . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:
(a) Permitted Encumbrances;
(b) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secured on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do and did not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof and (iii) all such Liens secure obligations having an aggregate principal amount not exceeding at any time $10,000,000;
(c) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date of the Existing Credit Agreement prior to the time such Person becomes or became a Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not or was not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures or secured on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not or did not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
(d) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary securing Indebtedness incurred to finance such acquisition, construction or improvement; provided that (i) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (ii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 90% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iii) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(e) any Lien securing the Borrowers obligations under any Hedging Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 6.07;
(f) sales of accounts receivable and interests therein pursuant to Securitization Transactions constituting Priority Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01;
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(g) Liens deemed to exist in connection with sale and lease-back transactions permitted under Section 6.03;
(h) Liens securing Priority Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(a), (c) or (i); and
(i) other Liens not specifically listed above securing obligations (other than Indebtedness) not to exceed $1,000,000 at any one time outstanding.
SECTION 6.03. Sale and Lease-Back Transactions . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any Person whereby it shall sell or transfer any property used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property which it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or transferred, except to the extent the aggregate sales price for the assets transferred in all such arrangements in effect at any time does not exceed $25,000,000.
SECTION 6.04. Fundamental Changes . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, merge or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all its assets, or all or substantially all the stock of any Subsidiary (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) any Subsidiary may merge into the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided , that in the case of any merger of one Subsidiary into another, if either of such Subsidiaries shall be a Guarantor, the surviving or resulting Subsidiary must at all times after such merger be a Guarantor; (ii) any Subsidiary may sell, lease or otherwise transfer all or substantially all its assets to the Borrower or to another Subsidiary; provided , that in the case of any such transfer by one Subsidiary to another, if the transferor Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor, the transferee Subsidiary must at all times after such transfer be a Guarantor; (iii) any Person other than a Subsidiary may merge with the Borrower or a Subsidiary; provided , that (A) in the case of a merger to which the Borrower is a party, the Borrower must be the surviving or resulting corporation, (B) in the case of a merger to which a Subsidiary is a party, the surviving or resulting Person must be a Subsidiary (and, if any such constituent Subsidiary shall have been a Guarantor, a Guarantor) and (C) in the case of any merger referred to in this clause (iii), the Borrower shall be in compliance on a pro forma basis with the covenants set forth in Sections 6.08 and 6.09 as of the end of and for the most recent period of four fiscal quarters for which financial statements shall have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01, giving effect to such merger and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness as if it had occurred at the beginning of such period; and (iv) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders.
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(a) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on the date of execution of the Existing Credit Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.
SECTION 6.05. Transactions with Affiliates . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arms-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the Borrower and the Subsidiaries not involving any other Affiliate and (c) dividends or other distributions (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any shares of any class of capital stock of the Borrower or any 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, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such shares of capital stock of the Borrower or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such shares of capital stock of the Borrower.
SECTION 6.06. Restrictive Agreements . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement and (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date of the Existing Credit Agreement identified on Schedule 6.06 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition).
SECTION 6.07. Hedging Agreements . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Hedging Agreement, except (a) Hedging Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks (including foreign exchange risks) to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure, and (b) Hedging Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate, from floating rates to fixed rates or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
SECTION 6.08. Interest Coverage Ratio . The Borrower will not permit the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense, in each case for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, to be less than 4.0 to 1.0.
SECTION 6.09. Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio . The Borrower will not at any time permit the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Debt at such
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time to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to be greater than 3.25 to 1.0.
ARTICLE VII
Events of Default
If any of the following events ( Events of Default ) shall occur:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or note when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;
(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or note, or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days;
(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;
(d) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02, 5.03 (with respect to the Borrowers existence) or 5.08 or in Article VI;
(e) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);
(f) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable;
(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity;
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provided that this clause (g) 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;
(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
(i) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(j) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
(k) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $15,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;
(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(m) the Guarantee Agreement or any provision thereof shall be declared to be unenforceable or null and void or any Guarantor or any person acting by or on behalf of such Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm any of such Guarantors obligations under the Guarantee Agreement or any Guarantor shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement on its part to be performed or observed pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement;
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(n) a Change in Control shall occur; or
(o) there shall occur any event which constitutes a default, event of ineligibility, event of termination or similar event under or in connection with any Securitization Transaction in respect of which the aggregate amount of accounts receivable purchased net of the aggregate amount of accounts receivable collected exceeds $15,000,000 (a Material Securitization Transaction ), or the Borrower or any subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in or arising under any Material Securitization Transaction, if, as a result of such event or failure, the purchasers thereunder or any agent acting on their behalf shall cause or be permitted to cause (any applicable grace or cure period having expired) such Material Securitization Transaction or the commitments of the purchasers thereunder to terminate or cease to be fully available;
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.
ARTICLE VIII
The Administrative Agent
Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
The bank serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business
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with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not the Administrative Agent hereunder.
The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Syndication Agent shall be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02), and (c) except as expressly set forth herein, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender (in which case the Administrative Agent shall deliver such written notice to the Lenders or the other Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
The Administrative Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related
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Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding paragraphs shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.
Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the Administrative Agents resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent.
Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
The Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to appoint one or more Persons as syndication agents, documentation agents, co-syndication agents and/or co-documentation agents hereunder, and that it will enter into such amendments of this Agreement and other documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to effect such appointments. It is agreed that no Syndication Agent or Documentation Agent shall, in its capacity as such, have any duties or responsibilities under this Agreement.
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ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
SECTION 9.01. Notices . Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein or in any other Loan Document shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:
(a) if to the Borrower, to it at Atrium One, 201 E. Fourth Street, 102-1910, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Attention of Timothy M. Wesolowski (Telecopy No. (513) 723-6969);
(b) if to the Administrative Agent, to the relevant address (or telecopy number) set forth below its signature to this Agreement; and
(c) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.
Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.
SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments . (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent 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 and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by the Borrower or any Guarantor therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
(b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders or by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender, including pursuant to Section 2.05, without the written consent of such
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Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the Maturity Date or the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Sections 2.10(b) or 2.17(b) or (c), in each case in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of Required Lenders or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender or (vi) release any Guarantor from its Guarantee obligations under the Guarantee Agreement, or limit its liability in respect of such Guarantee obligations, without the written consent of each Lender; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent; and provided, further that this Agreement may be amended without the consent of any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent, any Increasing Lender or any Augmenting Lender) to increase Commitments as provided in Section 2.05.
SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver . (a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents and their Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Agents, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Agents or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.
(b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Agents and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an Indemnitee ) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the 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 (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties thereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) any Loan or the use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to
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the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (regardless of whether instituted by the Borrower or any of its directors, security holders or creditors or by an Indemnitee or any other Person or whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto), whether or not the Transactions are consummated; 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.
(c) To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to any Agent under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to such Agent such Lenders Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent in its capacity as such.
(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.
(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.
SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns . (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, a
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Balance Sheet CLO, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee.
(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, the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 or, if smaller, the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lenders Commitment, unless the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, provided that this clause shall not apply to rights in respect of outstanding Competitive Loans;
(C) 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;
(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire; and
(E) in the case of an assignment to a Balance Sheet CLO, the assigning Lender shall retain the sole right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, except that the Assignment and Assumption between such Lender and such Balance Sheet CLO may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of such Balance Sheet CLO, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Balance Sheet CLO.
For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms Approved Fund and Balance Sheet CLO have the following meanings:
Approved Fund means, with respect to any Lender that is a fund which invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit, any other fund that invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit and is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor.
Balance Sheet CLO means, with respect to any Lender, any Person (other than a natural person) that is (i) established for the purpose of making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in order to allow such Lender to manage its balance sheet or regulatory or the ordinary course of its business and its economic capital and (ii) administered or managed by such Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender.
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(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.16 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.
(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the Register ). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may 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 and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignees completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
(c) (i) Any Lender may, without notice to or the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a Participant ) in all or a portion of such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lenders obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement
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or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.13, 2.14 and 2.16 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.17(c) as though it were a Lender.
(ii) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.14 or 2.16 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrowers prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.16 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.16(e) as though it were a Lender.
(d) Any Lender, without notice to or the consent of any Borrower or the Administrative Agent, may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(e) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Assumption, the assigning Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder shall be deemed to confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) such assigning Lender warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim and that its Commitments and the outstanding balances of its Loans, in each case without giving effect to assignments thereof that have not become effective, are as set forth in such Assignment and Assumption; (ii) except as set forth in clause (i) above, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto, or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of any of the foregoing, or the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; (iii) each of the assignee and the assignor represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter into such Assignment and Assumption; (iv) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of any amendments or consents entered into prior to the date of such Assignment and
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Assumption and copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Assumption; (v) such assignee will independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agents on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to it by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations that by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
SECTION 9.05. Survival . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower or the Guarantors in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under any Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans or the termination of the Commitments or of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
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SECTION 9.07. 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.
SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by such Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any of and all the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender may have.
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process . (a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(b) The Borrower 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 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 or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against the Borrower or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) The Borrower 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. 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.
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(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
SECTION 9.11. Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality . Each of the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates directors, officers, employees 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 regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its managers, administrators, trustees, partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder, (iii) any rating agency, or (iv) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar organization, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, Information means all information received from the
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Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
SECTION 9.13. 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 9.14. Interest Rate Limitation . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the Charges ), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the Maximum Rate ) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.
SECTION 9.15. Non-Public Information . (a) Each Lender acknowledges that all information furnished to it pursuant to this Agreement from the Borrower or on its behalf and relating to the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or its or their respective businesses may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or its or their securities, and confirms that it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and that it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with the procedures and applicable law, including Federal and state securities laws.
(b) All such information, including requests for waivers and amendments, furnished by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent pursuant to, or in the course of administering, this Agreement will be syndicate-level information, which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and its and their securities. Accordingly, each Lender represents to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that it has identified in its Administrative Questionnaire a credit contact who may
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receive information that may contain material non-public information in accordance with its compliance procedures and applicable law, including Federal and state securities laws.
SECTION 9.16. No Fiduciary Duty . The Borrower agrees that in connection with all aspects of the Transactions and any communications in connection therewith, the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and their Affiliates, on the other hand, will have a business relationship that does not create, by implication or otherwise, any fiduciary duty on the part of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or their Affiliates, and no such duty will be deemed to have arisen in connection with any such Transactions or communications.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
CONVERGYS CORPORATION, | ||
by |
/s/ Earl C. Shanks |
|
Name: |
Earl C. Shanks |
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
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CITIBANK, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent, | ||
by |
/s/ Julio Ojes Quintana |
|
Name: | Julio Ojes Quintana | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
by |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Administrative Agents Office | ||
Two Penns Way | ||
New Castle, DE 19720 | ||
Attn: Bank Loan Syndications | ||
Telephone No: 302 894-6070 | ||
Facsimile No: 212 994-0847 |
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