Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2009

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Wisconsin   39-1380265

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4902 N. Biltmore Lane

Madison, Wisconsin 53718

(608) 458-3311

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

 

  with a copy to:
F. J. Buri   Benjamin F. Garmer, III, Esq.
Corporate Secretary   Jay O. Rothman, Esq.
Alliant Energy Corporation   Foley & Lardner LLP
4902 North Biltmore Lane   777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53718   Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(608) 458-3311   (414) 271-2400

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:   ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box:   x

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

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

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.   x

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.   ¨

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   ¨
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of

securities to be registered

 

Amount to be
registered/

Proposed maximum
offering price per unit/
Proposed maximum
aggregate offering price

       

Amount of

registration fee

Common Stock, $.01 par value, with attached Common Share Purchase Rights (1)

              (3)                   (3)

Senior Notes

     

Warrants

     

Stock Purchase Contracts

     

Stock Purchase Units (2)

     
 
 
(1) The common share purchase rights are attached to and traded with the shares of common stock being registered. The value attributable to the common share purchase rights, if any, is reflected in the value attributable to the common stock.
(2) Each stock purchase unit consists of (a) a stock purchase contract under which the holder, upon settlement, will purchase or sell an indeterminate number of shares of common stock and (b) common stock, senior notes, other stock purchase contracts or debt obligations of third parties securing the holder’s obligation to purchase or sell the securities subject to the stock purchase contract. No separate consideration will be received for the stock purchase contract or the related pledged securities.
(3) An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price or number of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are issued in units. In reliance on Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee. In addition, securities registered hereunder may be sold either separately or as units comprised of more than one type of security registered hereunder.

 

 

 


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PROSPECTUS

Alliant Energy Corporation

Common Stock, Senior Notes,

Warrants, Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units

We may offer and sell from time to time securities in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of the offering. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.

We may offer and sell the following securities:

 

   

common stock;

 

   

senior notes, which may be convertible into our common stock;

 

   

warrants to purchase common stock; and

 

   

stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units.

Each time securities are sold using this prospectus, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus and possibly other offering material containing specific information about the offering and the terms of the securities being sold, including the offering price. The supplement or other offering material may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, any supplement and any other offering material carefully before you invest.

We may offer and sell these securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to investors, on a continued or a delayed basis. The supplements to this prospectus or other offering materials will provide the specific terms of the plan of distribution.

In addition, selling shareowners to be named in a prospectus supplement may offer and sell from time to time shares of our common stock in such amounts as set forth in a prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by any selling shareowners.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LNT.”

Investment in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in any prospectus supplement or other offering material or in such other document we refer you to in any prospectus supplement or other offering material for a discussion of certain risks that prospective investors should consider before investing in our securities.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

This prospectus is dated September 30, 2009.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

About This Prospectus

   1

Forward-Looking Statements

   1

Alliant Energy Corporation

   2

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

   2

Use of Proceeds

   2

Description of Common Stock

   3

Description of Senior Notes

   5

Description of Warrants

   15

Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units

   16

Selling Shareowners

   16

Plan of Distribution

   17

Where You Can Find More Information

   20

Legal Matters

   21

Experts

   21


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

References in this prospectus to “we ,” “us” and “our” refer to Alliant Energy Corporation. References to “common stock” refer to our common stock, $.01 par value per share, and the attached common share purchase rights.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell the securities or combinations of the securities described in this prospectus, and one or more of our shareowners may sell our common stock, in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of those securities. Each time we offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement and/or other offering material that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement and/or other offering material may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any other offering material together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in any prospectus supplement and in any other offering material. “Incorporated by reference” means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.

We are not making offers to sell nor soliciting offers to buy, nor will we make an offer to sell nor solicit an offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any supplement to this prospectus or any other offering material, or the information we file or previously filed with the SEC that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, is accurate only as of the dates on their covers. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or any other offering material, and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or any other offering material, contain forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or any other offering material, including statements regarding anticipated financial performance, business strategy and management’s plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified as such because the statements generally include words such as “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan” or “objective” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material. Numerous important factors described in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, could affect these statements and could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. We assume no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

We are an energy-services provider that operates as a regulated investor-owned public utility holding company. Our primary focus is to provide regulated electricity and natural gas service to customers in the Midwest through our two public utility subsidiaries, Interstate Power and Light Company, or IPL, and Wisconsin Power and Light Company, or WPL. We also have non-regulated operations. Our utility business is engaged principally in:

 

   

the generation and distribution of electric energy in selective markets in Iowa, southern and central Wisconsin and southern Minnesota;

 

   

the distribution and transportation of natural gas in selective markets in Iowa, southern and central Wisconsin and southern Minnesota; and

 

   

the provision of various other energy-related products and services.

We are a “holding company” under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 and are subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or the FERC, under that Act.

Our principal executive offices are located at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718, and our telephone number is (608)  458-3311.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table shows our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods presented:

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

        2004        

 

        2005        

 

        2006        

 

        2007        

 

        2008        

 

        2009        

2.08x

  (1)   3.32x   4.47x   3.07x   1.90x

 

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2005, earnings as defined were inadequate to cover fixed charges, and the ratio of earnings to fixed charges therefore has not been presented for that period. The coverage deficiency necessary for the ratio of earnings to fixed charges to equal 1.00x (one-to-one coverage) was $47.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement or other offering materials, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment or refinancing of debt, acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures and repurchases and redemptions of securities. Net proceeds may be temporarily invested prior to use.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

The following description of our common stock summarizes material terms and provisions that apply to the common stock. The summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and our rights agreement, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

General

Our articles of incorporation provide that we have authority to issue 240,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share. We do not have the authority under our articles of incorporation to issue shares of preferred stock.

Common Stock

Our common stock is entitled to such dividends as our board of directors may declare from time to time in accordance with applicable law. Our ability to pay dividends is dependent upon a number of factors, including the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends. Our utility subsidiaries each have restrictions on the payment of dividends on their common stock based on the terms of their outstanding preferred stock and regulatory restrictions applicable to them.

Only holders of our common stock will be entitled to vote for the election of members to our board of directors and on all other matters. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share of common stock held by them on all matters properly submitted to a vote of shareowners, subject to Section 180.1150 of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law. See “– Statutory and Bylaw Provisions.” Shareowners have no cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of shares entitled to exercise more than 50% of the voting power are able to elect all of the directors to be elected. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, with staggered terms of three years each.

All shares of common stock are entitled to participate equally in distributions in liquidation. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for or purchase our shares. There are no conversion rights, sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.

Common Share Purchase Rights

We have entered into a rights agreement pursuant to which each outstanding share of our common stock has attached a right to purchase one-half of one share of our common stock. A right will also attach to each share of common stock that we subsequently issue prior to the expiration of the rights agreement. Under circumstances described below, the rights will entitle the holder of the rights to purchase additional shares of common stock. In this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, unless the context requires otherwise, all references to our common stock include the accompanying rights.

Currently, the rights are not exercisable and trade with the common stock. If the rights become exercisable, each full right, unless held by a person or group that beneficially owns more than 15% of our outstanding common stock, will initially entitle the holder to purchase one half of one share of our common stock at a purchase price of $110 per full share, or $55 per half share, subject to adjustment. The rights will become exercisable only if a person or group has acquired, or announced an intention to acquire, 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. Under some circumstances, including the existence of a 15% acquiring party, each holder of a right, other than the acquiring party, will be entitled to purchase at the right’s then-current exercise price, shares of our common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price. If another corporation acquires us after a party acquires 15% or more of our common stock, each holder of a right will be entitled to receive the acquiring corporation’s common shares having a market value of two times the exercise price. The

 

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rights may be redeemed at a price of $0.001 per right until a party acquires 15% or more of our common stock and, after that time, may be exchanged for one share of our common stock per right until a party acquires 50% or more of our common stock. The rights expire on December 11, 2018, subject to extension. Under the rights agreement, our board of directors may reduce the thresholds applicable to the rights from 15% to not less than 10%. The rights do not have voting or dividend rights and, until they become exercisable, have no dilutive effect on our earnings.

The rights have certain anti-takeover effects, in that they could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of our company by causing substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire a significant interest in our company on terms not approved by our board of directors.

Statutory and Bylaw Provisions

Provisions of Wisconsin law and our bylaws might also discourage some types of transactions that involve an actual or threatened change of control of our company.

Section 196.795(3) of the Wisconsin Statutes provides that no person may hold or acquire, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the outstanding securities of a public utility holding company such as us without the approval of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, or the PSCW.

Section 180.1150 of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law provides that the voting power of shares of public Wisconsin corporations, such as us, held by any person or persons acting as a group in excess of 20% of the corporation’s voting power is limited to 10% of the full voting power of those shares, unless full voting power of those shares has been restored pursuant to a vote of shareowners. Sections 180.1140 to 180.1144 of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law contain some limitations and special voting provisions applicable to specified business combinations involving Wisconsin corporations, such as us, and a significant shareowner, unless the board of directors of the corporation approves either the business combination or the purchase of shares that causes the shareowner to become a significant shareowner before such purchase occurs.

Similarly, Sections 180.1130 to 180.1133 of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law contain special voting provisions applicable to some business combinations, unless specified minimum price and procedural requirements are met. Following commencement of a takeover offer, Section 180.1134 of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law imposes special voting requirements on share repurchases effected at a premium to the market and on asset sales by the corporation, unless, as it relates to the potential sale of assets, the corporation has at least three independent directors and a majority of the independent directors vote not to have the provision apply to the corporation.

In addition, our bylaws establish a procedure that shareowners seeking to call a special meeting of shareowners must satisfy. This procedure involves notice to us, the receipt by us of written demands for a special meeting from holders of 10% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, a review of the validity of such demands by an independent inspector appointed by us and the fixing of the record and meeting dates by our board of directors. In addition, shareowners demanding such a special meeting must deliver to us a written agreement to pay the costs incurred by us in holding a special meeting, including the costs of preparing and mailing the proxy materials for our solicitation of proxies for use at such meeting, in the event such shareowners are unsuccessful in their proxy solicitation.

Our bylaws also provide our board of directors with discretion in postponing shareowner meetings, including, within certain limits, special meetings of shareowners. Additionally, our chairman or board of directors (acting by resolution) may adjourn a shareowner meeting at any time prior to the transaction of business at such meeting, within certain limits. Our bylaws also contain strict time deadlines and procedures applicable to shareowners seeking to nominate a person for election as a director or to otherwise bring business before a meeting.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR NOTES

The following description of the senior notes, or notes, sets forth the material terms and provisions of senior notes to which any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material may relate. The following description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the senior notes indenture between us and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by one or more supplemental indentures, board resolutions or officer’s certificates establishing the notes of each series. We filed the indenture as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC on September 30, 2009, and we refer to this indenture, as supplemented from time to time, as the indenture. The terms of the notes will include those stated in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, which we refer to as the 1939 Act.

The particular terms of the notes offered by any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material and the extent, if any, to which the provisions described in this prospectus may apply to the offered notes will be described in the prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to the offered notes.

General

The notes will be issued as unsecured debt securities under the indenture and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our secured debt. The indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of notes that may be issued under the indenture and provides that notes may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to the terms of one or more supplemental indentures, board resolutions or officer’s certificates pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a board resolution. The indenture gives us the ability to reopen a previous issue of notes and issue additional notes of such series, unless otherwise provided.

Provisions of a Particular Series

The prospectus supplement applicable to each series of notes will specify, among other things:

 

   

the title of such notes;

 

   

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of such notes which may be authenticated and delivered under the indenture;

 

   

the person to whom interest on a note of the series shall be payable if other than the person in whose name that note is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest;

 

   

the date or dates on which the principal of such notes is payable or the method or means by which those dates will be determined, and our right, if any, to extend those dates and the duration of any such extension;

 

   

the rate or rates at which such notes shall bear interest, if any, or any method by which such rate or rates will be determined, the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest shall be payable, the regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date, and our right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such extension;

 

   

the place or places where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such notes shall be payable;

 

   

the methods by which (i) registration of transfer of such notes and exchanges of such notes may be effected, and by which (ii) notices and demands to or upon us in respect of such notes and the indenture may be made, given, furnished, filed or served;

 

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the note registrar and paying agent or agents for such notes and, if such is the case, a statement that the principal of such notes will be payable without presentment or surrender of the notes;

 

   

if the time for giving redemption notices for such notes is different from that provided in the indenture, such different time, and the period or periods within which, or date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which such notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option, as well as any restrictions on such redemptions;

 

   

our obligation(s), if any, to redeem, purchase or repay such notes pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder and the terms and conditions upon which such notes will be so redeemed, purchased or repaid, as well as any applicable exceptions to the indenture provisions relating to notices of redemption in the case of mandatory redemption or redemption or repayment at the option of a holder;

 

   

the denominations in which such notes shall be issuable;

 

   

the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the principal, premium, if any, and interest if any, on such notes will be payable if other than U.S. dollars and the method for determining the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars;

 

   

if the principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such notes are to be payable, at our election or at the election of a holder, in a coin or currency other than that in which such notes are stated to be payable: (i) the coin or currency in which any such payment will be payable and (ii) the period(s) within which, and the terms upon which, such election may be made;

 

   

if the principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such notes are to be payable, or are to be payable at our election or at the election of a holder, in securities or other property, the type and amount of such securities or other property, or the method by which such amount shall be determined, and the period(s) within which, and terms upon which, such election may be made;

 

   

if the amount payable in respect of principal of or any premium or interest on any notes may be determined with reference to an index or formula, the manner in which such amount will be determined;

 

   

any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or covenants as provided in the indenture pertaining to such notes, and any change in the rights of the trustee or holders pursuant to a supplemental indenture;

 

   

any additions to the definitions set forth in the indenture with respect to such notes;

 

   

whether such notes shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security or securities; the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such global security or securities may be exchanged for certificated notes of such series and of like tenor of any authorized denomination and the circumstances under which such exchange may occur, if other than as provided in the indenture; the depositary for such global security or securities if other than The Depository Trust Company; and the form of any legend(s) to be borne by any such global security or securities in addition to or in lieu of the legend provided in the indenture;

 

   

any limitations on the rights of the holders of such notes to transfer or exchange such notes or to obtain registration of transfer of such notes; and if a service charge will be made for the registration of transfer or exchange of such notes, the amount or terms of the service charge;

 

   

any restriction or condition on the transferability of such notes;

 

   

if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of such notes payable upon declaration of acceleration of maturity;

 

   

the terms, if any, pursuant to which such notes may be converted into or exchanged for our or another person’s shares of capital stock or other securities;

 

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if such notes are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars or in a composite currency, the obligations or instruments, if any, which may be deposited in connection with a satisfaction and discharge, and any additional or alternative provisions for the reinstatement of our indebtedness in respect of such notes after satisfaction and discharge as provided in the indenture;

 

   

any exception to the indenture provisions relating to legal holidays or variation in the definition of “business day” with respect to such notes;

 

   

any non-applicability of the limitation on liens contained in the indenture to the notes of such series or any exceptions or modifications to the limitation on liens with respect to such notes; and

 

   

any other terms of such notes.

The indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving us.

Registration and Transfer

We will not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange notes of any series during a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date notice is given identifying the notes of such series called for redemption, or (ii) issue, register the transfer of or exchange any notes so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any note being redeemed in part.

Payment and Paying Agent

Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, payment of principal of any notes will be made only against surrender to the paying agent of such notes. Principal of and interest on notes will be payable, subject to any applicable laws and regulations, at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as we may designate from time to time. Payment of interest on notes on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name the notes (or predecessor security) are registered at the close of business on the record date for such interest payment.

Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, the trustee will act as paying agent with respect to the notes. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agents or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

All moneys paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the notes of any series which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal or interest shall have become due and payable will be repaid to us, upon request and subject to applicable abandoned property laws, and the holder of such notes will from that time forward look only to us for payment of such principal, premium and interest.

Limitation on Liens

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement for notes of a series, the following covenant will apply to the notes of that series.

So long as any notes remain outstanding, we will not secure any indebtedness with a lien on any shares of the capital stock of any of our significant subsidiaries, which shares of capital stock we directly or indirectly own from the date of the indenture or thereafter, unless we equally and ratably secure all notes. However, this restriction does not apply to or prevent:

 

  (1)

(i) liens upon capital stock later acquired, directly or indirectly, by us to secure (A) the purchase price of such capital stock or (B) indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of any such capital stock, (ii) liens existing on any such capital stock at the time of acquisition, and

 

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(iii) extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing, provided that in connection with clause (iii), the principal amount of indebtedness so secured shall be for the same or a lesser principal amount of the indebtedness secured by the lien and no such lien shall extend to or cover any capital stock other than the capital stock being acquired or to more than the same proportion of all shares of capital stock as was covered by the lien that was extended, renewed or replaced; or

 

  (2) attachment, judgment or other similar liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided that the execution or other enforcement of such liens is effectively stayed and (i) the claims secured by the lien are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or (ii) payment of the claims is covered in full (subject to customary deductible amounts) by insurance maintained with responsible insurance companies.

Liens on any shares of the capital stock of any of our significant subsidiaries, other than liens described in (1) and (2) above, are referred to in this prospectus as “restricted liens.” The foregoing limitations do not apply to the extent that we create any restricted liens to secure indebtedness that, together with all of our other indebtedness secured by restricted liens, does not at the time exceed 10% of our consolidated net tangible assets, as determined by us as of a month end not more than 90 days prior to the closing or consummation of the proposed transaction.

For this purpose, “indebtedness” applied to any person means (i) any liability of such person (A) for borrowed money, or under any reimbursement obligation relating to a letter of credit (other than trade letters of credit) issued to support indebtedness or obligations of such person or others of the kinds referred to in this definition, or (B) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument, or (C) for payment obligations arising under any conditional sale or other title retention arrangement (including a purchase money obligation) given in connection with the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets of any kind, or (D) for the payment of money relating to a capitalized lease obligation; (ii) any liability of others described in the preceding clause (i) that such person has guaranteed or that is otherwise its legal liability; and (iii) any amendment, supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any liability of the types referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above.

For this purpose, “consolidated net tangible assets” means the total amount of our assets determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, less (i) the sum of our consolidated current liabilities determined in accordance with GAAP and (ii) the amount of our consolidated assets classified as intangible assets determined in accordance with GAAP, including but not limited to, such items as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents, and unamortized debt discount and expense and regulatory assets carried as an asset on our consolidated balance sheet.

For this purpose, “significant subsidiary” means any direct, majority owned subsidiary of us that is a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

Regulations prohibit or restrict the encumbrance or pledge of public utility assets for the benefit of an associated company. Any pledge of WPL’s common stock to secure the notes could require approval of the FERC or the PSCW. Any pledge of IPL’s common stock to secure the notes could require approval of the FERC or the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, or MPUC. Even with a valid pledge of IPL’s or WPL’s common stock, foreclosure under the indenture may be subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including approval by each of the FERC, the PSCW or the MPUC, if foreclosure or the sale of the pledged IPL or WPL common stock may constitute a transfer of control of IPL or WPL. Applicable law gives each of the FERC, the PSCW and the MPUC broad discretion to define “control” for these purposes, and any such determination would depend upon the facts and circumstances existing at the time. Accordingly, the ability to foreclose on and dispose of IPL or WPL common stock may be restricted or delayed by applicable regulatory requirements.

 

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Consolidation, Merger and Sale

We may not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

 

   

such other corporation or person is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the U.S, any State in the U.S. or the District of Columbia and such other corporation or person expressly assumes, by supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the trustee, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the notes and the performance of every covenant of the indenture on our part to be performed or observed;

 

   

immediately after giving effect to such transactions, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, shall have happened and be continuing; and

 

   

we have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such transaction complies with the provisions of the indenture governing consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and that all conditions precedent to the transaction have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may merge or consolidate with or transfer all or substantially all of our assets to an affiliate that has no significant assets or liabilities and was formed solely for the purpose of changing our jurisdiction of organization or our form of organization; provided that the amount of our indebtedness is not increased; and provided, further that the successor assumes all of our obligations under the indenture.

Modification

The indenture contains provisions permitting us and the trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of each series that is affected, to modify the indenture or the rights of the holders of the notes of such series; provided that no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note that is affected:

 

   

change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any note, or reduce the principal amount of any note or the rate of interest on any note or any premium payable upon the redemption of any note, or change the method of calculating the rate of interest of any note, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the stated maturity of any note (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date); or

 

   

reduce the percentage of principal amount of the outstanding notes of any series, the consent of whose holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults under the indenture and their consequences) provided for in the indenture; or

 

   

modify any of the provisions of the indenture relating to supplemental indentures, waiver of past defaults, or waiver of certain covenants, except to increase any percentage vote required for such an amendment or supplemental indenture or to provide that certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of each affected holder of an outstanding note.

In addition, we and the trustee may execute, without the consent of any holders of notes, any supplemental indenture for certain other usual purposes, including the creation of any new series of notes.

Events of Default

The indenture provides that any one or more of the following described events with respect to the notes of any series, which has occurred and is continuing, constitutes an “event of default” with respect to the notes of such series:

 

   

failure for 30 days to pay interest on the notes of such series, when due on an interest payment date other than at maturity or upon earlier redemption; or

 

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failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest on the notes of such series when due at maturity or upon earlier redemption; or

 

   

failure for 30 business days to deposit any sinking fund payment when due by the terms of a note of such series; or

 

   

failure to observe or perform any other covenant or warranty of ours in the indenture (other than a covenant or warranty which has expressly been included in the indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of notes other than such series) for 90 days after written notice to us from the trustee or the holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the outstanding notes of such series; or

 

   

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us; or

 

   

any other event of default specified by us pursuant to the indenture with respect to notes of that series.

The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the notes of any series have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee with respect to the notes of such series. If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the notes of any series, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 33% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the notes of such series may declare the principal amount of the notes due and payable immediately by notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount shall become immediately due and payable. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the notes of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained as provided in the indenture, the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the notes of such series may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if the default has been cured or waived and we have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal (and premium, if any) due otherwise than by acceleration and all sums paid or advanced by the trustee, including reasonable compensation and expenses of the trustee.

The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the notes of any series, on behalf of the holders of all the notes of such series, may waive any past default with respect to such series, except (i) a default in the payment of principal (or premium, if any) or interest or (ii) a default in respect of a covenant or provision which as provided under the indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note of such series affected.

Satisfaction and Discharge

We will be discharged from our obligations on the notes of any series, or any portion of the principal amount of the notes of any series, if we irrevocably deposit with the trustee sufficient cash or eligible obligations (or a combination of both) to pay the principal, or portion of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, due and to become due, and deliver to the trustee:

 

   

a company order stating that the money and eligible obligations deposited in accordance with the indenture shall be held in trust and certain opinions of counsel and of an independent public accountant;

 

   

if such deposit shall have been made prior to the maturity of the notes of the series, an officer’s certificate stating our intention that, upon delivery of the officer’s certificate, our indebtedness in respect of those notes, or the portions thereof, will have been satisfied and discharged as contemplated in the indenture; and

 

   

an opinion of counsel to the effect that, as a result of a change in law or a ruling of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service issued after the date of issuance of such notes, the holders of the notes of the series, or portions thereof, will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the satisfaction and discharge of our indebtedness and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, at the same times and in the same manner as if we had not so satisfied and discharged our indebtedness.

 

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For this purpose, “eligible obligations” for U.S. dollar-denominated notes, means securities that are direct obligations of, or obligations the full and timely payment of which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S, entitled to the benefit of the full faith and credit thereof, or depository receipts issued by a bank as custodian with respect to these obligations or any specific interest, principal or other payments due in respect thereof held by the custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt.

In the event that all of the conditions set forth above have been satisfied for any series of notes, or portions thereof, except that, for any reason, we have not delivered the officer’s certificate and opinion described in the second and third bulleted items above, the holders of those notes will no longer be entitled to the benefits of certain of our covenants under the indenture, including the covenant described above in “– Limitation on Liens.” Our indebtedness under those notes, however, will not be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged prior to maturity, and the holders of those notes may continue to look to us for payment of the indebtedness represented by those notes.

The indenture will be deemed satisfied and discharged when no notes remain outstanding and we have paid all other sums payable by us under the indenture and delivered an officer’s certificate and opinion of counsel to the trustee stating that the conditions to satisfaction and discharge contained in the indenture have been met. All moneys we pay to the trustee or any paying agent on notes which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after payments have become due will be paid to us (or, discharged if the notes are then held by us) upon request, subject to applicable abandoned property laws. Thereafter, the holder of those notes may look only to us for payment and not the trustee or any paying agent.

Information Concerning the Trustee

The trustee, prior to an event of default with respect to notes of any series, undertakes to perform, with respect to notes of such series, only such duties as are specifically set forth in the indenture and, in case an event of default with respect to notes of any series has occurred and is continuing, shall exercise, with respect to notes of such series, such of the rights and powers vested in it by the indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provision, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the indenture at the request of any holder of notes of any series, unless offered reasonable security and indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by the trustee. The trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties if the trustee reasonably believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it. The trustee may decline to follow any such direction from a holder if, among other reasons, the trustee determines in good faith that the actions or proceedings as directed may not lawfully be taken, would involve the trustee in personal liability or would be unduly prejudicial to the holders of the notes of such series not joining in such direction.

Pursuant to the 1939 Act, if a default occurs with respect to notes of any series, the trustee may be required to resign as trustee under the indenture if it has a conflicting interest (as defined in the 1939 Act), unless the default is cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated within 90 days.

We and certain of our subsidiaries may maintain deposit accounts and banking relationships with the trustee. The trustee and certain of its affiliates may also serve as trustee under other indentures pursuant to which our securities and certain of our subsidiaries are outstanding.

Governing Law

The indenture and the notes will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

 

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Global Securities

We will issue the notes in whole or in part in the form of one or more global certificates, which we refer to as global securities. We will deposit the global securities with or on behalf of The Depository Trust Company, which we refer to as DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. Beneficial interests in the global securities may be held through the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”) and Clearstream Banking, S.A. (“Clearstream”) (as indirect participants in DTC).

We have provided the following descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream and are subject to change by them from time to time. Neither we, any underwriter nor the trustee take any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and you are urged to contact DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream directly to discuss these matters.

DTC has advised us that:

 

   

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

 

   

DTC holds securities that its direct participants deposit with DTC and facilitates the settlement among direct participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in direct participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates;

 

   

Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations;

 

   

DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, which is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries;

 

   

Access to the DTC system is also available to indirect participants such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly; and

 

   

The rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect participants are on file with the SEC.

We expect that under procedures established by DTC:

 

   

Upon deposit of the global securities with DTC or its custodian, DTC will credit on its internal system the accounts of direct participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the principal amounts of the global securities; and

 

   

Ownership of the notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of the notes will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee, with respect to interests of direct participants, and the records of direct and indirect participants, with respect to interests of persons other than participants.

Investors in the global securities who are participants in DTC’s system may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the global securities who are not participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) which are participants in such system. Euroclear and Clearstream may hold interests in the global securities on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositories, which are Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A., as depository of Clearstream. All interests in the global securities, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems.

 

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The laws of some jurisdictions require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in the form of a certificate. For that reason, it may not be possible to transfer interests in a global security to those persons. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person having an interest in a global security to pledge or transfer that interest to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC’s system, or otherwise to take actions in respect of that interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in respect of that interest.

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global security, DTC or that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture and under the notes. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have notes represented by that global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive the notes in the form of a physical certificate and will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under the applicable indenture or under the notes, and may not be entitled to give the trustee directions, instructions or approvals. For that reason, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on DTC’s procedures and, if that holder is not a direct or indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which that holder owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the applicable indenture or the global security.

Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC’s records relating to the notes or relating to payments made by DTC on account of the notes, or any responsibility to maintain, supervise or review any of DTC’s records relating to the notes.

We will make payments (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) on the notes represented by the global securities to DTC or its nominee, as the registered owner of the notes, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the registered owner of the notes. We expect that when DTC or its nominee receives any payment on the notes represented by a global security, DTC will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their beneficial interests in the global security as shown in DTC’s records. We also expect that payments by DTC’s participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. DTC’s participants will be responsible for those payments.

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the global securities and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an event of default under the notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the global securities for certificated securities, and to distribute such securities to its participants.

Initial settlement for the notes will be made in immediately available funds. Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures. The notes represented by the global securities are expected to be eligible to trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds.

Cross-market transfers between the participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC’s rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its depository; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (European time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements,

 

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deliver instructions to its respective depository to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant global security in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.

Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a global security from a participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised us that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a global securities by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC’s settlement date.

Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the global securities among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any time. Neither we nor the trustee nor any of our or their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective direct or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Certificated Notes

We will issue certificated notes to each person that DTC identifies as the beneficial owner of notes represented by the global securities upon surrender by DTC of the global securities only if:

 

   

DTC notifies us that it is no longer willing or able to act as a depository for the global securities, and we have not appointed a successor depository within 90 days of that notice;

 

   

An event of default with respect to the notes has occurred and is continuing; or

 

   

We decide not to have the notes represented by a global security.

Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC, its nominee or any direct or indirect participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the related notes. We and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from DTC or its nominee, including instructions about the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the notes to be issued.

We will make all payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, with respect to certificated notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the certificated notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder’s registered address. We expect that secondary trading in any certificated notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of senior notes, common stock or other securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with senior notes, common stock or other securities offered by any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material and may be attached to or separate from any such offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as will be set forth in the prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to the particular issue of warrants. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants.

The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of the warrant agreements.

Reference is made to the prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to the particular issue of warrants offered pursuant to such prospectus supplement and/or other offering material for the terms of and information relating to such warrants, including, where applicable:

 

   

the designation, aggregate principal amount, currencies, denominations and terms of the series of senior notes purchasable upon exercise of warrants to purchase senior notes and the price at which such senior notes may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

   

the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase common stock and the price at which such number of shares of common stock may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

   

the designation and number of units of other securities purchasable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase other securities and the price at which such number of units of such other securities may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

   

the date on which the right to exercise such warrants will commence and the date on which such right will expire;

 

   

U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to such warrants;

 

   

the number of warrants outstanding as of the most recent practicable date; and

 

   

any other terms of such warrants.

Warrants will be issued in registered form only. The exercise price for warrants will be subject to adjustment in accordance with provisions described in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering material.

Each warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such principal amount of senior notes or such number of shares of common stock or other securities at such exercise price as will in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to the warrants, which exercise price may be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in such prospectus supplement and/or other offering material. After the close of business on the expiration date, or such later date to which such expiration date may be extended by us, unexercised warrants will become void. The place or places where, and the manner in which, warrants may be exercised will be specified in the prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to such warrants.

Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase senior notes, common stock or other securities, holders of such warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of senior notes, common stock or other securities, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the senior notes purchasable upon such exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture, or to receive payments of dividends, if any, on the common stock purchasable upon such exercise, or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of common stock or other securities at a future date or dates. The price per security and the number of securities may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of stock purchase units consisting of a stock purchase contract and senior notes, warrants, other securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the securities under the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the stock purchase contracts in a specified manner. The stock purchase contracts also may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and those payments may be unsecured or refunded on some basis.

The stock purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements relating to the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units, will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units. The prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to a particular issue of stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units will describe the terms of those stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units, including the following:

 

   

if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations; and

 

   

any other information we think is important about the stock purchase contracts or the stock purchase units.

If we issue stock purchase units where debt obligations of third parties are used as security for your obligations to purchase or sell shares of common stock or other securities, we will include in the prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to the offering information about the issuer of the debt obligations. Specifically, if the issuer has a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is either eligible to register its securities on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933 or meets the listing criteria to be listed on a national securities exchange, we will include a brief description of the business of the issuer, the market price of its securities and how you can obtain more information about the issuer. If the issuer does not meet the criteria described in the previous sentence, we will include substantially all of the information that would be required if the issuer were making a public offering of the debt obligations.

SELLING SHAREOWNERS

We may register shares of common stock covered by this prospectus for re-offers and resales by any selling shareowners to be named in a prospectus supplement. We may register these shares to permit selling shareowners to resell their shares when they deem appropriate. A selling shareowner may resell all, a portion or none of such shareowner’s shares at any time and from time to time. Selling shareowners may also sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of some or all of their shares of our common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. We do not know when or in what amounts the selling shareowners may offer shares for sale under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of shares by a selling shareowner under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We may pay all expenses incurred with respect to the registration of the shares of common stock owned by the selling shareowners, other than underwriting fees, discounts or commissions which will be borne by the selling shareowners. We will provide you with a prospectus supplement naming the selling shareowners, the amount of shares to be registered and sold and any other terms of the shares of common stock being sold by each selling shareowner.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell our securities, and any selling shareowner may sell shares of our common stock, in any one or more of the following ways from time to time: (1) through agents; (2) to or through underwriters; (3) through brokers or dealers; (4) directly by us or any selling shareowners to purchasers, including through a specific bidding, auction or other process; or (5) through a combination of any of these methods of sale. The applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering materials will contain the terms of the transaction, name or names of any underwriters, dealers, agents and the respective amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by them, the initial public offering price of the securities, and the applicable agent’s commission, dealer’s purchase price or underwriter’s discount. Any selling shareowners, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and compensation received by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts. Additionally, because selling shareowners may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, selling shareowners may be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.

Any initial offering price, dealer purchase price, discount or commission may be changed from time to time.

The securities may be distributed from time to time in one or more transactions, at negotiated prices, at a fixed price or fixed prices (that may be subject to change), at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at various prices determined at the time of sale or at prices related to prevailing market prices.

Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by us or any selling shareowner or by agents designated by us from time to time. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, of the securities so offered and sold.

If underwriters are utilized in the sale of any securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, such securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering prices or at varying prices determined by the underwriters at the time of sale. Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by one or more underwriters. If any underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of securities, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all such securities if they purchase any of them.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities, and any selling shareowner will sell shares of our common stock to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Transactions through brokers or dealers may include block trades in which brokers or dealers will attempt to sell shares as agent but may position and resell as principal to facilitate the transaction or in cross trades, in which the same broker or dealer acts as agent on both sides of the trade. Any such dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, of the securities so offered and sold. In addition, any selling shareowner may sell shares of our common stock in ordinary brokerage transactions or in transactions in which a broker solicits purchases.

Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by us or any selling shareowner and the sale thereof may be made by us or any selling shareowner directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any resale thereof.

Any selling shareowners may also resell all or a portion of their shares of our common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 provided they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule, Section 4(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 or other applicable exemptions, regardless of whether the securities are covered by the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

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Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under relevant agreements with us or any selling shareowner to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution with respect to payments which such agents, underwriters and dealers may be required to make in respect thereof. The terms and conditions of any indemnification or contribution will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering material.

We may pay all expenses incurred with respect to the registration of the shares of common stock owned by any selling shareowners, other than underwriting fees, discounts or commissions, which will be borne by the selling shareowners. We or any selling shareowner may also sell shares of our common stock through various arrangements involving mandatorily or optionally exchangeable securities, and this prospectus may be delivered in connection with those sales.

We or any selling shareowner may enter into derivative, sale or forward sale transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering material indicates, in connection with those transactions, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, including in short sale transactions and by issuing securities not covered by this prospectus but convertible into, exchangeable for or representing beneficial interests in securities covered by this prospectus, or the return of which is derived in whole or in part from the value of such securities. The third parties may use securities received under derivative, sale or forward sale transactions or securities pledged by us or any selling shareowner or borrowed from us, any selling shareowner or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us or any selling shareowner in settlement of those transactions to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment) and/or other offering material.

Additionally, any selling shareowner may engage in hedging transactions with broker-dealers in connection with distributions of shares or otherwise. In those transactions, broker-dealers may engage in short sales of shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume with such selling shareowner. Any selling shareowner also may sell shares short and redeliver shares to close out such short positions. Any selling shareowner may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers which require the delivery of shares to the broker-dealer. The broker-dealer may then resell or otherwise transfer such shares pursuant to this prospectus. Any selling shareowner also may loan or pledge shares, and the borrower or pledgee may sell or otherwise transfer the shares so loaned or pledged pursuant to this prospectus. Such borrower or pledgee also may transfer those shares to investors in our securities or the selling shareowner’s securities or in connection with the offering of other securities not covered by this prospectus.

Underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions from us or any selling shareowner. Underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may also receive compensation from the purchasers of shares for whom they act as agents or to whom they sell as principals, or both. Compensation as to a particular underwriter, broker-dealer or agent will be in amounts to be negotiated in connection with transactions involving shares and might be in excess of customary commissions. In effecting sales, broker-dealers engaged by us or any selling shareowner may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in the resales.

Any securities offered other than common stock will be a new issue and, other than the common stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, will have no established trading market. We may elect to list any series of securities on an exchange, and in the case of the common stock, on any additional exchange, but, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, we shall not be obligated to do so. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities.

Agents, underwriters and dealers may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries or any selling shareowner in the ordinary course of business.

 

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Any underwriter may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time. An underwriter may carry out these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

The place and time of delivery for securities will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement and/or other offering material for such securities.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC (File No. 1-9894). We also filed a registration statement on Form S-3, including exhibits, under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement, but does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our reports, proxy and information statements, and other SEC filings are also available at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

We are “incorporating by reference” specified documents that we file with the SEC, which means:

 

   

incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus;

 

   

we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents; and

 

   

information we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this prospectus and before the end of the offering of the securities pursuant to this prospectus:

 

   

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008;

 

   

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009;

 

   

our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2009, April 22, 2009, June 26, 2009, July 7, 2009, July 23, 2009, September 16, 2009 and September 28, 2009;

 

   

the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-B, dated April 1, 1988, and any amendment or report updating that description; and

 

   

the description of our common share purchase rights contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated January 20, 1999, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-A/A, dated December 11, 2008, and any other amendment or report updating that description.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, information furnished under Items 2.02 and 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K, including the related exhibits under Item 9.01, is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

You may obtain copies of documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, at no cost, by request directed to us at the following address or telephone number:

Alliant Energy Corporation

4902 North Biltmore Lane

Madison, Wisconsin 53718

Attention: F. J. Buri

Corporate Secretary

(608) 458-3311

You can also find these filings on our website at www.alliantenergy.com. However, we are not incorporating the information on our website other than these filings into this prospectus.

You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, as well as the information we file or previously filed with the SEC that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, is accurate as of any date other than its respective date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Foley & Lardner LLP. The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for any underwriters or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The opinions of Foley & Lardner LLP and counsel for any underwriters or agents may be conditioned upon and may be subject to assumptions regarding future action required to be taken by us and any underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the issuance of any securities. The opinions of Foley & Lardner LLP and counsel for any underwriters or agents may be subject to other conditions and assumptions, as indicated in the prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Alliant Energy Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of new accounting standards) and the effectiveness of Alliant Energy Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The aggregate estimated expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with the sale of the securities being registered hereby are currently anticipated to be as follows (all amounts are estimated). All expenses of the offering will be paid by Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”).

 

     Amount  

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

     (1

Printing expenses

     (2

Legal fees and expenses

     (2

Accounting fees and expenses

     (2

Miscellaneous (including any applicable listing fees, rating agency fees, trustee and transfer agent’s fees and expenses)

     (2
        

Total

   $               
        

 

(1) Deferred in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933.
(2) An estimate of the various expenses in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being offered will be included in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law and Article VIII of the Company’s Bylaws, directors and officers of the Company are entitled to mandatory indemnification from the Company against certain liabilities (which may include liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933) and expenses (i) to the extent such officers or directors are successful in the defense of a proceeding; and (ii) in proceedings in which the director or officer is not successful in defense thereof, unless it is determined that the director or officer breached or failed to perform his or her duties to the Company and such breach or failure constituted: (a) a willful failure to deal fairly with the Company or its shareowners in connection with a matter in which the director or officer had a material conflict of interest; (b) a violation of criminal law unless the director or officer had a reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; (c) a transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal profit; or (d) willful misconduct. Additionally, under the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law, directors of the Company are not subject to personal liability to the Company, its shareowners or any person asserting rights on behalf thereof, for certain breaches or failures to perform any duty resulting solely from their status as directors, except in circumstances paralleling those outlined in (a) through (d) above.

The indemnification provided by the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law and the Company’s Bylaws is not exclusive of any other rights to which a director or officer of the Company may be entitled. The Company also carries directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

 

Item 16. Exhibits.

The exhibits filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference are set forth in the attached Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 17. Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however , that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the

 

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offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however , that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Madison, State of Wisconsin, on September 30, 2009.

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ William D. Harvey

  William D. Harvey
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities set forth below on September 30, 2009.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/ William D. Harvey

William D. Harvey

   Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Patricia L. Kampling

Patricia L. Kampling

   Vice President-Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Thomas L. Hanson

Thomas L. Hanson

   Vice President-Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

*

Michael L. Bennett

  

Director

*

Darryl B. Hazel

  

Director

*

Singleton B. McAllister

  

Director

*

Ann K. Newhall

  

Director

*

Dean C. Oestreich

  

Director

*

David A. Perdue

  

Director

*

Judith D. Pyle

  

Director

*

Carol P. Sanders

  

Director

 

*By:  

/s/ William D. Harvey

  William D. Harvey
  Attorney-in-fact

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Document Description

1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.*
4.1    Restated Articles of Incorporation of Alliant Energy Corporation (“Alliant Energy”), as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Alliant Energy’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, dated July 26, 2004 (Reg. No. 333-117654)).
4.2    Restated Bylaws of Alliant Energy, effective December 6, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Alliant Energy’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 6, 2006 (File No. 1-9894)).
4.3    Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2008, between Alliant Energy and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Alliant Energy’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A, dated December 11, 2008 (File No. 1-9894)).
4.4    Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2006, among Alliant Energy and the Banks set forth therein.
4.5    First Amendment, dated March 31, 2009, to Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2006, among Alliant Energy and the Banks set forth therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Alliant Energy’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9894)).
4.6    Credit Agreement, dated September 16, 2009, among Alliant Energy, Citibank, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
4.7    Indenture, dated as of November 4, 1999, between Alliant Energy, as Successor Company, and U.S. Bank, National Association, Successor, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Alliant Energy’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-92859)), and the indentures supplemental thereto dated, respectively, November 4, 1999, February 1, 2000, November 25, 2008 and September 28, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Alliant Energy’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-92859), Exhibit 99.4 to Alliant Energy’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 1, 2000 (File No. 1-9894), Exhibit 4.19 to Alliant Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-9894) and Exhibit 4.1 to Alliant Energy’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 2009 (File No. 1-9894)).
4.8    Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2006, among Wisconsin Power and Light Company (“WPL”) and the Banks set forth therein.
4.9    First Amendment, dated March 31, 2009, to Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2006, among WPL and the Banks set forth therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to WPL’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 0-337)).
4.10    Indenture, dated as of June 20, 1997, between WPL and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Successor, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33 to Amendment No. 2 to WPL’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 033-60917)).
4.11    Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 1, 2000, creating WPL’s 7-5/8% debentures due March 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to WPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 1, 2000 (File No. 0-337)).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document Description

4.12    Officers’ Certificate, dated as of July 28, 2004, creating WPL’s 6.25% debentures due July 31, 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to WPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 30, 2004 (File No. 0-337)).
4.13    Officers’ Certificate, dated as of August 8, 2007, creating WPL’s 6.375% debentures due August 15, 2037 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to WPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 8, 2007 (File No. 0-337)).
4.14    Officers’ Certificate, dated October 1, 2008, creating WPL’s 7.60% Debentures due October 1, 2038 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to WPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 1, 2008 (File No. 0-337)).
4.15    Officers’ Certificate, dated July 7, 2009, creating WPL’s 5.00% Debentures due July 15, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to WPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 7, 2009 (File No. 0-337)).
4.16    Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2006, among Interstate Power and Light Company (“IPL”) and the Banks set forth therein.
4.17    First Amendment, dated March 31, 2009, to Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2006, among IPL and the Banks set forth therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to IPL’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
4.18    Indenture (For Senior Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of August 1, 1997, between IPL and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co., N.A. (formerly known as (f/k/a) The Bank of New York Trust Co., N.A.), successor, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to IPL’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-32097).
4.19    Indenture (For Senior Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of August 20, 2003, between IPL and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co., N.A. (f/k/a The Bank of New York Trust Co., N.A.), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to IPL’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-108199)).
4.20    Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 6, 2001, creating IPL’s 6-3/4% Series B Senior Debentures due March 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 6, 2001 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
4.21    Officer’s Certificate, dated September 10, 2003, creating IPL’s 5.875% Senior Debentures due September 15, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 10, 2003 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
4.22    Officer’s Certificate, dated October 14, 2003, creating IPL’s 6.45% Senior Debentures due October 15, 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 14, 2003 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
4.23    Officer’s Certificate, dated May 3, 2004, creating IPL’s 6.30% Senior Debentures due May 1, 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 3, 2004 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
4.24    Officer’s Certificate, dated as of August 2, 2004, reopening IPL’s 6.30% Senior Debentures due May 1, 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 2, 2004 (File No. 0-4117-1)).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document Description

  4.25    Officer’s Certificate, dated as of July 18, 2005, creating IPL’s 5.50% Senior Debentures due July 15, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 18, 2005 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
  4.26    Officer’s Certificate, dated October 1, 2008, creating IPL’s 7.25% Senior Debentures due October 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 1, 2008 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
  4.27    Officer’s Certificate, dated July 7, 2009, creating IPL’s 6.25% Senior Debentures due July 15, 2039 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to IPL’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 7, 2009 (File No. 0-4117-1)).
   Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, Alliant Energy agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt not being registered that is not filed as an exhibit to this Registration Statement on Form S-3. No such instrument authorizes securities in excess of 10% of the total assets of Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
  4.28    Senior Note Indenture, dated as of September 30, 2009, between Alliant Energy and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
  4.29    Form of Senior Notes.*
  4.30    Form of Warrant.*
  4.31    Form of Warrant Agreement.*
  4.32    Form of Stock Purchase Contract.*
  5.1    Opinion of Foley & Lardner LLP (including consent of counsel).
12.1    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12.1 to Alliant Energy’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 1-9894)).
23.1    Consent of Foley & Lardner LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
24.1    Powers of Attorney.
25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Indenture.

 

* To be filed by amendment or under subsequent Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

E-3

Exhibit 4.4

Execution Version

Syndicated CUSIP NO. 0188DAA1

 

$100,000,000

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

FIVE YEAR

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 7 , 2006

Among

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

as Borrower

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN

as Banks

and

WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

 

 

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

as Syndication Agent

WACHOVIA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

and

BARCLAYS CAPITAL

Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

and

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

as Documentation Agents

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
ARTICLE I   
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS   

Section 1.1

  

Certain Defined Terms

   2

Section 1.2

  

Computation of Time Periods

   18

Section 1.3

  

Computations of Outstandings

   18

Section 1.4

  

Accounting Terms

   18
ARTICLE II   
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT   

Section 2.1

  

The Advances

   19

Section 2.2

  

Making the Advances

   20

Section 2.3

  

Funding Reliance

   22

Section 2.4

  

Letters of Credit

   23

Section 2.5

  

Fees

   27

Section 2.6

  

Changes in the Commitments

   27

Section 2.7

  

Repayment of Advances

   29

Section 2.8

  

Interest on Advances

   29

Section 2.9

  

Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances

   30

Section 2.10

  

Interest Rate Determination

   31

Section 2.11

  

Voluntary Conversion of Advances

   32

Section 2.12

  

Optional Prepayments of Advances

   32

Section 2.13

  

Increased Costs

   33

Section 2.14

  

Illegality

   34

Section 2.15

  

Payments and Computations

   34

Section 2.16

  

Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness

   35

Section 2.17

  

Taxes

   36

Section 2.18

  

Sharing of Payments, Etc

   37

Section 2.19

  

Extension of Termination Date

   38

Section 2.20

  

Replacement of Lenders

   39
ARTICLE III   
CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT   

Section 3.1

  

Conditions Precedent to Amendment Effective Date

   40

Section 3.2

  

Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit

   41

Section 3.3

  

Reliance on Certificates

   42

 

i


ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES   

Section 4.1

  

Representations and Warranties of the Borrower

   43
ARTICLE V   
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER   

Section 5.1

  

Affirmative Covenants

   45

Section 5.2

  

Negative Covenants

   49
ARTICLE VI   
EVENTS OF DEFAULT   

Section 6.1

  

Events of Default

   53

Section 6.2

  

Cash Collateral Account

   55
ARTICLE VII   
THE AGENT   

Section 7.1

  

Authorization and Action

   56

Section 7.2

  

Agent’s Reliance, Etc

   56

Section 7.3

  

Wachovia and Affiliates

   57

Section 7.4

  

Lender Credit Decision

   57

Section 7.5

  

Indemnification

   57

Section 7.6

  

Successor Agent

   57

Section 7.7

  

Delegation of Duties

   58

Section 7.8

  

No Other Duties, Etc

   58

Section 7.9

  

LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender

   58
ARTICLE VIII   
MISCELLANEOUS   

Section 8.1

  

Amendments, Etc

   58

Section 8.2

  

Notices, Etc

   59

Section 8.3

  

No Waiver; Remedies

   60

Section 8.4

  

Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification

   60

Section 8.5

  

Right of Set-off

   62

Section 8.6

  

Binding Effect

   63

Section 8.7

  

Assignments and Participations.

   63

Section 8.8

  

Confidentiality

   66

Section 8.9

  

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

   67

Section 8.10

  

Governing Law

   67

 

ii


Section 8.11

  

Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary

   68

Section 8.12

  

Execution in Counterparts

   68

Section 8.13

  

Severability

   68

Section 8.14

  

Disclosure of Information

   68

Section 8.15

  

USA Patriot Act Notice

   68

Section 8.16

  

Entire Agreement

   68

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit 1.1(a)

   -    Form of Revolving Note

Exhibit 1.1(b)

   -    Form of Swingline Note

Exhibit 1.1(c )

   -    Form of Term Note

Exhibit 2.2(b)

   -    Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit 2.2(c)

   -    Form of Notice of Swingline Borrowing

Exhibit 2.4

   -    Form of Request for Issuance

Exhibit 2.11

   -    Form of Notice of Conversion

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A)

   -    Form of Opinion of Foley & Lardner LLP

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

   -    Form of Opinion of In-house Counsel

Exhibit 8.7

   -    Form of Lender Assignment

Schedule I

   -    Commitment Schedule

Schedule II

   -    Existing Synthetic Leases

Schedule III

   -    Existing Liens

Schedule IV

   -    List of Indentures

 

iii


AMENDED AND RESTATED

FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 7 , 2006

THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made by and among:

 

  (i) ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”),

 

  (ii) the banks (the “ Banks ”) listed on the signature pages hereof and the other Lenders (as hereinafter defined) from time to time party hereto, and

 

  (iii) WACHOVIA BANK , NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“ Wachovia ”), as administrative agent (the “ Agent ”) for the Lenders hereunder and as a LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender (as defined below).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

(1) The Borrower has entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2005 (such agreement, as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “ Existing Facility ”) with Wachovia, as administrative agent, Barclays Bank PLC, as syndication agent and the other lenders and agents party thereto.

(2) The Borrower has requested that the parties to the Existing Facility amend and restate the terms of the Existing Facility, and replace the extensions of credit thereunder (including the advances and letters of credit governed by the terms of the Existing Facility), with this Agreement.

(3) The parties hereto agree that from and after the effectiveness of this Agreement, the obligations under the Existing Facility, including the terms of the extensions of credit outstanding thereunder, shall be continued as, and evidenced by, the Advances, Letters of Credit, this Agreement and other Loan Documents.

(4) The Lenders have indicated their willingness to continue extensions of credit under the Existing Facility as Advances and Letters of Credit hereunder, and make additional Advances and continue existing or issue additional Letters of Credit on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1


ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1    Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

Additional Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d) .

Advance ” means any or all of the Term Loans, the Revolving Advances and the Swingline Advances.

AER ” means Alliant Energy Resources, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation.

Affected Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

Affected Lender Advance ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling (including but not limited to all directors and officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another entity if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

Agent ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Aggregate Available Commitment ” means the aggregate of the Lenders’ Available Commitment hereunder.

Aggregate Commitment ” means the total of each Lenders’ Commitment hereunder.

Alternate Base Rate ” means a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the higher of:

(i) the rate of interest announced publicly by Wachovia or from time to time, as its corporate base rate or prime rate of interest; and

(ii) 1/2 of one percent per annum above the Federal Funds Rate.

Each change in the Alternate Base Rate shall take effect concurrently with any change in such base rate or prime rate or the Federal Funds Rate.

Amendment Effective Date ” means the day upon which each of the applicable conditions precedent enumerated in Section 3.1 shall be fulfilled to the satisfaction of, or waived with the consent of, the Lenders, the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Borrower. All transactions contemplated herein shall take place on a Business Day on or prior to November 7, 2006, or such later Business Day as the parties hereto may mutually agree.

 

2


Applicable Lending Office ” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of a Base Rate Advance and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Applicable Margin ” means, for any Eurodollar Rate Advance or Base Rate Advance, (i) on any date the Utilization Percentage equals or is less than 50%, the number of basis points set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 below, opposite the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate, as applicable, and (ii) on any date (A) the Utilization Percentage exceeds 50% or (B) after the Borrower’s exercise of the Term-Out Option pursuant to Section 2.1(c) , the number of basis points set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 below, opposite the Utilized Eurodollar Rate or the Utilized Base Rate, as applicable; provided that upon the Borrower’s exercise of the Term-Out Option, 25 basis points shall be added to the “Applicable Margin” for all Eurodollar Rate Advances and Base Rate Advances from and including the Termination Date to the payment in full of the Term Loans:

 

BASIS FOR PRICING

   LEVEL 1
Reference Ratings
at least
AA- by S&P
or Aa3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 2
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 1
but at least
A+ by S&P
or A1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 3
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 2
but at least A
by S&P or
A2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 4
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 3
but at least
A- by S&P
or A3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 5
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 4
but at least
BBB+ by
S&P or Baa1
by Moody’s.
   LEVEL 6
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 5
but at least
BBB by S&P
or Baa2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 7
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 6.*

Basis Points Per Annum

Eurodollar Rate

   8.5    10.5    15.0    19.0    27.0    35.0    42.5

Base Rate

   0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0

Utilized Eurodollar Rate

   13.5    15.5    20.0    24.0    32.0    40.0    52.5

Utilized Base Rate

   5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    10.0

 

* or unrated

The Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the Reference Ratings at the time of determination, subject, however, to the following: if the Reference Ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s do not fall within the same Level on the grid above (i.e., a “split rating”) and: (i) the difference consists of one Level, the Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the higher of such Reference Ratings, or (ii) the difference consists of two or more Levels, the Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to a notional Reference Rating that falls at the midpoint between the actual Reference Ratings (or if no Reference Rating on the grid above corresponds to such midpoint, the next higher Reference Rating), unless, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, either Reference Rating is below BBB- (in the case of S&P) or Baa3 (in the case of Moody’s) or the applicable debt securities are, or the Borrower is, as applicable, unrated, in which case the Applicable Margin will be based upon Level 7. Any change in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in the Reference Ratings shall be effective, as to any Advance, as of the date on which the applicable rating agency announces the applicable change in ratings.

 

3


Applicable Rate ” means:

(i) in the case of each Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time;

(ii) in the case of each Eurodollar Rate Advance comprising part of the same Borrowing, a rate per annum during each Interest Period equal at all times to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time during such Interest Period; and

(iii) in the case of each LIBOR Market Interest Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the sum of the LIBOR Monthly Index Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin in effect for a Eurodollar Rate Advance from time to time.

Available Commitment ” means, for each Lender at any time on any day, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) such Lender’s Commitment then in effect over (ii) such Lender’s Credit Exposure, computed after giving effect to all Extensions of Credit made or to be made on such day, the application of proceeds therefrom, all prepayments and repayments of Advances made on such day and all reductions in the LC Outstandings made on such day.

Bankruptcy Event ” means the occurrence of any actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

Banks ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Barclays Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated October 6, 2006, among the Borrower, the Utilities, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital.

Base Rate Advance ” means an Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(a) .

Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Borrowing ” means the incurrence by the Borrower (including as a result of conversion of Revolving Advances into Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.1(c) and Conversions of outstanding Advances pursuant to Section 2.11 ) on a single date of a group of Advances of a single Class and Type (or a Swingline Advance made by the Swingline Lender) and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Business Day ” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City, Charlotte, North Carolina or Madison, Wisconsin and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advance or LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

 

4


Capitalized Lease Obligations ” means obligations to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real and/or personal property which obligation is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and for purposes hereof the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount determined in accordance with such principles.

Cash and Cash Equivalents ” means, with respect to any Person, the aggregate amount of the following, to the extent owned by such Person free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances and rights of others and not subject to any judicial, regulatory or other legal constraint: (i) cash on hand; (ii) Dollar demand deposits maintained in the United States with any commercial bank and Dollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank which has an office in the United States and which has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000; (iii) eurodollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or eurodollar certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank having outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating unsecured bank indebtedness); (iv) direct obligations of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States and having a maturity of one year or less; (v) commercial paper rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A-1 or P-1 or better by S&P or Moody’s, respectively (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating commercial paper), and having a maturity of one year or less; (vi) obligations with any Lender or any other commercial bank in respect of the repurchase of obligations of the type described in clause (iv) above, provided that such repurchase obligations shall be fully secured by obligations of the type described in said clause (iv) and the possession of such obligations shall be transferred to, and segregated from other obligations owned by, such Lender or such other commercial bank; and (vii) preferred stock of any Person that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating preferred stock of entities engaged in such businesses).

Cash Collateral Account ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.2 .

Class ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(a) .

Commitment ” means, for each Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make Revolving Advances to the Borrower and to participate in the Swingline Advances and reimbursement obligations of the Borrower in respect of Letters of Credit in an amount no greater than the amount set forth on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into one or more Lender Assignments or is an Additional Lender or an Increasing Lender, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Agent pursuant to Section 8.7(c) , in each such case as such amount may be reduced from time to time or increased pursuant to Section 2.6 .

Commitment Increase ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d) .

 

5


Commitment Increase Approvals ” means resolutions of the board of directors of the Borrower authorizing the Commitment Increase.

Confidential Information ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.8 .

Consent Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Consolidated Capital ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the sum of (i) Consolidated Debt of such Person, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iv) the aggregate outstanding amount of Hybrid Securities, and (v) consolidated equity of the preferred stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, in each case determined at such date in accordance with GAAP, excluding, however, from such calculation, amounts identified as “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” in the financial statements of the Borrower set forth in the Borrower’s Report on Form 10-K or 10-Q, as the case may be, filed most recently with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the date of such determination.

Consolidated Debt ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the aggregate Debt of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower or (ii) the aggregate outstanding Debt evidenced by Hybrid Securities to the extent that the total book value of such securities does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Capital as of the date of determination.

Consolidated Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person whose accounts are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

Continuing Directors ” means the members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower on the date hereof and each other director of the Borrower, if such other director’s nomination for election to the Board of Directors of the Borrower is recommended by a majority of the then Continuing Directors.

Convert ”, “ Conversion ” and “ Converted ” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type, or to the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Advances, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 2.10 or Section 2.11 .

Credit Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Advances made by such Lender outstanding at such time, (ii) such Lender’s Percentage of the LC Outstandings at such time and (iii) such Lender’s (other than the Swingline Lender’s) Percentage of the Swingline Advances outstanding at such time.

Debt ” means, for any Person, any and all indebtedness, liabilities and other monetary obligations of such Person (without duplication), (i) for borrowed money or evidenced by bonds,

 

6


debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (ii) to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (except trade accounts payable arising and repaid in the ordinary course of business), (iii) Capitalized Lease Obligations, (iv) under reimbursement or similar agreements with respect to letters of credit (other than trade letters of credit) issued to support indebtedness or obligations of such Person or of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above and clause (v) below, (v) reasonably quantifiable obligations under direct guaranties or indemnities, or under support agreements, in respect of, and reasonably quantifiable obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, or to assure an obligee against failure to make payment in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above, and (vi) incurred in connection with any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease or similar off-balance sheet financing product treated as an operating lease for financial accounting purposes and a capital lease for federal income tax purposes, in each case that is entered into after the Amendment Effective Date, but excluding the obligations under the Existing Synthetic Leases, including any extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing thereof; provided that if the aggregate amount owing in respect of all such Existing Synthetic Leases, after giving effect to any such extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing, exceeds the aggregate amount owed as of the Amendment Effective Date, such excess shall be included as Debt.

Default Rate ” means (i) with respect to the unpaid principal of or interest on any Advance, the greater of (A) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for such Advance and (B) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances and (ii) with respect to any other unpaid amount hereunder, 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances.

Direct Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary directly owned by such Person.

Dollars ” and the sign “ $ ” each means lawful money of the United States.

Domestic Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

Eligible Assignee ” means (i) a commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof; (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the OECD, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; (iii) the central bank of any country that is a member of the OECD; and (iv) any other commercial bank or other financial institution engaged generally in the business of extending credit or purchasing debt instruments; provided , however , that (A) any such Person shall also (1) have outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by

 

7


Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such rating agencies is then in the business of rating unsecured indebtedness of entities engaged in such businesses) or (2) have combined capital and surplus (as established in its most recent report of condition to its primary regulator) of not less than $250,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), and (B) any Person described in clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, on the date on which it is to become a Lender hereunder, (x) be entitled to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States Federal income taxes (as contemplated by Section 2.17 ) and (y) not be incurring any losses, costs or expenses of the type for which such Person could demand payment under Section 2.13 .

Equity Interests ” means, (i) with respect to a corporation, shares of common stock of such corporation or any other interest convertible or exchangeable into any such interest, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, a membership interest in such company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, a partnership interest in such partnership, and (iv) with respect to any other Person, an interest in such Person analogous to interests described in clauses (i) through (iii).

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of which such Person is a member and which is under common control within the meaning of the regulations under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or Section 4001 of ERISA, in each case, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Event ” means (i) the occurrence of a reportable event, within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, unless the 30 day notice requirement with respect thereto has been waived by the PBGC; (ii) the provision by the administrator of any Plan of notice of intent to terminate such Plan, pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA (including any such notice with respect to a plan amendment referred to in Section 4041(e) of ERISA); (iii) the cessation of operations at a facility in the circumstances described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower from a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan during a plan year for which it was a “substantial employer”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (v) the failure by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower to make a payment to a Plan required under Section 302(f)(1) of ERISA, which failure results in the imposition of a lien for failure to make required payments; (vi) the adoption of an amendment to a Plan requiring the provision of security to such Plan, pursuant to Section 307 of ERISA; or (vii) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Plan, pursuant to Section 4042 of ERISA, or the occurrence of any event or condition which might reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, a Plan.

Eurocurrency Liabilities ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

 

8


Eurodollar Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

Eurodollar Rate ” means, for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate per annum equal to the average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the rate per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the principal office of each of the Reference Banks in London, England to prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount substantially equal to such Reference Bank’s Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of such Borrowing and for a period equal to such Interest Period. The Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing shall be determined by the Agent on the basis of applicable rates furnished to and received by the Agent from the Reference Banks two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 2.10 .

Eurodollar Rate Advance ” means an Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(b) .

Eurodollar Reserve Percentage ” of any Lender for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable to such Lender during such Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under Regulation D or other regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) then applicable to such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

Events of Default ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.1 .

Existing Facility ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the first Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.

Existing Letter of Credit ” means, as of the Amendment Effective Date, the outstanding letter of credit issued by Wachovia under the Existing Facility in the amount of $250,000 for the benefit of United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, c/o Discovery Managers, LTD.

Existing Synthetic Leases ” means all synthetic leases existing on the Amendment Effective Date and set forth on Schedule II.

Extension Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Extension Notice ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

 

9


Extension of Credit ” means (i) the disbursement of the proceeds of any Borrowing and (ii) the issuance of a Letter of Credit or the amendment of any Letter of Credit having the effect of extending the stated termination date thereof or increasing the maximum amount available to be drawn thereunder.

Facility Fee ” means a fee that shall be payable on the aggregate amount of the Commitment of each Lender, irrespective of usage, payable to each Lender on the amount of its Commitment at the rate (expressed in basis points per annum) set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 based on the Reference Ratings.

 

BASIS FOR PRICING

   LEVEL 1
Reference
Ratings at least
AA- by S&P or
Aa3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 2
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 1
but at least
A+ by S&P
or A1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 3
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 2
but at least
A by S&P
or A2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 4
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 3
but at least
A- by S&P
or A3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 5
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 4
but at least
BBB+ by S&P
or Baa1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 6
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 5
but at least
BBB by S&P
or Baa2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 7
Reference
Ratings less
than Level
6.*

Facility Fee (bps)

   4.0    4.5    5.0    6.0    8.0    10.0    12.5

 

* or unrated

The Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the Reference Ratings at the time of determination, subject, however, to the following: if the Reference Ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s do not fall within the same Level on the grid above ( i.e. , a “split rating”) and: (i) the difference consists of one Level, the Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the higher of such Reference Ratings, or (ii) the difference consists of two or more Levels, the Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to a notional Reference Rating that falls at the midpoint between the actual Reference Ratings (or if no Reference Rating on the grid above corresponds to such midpoint, the next higher Reference Rating), unless, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, either Reference Rating is below BBB- (in the case of S&P) or Baa3 (in the case of Moody’s) or the applicable debt securities are, or the Borrower is, as applicable, unrated, in which case the Facility Fee will be based upon Level 7. Any change in the Facility Fee resulting from a change in the Reference Ratings shall be effective as of the date on which the applicable rating agency announces the applicable change in ratings.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Fee Letters ” means the Wachovia Fee Letter and the Barclays Fee Letter.

 

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Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is organized under the law of any jurisdiction other than any state of the United States of America.

GAAP ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 1.4 .

Governmental Approval ” means any authorization, consent, approval, license, franchise, lease, ruling, tariff, rate, permit, certificate, exemption of, or filing or registration with, any governmental authority or other legal or regulatory body.

Granting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(i) .

Hazardous Substance ” means any waste, substance, or material identified as hazardous, dangerous or toxic by any office, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, or instrumentality of the United States or of the State or locality in which the same is located having or exercising jurisdiction over such waste, substance or material.

Hostile Acquisition ” means any acquisition involving a tender offer or proxy contest that has not been recommended or approved by the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Person that is the subject of such acquisition prior to the first public announcement or disclosure relating to such acquisition.

Hybrid Securities ” means any hybrid securities consisting of trust preferred securities or deferrable interest subordinated debt securities issued by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or financing vehicle of the Borrower that (i) has an original maturity of at least 20 years and (ii) requires no repayments or prepayments and no mandatory redemptions or repurchases, in each case, prior to at least 91 days after the occurrence of the Maturity Date.

Increasing Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d) .

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.4(c) .

Initial Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d)(iii) .

Interest Period ” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such a Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be 1, 2, 3 or 6 months, as the Borrower may, upon notice received by the Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the third Business Day prior to the first day of such Interest Period, select; provided , however , that:

(i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Maturity Date;

(ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration; and

 

11


(iii) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, in the case of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Advance, that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

IPL ” means Interstate Power and Light Company, an Iowa corporation.

ISP ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.10 .

Joint Lead Arrangers ” shall mean, collectively, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Barclays Capital, the Investment Banking Division of Barclays Bank PLC.

LC Fee ” is defined in Section 2.5(b) .

LC Issuing Bank ” means Wachovia.

LC Outstandings ” means, on any date of determination, the sum of the undrawn stated amounts of all Letters of Credit that are outstanding on such date plus the aggregate principal amount of all unpaid reimbursement obligations of the Borrower on such date with respect to payments made by the LC Issuing Bank under Letters of Credit.

LC Payment Notice ” is defined in Section 2.4(d) .

Lender Assignment ” means an assignment and acceptance agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.7 .

Lenders ” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof, each Additional Lender and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.7 , provided , that unless the context otherwise requires, each reference herein to the Lenders shall be deemed to include the Swingline Lender in such capacity.

Letter of Credit ” means (i) any letter of credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.4 and (ii) the Existing Letter of Credit.

LIBOR Market Index Rate ” means, for any day, the rate of interest for one month U.S. dollar deposits appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) determined as of 11:00 a.m. (London time), for such day, or if such day is not a London business day, then the immediately preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then as determined by the Agent from another recognized source or interbank quotation).

LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance ” means a Swingline Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(c) .

Lien ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 5.2(a) .

 

12


Loan Documents ” means (i) this Agreement, any Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.16 , and the Fee Letters, (ii) all agreements, documents and instruments in favor of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or the Lenders (or the Agent on behalf of the LC Issuing Bank or the Lenders), and (iii) all other agreements, instruments and documents now or hereafter executed and/or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.

Majority Lenders ” means, on any date of determination, Lenders that, collectively, on such date (i) hold greater than 50% of the then Outstanding Credits and, (ii) if there are no Outstanding Credits, have Percentages in the aggregate greater than 50%. Any determination of those Lenders constituting the Majority Lenders shall be made by the Agent and shall be conclusive and binding on all parties absent manifest error.

Margin Stock ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Material Adverse Change ” means (i) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), or financial condition of the Borrower or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (iii) a material adverse change upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Maturity Date ” means the Termination Date unless the Borrower shall exercise the Term-Out Option, in which case the “Maturity Date” shall mean the first anniversary of the Termination Date.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

Mortgage Bond Indentures ” means the indentures listed on Schedule IV hereto.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower is making or has an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made or had an obligation to make contributions.

Multiple Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and (i) is maintained for employees of the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower and at least one Person other than the Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower could have liability under Section 4064 or 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Non-Performing Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.4(e) .

Nonrecourse Debt ” means Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) as to which (A) the Borrower provides no credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement

 

13


or instrument that would constitute Debt), (B) the Borrower is not directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, (C) the Borrower is not the lender or other type of creditor, or (D) the relevant legal documents do not provide that the lenders or other type of creditors with respect thereto will have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Borrower and (ii) no default with respect to which would permit, upon notice, lapse of time or both, any holder of any other Debt (other than the Advances, any Note and the Debt under the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2003, among Alliant Energy Corporate Services, Inc. (“ Services ”), the Borrower and the “Purchasers” party thereto relating to the issuance by Services of its 4.55% Guaranteed Senior Notes due 2008 or any extension, renewal, refinancing or replacement thereof that does not increase the outstanding principal thereof) of the Borrower to declare a default on such other Debt or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower provides credit support that is limited in its drawable amount for any portion of Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower that would be considered Nonrecourse Debt but for the provision of such credit support, such Debt shall be considered Nonrecourse Debt to the extent that it is not so supported.

Notes ” means any or all of the Term Notes, the Revolving Notes and the Swingline Note.

Notice of Borrowing ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(b) .

Notice of Swingline Borrowing ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(c) .

Notice of Conversion ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.11 .

OECD ” means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

OFAC ” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and any successor thereto.

Other Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(b) .

Outstanding Credits ” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Advances outstanding on such date, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Advances outstanding on such date, (iii) the LC Outstandings on such date, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.

PATRIOT Act ” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and all rules and regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (or any successor entity).

 

14


Percentage ” means, for any Lender on any date of determination, the percentage obtained by dividing such Lender’s Commitment on such day by the Aggregate Commitment on such date, and multiplying the quotient so obtained by 100.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

Plan ” means a Single Employer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan.

Prior Termination Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(b) .

Recipient ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.8 .

Reference Banks ” means Wachovia, Barclays Bank PLC and any additional or substitute Lenders as may be selected from time to time to act as Reference Banks hereunder by the Agent.

Reference Ratings ” means (i) (A) the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured non-credit-enhanced long term debt of the Borrower (the “ Reference Securities ”) or, (B) in the event that only one of S&P and Moody’s has assigned a rating to the Reference Securities, the rating assigned by one of S&P and Moody’s to the Reference Securities together with the issuer rating of the Borrower assigned by the other of S&P and Moody’s or, (C) in the event that no Reference Securities are rated, the issuer ratings assigned to the Borrower by S&P and Moody’s, or (ii) in the event that none of the circumstances in clause (i) applies, (A) the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured long-term debt of AER that is guaranteed by the Borrower (the “ AER Reference Securities ”) or, (B) in the event that only one of S&P and Moody’s has assigned a rating to the AER Reference Securities, the rating assigned by one of S&P and Moody’s to the AER Reference Securities together with the issuer rating of AER assigned by the other of S&P and Moody’s or, (C) in the event that no AER Reference Securities are rated, the issuer ratings assigned to AER by S&P and Moody’s; provided , however , that in any case in which an issuer rating assigned by S&P is used to determine the Reference Ratings, the rating level that is one notch below the issuer rating assigned by S&P shall be used to determine the Reference Ratings.

Refunded Swingline Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(d) .

Register ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(c) .

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Request for Issuance ” means a request made pursuant to Section 2.4(a) in the form of Exhibit 2.4 .

Revolving Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a) .

 

15


Revolving Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(a) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Revolving Advances made by such Lender.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

Sanctioned Country ” means a country subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sanctions/ index/html , or as otherwise published from time to time.

Sanctioned Person ” means (i) a Person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by OFAC available at http://www.treas.gov/ offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/index/html , or as otherwise published from time to time, or (ii) (A) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (B) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country, or (C) a Person resident in a Sanctioned Country, to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC.

Senior Financial Officer ” means the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of the Borrower.

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that, on a consolidated basis with any of its Subsidiaries as of any date of determination, accounts for more than 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Single Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and which (i) is maintained for employees of the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower and no Person other than the Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates, or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower could have liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

SPC ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(i) .

Subsequent Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d)(iii) .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or unincorporated entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Equity Interests having ordinary voting power (irrespective of whether at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes of such corporation or entity shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time owned by said Person, either directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries. In the case of an unincorporated entity, a Person shall be deemed to have more than 50% of interests having ordinary voting power only if such Person’s vote in respect of such interests comprises more than 50% of the total voting power of all such interests in the unincorporated entity.

Swingline Advance ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(b) .

 

16


Swingline Commitment ” shall mean $20,000,000 or, if less, the Aggregate Commitment at the time of determination, as such amount may be reduced.

Swingline Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, its maximum aggregate liability to make Refunded Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) or to purchase participations pursuant to Section 2.2(e) in Swingline Advances that are outstanding at such time.

Swingline Lender ” shall mean Wachovia in its capacity as maker of Swingline Advances, and its successors in such capacity.

Swingline Termination Date ” shall mean the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Termination Date.

Swingline Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of the Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(b) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender.

Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(a) .

Term Loans ” shall mean each Revolving Advance that is converted into a term loan on the Termination Date as set forth in Section 2.1(c) .

Term Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(c) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Revolving Advances made by such Lender.

Term-Out Option ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(c) .

Termination Date ” means the earlier to occur of (i) November 7, 2011 (as such date may be extended from time to time pursuant to Section 2.19 ) and (ii) the date of termination or reduction in whole of the Aggregate Commitment pursuant to Section 2.6 or Section 6.1 .

Type ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(a) .

Unmatured Default ” means an event that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Unutilized Swingline Commitment ” means, with respect to the Swingline Lender at any time, the Swingline Commitment at such time less the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Advances that are outstanding at such time.

Utilities ” means, collectively, WPL and IPL.

Utility Facilities ” means (i) the $300,000,000 Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated the date hereof, among IPL, the banks named therein and Wachovia, as

 

17


administrative agent; and (ii) the $250,000,000 Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated the date hereof, among WPL, the banks named therein and Wachovia, as administrative agent.

Utilization Percentage ” means, as of any time for the determination thereof, the percentage obtained by dividing the aggregate Outstanding Credits by the Aggregate Commitment then in effect.

Wachovia ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Wachovia Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated October 6, 2006, among the Borrower, the Utilities, Wachovia, and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.

WPL ” means Wisconsin Power and Light Company, a Wisconsin corporation.

Section 1.2      Computation of Time Periods . Unless otherwise indicated, each reference in this Agreement to a specific time of day is a reference to Charlotte, North Carolina time. In the computation of periods of time under this Agreement, any period of a specified number of days or months shall be computed by including the first day or month occurring during such period and excluding the last such day or month. In the case of a period of time “from” a specified date “to” or “until” a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

Section 1.3      Computations of Outstandings . Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to the “principal amount outstanding” on any date under this Agreement, such reference shall refer to the aggregate principal amount of all Advances outstanding on such date after giving effect to all Advances to be made on such date and the application of the proceeds thereof.

Section 1.4      Accounting Terms . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be delivered to the Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“ GAAP ”) applied on a consistent basis. With respect to (and only with respect to) determining compliance with this Agreement, all calculations shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein) be made by application of GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent annual or quarterly financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h) (or prior to the delivery of the first financial statements pursuant to Section 5.1(h) , consistent with the financial statements described in Section 4.1(f) ); provided , however , if (i) the Borrower shall object to determining such compliance on such basis at the time of delivery of such financial statements due to any change in GAAP or the rules promulgated with respect thereto or (ii) the Agent or the Majority Lenders shall so object in writing within 30 days after delivery of such financial statements, then such calculations shall be made on a basis consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered by the Borrower to the Lenders as to which no such objection shall have been made.

 

18


ARTICLE II

AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 2.1    The Advances.

(a) Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make advances (each, a “ Revolving Advance ” and collectively, the “ Revolving Advances ”) to the Borrower from time to time, during the period from and including the date hereof, to and up to, but excluding, the Termination Date, in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed at any time such Lender’s Available Commitment, provided that no Borrowing of Revolving Advances shall be made if, immediately after giving effect thereto (and to any concurrent repayment of Swingline Advances with proceeds of Revolving Advances made pursuant to such Borrowing), the Outstanding Credits would exceed the Commitments. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 (or, if lower, the amount of the Aggregate Available Commitment) or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the same Type made on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Percentages. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment and as hereinabove and hereinafter provided, the Borrower may request Borrowings hereunder, and repay or prepay Revolving Advances pursuant to Section 2.12 and utilize the resulting increase in the Aggregate Available Commitment for further Extensions of Credit in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b) The Swingline Lender agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make advances (each, a “ Swingline Advance ,” and collectively, the “ Swingline Advances ”) to the Borrower, during the period from and including the date hereof, to and up to, but excluding, the Swingline Termination Date (or, if earlier, the Termination Date), in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding the Swingline Commitment. Swingline Advances may be made even if the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Advances outstanding at any time, when added to the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Advances made by the Swingline Lender in its capacity as a Lender outstanding at such time and its LC Outstandings at such time, would exceed the Swingline Lender’s own Commitment at such time, but provided that no Borrowing of Swingline Advances shall be made if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the Outstanding Credits would exceed the Aggregate Commitment at such time. Subject to and on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay (including by means of a Borrowing of Revolving Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) ) and reborrow Swingline Advances.

(c) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may, by notice to the Agent, which shall promptly notify the Lenders, not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the Termination Date, convert all Revolving Advances outstanding as of the close of business on the Termination Date into Term Loans (the “ Term-Out Option ”), provided that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, both immediately before and after giving effect to the conversion of such Revolving Advances. The Term Loans of each Lender (i) shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist of Term Loans of the same Type, and (ii) shall not exceed in initial principal amount for such Lender an amount which equals the total principal amount of Revolving Advances owed to such Lender and outstanding as of the close of business on the Termination Date. Once repaid, Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

 

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Section 2.2    Making the Advances.

(a) The Revolving Advances and the Term Loans (each, together with the Swingline Advances, a “ Class ” of Loan) shall, at the option of the Borrower and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, be either a Base Rate Advance or Eurodollar Rate Advance (each, a “ Type ” of Advance). The Swingline Advances shall be made and maintained as LIBOR Market Index Rate Advances at all times.

(b) In order to make a Borrowing (other than (w) Borrowings of Swingline Advances, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.2(c) , (x) Borrowings for the purpose of repaying Refunded Swingline Advances, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.2(d) , (y) Borrowings involving conversions of Revolving Advances upon exercise of the Term-Out Option, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.1(c) or (z) conversions of outstanding Advances made pursuant to Section 2.11 ), the Borrower will give the Agent written notice not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances and (ii) not later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Advances. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “ Notice of Borrowing ”) shall be by telecopier, telex or email (in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Agent), in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2(b) hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, (B) Type of Advances comprising such Borrowing, (C) aggregate amount of such Borrowing and (D) in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the initial Interest Period for each such Advance. Each Lender shall, before (x) 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, and (y) 1:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Advances, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. After the Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , the Agent will promptly make such funds available to the Borrower by means of a credit or wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Borrower.

(c) In order to make a Borrowing of a Swingline Advance, the Borrower will give the Agent (and the Swingline Lender, if the Swingline Lender is not also the Agent) written notice not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “ Notice of Swingline Borrowing ”) shall be by telecopier, telex or email (in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Agent), in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2(c) hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, and (B) aggregate amount of such Swingline Advance to be made pursuant to such Borrowing (which shall not be less than $1,000,000 and, if greater, shall be in an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, in the amount of the Unutilized Swingline Commitment)). Not later than 4:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing, the Swingline Lender will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, an amount equal to the amount of the requested Swingline Advance. After the Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , the Agent will promptly make such funds available to the Borrower by means of a credit or wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Borrower.

 

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(d) With respect to any outstanding Swingline Advances, the Swingline Lender may at any time (whether or not an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) in its sole and absolute discretion, and is hereby authorized and empowered by the Borrower to, cause a Revolving Advance to be made for the purpose of repaying such Swingline Advances by delivering to the Agent (if the Agent is not also the Swingline Lender) and each other Lender (on behalf of, and with a copy to, the Borrower), not later than 11:00 a.m. one (1) Business Day prior to the proposed date of such Borrowing therefor, a notice (which shall be deemed to be a Notice of Borrowing given by the Borrower) requesting the Lenders to make Revolving Advances (which shall be made initially as Base Rate Advances) on such date of Borrowing in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of such Swingline Advances (the “ Refunded Swingline Advances ”) outstanding on the date such notice is given that the Swingline Lender requests to be repaid. Not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested date of such Borrowing, each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. To the extent the Lenders have made such amounts available to the Agent as provided hereinabove, the Agent will make the aggregate of such amounts available to the Swingline Lender in like funds as received by the Agent, which shall apply such amounts in repayment of the Refunded Swingline Advances. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, on the relevant date of such Borrowing, the Refunded Swingline Advances (including the Swingline Lender’s ratable share thereof, in its capacity as a Lender) shall be deemed to be repaid with the proceeds of the Revolving Advances made as provided above (including a Revolving Advance deemed to have been made by the Swingline Lender), and such Refunded Swingline Advances deemed to be so repaid shall no longer be outstanding as Swingline Advances but shall be outstanding as Revolving Advances. If any portion of any such amount repaid (or deemed to be repaid) to the Swingline Lender shall be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrower from the Swingline Lender in any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding or otherwise, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be shared ratably among all the Lenders in the manner contemplated by Section 2.18 .

(e) If, as a result of any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding with respect to the Borrower, Revolving Advances are not made pursuant to Section 2.2(d) in an amount sufficient to repay any amounts owed to the Swingline Lender in respect of any outstanding Swingline Advances, or if the Swingline Lender is otherwise precluded for any reason from giving a notice on behalf of the Borrower as provided for hereinabove, the Swingline Lender shall be deemed to have sold without recourse, representation or warranty (except for the absence of Liens thereon created, incurred or suffered to exist by, through or under the Swingline Lender), and each Lender shall be deemed to have purchased and hereby agrees to purchase, a participation in such outstanding Swingline Advances in an amount equal to its ratable share (based on the proportion that its Commitment bears to the Aggregate Commitment at such time) of the unpaid amount thereof together with accrued interest thereon. Upon one (1) Business Day’s prior notice from the Swingline Lender, each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s respective participation. To the extent the Lenders have made such amounts available to the Agent as provided hereinabove, the

 

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Agent will make the aggregate of such amounts available to the Swingline Lender in like funds as received by the Agent. In the event any such Lender fails to make available to the Agent the amount of such Lender’s participation as provided in this Section 2.2(e) , the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such amount is required to be made available for the account of the Swingline Lender until the date such amount is made available to the Swingline Lender at the Federal Funds Rate for the first three (3) Business Days and thereafter at the Applicable Rate for such Revolving Advances. Promptly following its receipt of any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower in respect of a Swingline Advance, the Swingline Lender will pay to each Lender that has acquired a participation therein such Lender’s ratable share of such payment.

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the obligation of each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) to make Revolving Advances for the purpose of repaying any Refunded Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) and each such Lender’s obligation to purchase a participation in any unpaid Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(e) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance or event whatsoever, including, without limitation, (i) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender may have against the Swingline Lender, the Agent, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (ii) the occurrence or continuance of any Unmatured Default or Event of Default, (iii) the failure of the amount of such Borrowing of Revolving Advances to meet the minimum Borrowing amount specified in Section 2.1(a) , or (iv) the failure of any conditions set forth in Section 3.2 or elsewhere herein to be satisfied.

(g) All Term Loans made pursuant to Section 2.1(c) shall be made by each Lender on the basis of such Lender’s Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date.

(h) Each Notice of Borrowing and Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Borrowing which the related Notice of Borrowing specifies is to be comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing for such Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Eurodollar Rate Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

Section 2.3    Funding Reliance.

(a) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the time of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Agent such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Lender has made such Advance available to the Agent on the time of such Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.2 and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such time a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such Advance available to the Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from the time

 

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such amount is made available to the Borrower until the time such amount is repaid to the Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

(b) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

Section 2.4    Letters of Credit .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Letter of Credit shall be issued (or the stated maturity thereof extended or terms thereof modified or amended) on not less than two Business Days’ prior notice thereof by delivery of a Request for Issuance to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank substantially in the form attached hereto in Exhibit 2.4 . Each Request for Issuance shall specify a statement of drawing conditions applicable to such Letter of Credit, and if such Request for Issuance relates to an amendment or modification of a Letter of Credit, it shall be accompanied by the consent of the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit thereto. The expiry of such Letter of Credit shall be no later than the earlier of (i) five Business Days’ prior to the Maturity Date and (ii) one (1) year after its date of issuance; provided , however , that a Letter of Credit may, if requested by the Borrower, provide by its terms, and on terms acceptable to the LC Issuing Bank, for renewal for successive periods of one year or less (but not beyond the date five Business Days prior to the applicable Maturity Date), unless and until the LC Issuing Bank shall have delivered a notice of nonrenewal to the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit. Each Request for Issuance shall be irrevocable unless modified or rescinded by the Borrower not less than one day prior to the proposed date of issuance (or effectiveness) specified therein. Not later than 12:00 noon on the proposed date of issuance (or effectiveness) specified in such Request for Issuance, and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions precedent and the other requirements set forth herein, the LC Issuing Bank shall issue (or extend, amend or modify) such Letter of Credit and provide notice and a copy thereof to the Agent, which shall promptly furnish copies thereof to the Lenders.

(b) No Letter of Credit shall be requested or issued hereunder if, after the issuance thereof, the Outstanding Credits would exceed the total Commitments.

(c) The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank and, if they shall have purchased participations in the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.4(d) , the Lenders, on demand made by the LC Issuing Bank to the Borrower, on and after each date on which the LC Issuing Bank shall pay any amount under any Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank, a sum equal to the amount so paid plus interest on such amount from the date so paid by the LC Issuing Bank until repayment to the LC Issuing Bank in full at a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Advances plus, if any amount paid by the LC Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit is not reimbursed by the Borrower within three Business Days, 2%.

 

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(d) Immediately upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit, the LC Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to each Lender, and each Lender shall be deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from the LC Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, pro rata (based on such Lender’s Percentage), in such Letter of Credit, each drawing made thereunder and the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement with respect thereto (other than the fees payable by the Borrower to the LC Issuing Bank). If the LC Issuing Bank shall not have been reimbursed in full for any payment made by the LC Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank on the date of such payment, the LC Issuing Bank shall give the Agent and each Lender prompt notice thereof (an “ LC Payment Notice ”) no later than 12:00 noon on the Business Day immediately succeeding the date of such payment by the LC Issuing Bank. Each Lender severally agrees, absolutely and unconditionally, to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank an amount equal to such Lender’s Percentage of such unreimbursed amount paid by the LC Issuing Bank, plus interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from the date of the payment by the LC Issuing Bank to the date of payment to the LC Issuing Bank by such Lender. Each such payment by a Lender shall be made not later than 3:00 p.m. on the later to occur of (i) the Business Day immediately following the date of such payment by the LC Issuing Bank and (ii) the Business Day on which such Lender shall have received an LC Payment Notice from the LC Issuing Bank. Each Lender’s obligation to make each such payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank shall be several and shall not be affected by the occurrence or continuance of an Unmatured Default or Event of Default or the failure of any other Lender to make any payment under this Section 2.4(d) or the failure of the LC Issuing Bank to provide the LC Payment Notice by 12:00 noon on the Business Day immediately succeeding the date of payment under a Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank. Upon any change in the Commitment of any Lender, with respect to all outstanding Letters of Credit and reimbursement obligations there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this Section 2.4(d) to reflect the new pro rata shares of the Lenders.

(e) The failure of any Lender to make any payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank in accordance with Section 2.4(d) shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation to make payment, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender. If any Lender (a “ Non-Performing Lender ”) shall fail to make any payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank in accordance with Section 2.4(d) within five Business Days after the LC Payment Notice relating thereto, then, for so long as such failure shall continue, the LC Issuing Bank shall be deemed, for purposes of Section 8.1 and Article VI hereof, to be a Lender owed a Borrowing in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount due and payable by such Non-Performing Lender to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.4(d) . Any Non-Performing Lender and the Borrower (without waiving any claim against such Lender for such Lender’s failure to purchase a participation in the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower under Section 2.4(d) ) severally agree to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank forthwith on demand such amount, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such Lender would have purchased its participation had it complied with the requirements of Section 2.4(d) until the date such amount is paid to the Agent at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Base Rate Advances and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the rate applicable to Base Rate Advances plus 1%.

 

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(f) The payment obligations of each Lender under Section 2.4(d) and of the Borrower under this Agreement in respect of any payment under any Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank shall be unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, the following circumstances:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto or to such Letter of Credit;

(ii) any amendment or waiver of, or any consent to departure from, the terms of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or such Letter of Credit;

(iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary, or any transferee, of such Letter of Credit (or any Persons for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, thereby or by such Letter of Credit, or any unrelated transaction;

(iv) any statement or any other document presented under such Letter of Credit reasonably proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

(v) payment in good faith by the LC Issuing Bank under the Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or

(vi) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

(g) The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of any beneficiary or transferee of any Letter of Credit. Neither the LC Issuing Bank, the Lenders nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or Affiliates shall be liable or responsible for (i) the use that may be made of such Letter of Credit or any acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee thereof in connection therewith; (ii) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of documents, or of any endorsement thereon, even if such documents should prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged; (iii) payment by the LC Issuing Bank against presentation of documents that do not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, including failure of any documents to bear any reference or adequate reference to such Letter of Credit; or (iv) any other circumstances whatsoever in making or failing to make payment under such Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the Borrower and each Lender shall have the right to bring suit against the LC Issuing Bank, and the LC Issuing Bank shall be liable to the Borrower and any Lender, to the extent of any direct, as opposed to consequential, damages suffered by the Borrower or such Lender which the Borrower or such Lender proves were caused by the LC Issuing Bank’s willful misconduct or gross negligence, including, in the case of the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank’s

 

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willful failure to make timely payment under such Letter of Credit following the presentation to it by the beneficiary thereof of a draft and accompanying certificate(s) that strictly comply with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the LC Issuing Bank may accept sight drafts and accompanying certificates presented under the Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and payment against such documents shall not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence by the LC Issuing Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender shall be obligated to indemnify the Borrower for damages caused by the LC Issuing Bank’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

(h) If any Letter of Credit contains a provision pursuant to which it is deemed to be automatically renewed unless notice of termination of such Letter of Credit is given by the LC Issuing Bank, the LC Issuing Bank shall timely give notice of termination if (i) as of close of business on the seventeenth day prior to the last day upon which the LC Issuing Bank’s notice of termination may be given to the beneficiaries of such Letter of Credit, the LC Issuing Bank has received a notice of termination from the Borrower or a notice from the Agent that the conditions to issuance of such Letter of Credit have not been satisfied, (ii) the renewed Letter of Credit would have a term not permitted by Section 2.4(a) or (iii) such Letter of Credit is the Existing Letter of Credit.

(i) If (i) as of the Termination Date, any Letter of Credit may for any reason remain outstanding, or (ii) at any time, the aggregate Outstanding Credits shall exceed the Aggregate Commitment (after giving effect to any concurrent termination or reduction thereof), the Borrower shall (A) deliver to the Agent as cash collateral an amount in cash equal to the aggregate LC Outstandings (whether or not any beneficiary under any Letter of Credit shall have drawn or be entitled at such time to draw thereunder) or, in the case of clause (ii) above, an amount in cash equal to such excess or (B) shall make some other arrangements to provide credit support for such Letters of Credit reasonably satisfactory to the Agent. The Agent shall deposit such cash in a special collateral account of the Borrower pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Agent (such account, the “ Cash Collateral Account ”) for the benefit of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders. Such Cash Collateral Account shall at all times be free and clear of all rights or claims of third parties. The Cash Collateral Account shall be maintained with the Agent in the name of, and under the sole dominion and control of, the Agent, and amounts deposited in the Cash Collateral Account shall bear interest at a rate equal to the rate generally offered by Wachovia for deposits equal to the amount deposited by the Borrower in the Cash Collateral Account, for a term to be determined by the Agent, in its sole discretion. The Borrower hereby grants to the Agent for the benefit of the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders a Lien in and hereby assigns to the Agent for the benefit of LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders all of its right, title and interest in, the Cash Collateral Account and all funds from time to time on deposit therein to secure its reimbursement obligations in respect of Letters of Credit. If any drawings then outstanding or thereafter made are not reimbursed in full immediately upon demand or, in the case of subsequent drawings, upon being made, then, in any such event, the Agent may apply the amounts then on deposit in the Cash Collateral Account, toward the payment in full of any of the obligations as and when such obligations shall become due and payable. Any amounts remaining in the Cash Collateral Account (including interest) after the expiration of all Letters of Credit and reimbursement in full of the LC Issuing Bank for all of its

 

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obligations thereunder shall be held by the Agent, for the benefit of the Borrower, to be applied against the Outstanding Credits, together with expenses related thereto and accrued interest thereon, in such order and manner as the Agent may direct. If the Borrower is required to provide cash collateral in the case of clause (ii) above, such amount (including interest), to the extent not applied as aforesaid, shall be returned to the Borrower on demand, provided that after giving effect to such return (i) the aggregate Outstanding Credits would not exceed the Aggregate Commitment at such time and (ii) no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at such time.

Section 2.5    Fees.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender the Facility Fee, from the date hereof, in the case of each Bank, and from the effective date specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, in the case of each other Lender, until the later of the Maturity Date and the date all Advances are paid in full, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December during the term of such Lender’s Commitment, commencing December 31, 2006, and on the later of the Maturity Date and the date all Advances are paid in full.

(b) The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender a fee (the “ LC Fee ”) on the average daily amount of the sum of the undrawn stated amounts of all Letters of Credit outstanding on each such day, from the date hereof until the later to occur of the Maturity Date and the date on which no Letters of Credit are outstanding, payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December (commencing December 31, 2006) and such later date, at a rate equal at all times to the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time for Eurodollar Rate Advances. In addition, the Borrower shall pay to the LC Issuing Bank such fees for the issuance and maintenance of Letters of Credit and for drawings thereunder as may be separately agreed between the Borrower and the LC Issuing Bank.

(c) In addition to the fees provided for in Section 2.5(a) and Section 2.5(b) , the Borrower shall pay (i) to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, for their own accounts, such fees as are provided for in the Wachovia Fee Letter and (ii) to the Joint Lead Arrangers, for their own accounts, such fees as are provided for in the Wachovia Fee Letter and Barclays Fee Letter.

Section 2.6    Changes in the Commitments.

(a) The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Agent, to terminate in whole or reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the Aggregate Commitment; provided that the Aggregate Commitment shall not be reduced to an amount which is less than the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Credits; and provided , further , that each partial reduction shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.

(b) On the Termination Date, the Aggregate Commitment shall be automatically reduced to zero.

(c) Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitment under this Section 2.6 shall be irrevocable, and the Aggregate Commitment shall not thereafter be reinstated.

 

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(d) On any date prior to the Termination Date, the Borrower may on one or more occasions increase the Aggregate Commitment by an amount not less than $5,000,000; provided that after giving effect to any such increase, the Aggregate Commitment shall not exceed $200,000,000 (any such increase, a “ Commitment Increase ”) by designating either one or more of the existing Lenders (each of which, in its sole discretion, may determine whether and to what degree it may participate in such Commitment Increase) or one or more other Eligible Assignees reasonably acceptable to the Agent that at the time agree, in the case of any such existing Lender, to increase its Commitment (an “ Increasing Lender ”) and, in the case of any such Eligible Assignee (an “ Additional Lender ”), to become a party to this Agreement.

(i) The sum of the increases in the Commitments of the Increasing Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.6(d) plus the Commitments of the Additional Lenders upon giving effect to the Commitment Increase shall not in the aggregate exceed the amount of the Commitment Increase. The Borrower shall provide prompt notice of any proposed Commitment Increase pursuant to this Section 2.6(d) to the Agent, which shall promptly provide a copy of such notice to the Lenders;

(ii) Any Commitment Increase shall become effective upon (A) the receipt by the Agent of (1) an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent signed by the Borrower, each Increasing Lender and each Additional Lender, setting forth the new Commitment of each such Lender and setting forth the agreement of each Additional Lender to become a party to this Agreement and to be bound by all the terms and provisions hereof binding upon each Lender, and (2) certified copies of the Commitment Increase Approvals and such opinions of counsel for the Borrower with respect to the Commitment Increase as the Agent may reasonably request, (B) the funding by each Lender of the Advance(s) to be made by each such Lender described in paragraph (iii) below and (C) receipt by the Agent of a certificate (the statements contained in which shall be true) of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower stating that both before and after giving effect to such Commitment Increase (1) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (2) all representations and warranties made by such Borrower in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, and (3) all Commitment Increase Approvals have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

(iii) Upon the effective date of any Commitment Increase, to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Advances ratable in the event of any non-ratable increase in Aggregate Commitment, (A) all then outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advances (the “ Initial Advances ”) shall automatically be converted into Base Rate Advances, (B) immediately after the effectiveness of the Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall, if it so requests, convert such Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances (the “ Subsequent Advances ”) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Advances and of the Types and for the Interest Periods specified in a Notice of Conversion delivered to the Agent in accordance with Section 2.11 , (C) each Lender shall pay to the Agent in immediately available funds an amount equal to the difference, if positive, between (y) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the Subsequent Advances and (z) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the Initial Advances, (D) after the Agent receives the funds specified in clause (C) above, the

 

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Agent shall pay to each Lender the portion of such funds equal to the difference, if positive, between (y) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the Initial Advances and (z) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the amount of the Subsequent Advances, (E) the Lenders shall be deemed to hold the Subsequent Advances ratably in accordance with their respective Commitment (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase), (F) the Borrower shall pay all accrued but unpaid interest on the Initial Advances to the Lenders entitled thereto, and (G) Schedule I shall automatically be amended to reflect the Commitments of all Lenders after giving effect to the Commitment Increase. The conversion of the Initial Advances pursuant to clause (A) above shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.4(b) if the date of any Commitment Increase occurs other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto.

(iv) Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, from and after the date of any Commitment Increase and the making of any Advances on such date pursuant to this Section 2.6(d) , all calculations and payments of the Facility Fee and the LC Fee and of interest on the Advances shall take into account the actual Commitment of each Lender and such Lender’s Percentage of the Outstanding Credits during the relevant period of time.

Section 2.7    Repayment of Advances.

(a) Except to the extent due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall repay to the Lenders the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Revolving Advance on the Termination Date and the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans, if any, shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.

(b) Except to the extent due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall repay to the Swingline Lender the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Swingline Advance on the earlier to occur of (i) fourteen (14) days after the date of Borrowing of each such Swingline Advance, and (ii) the Swingline Termination Date.

Section 2.8    Interest on Advances. The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance owing to each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the Applicable Rate for such Advance (except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.8 ), payable as follows:

(a) If such Advance is a Base Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, on the date of any Conversion of such Base Rate Advance and on the date such Base Rate Advance shall become due and payable or shall otherwise be paid in full; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Base Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

 

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(b) If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable on the last day of such Interest Period and, if the Interest Period for such Advance has a duration of more than three months, on that day of each third month during such Interest Period that corresponds to the first day of such Interest Period (or, if any such month does not have a corresponding day, then on the last day of such month); provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Eurodollar Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(c) If such Advance is a LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, and on the date such LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance shall become due and payable or shall otherwise be paid in full; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(d) In respect of any Advance, interest thereon shall be payable at the Applicable Rate at maturity (whether pursuant to acceleration or otherwise) and, after maturity, on demand.

(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of interest to any Lender at a rate in excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. If the amount of interest payable for the account of any Lender on any interest payment date would exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, the amount of interest payable for its account on such interest payment date shall be automatically reduced to such maximum permissible amount. In the event of any such reduction affecting any Lender, if from time to time thereafter the amount of interest payable for the account of such Lender on any interest payment date would be less than the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, then the amount of interest payable for its account on such subsequent interest payment date shall be automatically increased to such maximum permissible amount, provided that at no time shall the aggregate amount by which interest paid for the account of any Lender has been increased pursuant to this sentence exceed the aggregate amount by which interest paid for its account has theretofore been reduced pursuant to the previous sentence.

Section 2.9    Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances. The Borrower shall pay to Agent for the account of each Lender any costs actually incurred by such Lender with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances that are attributable to such Lender’s compliance with regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System requiring the maintenance of reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities. Such costs shall be paid to the Agent for the account of such Lender in the form of additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Agent. A certificate as to the amount of such additional interest, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender in good faith.

 

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Section 2.10    Interest Rate Determination.

(a) Each Reference Bank agrees to furnish to the Agent timely information for the purpose of determining each Eurodollar Rate. If any one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to the Agent for the purpose of determining any such interest rate, the Agent shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information furnished by the remaining Reference Banks.

(b) The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate determined by the Agent for purposes of Section 2.8(a) , Section 2.8(b) or Section 2.8(c) , and the applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for the purpose of determining the applicable interest rate under Section 2.8(b) .

(c) If fewer than two Reference Banks furnish timely information to the Agent for determining the Eurodollar Rate, due to the unavailability of funds to such Reference Banks in the relevant financial markets:

(i) the Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the interest rate cannot be determined for Eurodollar Rate Advances;

(ii) each such Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance (or if such Advance is then a Base Rate Advance, will continue as a Base Rate Advance); and

(iii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

(d) If, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Majority Lenders notify the Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period for such Advances will not adequately reflect the cost to such Majority Lenders of making, funding or maintaining their respective Eurodollar Rate Advances for such Interest Period, the Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon:

(i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance; and

(ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

(e) If the Borrower shall fail to (i) select the duration of any Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “ Interest Period ” in Section 1.1 or (ii) provide a Notice of Conversion with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advance on or prior to 12:00 noon on the third Business Day prior to the last

 

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day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders and such Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance.

(f) On the date on which the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Advances comprising any Borrowing shall be reduced, by payment or prepayment or otherwise, to less than the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, such Advances shall, if they are Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances, automatically Convert into Base Rate Advances, and on and after such date the right of the Borrower to Convert such Advances into Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances shall terminate; provided , however , that if and so long as each such Advance shall be of the same Type and have the same Interest Period as Advances comprising another Borrowing or other Borrowings, and the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such Advances shall equal or exceed the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, the Borrower shall have the right to continue all such Advances as, or to Convert all such Advances into, Advances of such Type having such Interest Period.

(g) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advance shall automatically Convert into a Base Rate Advance at the end of the Interest Period then in effect for such Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Section 2.11    Voluntary Conversion of Advances. Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Borrower may, on any Business Day, by delivering a notice of Conversion (a “ Notice of Conversion ”) to the Agent not later than 12:00 noon (i) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in respect of Eurodollar Rate Advances and (ii) on the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in respect of Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Section 2.10 and Section 2.15 , Convert all Advances of one Type comprising the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type; provided , however , that, in the case of any Conversion of any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Base Rate Advances on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Each such Notice of Conversion shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.11 and shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (A) the date of such Conversion, (B) the Advances to be Converted, (C) if such Conversion is into Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance, and (D) the aggregate amount of Advances proposed to be Converted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may not Convert Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances and may not select a new Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances at any time an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 2.12    Optional Prepayments of Advances. The Borrower may, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Agent stating the proposed date and aggregate principal amount of the prepayment, and if such notice is given, the Borrower shall prepay for the ratable account of the Lenders the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, without premium or penalty, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid; provided , however , that each partial prepayment shall be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $1,000,000 (or, if

 

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lower, the principal amount outstanding hereunder on the date of such prepayment) or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. In the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Except as provided in this Section 2.12 , the Borrower shall have no right to prepay any principal amount of any Advances.

Section 2.13    Increased Costs.

(a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding, or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances or to increase the cost to the Swingline Lender or any Lender of participating in, issuing or maintaining any LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance (or of maintaining its obligations to participate in any LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance) or to increase the cost to such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligations to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender, Swingline Lender or the LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank in good faith.

(b) If any Lender, the Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank or any corporation controlling such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend or participate in LIBOR Market Index Rate Advances or Letters of Credit hereunder or the Swingline Lender’s obligation to issue or maintain any Swingline Advance or the LC Issuing Bank’s obligation to issue or maintain any Letter of Credit hereunder and other commitments of this type, then, upon demand by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, from time to time as specified by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank reasonably determines such increase in capital to be allocable to the existence of such Lender’s Commitment, Swingline Lender’s obligations hereunder or LC Issuing Bank’s obligations hereunder. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, describing in reasonable detail the

 

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manner in which such amounts have been calculated, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination and allocation thereof shall have been made by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank in good faith.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 2.13(a) or Section 2.13(b) to the contrary, no Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank shall be entitled to demand compensation or be compensated thereunder to the extent that such compensation relates to any period of time more than 60 days prior to the date upon which such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank first notified the Borrower of the occurrence of the event entitling such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank to such compensation (unless, and to the extent, that any such compensation so demanded shall relate to the retroactive application of any event so notified to the Borrower).

Section 2.14    Illegality. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender (the “ Affected Lender ”) shall notify the Agent and the Borrower that the introduction of or any change in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for the Affected Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, all Eurodollar Rate Advances of the Affected Lender shall, on the fifth Business Day following such notice from the Affected Lender, automatically be Converted into a like number of Base Rate Advances, each in the amount of the corresponding Eurodollar Rate Advance of the Affected Lender being so Converted (each such Advance, as so Converted, being an “ Affected Lender Advance ”), and the obligation of the Affected Lender to make, maintain, or Convert Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances shall thereupon be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist, or the Affected Lender has been replaced pursuant to Section 8.7(g) . For purposes of any prepayment under this Agreement, each Affected Lender Advance shall be deemed to continue to be part of the same Borrowing as the Eurodollar Rate Advances to which it corresponded at the time of the Conversion of such Affected Lender Advance pursuant to this Section 2.14 .

Section 2.15    Payments and Computations.

(a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day when due in Dollars to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 in same day funds. The Agent will promptly thereafter cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or fees ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.9 , Section 2.17 , Section 2.19 or Section 8.4(b) ) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of a Lender Assignment and recording of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.7(d) , from and after the effective date specified in such Lender Assignment, the Agent shall make all payments hereunder in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Lender Assignment shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

 

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(b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender is not made when due hereunder held by such Lender, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts with such Lender any amount so due.

(c) All computations of interest based on clause (i) of the definition of “ Alternate Base Rate ” and of the Facility Fees shall be made by the Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of interest based on the Eurodollar Rate, LIBOR Market Index Rate and the LC Fee and the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.10 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such interest or fees are payable. Each determination by the Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.10 , by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that such determination shall have been made by the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in good faith.

(d) Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or fees, as the case may be; provided , however , that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

(e) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

Section 2.16    Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.

(a) 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 Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(b) The Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect 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 Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

 

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(c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to Section 2.16(a) and Section 2.16(b) shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided , however , that the failure of the Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

(d) The Advances of each Class made by each Lender shall, if requested by the applicable Lender (which request shall be made to the Agent), be evidenced (i) in the case of Term Loans, if the Borrower has exercised its Term-Out Option, by a Term Note, (ii) in the case of Revolving Advances, by a Revolving Note, and (iii) in the case of the Swingline Advances, by a Swingline Note, in each case appropriately completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of such Lender. Each Note shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and shall be subject to the provisions hereof and thereof.

Section 2.17    Taxes.

(a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.15 , free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding , in the case of each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent, taxes imposed on its overall net income and franchise taxes imposed on it by any jurisdiction, unless such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) would not have had such taxes imposed on it by such jurisdiction but for such Lender’s, the LC Issuing Bank’s or the Agent’s (as the case may be) having entered into this Agreement, having consummated the transactions contemplated hereby or having received payments by the Borrower hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “ Taxes ”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17 ) such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (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 taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (hereinafter referred to as “ Other Taxes ”).

(c) The Borrower will indemnify each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.17 ) paid by such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties,

 

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interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor. Nothing herein shall preclude the right of the Borrower to contest any such Taxes or Other Taxes so paid, and the Lenders in question, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) will, following notice from, and at the expense of, the Borrower, reasonably cooperate with the Borrower to preserve the Borrower’s rights to contest such Taxes or Other Taxes.

(d) Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes, the Borrower will furnish to the Agent, at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

(e) The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender agrees that, on or prior to the date upon which it shall become a party hereto, and upon the reasonable request from time to time of the Borrower or the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or such Lender will deliver to the Borrower and the Agent either (i) a statement that it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction within the United States or (ii) duly completed copies of such form or forms as may from time to time be prescribed by the United States Internal Revenue Service indicating that the LC Issuing Bank or such Lender is entitled to receive payments without deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender that delivers to the Borrower and the Agent the form or forms referred to in the preceding sentence further undertakes to deliver to the Borrower and the Agent further copies of such form or forms, or successor applicable form or forms, as the case may be, as and when any previous form filed by it hereunder shall expire or shall become incomplete or inaccurate in any respect. The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender represents and warrants that each such form supplied by it to the Agent and the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.17(e) , and not superseded by another form supplied by it, is or will be, as the case may be, complete and accurate.

(f) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.17 shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

(g) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.17 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder.

Section 2.18     Sharing of Payments, Etc . All payments from or on behalf of the Borrower on account of any obligations shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders based upon their respective share, if any, of the obligations with respect to which such payment was received. If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.9 , Section 2.13 , Section 2.17 , Section 2.19 or Section 8.4(b) ) or on

 

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account of the Borrower’s reimbursement obligations in respect of LC Outstandings in excess of its ratable share of payments obtained by all the Lenders on account of the Advances or on account of such reimbursement obligations, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them and such reimbursement obligations as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided , however , that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery, together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.18 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

Section 2.19    Extension of Termination Date.

(a) So long as no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 2.19(c) , the Borrower may, no earlier than 60 days and no later than 30 days prior to each anniversary of the Amendment Effective Date (such anniversary, an “ Extension Date ”), but on no more than two occasions, request through written notice to the Agent (the “ Extension Notice ”), that the Lenders extend the then existing Termination Date for an additional one-year period. Each Lender, acting in its sole discretion, shall, by notice to the Agent no later than the applicable Extension Date (except in the year in which the then existing Termination Date shall occur, in which case such written notice shall be delivered by the Lenders no later than 15 days prior to the then existing Termination Date) (such date, the “ Consent Date ”), advise the Agent in writing of its desire to extend (any such Lender, a “ Consenting Lender ”) or not to so extend (any such Lender, a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”) such date. Any Lender that does not advise the Agent by the Consent Date shall be deemed to be a Non-Consenting Lender. No Lender shall be under any obligation or commitment to extend the then existing Termination Date. The election of any Lender to agree to such extension shall not obligate any other Lender to agree to such extension.

(b) If Lenders holding a Commitment that aggregate more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitment on the Consent Date shall have agreed to such extension, then the then existing Termination Date applicable to the Consenting Lenders shall be extended to the date that is one year after the then existing Termination Date. All Advances of each Non-Consenting Lender shall be subject to the then existing Termination Date, without giving effect to such extension (such date, the “ Prior Termination Date ”). In the event of an extension of the then existing Termination Date pursuant to this Section 2.19 , the Borrower shall have the right, at its own expense, to solicit commitments from existing Lenders and/or Eligible Assignees reasonably acceptable to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank to replace the Commitment of any Non-Consenting Lenders for the remaining duration of this Agreement. Any Eligible Assignee (if not already a Lender hereunder) shall become a party to this Agreement as a Lender pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower.

 

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The Commitment of each Non-Consenting Lender shall terminate on the Prior Termination Date, all Advances and other amounts payable hereunder to such Non-Consenting Lenders shall be subject to the Prior Termination Date and, to the extent such Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitment is not replaced as provided above, the Aggregate Commitment hereunder shall be reduced by the amount of the Commitment of each such Non-Consenting Lender so terminated on the Prior Termination Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.19 , the Termination Date shall not be extended unless the aggregate Commitments of the Consenting Lenders and any Eligible Assignees joining this Agreement pursuant to this Section 2.19(b) are greater than or equal to the Outstanding Credits as of each Prior Termination Date.

(c) An extension of the Termination Date pursuant to this Section 2.19 shall only become effective upon the receipt by the Agent of a certificate (the statements contained in which shall be true) of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower stating that both before and after giving effect to such extension of the Termination Date (i) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) all representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date such extension is made, except for such representations or warranties which by their terms are made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such specified date.

(d) Effective on and after the Prior Termination Date, (i) each of the Non-Consenting Lenders shall be automatically released from their respective participations and reimbursement obligations under Section 2.4 with respect to any LC Outstandings and (ii) the participations and reimbursement obligations of each Lender (other than the Non-Consenting Lenders) shall be automatically adjusted to equal such Lender’s Percentage of such LC Outstandings.

Section 2.20    Replacement of Lenders.

(a) The Borrower may, at any time at its sole expense and effort, require any Lender that does not approve a consent, waiver or amendment to any Loan Document requested by the Borrower or the Agent and that requires the approval of all Lenders under Section 8.1 which is otherwise approved by the Majority Lenders, upon notice to such Lender and the Agent, to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 8.7 ), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

(i) no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at such time;

(ii) the Agent shall have received the assignment fee specified in Section 8.7(a) ;

(iii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Advances and any funded participations in Letters of Credit not refinanced through the Borrowing of Revolving Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan

 

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Documents (including any amounts under Section 8.4(b) ) 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);

(iv) such assignee, if it is not an existing Lender and/or Eligible Assignee, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and

(v) such assignment does not conflict with any applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority or otherwise require any Governmental Approvals.

A Lender shall not be required to make any assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

ARTICLE III

CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 3.1    Conditions Precedent to Amendment Effective Date . The occurrence of the Amendment Effective Date is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

(a) The Agent shall have received the following, each dated the Amendment Effective Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders and in sufficient copies for the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender:

(i) this Agreement, duly executed by the Borrower, each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent;

(ii) each Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 payable to the order of each such Lender, duly completed and executed by the Borrower;

(iii) copies of (A) the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party, and (B) all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action on the part of the Borrower with respect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(iv) a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying the names, true signatures and incumbency of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party;

(v) copies of the Certificate of Incorporation (or comparable charter document) and by laws of the Borrower, together with all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

 

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(vi) copies of all Governmental Approvals, if any, required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(vii) copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) , certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(viii) favorable opinions of:

(A) Foley & Lardner LLP, counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request; and

(B) In-house Counsel of the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request;

(ix) any fees required to be paid on or before the Amendment Effective Date shall have been paid, including fees and other expenses required to be paid under the Existing Facility; and

(x) such other approvals, opinions and documents as any Lender, through the Agent, may reasonably request.

(b) The following statements shall be true and correct, and the Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, dated the date of the Amendment Effective Date and in sufficient copies for each Lender, stating that:

(i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1 of this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date of the Amendment Effective Date as though made on and as of such date, and

(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default.

(c) The Borrower shall have paid (i) all fees payable hereunder or payable pursuant to the Fee Letters and the Existing Facility to the extent then due and payable, and (ii) all costs and expenses of the Agent (including counsel fees and disbursements) incurred through (and for which statements have been provided prior to) the Amendment Effective Date.

(d) The Agent shall have received evidence that all amounts outstanding under the Existing Facility, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

Section 3.2    Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit . The obligation of (i) each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder to increase and (ii) the LC Issuing Bank to issue, extend the expiry date or increase the amount of, any Letter of Credit shall be subject to the conditions precedent that, on the date of such Extension of Credit:

 

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(a) the following statements shall be true and correct (and each of the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Swingline Borrowing or Request for Issuance, as the case may be, and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing or the issuance, extension or increase of such Letter of Credit, as the case may be, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of such Extension of Credit, such statements are true and correct):

(i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 (other than the representation and warranty set forth in Section 4.1(e) ) are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Extension of Credit, before and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of any Borrowing made in connection therewith or the issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit in connection therewith, as the case may be, as though made on and as of such date;

(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Extension of Credit or from the application of proceeds of any Borrowing made in connection therewith or the issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit in connection therewith, as the case may be, that constitutes an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default; and

(iii) after giving effect to such Extension of Credit, the Borrower’s Outstanding Credits will not exceed its borrowing authority as allowed by applicable governmental authorities.

(b) the Agent shall have received all documentation and information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the PATRIOT Act; and

(c) the Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions, or documents as the Agent, or the Majority Lenders through the Agent, may reasonably request, and such approvals, opinions, and documents shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent.

Section 3.3      Reliance on Certificate s. The Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon the certificates delivered from time to time by officers of the Borrower as to the names, incumbency, authority and signatures of the respective Persons named therein until such time as the Agent may receive a replacement certificate, in form acceptable to the Agent, from an officer of such Person identified to the Agent as having authority to deliver such certificate, setting forth the names and true signatures of the officers and other representatives of such Person thereafter authorized to act on behalf of such Person.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1    Representations and Warranties of the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of property owned or used by it makes such qualification necessary (except where the failure to so qualify would not constitute a Material Adverse Change).

(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is or will be a party, and the receipt by the Borrower of the proceeds of Extensions of Credit on the date of any Extension of Credit, are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not and will not contravene (i) the Borrower’s charter or by-laws, (ii) any law, or (iii) any legal or contractual restriction binding on or affecting the Borrower; and such execution, delivery and performance do not and will not result in or require the creation of any Lien (other than pursuant to the Loan Documents) upon or with respect to any of its properties.

(c) No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document.

(d) This Agreement is, and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower will be a party when executed and delivered hereunder will be, legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the qualifications, however, that the enforcement of the rights and remedies herein and therein is subject to bankruptcy and other similar laws of general application affecting rights and remedies of creditors and that the remedy of specific performance or of injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceedings therefor may be brought.

(e) Since December 31, 2005, there has been no Material Adverse Change.

(f) The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2005, and the related audited consolidated, and, with respect to the Borrower, consolidating, statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at June 30, 2006 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income for the six-month period then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Bank, fairly present (subject, in the case of such balance sheets and statements of income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2006, to year-end adjustments) the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance, in all material respects, with GAAP.

 

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(g) Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2006, there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change, and since December 31, 2005 there have been no material adverse developments in any action or proceeding so disclosed that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(h) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates which would result in a liability to the Borrower, no “prohibited transaction” has occurred with respect to any Plan of the Borrower that is reasonably expected to result in a liability to the Borrower and neither the Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan, in each case that could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(i) The Borrower has filed all tax returns (Federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and penalties, or, to the extent the Borrower is contesting in good faith by appropriate proceedings an assertion of liability based on such returns and has provided adequate reserves for payment thereof in accordance with GAAP.

(j) Neither the Borrower nor any Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. After the making of each Extension of Credit, Margin Stock will constitute less than 25 percent of the assets (as determined by any reasonable method) of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

(k) The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company”, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(l) Neither the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower (i) is a Sanctioned Person, (ii) has more than 15% of its assets in Sanctioned Countries, or (iii) derives more than 15% of its operating income from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Countries. No part of the proceeds of any Advance hereunder will be used directly or indirectly to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country.

(m) Neither the making of the Advances hereunder nor the use of the proceeds thereof will violate the PATRIOT Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto. The Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the PATRIOT Act.

 

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(n) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries has timely filed all material reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by it in order to comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership and operation of its properties, except in each case to the extent that the failure to comply therewith, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

Section 5.1    Affirmative Covenants. So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Commitment or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower will, unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing:

(a) Payment of Taxes, Etc . Pay and discharge, and cause each of its Domestic Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, before the same shall become delinquent, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges, royalties or levies imposed upon it or upon its property except, in the case of taxes, to the extent the Borrower or such Domestic Subsidiary is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and has set aside adequate reserves for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Maintenance of Insurance . Maintain, or cause to be maintained, insurance or other risk management programs covering the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries and their respective properties in effect at all times in such amounts and covering such risks and using such means as are usual and customary for companies of a similar size (based on the aggregate book value of the Borrower’s assets, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP), engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties, either with reputable insurance companies or, in whole or in part, by establishing reserves of one or more insurance funds or other risk management mechanisms, either alone or with other corporations or associations, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(c) Preservation of Existence, Etc . Preserve and maintain, and cause each of the Utilities to preserve and maintain, its corporate existence (except in a transaction permitted by Section 5.2(c) ), material rights (statutory and otherwise) and franchises; provided , however , that neither the Borrower nor any of the Utilities shall be required to preserve and maintain any such right or franchise, unless the failure to do so would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(d) Compliance with Laws, Etc . Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, including without limitation any such laws, rules, regulations and orders relating to zoning, environmental protection, use and disposal of Hazardous Substances, land use, ERISA, construction and building restrictions, and employee safety and health matters relating to business operations, the non-compliance with which would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

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(e) Inspection Rights . At the reasonable expense of the Borrower, at any time and from time to time, upon reasonable notice, permit or arrange for the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank, the Lenders and their respective agents and representatives to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and the properties of, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors and accountants.

(f) Keeping of Books . Keep, and cause its Subsidiaries to keep, proper records and books of account, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the assets and business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP.

(g) Maintenance of Properties, Etc . Maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, good and marketable title to, and preserve, maintain, develop, and operate in substantial conformity with all laws and material contractual obligations, all of its properties which are used or useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except where the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(h) Reporting Requirements . Furnish to each Lender in the manner prescribed in the last paragraph of this subsection (h):

(i) as soon as possible and in any event within five Business Days after the occurrence of each Unmatured Default or Event of Default continuing on the date of such statement, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth details of such Unmatured Default or Event of Default and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

(ii) as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated, and, with respect to the Borrower, consolidating, statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year end audit adjustments) by a Senior Financial Officer as having been prepared in accordance (in all material respects) with GAAP, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any quarter shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(ii) with respect to such quarter;

 

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(iii) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and consolidated, and, with respect to the Borrower, consolidating, statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s annual Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any year shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(iii) with respect to such year;

(iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, a certificate signed by the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of the Borrower (i) stating whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such certificate, and if a Default or an Event of Default has then occurred and is continuing, specifying the details thereof and the action that the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth in reasonable detail calculations demonstrating compliance with  Section 5.2(f) and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 4.1 and, if any change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

(v) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after any ERISA Event described in clause (i) of the definition of ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred and (B) within 10 days after any other ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer describing such ERISA Event and the action, if any, which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto;

(vi) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC copies of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan of the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate or to have a trustee appointed to administer any such Plan;

(vii) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability in an aggregate principal amount of at least $5,000,000 pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA in respect of which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate is reasonably expected to be liable;

 

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(viii) promptly after requested, such documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Plan as the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request;

(ix) promptly after the Borrower becomes aware of the occurrence thereof, notice of all actions, suits, proceedings or other events (A) of the type described in Section 4.1(g) or (B) for which the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders will be entitled to indemnity under Section 8.4(c) ;

(x) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all such proxy statements, financial statements, and reports which the Borrower sends to its public security holders (if any), and copies of all regular, periodic and special reports, and all registration statements and periodic or special reports, if any, which the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental authority which may be substituted therefor, or with any national securities exchange; and

(xi) promptly after requested, such other information respecting the business, properties, results of operations, prospects, revenues, condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h)(ii) or Section 5.1(h)(iii) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto, on a website on the internet at a website address previously specified to the Agent and the Lenders; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on SyndTrak or another relevant website, if any, to which each of the Agent and each Lender has access; provided that (i) upon the request of the Agent or any Lender, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Agent or such Lender (until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Agent or such Lender) and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by a facsimile or electronic mail) the Agent and each Lender of the posting of any documents. The Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of, or to maintain copies of, the documents referred to above or to monitor compliance by any Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

(i) Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of the Advances hereunder solely for the Borrower’s general corporate purposes (including supporting commercial paper issued by the Borrower), and not to (x) finance any Hostile Acquisition or (y) purchase or carry any Margin Stock in violation of Federal Reserve Board Regulations T, U or X.

(j) Further Assurances . At the expense of the Borrower, promptly execute and deliver, or cause to be promptly executed and delivered, all further instruments and documents, and take and cause to be taken all further actions, that may be necessary or that the Majority Lenders through the Agent may reasonably request to enable the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent to enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement and to exercise their rights

 

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and remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document. In addition, the Borrower will use all reasonable efforts to duly obtain Governmental Approvals required in connection with the Loan Documents from time to time on or prior to such date as the same may become legally required, and thereafter to maintain all such Governmental Approvals in full force and effect.

(k) OFAC, PATRIOT Act Compliance . The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) refrain from doing business in a Sanctioned Country or with a Sanctioned Person in violation of the economic sanctions of the United States administered by OFAC, and (ii) provide, to the extent commercially reasonable, such information and take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Agent or any Lender in order to assist the Agent and the Lenders in maintaining compliance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 5.2    Negative Covenants. So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Commitment or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower will not, without the written consent of the Majority Lenders:

(a) Liens, Etc . Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, any lien, security interest, or other charge or encumbrance (including the lien or retained security title of a conditional vendor) of any kind, or any other type of arrangement intended or having the effect of conferring upon a creditor a preferential interest upon or with respect to any of its properties of any character (including, without limitation, accounts) (any of the foregoing being referred to herein as a “ Lien ”), excluding , however, from the operation of the foregoing restrictions the Liens created under the Loan Documents and the following:

(i) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies to the extent not past due;

(ii) Liens imposed by law, such as materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s and repairmen’s liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations which are not overdue or which are being contested in good faith, provided that any such contested Lien securing an amount claimed in excess of $5,000,000 shall be fully bonded within 90 days after the imposition of such Lien;

(iii) pledges or deposits to secure obligations under workmen’s compensation laws or similar legislation, to secure public or statutory obligations of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, or to secure the utility obligations of any such Subsidiary incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(iv)(A) purchase money Liens upon or in property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business (consistent with present practices, it being understood that for purposes of this clause, the purchase, construction or maintenance of generating facilities by the Utilities shall be deemed to be in the ordinary course of business and consistent with present practices) to secure (1) the purchase price of such property or (2) Debt incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction or improvement of any such property to be subject to such Liens, or (B) Liens existing on any such property at the time of

 

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acquisition, or extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing for the same or a lesser amount, provided that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property other than the property being acquired, constructed or improved and replacements, modifications and proceeds of such property, and no such extension, renewal or replacement shall extend to or cover any property not theretofore subject to the Lien being extended, renewed or replaced;

(v) Liens on the capital stock of any of the Borrower’s single-purpose Subsidiaries or any such Subsidiary’s assets to secure the repayment of project financing or Nonrecourse Debt for such Subsidiary;

(vi) attachment, judgment or other similar Liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or the payment of which is covered in full (subject to customary deductible amounts) by insurance maintained with responsible insurance companies;

(vii) Liens securing obligations under agreements entered into pursuant to the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Act or any similar or successor legislation, provided that such obligations do not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(viii) Liens created pursuant to the Mortgage Bond Indentures;

(ix) Liens on the ownership interests in, and the assets of, any Foreign Subsidiary to secure not more than $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Debt of any Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the event any such Debt is not denominated in Dollars, the calculation of the Dollar equivalent amount of such Debt shall be made as of the date of the incurrence of such Lien securing such Debt;

(x) Liens in favor of Wachovia, as agent under the Utility Facilities to secure the obligations of the respective Utilities under such agreements;

(xi) Liens incurred in connection with the sales of assets permitted in Section 5.2(d)(ix) ;

(xii) Liens incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to secure Nonrecourse Debt or obligations other than for borrowed money, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed (x) in the case of the Borrower and all its Subsidiaries other than the Utilities and their respective Subsidiaries, $100,000,000 outstanding at any one time, and (y) in the case of each Utility and its Subsidiaries, $100,000,000 outstanding at any one time;

(xiii) Liens on nuclear fuel granted in connection with any financing arrangement for the purpose of purchasing or leasing such nuclear fuel;

 

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(xiv) Liens constituting easements, restrictions and other similar encumbrances arising in the ordinary course of business, which in the aggregate do not materially adversely affect the Borrower’s use of its properties;

(xv) Liens set forth in Schedule III hereto, and any extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements of any such Liens upon or in the same property theretofore subject thereto; and

(xvi) other Liens securing obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not to exceed more than five percent (5%) of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at any time.

(b) Transactions with Affiliates . Enter into, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter into, any transaction with an Affiliate of the Borrower, unless such transaction (i) is on terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than if the transaction had been negotiated in good faith on an arm’s length basis with a Person that was not an Affiliate of the Borrower, (ii) is among wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower or between the Borrower and a wholly-owned Subsidiary or (iii) (A) is permitted by applicable utility or utility holding company regulations or (B) has received all required Government Approvals from each governmental authority exercising jurisdiction over any party thereto, in each case under the foregoing clause (iii) only to the extent such transaction is not materially adverse to the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent.

(c) Mergers, Etc .

(i) merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except the Borrower may merge with or into or consolidate with or into any of its Subsidiaries, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default, (B) the Borrower is the surviving corporation and (C) the Borrower shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction; or

(ii) permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except that any such Subsidiary may merge with or into any other Person, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) the surviving corporation is a Subsidiary of the Borrower, (B) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default and (C) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction.

(d) Sales, Etc., of Assets . Sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, except (i) sales, leases, transfers and assignments from one Subsidiary of the

 

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Borrower to another such Subsidiary or to the Borrower, (ii) in any transaction in which the net proceeds from such sale, lease, transfer, assignment or disposition are solely Cash and Cash Equivalents and such proceeds are (A) applied solely as a permanent reduction of the Aggregate Commitment and prepayment of Advances pursuant to Section 2.6 and Section 2.12 , or (B) applied solely to pay or prepay Debt (together with a permanent reduction of any commitments relating to such Debt) incurred by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with the project comprising such assets, (iii) in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction entered into by any Subsidiary of the Borrower, (iv) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets representing not in excess of 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the aggregate from the Amendment Effective Date until the Termination Date in any single or series of transactions, whether or not related, (v) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of worn out or obsolete equipment no longer used and useful in the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (vi) dispositions of the transmission assets of IPL and its Subsidiaries, (vii) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets in the ordinary course of business, (viii) disposition of the investment made by WPL Transco LLC in American Transmission Company LLC or the Equity Interests of WPL Transco LLC or any successor thereto, (ix) sales of contracts and accounts receivable by the Utilities, Alliant Energy Integrated Services, Inc., and its Subsidiaries (x) dispositions of Equity Interests in or assets of any direct or indirect subsidiary of AER; and (xi) disposition of the Illinois assets of the Utilities; provided that in each case under clauses (i) through (xi) above, no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing after giving effect thereto; provided, further, that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may, pursuant to Section 5.2(a)(ix) , pledge its ownership interests in, and the assets of, any Foreign Subsidiary to secure not more than $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Debt incurred by any Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the event any such Debt is not denominated in Dollars, the calculation of the Dollar equivalent amount of such Debt shall be made as of the date of the pledge of assets or ownership interests, as the case may be, securing such Debt.

(e) Maintenance of Ownership of Significant Subsidiaries . Sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such Equity Interests, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its Equity Interests or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such capital stock, except (and only to the extent) as may be necessary to give effect to a transaction permitted by Section 5.2(c) . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may, pursuant to Section 5.2(a)(ix) , pledge its ownership interests in, and the assets of, any Foreign Subsidiary to secure not more than $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Debt incurred by any Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the event any such Debt is not denominated in Dollars, the calculation of the Dollar equivalent amount of such Debt shall be made as of the date of the pledge of assets or ownership interests, as the case may be, securing such Debt.

(f) Capitalization Ratio . Permit the ratio of Consolidated Debt of the Borrower to Consolidated Capital of the Borrower to exceed .65 to 1.00.

(g) Restrictive Agreements . Directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist, or permit the Utilities to enter into or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of any Utility to declare or pay

 

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dividends; provided that the foregoing limitations do not apply to (i) financial covenants that require the maintenance of a minimum net worth or compliance with financial tests as conditions to the ability to pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to capital stock or otherwise; (ii) restrictions that arise only if dividends on preferred stock have not been paid; and (iii) limitations or restrictions imposed by law or in regulatory proceedings.

ARTICLE VI

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 6.1    Events of Default . If any of the following events (each an “ Event of Default ”) shall occur and be continuing after the applicable grace period and notice requirement (if any):

(a) The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Borrowing or any reimbursement obligation in respect of a Letter of Credit when the same becomes due and payable; or

(b) The Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Borrowing or any other amount due under this Agreement for two days after the same becomes due; or

(c) Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of the Borrower in any Loan Document or in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant thereto shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(d) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in Section 5.1(c) , Section 5.1(h)(i) or Section 5.2 (other than Section 5.2(b) thereof); or

(e) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, and any such failure shall remain unremedied, after the earlier of (i) actual knowledge by the Borrower thereof, and (ii) written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent, for a period of 30 days; or

(f) The Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries shall fail to make any payment in respect of any of its Debt other than Nonrecourse Debt, including any interest or premium thereon (but excluding Debt hereunder) aggregating $50,000,000 or more when due under documents related to such Debt (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt; or any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt; or any such Debt shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof as a result of a default or other similar adverse event; or

 

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(g) The Borrower or any of the Utilities shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any of the Utilities seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of a proceeding instituted against the Borrower or any of the Utilities, either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including without limitation the entry of an order for relief against the Borrower or such Utility or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for the Borrower or such Utility or any of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any of the Utilities shall take any corporate or other action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this Section 6.1(g) ; or

(h) Any judgment or order for the payment of money equal to or in excess of $50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or any of its Direct Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, the Utilities) or their respective properties and either (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; provided , however , that any such amount shall be calculated after deducting from the sum so payable any amount of such judgment or order that is covered by a valid and binding policy of insurance in favor of the Borrower or such Direct Subsidiary from an insurer that is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, which policy covers full payment thereof and which insurer has been notified, and has not disputed the claim made for payment, of such amount of such judgment or order; or

(i) Any material provision of any Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on the Borrower or the Borrower shall so assert in writing; or

(j) Any Governmental Approval required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents shall expire or be rescinded, revoked, otherwise terminated, or amended or modified in any manner that is materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent; or

(k) Any ERISA Event shall have occurred with respect to a Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability to the Borrower, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender, such ERISA Event shall still exist; or

(l)(i) The Borrower shall cease to own 100% of the common equity interests of either of the Utilities; (ii) any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall either (A) acquire beneficial ownership of more than 50% of any outstanding class of common stock of the Borrower having ordinary

 

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voting power in the election of directors of the Borrower or (B) obtain the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of the Borrower’s directors or (iii) the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall not consist of a majority of Continuing Directors:

then, and in any such event, the Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the holders of greater than 50% of the principal amount of the Outstanding Credits then outstanding or, if no Outstanding Credits are then outstanding, Lenders having greater than 50% of the Commitments, by notice to the Borrower, (i) declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances and the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, (ii) declare the Advances (if any), all interest thereon and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances, all such interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower (iii) direct the Borrower to deposit (and the Borrower hereby agrees, forthwith upon receipt of notice of such direction from the Agent, to deposit) with the Agent from time to time such additional amount of cash as is equal to the LC Outstandings, such amount to be held by the Agent in the Cash Collateral Account as security for the LC Outstandings as described in Section 6.2 and (iv) exercise all rights and remedies available to it under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable law; provided , however , that in the event of the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event, (A) the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit, and the Aggregate Commitment and the obligation of each Lender to make Advances shall automatically be terminated, (B) the Advances, all such interest and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower and (C) the obligation of the Borrower to cash collateralize the LC Outstandings as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further action by the Agent, LC Issuing Bank or any Lender.

Section 6.2    Cash Collateral Account. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no notice given or declaration made by the Agent pursuant to this Article VI shall affect (i) the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to make any payment under any Letter of Credit in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (ii) the obligations of each Lender in respect of each such Letter of Credit; provided , however , that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders (except upon the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event), upon notice to the Borrower, require the Borrower to deposit with the Agent an amount in the Cash Collateral Account equal to the LC Outstandings on such date (whether or not any beneficiary under any such Letter of Credit shall have drawn or be entitled at such time to draw thereunder), such amount to be held by the Agent in the Cash Collateral Account as security as described in Section 2.4(i) . Upon payment in full, after the termination of the Letters of Credit, of all such obligations, the Agent will repay and reassign to the Borrower any cash then in the Cash Collateral Account and the Lien of the Agent on the Cash Collateral Account and the funds therein shall automatically terminate.

 

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ARTICLE VII

THE AGENT

Section 7.1    Authorization and Action . Each of the Lenders (for purposes of this Article, references to the Lenders shall also mean the LC Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender) hereby appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, enforcement or collection of the Borrowings), the Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of Notes (if any); provided , however , that the Agent shall not be required to take any action which, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or applicable law. The Agent agrees to give to each Lender prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the administration and enforcement of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents if it undertakes such administration and enforcement in a manner substantially equal to that which Wachovia accords credit facilities similar to the credit facility hereunder for which it is the sole lender. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders except as otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Borrower shall have no rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

Section 7.2     Agent’s Reliance, Etc . Neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Agent: (i) may treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof until the Agent receives and accepts a Lender Assignment entered into by the Lender which is the payee of such Note, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.7 ; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; and (vi) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram, cable or telex) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

 

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Section 7.3    Wachovia and Affiliates. With respect to its Commitment and the Advances made by it, Wachovia shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank; and the term “Bank” or “Banks” and “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Wachovia in its individual capacity. Wachovia and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or the trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof, all as if Wachovia were not the Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

Section 7.4    Lender Credit Decision. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) and such other 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 Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.

Section 7.5    Indemnification. The Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent and any Related Party of the Agent participating in the transaction (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to (i) on or before the Maturity Date, the respective Percentages of the Lenders, or (ii) after the Maturity Date, the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Advances, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under this Agreement, provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out of pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that the Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by the Borrower.

Section 7.6    Successor Agent. The Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders, with any such resignation or removal to become effective only upon the appointment of a successor Agent pursuant to this Section 7.6 . Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company (and reasonabl y

 

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acceptable to the Borrower so long as no Event of Default exists) organized under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof. If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of any State thereof reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement.

Section 7.7    Delegation of Duties. The Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Agent; provided , however , that the Agent shall remain responsible for the performance of its duties under this Agreement and the Loan Documents to the extent required under this Article. The Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of the 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 the Agent.

Section 7.8    No Other Duties, Etc . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Joint Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent, Documentation Agents or other agents listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Agent or a Lender hereunder.

Section 7.9    LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender . The provisions of this Article (other than Section 7.3 ) shall apply to the LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender mutatis mutandis to the same extent as such provisions apply to the Agent.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1    Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders and, in the case of any amendment, the Borrower, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive, modify or eliminate any of the conditions specified in Section 3.1 or

 

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Section 3.2 ; (b) increase or extend the Commitments of the Lenders (other than pursuant to Section 2.6(d) or Section 2.19 ) or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances, any Applicable Margin or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder (other than fees payable to the Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers or the LC Issuing Bank for their own account, or to any Lender pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 ), (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances (excluding the conversion of Revolving Advances into Term Loans under Section 2.1(c) ), any reimbursement obligation in respect of Letters of Credit or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, which shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder, (f) amend this Section 8.1 , (g) release any collateral for the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or (h) change or waive any provision of Section 2.18 or any other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document requiring pro rata treatment of the Lenders; and provided , further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Agent, the Swingline Lender or the LC Issuing Bank under this Agreement or any Note, unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by the Agent, the Swingline Lender and the LC Issuing Bank, as the case may be, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, (ii) that no amendment, waiver or consent shall change or waive any provision of Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 , unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by each Lender directly affected thereby, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action and (iii) that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder or under any Letter of Credit and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, as the case may be.

Section 8.2    Notices, Etc. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be in writing (including telecopier, telegraphic, telex or cable communication) and mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed, cabled or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718-2132 Attn: Treasurer, or P.O. Box 77007, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-1007 Attn: Treasurer; if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender; if to the LC Issuing Bank, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; if to the Swingline Lender, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; and if to the Agent, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed or cabled, be effective five days after being deposited in the mails, or when delivered to the telegraph company, telecopied, confirmed by telex answerback or delivered to

 

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the cable company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Agent pursuant to Articles II or VII shall not be effective until received by the Agent.

Section 8.3    No Waiver; Remedies . No failure on the part of any Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 8.4    Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification .

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the preparation (including, without limitation, printing costs), negotiation, execution, delivery, modification and amendment of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out of pocket expenses of counsel for the Agent with respect thereto and with respect to the administration of, and advising the Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender), in connection with the enforcement and workout (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.4(a) . In addition, the Borrower shall pay any and all stamp and other taxes payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, and agrees to save the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay such taxes.

(b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.6(d) , Section 2.10(f) , Section 2.11 , Section 2.12 or Section 2.14 or acceleration of the maturity of the Advances pursuant to Section 6.1 or for any other reason, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank, as the case may be, any amounts required to compensate such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank for any additional losses, costs or expenses which it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance.

(c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Agent, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and their respective officers, directors, employees, professional advisors and affiliates (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) harmless from and against

 

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any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) which any of them may incur or which may be claimed against any of them by any Person including the Borrower (except for such claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct):

(i) by reason of or resulting from the execution, delivery or performance of any of the Loan Documents or any transaction contemplated thereby, or the use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Advance or the use by the Borrower or any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of such Letter of Credit;

(ii) in connection with any documentary taxes, assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by reason of the execution and delivery of any of the Loan Documents;

(iii) in connection with or resulting from the utilization, storage, disposal, treatment, generation, transportation, release or ownership of any Hazardous Substance (A) at, upon, or under any property of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or (B) by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates at any time and in any place; or

(iv) in connection with or resulting from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through the internet, SyndTrak or other similar transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

In case any action or proceeding is instituted involving any Indemnified Person for which indemnification is to be sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, then such Indemnified Person will promptly notify the Borrower of the commencement of any action or proceeding; provided , however , that the failure so to notify the Borrower will not relieve the Borrower from any liability that the Borrower may have to such Indemnified Person pursuant hereto or from any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Person other than pursuant hereto. Notwithstanding the above, following such notification, the Borrower may elect in writing to assume the defense of such action or proceeding, and, upon such election, the Borrower will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable for any legal costs subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Person (other than reasonable costs of investigation and providing evidence) in connection therewith, unless (i) the Borrower has failed to provide counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person in a timely manner (it being agreed that Foley & Lardner LLP shall be deemed to be reasonably satisfactory counsel for such purpose), (ii) the Indemnified Person determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate or (iii) the Indemnified Person reasonably determines that there may be legal defenses available to it which are different from, or in addition to those available to the Borrower. If the Borrower assumes the defense of any such action or proceeding, (a) it will be conclusively established for purposes of this Agreement that the claims made with respect thereto are subject to indemnification hereunder; (b) no compromise or settlement of such claims may be effected by the Borrower without the Indemnified

 

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Person’s consent and (c) the Indemnified Person will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such claims effected without its consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Indemnified Person determines in good faith that there is a reasonable probability that any action or proceeding may adversely affect it or its affiliates other than as a result of monetary damages for which it would be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such Indemnified Person many, by notice to the Borrower, assume the exclusive right to defend, compromise, or settle such action or proceeding, but the Borrower will not be bound (but will retain its indemnification obligations hereunder) by any determination of an action or proceeding so defended or any compromise or settlement effected without its consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld). In connection with any one action or proceeding, the Borrower will not be responsible for the fees and expenses of more than one separate law firm (in addition to local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons.

(d) The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.4 shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders hereunder and the termination of the Commitments. If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.4 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction thereof which is permissible under applicable law.

Section 8.5    Right of Set-off.

(a) Upon (i) the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and (ii) the making of the request or the granting of the consent by the Majority Lenders specified by Section 6.1 to authorize the Agent to declare all amounts owing hereunder due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1 , each Lender 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 indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under any Loan Document, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under such Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set off and application. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender may have.

(b) The Borrower agrees that it shall have no right of set-off, deduction or counterclaim in respect of its obligations hereunder, and that the obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a relinquishment or waiver of the Borrower’s rights to any independent claim that the Borrower may have against the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender for the Agent’s, the LC Issuing Bank’s or such Lender’s, as the case may be, gross negligence or willful misconduct; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the conduct of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any other Lender; provided, further, that the Agent shall not be liable for the conduct of any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank, and the LC Issuing Bank shall not be liable for the conduct of any Lender or the Agent; provided , however that none of the Agent, any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank shall be liable to the Borrower for any amounts representing indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages suffered by the Borrower.

 

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Section 8.6    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Agent and when the Agent shall have been notified in writing by each Bank that such Bank has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders.

Section 8.7    Assignments and Participations.

(a) Each Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it, its participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by it); provided , however , that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Lender Assignment with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than the lesser of the amount of such Lender’s then remaining Commitment and $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (except in the case of assignments between Lenders at the time already parties hereto and between a Lender and an Affiliate of such Lender), (iii) the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower, shall have consented to such assignment (in each case, which may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, a Lender Assignment, together with any Note or Notes (if any) subject to such assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Promptly following its receipt of such Lender Assignment, Note or Notes (if any) and fee, the Agent shall accept and record such Lender Assignment in the Register. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Lender Assignment, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Lender Assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Lender Assignment, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of a Lender Assignment covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto, but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.13(a) , Section 2.13(b) , Section 2.17 , and Section 8.4 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Lender may at any time, with notice to the Borrower, the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, assign all or any portion of the Advances owing to it to any other Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender. No such assignment, other than to an Eligible Assignee, a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

 

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(b) By executing and delivering a Lender Assignment, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Lender Assignment, 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 any Loan Document or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of any Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under any Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of each Loan Document, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) ) hereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Lender Assignment; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the 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 the Loan Documents; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms 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 of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

(c) The Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.2 a copy of each Lender Assignment delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(d) Upon its receipt of a Lender Assignment executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note or Notes (if any) subject to such assignment, the Agent shall, if such Lender Assignment has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.7 hereto, (i) accept such Lender Assignment, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower.

(e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks, financial institutions or other entities in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it, its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by it); provided , however , that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such

 

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Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note (if any) for all purposes of this Agreement, and (iv) the Borrower, the Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

(f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.7 , disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided that, prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree, in accordance with the terms of Section 8.8 , to preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential Information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

(g) If any Lender (or any bank, financial institution, or other entity to which such Lender has sold a participation) shall (i) make any demand for payment under Section 2.9 , Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 or (ii) give notice to the Agent pursuant to Section 2.14 , then within 30 days after any such demand or occurrence (if, but only if, in the case of any demanded payment described in clause (i), such demanded payment has been made by the Borrower), the Borrower may, with the approval of the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and provided that no Event of Default or Unmatured Default shall then have occurred and be continuing, demand that such Lender assign in accordance with this Section 8.7 to one or more Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower all (but not less than all) of such Lender’s Commitment, its participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Advances and the Advances owing to it within the period ending on the later to occur of (x) the last day in the 30-day period described above and (y) the last day of the longest of the then-current Interest Periods for such Advances. If any such Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower shall fail to consummate such assignment on terms acceptable to such Lender, or if the Borrower shall fail to designate any such Eligible Assignees for all or part of such Lender’s Commitment or Advances, then such demand by the Borrower shall become ineffective; it being understood for purposes of this Section 8.7(g) that such assignment shall be conclusively deemed to be on terms acceptable to such Lender, and such Lender shall be compelled to consummate such assignment to an Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower, if such Eligible Assignee (1) shall agree to such assignment by entering into a Lender Assignment with such Lender and (2) shall offer compensation to such Lender in an amount equal to all amounts then owing by the Borrower to such Lender hereunder, whether for principal, interest, fees, costs or expenses (other than the demanded payment referred to above and payable by the Borrower as a condition to the Borrower’s right to demand such assignment), or otherwise.

(h) Anything in this Section 8.7 to the contrary notwithstanding, any Lender may assign and pledge all or any portion of its Commitment and the Advances owing to it to any Federal Reserve Bank (and its transferees) as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

 

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(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “ SPC ”) of such Granting Lender identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Advance that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any such SPC to make any Advance, (ii) if such SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Advance, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Advance pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) no SPC or Granting Lender shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 8.4 than the Granting Lender would have been entitled to receive had the Granting Lender not otherwise granted such SPC the option to provide any Advance to the Borrower. The making of an Advance by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Advance were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable so long as, and to the extent that, the related Granting Lender provides such indemnity or makes such payment. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPC, it will not institute against or join any other person in instituting against such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Granting Lender unconditionally agrees to indemnify the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent and each Lender against all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be incurred by or asserted against the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in any way relating to or arising as a consequence of any such forbearance or delay in the initiation of any such proceeding against its SPC. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have the rights of a Lender hereunder, such rights being retained by the applicable Granting Lender. Accordingly, and without limiting the foregoing, each party hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have any voting rights hereunder and that the voting rights attributable to any Advance made by an SPC shall be exercised only by the relevant Granting Lender and that each Granting Lender shall serve as the administrative agent and attorney-in-fact for its SPC and shall on behalf of its SPC receive any and all payments made for the benefit of such SPC and take all actions hereunder to the extent, if any, such SPC shall have any rights hereunder. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without the prior written consent of any other party hereto, assign all or a portion of its interest in any Advances to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any information relating to its Advances to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety, guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC. This Section 8.7(i) may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Advance is being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment.

Section 8.8    Confidentiality. In connection with the negotiation and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the Borrower has furnished and will from time to time furnish to the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders (each, a “ Recipient ”) written

 

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information which is identified to the Recipient in writing, when delivered, as confidential (such information, other than any such information which (i) as publicly available, or otherwise known to the Recipient, at the time of disclosure, (ii) subsequently becomes publicly available other than through any act or omission by the Recipient or (iii) otherwise subsequently becomes known to the Recipient other than through a Person whom the Recipient knows to be acting in violation of his or its obligations to the Borrower, being hereinafter referred to as “ Confidential Information ”). The Recipient will maintain the confidentiality of any Confidential Information in accordance with such procedures as the Recipient applies generally to information of that nature. It is understood, however, that the foregoing will not restrict the Recipient’s ability to freely exchange such Confidential Information with its Affiliates or with current or prospective participants in or assignees of, or any current or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap, securitization or derivative transaction relating to, the Recipient’s position herein, but the Recipient’s ability to so exchange Confidential Information shall be conditioned upon any such Affiliate’s or prospective participant’s or assignee’s or counterparty’s entering into an understanding as to confidentiality similar to this provision. It is further understood that the foregoing will not prohibit the disclosure of any or all Confidential Information if and to the extent that such disclosure may be required (i) by a regulatory agency or otherwise in connection with an examination of the Recipient’s records by appropriate authorities, (ii) pursuant to court order, subpoena or other legal process or in connection with any pending or threatened litigation, (iii) otherwise as required by law, or (iv) in order to protect its interests or its rights or remedies hereunder or under the other Loan Documents; in the event of any required disclosure under clause (ii) or (iii) above, the Recipient agrees to use reasonable efforts to inform the Borrower as promptly as practicable to the extent legally permitted to do so.

Section 8.9    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK, THE LENDERS AND THE BORROWER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK, SUCH LENDERS OR THE BORROWER. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK AND THE LENDERS ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.

Section 8.10    Governing Law. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York; provided that each Letter of Credit shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws or rules designated in such Letter of Credit or application therefor or, if no such laws or rules are designated, the International Standby Practices of the International Chamber of Commerce, as in effect from time to time (the “ ISP ”), and, as to matters not governed by the ISP, the laws of the State of New York. The Borrower, each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent (i) irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court sitting in New York City in any action arising out of any Loan Document, (ii) agrees that all claims in such action may be decided in such court, (iii) waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum and (iv) consents to the service of process by mail, provided that a copy shall be promptly sent by overnight courier to Foley &

 

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Lardner LLP, U.S. Bank Center, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5367, Attention: Emory Ireland, Esq. A final judgment in any such action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law or affect its right to bring any action in any other court.

Section 8.11    Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary. No term, provision or requirement, whether express or implied, of any Loan Document, or actions taken or to be taken by any party thereunder, shall be construed to create a partnership, association, or joint venture between such parties or any of them. No term or provision of the Loan Documents shall be construed to confer a benefit upon, or grant a right or privilege to, any Person other than the parties thereto.

Section 8.12    Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

Section 8.13    Severability . To the extent any provision of this Agreement is prohibited by or invalid under the applicable law of any jurisdiction, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity and only in such jurisdiction, without prohibiting or invalidating such provision in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

Section 8.14    Disclosure of Information . The Borrower agrees and consents to the Agent’s and the Joint Arrangers’ disclosure of information relating to this transaction to Gold Sheets and other similar bank trade publications. Such information will consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications.

Section 8.15    USA Patriot Act Notice . Each Lender that is subject to the PATRIOT Act and the Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the 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 or the Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 8.16    Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with any Note, the Fee Letters and any other agreements, instruments and other documents required to be executed and delivered in connection herewith, represents the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter covered hereby.

[Signatures to Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Thomas L. Hanson

Name:   Thomas L. Hanson
Title:   Vice President And Treasurer

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-1


WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent, LC Issuing Bank and as Lender
By:  

/s/ Shawn Young

Name:   Shawn Young
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-2


BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Gary B. Wenslow

Name:   Gary Wenslow
Title:   Associate Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-3


THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD., CHICAGO BRANCH, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Tsuguyuki Umene

Name:   Tsuguyuki Umene
Title:   Deputy General Manager

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-4


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Gabriel J. Simon

Name:   Gabriel J. Simon
Title:   Assistant Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-5


ABN AMRO, N.V., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ James L. Moyes

Name:   James L. Moyes
Title:   Managing Director
By:  

/s/ Todd D. Vaubel

Name:   Todd D. Vaubel
Title:   Assistant Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-6


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-7


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Mark H. Halldorson

Name:   Mark H. Halldorson
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-8


THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Lender
By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:   VP

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-9


CITIBANK, N.A., as a Lender
By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-10


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Paul J. Pace

Name:   Paul J. Pace
Title:   Assistant Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-11


MERRILL LYNCH BANK USA, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Louis Alder

Name:   Louis Alder
Title:   Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-12


UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Richard L. Tavrow

Name:   Richard L. Tavrow
Title:   Director Banking Products Services, US
By:  

/s/ Irja R. Otsa

Name:   Irja R. Otsa
Title:  

Associate Director Banking Products

Services, US

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-13


MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Makoto Murata

Name:   Makoto Murata
Title:   Deputy General Manager

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-14


LEHMAN BROTHERS BANK, FSB, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Gary Taylor

Name:   Gary Taylor
Title:   Senior Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-15


AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Damodar Menon

Name:   Damodar Menon
Title:   Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-16


SCHEDULE I

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006, among Alliant Energy Corporation, as Borrower, the Banks named therein and Wachovia, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

 

Name of Lender

   Commitment   

Domestic Lending Office

  

Eurodollar Lending Office

Wachovia Bank, National Association

   $ 10,423,076.93   

201 S. College St.

CP-8

NC-0680

Attention: Brad Riggenbach

Tel: 704-715-8946

Fax: 704-383-0288

Email:  bradley.riggenbach@wachovia.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 10,423,076.93   

222 Broadway

New York, NY 10038

Attention: Kattia Zevallos

Tel: 973-576-3919

Fax: 973-576-3694

Email: kattia.zevallos @barcap.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Chicago Branch

   $ 8,076,923.08   

Harborside Financial Center

500 Plaza 3

Jersey City, NJ 07311

Attention: Jimmy Yu

Tel: 201-413-8566

Fax: 201-521-2335

Email: jyu@btmna.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 7,692,307.69   

227 W. Monroe Street, Floor 28

Mail Code IL-0530

Chicago, IL 60606

Attn: Nancy Barwig

Tel: 312-541-3349

Fax: 312-541-3376

Email: nancy.r.barwig@jpmchase.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

   $ 7,692,307.69   

540 West Madison Street

Suite 2100

Chicago, IL 60661

Attention: Loan Administration

Tel: 312-992-5150

Fax: 312-992-5155

Email: cpu.team.b@abnamro.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 7,692,307.69   

901 Main St.

TX1-492-14-05

Dallas, TX 75202

Attention: Jackie Archuleta

Tel: 214-209-4111

Fax: 214-290-9422

Email:  jacqueline.archuleta@bankofamerica.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

   $ 7,692,307.69   

201 Third St.

MAC 0187-081

San Francisco, CA 94103

Attention: Neva Moritani

Tel: 415-477-5374

Fax: 415-979-0675

Email:

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

 

Sch. I-1


Name of Lender

   Commitment   

Domestic Lending Office

  

Eurodollar Lending Office

The Bank of New York

   $ 5,692,307.69   

One Wall Street (19th Floor)

New York, NY 10286

Attention: Lisa Williams

Tel: 212-685-7585

Fax: 212-685-7552

Email: lwilliams@bankofny.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Citibank N.A.

   $ 5,692,307.69   

Two Penn’s Way

Suite 200

New Castle, DE 19720

Attention: Karen Riley

Tel: 302-894-6084

Fax: 302-894-6120

Email: Karen.riley@citigroup.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

KeyBank National Association

   $ 5,692,307.69   

127 Public Square

OH-01-27-0847

Cleveland, OH 44114

Attention: Yvette Dyson-Owens

Tel: 216 689 4358

Fax: 216-689-4981

Email:  Yvette_Dyson-Owens@keybank.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Merrill Lynch Bank USA

   $ 5,692,307.69   

15 W. South Temple

Suite 300

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Attention: David Millett

Tel: 801-526-8312

Fax: 801-933-8641

Email: David_Millett@ml.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

UBS Loan Finance LLC

   $ 5,692,307.69   

677 Washington Blvd.

Stamford, CT 06901

Attention: Christopher Aitkin

Tel: 203-719-3845

Fax: 203-719-3888

Email: christopher.aitkin@ubs.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

   $ 4,615,384.61   

1800 Plaza Ten

Jersey City, NJ 07311

Attention: Pamela Chen

Tel: 201-626-9302

Fax: 201-626-9942

Email: Pamela.chen@mizuhocbus.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB

   $ 4,153,846.16   

745 7 th Avenue

16th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Michael Herr

Tel: 212-526-6560

Fax: 212-520-0450

Email: mherr@lehman.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited

   $ 3,076,923.08   

1177 Avenue of the Americas

6th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Doreen Klingenbeck

Tel: 212-801-9726

Fax: 212-536-4826

Email: dklingen@anz.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

TOTAL

   $ 100,000,000.00      

 

Sch. I-2


SCHEDULE II

EXISTING SYNTHETIC LEASES

Existing Synthetic Leases for Wisconsin Power and Light Company :

1. Master Leasing Agreement, dated June 1, 2001. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $5,026,383.08.

2. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated November 1, 1993. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $12,643,590.44.

3. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated March 15, 1995. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $5,053,547.94.

4. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated September 30, 1992. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $8,882,051.94.

5. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated November 2, 1993. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $3,635,065.78.

Existing Synthetic Leases for Interstate Power and Light Company :

1. Master Leasing Agreement, dated July 15, 1995. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $5,069,532.50.

2. Master Leasing Agreement, dated January 18, 2002. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $2,835,600.00.

Existing Synthetic Leases for Alliant Energy Corporate Services, Inc. :

1. Master Leasing Agreement, dated April 1, 2000. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $4,066,908.03.

2. Lease, dated April 19, 2000. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $47,744,531.41.

 

Sch. II-1


SCHEDULE III

EXISTING LIENS

1. Liens in favor of wholly owned Subsidiaries.

2. Liens, if any, evidenced by existing synthetic leases listed in Schedule II.

3. Liens securing payment on Credit and Reimbursement Agreement dated January 31, 2003 among Mirant Neenah, LLC and various lenders.

4. Liens securing payment on Sheboygan Power, LLC Senior Secured Notes due 2025.

5. Lien securing payment on redeemable preference shares granted by Alliant Energy New Zealand Limited in favor of Arawata Finance Limited.

6. Property pledged as security for any of the following bond issues:

 

   

Pollution Control Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds (Interstate Power and Light Company Project) Series 2005, issued by the Iowa Finance Authority

 

   

Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1998, issued by the City of Chillicothe, Iowa

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, issued by the City of Clinton, Iowa

 

   

Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Lansing), issued by the City of Lansing, Iowa

 

   

Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1999 (Sherburn), issued by the City of Sherburn, Minnesota

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2006A (Carlton), issued by the Town of Carlton, Wisconsin

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2006B (Sheboygan), issued by the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin

7. Commercial Loan Agreement and Mortgage dated April 19, 2004, between Blairs Ferry Limited Partnership (Borrower/Mortgagor) and Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company (Lender/Mortgagee).

8. Promissory Note and Mortgage dated March 20, 1995, between Blairs Ferry Limited Partnership (Borrower/Mortgagor) and Iowa Department of Economic Development (Lender/Mortgagee).

 

Sch. III-1


9. Promissory Note dated June 27, 2003 and Mortgage and Security Agreement dated June 1, 2003, between Osada I Limited Partnership (Borrower/Mortgagor) and Iowa Finance Authority (Lender/Mortgagee).

10. Promissory Note and Mortgage dated October 22, 1996, between Osada I Limited Partnership (Borrower/Mortgagor) and Iowa Department of Economic Development (Lender/Mortgagee).

 

Sch. III-2


SCHEDULE IV

LIST OF INDENTURES

The following indentures, as amended and supplemented from time to time:

1. Indenture of Mortgage or Deed of Trust dated August 1, 1941, between Wisconsin Power and Light Company and First Wisconsin Trust Company (n/k/a U.S. Bank National Association) and George B. Luhman (Richard H. Prokosch, Successor), as Trustees.

2. Indenture, dated as of June 20, 1997, between Wisconsin Power and Light Company and Firstar Trust Company (n/k/a U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee, relating to debt securities.

3. Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of September 1, 1993, between Interstate Power and Light Company (formerly Iowa Electric Light and Power Company) and the First National Bank of Chicago (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor), as Trustee.

4. Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of August 1, 1940, between Interstate Power and Light Company (formerly Iowa Electric Light and Power Company) and the First National Bank of Chicago (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor), Trustee.

5. Indenture (for Senior Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of August 1, 1997, between Interstate Power and Light Company (formerly IES Utilities Inc.) and The First National Bank of Chicago (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor), as Trustee.

6. Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1948, by and between Interstate Power and Light Company (successor to Interstate Power Company) and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. and James P. Freeman, (Successor Trustees to The Chase National Bank of the City of New York and Carl E. Buckley).

7. Indenture, dated as of November 4, 1999, among Alliant Energy Resources, Inc., Alliant Energy Corporation, as Guarantor, and Firstar Bank, N.A. (n/k/a U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee.

8. Indenture (for Senior Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of August 20, 2003, between Interstate Power and Light Company and Bank One Trust Company, National Association (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor), as Trustee.

9. Collateral Trust Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2005, between Sheboygan Power, LLC (Issuer) and LaSalle Bank National Association (Collateral Trustee).

 

Sch. IV-I


EXHIBIT 1.1(a)

FORM OF REVOLVING NOTE

 

$             

                     , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

                     (the “ Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

                     DOLLARS ($              ), or such lesser amount as may constitute the unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Advances made by the Lender, under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Revolving Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Revolving Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Revolving Note is one of a series of Revolving Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is issued to evidence the Revolving Advances made by the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Revolving Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Revolving Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Revolving Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Revolving Note, this Revolving Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

In the event this Revolving Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Revolving Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the


nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By    
 

Name:

 

Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(b)

FORM OF SWINGLINE NOTE

 

$20,000,000

                     , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “ Swingline Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS ($20,000,000), or such lesser amount as may constitute the unpaid principal amount of the Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender, under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Swingline Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Swingline Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Swingline Note is issued to evidence the Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Swingline Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Swingline Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Swingline Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Swingline Note, this Swingline Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

In the event this Swingline Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Swingline Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.


ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By    
 

Name:

 

Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(c)

FORM OF TERM NOTE

 

$             

                     , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

                     (the “ Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

                     DOLLARS ($              ), under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Term Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Term Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Term Note is one of a series of Term Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is issued to evidence the Term Loans made by the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Term Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Term Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Term Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Term Note, this Term Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower:

In the event this Term Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Term Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.


ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By    
 

Name:

 

Title:


EXHIBIT 2.2(b)

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Alliant Energy Corporation, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.2(b) of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing of Revolving Advances under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “ Proposed Borrowing ”) as required by Section 2.2(b) of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                      .

(B) The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Borrowing is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(C) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $              .

(D) [The Interest Period for each Revolving Advance made as part of the Proposed Borrowing is      month[s].] 1

 

 

1 Delete for Base Rate Advances


The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the delivery of this Notice of Borrowing shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of the Proposed Borrowing, the statements contained in Section 3.2(a) of the Credit Agreement are true.

 

Very truly yours,
ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By    
 

Name:

 

Title:


EXHIBIT 2.2(c)

FORM OF NOTICE OF SWINGLINE BORROWING

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as

Swingline Lender

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention:                     

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Alliant Energy Corporation, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing of a Swingline Advance under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “ Proposed Borrowing ”) as required by Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                      . 1

(B) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $                      . 2

 

1 Notice must be received by 2:00 p.m., Charlotte time, on the date of Borrowing.

 

2 Amount of Proposed Borrowing must comply with Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement.


The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the delivery of this Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of the Proposed Borrowing, the statements contained in Section 3.2(a) of the Credit Agreement are true.

 

Very truly yours,

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

By  

 

  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 2.4

FORM OF REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Alliant Energy Corporation (the “ Borrower ”), refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and the Agent, and hereby gives you notice, pursuant to Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement, that the Borrower hereby requests the issuance of a Letter of Credit (the “ Requested Letter of Credit ”) in accordance with the following terms:

(i) the requested date of [issuance] [extension] [modification] [amendment] of the Requested Letter of Credit (which is a Business Day) is                      ;

(ii) the expiration date of the Requested Letter of Credit requested hereby is                      ; 1

(iii) the proposed stated amount of the Requested Letter of Credit is                      ;

(iv) The beneficiary of the Requested Letter of Credit is: [insert name and address of beneficiary]; and

(v) the conditions under which a drawing may be made under the Requested Letter of Credit are as follows:

 

1

Date may not be later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Termination Date or, in any event, more than one (1) year after the date of issuance.


EXHIBIT A

Consented to as of the date

first above written: 3

 

[NAME OF LETTER OF CREDIT BENEFICIARY]
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

3

Necessary only for modification or amendment.


EXHIBIT 2.11

FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Alliant Energy Corporation, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement, that the undersigned hereby requests a Conversion under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Conversion (the “ Proposed Conversion ”) as required by Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Conversion is              ,          .

(B) The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Conversion is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(C) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Conversion is $              .

(D) The Type of Advances to which such Advances are proposed to be Converted is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(E) The Interest Period for each Advance made as part of the Proposed Conversion is      month(s). 1

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the Borrower’s request for the Proposed Conversion is made in compliance with Section 2.10 of the Credit Agreement.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

By    
 

Name:

 

Title:

 

1 Delete for Base Rent Advances.


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)(viii)(A)

FORM OF OPINION OF

FOLEY & LARDNER LLP

[Date of Amendment Effective Date]

To each of the Banks parties to the

Credit Agreement referred to below,

and to Wachovia Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

Re: Alliant Energy Corporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(A) of the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Alliant Energy Corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

We have acted as counsel for the Borrower in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date (the “ Closing ”) under, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity we have examined:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Notes delivered in connection with the Closing, if any (the “ Notes ”);

(iii) the Fee Letters;

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, we have examined the originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established by us, relied upon certificates of the Borrower or its officers, including the officer’s certificate annexed hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Officer’s Certificate ”), or of public officials.


We have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to the Credit Agreement (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to us as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower), (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to us as copies and (v) the enforceability of all documents against parties thereto other than the Borrower.

Our opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of New York, the laws of the State of Wisconsin and the Federal laws of the United States of America in effect on the date hereof as they presently apply and we express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction. We authorize Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., special counsel to the Agent, to rely on this opinion.

Based upon the foregoing, but subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. Based solely upon a certificate issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Borrower is a validly existing corporation, has filed its most recent annual report required by the Wisconsin Statutes and has not filed Articles of Dissolution as of the date of such certificate.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws, or (b) any law, rule or regulation, or (c) any order or judgment of which we have knowledge applicable to the Borrower. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower. It is understood that the Borrower is required to obtain the Commitment Increase Approvals before any Commitment Increase.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, or the enforcement thereof by the Agent and the Lenders.

4. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

5. The Borrower is not an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Wherever we indicate that our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts is “to our knowledge” or the like, our opinion is, with your permission, based solely on the Officer’s Certificate and the current conscious awareness of facts or other information of the attorneys currently with our firm who have represented the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement,


Our opinion set forth in paragraph 4 above is limited by:

 

  (a) Applicable bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, and other laws and judicially developed doctrines relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally;

 

  (b) General principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and limitations on the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies;

 

  (c) The possibility that certain rights, remedies, waivers, and other provisions of the Loan Documents may not be enforceable; nevertheless, such unenforceability will not render any of the Loan Documents invalid as a whole or preclude (i) judicial enforcement of the obligation of Borrower to repay the principal, together with interest thereon (to the extent not deemed a penalty) as provided in the Credit Agreement and/or the Notes; or (ii) acceleration of the obligation of Borrower to repay such principal, together with such interest, upon a material default in a material provision of the Loan Documents; and

 

  (d) The requirement and the enforcing party act in a commercially reasonable manner and in good faith in exercising its rights under the Loan Documents.

These opinions are given as of the date hereof, they are intended to apply only to those facts and circumstances that exist as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation or responsibility to update or supplement these opinions to reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in laws that may hereafter occur, or to inform the addressee of any change in circumstances occurring after the date hereof that would alter the opinions rendered herein.

This opinion is limited to the matters set forth herein, and no opinion may be inferred or implied beyond the matters expressly contained herein. Except as expressly set forth herein, this opinion, is being provided solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the Agent and the Lenders in connection with the Credit Agreement, and is being rendered solely for the benefit of the addressees hereof, their participants, assignees and transferees. This opinion may not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, relied upon by any other party, or filed with or disclosed to any governmental authority other than a court in connection with the enforcement or protection of the rights or remedies of the Agent and/or the Lenders under the Credit Agreement or to a banking examiner or regulator in connection with an examination of the Agent and/or the Lenders by such governmental authority, without our prior written consent.

Very truly yours,


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

FORM OF OPINION OF GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE

BORROWER

[Date of Amendment Effective Date]

To each of the Banks parties to the

Credit Agreement referred to below, and to

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Re: Alliant Energy Corporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(B) of the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Alliant Energy Corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

I am the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Borrower and have acted as such in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date of, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity I have examined, or have arranged for the examination by an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision of:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Notes delivered in connection with the closing of the Credit Agreement;

(iii) the Fee Letters;

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have examined the originals, or copies certified to my or their satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as I or such attorneys have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, I or such attorneys


have, when relevant facts were not independently established by me or by them, relied upon certificates of the Borrower or its officers or of public officials.

I have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to such document (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to me as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower) and (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to me as copies.

I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have made such examination of law as in my or their judgment is necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. I and such attorneys do not, however, purport to be qualified to pass upon, and express no opinion as to, the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

1. The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of the property owned or leased by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse affect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws; (b) any law, rule, regulation, order or judgment applicable to the Borrower, (c) any contractual restriction arising under any agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness described in Schedule III of the Credit Agreement; or (d) to my knowledge, any other legal or contractual restriction binding on, or affecting the Borrower or its properties; and such execution, delivery and performance do not result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties under any agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness described in Schedule III of the Credit Agreement or, to my knowledge, under any other agreement or instrument. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, other than              , which release[s] are final and in full force and effect and not subject to appeal, rehearing, review or reconsideration.

4. There is no pending or, to my knowledge, threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or its properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that could reasonably be expected, if adversely determined, to materially and adversely affect the business; financial condition, operations, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower, or affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.


I authorize Foley & Lardner LLP, special counsel to the Borrower, to rely on this opinion respecting matters covered by or relating to the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Very truly yours,


EXHIBIT 8.7

FORM OF LENDER ASSIGNMENT

Dated                      ,             

Reference is made to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement , the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Alliant Energy Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, (the “ Assignor ”) has committed to make Advances (the “ Advances ”) to the Borrower, which Advances are evidenced by one or more Notes (the “ Notes ”) issued by the Borrower to the Assignor.

The Assignor and                      (the “ Assignee ”) agree as follows:

1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, that interest in and to all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date (as defined below) which represents the percentage interest specified on Schedule 1 of all outstanding rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement (the “ Assigned Interest ”), including, without limitation, such interest in the Assignor’s Commitment, the Advances owing to the Assignor, the Assignor’s participations in Letters of Credit and any Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by the Assignor. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignee’s Commitment, the amount of the Advances owing to the Assignee, and the Assignee’s participations in Letters of Credit and any Swingline Advances will be as set forth in Section 2 of Schedule 1. The effective date of this sale and assignment shall be the date specified on Schedule 1 hereto (the “ Effective Date ”).

2. On the Effective Date, the Assignee will pay to the Assignor, in same day funds, at such address and account as the Assignor shall advise the Assignee, $              , and the sale and assignment contemplated hereby shall thereupon become effective. From and after the Effective Date, the Assignor agrees that the Assignee shall be entitled to all rights, powers and privileges of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement and the Note or Notes (if any) to the extent of the Assigned Interest, including without limitation (1) the right to receive all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest for the period from and after the Effective Date, whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnities in respect of claims arising after the Effective Date, increased costs, additional amounts or otherwise, (2) the right to vote and to instruct the Agent under the Credit Agreement according to its Percentage based on the Assigned Interest, (3) the right to set-off and to appropriate and apply deposits of the Borrower as set forth in the Credit Agreement and (4) the right to receive notices, requests, demands and other communications. The Assignor agrees that it will promptly remit to the Assignee any amount received by it in respect of the Assigned Interest (whether from the Borrower, the Agent or otherwise) in the same funds in which such amount is received by the Assignor.


3. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iv) attaches the Note or Notes (if any) referred to in paragraph 1 above and requests that the Agent exchange such Notes (if any) for new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto or new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto and the Assignor in an amount equal to the Commitment retained by the Assignor under the Credit Agreement, respectively, as specified on Schedule 1 hereto. Except as specified in this Section 3, the assignment of the Assigned Interest shall be without recourse to the Assignor.

4. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Lender Assignment; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; [and] (vi) specifies as its Eurodollar Lending Office the office set forth beneath its name on the signature pages hereof [and (vii) attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying as to the Assignee’s status for purposes of determining exemption from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Credit Agreement and the Notes or such other documents as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such rates at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty]. 1

5. Following the execution of this Lender Assignment by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered to the Agent for acceptance and recording by the Agent. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, as of the Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Lender Assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Lender Assignment, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

1 If the Assignee is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.


6. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, from and after the Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and commitment fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between themselves.

7. This Lender Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

8. This Lender Assignment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lender Assignment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written, such execution being made on Schedule 1 hereto.


SCHEDULE 1

to

LENDER ASSIGNMENT

Dated                      ,             

 

Section 1.

  

Percentage Interest:

         

Section 2 .

  

Assignee’s Commitment:

   $                

Aggregate Outstanding Principal
Amount of Revolving Advances owing to the Assignee:

   $                

Aggregate Amount of Participations
in Letters of Credit assigned to Assignee:

   $                

Aggregate Amount of Participations
in Swingline Advances assigned to Assignee:

   $                

A Note payable to the order of the Assignee

  

Dated:                      ,             

  

Principal amount:

                         

A Note payable to the order of the Assignor

  

Dated:                  ,             

  

Principal amount:

                         


Section 3.

Effective Date:                               

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By  

 

Title:  
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
By  

 

Title:

 

Domestic Lending Office (and address for notices):

[Address]

Eurodollar Lending Office:

[Address]


Accepted this      day of                      ,             

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

 

By    
 

Name:

 

Title:

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By    
 

Name:

 

Title:

Exhibit 4.6

EXECUTION COPY

 

 

 

 

 

$200,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of September 16, 2009

Among

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

as Borrower

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN

as Banks

and

CITIBANK, N.A.

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
   ARTICLE I   
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1

   Certain Defined Terms    1

Section 1.2

   Computation of Time Periods    15

Section 1.3

   Computations of Outstandings    15

Section 1.4

   Accounting Terms    15

 

ARTICLE II

 

AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 2.1

   The Commitments.    16

Section 2.2

   Loans and Borrowings.    16

Section 2.3

   Funding Reliance.    17

Section 2.4

   [Intentionally Omitted].    18

Section 2.5

   Fees.    18

Section 2.6

   [Intentionally Omitted].    18

Section 2.7

   Repayment of Advances.    18

Section 2.8

   Interest on Advances    18

Section 2.9

   Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances    19

Section 2.10

   Interest Rate Determination.    19

Section 2.11

   Voluntary Conversion of Advances    20

Section 2.12

   Optional and Mandatory Prepayments of Advances    20

Section 2.13

   Increased Costs.    21

Section 2.14

   Illegality    22

Section 2.15

   Payments and Computations.    22

Section 2.16

   Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.    24

Section 2.17

   Taxes.    24

Section 2.18

   Sharing of Payments, Etc    26

Section 2.19

   Termination of Defaulting Lender Commitment.    26

Section 2.20

   Replacement of Lenders.    26

 

ARTICLE III

 

CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 3.1

   Conditions Precedent to Effective Date    27

Section 3.2

   Conditions Precedent to the Borrowing on the Early Payment Date    29

Section 3.3

   Conditions Precedent to the Borrowing on the Final Payment Date    30

Section 3.4

   Reliance on Certificates    31

 

ARTICLE IV

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1

   Representations and Warranties of the Borrower    31

 

i


Table of Contents

(Continued)

 

          Page
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

Section 5.1

   Affirmative Covenants    33

Section 5.2

   Negative Covenants    37

 

ARTICLE VI

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 6.1

   Events of Default    41

 

ARTICLE VII

 

THE AGENT

Section 7.1

   Authorization and Action    43

Section 7.2

   Agent’s Reliance, Etc    44

Section 7.3

   Citi and Affiliates    45

Section 7.4

   Lender Credit Decision    46

Section 7.5

   Indemnification    47

Section 7.6

   Successor Agent    47

Section 7.7

   Delegation of Duties    48

Section 7.8

   Exemption of Payments From Trust Indenture Act    48

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1

   Amendments, Etc    48

Section 8.2

   Notices, Etc    50

Section 8.3

   No Waiver; Remedies    50

Section 8.4

   Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification.    51

Section 8.5

   Right of Set-off.    53

Section 8.6

   Binding Effect    53

Section 8.7

   Assignments and Participations.    53

Section 8.8

   Confidentiality.    56

Section 8.9

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    57

Section 8.10

   Governing Law    57

Section 8.11

   Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary    58

Section 8.12

   Execution in Counterparts    58

Section 8.13

   Severability    58

Section 8.14

   Disclosure of Information    58

 

ii


Table of Contents

(Continued)

 

          Page

Section 8.15

   USA Patriot Act Notice    58

Section 8.16

   Entire Agreement    58

Section 8.17

   Treatment of Information    58

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit 1.1(a)

     Form of Term Note

Exhibit 2.2(b)

     Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit 2.11

     Form of Notice of Conversion

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A)

     Form of Opinion of Foley & Lardner LLP

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

     Form of Opinion of In-house Counsel

Exhibit 8.7

     Form of Lender Assignment

Schedule I

     Commitment Schedule

Schedule II

     Existing Synthetic Leases

Schedule III

     Existing Liens

Schedule IV

     List of Indentures

 

iii


CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of September 16, 2009

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made by and among:

 

  (i) ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”),

 

  (ii) the banks (the “ Banks ”) listed on the signature pages hereof and the other Lenders (as hereinafter defined) from time to time party hereto, and

 

  (iii) CITIBANK, N.A. (“ Citi ”), as administrative agent (the “ Agent ”) for the Lenders hereunder.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

(1) The Borrower has requested that the Lenders make loans to the Borrower in an aggregate amount not in excess of the amount provided for herein, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof; and

(2) The Lenders have indicated their willingness to make such loans on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

Activities ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 7.3 .

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Agent.

Advance ” means any or all of the Term Loans.

AER ” means Alliant Energy Resources, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company.

Affected Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

Affected Lender Advance ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

 

1


Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling (including but not limited to all directors and officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another entity if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

Agent ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Agent’s Group ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 7.3 .

Aggregate Commitment ” means the total of each Lenders’ Commitment hereunder.

Alternate Base Rate ” means a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the highest of:

(i) the rate of interest announced publicly by the Agent or from time to time, as its corporate base rate or prime rate of interest;

(ii) 1/2 of one percent per annum above the Federal Funds Rate; and

(iii) the Eurodollar Rate for an Interest Period of 1 month plus 1.00%.

Each change in the Alternate Base Rate shall take effect concurrently with any change in such base rate or prime rate or the Federal Funds Rate.

Applicable Lending Office ” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of a Base Rate Advance and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Applicable Margin ” means a rate per annum of 3.00%.

Applicable Rate ” means:

(i) in the case of each Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin; and

(ii) in the case of each Eurodollar Rate Advance comprising part of the same Borrowing, a rate per annum during each Interest Period equal at all times to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin.

Approved Electronic Communications ” means each Communication that the Borrower is obligated to, or otherwise chooses to, provide to the Agent pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein, including any financial statement, financial and other report, notice, request, certificate and other information material; provided, however, that, solely with respect to delivery of any such Communication by the Borrower to the Agent and without limiting or otherwise affecting the protections afforded hereby to the Agent in connection with any such posting, “Approved Electronic Communication” shall exclude (i) any notice of

 

2


borrowing, notice of conversion or continuation, and any other notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material relating to a request for a new, or a conversion of an existing, Borrowing, (ii) any notice pursuant to Section 2.12 and any other notice relating to the payment of any principal or other amount due under any Loan Document prior to the scheduled date therefor, (iii) all notices of any Unmatured Default or Event of Default and (iv) any notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material required to be delivered to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in Article III or any other condition to any Borrowing or any condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement.

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Bankruptcy Event ” means the occurrence of any actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

Banks ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Base Rate Advance ” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(a) .

Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Borrowing ” means the incurrence by the Borrower (including as a result of Conversions of outstanding Advances pursuant to Section 2.11 ) on a single date of a group of Advances of a single Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Business Day ” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City, New York or Madison, Wisconsin and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advance, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

Capitalized Lease Obligations ” means obligations to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real and/or personal property which obligation is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and for purposes hereof the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount determined in accordance with such principles.

Cash and Cash Equivalents ” means, with respect to any Person, the aggregate amount of the following, to the extent owned by such Person free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances and rights of others and not subject to any judicial, regulatory or other legal constraint: (i) cash on hand; (ii) Dollar demand deposits maintained in the United States with any commercial bank and Dollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank which has an office in the United States and which has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000; (iii) eurodollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or eurodollar certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank having outstanding unsecured

 

3


indebtedness that is rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating unsecured bank indebtedness); (iv) direct obligations of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States and having a maturity of one year or less; (v) commercial paper rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A-1 or P-1 or better by S&P or Moody’s, respectively (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating commercial paper), and having a maturity of one year or less; (vi) obligations with any Lender or any other commercial bank in respect of the repurchase of obligations of the type described in clause (iv) above, provided that such repurchase obligations shall be fully secured by obligations of the type described in said clause (iv) and the possession of such obligations shall be transferred to, and segregated from other obligations owned by, such Lender or such other commercial bank; and (vii) preferred stock of any Person that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating preferred stock of entities engaged in such businesses).

Citi Fee Letter ” means that certain Fee Letter, dated as of September 16, 2009, between the Borrower and the Agent.

Commitment ” means, for each Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make Advances to the Borrower in an aggregate amount no greater than the amount set forth on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into one or more Lender Assignments, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Agent pursuant to Section 8.7(c) , in each such case as such amount may be reduced or increased from time to time (including by operation of Section 2.12(b) and of any assignments pursuant to Section 8.7 ).

Commitment Termination Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(e) .

Communications ” means each notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise transmitted between the parties hereto relating this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Borrower or its Affiliates, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents including, without limitation, all Approved Electronic Communications.

Confidential Information ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.8 .

Consolidated Capital ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the sum of (i) Consolidated Debt of such Person, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iv) the aggregate outstanding amount of Hybrid Securities, and (v) consolidated equity of the preferred stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, in each case determined at such date in accordance with GAAP, excluding, however, from such calculation, amounts identified as “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” in the financial statements of the

 

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Borrower set forth in the Borrower’s Report on Form 10-K or 10-Q, as the case may be, filed most recently with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the date of such determination.

Consolidated Debt ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the aggregate Debt of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower or (ii) the aggregate outstanding Debt evidenced by Hybrid Securities to the extent that the total book value of such securities does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Capital as of the date of determination.

Consolidated Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person whose accounts are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

Continuing Directors ” means the members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower on the date hereof and each other director of the Borrower, if such other director’s nomination for election to the Board of Directors of the Borrower is recommended by a majority of the then Continuing Directors.

Convert ”, “ Conversion ” and “ Converted ” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type, or to the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Advances, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 2.10 or Section 2.11 .

Credit Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of all Advances made by such Lender outstanding at such time.

Debt ” means, for any Person, any and all indebtedness, liabilities and other monetary obligations of such Person (without duplication), (i) for borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (ii) to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (except trade accounts payable arising and repaid in the ordinary course of business), (iii) Capitalized Lease Obligations, (iv) under reimbursement or similar agreements with respect to letters of credit (other than trade letters of credit) issued to support indebtedness or obligations of such Person or of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above and clause (v) below, (v) reasonably quantifiable obligations under direct guaranties or indemnities, or under support agreements, in respect of, and reasonably quantifiable obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, or to assure an obligee against failure to make payment in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above, and (vi) incurred in connection with any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease or similar off-balance sheet financing product treated as an operating lease for financial accounting purposes and a capital lease for federal income tax purposes, in each case that is entered into after the Effective Date, but excluding the obligations under the Existing Synthetic Leases, including any extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing thereof; provided that if the aggregate amount owing in respect of all such Existing Synthetic Leases, after giving effect to any such extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing, exceeds the aggregate amount owed as of the Effective Date, such excess shall be included as Debt.

 

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Default Rate ” means (i) with respect to the unpaid principal of or interest on any Advance, the greater of (A) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for such Advance and (B) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances and (ii) with respect to any other unpaid amount hereunder, 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances.

Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, a Lender as to which the Agent has notified the Borrower that (i) such Lender has failed for three or more Business Days to comply with its obligations under this Agreement to make a Term Loan, (ii) such Lender has notified the Agent, or has stated publicly, that it will not comply with any such funding obligation hereunder, or has defaulted on its funding obligations under any other loan agreement or credit agreement or other financing agreement, (iii) such Lender has, for three or more Business Days, failed to confirm in writing to the Agent, in response to a written request of the Agent, that it will comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or (iv) a Lender Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Lender. Any determination that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender will be made by the Agent in its sole discretion acting in good faith. The Agent will promptly send to all parties hereto a copy of any notice to the Borrower provided for in this definition.

Designated Lender ” means a Defaulting Lender or a Downgraded Lender.

Designated Indenture Covered Default ” means the alleged default under the Designated Indenture Debt in respect of which a notice of default dated September 4, 2008 was delivered to the Borrower by the trustee for the Designated Indenture Debt.

Designated Indenture Debt ” means the Debt of the Borrower under the Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2030.

Direct Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary directly owned by such Person.

Dollars ” and the sign “ $ ” each means lawful money of the United States.

Domestic Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

Downgraded Lender ” means any Lender that has a non-credit enhanced senior unsecured debt rating below investment grade from either Moody’s, S&P or any other nationally recognized statistical rating organization recognized as such by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Early Payment Date ” means September 29, 2009, as that date may be modified from time to time in accordance with the Repurchase Documentation.

 

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Effective Date ” means the day upon which each of the applicable conditions precedent enumerated in Section 3.1 shall be fulfilled to the satisfaction of, or waived with the consent of, the Lenders and the Agent.

Eligible Assignee ” means an assignee of a Commitment or Term Loan in accordance with Section 8.7.

Equity Interests ” means, (i) with respect to a corporation, shares of common stock of such corporation or any other interest convertible or exchangeable into any such interest, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, a membership interest in such company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, a partnership interest in such partnership, and (iv) with respect to any other Person, an interest in such Person analogous to interests described in clauses (i) through (iii).

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of which such Person is a member and which is under common control within the meaning of the regulations under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or Section 4001 of ERISA, in each case, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Event ” means (i) the occurrence of a reportable event, within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, unless the 30 day notice requirement with respect thereto has been waived by the PBGC; (ii) the provision by the administrator of any Plan of notice of intent to terminate such Plan, pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA (including any such notice with respect to a plan amendment referred to in Section 4041(e) of ERISA); (iii) the cessation of operations at a facility in the circumstances described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower from a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan during a plan year for which it was a “substantial employer”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (v) the failure by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower to make a payment to a Plan required under Section 302(f)(1) of ERISA, which failure results in the imposition of a lien for failure to make required payments; (vi) the adoption of an amendment to a Plan requiring the provision of security to such Plan, pursuant to Section 307 of ERISA; or (vii) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Plan, pursuant to Section 4042 of ERISA, or the occurrence of any event or condition which might reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, a Plan.

Eurocurrency Liabilities ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

Eurodollar Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

 

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Eurodollar Rate ” means, for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance, the British Bankers Association London Interbank Offered Rate (“ BBA LIBOR ”), as it is published by Reuters or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations of BBA LIBOR, as determined by the Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “ LIBO Rate ” with respect to such Eurodollar Rate Advance for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which dollar deposits of $10,000,000 and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of the Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

“Eurodollar Rate Advance ” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(b) .

Eurodollar Reserve Percentage ” of any Lender for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable to such Lender during such Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under Regulation D or other regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) then applicable to such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

Events of Default ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.1 .

Facility Fee ” means a fee that shall be payable on the aggregate amount of the excess of the Commitment of each Lender over the Credit Exposure of such Lender, payable to each Lender on such amount, calculated daily, at a per annum rate equal to 0.50%.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Final Payment Date ” means October 16, 2009, as that date may be modified from time to time in accordance with the Repurchase Documentation.

 

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Foreign Lender ” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes. 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 of the Borrower that is organized under the law of any jurisdiction other than any state of the United States of America.

Funded Debt ” means any Debt described in clause (i) of the definition of Debt.

Funding Date ” means the day, on or following the Effective Date, upon which each of the applicable conditions precedent enumerated in Section 3.2 shall be fulfilled to the satisfaction of, or waived with the consent of, the Lenders and the Agent.

GAAP ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 1.4 .

Governmental Approval ” means any authorization, consent, approval, license, franchise, lease, ruling, tariff, rate, permit, certificate, exemption of, or filing or registration with, any governmental authority or other legal or regulatory body.

Hazardous Substance ” means any waste, substance, or material identified as hazardous, dangerous or toxic by any office, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, or instrumentality of the United States or of the State or locality in which the same is located having or exercising jurisdiction over such waste, substance or material.

Hybrid Securities ” means any hybrid securities consisting of trust preferred securities or deferrable interest subordinated debt securities issued by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or financing vehicle of the Borrower that (i) has an original maturity of at least 20 years and (ii) requires no repayments or prepayments and no mandatory redemptions or repurchases, in each case, prior to at least 91 days after the occurrence of the Maturity Date.

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.4(c) .

Interest Period ” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such a Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be seven days, fourteen days, or 1 or 2 months, as the Borrower may, upon notice received by the Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the third Business Day prior to the first day of such Interest Period, select; provided , however , that:

(i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Maturity Date;

(ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration; and

 

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(iii) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, in the case of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Advance, that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

IPL ” means Interstate Power and Light Company, an Iowa corporation.

JPM Fee Letter ” means that certain Fee Letter, dated as of September 16, 2009, between the Borrower and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A..

Lender Assignment ” means an assignment and acceptance agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.7 .

Lender Insolvency Event ” means that (i) a Lender or its Parent Company is insolvent, or is generally unable to pay its debts as they become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (ii) such Lender or its Parent Company is the subject of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or similar proceeding, or a receiver, trustee, conservator, intervenor or sequestrator or the like has been appointed for such Lender or its Parent Company, or such Lender or its Parent Company has taken any action in furtherance of or indicating its consent to or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.

Lenders ” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof, and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.7 .

Lien ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 5.2(a) .

Loan Documents ” means (i) this Agreement, any Term Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.16, the Citi Fee Letter, and the JPM Fee Letter, (ii) all agreements, documents and instruments in favor of the Agent or the Lenders (or the Agent on behalf of the Lenders), and (iii) all other agreements, instruments and documents now or hereafter executed and/or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.

Majority Lenders ” means, on any date of determination, Lenders that, collectively, on such date (i) hold greater than 50% of the then Outstanding Credits and, (ii) if there are no Outstanding Credits, have Percentages in the aggregate greater than 50%. Any determination of those Lenders constituting the Majority Lenders shall be made by the Agent and shall be conclusive and binding on all parties absent manifest error; provided that the Outstanding Credits held or deemed held by, and the Percentages of, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Majority Lenders.

Margin Stock ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

 

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Material Adverse Change ” means (i) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), or financial condition of the Borrower or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (iii) a material adverse change upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Maturity Date ” means the earlier to occur of (i) December 31, 2009 and (ii) the date on which all Advances shall have been irrevocably paid in full in cash pursuant to Section 2.12 or Section 6.1 or otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

Mortgage Bond Indentures ” means the indentures listed on Schedule IV hereto.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower is making or has an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made or had an obligation to make contributions.

Multiple Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and (i) is maintained for employees of the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower and at least one Person other than the Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower could have liability under Section 4064 or 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

Net Cash Proceeds ” means, with respect to any Reduction Event in respect of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Utilities), (a) the cash proceeds received in respect thereof (including any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds, but only when and as received), in each case net of (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid or payable by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such Reduction Event, and (ii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are directly attributable to such Reduction Event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Borrower); provided , that if such net cash proceeds (as calculated in clauses (a) and (b) above) with respect to any Reduction Event (or, if part of a series of related Reduction Events, in respect of such series) do not exceed $5,000,000, then there shall be deemed to be no Net Cash Proceeds with respect to such Reduction Event (or series thereof).

Non-Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender.

Nonrecourse Debt ” means Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) as to which (A) the Borrower provides no credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Debt), (B) the Borrower is not directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, (C) the Borrower is not the lender or other type of creditor, or (D) the relevant legal documents do not provide that the lenders or other type of creditors with respect

 

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thereto will have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Borrower and (ii) no default with respect to which would permit, upon notice, lapse of time or both, any holder of any other Debt of the Borrower to declare a default on such other Debt or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower provides credit support that is limited in its drawable amount for any portion of Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower that would be considered Nonrecourse Debt but for the provision of such credit support, such Debt shall be considered Nonrecourse Debt to the extent that it is not so supported.

Notice of Borrowing ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(b) .

Notice of Conversion ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.11 .

OFAC ” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and any successor thereto.

Other Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(b) .

Outstanding Credits ” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.

Parent Company ” means, with respect to a Lender, the bank holding company (as defined in Federal Reserve Board Regulation Y), if any, of such Lender, and/or any Person owning, beneficially or of record, directly or indirectly, a majority of the shares of such Lender.

Participant ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(d) .

PATRIOT Act ” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and all rules and regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (or any successor entity).

Percentage ” means, for any Lender on any date of determination, the percentage obtained by dividing such Lender’s Commitment on such date by the Aggregate Commitment on such date, and multiplying the quotient so obtained by 100.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

Plan ” means a Single Employer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan.

Potential Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, a Lender (i) as to which the Agent has notified the Borrower that an event of the kind referred to in the definition of “Lender Insolvency Event” has occurred and is continuing in respect of any financial institution affiliate of such Lender, (ii) as to which the Agent has in good faith determined and notified the Borrower

 

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that such Lender or its Parent Company or a financial institution affiliate thereof has notified the Agent, or has stated publicly, that it will not comply with its funding obligations under any other loan agreement or credit agreement or other financing agreement or (iii) that is a Downgraded Lender, or whose Parent Company has a non-investment grade rating from Moody’s or S&P or another nationally recognized rating agency. Any determination that a Lender is a Potential Defaulting Lender under any of clauses (i) through (iii) above will be made by the Agent in its sole discretion acting in good faith. The Agent will promptly send to all parties hereto a copy of any notice to the Borrower provided for in this definition.

Reduction Event ” means any of the following:

(a) any issuance by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on or after the date of this Agreement of any equity securities (including equity-linked or hybrid securities), other than the issuance of equity securities pursuant to the exercise of stock options, pursuant to the Alliant Energy Corporation 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and restated), or in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or other purchase of shares in accordance with the Alliant Energy Corporation Shareholder Direct Plan; or

(b) any incurrence by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on or after the date of this Agreement of any Funded Debt, including without limitation pursuant to a public offering, private placement or a syndicated bank financing, except Debt incurred under this Agreement ; or

(c) any Specified Disposition.

Reference Banks ” means Citibank, N.A. and any additional or substitute Lenders as may be selected from time to time to act as Reference Banks hereunder by the Agent.

Register ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(c) .

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Repurchase Documentation ” means the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement and related agreements and documentation for the tender offer and consent solicitation commenced on or prior to the Effective Date for the repurchase of Designated Indenture Debt, in each case in the form provided to the Agent on the Effective Date or as may be modified after the Effective Date, provided that such modifications are acceptable to the Agent, it being understood and agreed that the Agent shall not object to (i) immaterial modifications of the Repurchase Documentation, (ii) extension of the tender dates provided for therein, or (iii) changes to the offer price provided for therein.

Restricting Information ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.17 .

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

 

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Sanctioned Country ” means a country subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sanctions/ index/html , or as otherwise published from time to time.

Sanctioned Person ” means (i) a Person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by OFAC available at http://www.treas.gov/ offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/index/html , or as otherwise published from time to time, or (ii) (A) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (B) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country, or (C) a Person resident in a Sanctioned Country, to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC.

Senior Financial Officer ” means the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of the Borrower.

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that, on a consolidated basis with any of its Subsidiaries as of any date of determination, accounts for more than 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Single Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and which (i) is maintained for employees of the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower and no Person other than the Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates, or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower could have liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

Specified Disposition ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 5.2(d) .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or unincorporated entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Equity Interests having ordinary voting power (irrespective of whether at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes of such corporation or entity shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time owned by said Person, either directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries. In the case of an unincorporated entity, a Person shall be deemed to have more than 50% of interests having ordinary voting power only if such Person’s vote in respect of such interests comprises more than 50% of the total voting power of all such interests in the unincorporated entity.

Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(a) .

Term Loans ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a) .

Term Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1 (a) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Advances made by such Lender.

Trust Indenture Act ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 7.9.

Type ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(a) .

 

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Unmatured Default ” means an event that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Utilities ” means, collectively, WPL and IPL.

Utility Facilities ” means (i) the $300,000,000 Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated the date hereof, among IPL, the banks named therein and Wachovia, as administrative agent; and (ii) the $250,000,000 Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated the date hereof, among WPL, the banks named therein and Wachovia, as administrative agent.

Wachovia ” means Wachovia Bank, National Association.

WPL ” means Wisconsin Power and Light Company, a Wisconsin corporation.

Section 1.2 Computation of Time Periods. Unless otherwise indicated, each reference in this Agreement to a specific time of day is a reference to New York City time. In the computation of periods of time under this Agreement, any period of a specified number of days or months shall be computed by including the first day or month occurring during such period and excluding the last such day or month. In the case of a period of time “from” a specified date “to” or “until” a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

Section 1.3 Computations of Outstandings. Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to the “principal amount outstanding” on any date under this Agreement, such reference shall refer to the aggregate principal amount of all Advances outstanding on such date after giving effect to all Advances to be made on such date and the application of the proceeds thereof.

Section 1. 4 Accounting Terms . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be delivered to the Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“ GAAP ”) applied on a consistent basis. With respect to (and only with respect to) determining compliance with this Agreement, all calculations shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein) be made by application of GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent annual or quarterly financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h) (or prior to the delivery of the first financial statements pursuant to Section 5.1(h) , consistent with the financial statements described in Section 4.1(f) ); provided , however , if (i) the Borrower shall object to determining such compliance on such basis at the time of delivery of such financial statements due to any change in GAAP or the rules promulgated with respect thereto or (ii) the Agent or the Majority Lenders shall so object in writing within 30 days after delivery of such financial statements, then such calculations shall be made on a basis consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered by the Borrower to the Lenders as to which no such objection shall have been made.

 

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ARTICLE II

AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 2.1 The Commitments.

(a) On and after the Effective Date and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans to the Borrower (each, a “ Term Loan ” and collectively, the “ Term Loans ”) (i) on the Early Payment Date in accordance with Section 3.2 and (ii) on the Final Payment Date in accordance with Section 3.3, in each case in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (a) such Lender’s Credit Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Commitment or (b) the total Credit Exposures exceeding the Aggregate Commitment. Once repaid or prepaid, Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

Section 2.2 Loans and Borrowings.

(a) Each Term Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing on the Early Payment Date or the Final Payment Date, as applicable, and prior to the Commitment Termination Date, with each such Borrowing consisting of Term Loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. The Term Loans shall, at the option of the Borrower as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, be made as Borrowings of either Base Rate Advances or Eurodollar Rate Advances (each, a “ Type ” of Advance). Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Rate Advance by causing any Domestic Lending Office or Foreign Lending Office to make such Advance; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Term Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or result in any obligations of the Borrower to pay additional amounts under Section 2.13 or 2.17 . Borrowings of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not be more than a total of three (3) Borrowings of Eurodollar Rate Advances outstanding at the same time.

(b) To request a Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Agent of such request by telephone, facsimile or electronic mail (i) in the case of a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (ii) in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Such notice of a Borrowing (a “ Notice of Borrowing ”) shall be in the form of Exhibit 2.2(b) hereto, delivered by hand, facsimile or electronic mail, and shall be executed by a Senior Financial Officer of the Borrower. The Notice of Borrowing shall specify the information contained in clauses (i) through (v) below, in each case, in compliance with this Section 2.2 :

(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be the Early Payment Date or the Final Payment Date (and which in any event shall also be a Business Day);

(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be of Base Rate Advances or Eurodollar Rate Advances;

 

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(iv) in the case of a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Advances, 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 account or accounts to which funds are to be disbursed.

(c) Each Lender shall, before (x) 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, and (y) 1:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Advances, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. After the Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , the Agent will promptly make such funds available to the Borrower by means of a credit or wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Borrower.

(d) The Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. If the Notice of Borrowing specifies that the Borrowing is to be comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing for such Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Eurodollar Rate Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

(e) Upon the earlier of (1) the making of the Term Loans on the Final Payment Date and (2) 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Final Payment Date (such earlier date, the “ Commitment Termination Date ”), all Commitments (regardless of utilization) shall immediately, automatically and irrevocably terminate.

Section 2.3 Funding Reliance.

(a) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the time of the Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Agent such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Lender has made such Advance available to the Agent on the time of such Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.2 and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such time a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such Advance available to the Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from the time such amount is made available to the Borrower until the time such amount is repaid to the Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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(b) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

Section 2.4 [Intentionally Omitted].

Section 2.5 Fees.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender the Facility Fee, from the date hereof, in the case of each Bank, and from the effective date specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, in the case of each other Lender, until the earlier of the Commitment Termination Date and the Maturity Date, payable monthly in arrears on the last day of each calendar month during the term of such Lender’s Commitment, commencing September 30, 2009, and ending on the earlier of the Commitment Termination Date and the Maturity Date.

(b) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, during such period as a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender will not be entitled to any fees accruing during such period pursuant to Section 2.5(a) above (without prejudice to the rights of the Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders in respect of such fees).

Section 2.6 [Intentionally Omitted].

Section 2.7 Repayment of Advances. Except to the extent due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans, if any, shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.

Section 2.8 Interest on Advances . The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance owing to each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the Applicable Rate for such Advance (except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.8 ), payable as follows:

(a) If such Advance is a Base Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, on the date of any Conversion of such Base Rate Advance and on the date such Base Rate Advance shall become due and payable or shall otherwise be paid in full; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Base Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(b) If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable on the last day of such Interest Period; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Eurodollar Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

 

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(c) In respect of any Advance, interest thereon shall be payable at the Applicable Rate at maturity (whether pursuant to acceleration or otherwise) and, after maturity, on demand.

(d) Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of interest to any Lender at a rate in excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. If the amount of interest payable for the account of any Lender on any interest payment date would exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, the amount of interest payable for its account on such interest payment date shall be automatically reduced to such maximum permissible amount. In the event of any such reduction affecting any Lender, if from time to time thereafter the amount of interest payable for the account of such Lender on any interest payment date would be less than the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, then the amount of interest payable for its account on such subsequent interest payment date shall be automatically increased to such maximum permissible amount, provided that at no time shall the aggregate amount by which interest paid for the account of any Lender has been increased pursuant to this sentence exceed the aggregate amount by which interest paid for its account has theretofore been reduced pursuant to the previous sentence.

Section 2.9 Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances . The Borrower shall pay to Agent for the account of each Lender any costs actually incurred by such Lender with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances that are attributable to such Lender’s compliance with regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System requiring the maintenance of reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities. Such costs shall be paid to the Agent for the account of such Lender in the form of additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Agent. A certificate as to the amount of such additional interest, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender in good faith.

Section 2.10 Interest Rate Determination.

(a) [Intentionally omitted]

(b) The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate determined by the Agent for purposes of Section 2.8(a) or Section 2.8(b) ,

(c) [Intentionally omitted]

(d) [Intentionally omitted]

 

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(e) If the Borrower shall fail to (i) select the duration of any Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “ Interest Period ” in Section 1.1 or (ii) provide a Notice of Conversion with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advance on or prior to 12:00 noon on the third Business Day prior to the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders and such Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance.

(f) On the date on which the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Advances comprising any Borrowing shall be reduced, by payment or prepayment or otherwise, to less than the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, such Advances shall, if they are Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances, automatically Convert into Base Rate Advances, and on and after such date the right of the Borrower to Convert such Advances into Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances shall terminate; provided , however , that if and so long as each such Advance shall be of the same Type and have the same Interest Period as Advances comprising another Borrowing or other Borrowings, and the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such Advances shall equal or exceed the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, the Borrower shall have the right to continue all such Advances as, or to Convert all such Advances into, Advances of such Type having such Interest Period.

(g) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advance shall automatically Convert into a Base Rate Advance at the end of the Interest Period then in effect for such Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Section 2.11 Voluntary Conversion of Advances. Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Borrower may, on any Business Day, by delivering a notice of Conversion (a “ Notice of Conversion ”) to the Agent not later than 12:00 noon (i) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in respect of Eurodollar Rate Advances and (ii) on the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in respect of Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Section 2.10 and Section 2.15 , Convert all Advances of one Type comprising the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type; provided , however , that, in the case of any Conversion of any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Base Rate Advances on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Each such Notice of Conversion shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.11 and shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (A) the date of such Conversion, (B) the Advances to be Converted, (C) if such Conversion is into Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance, and (D) the aggregate amount of Advances proposed to be Converted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may not Convert Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances and may not select a new Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances at any time an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 2.12 Optional and Mandatory Prepayments of Advances.

 

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(a) The Borrower may, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Agent stating the proposed date and aggregate principal amount of the prepayment, and if such notice is given, the Borrower shall, prepay for the ratable account of the Lenders the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, without premium or penalty, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid; provided , however , that each partial prepayment shall be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $1,000,000 (or, if lower, the principal amount outstanding hereunder on the date of such prepayment) or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. In the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Except as provided in this Section 2.12(a) , the Borrower shall have no right to prepay any principal amount of any Advances.

(b) In the event that at any time, or from time to time, on or after the Effective Date and prior to the Commitment Termination Date, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall receive any Net Cash Proceeds of any Reduction Event, then the Commitments, if any, shall automatically be reduced, to the extent thereof (but not below zero), by an aggregate amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds (with each Lender’s Commitment being reduced ratably according to its respective Percentage). The reductions in the Commitments required by this subsection (b) shall be effective on the date of receipt by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of such Net Cash Proceeds.

(c) In the event that at any time, or from time to time, on or after the Funding Date, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall receive any Net Cash Proceeds of any Reduction Event and the Commitments shall have been reduced to zero (whether through the operation of clause (b) above or because the Commitment Termination Date shall have occurred), the Term Loans shall be prepaid to the extent necessary for the ratable account of the Lenders in an aggregate principal amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds less any amount applied to reduce Commitments in accordance with clause (b) above. Each such prepayment shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount prepaid and shall be made not later than the third Business Day following the date of such receipt.

(d) The Borrower shall notify the Agent not later than the date of receipt by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of the Net Cash Proceeds of a Reduction Event, specifying the date and amount thereof. The Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the contents of each such notice received by it.

Section 2.13 Increased Costs.

(a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding, or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances, then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender, pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender additional amounts sufficient to compensate such

 

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Lender for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender in good faith.

(b) If any Lender determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend hereunder, then, upon demand by such Lender, the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender, from time to time as specified by such Lender, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender reasonably determines such increase in capital to be allocable to the existence of such Lender’s Commitment or other obligations hereunder. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, describing in reasonable detail the manner in which such amounts have been calculated, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination and allocation thereof shall have been made by such Lender in good faith.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 2.13(a) or Section 2.13(b) to the contrary, no Lender shall be entitled to demand compensation or be compensated thereunder to the extent that such compensation relates to any period of time more than 60 days prior to the date upon which such Lender first notified the Borrower of the occurrence of the event entitling such Lender to such compensation (unless, and to the extent, that any such compensation so demanded shall relate to the retroactive application of any event so notified to the Borrower).

Section 2.14 Illegality . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender (the “ Affected Lender ”) shall notify the Agent and the Borrower that the introduction of or any change in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for the Affected Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, all Eurodollar Rate Advances of the Affected Lender shall, on the fifth Business Day following such notice from the Affected Lender, automatically be Converted into a like number of Base Rate Advances, each in the amount of the corresponding Eurodollar Rate Advance of the Affected Lender being so Converted (each such Advance, as so Converted, being an “ Affected Lender Advance ”), and the obligation of the Affected Lender to make, maintain, or Convert Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances shall thereupon be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist, or the Affected Lender has been replaced pursuant to Section 8.7 . For purposes of any prepayment under this Agreement, each Affected Lender Advance shall be deemed to continue to be part of the same Borrowing as the Eurodollar Rate Advances to which it corresponded at the time of the Conversion of such Affected Lender Advance pursuant to this Section 2.14 .

Section 2.15 Payments and Computations.

 

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(a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day when due in Dollars to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 in same day funds. The Agent will promptly thereafter cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or fees ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.9, Section 2.17 or Section 8.4(b) ) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of a Lender Assignment and recording of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.7 , from and after the effective date specified in such Lender Assignment, the Agent shall make all payments hereunder in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Lender Assignment shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

(b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender is not made when due hereunder, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts with such Lender any amount so due.

(c) All computations of interest based on clause (i) of the definition of “ Alternate Base Rate ” and of the Facility Fee shall be made by the Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of interest based on the Eurodollar Rate and the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.10 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such interest or fees are payable. Each determination by the Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.10 , by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that such determination shall have been made by the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in good faith.

(d) Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or fees, as the case may be; provided , however , that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

(e) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

 

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Section 2.16 Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.

(a) 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 Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(b) The Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect 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 Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

(c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to Section 2.16(a) and Section 2.16(b) shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided , however , that the failure of the Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

(d) The Advances made by each Lender shall, if requested by the applicable Lender (which request shall be made to the Agent), be evidenced by a Term Note, appropriately completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of such Lender. Each Term Note shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and shall be subject to the provisions hereof and thereof.

Section 2.17 Taxes.

(a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.15 , free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding , in the case of each Lender and the Agent, taxes imposed on its overall net income and franchise taxes imposed on it by any jurisdiction, unless such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) would not have had such taxes imposed on it by such jurisdiction but for such Lender’s or the Agent’s (as the case may be) having entered into this Agreement, having consummated the transactions contemplated hereby or having received payments by the Borrower hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “ Taxes ”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Lender or the Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17 ) such Lender or the Agent (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 taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

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(b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (hereinafter referred to as “ Other Taxes ”).

(c) The Borrower will indemnify each Lender and the Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.17 ) paid by such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor. Nothing herein shall preclude the right of the Borrower to contest any such Taxes or Other Taxes so paid, and the Lenders in question or the Agent (as the case may be) will, following notice from, and at the expense of, the Borrower, reasonably cooperate with the Borrower to preserve the Borrower’s rights to contest such Taxes or Other Taxes.

(d) Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes, the Borrower will furnish to the Agent, at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

(e) Each Lender agrees that, on or prior to the date upon which it shall become a party hereto, and upon the reasonable request from time to time of the Borrower or the Agent, such Lender will deliver to the Borrower and the Agent either (i) a statement that it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction within the United States or (ii) duly completed copies of such form or forms as may from time to time be prescribed by the United States Internal Revenue Service indicating that such Lender is entitled to receive payments without deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Each Lender that delivers to the Borrower and the Agent the form or forms referred to in the preceding sentence further undertakes to deliver to the Borrower and the Agent further copies of such form or forms, or successor applicable form or forms, as the case may be, as and when any previous form filed by it hereunder shall expire or shall become incomplete or inaccurate in any respect. Each Lender represents and warrants that each such form supplied by it to the Agent and the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.17(e) , and not superseded by another form supplied by it, is or will be, as the case may be, complete and accurate.

(f) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.17 shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

 

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(g) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.17 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder.

Section 2.18 Sharing of Payments, Etc. All payments from or on behalf of the Borrower on account of any obligations shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders based upon their respective share, if any, of the obligations with respect to which such payment was received. If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.9, Section 2.13, Section 2.17 or Section 8.4(b) ) in excess of its ratable share of payments obtained by all the Lenders on account of the Advances, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them and such reimbursement obligations as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided , however , that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery, together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.18 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

Section 2.19 Termination of Defaulting Lender Commitment.

The Borrower may terminate the unused amount of the Commitment of a Defaulting Lender upon not less than 3 Business Days’ prior notice to the Agent (which will promptly notify the Lenders thereof), and in such event the provisions of Section 2.18 will apply to all amounts thereafter paid by the Borrower for the account of such Defaulting Lender under this Agreement (whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnity or other amounts), provided that such termination will not be deemed to be a waiver or release of any claim the Borrower, the Agent or any Lender may have against such Defaulting Lender.

Section 2.20 Replacement of Lenders.

The Borrower may, at any time at its sole expense and effort, require any Lender (i) that does not approve a consent, waiver or amendment to any Loan Document requested by the Borrower or the Agent and that requires the approval of all Lenders under Section 8.1 which is otherwise approved by the Majority Lenders, or (ii) that requests compensation under Section 2.13, or to which the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount (or for the account of which the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Governmental Authority) pursuant to Section 2.17, or (iii) that is a Defaulting Lender, in each case upon notice to such Lender and the Agent, to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 8.7 ), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall

 

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assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

(i) no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at such time;

(ii) the Agent shall have received the assignment fee specified in Section 8.7(a) (which fee shall, notwithstanding the terms of Section 8.7(a), be paid by the Borrower in respect of an assignment pursuant to this Section 2.20);

(iii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 8.4(b) ) 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);

(iv) such assignee, if it is not an existing Lender and/or Eligible Assignee, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and

(v) such assignment does not conflict with any applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority or otherwise require any Governmental Approvals.

A Lender shall not be required to make any assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

ARTICLE III

CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 3.1 Conditions Precedent to Effective Date. The occurrence of the Effective Date is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

(a) The Agent shall have received the following, each dated the Effective Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders and in sufficient copies for each Lender:

(i) this Agreement, duly executed by the Borrower, each Lender and the Agent;

(ii) each Term Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 payable to the order of each such Lender, duly completed and executed by the Borrower;

(iii) copies of (A) the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party, and (B) all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action on the part of the Borrower with respect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

 

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(iv) a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying the names, true signatures and incumbency of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party;

(v) copies of the Certificate of Incorporation (or comparable charter document) and by laws of the Borrower, together with all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(vi) copies of all Governmental Approvals, if any, required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(vii) copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) , certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(viii) favorable opinions of:

(A) Foley & Lardner LLP, counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request; and

(B) In-house Counsel of the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request;

(ix) payment (for its own account or the account of the applicable payees, as applicable) of any fees required to be paid on or before the Effective Date in connection with this Agreement or the Repurchase Documentation, including without limitation the fees described in the Citi Fee Letter and the JPM Fee Letter;

(x) receipt of final executed (where applicable) copies of the Repurchase Documentation, which shall be satisfactory to the Agent, and evidence satisfactory to the Agent that the transactions contemplated by the Repurchase Documentation have commenced; and

(xi) such other approvals, opinions and documents as any Lender, through the Agent, may reasonably request.

(b) The following statements shall be true and correct, and the Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, dated the date of the Effective Date and in sufficient copies for each Lender, stating that:

(i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1 of this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date of the Effective Date, as though made on and as of such date, and

 

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(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default.

(c) The Borrower shall have paid all costs and expenses of the Agent (including counsel fees and disbursements) incurred through (and for which statements have been provided prior to) the Effective Date.

Section 3.2 Conditions Precedent to the Borrowing on the Early Payment Date. The obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of any Borrowing on the Early Payment Date shall be subject to the conditions precedent that, on the Early Payment Date:

(a) the following statements shall be true and correct (and the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing, and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the Early Payment Date, such statements are true and correct):

(i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Early Payment Date, before and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Borrowing, as though made on and as of such date;

(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Borrowing or from the application of proceeds of such Borrowing, that constitutes an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default; and

(iii) after giving effect to such Borrowing, the Borrower’s Outstanding Credits will not exceed its borrowing authority as allowed by applicable governmental authorities.

(b) the Agent shall have received all documentation and information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the PATRIOT Act;

(c) the Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions, or documents as the Agent, or the Majority Lenders through the Agent, may reasonably request, and such approvals, opinions, and documents shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent; and

(d) with respect to the Designated Indenture Debt to be repurchased with the proceeds of the Borrowing on the Early Payment Date, the Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that (i) Designated Indenture Debt representing the Requisite Consents (as defined in the Repurchase Documentation) have been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) in the tender offer prior to the Early Tender Date (as defined in the Repurchase Documentation), (ii) the General Conditions (as defined in the Repurchase Documentation) shall

 

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have been satisfied in accordance with the Repurchase Documentation (as determined by the Agent in its sole discretion) or waived by the Borrower, provided that for purposes of determining whether the condition precedent in this clause (d)(ii) has been satisfied, no such waiver shall be given effect if the event causing the failure of such General Condition to be satisfied is material and adverse to the Borrower, the Agent or the Lenders (as determined by the Agent in its sole discretion) and (iii) all amounts payable to the holders of such Designated Indenture Debt pursuant to the terms of the Repurchase Documentation have been paid in full or are being paid in full in cash through a direct disbursement of the proceeds of the Borrowing.

Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2 to the contrary, in the event that all of the conditions precedent to the Borrowing on the Early Payment Date are satisfied except for the conditions set forth in clause (d)(i) above, each Lender shall nevertheless be obligated to make an Advance on the Early Payment Date, provided that (i) on the Early Payment Date but prior to receiving the proceeds of such Borrowing, the Borrower shall have paid no less than $70,000,000 in cash to the holders of Designated Indenture Debt pursuant to the terms of the Repurchase Documentation and (ii) the maximum amount of such Borrowing on the Early Payment Date shall be $100,000,000.

Section 3.3 Conditions Precedent to the Borrowing on the Final Payment Date. The obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of the Borrowing on the Final Payment Date shall be subject to the conditions precedent that, on the date of such Borrowing:

(a) the following statements shall be true and correct (and the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing, and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the Final Payment Date, such statements are true and correct):

(i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Final Payment Date, before and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Borrowing, as though made on and as of such date;

(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Borrowing or from the application of proceeds of such Borrowing, that constitutes an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default; and

(iii) after giving effect to such Borrowing, the Borrower’s Outstanding Credits will not exceed its borrowing authority as allowed by applicable governmental authorities.

(b) the Agent shall have received all documentation and information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the PATRIOT Act;

(c) the Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions, or documents as the Agent, or the Majority Lenders through the Agent, may reasonably request, and such approvals, opinions, and documents shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent; and

 

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(d) (i) the conditions set forth in Section 3.2(d)(i) and (ii) continue to be satisfied as of the Final Payment Date and (ii) all amounts payable on the Final Payment Date to the holders of Designated Indenture Debt pursuant to the terms of the Repurchase Documentation have been paid in full or are being paid in full in cash through a direct disbursement of the proceeds of the Borrowing.

Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3 to the contrary, in the event that all of the conditions precedent to the Borrowing on the Final Payment Date are satisfied except for the conditions set forth in clause (d)(i) above, each Lender shall nevertheless be obligated to make an Advance on the Final Payment Date, provided that the maximum amount of such Borrowing on the Final Payment Date, together with the amount of the Borrowing on the Early Payment Date shall not exceed $100,000,000.

Section 3.4 Reliance on Certificates. The Lenders and the Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon the certificates delivered from time to time by officers of the Borrower as to the names, incumbency, authority and signatures of the respective Persons named therein until such time as the Agent may receive a replacement certificate, in form acceptable to the Agent, from an officer of such Person identified to the Agent as having authority to deliver such certificate, setting forth the names and true signatures of the officers and other representatives of such Person thereafter authorized to act on behalf of such Person.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of property owned or used by it makes such qualification necessary (except where the failure to so qualify would not constitute a Material Adverse Change).

(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is or will be a party and the Repurchase Documentation to which it is or will be a party, and the receipt by the Borrower of the proceeds of Advances on the Funding Date and the date of any subsequent Borrowing and the application of the proceeds therefrom as contemplated by this Agreement, are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not and will not contravene (i) the Borrower’s charter or by-laws, (ii) any law, or (iii) any legal or contractual restriction binding on or affecting the Borrower; and such execution, delivery and performance do not and will not result in or require the creation of any Lien (other than pursuant to the Loan Documents) upon or with respect to any of its properties.

 

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(c) No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document or any of the Repurchase Documentation.

(d) This Agreement is, each other Loan Document to which the Borrower will be a party and any of the Repurchase Documentation to which the Borrower will be a party, when executed (if applicable) and delivered hereunder will be, legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the qualifications, however, that the enforcement of the rights and remedies herein and therein is subject to bankruptcy and other similar laws of general application affecting rights and remedies of creditors and that the remedy of specific performance or of injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceedings therefor may be brought.

(e) Since December 31, 2008, there has been no Material Adverse Change.

(f) The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2008, and the related audited consolidated, and, with respect to the Borrower, consolidating, statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at June 30, 2009 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income for the six-month period then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Bank, fairly present (subject, in the case of such balance sheets and statements of income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, to year-end adjustments) the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance, in all material respects, with GAAP.

(g) Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009, there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change, and since December 31, 2008 there have been no material adverse developments in any action or proceeding so disclosed that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(h) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates which would result in a liability to the Borrower, no “prohibited transaction” has occurred with respect to any Plan of the Borrower that is reasonably expected to result in a liability to the Borrower and neither the Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan, in each case that could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(i) The Borrower has filed all tax returns (Federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and penalties, or, to the extent the Borrower is contesting in good faith by appropriate proceedings an assertion of liability based on such returns and has provided adequate reserves for payment thereof in accordance with GAAP.

 

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(j) Neither the Borrower nor any Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. After the making of the Advance, Margin Stock will constitute less than 25 percent of the assets (as determined by any reasonable method) of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

(k) The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company”, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(l) Neither the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower (i) is a Sanctioned Person, (ii) has more than 15% of its assets in Sanctioned Countries, or (iii) derives more than 15% of its operating income from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Countries. No part of the proceeds of the Advances hereunder will be used directly or indirectly to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country.

(m) Neither the making of the Advances hereunder nor the use of the proceeds thereof will violate the PATRIOT Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto. The Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the PATRIOT Act.

(n) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries has timely filed all material reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by it in order to comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership and operation of its properties, except in each case to the extent that the failure to comply therewith, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

Section 5.1 Affirmative Covenants. So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, or any Lender shall have any Commitment or Credit Exposure, the Borrower will, unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing:

(a) Payment of Taxes, Etc . Pay and discharge, and cause each of its Domestic Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, before the same shall become delinquent, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges, royalties or levies imposed upon it or upon its property

 

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except, in the case of taxes, to the extent the Borrower or such Domestic Subsidiary is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and has set aside adequate reserves for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Maintenance of Insurance . Maintain, or cause to be maintained, insurance or other risk management programs covering the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries and their respective properties in effect at all times in such amounts and covering such risks and using such means as are usual and customary for companies of a similar size (based on the aggregate book value of the Borrower’s assets, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP), engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties, either with reputable insurance companies or, in whole or in part, by establishing reserves of one or more insurance funds or other risk management mechanisms, either alone or with other corporations or associations, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(c) Preservation of Existence, Etc . Preserve and maintain, and cause each of the Utilities to preserve and maintain, its corporate existence (except in a transaction permitted by Section 5.2(c)), material rights (statutory and otherwise) and franchises; provided , however , that neither the Borrower nor any of the Utilities shall be required to preserve and maintain any such right or franchise, unless the failure to do so would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(d) Compliance with Laws, Etc . Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, including without limitation any such laws, rules, regulations and orders relating to zoning, environmental protection, use and disposal of Hazardous Substances, land use, ERISA, construction and building restrictions, and employee safety and health matters relating to business operations, the non-compliance with which would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(e) Inspection Rights . At the reasonable expense of the Borrower, at any time and from time to time, upon reasonable notice, permit or arrange for the Agent, the Lenders and their respective agents and representatives to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and the properties of, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors and accountants.

(f) Keeping of Books . Keep, and cause its Subsidiaries to keep, proper records and books of account, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the assets and business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP.

(g) Maintenance of Properties, Etc . Maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, good and marketable title to, and preserve, maintain, develop, and operate in substantial conformity with all laws and material contractual obligations, all of its properties which are used or useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except where the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

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(h) Reporting Requirements . Furnish to each Lender in the manner prescribed in the last paragraph of this subsection (h):

(i) as soon as possible and in any event within five Business Days after the occurrence of each Unmatured Default or Event of Default continuing on the date of such statement, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth details of such Unmatured Default or Event of Default and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

(ii) as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated, and, with respect to the Borrower, consolidating, statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year end audit adjustments) by a Senior Financial Officer as having been prepared in accordance (in all material respects) with GAAP, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any quarter shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(ii) with respect to such quarter;

(iii) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and consolidated, and, with respect to the Borrower, consolidating, statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s annual Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any year shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(iii) with respect to such year;

(iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, a certificate signed by the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of the Borrower (i) stating whether an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such certificate, and if an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default has then occurred and is continuing, specifying the details thereof and the action that the

 

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Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth in reasonable detail calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 5.2(f) and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 4.1 and, if any change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

(v) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after any ERISA Event described in clause (i) of the definition of ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred and (B) within 10 days after any other ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer describing such ERISA Event and the action, if any, which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto;

(vi) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC copies of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan of the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate or to have a trustee appointed to administer any such Plan;

(vii) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability in an aggregate principal amount of at least $5,000,000 pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA in respect of which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate is reasonably expected to be liable;

(viii) promptly after requested, such documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Plan as the Agent or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request;

(ix) promptly after the Borrower becomes aware of the occurrence thereof, notice of all actions, suits, proceedings or other events (A) of the type described in Section 4.1(g) or (B) for which the Agent and the Lenders will be entitled to indemnity under Section 8.4(c) ;

(x) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all such proxy statements, financial statements, and reports which the Borrower sends to its public security holders (if any), and copies of all regular, periodic and special reports, and all registration statements and periodic or special reports, if any, which the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental authority which may be substituted therefor, or with any national securities exchange; and

(xi) promptly after requested, such other information respecting the business, properties, results of operations, prospects, revenues, condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Agent or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

 

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Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h)(ii) or Section 5.1(h)(iii) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto, on a website on the internet at a website address previously specified to the Agent and the Lenders; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on SyndTrak or another relevant website, if any, to which each of the Agent and each Lender has access; provided that (i) upon the request of the Agent or any Lender, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Agent or such Lender (until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Agent or such Lender) and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by a facsimile or electronic mail) the Agent and each Lender of the posting of any documents. The Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of, or to maintain copies of, the documents referred to above or to monitor compliance by any Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

(i) Use of Proceeds . None of the proceeds of the Advances hereunder, whether directly or indirectly, will be used for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, including Regulations T, U and X. The proceeds of the Term Loans made under this Agreement may be used solely to repurchase Designated Indenture Debt and for related legal fees and other expenses.

(j) Further Assurances . At the expense of the Borrower, promptly execute and deliver, or cause to be promptly executed and delivered, all further instruments and documents, and take and cause to be taken all further actions, that may be necessary or that the Majority Lenders through the Agent may reasonably request to enable the Lenders and the Agent to enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement and to exercise their rights and remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document. In addition, the Borrower will use all reasonable efforts to duly obtain Governmental Approvals required in connection with the Loan Documents from time to time on or prior to such date as the same may become legally required, and thereafter to maintain all such Governmental Approvals in full force and effect.

(k) OFAC, PATRIOT Act Compliance . The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) refrain from doing business in a Sanctioned Country or with a Sanctioned Person in violation of the economic sanctions of the United States administered by OFAC, and (ii) provide, to the extent commercially reasonable, such information and take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Agent or any Lender in order to assist the Agent and the Lenders in maintaining compliance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 5.2 Negative Covenants. So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, or any Lender shall have any Commitment or Credit Exposure, the Borrower will not, without the written consent of the Majority Lenders:

(a) Liens, Etc . Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, any lien, security interest, or other charge

 

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or encumbrance (including the lien or retained security title of a conditional vendor) of any kind, or any other type of arrangement intended or having the effect of conferring upon a creditor a preferential interest upon or with respect to any of its properties of any character (including, without limitation, accounts) (any of the foregoing being referred to herein as a “ Lien ”), excluding , however, from the operation of the foregoing restrictions the Liens created under the Loan Documents and the following:

(i) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies to the extent not past due;

(ii) Liens imposed by law, such as materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s and repairmen’s liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations which are not overdue or which are being contested in good faith, provided that any such contested Lien securing an amount claimed in excess of $5,000,000 shall be fully bonded within 90 days after the imposition of such Lien;

(iii) pledges or deposits to secure obligations under workmen’s compensation laws or similar legislation, to secure public or statutory obligations of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, or to secure the utility obligations of any such Subsidiary incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(iv) (A) purchase money Liens upon or in property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with present practices (it being understood that for purposes of this clause, the purchase, construction or maintenance of generating facilities by the Utilities shall be deemed to be in the ordinary course of business and consistent with present practices), to secure (1) the purchase price of such property or (2) Debt incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction or improvement of any such property to be subject to such Liens, or (B) Liens existing on any such property at the time of acquisition, or extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing for the same or a lesser amount, provided that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property other than the property being acquired, constructed or improved and replacements, modifications and proceeds of such property, and no such extension, renewal or replacement shall extend to or cover any property not theretofore subject to the Lien being extended, renewed or replaced;

(v) Liens on the capital stock of any of the Borrower’s single-purpose Subsidiaries or any such Subsidiary’s assets to secure the repayment of project financing or Nonrecourse Debt for such Subsidiary;

(vi) attachment, judgment or other similar Liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or the payment of which is covered in full (subject to customary deductible amounts) by insurance maintained with responsible insurance companies;

 

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(vii) Liens securing obligations under agreements entered into pursuant to the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Act or any similar or successor legislation, provided that such obligations do not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(viii) Liens created pursuant to the Mortgage Bond Indentures;

(ix) Reserved;

(x) Liens in favor of Wachovia, as agent under the Utility Facilities to secure the obligations of the respective Utilities under such agreements;

(xi) Liens incurred in connection with the sales of assets permitted in Section 5.2(d)(ix);

(xii) Liens incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to secure Nonrecourse Debt or obligations other than for borrowed money, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed (x) in the case of the Borrower and all its Subsidiaries other than the Utilities and their respective Subsidiaries, $100,000,000 outstanding at any one time, and (y) in the case of each Utility and its Subsidiaries, $100,000,000 outstanding at any one time;

(xiii) Reserved;

(xiv) Liens constituting easements, restrictions and other similar encumbrances arising in the ordinary course of business, which in the aggregate do not materially adversely affect the Borrower’s use of its properties;

(xv) Liens set forth in Schedule III hereto, and any extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements of any such Liens upon or in the same property theretofore subject thereto; and

(xvi) other Liens securing obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not to exceed more than five percent (5%) of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at any time.

(b) Transactions with Affiliates . Enter into, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter into, any transaction with an Affiliate of the Borrower, unless such transaction (i) is on terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than if the transaction had been negotiated in good faith on an arm’s length basis with a Person that was not an Affiliate of the Borrower, (ii) is among wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower or between the Borrower and a wholly-owned Subsidiary or (iii) (A) is permitted by applicable utility or utility holding company regulations or (B) has received all required Government Approvals from each governmental authority exercising jurisdiction over any party thereto, in each case under the foregoing clause (iii) only to the extent such transaction is not materially adverse to the Lenders and the Agent.

 

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(c) Mergers, Etc.

(i) merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except the Borrower may merge with or into or consolidate with or into any of its Subsidiaries, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default, (B) the Borrower is the surviving corporation and (C) the Borrower shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction; or

(ii) permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except that any such Subsidiary may merge with or into any other Person, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) the surviving corporation is a Subsidiary of the Borrower, (B) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default and (C) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction.

(d) Sales, Etc., of Assets . Sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, except (i) sales, leases, transfers and assignments from one Subsidiary of the Borrower to another such Subsidiary or to the Borrower, (ii) in any transaction in which the net proceeds from such sale, lease, transfer, assignment or disposition are solely Cash and Cash Equivalents and such proceeds are (A) applied solely as a reduction of Commitments and/or prepayment of Advances pursuant to Section 2.12 , or (B) applied solely to pay or prepay Debt (together with a permanent reduction of any commitments relating to such Debt) incurred by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with the project comprising such assets, (iii) in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction entered into by any Subsidiary of the Borrower, (iv) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets representing not in excess of 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the aggregate from the Effective Date until the Maturity Date in any single or series of transactions, whether or not related, (v) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of worn out or obsolete equipment no longer used and useful in the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (vi) [reserved], (vii) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets in the ordinary course of business, (viii) disposition of the investment made by WPL Transco LLC in American Transmission Company LLC or the Equity Interests of WPL Transco LLC or any successor thereto, (ix) sales of contracts and accounts receivable by the Utilities, Alliant Energy Integrated Services, Inc., and its Subsidiaries (x) dispositions of Equity Interests in or assets of any direct or indirect subsidiary of AER; and (xi) disposition of the Illinois assets of the Utilities; provided that in each case under clauses (i) through (xi) above, no Unmatured

 

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Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing after giving effect thereto. Sales, leases, transfers, assignments and dispositions of the types described in clauses (iii), (iv), (vii), (ix), (x) and (xi) above are “ Specified Dispositions ”.

(e) Maintenance of Ownership of Significant Subsidiaries . Sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such Equity Interests, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its Equity Interests or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such capital stock, except (and only to the extent) as may be necessary to give effect to a transaction permitted by Section 5.2(c) .

(f) Capitalization Ratio . Permit the ratio of Consolidated Debt of the Borrower to Consolidated Capital of the Borrower to exceed .65 to 1.00.

(g) Restrictive Agreements . Directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist, or permit the Utilities to enter into or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of any Utility to declare or pay dividends; provided that the foregoing limitations do not apply to (i) financial covenants that require the maintenance of a minimum net worth or compliance with financial tests as conditions to the ability to pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to capital stock or otherwise; (ii) restrictions that arise only if dividends on preferred stock have not been paid; and (iii) limitations or restrictions imposed by law or in regulatory proceedings.

ARTICLE VI

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 6.1 Events of Default. If any of the following events (each an “ Event of Default ”) shall occur and be continuing after the applicable grace period and notice requirement (if any):

(a) The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Borrowing when the same becomes due and payable; or

(b) The Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Borrowing or any other amount due under this Agreement for two days after the same becomes due; or

(c) Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of the Borrower in any Loan Document or in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant thereto shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(d) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in Section 5.1(c) , Section 5.1(h)(i) or Section 5.2 (other than Section 5.2(b) thereof); or

(e) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, and any such failure shall remain unremedied, after the earlier of (i) actual

 

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knowledge by the Borrower thereof, and (ii) written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent, for a period of 30 days; or

(f) The Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries shall fail to make any payment in respect of any of its Debt other than Nonrecourse Debt, including any interest or premium thereon (but excluding Debt hereunder) aggregating $50,000,000 or more when due under documents related to such Debt (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt; or any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt; or any such Debt shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof as a result of a default or other similar adverse event; provided that this clause (f) shall not apply to any Designated Indenture Covered Default; or

(g) The Borrower or any of the Utilities shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any of the Utilities seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of a proceeding instituted against the Borrower or any of the Utilities, either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including without limitation the entry of an order for relief against the Borrower or such Utility or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for the Borrower or such Utility or any of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any of the Utilities shall take any corporate or other action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this Section 6.1(g) ; or

(h) Any judgment or order for the payment of money equal to or in excess of $50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or any of its Direct Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, the Utilities) or their respective properties and either (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; provided , however , that any such amount shall be calculated after deducting from the sum so payable any amount of such judgment or order that is covered by a valid and binding policy of insurance in favor of the Borrower or such Direct Subsidiary from an insurer that is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, which policy covers full payment thereof and which insurer has been notified, and has not disputed the claim made for payment, of such amount of such judgment or order; or

 

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(i) Any material provision of any Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on the Borrower or the Borrower shall so assert in writing; or

(j) Any Governmental Approval required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents shall expire or be rescinded, revoked, otherwise terminated, or amended or modified in any manner that is materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders and the Agent; or

(k) Any ERISA Event shall have occurred with respect to a Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability to the Borrower, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent or any Lender, such ERISA Event shall still exist; or

(l) (i) The Borrower shall cease to own 100% of the common equity interests of either of the Utilities; (ii) any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall either (A) acquire beneficial ownership of more than 50% of any outstanding class of common stock of the Borrower having ordinary voting power in the election of directors of the Borrower or (B) obtain the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of the Borrower’s directors or (iii) the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall not consist of a majority of Continuing Directors:

then, and in any such event, the Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, (i) declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, (ii) declare the Advances (if any), all interest thereon and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances, all such interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower and (iii) exercise all rights and remedies available to it under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable law; provided , however , that in the event of the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event, (A) the obligation of each Lender to make Advances shall automatically be terminated, and (B) the Advances, all such interest and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, in each case without further action by the Agent or any Lender.

ARTICLE VII

THE AGENT

Section 7.1 Authorization and Action. Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints Citi to act on its behalf as the Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

 

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The Agent’s duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are solely ministerial and administrative in nature and the Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of Term Notes (if any); provided , however , that the Agent shall not be required to take any action which, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Agent to liability or which is contrary to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or applicable law. The Agent agrees to give to each Lender prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the administration and enforcement of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents if it undertakes such administration and enforcement in a manner substantially equal to that which Wachovia accords credit facilities similar to the credit facility hereunder for which it is the sole lender. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders except as otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Borrower shall have no rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

Section 7.2 Agent’s Reliance, Etc. Neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them (i) with the consent or at the request of the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in this Agreement) or (ii) in the absence of its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Unmatured Default or the event or events that give or may give rise to any Unmatured Default unless and until the Borrower or any Lender shall have given notice to the Agent describing such Unmatured Default and such event or events. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Agent and each member of the Agent’s Group: (i) may treat the payee of any Term Note as the holder thereof until the Agent receives and accepts a Lender Assignment entered into by the Lender which is the payee of such Term Note, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.7 ; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) shall not have any duty (x) to ascertain or to inquire as to (1) any statement, warranty, representation or other information made or supplied in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (2) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith or the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of the information contained therein, (3) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Unmatured Default or Event of Default, (4) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or the perfection or

 

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priority of any lien or security interest created or purported to be created by the Loan Documents or (5) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article III or elsewhere herein, other than (but subject to the foregoing clause (2)) to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Agent (and in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of an Advance that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless an officer of the Agent responsible for the transactions contemplated hereby shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Advance, and in the case of a Borrowing, such Lender shall not have made available to the Agent such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing), or (y) to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; (vi) may rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by relying or acting upon, (x) any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram, cable or telex, and including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and signed, otherwise authenticated or sent by the proper party or parties, and (y) any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper party or parties; and (vii) shall not be required to carry out any “know your customer” or other checks in relation to any person on behalf of any Lender and each Lender confirms to the Agent that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Agent or any members of the Agent’s Group.

Section 7.3 Citi and Affiliates. With respect to the Advances made by it, the Person serving as Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent; and the term “Bank” or “Banks” and “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include the Person serving as Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or the trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof, all as if such Person were not the Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

Each Lender understands that the Person serving as Agent, acting in its individual capacity, and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Agent’s Group ”) are engaged in a wide range of financial services and businesses (including investment management, financing, securities trading, corporate and investment banking and research) (such services and businesses are collectively referred to in this Section 7.3 as “ Activities ”) and may engage in the Activities with or on behalf of the Borrower or its Affiliates. Furthermore, the Agent’s Group may, in undertaking the Activities, engage in trading in financial products or undertake other investment businesses for its own account or on behalf of others (including the Borrower or its Affiliates and including holding, for its own account or on behalf of others, equity, debt and similar positions in the Borrower or its Affiliates), including trading in or holding long, short or derivative positions in securities, loans or other financial products of the Borrower or its Affiliates. Each Lender understands and agrees that in engaging in the Activities, the Agent’s Group may receive or

 

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otherwise obtain information concerning the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information concerning the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) which information may not be available to any of the Lenders that are not members of the Agent’s Group. None of the Agent nor any member of the Agent’s Group shall have any duty to disclose to any Lender or use on behalf of the Lenders, and shall not be liable for the failure to so disclose or use, any information whatsoever about or derived from the Activities or otherwise (including any information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of the Borrower or its Affiliates) or to account for any revenue or profits obtained in connection with the Activities, except that the Agent shall deliver or otherwise make available to each Lender such documents as are expressly required by any Loan Document to be transmitted by the Agent to the Lenders.

Each Lender further understands that there may be situations where members of the Agent’s Group or their respective customers (including the Borrower and its Affiliates) either now have or may in the future have interests or take actions that may conflict with the interests of any one or more of the Lenders (including the interests of the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents). Each Lender agrees that no member of the Agent’s Group is or shall be required to restrict its activities as a result of the Person serving as Agent being a member of the Agent’s Group, and that each member of the Agent’s Group may undertake any Activities without further consultation with or notification to any Lender. None of (i) this Agreement nor any other Loan Document, (ii) the receipt by the Agent’s Group of information (including Confidential Information) concerning the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information concerning the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) nor (iii) any other matter shall give rise to any fiduciary, equitable or contractual duties (including without limitation any duty of trust or confidence) owing by the Agent or any member of the Agent’s Group to any Lender including any such duty that would prevent or restrict the Agent’s Group from acting on behalf of customers (including the Borrower or its Affiliates) or for its own account.

Section 7.4 Lender Credit Decision. Each Lender acknowledges and confirms to the Agent, each other Lender and each of their respective Related Parties that it (i) is solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and (ii) has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal and investigation of all risks associated with, and made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into, this Agreement. Each Lender acknowledges and confirms to the Agent, each other Lender and each of their respective Related Parties that it (i) possesses (individually or through its Related Parties) such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable, without reliance on the Agent, any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties, of evaluating the merits and risks (including tax, legal, regulatory, credit, accounting and other financial matters) of (x) entering into this Agreement, (y) making Advances and other extensions of credit hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (z) in taking or not taking actions hereunder and thereunder, (ii) is financially able to bear such risks and (iii) has determined that entering into this Agreement and making Advances and other extensions of credit hereunder and under the other Loan Documents is suitable and appropriate for it. Each

 

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Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement. Each Lender represents and acknowledges that it has not relied, and is not relying, on Margin Stock as collateral for the Advances or for any other extensions of credit hereunder.

Section 7.5 Indemnification. The Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent and any Related Party of the Agent participating in the transaction (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Advances, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under this Agreement, provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out of pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that the Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by the Borrower.

Section 7.6 Successor Agent. The Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders, with any such resignation or removal to become effective only upon the appointment of a successor Agent pursuant to this Section 7.6 . Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company (and reasonably acceptable to the Borrower so long as no Event of Default exists) organized under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof. If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of any State thereof reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. In addition and without any obligation on the part of the retiring Agent to appoint, on behalf of the Lenders, a successor Agent, the retiring Agent may at any time upon or after the end of such 30 day period notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted appointment as successor Agent and the effective date of such retiring Agent’s resignation which effective date shall be no earlier than three business days after the date of such notice. Upon the resignation effective date established in such notice and regardless of whether a successor Agent has been appointed and accepted such appointment, the retiring Agent’s resignation shall nonetheless become effective and (i) the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations as Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time as the Majority Lenders appoint a successor Agent as

 

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provided for above in this paragraph. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this paragraph). After any retiring Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring 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 the retiring Agent was acting as Agent.

Section 7.7 Delegation of Duties. The Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Agent; provided , however , that the Agent shall remain responsible for the performance of its duties under this Agreement and the Loan Documents to the extent required under this Article. The Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The indemnification, reimbursement and exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of the 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 the Agent.

Section 7.8 Exemption of Payments From Trust Indenture Act . In the event that Citi or any of its Affiliates shall be or become an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (as amended, the “ Trust Indenture Act ”) in respect of any securities issued or guaranteed by the Borrower, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that any payment or property received in satisfaction of or in respect of the Advances, all interest thereon and all other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or on behalf of Citi in its capacity as the Agent for the benefit of any Lender under any Loan Document (other than Citi or an Affiliate of Citi) and which is applied in accordance with the Loan Documents shall be deemed to be exempt from the requirements of Section 311 of the Trust Indenture Act pursuant to Section 311(b)(3) of the Trust Indenture Act.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Amendments, Etc . No amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders and, in the case of any amendment, the Borrower, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive, modify or eliminate any of the conditions specified in Article III; (b) increase or extend the Commitments of the Lenders or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances, any Applicable Margin or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder (other than fees payable to the Agent for its own

 

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account, or to any Lender pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 ), (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, which shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder, (f) amend this Section 8.1 , (g) release any collateral for the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or (h) change or waive any provision of Section 2.1 8 or any other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document requiring pro rata treatment of the Lenders; and provided , further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Agent under this Agreement or any Term Note, unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by the Agent, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, (ii) that no amendment, waiver or consent shall change or waive any provision of Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 , unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by each Lender directly affected thereby, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action and (iii) that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender or the Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender or the Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender or the Agent, as the case may be. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that in no event shall any amendment, waiver or consent purport to (A) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances made by such Defaulting Lender, or any Applicable Margin or any fees or other amounts payable to such Defaulting Lender, (B) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances made by such Defaulting Lender, or (C) amend this Section 8.1 in a manner that affects such Defaulting Lender adversely, in each case without the affirmative consent of such Defaulting Lender, provided that if any such amendment, waiver or consent has been approved by all Lenders which are not Defaulting Lenders, and such Defaulting Lender shall have failed to have furnished either its approval or disapproval of such amendment, waiver or consent within the period of ten Business Days after its receipt of a written request to do so, then such Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent.

If the Borrower and the Agent agree in writing in their discretion that a Lender that is a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender, as the case may be, the Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase such portion of outstanding Advances of the other Lenders and/or make such other adjustments as the Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Credit Exposure of the such Lender to be in accordance with its Percentage immediately prior to its becoming a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender, whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender and will be a Non-Defaulting Lender (and such Percentage of each Lender will automatically be adjusted on a prospective basis to reflect the foregoing); provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender to Non-Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender.

 

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Section 8.2 Notices, Etc. (a) All notices and other communications provided for hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be in writing, or by any telecommunication device capable of creating a written record (including electronic mail), and and addressed to the party to be notified as follows:

(i) if to the Borrower, at its address at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718-2132 Attn: Treasurer, or P.O. Box 77007, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-1007 Attn: Treasurer;

(ii) if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto;

(iii) if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender; and

(iv) if to the Agent, at its address at Two Penns Way, Ste. 200, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention: Bank Loan Syndications, Fax: 212-994-0161;

or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice (x) in the case of the Borrower or the Agent, to the other parties and (y) in the case of all other parties, to the Borrower and the Agent.

(b) All notices, demands, requests, consents and other communications described in clause (a) shall be effective (i) if delivered by hand, including any overnight courier service, upon personal delivery, and (ii) if delivered by electronic mail or any other telecommunications device, when transmitted to an electronic mail address (or by another means of electronic delivery) as provided in clause (a); provided, however, that notices and communications to the Agent pursuant to Article II or Article VII ) shall not be effective until received by the Agent.

(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) (unless the Agent requests that the provisions of clause (a) and (b) be followed) and any other provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document providing for the delivery of any Approved Electronic Communication by any other means, the Borrower shall deliver all Approved Electronic Communications to the Agent by properly transmitting such Approved Electronic Communications in an electronic/soft medium in a format acceptable to the Agent to oploanswebadmin@citigroup.com or such other electronic mail address (or similar means of electronic delivery) as the Agent may notify to the Borrower. Nothing in this clause (c) shall prejudice the right of the Agent or any Lender to deliver any Approved Electronic Communication to the Borrower in any manner authorized in this Agreement or to request that the Borrower effect delivery in such manner.

Section 8.3 No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of any Lender or the Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Term Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other

 

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or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 8.4 Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the preparation (including, without limitation, printing costs), negotiation, execution, delivery, modification and amendment of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out of pocket expenses of counsel for the Agent with respect thereto and with respect to the administration of, and advising the Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of the Agent and each Lender), in connection with the enforcement and workout (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.4(a) . In addition, the Borrower shall pay any and all stamp and other taxes payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, and agrees to save the Agent and each Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay such taxes.

(b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.10(f) , Section 2.11 , Section 2.12 or Section 2.14 or acceleration of the maturity of the Advances pursuant to Section 6.1 or for any other reason, or if any assignment of any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance as a result of an assignment pursuant to Section 2.20, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses which it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion or assignment, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance.

(c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Agent and their respective officers, directors, employees, professional advisors and affiliates (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) which any of them may incur or which may be claimed against any of them by any Person including the Borrower (except for such claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct):

(i) by reason of or resulting from the execution, delivery or performance of any of the Loan Documents or any transaction contemplated thereby, or the use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Advance;

 

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(ii) in connection with any documentary taxes, assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by reason of the execution and delivery of any of the Loan Documents;

(iii) in connection with or resulting from the utilization, storage, disposal, treatment, generation, transportation, release or ownership of any Hazardous Substance (A) at, upon, or under any property of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or (B) by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates at any time and in any place; or

(iv) in connection with or resulting from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through the internet, SyndTrak or other similar transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

In case any action or proceeding is instituted involving any Indemnified Person for which indemnification is to be sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, then such Indemnified Person will promptly notify the Borrower of the commencement of any action or proceeding; provided , however , that the failure so to notify the Borrower will not relieve the Borrower from any liability that the Borrower may have to such Indemnified Person pursuant hereto or from any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Person other than pursuant hereto. Notwithstanding the above, following such notification, the Borrower may elect in writing to assume the defense of such action or proceeding, and, upon such election, the Borrower will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable for any legal costs subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Person (other than reasonable costs of investigation and providing evidence) in connection therewith, unless (i) the Borrower has failed to provide counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person in a timely manner (it being agreed that Foley & Lardner LLP shall be deemed to be reasonably satisfactory counsel for such purpose), (ii) the Indemnified Person determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate or (iii) the Indemnified Person reasonably determines that there may be legal defenses available to it which are different from, or in addition to those available to the Borrower. If the Borrower assumes the defense of any such action or proceeding, (a) it will be conclusively established for purposes of this Agreement that the claims made with respect thereto are subject to indemnification hereunder; (b) no compromise or settlement of such claims may be effected by the Borrower without the Indemnified Person’s consent and (c) the Indemnified Person will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such claims effected without its consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Indemnified Person determines in good faith that there is a reasonable probability that any action or proceeding may adversely affect it or its affiliates other than as a result of monetary damages for which it would be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such Indemnified Person many, by notice to the Borrower, assume the exclusive right to defend, compromise, or settle such action or proceeding, but the Borrower will not be bound (but will retain its indemnification obligations hereunder) by any

 

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determination of an action or proceeding so defended or any compromise or settlement effected without its consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld). In connection with any one action or proceeding, the Borrower will not be responsible for the fees and expenses of more than one separate law firm (in addition to local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons.

(d) The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.4 shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders hereunder and the termination of the Commitments. If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.4 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction thereof which is permissible under applicable law.

Section 8.5 Right of Set-off.

(a) Upon (i) the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and (ii) the making of the request or the granting of the consent by the Majority Lenders specified by Section 6.1 to authorize the Agent to declare all amounts owing hereunder due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1 , each Lender 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 indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under any Loan Document, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under such Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set off and application. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender may have.

(b) The Borrower agrees that it shall have no right of set-off, deduction or counterclaim in respect of its obligations hereunder, and that the obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a relinquishment or waiver of the Borrower’s rights to any independent claim that the Borrower may have against the Agent or any Lender for the Agent’s or such Lender’s, as the case may be, gross negligence or willful misconduct; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the conduct of the Agent or any other Lender; provided, further, that the Agent shall not be liable for the conduct of any Lender; provided , however that none of the Agent or any Lender shall be liable to the Borrower for any amounts representing indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages suffered by the Borrower.

Section 8.6 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Agent and when the Agent shall have been notified in writing by each Bank that such Bank has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders.

Section 8.7 Assignments and Participations.

 

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(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 the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of paragraph (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in paragraph (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Term Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Minimum Amounts .

(A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Term Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

(B) in any case not described in paragraph (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Term Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Lender Assignment with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Lender Assignment, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $1,000,000, unless each of the Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(ii) Proportionate Amounts . Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Term Loan or the Commitment assigned.

 

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(iii) Required Consents . No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:

(A) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; and

(B) the consent of the Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of (i) a Commitment if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a Commitment hereunder, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender or (ii) a Term Loan to a Person who is not a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

(iv) Lender Assignment . The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent a Lender Assignment, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3500 (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be paid by the Borrower), and the assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

(v) No Assignment to Borrower . No such assignment shall be made to the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

(vi) No Assignment to Natural Persons . No such assignment shall be made to a natural person.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Agent pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Lender Assignment, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Lender Assignment, 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 Lender Assignment, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of a Lender Assignment covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.13 , 2.17 and 8.4 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph 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 (d) of this Section.

(c) The Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in the United States a copy of each Lender Assignment delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Term 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 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.

 

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(d) Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Term Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver to any provision, governing or affecting any principal amount, interest rate or maturity of any obligations, that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (e) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.13 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 8.5 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18 as though it were a Lender.

(e) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.13 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.17 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.17(e) as though it were a Lender.

(f) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

Section 8.8 Confidentiality . Each of the Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information (as defined below), except that Confidential Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates as needed in connection with this Agreement and to its and such of its Affiliates’ respective managers, administrators, trustees, partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Confidential Information and instructed to keep such Confidential Information

 

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confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective 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 Confidential Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Agent, any Lender, or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.

For purposes of this Section, “Confidential Information” means all information received from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Confidential 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 Confidential Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

Section 8.9 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE AGENT, THE LENDERS AND THE BORROWER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK, SUCH LENDERS OR THE BORROWER. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.

Section 8.10 Governing Law. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. The Borrower, each Lender and the Agent (i) irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court sitting in New York City in any action arising out of any Loan Document, (ii) agrees that all claims in such action may be decided in such court, (iii) waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum and (iv) consents to the service of process by mail, provided that a copy shall be promptly sent by overnight courier to Foley & Lardner LLP, U.S. Bank Center, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5367, Attention: Emory Ireland, Esq. A final judgment in any such action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law or affect its right to bring any action in any other court.

 

57


Section 8.11 Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary. No term, provision or requirement, whether express or implied, of any Loan Document, or actions taken or to be taken by any party thereunder, shall be construed to create a partnership, association, or joint venture between such parties or any of them. No term or provision of the Loan Documents shall be construed to confer a benefit upon, or grant a right or privilege to, any Person other than the parties thereto.

Section 8.12 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

Section 8.13 Severability. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is prohibited by or invalid under the applicable law of any jurisdiction, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity and only in such jurisdiction, without prohibiting or invalidating such provision in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

Section 8.14 Disclosure of Information. The Borrower agrees and consents to the Agent’s disclosure of information relating to this transaction to Gold Sheets and other similar bank trade publications. Such information will consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications.

Section 8.15 USA Patriot Act Notice. Each Lender that is subject to the PATRIOT Act and the Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the 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 or the Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 8.16 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any Term Note and any other agreements, instruments and other documents required to be executed and delivered in connection herewith, represents the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter covered hereby.

Section 8.17 Treatment of Information. (a) Certain of the Lenders may enter into this Agreement and take or not take action hereunder or under the other Loan Documents on the basis of information that does not contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities (“ Restricting Information ”). Other Lenders may enter into this Agreement and take or not take action hereunder or under the other Loan Documents on the basis of information that may contain Restricting Information. Each Lender acknowledges that United States federal and state securities laws prohibit any person from purchasing or selling securities on the basis of material, non-public information concerning the such issuer of such securities or,

 

58


subject to certain limited exceptions, from communicating such information to any other Person. Neither the Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall, by making any Communications (including Restricting Information) available to a Lender, by participating in any conversations or other interactions with a Lender or otherwise, make or be deemed to make any statement with regard to or otherwise warrant that any such information or Communication does or does not contain Restricting Information nor shall the Agent or any of its Related Parties be responsible or liable in any way for any decision a Lender may make to limit or to not limit its access to Restricting Information. In particular, none of the Agent nor any of its Related Parties (i) shall have, and the Agent, on behalf of itself and each of its Related Parties, hereby disclaims, any duty to ascertain or inquire as to whether or not a Lender has or has not limited its access to Restricting Information, such Lender’s policies or procedures regarding the safeguarding of material, nonpublic information or such Lender’s compliance with applicable laws related thereto or (ii) shall have, or incur, any liability to the Borrower or any Lender or any of their respective Related Parties arising out of or relating to the Agent or any of its Related Parties providing or not providing Restricting Information to any Lender.

(b) The Borrower agrees that (i) all Communications it provides to the Agent intended for delivery to the Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” if such Communications do not contain Restricting Information which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof, and (ii) by marking Communications “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Agent and the Lenders to treat such Communications as either publicly available information or not material information (although, in this latter case, such Communications may contain sensitive business information and, therefore, remain subject to the confidentiality undertakings of Section 8.8 ) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws. Neither the Agent nor any of its Affiliates shall be responsible for any statement or other designation by the Borrower regarding whether a Communication contains or does not contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities nor shall the Agent or any of its Affiliates incur any liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person for any action taken by the Agent or any of its Affiliates based upon such statement or designation, including any action as a result of which Restricting Information is provided to a Lender that may decide not to take access to Restricting Information. Nothing in this Section 8.17 shall modify or limit a Lender’s obligations under Section 8.8 with regard to Communications and the maintenance of the confidentiality of or other treatment of Information.

(c) Each Lender acknowledges that circumstances may arise that require it to refer to Communications that might contain Restricting Information. Accordingly, each Lender agrees that it will nominate at least one designee to receive Communications (including Restricting Information) on its behalf and identify such designee (including such designee’s contact information) on such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire. Each Lender agrees to notify the Agent from time to time of such Lender’s designee’s e-mail address to which notice of the availability of Restricting Information may be sent by electronic transmission.

(d) Each Lender acknowledges that Communications delivered hereunder and under the other Loan Documents may contain Restricting Information and that such Communications are available to all Lenders generally. Each Lender that elects not to take access to Restricting Information does so voluntarily and, by such election, acknowledges and

 

59


agrees that the Agent and other Lenders may have access to Restricting Information that is not available to such electing Lender. None of the Agent nor any Lender with access to Restricting Information shall have any duty to disclose such Restricting Information to such electing Lender or to use such Restricting Information on behalf of such electing Lender, and shall not be liable for the failure to so disclose or use, such Restricting Information.

(e) The provisions of the foregoing clauses of this Section 8.17 are designed to assist the Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower, in complying with their respective contractual obligations and applicable law in circumstances where certain Lenders express a desire not to receive Restricting Information notwithstanding that certain Communications hereunder or under the other Loan Documents or other information provided to the Lenders hereunder or thereunder may contain Restricting Information. Neither the Agent nor any of its Related Parties warrants or makes any other statement with respect to the adequacy of such provisions to achieve such purpose nor does the Agent or any of its Related Parties warrant or make any other statement to the effect that the Borrower’s or a Lender’s adherence to such provisions will be sufficient to ensure compliance by the Borrower or such Lender with its contractual obligations or its duties under applicable law in respect of Restricting Information and each of the Lenders and the Borrower assumes the risks associated therewith.

[Signatures to Follow]

 

60


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By:  

/s/    Patricia L. Kampling

Name:   Patricia L. Kampling
Title:   Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Credit Agreement Signature Page


CITIBANK, N.A., as Agent and as Lender
By:  

/s/    Todd C. Davis

Name:   Todd C. Davis
Title:   Vice President

 

Credit Agreement Signature Page


JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Lender
By:  

/s/    Jennifer Fitzgerald

Name:   Jennifer Fitzgerald
Title:   Associate

 

Credit Agreement Signature Page


EXHIBIT 1.1(a)

[FORM OF] TERM NOTE

New York, New York

September 16, 2009

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to                                          or registered assigns (the “ Lender ”), in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Term Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the Borrower under that certain $200,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2009 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the Borrower, the Lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as Agent.

The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan owing to the Lender from the date of such Term Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Credit Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in same day funds at the Agent’s address referred to in Section 8.2 of the Credit Agreement. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Credit Agreement.

This Term Note is one of the Term Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Credit Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Term Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Credit Agreement. Term Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts maintained by the Lender in accordance with its usual practice. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Term Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Advances and payments with respect thereto.

Except as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, the Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Term Note.

 

1


THIS TERM NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By:                                                                                                   
Name:                                                                                             
Title:                                                                                               

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

          Date          

   Type of
Advance
Made
   Amount of
Advance

Made
   End of
Interest
Period
   Amount of
Principal or
Interest

Paid This
Date
   Outstanding
Principal
Balance

This Date
   Notation
Made By

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

___________

   ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________

 

3


EXHIBIT 2.2(b)

[FORM OF] NOTICE OF BORROWING

Date:                      , 2009

 

To: Citibank, N.A., as Agent

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain $200,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2009 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Alliant Energy Corporation, the Lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as Agent.

 

  1. The undersigned Borrower hereby requests a Borrowing of Advances:

 

  a.

On                                          (a Business Day). 1

 

  b. In the amount of $                                  .

 

  c. Comprised of                                          .

                                                 [Type of Advance requested]

 

  d.

For Eurodollar Rate Advances: with an Interest Period of                      . 2

 

  e. The account(s) to which the proceeds of the Borrowing requested hereby are to be disbursed is/are                                  .

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

By:                                                                                                   

Name:                                                                                            

Title:                                                                                               

 

1

The date of the Borrowing must be the Early Payment Date or the Final Payment Date

2

See definition of “Interest Period”

 

1


EXHIBIT 2.11

[FORM OF] NOTICE OF CONVERSION

Date:                      , 2009

 

To: Citibank, N.A., as Agent

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain $200,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2009 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Alliant Energy Corporation, the Lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as Agent.

Pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned Borrower hereby requests conversion of the following Advances to be made as follows:

 

Date of Conversion

   Advances
to be

Converted
   Amount to be
Converted
   For Eurodollar Rate Advances
only - Requested Interest Period
(seven days, fourteen days, or 1 or

2 months )

_________

   __________    ______________    ________________________

_________

   __________    ______________    ________________________

_________

   __________    ______________    ________________________

_________

   __________    ______________    ________________________

The undersigned hereby certifies that, if it is converting Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances or selecting a new Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. 1

This Notice of Conversion may, upon execution, be delivered by facsimile or electronic mail, in accordance with Section 8.2 of the Credit Agreement, which shall be deemed for all purposes to be an original signature.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

1

The Borrower may not Convert Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances and may not select a new Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances at any time an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.


ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

2


EXHIBIT 3.1(A)(VIII)(A)

FORM OF OPINION OF

FOLEY & LARDNER LLP

September 16, 2009

To each of the Banks parties to the

    Credit Agreement referred to below,

    and to Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent

Re: Alliant Energy Corporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(A) of the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2009 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Alliant Energy Corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “ Agent ”). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

We have acted as counsel for the Borrower in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date (the “ Closing ”) under, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity we have examined:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Fee Letter, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Borrower and the Agent (the “ Agent Fee Letter ”);

(iii) the Fee Letter, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Borrower and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “ JPM Fee Letter ” and collectively with the Agent Fee Letter the “ Fee Letters ”);

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, we have examined the originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established by us, relied upon certificates of the Borrower or its officers, including the officer’s certificate annexed hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Officer’s Certificate ”), or of public officials.

 


September 16, 2009

Page 2

We have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to the Credit Agreement (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to us as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower), (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to us as copies and (v) the enforceability of all documents against parties thereto other than the Borrower.

Our opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of New York, the laws of the State of Wisconsin and the Federal laws of the United States of America in effect on the date hereof as they presently apply and we express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.

Based upon the foregoing, but subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. Based solely upon a certificate issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Borrower is a validly existing corporation, has filed its most recent annual report required by the Wisconsin Statutes and has not filed Articles of Dissolution as of the date of such certificate.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement and the Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws, or (b) any law, rule or regulation, or (c) any order or judgment of which we have knowledge applicable to the Borrower. The Credit Agreement and the Fee Letters have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, or the enforcement thereof by the Agent and the Lenders.

4. The Credit Agreement and the Fee Letters are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

5. The Borrower is not an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

6. Neither the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents by the Borrower, nor the Borrower’s performance of its obligations thereunder, will result in any violation of Regulation U, T or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.


September 16, 2009

Page 3

Wherever we indicate that our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts is “to our knowledge” or the like, our opinion is, with your permission, based solely on the Officer’s Certificate and the current conscious awareness of facts or other information of the attorneys currently with our firm who have represented the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement.

Our opinion set forth in paragraph 4 above is limited by:

 

  (a) Applicable bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, and other laws and judicially developed doctrines relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally;

 

  (b) General principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and limitations on the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies;

 

  (c) The possibility that certain rights, remedies and waivers in the Loan Documents may not be enforceable; nevertheless, such unenforceability will not render any of the Loan Documents invalid as a whole or preclude (i) judicial enforcement of the obligation of Borrower to repay the principal, together with interest thereon (to the extent not deemed a penalty) as provided in the Credit Agreement; or (ii) acceleration of the obligation of Borrower to repay such principal, together with such interest, upon a material default in a material provision of the Loan Documents, and each Loan Document contains legally adequate provisions for the practical realization of the principal legal rights and benefits afforded by it; and

 

  (d) The requirement that the enforcing party act in good faith in exercising its rights under the Loan Documents.

These opinions are given as of the date hereof, they are intended to apply only to those facts and circumstances that exist as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation or responsibility to update or supplement these opinions to reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in laws that may hereafter occur, or to inform the addressee of any change in circumstances occurring after the date hereof that would alter the opinions rendered herein.


September 16, 2009

Page 4

This opinion is limited to the matters set forth herein, and no opinion may be inferred or implied beyond the matters expressly contained herein. Except as expressly set forth herein, this opinion is being provided solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the Agent and the Lenders in connection with the Credit Agreement, and is being rendered solely for the benefit of the addressees hereof, their participants, assignees and transferees. This opinion may not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, relied upon by any other party, or filed with or disclosed to any governmental authority other than a court in connection with the enforcement or protection of the rights or remedies of the Agent and/or the Lenders under the Credit Agreement or to a banking examiner or regulator in connection with an examination of the Agent and/or the Lenders by such governmental authority, without our prior written consent.


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

September 16, 2009

To each of the Banks parties to the

    Credit Agreement referred to below,

    and to Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent

Re: Alliant Energy Corporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(B) of the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2009 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Alliant Energy Corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

I am Senior Attorney of the Borrower and have acted as such in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date under (the “ Closing ”), the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity I have examined, or have arranged for the examination by an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision of:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Fee Letter, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Borrower and the Agent (the “ Agent Fee Letter ”);

(iii) the Fee Letter, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Borrower and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “ JPM Fee Letter ” and collectively with the Agent Fee Letter the “ Fee Letters ”);

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have examined the originals, or copies certified to my or their satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the


Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as I or such attorneys have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, I or such attorneys have, when relevant facts were not independently established by me or by them, relied upon certificates of the Borrower or its officers or of public officials.

I have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to such document (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to me as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower) and (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to me as copies.

I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have made such examination of law as in my or their judgment is necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. I and such attorneys do not, however, purport to be qualified to pass upon, and express no opinion as to, the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

1. The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of the property owned or leased by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement and Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws; (b) any law, rule, regulation, order or judgment applicable to the Borrower; (c) any contractual restriction arising under any indenture or other agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness of the Borrower; or (d) to my knowledge, any other legal or contractual restriction binding on or affecting the Borrower or its properties; and such execution, delivery and performance do not result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties under any indenture or other agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness of the Borrower. The Credit Agreement and Fee Letters has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, or the enforcement thereof by the Agent and the Lenders.

4. There is no pending or, to my knowledge, threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or its properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that could reasonably be expected, if adversely determined, to materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition, operations, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower, or

 

2


affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.

My opinions herein are limited to the matters expressed herein, and no other opinions are or may be implied or inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. Except as expressly set forth herein, this opinion is being provided solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the Agent and the Lenders in connection with the Credit Agreement, and is being rendered solely for the benefit of the addressees hereof, their participants, assignees and transferees. This opinion may not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, relied upon by any other party, or filed with or disclosed to any governmental authority other than a court in connection with the enforcement or protection of the rights or remedies of the Agent and/or the Lenders under the Credit Agreement or to a banking examiner or regulator in connection with an examination of the Agent and/or the Lenders by such governmental authority, without my prior written consent. I authorize Foley & Lardner LLP, counsel to the Borrower, to rely on this opinion respecting matters covered by or relating to the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

The opinions expressed herein are given as of the date hereof, and I make no undertaking to supplement such opinions if, after the date hereof, facts or circumstances come to my attention or changes in law occur which could affect such opinions.

Very truly yours,

 

3


EXHIBIT 8.7

[FORM OF] ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

This Assignment and Acceptance (the “ Assignment and Acceptance ”) is dated as of the Assignment Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between the Assignor identified in item 1 below (the “ Assignor ”) and the Assignee identified in item 2 below (the “ Assignee ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Acceptance as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Assignment Effective Date inserted by the Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by the Assignor to the Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “ Assigned Interest ”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.   

Assignor:

  

_________________________________

     

_________________________________

2.    Assignee:   

_________________________________

     

_________________________________

   [for the Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [ identify Lender ]]
3.    Borrower:    Alliant Energy Corporation
4.    Agent:    Citibank, N.A., as the Agent under the Credit Agreement

5. Credit Agreement: The $200,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of September 16, 2009 among Alliant Energy Corporation, the Lenders parties thereto, Citibank, N.A., as Agent, and the other parties thereto


6. Assigned Interest:

 

Assignor

   Assignee    Aggregate
Amount of
Commitment/
Loans for all
Lenders 1
   Amount of
Commitment/

Loans
Assigned 3
   Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment/
Loans 2
    CUSIP
Number
      $                 $                               
      $      $                    
      $      $                    

[7. Trade Date:                          ] 3

[Page break]

 

1

Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Assignment Effective Date.

2

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

3

To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.


Assignment Effective Date:                               , 2009 [TO BE INSERTED BY AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Acceptance are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By:  

 

Title:  
ASSIGNEE [NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
By  

 

Title:  

 

[Consented to and] 4 Accepted:
CITIBANK, N.A., as Agent
By  

 

Title:  
[Consented to:] 5
ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
By  

 

Title:  

 

4

To be added only if the consent of the Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

5

To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.


ANNEX 1

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1 Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 8.7(b)(iii), (v) and (vi) of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 8.7(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Assignment Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h) thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase the Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase the Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached to the Assignment and Acceptance is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan


Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

2. Payments. From and after the Assignment Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Assignment Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Assignment Effective Date. 1

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Acceptance by telecopy or electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Acceptance. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

1

The Agent should consider whether this method conforms to its systems. In some circumstances, the following alternative language may be appropriate:

“From and after the Assignment Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignee whether such amounts have accrued prior to, on or after the Assignment Effective Date. The Assignor and the Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments by the Agent for periods prior to the Assignment Effective Date or with respect to the making of this assignment directly between themselves.”


SCHEDULE I

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

 

Name of Lender

   Commitment   

Domestic Lending Office

  

Eurodollar Lending Office

CITIBANK, N.A.

   $ 120,000,000   

Two Penns Way, Ste. 200

New Castle, Delaware 19720

Attention: Bank Loan Syndications

Fax: 212-994-0161

  

Two Penns Way, Ste. 200

New Castle, Delaware 19720

Attention: Bank Loan Syndications

Fax: 212-994-0161

JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

   $ 80,000,000   

10 S. Dearborn Street

Chicago, Illinois 60603

  

10 S. Dearborn Street

Chicago, Illinois 60603

TOTAL

   $ 200,000,000      

 

Sch. I-1


SCHEDULE II

EXISTING SYNTHETIC LEASES

Existing Synthetic Leases for Wisconsin Power and Light Company :

1. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated November 1, 1993. Amount owed as of September 1, 2009 is $10,241,660.15.

2. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated March 15, 1995. Amount owed as of September 1, 2009 is $4,163,983.62.

3. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated September 30, 1992. Amount owed as of September 1, 2009 is $5,992,455.45.

4. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated November 2, 1993. Amount owed as of September 1, 2009 is $2,946,680.37.

Existing Synthetic Leases for Interstate Power and Light Company :

1. Master Leasing Agreement, dated July 15, 1995. Amount owed currently is $4,387,076.25 (lease terminates on 10/31/09).

Existing Synthetic Leases for Alliant Energy Corporate Services, Inc. :

1. Lease, dated April 19, 2000, amended April 19, 2007. Amount owed currently is $47,744,531.41.

 

Sch. II-1


SCHEDULE III

EXISTING LIENS

1. Liens in favor of wholly owned Subsidiaries.

2. Liens, if any, evidenced by existing synthetic leases listed in Schedule II.

3. Liens securing payment on Sheboygan Power, LLC Senior Secured Notes due 2025.

4. Property pledged as security for any of the following bond issues:

 

   

Pollution Control Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds (Interstate Power and Light Company Project) Series 2005, issued by the Iowa Finance Authority

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2006A (Carlton), issued by the Town of Carlton, Wisconsin

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding revenue Bonds, Series 2006B (Sheboygan), issued by the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin

5. Commercial Loan Agreement and Mortgage dated April 19, 2004, between Blairs Ferry Limited Partnership (Borrower/Mortgagor) and Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company (Lender/Mortgagee).

6. Promissory Note and Mortgage dated March 20, 1995, between Blairs Ferry Limited Partnership (Borrower/Mortgagor) and Iowa Department of Economic Development (Lender/Mortgagee).

7. Promissory Note dated April 1, 2007, between Blairs Ferry Limited Partnership (Borrower) and Four Oaks of Iowa (Lender).

 

Sch. III-1


SCHEDULE IV

LIST OF INDENTURES

The following indentures, as amended and supplemented from time to time:

1. Indenture, dated as of June 20, 1997, between Wisconsin Power and Light Company and Firstar Trust Company (n/ka/ U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee, relating to debt securities.

2. Indenture (for Senior Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of August 1, 1997, between Interstate Power and Light Company (formerly IES Utilities Inc.) and The First National Bank of Chicago (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor), as Trustee.

3. Indenture, dated as of November 4, 1999, among Alliant Energy Resources, Inc., Alliant Energy Corporation, as Guarantor, and Firstar Bank, N.A. (n/k/a U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee.

4. Indenture (for Senior Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of August 20, 2003, between Interstate Power and Light Company and Bank One Trust Company, National Association (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor), as Trustee.

5. Collateral Trust Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2005, between Sheboygan Power, LLC (Issuer) and LaSalle Bank National Association (Collateral Trustee).

 

Sch. IV-1

Exhibit 4.8

Execution Version

Syndicated CUSIP NO. 97682TAA5

 

 

 

$250,000,000

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

FIVE YEAR

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 7 , 2006

Among

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

as Borrower

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN

as Banks

and

WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

 

 

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

as Syndication Agent

WACHOVIA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

and

BARCLAYS CAPITAL

Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

and

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

as Documentation Agents

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

         Page
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1

  Certain Defined Terms    2

Section 1.2

  Computation of Time Periods    17

Section 1.3

  Computations of Outstandings    18

Section 1.4

  Accounting Terms    18
ARTICLE II   
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT   

Section 2.1

  The Advances    18

Section 2.2

  Making the Advances    19

Section 2.3

  Funding Reliance    22

Section 2.4

  Letters of Credit    22

Section 2.5

  Fees    26

Section 2.6

  Changes in the Commitments    27

Section 2.7

  Repayment of Advances    29

Section 2.8

  Interest on Advances    29

Section 2.9

  Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances    30

Section 2.10

  Interest Rate Determination    30

Section 2.11

  Voluntary Conversion of Advances    31

Section 2.12

  Optional Prepayments of Advances    32

Section 2.13

  Increased Costs    32

Section 2.14

  Illegality    33

Section 2.15

  Payments and Computations    34

Section 2.16

  Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness    35

Section 2.17

  Taxes    35

Section 2.18

  Sharing of Payments, Etc    37

Section 2.19

  Extension of Termination Date    37

Section 2.20

  Replacement of Lenders    39
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 3.1

  Conditions Precedent to Amendment Effective Date    39

Section 3.2

  Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit    41

Section 3.3

  Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit On or After Any Trigger Date    42

Section 3.4

  Reliance on Certificates    43

 

i


ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1

  Representations and Warranties of the Borrower    43
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

Section 5.1

  Affirmative Covenants    45

Section 5.2

  Negative Covenants    49
ARTICLE VI
EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 6.1

  Events of Default    53

Section 6.2

  Cash Collateral Account    55
ARTICLE VII
THE AGENT

Section 7.1

  Authorization and Action    55

Section 7.2

  Agent’s Reliance, Etc    56

Section 7.3

  Wachovia and Affiliates    56

Section 7.4

  Lender Credit Decision    57

Section 7.5

  Indemnification    57

Section 7.6

  Successor Agent    57

Section 7.7

  Delegation of Duties    58

Section 7.8

  No Other Duties, Etc    58

Section 7.9

  LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender    58
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1

  Amendments, Etc    58

Section 8.2

  Notices, Etc    59

Section 8.3

  No Waiver; Remedies    59

Section 8.4

  Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification    59

Section 8.5

  Right of Set-off    62

Section 8.6

  Binding Effect    62

Section 8.7

  Assignments and Participations    62

Section 8.8

  Confidentiality    66

Section 8.9

  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    67

Section 8.10

  Governing Law    67

 

ii


Section 8.11

   Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary    67

Section 8.12

   Execution in Counterparts    67

Section 8.13

   Severability    68

Section 8.14

   Disclosure of Information    68

Section 8.15

   USA Patriot Act Notice    68

Section 8.16

   Entire Agreement    68

 

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

Exhibit 1.1(a)

 

   Form of Revolving Note

Exhibit 1.1(b)

 

   Form of Swingline Note

Exhibit 1.1(c)

 

   Form of Term Note

Exhibit 2.2(b)

 

   Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit 2.2(c)

 

   Form of Notice of Swingline Borrowing

Exhibit 2.4

 

   Form of Request for Issuance

Exhibit 2.11

 

   Form of Notice of Conversion

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A)

     Form of Opinion of Foley & Lardner LLP

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

     Form of Opinion of In-house Counsel

Exhibit 8.7

     Form of Lender Assignment

Schedule I

     Commitment Schedule

Schedule II

     Existing Synthetic Leases

Schedule III

     Existing Liens

 

iii


AMENDED AND RESTATED

FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 7 , 2006

THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made by and among:

 

  (i) WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”),

 

  (ii) the banks (the “ Banks ”) listed on the signature pages hereof and the other Lenders (as hereinafter defined) from time to time party hereto, and

 

  (iii) WACHOVIA BANK , NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“ Wachovia ”), as administrative agent (the “ Agent ”) for the Lenders hereunder and as a LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender (as defined below).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

(1) The Borrower has entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2005 (such agreement, as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “ Existing Facility ”) with Wachovia, as administrative agent, Barclays Bank PLC, as syndication agent and the other lenders and agents party thereto.

(2) The Borrower has requested that the parties to the Existing Facility amend and restate the terms of the Existing Facility, and replace the extensions of credit thereunder (including the advances and letters of credit governed by the terms of the Existing Facility), with this Agreement.

(3) The parties hereto agree that from and after the effectiveness of this Agreement, the obligations under the Existing Facility, including the terms of the extensions of credit outstanding thereunder, shall be continued as, and evidenced by, the Advances, Letters of Credit, this Agreement and other Loan Documents.

(4) The Lenders have indicated their willingness to continue extensions of credit under the Existing Facility as Advances and Letters of Credit hereunder, and make additional Advances and continue existing or issue additional Letters of Credit on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

Additional Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d) .

Advance ” means any or all of the Term Loans, the Revolving Advances and the Swingline Advances.

Affected Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

Affected Lender Advance ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling (including but not limited to all directors and officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another entity if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

Agent ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Aggregate Available Commitment ” means the aggregate of the Lenders’ Available Commitment hereunder.

Aggregate Commitment ” means the total of each Lenders’ Commitment hereunder.

Alternate Base Rate ” means a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the higher of:

(i) the rate of interest announced publicly by Wachovia or from time to time, as its corporate base rate or prime rate of interest; and

(ii) 1/2 of one percent per annum above the Federal Funds Rate.

Each change in the Alternate Base Rate shall take effect concurrently with any change in such base rate or prime rate or the Federal Funds Rate.

Amendment Effective Date ” means the day upon which each of the applicable conditions precedent enumerated in Section 3.1 shall be fulfilled to the satisfaction of, or waived with the consent of, the Lenders, the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Borrower. All transactions contemplated herein shall take place on a Business Day on or prior to November 7, 2006, or such later Business Day as the parties hereto may mutually agree.

 

2


Applicable Lending Office ” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of a Base Rate Advance and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Applicable Margin ” means, for any Eurodollar Rate Advance or Base Rate Advance, (i) on any date the Utilization Percentage equals or is less than 50%, the number of basis points set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 below, opposite the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate, as applicable, and (ii) on any date (A) the Utilization Percentage exceeds 50% or (B) after the Borrower’s exercise of the Term-Out Option pursuant to Section 2.1(c) , the number of basis points set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 below, opposite the Utilized Eurodollar Rate or the Utilized Base Rate, as applicable; provided that upon the Borrower’s exercise of the Term-Out Option, 25 basis points shall be added to the “Applicable Margin” for all Eurodollar Rate Advances and Base Rate Advances from and including the Termination Date to the payment in full of the Term Loans:

 

BASIS FOR PRICING

   LEVEL 1
Reference
Ratings at
least AA- by
S&P or Aa3
by Moody’s.
   LEVEL 2
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 1
but at least
A+ by S&P
or A1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 3
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 2
but at least
A by S&P
or A2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 4
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 3
but at least
A- by S&P
or A3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 5
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 4

but at least
BBB+ by S&P
or Baa1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 6
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 5
but at least
BBB by S&P
or Baa2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 7
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 6.*

Basis Points Per Annum

                    

Eurodollar Rate

   8.5    10.5    15.0    19.0    27.0    35.0    42.5

Base Rate

   0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0

Utilized Eurodollar Rate

   13.5    15.5    20.0    24.0    32.0    40.0    52.5

Utilized Base Rate

   5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    10.0

 

* or unrated

The Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the Reference Ratings at the time of determination, subject, however, to the following: if the Reference Ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s do not fall within the same Level on the grid above (i.e., a “split rating”) and: (i) the difference consists of one Level, the Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the higher of such Reference Ratings, or (ii) the difference consists of two or more Levels, the Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to a notional Reference Rating that falls at the midpoint between the actual Reference Ratings (or if no Reference Rating on the grid above corresponds to such midpoint, the next higher Reference Rating), unless, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, either Reference Rating is below BBB- (in the case of S&P) or Baa3 (in the case of Moody’s) or the applicable debt securities are, or the Borrower is, as applicable, unrated, in which case the Applicable Margin will be based upon Level 7. Any change in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in the Reference Ratings shall be effective, as to any Advance, as of the date on which the applicable rating agency announces the applicable change in ratings.

 

3


Applicable Rate ” means:

(i) in the case of each Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time;

(ii) in the case of each Eurodollar Rate Advance comprising part of the same Borrowing, a rate per annum during each Interest Period equal at all times to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time during such Interest Period; and

(iii) in the case of each LIBOR Market Interest Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the sum of the LIBOR Monthly Index Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin in effect for a Eurodollar Rate Advance from time to time.

Available Commitment ” means, for each Lender at any time on any day, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) such Lender’s Commitment then in effect over (ii) such Lender’s Credit Exposure, computed after giving effect to all Extensions of Credit made or to be made on such day, the application of proceeds therefrom, all prepayments and repayments of Advances made on such day and all reductions in the LC Outstandings made on such day.

Bankruptcy Event ” means the occurrence of any actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

Banks ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Barclays Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated October 6, 2006, among the Parent, the Borrower, IPL, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital.

Base Rate Advance ” means an Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(a) .

Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Borrowing ” means the incurrence by the Borrower (including as a result of conversion of Revolving Advances into Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.1(c) and Conversions of outstanding Advances pursuant to Section 2.11 ) on a single date of a group of Advances of a single Class and Type (or a Swingline Advance made by the Swingline Lender) and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Business Day ” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City, Charlotte, North Carolina or Madison, Wisconsin and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advance or LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

 

4


Capitalized Lease Obligations ” means obligations to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real and/or personal property which obligation is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and for purposes hereof the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount determined in accordance with such principles.

Cash and Cash Equivalents ” means, with respect to any Person, the aggregate amount of the following, to the extent owned by such Person free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances and rights of others and not subject to any judicial, regulatory or other legal constraint: (i) cash on hand; (ii) Dollar demand deposits maintained in the United States with any commercial bank and Dollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank which has an office in the United States and which has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000; (iii) eurodollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or eurodollar certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank having outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating unsecured bank indebtedness); (iv) direct obligations of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States and having a maturity of one year or less; (v) commercial paper rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A-1 or P-1 or better by S&P or Moody’s, respectively (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating commercial paper), and having a maturity of one year or less; (vi) obligations with any Lender or any other commercial bank in respect of the repurchase of obligations of the type described in clause (iv) above, provided that such repurchase obligations shall be fully secured by obligations of the type described in said clause (iv) and the possession of such obligations shall be transferred to, and segregated from other obligations owned by, such Lender or such other commercial bank; and (vii) preferred stock of any Person that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating preferred stock of entities engaged in such businesses).

Cash Collateral Account ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.2 .

Class ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(a) .

Commitment ” means, for each Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make Revolving Advances to the Borrower and to participate in the Swingline Advances and reimbursement obligations of the Borrower in respect of Letters of Credit in an amount no greater than the amount set forth on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into one or more Lender Assignments or is an Additional Lender or an Increasing Lender, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Agent pursuant to

Section 8.7(c) , in each such case as such amount may be reduced from time to time or increased pursuant to Section 2.6 .

“Commitment Increase” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d) .

 

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Commitment Increase Approvals ” means resolutions of the board of directors of the Borrower authorizing the Commitment Increase.

Confidential Information ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.8 .

Consent Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Consolidated Capital ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the sum of (i) Consolidated Debt of such Person, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iv) the aggregate outstanding amount of Hybrid Securities, and (v) consolidated equity of the preferred stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, in each case determined at such date in accordance with GAAP, excluding, however, from such calculation, amounts identified as “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” in the financial statements of the Borrower set forth in the Borrower’s Report on Form 10-K or 10-Q, as the case may be, filed most recently with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the date of such determination.

Consolidated Debt ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the aggregate Debt of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Debt of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) the aggregate outstanding Debt evidenced by Hybrid Securities to the extent that the total book value of such securities does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Capital as of the date of determination.

Consolidated Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person whose accounts are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

Convert ”, “ Conversion ” and “ Converted ” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type, or to the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Advances, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 2.10 or Section 2.11 .

Credit Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Advances made by such Lender outstanding at such time, (ii) such Lender’s Percentage of the LC Outstandings at such time and (iii) such Lender’s (other than the Swingline Lender’s) Percentage of the Swingline Advances outstanding at such time.

Debenture Indenture ” means that certain Indenture, dated as of June 20, 1997, between the Borrower and Firstar Trust Company (n/k/a U.S. Bank, National Association), as Trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Debt ” means, for any Person, any and all indebtedness, liabilities and other monetary obligations of such Person (without duplication), (i) for borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (ii) to pay the deferred purchase price of property

 

6


or services (except trade accounts payable arising and repaid in the ordinary course of business), (iii) Capitalized Lease Obligations, (iv) under reimbursement or similar agreements with respect to letters of credit (other than trade letters of credit) issued to support indebtedness or obligations of such Person or of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above and clause (v) below, (v) reasonably quantifiable obligations under direct guaranties or indemnities, or under support agreements, in respect of, and reasonably quantifiable obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, or to assure an obligee against failure to make payment in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above, and (vi) incurred in connection with any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease or similar off-balance sheet financing product treated as an operating lease for financial accounting purposes and a capital lease for federal income tax purposes, in each case that is entered into after the Amendment Effective Date, but excluding the obligations under the Existing Synthetic Leases, including any extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing thereof; provided that if the aggregate amount owing in respect of all such Existing Synthetic Leases, after giving effect to any such extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing, exceeds the aggregate amount owed as of the Amendment Effective Date, such excess shall be included as Debt.

Default Rate ” means (i) with respect to the unpaid principal of or interest on any Advance, the greater of (A) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for such Advance and (B) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances and (ii) with respect to any other unpaid amount hereunder, 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances.

Dollars ” and the sign “ $ ” each means lawful money of the United States.

Domestic Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

Eligible Assignee ” means (i) a commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof; (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the OECD, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; (iii) the central bank of any country that is a member of the OECD; and (iv) any other commercial bank or other financial institution engaged generally in the business of extending credit or purchasing debt instruments; provided , however , that (A) any such Person shall also (1) have outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such rating agencies is then in the business of rating unsecured indebtedness of entities engaged in such businesses) or (2) have combined capital and surplus (as established in its most recent report of condition to its primary regulator) of not less than $250,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), and (B) any Person described in clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, on the date on which it is to become a Lender hereunder, (x) be entitled to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States Federal income taxes (as contemplated by Section 2.17 ) and (y) not be incurring any losses, costs or expenses of the type for which such Person could demand payment under Section 2.13 .

 

7


Equity Interests ” means, (i) with respect to a corporation, shares of common stock of such corporation or any other interest convertible or exchangeable into any such interest, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, a membership interest in such company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, a partnership interest in such partnership, and (iv) with respect to any other Person, an interest in such Person analogous to interests described in clauses (i) through (iii).

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of which such Person is a member and which is under common control within the meaning of the regulations under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or Section 4001 of ERISA, in each case, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Event ” means (i) the occurrence of a reportable event, within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, unless the 30 day notice requirement with respect thereto has been waived by the PBGC; (ii) the provision by the administrator of any Plan of notice of intent to terminate such Plan, pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA (including any such notice with respect to a plan amendment referred to in Section 4041(e) of ERISA); (iii) the cessation of operations at a facility in the circumstances described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal by the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent from a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan during a plan year for which it was a “substantial employer”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (v) the failure by the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent to make a payment to a Plan required under Section 302(f)(1) of ERISA, which failure results in the imposition of a lien for failure to make required payments; (vi) the adoption of an amendment to a Plan requiring the provision of security to such Plan, pursuant to Section 307 of ERISA; or (vii) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Plan, pursuant to Section 4042 of ERISA, or the occurrence of any event or condition which might reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, a Plan.

Eurocurrency Liabilities ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

Eurodollar Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

Eurodollar Rate ” means, for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate per annum equal to the average (rounded

 

8


upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the rate per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the principal office of each of the Reference Banks in London, England to prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount substantially equal to such Reference Bank’s Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of such Borrowing and for a period equal to such Interest Period. The Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing shall be determined by the Agent on the basis of applicable rates furnished to and received by the Agent from the Reference Banks two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 2.10 .

Eurodollar Rate Advance ” means an Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) that bears interest as provided in

Section 2.8(b) .

Eurodollar Reserve Percentage ” of any Lender for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable to such Lender during such Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under Regulation D or other regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) then applicable to such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

Events of Default ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.1 .

Existing Facility ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the first Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.

Existing Synthetic Leases ” means all synthetic leases existing on the Amendment Effective Date and set forth on Schedule II.

Extension Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Extension Notice ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Extension of Credit ” means (i) the disbursement of the proceeds of any Borrowing and (ii) the issuance of a Letter of Credit or the amendment of any Letter of Credit having the effect of extending the stated termination date thereof or increasing the maximum amount available to be drawn thereunder.

Facility Fee ” means a fee that shall be payable on the aggregate amount of the Commitment of each Lender, irrespective of usage, payable to each Lender on the amount of its Commitment at the rate (expressed in basis points per annum) set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 based on the Reference Ratings.

 

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BASIS FOR PRICING

   LEVEL 1
Reference
Ratings at
least AA- by
S&P or Aa3
by Moody’s.
   LEVEL 2
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 1
but at least
A+ by S&P
or A1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 3
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 2
but at least

A by S&P
or A2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 4
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 3
but at least
A- by S&P
or A3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 5
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 4
but at least
BBB+ by S&P

or Baa1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 6
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 5
but at least
BBB by S&P

or Baa2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 7
Reference
Ratings less
than Level 6.*

Facility Fee (bps)

   4.0    4.5    5.0    6.0    8.0    10.0    12.5

 

* or unrated

The Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the Reference Ratings at the time of determination, subject, however, to the following: if the Reference Ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s do not fall within the same Level on the grid above ( i.e. , a “split rating”) and: (i) the difference consists of one Level, the Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the higher of such Reference Ratings, or (ii) the difference consists of two or more Levels, the Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to a notional Reference Rating that falls at the midpoint between the actual Reference Ratings (or if no Reference Rating on the grid above corresponds to such midpoint, the next higher Reference Rating), unless, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, either Reference Rating is below BBB- (in the case of S&P) or Baa3 (in the case of Moody’s) or the applicable debt securities are, or the Borrower is, as applicable, unrated, in which case the Facility Fee will be based upon Level 7. Any change in the Facility Fee resulting from a change in the Reference Ratings shall be effective as of the date on which the applicable rating agency announces the applicable change in ratings.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Fee Letters ” means the Wachovia Fee Letter and the Barclays Fee Letter.

First Mortgage Bond Indenture ” means that certain Indenture of Mortgage or Deed of Trust, dated August 1, 1941, between the Borrower and First Wisconsin Trust Company (n/k/a U.S. Bank, National Association) and George B. Luhman (Richard H. Prokosch, successor), as Trustees, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Future PSC Order ” means an order of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin or other action by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin or its staff required in order for the Borrower to receive Extensions of Credit for the term of this Agreement.

GAAP ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 1.4 .

 

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Governmental Approval ” means any authorization, consent, approval, license, franchise, lease, ruling, tariff, rate, permit, certificate, exemption of, or filing or registration with, any governmental authority or other legal or regulatory body.

Granting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(i) .

Hazardous Substance ” means any waste, substance, or material identified as hazardous, dangerous or toxic by any office, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, or instrumentality of the United States or of the State or locality in which the same is located having or exercising jurisdiction over such waste, substance or material.

Hostile Acquisition ” means any acquisition involving a tender offer or proxy contest that has not been recommended or approved by the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Person that is the subject of such acquisition prior to the first public announcement or disclosure relating to such acquisition.

Hybrid Securities ” means any hybrid securities consisting of trust preferred securities or deferrable interest subordinated debt securities issued by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or financing vehicle of the Borrower that (i) has an original maturity of at least 20 years and (ii) requires no repayments or prepayments and no mandatory redemptions or repurchases, in each case, prior to at least 91 days after the occurrence of the Maturity Date.

Increasing Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d) .

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.4(c) .

Indentures ” means the Debenture Indenture and the First Mortgage Bond Indenture.

Initial Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d)(iii) .

Interest Period ” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such a Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be 1, 2, 3 or 6 months, as the Borrower may, upon notice received by the Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the third Business Day prior to the first day of such Interest Period, select; provided , however , that:

(i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Maturity Date;

(ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration; and

(iii) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, in the case of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate

 

11


Advance, that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

IPL ” means Interstate Power and Light Company, an Iowa corporation.

ISP ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.10 .

Joint Lead Arrangers ” shall mean, collectively, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Barclays Capital, the Investment Banking Division of Barclays Bank PLC.

LC Fee ” is defined in Section 2.5(b) .

LC Issuing Bank ” means Wachovia.

LC Outstandings ” means, on any date of determination, the sum of the undrawn stated amounts of all Letters of Credit that are outstanding on such date plus the aggregate principal amount of all unpaid reimbursement obligations of the Borrower on such date with respect to payments made by the LC Issuing Bank under Letters of Credit.

LC Payment Notice ” is defined in Section 2.4(d) .

Lender Assignment ” means an assignment and acceptance agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.7 .

Lenders ” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof, each Additional Lender and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.7 , provided , that unless the context otherwise requires, each reference herein to the Lenders shall be deemed to include the Swingline Lender in such capacity.

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.4 .

LIBOR Market Index Rate ” means, for any day, the rate of interest for one month U.S. dollar deposits appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) determined as of 11:00 a.m. (London time), for such day, or if such day is not a London business day, then the immediately preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then as determined by the Agent from another recognized source or interbank quotation).

LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance ” means a Swingline Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(c) .

Lien ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 5.2(a) .

Loan Documents ” means (i) this Agreement, any Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.16 , and the Fee Letters, (ii) all agreements, documents and instruments in favor of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or the Lenders (or the Agent on behalf of the LC Issuing Bank or the Lenders), and (iii) all other agreements, instruments and documents now or hereafter executed and/or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.

 

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Majority Lenders ” means, on any date of determination, Lenders that, collectively, on such date (i) hold greater than 50% of the then Outstanding Credits and, (ii) if there are no Outstanding Credits, have Percentages in the aggregate greater than 50%. Any determination of those Lenders constituting the Majority Lenders shall be made by the Agent and shall be conclusive and binding on all parties absent manifest error.

Margin Stock ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Material Adverse Change ” means (i) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), or financial condition of the Borrower or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (iii) a material adverse change upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Maturity Date ” means the Termination Date unless the Borrower shall exercise the Term-Out Option, in which case the “Maturity Date” shall mean the first anniversary of the Termination Date.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and to which the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate of the Parent is making or has an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made or had an obligation to make contributions.

Multiple Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and (i) is maintained for employees of the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent and at least one Person other than the Parent and its ERISA Affiliates or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent could have liability under Section 4064 or 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Non-Performing Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.4(e) .

Nonrecourse Debt ” means Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) as to which (A) the Borrower provides no credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Debt), (B) the Borrower is not directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, (C) the Borrower is not the lender or other type of creditor, or (D) the relevant legal documents do not provide that the lenders or other type of creditors with respect thereto will have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Borrower and (ii) no default with respect to which would permit, upon notice, lapse of time or both, any holder of any other Debt

 

13


(other than the Advances and any Note) of the Borrower to declare a default on such other Debt or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower provides credit support that is limited in its drawable amount for any portion of Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower that would be considered Nonrecourse Debt but for the provision of such credit support, such Debt shall be considered Nonrecourse Debt to the extent that it is not so supported.

Notes ” means any or all of the Term Notes, the Revolving Notes and the Swingline Note.

Notice of Borrowing ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(b) .

Notice of Swingline Borrowing ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(c) .

Notice of Conversion ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.11 .

OECD ” means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

OFAC ” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and any successor thereto.

Other Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(b) .

Outstanding Credits ” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Advances outstanding on such date, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Advances outstanding on such date, (iii) the LC Outstandings on such date, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.

Parent ” means Alliant Energy Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation.

PATRIOT Act ” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and all rules and regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (or any successor entity).

Percentage ” means, for any Lender on any date of determination, the percentage obtained by dividing such Lender’s Commitment on such day by the Aggregate Commitment on such date, and multiplying the quotient so obtained by 100.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

Plan ” means a Single Employer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan.

 

14


Prior Termination Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(b) .

PSC Orders ” means (i) the order of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (File No. 6680-SB-125), dated June 30, 2005 and (ii) the order of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (File No. 6680-SB-127), dated July 27, 2006.

Recipient ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.8 .

Reference Banks ” means Wachovia, Barclays Bank PLC and any additional or substitute Lenders as may be selected from time to time to act as Reference Banks hereunder by the Agent.

Reference Ratings ” means the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured non-credit-enhanced long term debt of the Borrower.

Refunded Swingline Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(d) .

Register ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(c) .

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Request for Issuance ” means a request made pursuant to Section 2.4(a) in the form of Exhibit 2.4 .

Revolving Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a) .

Revolving Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(a) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Revolving Advances made by such Lender.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

Sanctioned Country ” means a country subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sanctions/ index/html , or as otherwise published from time to time.

Sanctioned Person ” means (i) a Person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by OFAC available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/index/html , or as otherwise published from time to time, or (ii) (A) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (B) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country, or (C) a Person resident in a Sanctioned Country, to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC.

 

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Senior Financial Officer ” means the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of the Borrower.

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that, on a consolidated basis with any of its Subsidiaries as of any date of determination, accounts for more than 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Single Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and which (i) is maintained for employees of the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent and no Person other than the Parent and its ERISA Affiliates, or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent could have liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

SPC ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(i) .

Subsequent Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.6(d)(iii) .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or unincorporated entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Equity Interests having ordinary voting power (irrespective of whether at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes of such corporation or entity shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time owned by said Person, either directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries. In the case of an unincorporated entity, a Person shall be deemed to have more than 50% of interests having ordinary voting power only if such Person’s vote in respect of such interests comprises more than 50% of the total voting power of all such interests in the unincorporated entity.

Swingline Advance ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(b) .

Swingline Commitment ” shall mean $40,000,000 or, if less, the Aggregate Commitment at the time of determination, as such amount may be reduced.

Swingline Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, its maximum aggregate liability to make Refunded Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) or to purchase participations pursuant to Section 2.2(e) in Swingline Advances that are outstanding at such time.

Swingline Lender ” shall mean Wachovia in its capacity as maker of Swingline Advances, and its successors in such capacity.

Swingline Termination Date ” shall mean the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Termination Date.

Swingline Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of the Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(b) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender.

 

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Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(a) .

Term Loans ” shall mean each Revolving Advance that is converted into a term loan on the Termination Date as set forth in Section 2.1(c) .

Term Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(c) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Revolving Advances made by such Lender.

Term-Out Option ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(c) .

Termination Date ” means the earliest to occur of (i) any Trigger Date, if the Borrower has not received all Governmental Approvals required to be obtained in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past such date, (ii) November 7, 2011 (as such date may be extended from time to time pursuant to Section 2.19 ) and (iii) the date of termination or reduction in whole of the Aggregate Commitment pursuant to Section 2.6 or Section 6.1 .

Trigger Date ” means (i) November 6, 2007, (ii) November 4, 2008, (iii) November 3, 2009, (iv) November 2, 2010, (v) November 1, 2011, (vi) October 30, 2012, (vii) October 29, 2013 and (viii) October 28, 2014.

Type ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(a) .

Unmatured Default ” means an event that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Unutilized Swingline Commitment ” means, with respect to the Swingline Lender at any time, the Swingline Commitment at such time less the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Advances that are outstanding at such time.

Utilization Percentage ” means, as of any time for the determination thereof, the percentage obtained by dividing the aggregate Outstanding Credits by the Aggregate Commitment then in effect.

Wachovia ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Wachovia Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated October 6, 2006, among the Parent, the Borrower, IPL, Wachovia, and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.

Section 1.2 Computation of Time Periods . Unless otherwise indicated, each reference in this Agreement to a specific time of day is a reference to Charlotte, North Carolina time. In the computation of periods of time under this Agreement, any period of a specified number of days or months shall be computed by including the first day or month occurring during such period and excluding the last such day or month. In the case of a period of time “from” a specified date “to” or “until” a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

 

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Section 1.3 Computations of Outstandings . Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to the “principal amount outstanding” on any date under this Agreement, such reference shall refer to the aggregate principal amount of all Advances outstanding on such date after giving effect to all Advances to be made on such date and the application of the proceeds thereof.

Section 1.4 Accounting Terms . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be delivered to the Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“ GAAP ”) applied on a consistent basis. With respect to (and only with respect to) determining compliance with this Agreement, all calculations shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein) be made by application of GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent annual or quarterly financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h) (or prior to the delivery of the first financial statements pursuant to Section 5.1(h) , consistent with the financial statements described in Section 4.1(f) ); provided , however , if (i) the Borrower shall object to determining such compliance on such basis at the time of delivery of such financial statements due to any change in GAAP or the rules promulgated with respect thereto or (ii) the Agent or the Majority Lenders shall so object in writing within 30 days after delivery of such financial statements, then such calculations shall be made on a basis consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered by the Borrower to the Lenders as to which no such objection shall have been made.

ARTICLE II

AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 2.1 The Advances .

(a) Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make advances (each, a “ Revolving Advance ” and collectively, the “ Revolving Advances ”) to the Borrower from time to time, during the period from and including the date hereof, to and up to, but excluding, the Termination Date, in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed at any time such Lender’s Available Commitment, provided that no Borrowing of Revolving Advances shall be made if, immediately after giving effect thereto (and to any concurrent repayment of Swingline Advances with proceeds of Revolving Advances made pursuant to such Borrowing), the Outstanding Credits would exceed the Commitments. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 (or, if lower, the amount of the Aggregate Available Commitment) or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the same Type made on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Percentages. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment and as hereinabove and hereinafter provided, the Borrower may request Borrowings hereunder, and repay or prepay Revolving Advances pursuant to Section 2.12 and utilize the resulting increase in the Aggregate Available Commitment for further Extensions of Credit in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

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(b) The Swingline Lender agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make advances (each, a “ Swingline Advance ,” and collectively, the “ Swingline Advances ”) to the Borrower, during the period from and including the date hereof, to and up to, but excluding, the Swingline Termination Date (or, if earlier, the Termination Date), in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding the Swingline Commitment. Swingline Advances may be made even if the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Advances outstanding at any time, when added to the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Advances made by the Swingline Lender in its capacity as a Lender outstanding at such time and its LC Outstandings at such time, would exceed the Swingline Lender’s own Commitment at such time, but provided that no Borrowing of Swingline Advances shall be made if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the Outstanding Credits would exceed the Aggregate Commitment at such time. Subject to and on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay (including by means of a Borrowing of Revolving Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) ) and reborrow Swingline Advances.

(c) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may, by notice to the Agent, which shall promptly notify the Lenders, not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the Termination Date, convert all Revolving Advances outstanding as of the close of business on the Termination Date into Term Loans (the “ Term-Out Option ”), provided that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, both immediately before and after giving effect to the conversion of such Revolving Advances. The Term Loans of each Lender (i) shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist of Term Loans of the same Type, and (ii) shall not exceed in initial principal amount for such Lender an amount which equals the total principal amount of Revolving Advances owed to such Lender and outstanding as of the close of business on the Termination Date. Once repaid, Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

Section 2.2 Making the Advances .

(a) The Revolving Advances and the Term Loans (each, together with the Swingline Advances, a “ Class ” of Loan) shall, at the option of the Borrower and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, be either a Base Rate Advance or Eurodollar Rate Advance (each, a “ Type ” of Advance). The Swingline Advances shall be made and maintained as LIBOR Market Index Rate Advances at all times.

(b) In order to make a Borrowing (other than (w) Borrowings of Swingline Advances, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.2(c) , (x) Borrowings for the purpose of repaying Refunded Swingline Advances, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.2(d) , (y) Borrowings involving conversions of Revolving Advances upon exercise of the Term-Out Option, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.1(c) or (z) conversions of outstanding Advances made pursuant to Section 2.11 ), the Borrower will give the Agent written notice not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances and (ii) not later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Advances. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “ Notice of Borrowing ”) shall be by telecopier, telex or email (in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Agent), in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2(b) hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, (B) Type of Advances

 

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comprising such Borrowing, (C) aggregate amount of such Borrowing and (D) in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the initial Interest Period for each such Advance. Each Lender shall, before (x) 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, and (y) 1:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Advances, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. After the Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , the Agent will promptly make such funds available to the Borrower by means of a credit or wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Borrower.

(c) In order to make a Borrowing of a Swingline Advance, the Borrower will give the Agent (and the Swingline Lender, if the Swingline Lender is not also the Agent) written notice not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “ Notice of Swingline Borrowing ”) shall be by telecopier, telex or email (in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Agent), in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2(c) hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, and (B) aggregate amount of such Swingline Advance to be made pursuant to such Borrowing (which shall not be less than $1,000,000 and, if greater, shall be in an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, in the amount of the Unutilized Swingline Commitment)). Not later than 4:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing, the Swingline Lender will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, an amount equal to the amount of the requested Swingline Advance. After the Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , the Agent will promptly make such funds available to the Borrower by means of a credit or wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Borrower.

(d) With respect to any outstanding Swingline Advances, the Swingline Lender may at any time (whether or not an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) in its sole and absolute discretion, and is hereby authorized and empowered by the Borrower to, cause a Revolving Advance to be made for the purpose of repaying such Swingline Advances by delivering to the Agent (if the Agent is not also the Swingline Lender) and each other Lender (on behalf of, and with a copy to, the Borrower), not later than 11:00 a.m. one (1) Business Day prior to the proposed date of such Borrowing therefor, a notice (which shall be deemed to be a Notice of Borrowing given by the Borrower) requesting the Lenders to make Revolving Advances (which shall be made initially as Base Rate Advances) on such date of Borrowing in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of such Swingline Advances (the “ Refunded Swingline Advances ”) outstanding on the date such notice is given that the Swingline Lender requests to be repaid. Not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested date of such Borrowing, each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. To the extent the Lenders have made such amounts available to the Agent as provided hereinabove, the Agent will make the aggregate of such amounts available to the Swingline Lender in like funds as received by the Agent, which shall apply such amounts in repayment of the Refunded Swingline Advances. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, on the relevant date of such Borrowing, the Refunded Swingline Advances (including the Swingline Lender’s ratable share thereof, in its capacity as a Lender)

 

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shall be deemed to be repaid with the proceeds of the Revolving Advances made as provided above (including a Revolving Advance deemed to have been made by the Swingline Lender), and such Refunded Swingline Advances deemed to be so repaid shall no longer be outstanding as Swingline Advances but shall be outstanding as Revolving Advances. If any portion of any such amount repaid (or deemed to be repaid) to the Swingline Lender shall be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrower from the Swingline Lender in any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding or otherwise, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be shared ratably among all the Lenders in the manner contemplated by Section 2.18 .

(e) If, as a result of any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding with respect to the Borrower, Revolving Advances are not made pursuant to Section 2.2(d) in an amount sufficient to repay any amounts owed to the Swingline Lender in respect of any outstanding Swingline Advances, or if the Swingline Lender is otherwise precluded for any reason from giving a notice on behalf of the Borrower as provided for hereinabove, the Swingline Lender shall be deemed to have sold without recourse, representation or warranty (except for the absence of Liens thereon created, incurred or suffered to exist by, through or under the Swingline Lender), and each Lender shall be deemed to have purchased and hereby agrees to purchase, a participation in such outstanding Swingline Advances in an amount equal to its ratable share (based on the proportion that its Commitment bears to the Aggregate Commitment at such time) of the unpaid amount thereof together with accrued interest thereon. Upon one (1) Business Day’s prior notice from the Swingline Lender, each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s respective participation. To the extent the Lenders have made such amounts available to the Agent as provided hereinabove, the Agent will make the aggregate of such amounts available to the Swingline Lender in like funds as received by the Agent. In the event any such Lender fails to make available to the Agent the amount of such Lender’s participation as provided in this Section 2.2(e) , the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such amount is required to be made available for the account of the Swingline Lender until the date such amount is made available to the Swingline Lender at the Federal Funds Rate for the first three (3) Business Days and thereafter at the Applicable Rate for such Revolving Advances. Promptly following its receipt of any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower in respect of a Swingline Advance, the Swingline Lender will pay to each Lender that has acquired a participation therein such Lender’s ratable share of such payment.

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the obligation of each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) to make Revolving Advances for the purpose of repaying any Refunded Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) and each such Lender’s obligation to purchase a participation in any unpaid Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(e) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance or event whatsoever, including, without limitation, (i) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender may have against the Swingline Lender, the Agent, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (ii) the occurrence or continuance of any Unmatured Default or Event of Default, (iii) the failure of the amount of such Borrowing of Revolving Advances to meet the minimum Borrowing amount specified in Section 2.1(a) , or (iv) the failure of any conditions set forth in Section 3.2 or elsewhere herein to be satisfied.

 

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(g) All Term Loans made pursuant to Section 2.1(c) shall be made by each Lender on the basis of such Lender’s Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date.

(h) Each Notice of Borrowing and Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Borrowing which the related Notice of Borrowing specifies is to be comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing for such Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Eurodollar Rate Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

Section 2.3 Funding Reliance .

(a) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the time of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Agent such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Lender has made such Advance available to the Agent on the time of such Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.2 and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such time a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such Advance available to the Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from the time such amount is made available to the Borrower until the time such amount is repaid to the Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

(b) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

Section 2.4 Letters of Credit .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Letter of Credit shall be issued (or the stated maturity thereof extended or terms thereof modified or amended) on not less than two Business Days’ prior notice thereof by delivery of a Request for Issuance to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank substantially in the form attached hereto in Exhibit 2.4 . Each Request for Issuance shall specify a statement of drawing conditions applicable to such Letter of Credit, and if such Request for Issuance relates to an amendment or modification of a Letter of Credit, it shall be accompanied by the consent of the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit thereto. The expiry of such Letter of Credit shall be no later than the earlier of (i) five Business Days’ prior to the Maturity Date and (ii) one (1) year after its date of issuance; provided , however , that a Letter

 

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of Credit may, if requested by the Borrower, provide by its terms, and on terms acceptable to the LC Issuing Bank, for renewal for successive periods of one year or less (but not beyond the date five Business Days prior to the applicable Maturity Date), unless and until the LC Issuing Bank shall have delivered a notice of nonrenewal to the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit. Each Request for Issuance shall be irrevocable unless modified or rescinded by the Borrower not less than one day prior to the proposed date of issuance (or effectiveness) specified therein. Not later than 12:00 noon on the proposed date of issuance (or effectiveness) specified in such Request for Issuance, and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions precedent and the other requirements set forth herein, the LC Issuing Bank shall issue (or extend, amend or modify) such Letter of Credit and provide notice and a copy thereof to the Agent, which shall promptly furnish copies thereof to the Lenders.

(b) No Letter of Credit shall be requested or issued hereunder if, after the issuance thereof, the Outstanding Credits would exceed the total Commitments.

(c) The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank and, if they shall have purchased participations in the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.4(d) , the Lenders, on demand made by the LC Issuing Bank to the Borrower, on and after each date on which the LC Issuing Bank shall pay any amount under any Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank, a sum equal to the amount so paid plus interest on such amount from the date so paid by the LC Issuing Bank until repayment to the LC Issuing Bank in full at a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Advances plus, if any amount paid by the LC Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit is not reimbursed by the Borrower within three Business Days, 2%.

(d) Immediately upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit, the LC Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to each Lender, and each Lender shall be deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from the LC Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, pro rata (based on such Lender’s Percentage), in such Letter of Credit, each drawing made thereunder and the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement with respect thereto (other than the fees payable by the Borrower to the LC Issuing Bank). If the LC Issuing Bank shall not have been reimbursed in full for any payment made by the LC Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank on the date of such payment, the LC Issuing Bank shall give the Agent and each Lender prompt notice thereof (an “ LC Payment Notice ”) no later than 12:00 noon on the Business Day immediately succeeding the date of such payment by the LC Issuing Bank. Each Lender severally agrees, absolutely and unconditionally, to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank an amount equal to such Lender’s Percentage of such unreimbursed amount paid by the LC Issuing Bank, plus interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from the date of the payment by the LC Issuing Bank to the date of payment to the LC Issuing Bank by such Lender. Each such payment by a Lender shall be made not later than 3:00 p.m. on the later to occur of (i) the Business Day immediately following the date of such payment by the LC Issuing Bank and (ii) the Business Day on which such Lender shall have received an LC Payment Notice from the LC Issuing Bank. Each Lender’s obligation to make each such payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank shall be several and shall not be affected by the occurrence or continuance of an Unmatured Default or Event of Default or the failure of any other Lender to make any payment under this Section 2.4(d) or the

 

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failure of the LC Issuing Bank to provide the LC Payment Notice by 12:00 noon on the Business Day immediately succeeding the date of payment under a Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank. Upon any change in the Commitment of any Lender, with respect to all outstanding Letters of Credit and reimbursement obligations there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this Section 2.4(d) to reflect the new pro rata shares of the Lenders.

(e) The failure of any Lender to make any payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank in accordance with Section 2.4(d) shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation to make payment, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender. If any Lender (a “ Non-Performing Lender ”) shall fail to make any payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank in accordance with Section 2.4(d) within five Business Days after the LC Payment Notice relating thereto, then, for so long as such failure shall continue, the LC Issuing Bank shall be deemed, for purposes of Section 8.1 and Article VI hereof, to be a Lender owed a Borrowing in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount due and payable by such Non-Performing Lender to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.4(d) . Any Non-Performing Lender and the Borrower (without waiving any claim against such Lender for such Lender’s failure to purchase a participation in the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower under Section 2.4(d) ) severally agree to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank forthwith on demand such amount, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such Lender would have purchased its participation had it complied with the requirements of Section 2.4(d) until the date such amount is paid to the Agent at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Base Rate Advances and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the rate applicable to Base Rate Advances plus 1%.

(f) The payment obligations of each Lender under Section 2.4(d) and of the Borrower under this Agreement in respect of any payment under any Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank shall be unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, the following circumstances:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto or to such Letter of Credit;

(ii) any amendment or waiver of, or any consent to departure from, the terms of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or such Letter of Credit;

(iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary, or any transferee, of such Letter of Credit (or any Persons for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, thereby or by such Letter of Credit, or any unrelated transaction;

 

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(iv) any statement or any other document presented under such Letter of Credit reasonably proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

(v) payment in good faith by the LC Issuing Bank under the Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or

(vi) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

(g) The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of any beneficiary or transferee of any Letter of Credit. Neither the LC Issuing Bank, the Lenders nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or Affiliates shall be liable or responsible for (i) the use that may be made of such Letter of Credit or any acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee thereof in connection therewith; (ii) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of documents, or of any endorsement thereon, even if such documents should prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged; (iii) payment by the LC Issuing Bank against presentation of documents that do not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, including failure of any documents to bear any reference or adequate reference to such Letter of Credit; or (iv) any other circumstances whatsoever in making or failing to make payment under such Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the Borrower and each Lender shall have the right to bring suit against the LC Issuing Bank, and the LC Issuing Bank shall be liable to the Borrower and any Lender, to the extent of any direct, as opposed to consequential, damages suffered by the Borrower or such Lender which the Borrower or such Lender proves were caused by the LC Issuing Bank’s willful misconduct or gross negligence, including, in the case of the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank’s willful failure to make timely payment under such Letter of Credit following the presentation to it by the beneficiary thereof of a draft and accompanying certificate(s) that strictly comply with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the LC Issuing Bank may accept sight drafts and accompanying certificates presented under the Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and payment against such documents shall not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence by the LC Issuing Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender shall be obligated to indemnify the Borrower for damages caused by the LC Issuing Bank’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

(h) If any Letter of Credit contains a provision pursuant to which it is deemed to be automatically renewed unless notice of termination of such Letter of Credit is given by the LC Issuing Bank, the LC Issuing Bank shall timely give notice of termination if (i) as of close of business on the seventeenth day prior to the last day upon which the LC Issuing Bank’s notice of termination may be given to the beneficiaries of such Letter of Credit, the LC Issuing Bank has received a notice of termination from the Borrower or a notice from the Agent that the conditions to issuance of such Letter of Credit have not been satisfied or (ii) the renewed Letter of Credit would have a term not permitted by Section 2.4(a) .

 

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(i) If (i) as of the Termination Date, any Letter of Credit may for any reason remain outstanding, or (ii) at any time, the aggregate Outstanding Credits shall exceed the Aggregate Commitment (after giving effect to any concurrent termination or reduction thereof), the Borrower shall (A) deliver to the Agent as cash collateral an amount in cash equal to the aggregate LC Outstandings (whether or not any beneficiary under any Letter of Credit shall have drawn or be entitled at such time to draw thereunder) or, in the case of clause (ii) above, an amount in cash equal to such excess or (B) shall make some other arrangements to provide credit support for such Letters of Credit reasonably satisfactory to the Agent. The Agent shall deposit such cash in a special collateral account of the Borrower pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Agent (such account, the “ Cash Collateral Account ”) for the benefit of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders. Such Cash Collateral Account shall at all times be free and clear of all rights or claims of third parties. The Cash Collateral Account shall be maintained with the Agent in the name of, and under the sole dominion and control of, the Agent, and amounts deposited in the Cash Collateral Account shall bear interest at a rate equal to the rate generally offered by Wachovia for deposits equal to the amount deposited by the Borrower in the Cash Collateral Account, for a term to be determined by the Agent, in its sole discretion. The Borrower hereby grants to the Agent for the benefit of the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders a Lien in and hereby assigns to the Agent for the benefit of LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders all of its right, title and interest in, the Cash Collateral Account and all funds from time to time on deposit therein to secure its reimbursement obligations in respect of Letters of Credit. If any drawings then outstanding or thereafter made are not reimbursed in full immediately upon demand or, in the case of subsequent drawings, upon being made, then, in any such event, the Agent may apply the amounts then on deposit in the Cash Collateral Account, toward the payment in full of any of the obligations as and when such obligations shall become due and payable. Any amounts remaining in the Cash Collateral Account (including interest) after the expiration of all Letters of Credit and reimbursement in full of the LC Issuing Bank for all of its obligations thereunder shall be held by the Agent, for the benefit of the Borrower, to be applied against the Outstanding Credits, together with expenses related thereto and accrued interest thereon, in such order and manner as the Agent may direct. If the Borrower is required to provide cash collateral in the case of clause (ii) above, such amount (including interest), to the extent not applied as aforesaid, shall be returned to the Borrower on demand, provided that after giving effect to such return (i) the aggregate Outstanding Credits would not exceed the Aggregate Commitment at such time and (ii) no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at such time.

Section 2.5 Fees .

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender the Facility Fee, from the date hereof, in the case of each Bank, and from the effective date specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, in the case of each other Lender, until the later of the Maturity Date and the date all Advances are paid in full, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December during the term of such Lender’s Commitment, commencing December 31, 2006, and on the later of the Maturity Date and the date all Advances are paid in full.

(b) The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender a fee (the “ LC Fee ”) on the average daily amount of the sum of the undrawn stated amounts of all Letters

 

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of Credit outstanding on each such day, from the date hereof until the later to occur of the Maturity Date and the date on which no Letters of Credit are outstanding, payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December (commencing December 31, 2006) and such later date, at a rate equal at all times to the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time for Eurodollar Rate Advances. In addition, the Borrower shall pay to the LC Issuing Bank such fees for the issuance and maintenance of Letters of Credit and for drawings thereunder as may be separately agreed between the Borrower and the LC Issuing Bank.

(c) In addition to the fees provided for in Section 2.5(a) and Section 2.5(b) , the Borrower shall pay (i) to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, for their own accounts, such fees as are provided for in the Wachovia Fee Letter and (ii) to the Joint Lead Arrangers, for their own accounts, such fees as are provided for in the Wachovia Fee Letter and Barclays Fee Letter.

Section 2.6 Changes in the Commitments .

(a) The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Agent, to terminate in whole or reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the Aggregate Commitment; provided that the Aggregate Commitment shall not be reduced to an amount which is less than the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Credits; and provided , further , that each partial reduction shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.

(b) On the Termination Date, the Aggregate Commitment shall be automatically reduced to zero.

(c) Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitment under this Section 2.6 shall be irrevocable, and the Aggregate Commitment shall not thereafter be reinstated.

(d) On any date prior to the Termination Date, the Borrower may on one or more occasions increase the Aggregate Commitment by an amount not less than $5,000,000; provided that after giving effect to any such increase, the Aggregate Commitment shall not exceed $350,000,000 (any such increase, a “ Commitment Increase ”) by designating either one or more of the existing Lenders (each of which, in its sole discretion, may determine whether and to what degree it may participate in such Commitment Increase) or one or more other Eligible Assignees reasonably acceptable to the Agent that at the time agree, in the case of any such existing Lender, to increase its Commitment (an “ Increasing Lender ”) and, in the case of any such Eligible Assignee (an “ Additional Lender ”), to become a party to this Agreement.

(i) The sum of the increases in the Commitments of the Increasing Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.6(d) plus the Commitments of the Additional Lenders upon giving effect to the Commitment Increase shall not in the aggregate exceed the amount of the Commitment Increase. The Borrower shall provide prompt notice of any proposed Commitment Increase pursuant to this Section 2.6(d) to the Agent, which shall promptly provide a copy of such notice to the Lenders;

(ii) Any Commitment Increase shall become effective upon (A) the receipt by the Agent of (1) an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent signed by the Borrower, each Increasing Lender and each Additional Lender, setting forth the new

 

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Commitment of each such Lender and setting forth the agreement of each Additional Lender to become a party to this Agreement and to be bound by all the terms and provisions hereof binding upon each Lender, and (2) certified copies of the Commitment Increase Approvals and such opinions of counsel for the Borrower with respect to the Commitment Increase as the Agent may reasonably request, (B) the funding by each Lender of the Advance(s) to be made by each such Lender described in paragraph (iii) below and (C) receipt by the Agent of a certificate (the statements contained in which shall be true) of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower stating that both before and after giving effect to such Commitment Increase (1) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (2) all representations and warranties made by such Borrower in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, and (3) all Commitment Increase Approvals have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

(iii) Upon the effective date of any Commitment Increase, to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Advances ratable in the event of any non-ratable increase in Aggregate Commitment, (A) all then outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advances (the “ Initial Advances ”) shall automatically be converted into Base Rate Advances, (B) immediately after the effectiveness of the Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall, if it so requests, convert such Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances (the “ Subsequent Advances ”) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Advances and of the Types and for the Interest Periods specified in a Notice of Conversion delivered to the Agent in accordance with Section 2.11 , (C) each Lender shall pay to the Agent in immediately available funds an amount equal to the difference, if positive, between (y) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the Subsequent Advances and (z) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the Initial Advances, (D) after the Agent receives the funds specified in clause (C) above, the Agent shall pay to each Lender the portion of such funds equal to the difference, if positive, between (y) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the Initial Advances and (z) such Lender’s Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) of the amount of the Subsequent Advances, (E) the Lenders shall be deemed to hold the Subsequent Advances ratably in accordance with their respective Commitment (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase), (F) the Borrower shall pay all accrued but unpaid interest on the Initial Advances to the Lenders entitled thereto, and (G) Schedule I shall automatically be amended to reflect the Commitments of all Lenders after giving effect to the Commitment Increase. The conversion of the Initial Advances pursuant to clause (A) above shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.4(b) if the date of any Commitment Increase occurs other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto.

(iv) Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, from and after the date of any Commitment Increase and the making of any Advances on such date pursuant to this Section 2.6(d) , all calculations and payments of the Facility Fee and the LC Fee and of interest on the Advances shall take into account the actual Commitment of each Lender and such Lender’s Percentage of the Outstanding Credits during the relevant period of time.

 

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Section 2.7 Repayment of Advances.

(a) Except to the extent due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall repay to the Lenders the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Revolving Advance on the Termination Date and the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans, if any, shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.

(b) Except to the extent due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall repay to the Swingline Lender the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Swingline Advance on the earlier to occur of (i) fourteen (14) days after the date of Borrowing of each such Swingline Advance, and (ii) the Swingline Termination Date.

Section 2.8 Interest on Advances. The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance owing to each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the Applicable Rate for such Advance (except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.8 ), payable as follows:

(a) If such Advance is a Base Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, on the date of any Conversion of such Base Rate Advance and on the date such Base Rate Advance shall become due and payable or shall otherwise be paid in full; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Base Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(b) If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable on the last day of such Interest Period and, if the Interest Period for such Advance has a duration of more than three months, on that day of each third month during such Interest Period that corresponds to the first day of such Interest Period (or, if any such month does not have a corresponding day, then on the last day of such month); provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Eurodollar Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(c) If such Advance is a LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, and on the date such LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance shall become due and payable or shall otherwise be paid in full; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(d) In respect of any Advance, interest thereon shall be payable at the Applicable Rate at maturity (whether pursuant to acceleration or otherwise) and, after maturity, on demand.

(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of interest to any Lender at a rate in excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. If the amount of interest payable for the account of any Lender on any interest payment date would exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, the amount of interest payable for its account on

 

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such interest payment date shall be automatically reduced to such maximum permissible amount. In the event of any such reduction affecting any Lender, if from time to time thereafter the amount of interest payable for the account of such Lender on any interest payment date would be less than the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, then the amount of interest payable for its account on such subsequent interest payment date shall be automatically increased to such maximum permissible amount, provided that at no time shall the aggregate amount by which interest paid for the account of any Lender has been increased pursuant to this sentence exceed the aggregate amount by which interest paid for its account has theretofore been reduced pursuant to the previous sentence.

Section 2.9 Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances. The Borrower shall pay to Agent for the account of each Lender any costs actually incurred by such Lender with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances that are attributable to such Lender’s compliance with regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System requiring the maintenance of reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities. Such costs shall be paid to the Agent for the account of such Lender in the form of additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Agent. A certificate as to the amount of such additional interest, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender in good faith.

Section 2.10 Interest Rate Determination .

(a) Each Reference Bank agrees to furnish to the Agent timely information for the purpose of determining each Eurodollar Rate. If any one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to the Agent for the purpose of determining any such interest rate, the Agent shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information furnished by the remaining Reference Banks.

(b) The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate determined by the Agent for purposes of Section 2.8(a) , Section 2.8(b) or Section 2.8(c) , and the applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for the purpose of determining the applicable interest rate under Section 2.8(b) .

(c) If fewer than two Reference Banks furnish timely information to the Agent for determining the Eurodollar Rate, due to the unavailability of funds to such Reference Banks in the relevant financial markets:

(i) the Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the interest rate cannot be determined for Eurodollar Rate Advances;

 

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(ii) each such Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance (or if such Advance is then a Base Rate Advance, will continue as a Base Rate Advance); and

(iii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

(d) If, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Majority Lenders notify the Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period for such Advances will not adequately reflect the cost to such Majority Lenders of making, funding or maintaining their respective Eurodollar Rate Advances for such Interest Period, the Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon:

(i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance; and

(ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

(e) If the Borrower shall fail to (i) select the duration of any Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “ Interest Period ” in Section 1.1 or (ii) provide a Notice of Conversion with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advance on or prior to 12:00 noon on the third Business Day prior to the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders and such Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance.

(f) On the date on which the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Advances comprising any Borrowing shall be reduced, by payment or prepayment or otherwise, to less than the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, such Advances shall, if they are Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances, automatically Convert into Base Rate Advances, and on and after such date the right of the Borrower to Convert such Advances into Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances shall terminate; provided , however , that if and so long as each such Advance shall be of the same Type and have the same Interest Period as Advances comprising another Borrowing or other Borrowings, and the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such Advances shall equal or exceed the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, the Borrower shall have the right to continue all such Advances as, or to Convert all such Advances into, Advances of such Type having such Interest Period.

(g) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advance shall automatically Convert into a Base Rate Advance at the end of the Interest Period then in effect for such Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Section 2.11 Voluntary Conversion of Advances . Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Borrower may, on any Business Day, by delivering a notice of Conversion (a “ Notice

 

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of Conversion ”) to the Agent not later than 12:00 noon (i) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in respect of Eurodollar Rate Advances and (ii) on the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in respect of Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Section 2.10 and Section 2.15 , Convert all Advances of one Type comprising the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type; provided , however , that, in the case of any Conversion of any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Base Rate Advances on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Each such Notice of Conversion shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.11 and shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (A) the date of such Conversion, (B) the Advances to be Converted, (C) if such Conversion is into Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance, and (D) the aggregate amount of Advances proposed to be Converted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may not Convert Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances and may not select a new Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances at any time an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 2.12 Optional Prepayments of Advances. The Borrower may, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Agent stating the proposed date and aggregate principal amount of the prepayment, and if such notice is given, the Borrower shall prepay for the ratable account of the Lenders the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, without premium or penalty, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid; provided , however , that each partial prepayment shall be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $1,000,000 (or, if lower, the principal amount outstanding hereunder on the date of such prepayment) or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. In the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Except as provided in this Section 2.12 , the Borrower shall have no right to prepay any principal amount of any Advances.

Section 2.13 Increased Costs .

(a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding, or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances or to increase the cost to the Swingline Lender or any Lender of participating in, issuing or maintaining any LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance (or of maintaining its obligations to participate in any LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance) or to increase the cost to such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligations to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender, Swingline Lender or the LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of

 

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such increased cost, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank in good faith.

(b) If any Lender, the Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank or any corporation controlling such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend or participate in LIBOR Market Index Rate Advances or Letters of Credit hereunder or the Swingline Lender’s obligation to issue or maintain any Swingline Advance or the LC Issuing Bank’s obligation to issue or maintain any Letter of Credit hereunder and other commitments of this type, then, upon demand by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, from time to time as specified by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank reasonably determines such increase in capital to be allocable to the existence of such Lender’s Commitment, Swingline Lender’s obligations hereunder or LC Issuing Bank’s obligations hereunder. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, describing in reasonable detail the manner in which such amounts have been calculated, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination and allocation thereof shall have been made by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank in good faith.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 2.13(a) or Section 2.13(b) to the contrary, no Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank shall be entitled to demand compensation or be compensated thereunder to the extent that such compensation relates to any period of time more than 60 days prior to the date upon which such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank first notified the Borrower of the occurrence of the event entitling such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank to such compensation (unless, and to the extent, that any such compensation so demanded shall relate to the retroactive application of any event so notified to the Borrower).

Section 2.14 Illegality. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender (the “ Affected Lender ”) shall notify the Agent and the Borrower that the introduction of or any change in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for the Affected Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, all Eurodollar Rate Advances of the Affected Lender shall, on the fifth Business Day following such notice from the Affected Lender, automatically be Converted into a like number of Base Rate Advances, each in the amount of the corresponding Eurodollar Rate Advance of the Affected Lender being so Converted (each such Advance, as so Converted, being an “ Affected Lender

 

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Advance ”), and the obligation of the Affected Lender to make, maintain, or Convert Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances shall thereupon be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist, or the Affected Lender has been replaced pursuant to Section 8.7(g) . For purposes of any prepayment under this Agreement, each Affected Lender Advance shall be deemed to continue to be part of the same Borrowing as the Eurodollar Rate Advances to which it corresponded at the time of the Conversion of such Affected Lender Advance pursuant to this Section 2.14 .

Section 2.15 Payments and Computations .

(a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day when due in Dollars to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 in same day funds. The Agent will promptly thereafter cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or fees ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.9 , Section 2.17 , Section 2.19 or Section 8.4(b) ) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of a Lender Assignment and recording of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.7(d) , from and after the effective date specified in such Lender Assignment, the Agent shall make all payments hereunder in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Lender Assignment shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

(b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender is not made when due hereunder held by such Lender, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts with such Lender any amount so due.

(c) All computations of interest based on clause (i) of the definition of “ Alternate Base Rate ” and of the Facility Fees shall be made by the Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of interest based on the Eurodollar Rate, LIBOR Market Index Rate and the LC Fee and the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.10 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such interest or fees are payable. Each determination by the Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.10 , by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that such determination shall have been made by the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in good faith.

(d) Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or fees, as the case may be; provided , however , that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

 

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(e) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

Section 2.16 Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness .

(a) 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 Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(b) The Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect 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 Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

(c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to Section 2.16(a) and Section 2.16(b) shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided , however , that the failure of the Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

(d) The Advances of each Class made by each Lender shall, if requested by the applicable Lender (which request shall be made to the Agent), be evidenced (i) in the case of Term Loans, if the Borrower has exercised its Term-Out Option, by a Term Note, (ii) in the case of Revolving Advances, by a Revolving Note, and (iii) in the case of the Swingline Advances, by a Swingline Note, in each case appropriately completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of such Lender. Each Note shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and shall be subject to the provisions hereof and thereof.

Section 2.17 Taxes .

(a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.15 , free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding , in the case of each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent, taxes imposed on its overall net income and franchise taxes imposed on it by any jurisdiction, unless such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) would not have had such taxes imposed on it by such jurisdiction but for such

 

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Lender’s, the LC Issuing Bank’s or the Agent’s (as the case may be) having entered into this Agreement, having consummated the transactions contemplated hereby or having received payments by the Borrower hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “ Taxes ”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17 ) such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (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 taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (hereinafter referred to as “ Other Taxes ”).

(c) The Borrower will indemnify each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.17 ) paid by such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor. Nothing herein shall preclude the right of the Borrower to contest any such Taxes or Other Taxes so paid, and the Lenders in question, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) will, following notice from, and at the expense of, the Borrower, reasonably cooperate with the Borrower to preserve the Borrower’s rights to contest such Taxes or Other Taxes.

(d) Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes, the Borrower will furnish to the Agent, at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

(e) The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender agrees that, on or prior to the date upon which it shall become a party hereto, and upon the reasonable request from time to time of the Borrower or the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or such Lender will deliver to the Borrower and the Agent either (i) a statement that it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction within the United States or (ii) duly completed copies of such form or forms as may from time to time be prescribed by the United States Internal Revenue Service indicating that the LC Issuing Bank or such Lender is entitled to receive payments without deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender that delivers to the Borrower and the Agent the form or forms referred to in the preceding sentence further undertakes to deliver to the Borrower and the Agent further copies of such form or forms, or successor applicable form or

 

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forms, as the case may be, as and when any previous form filed by it hereunder shall expire or shall become incomplete or inaccurate in any respect. The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender represents and warrants that each such form supplied by it to the Agent and the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.17(e) , and not superseded by another form supplied by it, is or will be, as the case may be, complete and accurate.

(f) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.17 shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

(g) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.17 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder.

Section 2.18 Sharing of Payments, Etc . All payments from or on behalf of the Borrower on account of any obligations shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders based upon their respective share, if any, of the obligations with respect to which such payment was received. If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.9 , Section 2.13 , Section 2.17 , Section 2.19 or Section 8.4(b) ) or on account of the Borrower’s reimbursement obligations in respect of LC Outstandings in excess of its ratable share of payments obtained by all the Lenders on account of the Advances or on account of such reimbursement obligations, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them and such reimbursement obligations as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided , however , that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery, together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.18 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

Section 2.19 Extension of Termination Date .

(a) So long as no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 2.19(c) , the Borrower may, no earlier than 60 days and no later than 30 days prior to each anniversary of the Amendment Effective Date (such anniversary, an “ Extension Date ”), but on no more than two occasions, request through written notice to the Agent (the “ Extension Notice ”), that the Lenders extend the

 

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then existing Termination Date for an additional one-year period. Each Lender, acting in its sole discretion, shall, by notice to the Agent no later than the applicable Extension Date (except in the year in which the then existing Termination Date shall occur, in which case such written notice shall be delivered by the Lenders no later than 15 days prior to the then existing Termination Date) (such date, the “ Consent Date ”), advise the Agent in writing of its desire to extend (any such Lender, a “ Consenting Lender ”) or not to so extend (any such Lender, a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”) such date. Any Lender that does not advise the Agent by the Consent Date shall be deemed to be a Non-Consenting Lender. No Lender shall be under any obligation or commitment to extend the then existing Termination Date. The election of any Lender to agree to such extension shall not obligate any other Lender to agree to such extension.

(b) If Lenders holding a Commitment that aggregate more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitment on the Consent Date shall have agreed to such extension, then the then existing Termination Date applicable to the Consenting Lenders shall be extended to the date that is one year after the then existing Termination Date. All Advances of each Non-Consenting Lender shall be subject to the then existing Termination Date, without giving effect to such extension (such date, the Prior Termination Date ). In the event of an extension of the then existing Termination Date pursuant to this Section 2.19 , the Borrower shall have the right, at its own expense, to solicit commitments from existing Lenders and/or Eligible Assignees reasonably acceptable to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank to replace the Commitment of any Non-Consenting Lenders for the remaining duration of this Agreement. Any Eligible Assignee (if not already a Lender hereunder) shall become a party to this Agreement as a Lender pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower. The Commitment of each Non-Consenting Lender shall terminate on the Prior Termination Date, all Advances and other amounts payable hereunder to such Non-Consenting Lenders shall be subject to the Prior Termination Date and, to the extent such Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitment is not replaced as provided above, the Aggregate Commitment hereunder shall be reduced by the amount of the Commitment of each such Non-Consenting Lender so terminated on the Prior Termination Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.19 , the Termination Date shall not be extended unless the aggregate Commitments of the Consenting Lenders and any Eligible Assignees joining this Agreement pursuant to this Section 2.19(b) are greater than or equal to the Outstanding Credits as of each Prior Termination Date.

(c) An extension of the Termination Date pursuant to this Section 2.19 shall only become effective upon the receipt by the Agent of a certificate (the statements contained in which shall be true) of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower stating that both before and after giving effect to such extension of the Termination Date (i) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) all representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 made by such Borrower are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date such extension is made, except for such representations or warranties which by their terms are made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such specified date.

(d) Effective on and after the Prior Termination Date, (i) each of the Non-Consenting Lenders shall be automatically released from their respective participations and reimbursement obligations under Section 2.4 with respect to any LC Outstandings and (ii) the participations and reimbursement obligations of each Lender (other than the Non-Consenting Lenders) shall be automatically adjusted to equal such Lender’s Percentage of such LC Outstandings.

 

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Section 2.20 Replacement of Lenders .

(a) The Borrower may, at any time at its sole expense and effort, require any Lender that does not approve a consent, waiver or amendment to any Loan Document requested by the Borrower or the Agent and that requires the approval of all Lenders under Section 8.1 which is otherwise approved by the Majority Lenders, upon notice to such Lender and the Agent, to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 8.7 ), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

(i) no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at such time;

(ii) the Agent shall have received the assignment fee specified in Section 8.7(a) ;

(iii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Advances and any funded participations in Letters of Credit not refinanced through the Borrowing of Revolving Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 8.4(b) ) 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);

(iv) such assignee, if it is not an existing Lender and/or Eligible Assignee, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and

(v) such assignment does not conflict with any applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority or otherwise require any Governmental Approvals.

A Lender shall not be required to make any assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

ARTICLE III

CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 3.1 Conditions Precedent to Amendment Effective Date. The occurrence of the Amendment Effective Date is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

(a) The Agent shall have received the following, each dated the Amendment Effective Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders and in sufficient copies for the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender:

(i) this Agreement, duly executed by the Borrower, each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent;

 

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(ii) each Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 payable to the order of each such Lender, duly completed and executed by the Borrower;

(iii) copies of (A) the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party, and (B) all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action on the part of the Borrower with respect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(iv) a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying the names, true signatures and incumbency of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party;

(v) copies of the Certificate of Incorporation (or comparable charter document) and by laws of the Borrower, together with all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(vi) copies of all Governmental Approvals, if any, required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(vii) copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) , certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(viii) favorable opinions of:

(A) Foley & Lardner LLP, counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request; and

(B) In-house Counsel of the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request;

(ix) any fees required to be paid on or before the Amendment Effective Date shall have been paid, including fees and other expenses required to be paid under the Existing Facility; and

(x) such other approvals, opinions and documents as any Lender, through the Agent, may reasonably request.

 

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(b) The following statements shall be true and correct, and the Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, dated the date of the Amendment Effective Date and in sufficient copies for each Lender, stating that:

(i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1 of this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date of the Amendment Effective Date as though made on and as of such date, and

(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default.

(c) The Borrower shall have paid (i) all fees payable hereunder or payable pursuant to the Fee Letters and the Existing Facility to the extent then due and payable, and (ii) all costs and expenses of the Agent (including counsel fees and disbursements) incurred through (and for which statements have been provided prior to) the Amendment Effective Date.

(d) The Agent shall have received evidence that all amounts outstanding under the Existing Facility, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

Section 3.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit. The obligation of (i) each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder to increase and (ii) the LC Issuing Bank to issue, extend the expiry date or increase the amount of, any Letter of Credit shall be subject to the conditions precedent that, on the date of such Extension of Credit:

(a) the following statements shall be true and correct (and each of the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Swingline Borrowing or Request for Issuance, as the case may be, and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing or the issuance, extension or increase of such Letter of Credit, as the case may be, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of such Extension of Credit, such statements are true and correct):

(i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 (other than the representation and warranty set forth in Section 4.1(e) ) are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Extension of Credit, before and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of any Borrowing made in connection therewith or the issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit in connection therewith, as the case may be, as though made on and as of such date;

(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Extension of Credit or from the application of proceeds of any Borrowing made in connection therewith or the issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit in connection therewith, as the case may be, that constitutes an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default; and

(iii) after giving effect to such Extension of Credit, the Borrower’s Outstanding Credits will not exceed its borrowing authority as allowed by applicable governmental authorities.

 

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(b) the Agent shall have received all documentation and information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the PATRIOT Act;

(c) prior to any Extension of Credit that would result in the outstanding principal amount of short-term Debt of the Borrower to exceed $250,000,000, the Borrower, shall have obtained an appropriate Governmental Approval and shall have delivered copies of same, with appropriate certifications and, if requested by the Agent, an opinion letter, regarding such Governmental Approval to the Agent; and

(d) the Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions, or documents as the Agent, or the Majority Lenders through the Agent, may reasonably request, and such approvals, opinions, and documents shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent.

Section 3.3 Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit On or After Any Trigger Date.

(a) At any time on or after any Trigger Date, the obligation of (i) each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder to increase, and (ii) the LC Issuing Bank to issue any Letter of Credit (including the initial Letter of Credit) or increase the stated amount of any Letter of Credit or to extend the termination date thereof shall, if any Governmental Approval is required in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past such Trigger Date, be subject to the Borrower’s delivery of the following, each dated on or prior to the date of such requested Extension of Credit, in form and substance satisfactory to the LC Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and Agent:

(i) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying that attached thereto are true and correct copies of all Governmental Approvals required to be obtained in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past such Trigger Date, and that such Governmental Approvals have been issued and are in full force and effect; and

(ii) If requested by the Agent, an opinion of counsel for the Borrower to the effect that no Governmental Approval is or will be required in connection with the performance by the Borrower, or the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement between such Trigger Date and the next succeeding Trigger Date (if there is any succeeding Trigger Date), other than the Governmental Approvals described in clause (i) above, which have been duly issued and are final and in full force and effect.

It is understood that any certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and opinion letter delivered pursuant to clause (i) and (ii) may, based upon their terms, suffice to satisfy this Section 3.3 with respect to more than one Trigger Date. The Agent shall furnish each certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and opinion letter delivered pursuant to clause (i) and (ii) to the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender in the manner prescribed in the last paragraph of Section 5.1(h) .

 

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Section 3.4 Reliance on Certificates. The Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon the certificates delivered from time to time by officers of the Borrower as to the names, incumbency, authority and signatures of the respective Persons named therein until such time as the Agent may receive a replacement certificate, in form acceptable to the Agent, from an officer of such Person identified to the Agent as having authority to deliver such certificate, setting forth the names and true signatures of the officers and other representatives of such Person thereafter authorized to act on behalf of such Person.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of property owned or used by it makes such qualification necessary (except where the failure to so qualify would not constitute a Material Adverse Change).

(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is or will be a party, and the receipt by the Borrower of the proceeds of Extensions of Credit on the date of any Extension of Credit, are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not and will not contravene (i) the Borrower’s charter or by-laws, (ii) any law, or (iii) any legal or contractual restriction binding on or affecting the Borrower (including, without limitation, the Future PSC Order); and such execution, delivery and performance do not and will not result in or require the creation of any Lien (other than pursuant to the Loan Documents) upon or with respect to any of its properties.

(c) No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, other than (i) the PSC Order, which order is final and in full force and effect and not subject to appeal, rehearing, review or reconsideration and such Governmental Approval as may be necessary for the outstanding principal balance of the Extensions of Credit to be permitted to exceed $250 million and (ii) from any Trigger Date, additional Governmental Approvals required to be obtained for the term of this Agreement to extend past such Trigger Date.

(d) This Agreement is, and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower will be a party when executed and delivered hereunder will be, legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the qualifications, however, that the enforcement of the rights and remedies herein and therein is subject to bankruptcy and other similar laws of general application affecting rights and remedies of creditors and that the remedy of specific performance or of injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceedings therefor may be brought.

 

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(e) Since December 31, 2005, there has been no Material Adverse Change.

(f) The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2005, and the related audited consolidated statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at June 30, 2006 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income for the six-month period then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Bank, fairly present (subject, in the case of such balance sheets and statements of income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2006, to year-end adjustments) the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance, in all material respects, with GAAP.

(g) Except as disclosed in the Parent’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2006, there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change, and since December 31, 2005 there have been no material adverse developments in any action or proceeding so disclosed that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(h) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates which would result in a liability to the Borrower, no “prohibited transaction” has occurred with respect to any Plan of the Borrower that is reasonably expected to result in a liability to the Borrower and neither the Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan, in each case that could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(i) The Borrower has filed all tax returns (Federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and penalties, or, to the extent the Borrower is contesting in good faith by appropriate proceedings an assertion of liability based on such returns and has provided adequate reserves for payment thereof in accordance with GAAP.

(j) Neither the Borrower nor any Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. After the making of each Extension of Credit, Margin Stock will constitute less than 25 percent of the assets (as determined by any reasonable method) of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

(k) The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company”, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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(l) Neither the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower (i) is a Sanctioned Person, (ii) has more than 15% of its assets in Sanctioned Countries, or (iii) derives more than 15% of its operating income from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Countries. No part of the proceeds of any Advance hereunder will be used directly or indirectly to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country.

(m) Neither the making of the Advances hereunder nor the use of the proceeds thereof will violate the PATRIOT Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto. The Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the PATRIOT Act.

(n) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries has timely filed all material reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by it in order to comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership and operation of its properties, except in each case to the extent that the failure to comply therewith, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

Section 5.1 Affirmative Covenants. So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Commitment or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower will, unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing:

(a) Payment of Taxes, Etc . Pay and discharge, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, before the same shall become delinquent, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges, royalties or levies imposed upon it or upon its property except, in the case of taxes, to the extent the Borrower or such Subsidiary is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and has set aside adequate reserves for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Maintenance of Insurance. Maintain, or cause to be maintained, insurance or other risk management programs covering the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries and their respective properties in effect at all times in such amounts and covering such risks and using such means as are usual and customary for companies of a similar size (based on the aggregate book value of the Parent’s assets, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP), engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties, either with reputable insurance companies or, in whole or in part, by establishing reserves of one or more insurance funds or other risk management mechanisms, either alone or with other corporations or associations, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

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(c) Preservation of Existence, Etc. Preserve and maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to preserve and maintain, its corporate existence (except in a transaction permitted by Section 5.2(c) ), material rights (statutory and otherwise) and franchises; provided , however , that neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to preserve and maintain any such right or franchise, and no such Subsidiary shall be required to preserve and maintain its corporate existence, unless the failure to do so would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(d) Compliance with Laws, Etc. Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, including without limitation any such laws, rules, regulations and orders relating to zoning, environmental protection, use and disposal of Hazardous Substances, land use, ERISA, construction and building restrictions, and employee safety and health matters relating to business operations, the non-compliance with which would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(e) Inspection Rights. At the reasonable expense of the Borrower, at any time and from time to time, upon reasonable notice, permit or arrange for the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank, the Lenders and their respective agents and representatives to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and the properties of, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors and accountants.

(f) Keeping of Books. Keep, and cause its Subsidiaries to keep, proper records and books of account, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the assets and business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP.

(g) Maintenance of Properties, Etc. Maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, good and marketable title to, and preserve, maintain, develop, and operate in substantial conformity with all laws and material contractual obligations, all of its properties which are used or useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except where the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(h) Reporting Requirements. Furnish to each Lender in the manner prescribed in the last paragraph of this subsection (h):

(i) as soon as possible and in any event within five Business Days after the occurrence of each Unmatured Default or Event of Default continuing on the date of such statement, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth details of such Unmatured Default or Event of Default and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

 

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(ii) as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year end audit adjustments) by a Senior Financial Officer as having been prepared in accordance (in all material respects) with GAAP, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any quarter shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(ii) with respect to such quarter;

(iii) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s annual Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any year shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(iii) with respect to such year;

(iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, a certificate signed by the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of the Borrower (i) stating whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such certificate, and if a Default or an Event of Default has then occurred and is continuing, specifying the details thereof and the action that the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth in reasonable detail calculations demonstrating compliance with  Section 5.2(f) and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 4.1 and, if any change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

(v) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after any ERISA Event described in clause (i) of the definition of ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred and (B) within 10 days after any other ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer describing such ERISA Event and the action, if any, which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto;

 

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(vi) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC copies of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan of the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate or to have a trustee appointed to administer any such Plan;

(vii) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability in an aggregate principal amount of at least $5,000,000 pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA in respect of which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate is reasonably expected to be liable;

(viii) promptly after requested, such documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Plan as the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request;

(ix) promptly after the Borrower becomes aware of the occurrence thereof, notice of all actions, suits, proceedings or other events (A) of the type described in Section 4.1(g) or (B) for which the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders will be entitled to indemnity under Section 8.4(c) ;

(x) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all such proxy statements, financial statements, and reports which the Borrower sends to its public security holders (if any), and copies of all regular, periodic and special reports, and all registration statements and periodic or special reports, if any, which the Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental authority which may be substituted therefor, or with any national securities exchange; and

(xi) promptly after requested, such other information respecting the business, properties, results of operations, prospects, revenues, condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h)(ii) or Section 5.1(h)(iii) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto, on a website on the internet at a website address previously specified to the Agent and the Lenders; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on SyndTrak or another relevant website, if any, to which each of the Agent and each Lender has access; provided that (i) upon the request of the Agent or any Lender, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Agent or such Lender (until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Agent or such Lender) and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by a facsimile or electronic mail) the Agent and each Lender of the posting of any documents. The Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of, or to maintain copies of, the documents referred to above or to monitor compliance by any Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

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(i) Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of the Advances hereunder solely for the Borrower’s general corporate purposes (including supporting commercial paper issued by the Borrower) and in compliance with the Future PSC Order, and not to (x) finance any Hostile Acquisition or (y) purchase or carry any Margin Stock in violation of Federal Reserve Board Regulations T, U or X.

(j) Further Assurances . At the expense of the Borrower, promptly execute and deliver, or cause to be promptly executed and delivered, all further instruments and documents, and take and cause to be taken all further actions, that may be necessary or that the Majority Lenders through the Agent may reasonably request to enable the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent to enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement and to exercise their rights and remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document. In addition, the Borrower will use all reasonable efforts to duly obtain Governmental Approvals required in connection with the Loan Documents from time to time on or prior to such date as the same may become legally required, and thereafter to maintain all such Governmental Approvals in full force and effect.

(k) OFAC, PATRIOT Act Compliance . The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) refrain from doing business in a Sanctioned Country or with a Sanctioned Person in violation of the economic sanctions of the United States administered by OFAC, and (ii) provide, to the extent commercially reasonable, such information and take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Agent or any Lender in order to assist the Agent and the Lenders in maintaining compliance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 5.2 Negative Covenants. So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Commitment or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower will not, without the written consent of the Majority Lenders:

(a) Liens, Etc . Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, any lien, security interest, or other charge or encumbrance (including the lien or retained security title of a conditional vendor) of any kind, or any other type of arrangement intended or having the effect of conferring upon a creditor a preferential interest upon or with respect to any of its properties of any character (including, without limitation, accounts) (any of the foregoing being referred to herein as a “ Lien ”), excluding , however, from the operation of the foregoing restrictions the Liens created under the Loan Documents and the following:

(i) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies to the extent not past due;

(ii) Liens imposed by law, such as materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s and repairmen’s liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations which are not overdue or which are being contested in good faith, provided that any such contested Lien securing an amount claimed in excess of $5,000,000 shall be fully bonded within 90 days after the imposition of such Lien;

(iii) pledges or deposits to secure obligations under workmen’s compensation laws or similar legislation, to secure public or statutory obligations of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, or to secure the utility obligations of any such Subsidiary incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(iv) (A) purchase money Liens upon or in property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business (consistent with present practices, it being understood that for purposes of this clause, the purchase, construction or maintenance of generating facilities by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be in the ordinary course of business and consistent with present practices) to secure (1) the purchase price of such property or (2) Debt incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction or improvement of any such property to be subject to such Liens, or (B) Liens existing on any such property at the time of acquisition, or extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing for the same or a lesser amount, provided that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property other than the property being acquired, constructed or improved and replacements, modifications and proceeds of such property, and no such extension, renewal or replacement shall extend to or cover any property not theretofore subject to the Lien being extended, renewed or replaced;

(v) Liens on the capital stock of any of the Borrower’s single-purpose Subsidiaries or any such Subsidiary’s assets to secure the repayment of project financing or Nonrecourse Debt for such Subsidiary;

(vi) attachment, judgment or other similar Liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or the payment of which is covered in full (subject to customary deductible amounts) by insurance maintained with responsible insurance companies;

(vii) Liens incurred in connection with the sales of assets permitted in Section 5.2(d)(ix) ;

(viii) Liens incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to secure Nonrecourse Debt or obligations other than for borrowed money, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000 outstanding at any one time;

(ix) Liens incurred in connection with the Indentures;

(x) Liens on nuclear fuel granted in connection with any financing arrangement for the purpose of purchasing or leasing such nuclear fuel;

(xi) Liens constituting easements, restrictions and other similar encumbrances arising in the ordinary course of business, which in the aggregate do not materially adversely affect the use by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of their respective properties;

 

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(xii) Liens on assets of any Subsidiary of the Borrower in favor of the Borrower or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower;

(xiii) Liens set forth in Schedule III hereto, and any extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements of any such Liens upon or in the same property theretofore subject thereto; and

(xiv) other Liens securing obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not to exceed more than five percent (5%) of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at any time.

(b) Transactions with Affiliates . Enter into, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter into, any transaction with an Affiliate of the Borrower, unless such transaction (i) is on terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than if the transaction had been negotiated in good faith on an arm’s length basis with a Person that was not an Affiliate of the Borrower, (ii) is among wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower or between the Borrower and a wholly-owned Subsidiary or (iii) (A) is permitted by applicable utility or utility holding company regulations or (B) has received all required Government Approvals from each governmental authority exercising jurisdiction over any party thereto, in each case under the foregoing clause (iii) only to the extent such transaction is not materially adverse to the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent.

(c) Mergers, Etc .

(i) merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except the Borrower may merge with or into or consolidate with or into any of its Subsidiaries, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default, (B) the Borrower is the surviving corporation and (C) the Borrower shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction; or

(ii) permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except that any such Subsidiary may merge with or into any other Person, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) the surviving corporation is a Subsidiary of the Borrower, (B) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default and (C) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction.

(d) Sales, Etc., of Assets . Sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, except (i) sales, leases, transfers and assignments from one Subsidiary of the Borrower to another such Subsidiary or to the Borrower, (ii) in any transaction in which the net

 

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proceeds from such sale, lease, transfer, assignment or disposition are solely Cash and Cash Equivalents and such proceeds are (A) applied solely as a permanent reduction of the Aggregate Commitment and prepayment of Advances pursuant to Section 2.6 and Section 2.12 , or (B) applied solely to pay or prepay Debt (together with a permanent reduction of any commitments relating to such Debt) incurred by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with the project comprising such assets, (iii) in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction, (iv) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets representing not in excess of 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the aggregate from the Amendment Effective Date until the Termination Date in any single or series of transactions, whether or not related, (v) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of worn out or obsolete equipment no longer used and useful in the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (vi) dispositions of the Borrower’s Illinois assets, (vii) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets in the ordinary course of business, (viii) disposition of the equity investment made by WPL Transco LLC in American Transmission Company LLC or the Equity Interests of WPL Transco LLC or any successor thereto, and (ix) sales of contracts and accounts receivable by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that in each case under clauses (i) through (ix) above, no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing after giving effect thereto.

(e) Maintenance of Ownership of Significant Subsidiaries . Sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such Equity Interests, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its Equity Interests or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such capital stock, except (and only to the extent) as may be necessary to give effect to a transaction permitted by

Section 5.2(c) .

(f) Capitalization Ratio . Permit the ratio of Consolidated Debt of the Borrower to Consolidated Capital of the Borrower to exceed .58 to 1.00.

(g) Restrictive Agreements . Directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist, or permit, directly or indirectly, any of its Significant Subsidiaries to enter into, incur or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary to declare or pay dividends or other distributions to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Significant Subsidiary; provided that the foregoing limitations do not apply to (i) financial covenants that require the maintenance of a minimum net worth or compliance with financial tests as conditions to the ability to pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to capital stock or otherwise; (ii) restrictions that arise only if dividends on preferred stock have not been paid; and (iii) limitations or restrictions imposed by law or in regulatory proceedings.

 

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ARTICLE VI

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 6.1 Events of Default . If any of the following events (each an “ Event of Default ”) shall occur and be continuing after the applicable grace period and notice requirement (if any):

(a) The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Borrowing or any reimbursement obligation in respect of a Letter of Credit when the same becomes due and payable; or

(b) The Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Borrowing or any other amount due under this Agreement for two days after the same becomes due; or

(c) Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of the Borrower in any Loan Document or in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant thereto shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(d) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in Section 5.1(c) , Section 5.1(h)(i) or Section 5.2 (other than Section 5.2(b) thereof); or

(e) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, and any such failure shall remain unremedied, after the earlier of (i) actual knowledge by the Borrower thereof, and (ii) written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent, for a period of 30 days; or

(f) The Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall fail to make any payment in respect of any of its Debt other than Nonrecourse Debt, including any interest or premium thereon (but excluding Debt hereunder) aggregating $50,000,000 or more when due under documents related to such Debt (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt; or any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt; or any such Debt shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof as a result of a default or other similar adverse event; or

(g) The Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, or

 

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reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of a proceeding instituted against the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including without limitation the entry of an order for relief against the Borrower or such Significant Subsidiary or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for the Borrower or such Significant Subsidiary or any of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall take any corporate or other action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this Section 6.1(g) ; or

(h) Any judgment or order for the payment of money equal to or in excess of $50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective properties and either (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; provided , however , that any such amount shall be calculated after deducting from the sum so payable any amount of such judgment or order that is covered by a valid and binding policy of insurance in favor of the Borrower or such Subsidiary from an insurer that is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, which policy covers full payment thereof and which insurer has been notified, and has not disputed the claim made for payment, of such amount of such judgment or order; or

(i) Any material provision of any Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on the Borrower or the Borrower shall so assert in writing; or

(j) Any Governmental Approval required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents shall expire or be rescinded, revoked, otherwise terminated, or amended or modified in any manner that is materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent; or

(k) Any ERISA Event shall have occurred with respect to a Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability to the Borrower, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender, such ERISA Event shall still exist; or

(l) The Parent shall cease to own 100% of the common equity interests of the Borrower or shall cease to have the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of the Borrower’s directors:

then, and in any such event, the Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the holders of greater than 50% of the principal amount of the Outstanding Credits then outstanding or, if no Outstanding Credits are then outstanding, Lenders having greater than 50% of the Commitments, by notice to the Borrower, (i) declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances and the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, (ii) declare the Advances (if any), all interest thereon and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be

 

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forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances, all such interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower (iii) direct the Borrower to deposit (and the Borrower hereby agrees, forthwith upon receipt of notice of such direction from the Agent, to deposit) with the Agent from time to time such additional amount of cash as is equal to the LC Outstandings, such amount to be held by the Agent in the Cash Collateral Account as security for the LC Outstandings as described in Section 6.2 and (iv) exercise all rights and remedies available to it under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable law; provided , however , that in the event of the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event, (A) the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit, and the Aggregate Commitment and the obligation of each Lender to make Advances shall automatically be terminated, (B) the Advances, all such interest and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower and (C) the obligation of the Borrower to cash collateralize the LC Outstandings as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further action by the Agent, LC Issuing Bank or any Lender.

Section 6.2 Cash Collateral Account. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no notice given or declaration made by the Agent pursuant to this Article VI shall affect (i) the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to make any payment under any Letter of Credit in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (ii) the obligations of each Lender in respect of each such Letter of Credit; provided , however , that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders (except upon the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event), upon notice to the Borrower, require the Borrower to deposit with the Agent an amount in the Cash Collateral Account equal to the LC Outstandings on such date (whether or not any beneficiary under any such Letter of Credit shall have drawn or be entitled at such time to draw thereunder), such amount to be held by the Agent in the Cash Collateral Account as security as described in Section 2.4(i) . Upon payment in full, after the termination of the Letters of Credit, of all such obligations, the Agent will repay and reassign to the Borrower any cash then in the Cash Collateral Account and the Lien of the Agent on the Cash Collateral Account and the funds therein shall automatically terminate.

ARTICLE VII

THE AGENT

Section 7.1 Authorization and Action. Each of the Lenders (for purposes of this Article, references to the Lenders shall also mean the LC Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender) hereby appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, enforcement or collection of the Borrowings), the Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be

 

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fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of Notes (if any); provided , however , that the Agent shall not be required to take any action which, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or applicable law. The Agent agrees to give to each Lender prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the administration and enforcement of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents if it undertakes such administration and enforcement in a manner substantially equal to that which Wachovia accords credit facilities similar to the credit facility hereunder for which it is the sole lender. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders except as otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Borrower shall have no rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

Section 7.2 Agent’s Reliance, Etc. Neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Agent: (i) may treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof until the Agent receives and accepts a Lender Assignment entered into by the Lender which is the payee of such Note, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.7 ; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; and (vi) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram, cable or telex) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

Section 7.3 Wachovia and Affiliates. With respect to its Commitment and the Advances made by it, Wachovia shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank; and the term “Bank” or “Banks” and “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Wachovia in its individual capacity. Wachovia and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or the trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof, all as if Wachovia were not the Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

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Section 7.4 Lender Credit Decision. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) and such other 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 Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.

Section 7.5 Indemnification. The Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent and any Related Party of the Agent participating in the transaction (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to (i) on or before the Maturity Date, the respective Percentages of the Lenders, or (ii) after the Maturity Date, the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Advances, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under this Agreement, provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out of pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that the Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by the Borrower.

Section 7.6 Successor Agent. The Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders, with any such resignation or removal to become effective only upon the appointment of a successor Agent pursuant to this Section 7.6 . Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company (and reasonably acceptable to the Borrower so long as no Event of Default exists) organized under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof. If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of any State thereof reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement.

 

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Section 7.7 Delegation of Duties. The Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Agent; provided , however , that the Agent shall remain responsible for the performance of its duties under this Agreement and the Loan Documents to the extent required under this Article. The Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of the 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 the Agent.

Section 7.8 No Other Duties, Etc . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Joint Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent, Documentation Agents or other agents listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Agent or a Lender hereunder.

Section 7.9 LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender . The provisions of this Article (other than Section 7.3 ) shall apply to the LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender mutatis mutandis to the same extent as such provisions apply to the Agent.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders and, in the case of any amendment, the Borrower, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive, modify or eliminate any of the conditions specified in Section 3.1 or Section 3.2 ; (b) increase or extend the Commitments of the Lenders (other than pursuant to Section 2.6(d) or Section 2.19 ) or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances, any Applicable Margin or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder (other than fees payable to the Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers or the LC Issuing Bank for their own account, or to any Lender pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 ), (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances (excluding the conversion of Revolving Advances into Term Loans under Section 2.1(c) ), any reimbursement obligation in respect of Letters of Credit or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, which shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder, (f) amend this Section 8.1 , (g) release any collateral for the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or (h) change or waive any provision of Section 2.18 or any other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document requiring pro rata treatment of the Lenders; and provided , further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall

 

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affect the rights or duties of the Agent, the Swingline Lender or the LC Issuing Bank under this Agreement or any Note, unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by the Agent, the Swingline Lender and the LC Issuing Bank, as the case may be, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, (ii) that no amendment, waiver or consent shall change or waive any provision of Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 , unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by each Lender directly affected thereby, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action and (iii) that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder or under any Letter of Credit and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, as the case may be.

Section 8.2 Notices, Etc. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be in writing (including telecopier, telegraphic, telex or cable communication) and mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed, cabled or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718-2132 Attn: Treasurer, or P.O. Box 77007, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-1007 Attn: Treasurer; if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender; if to the LC Issuing Bank, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; if to the Swingline Lender, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; and if to the Agent, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed or cabled, be effective five days after being deposited in the mails, or when delivered to the telegraph company, telecopied, confirmed by telex answerback or delivered to the cable company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Agent pursuant to Articles II or VII shall not be effective until received by the Agent.

Section 8.3 No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of any Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 8.4 Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the preparation (including, without limitation, printing costs), negotiation, execution, delivery, modification and amendment of this Agreement and the other Loan

 

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Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out of pocket expenses of counsel for the Agent with respect thereto and with respect to the administration of, and advising the Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender), in connection with the enforcement and workout (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.4(a) . In addition, the Borrower shall pay any and all stamp and other taxes payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, and agrees to save the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay such taxes.

(b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.6(d) , Section 2.10(f) , Section 2.11 , Section 2.12 or Section 2.14 or acceleration of the maturity of the Advances pursuant to Section 6.1 or for any other reason, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank, as the case may be, any amounts required to compensate such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank for any additional losses, costs or expenses which it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance.

(c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Agent, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and their respective officers, directors, employees, professional advisors and affiliates (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) which any of them may incur or which may be claimed against any of them by any Person including the Borrower (except for such claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct):

(i) by reason of or resulting from the execution, delivery or performance of any of the Loan Documents or any transaction contemplated thereby, or the use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Advance or the use by the Borrower or any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of such Letter of Credit;

(ii) in connection with any documentary taxes, assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by reason of the execution and delivery of any of the Loan Documents;

 

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(iii) in connection with or resulting from the utilization, storage, disposal, treatment, generation, transportation, release or ownership of any Hazardous Substance (A) at, upon, or under any property of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or (B) by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates at any time and in any place; or

(iv) in connection with or resulting from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through the internet, SyndTrak or other similar transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

In case any action or proceeding is instituted involving any Indemnified Person for which indemnification is to be sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, then such Indemnified Person will promptly notify the Borrower of the commencement of any action or proceeding; provided , however , that the failure so to notify the Borrower will not relieve the Borrower from any liability that the Borrower may have to such Indemnified Person pursuant hereto or from any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Person other than pursuant hereto. Notwithstanding the above, following such notification, the Borrower may elect in writing to assume the defense of such action or proceeding, and, upon such election, the Borrower will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable for any legal costs subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Person (other than reasonable costs of investigation and providing evidence) in connection therewith, unless (i) the Borrower has failed to provide counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person in a timely manner (it being agreed that Foley & Lardner LLP shall be deemed to be reasonably satisfactory counsel for such purpose), (ii) the Indemnified Person determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate or (iii) the Indemnified Person reasonably determines that there may be legal defenses available to it which are different from, or in addition to those available to the Borrower. If the Borrower assumes the defense of any such action or proceeding, (a) it will be conclusively established for purposes of this Agreement that the claims made with respect thereto are subject to indemnification hereunder; (b) no compromise or settlement of such claims may be effected by the Borrower without the Indemnified Person’s consent and (c) the Indemnified Person will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such claims effected without its consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Indemnified Person determines in good faith that there is a reasonable probability that any action or proceeding may adversely affect it or its affiliates other than as a result of monetary damages for which it would be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such Indemnified Person may, by notice to the Borrower, assume the exclusive right to defend, compromise, or settle such action or proceeding, but the Borrower will not be bound (but will retain its indemnification obligations hereunder) by any determination of an action or proceeding so defended or any compromise or settlement effected without its consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld). In connection with any one action or proceeding, the Borrower will not be responsible for the fees and expenses of more than one separate law firm (in addition to local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons.

(d) The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.4 shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders hereunder and the termination of the Commitments. If and to

 

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the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.4 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction thereof which is permissible under applicable law.

Section 8.5 Right of Set-off.

(a) Upon (i) the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and (ii) the making of the request or the granting of the consent by the Majority Lenders specified by Section 6.1 to authorize the Agent to declare all amounts owing hereunder due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1 , each Lender 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 indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under any Loan Document, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under such Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set off and application. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender may have.

(b) The Borrower agrees that it shall have no right of set-off, deduction or counterclaim in respect of its obligations hereunder, and that the obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a relinquishment or waiver of the Borrower’s rights to any independent claim that the Borrower may have against the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender for the Agent’s, the LC Issuing Bank’s or such Lender’s, as the case may be, gross negligence or willful misconduct; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the conduct of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any other Lender; provided, further, that the Agent shall not be liable for the conduct of any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank, and the LC Issuing Bank shall not be liable for the conduct of any Lender or the Agent; provided , however that none of the Agent, any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank shall be liable to the Borrower for any amounts representing indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages suffered by the Borrower.

Section 8.6 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Agent and when the Agent shall have been notified in writing by each Bank that such Bank has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders.

Section 8.7 Assignments and Participations.

(a) Each Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it, its participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by it); provided , however , that (i) each

 

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such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Lender Assignment with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than the lesser of the amount of such Lender’s then remaining Commitment and $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (except in the case of assignments between Lenders at the time already parties hereto and between a Lender and an Affiliate of such Lender), (iii) the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower, shall have consented to such assignment (in each case, which may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, a Lender Assignment, together with any Note or Notes (if any) subject to such assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Promptly following its receipt of such Lender Assignment, Note or Notes (if any) and fee, the Agent shall accept and record such Lender Assignment in the Register. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Lender Assignment, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Lender Assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Lender Assignment, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of a Lender Assignment covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto, but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.13(a) , Section 2.13(b) , Section 2.17 , and Section 8.4 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Lender may at any time, with notice to the Borrower, the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, assign all or any portion of the Advances owing to it to any other Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender. No such assignment, other than to an Eligible Assignee, a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

(b) By executing and delivering a Lender Assignment, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Lender Assignment, 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 any Loan Document or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of any Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under any Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of each Loan Document, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) ) hereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Lender Assignment; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the 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

 

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credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms 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 of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

(c) The Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.2 a copy of each Lender Assignment delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(d) Upon its receipt of a Lender Assignment executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note or Notes (if any) subject to such assignment, the Agent shall, if such Lender Assignment has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.7 hereto, (i) accept such Lender Assignment, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower.

(e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks, financial institutions or other entities in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it, its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by it); provided , however , that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note (if any) for all purposes of this Agreement, and (iv) the Borrower, the Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

(f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.7 , disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided that, prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree, in accordance with the terms of Section 8.8 , to preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential Information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

(g) If any Lender (or any bank, financial institution, or other entity to which such Lender has sold a participation) shall (i) make any demand for payment under Section 2.9 ,

 

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Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 or (ii) give notice to the Agent pursuant to Section 2.14 , then within 30 days after any such demand or occurrence (if, but only if, in the case of any demanded payment described in clause (i), such demanded payment has been made by the Borrower), the Borrower may, with the approval of the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and provided that no Event of Default or Unmatured Default shall then have occurred and be continuing, demand that such Lender assign in accordance with this Section 8.7 to one or more Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower all (but not less than all) of such Lender’s Commitment, its participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Advances and the Advances owing to it within the period ending on the later to occur of (x) the last day in the 30-day period described above and (y) the last day of the longest of the then-current Interest Periods for such Advances. If any such Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower shall fail to consummate such assignment on terms acceptable to such Lender, or if the Borrower shall fail to designate any such Eligible Assignees for all or part of such Lender’s Commitment or Advances, then such demand by the Borrower shall become ineffective; it being understood for purposes of this Section 8.7(g) that such assignment shall be conclusively deemed to be on terms acceptable to such Lender, and such Lender shall be compelled to consummate such assignment to an Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower, if such Eligible Assignee (1) shall agree to such assignment by entering into a Lender Assignment with such Lender and (2) shall offer compensation to such Lender in an amount equal to all amounts then owing by the Borrower to such Lender hereunder, whether for principal, interest, fees, costs or expenses (other than the demanded payment referred to above and payable by the Borrower as a condition to the Borrower’s right to demand such assignment), or otherwise.

(h) Anything in this Section 8.7 to the contrary notwithstanding, any Lender may assign and pledge all or any portion of its Commitment and the Advances owing to it to any Federal Reserve Bank (and its transferees) as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “ SPC ”) of such Granting Lender identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Advance that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any such SPC to make any Advance, (ii) if such SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Advance, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Advance pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) no SPC or Granting Lender shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 8.4 than the Granting Lender would have been entitled to receive had the Granting Lender not otherwise granted such SPC the option to provide any Advance to the Borrower. The making of an Advance by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Advance were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable so long as, and to the extent that, the related Granting Lender provides such indemnity or makes such payment. In furtherance of the foregoing, each

 

65


party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPC, it will not institute against or join any other person in instituting against such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Granting Lender unconditionally agrees to indemnify the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent and each Lender against all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be incurred by or asserted against the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in any way relating to or arising as a consequence of any such forbearance or delay in the initiation of any such proceeding against its SPC. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have the rights of a Lender hereunder, such rights being retained by the applicable Granting Lender. Accordingly, and without limiting the foregoing, each party hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have any voting rights hereunder and that the voting rights attributable to any Advance made by an SPC shall be exercised only by the relevant Granting Lender and that each Granting Lender shall serve as the administrative agent and attorney-in-fact for its SPC and shall on behalf of its SPC receive any and all payments made for the benefit of such SPC and take all actions hereunder to the extent, if any, such SPC shall have any rights hereunder. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without the prior written consent of any other party hereto, assign all or a portion of its interest in any Advances to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any information relating to its Advances to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety, guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC. This Section 8.7(i) may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Advance is being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment.

Section 8.8 Confidentiality. In connection with the negotiation and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the Borrower has furnished and will from time to time furnish to the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders (each, a “ Recipient ”) written information which is identified to the Recipient in writing, when delivered, as confidential (such information, other than any such information which (i) as publicly available, or otherwise known to the Recipient, at the time of disclosure, (ii) subsequently becomes publicly available other than through any act or omission by the Recipient or (iii) otherwise subsequently becomes known to the Recipient other than through a Person whom the Recipient knows to be acting in violation of his or its obligations to the Borrower, being hereinafter referred to as “ Confidential Information ”). The Recipient will maintain the confidentiality of any Confidential Information in accordance with such procedures as the Recipient applies generally to information of that nature. It is understood, however, that the foregoing will not restrict the Recipient’s ability to freely exchange such Confidential Information with its Affiliates or with current or prospective participants in or assignees of, or any current or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap, securitization or derivative transaction relating to, the Recipient’s position herein, but the Recipient’s ability to so exchange Confidential Information shall be conditioned upon any such Affiliate’s or prospective participant’s or assignee’s or counterparty’s entering into an understanding as to confidentiality similar to this provision. It is further understood that the foregoing will not prohibit the disclosure of any or all Confidential Information if and to the extent that such disclosure may be required (i) by a regulatory agency or otherwise in connection

 

66


with an examination of the Recipient’s records by appropriate authorities, (ii) pursuant to court order, subpoena or other legal process or in connection with any pending or threatened litigation, (iii) otherwise as required by law, or (iv) in order to protect its interests or its rights or remedies hereunder or under the other Loan Documents; in the event of any required disclosure under clause (ii) or (iii) above, the Recipient agrees to use reasonable efforts to inform the Borrower as promptly as practicable to the extent legally permitted to do so.

Section 8.9 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK, THE LENDERS AND THE BORROWER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK, SUCH LENDERS OR THE BORROWER. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK AND THE LENDERS ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.

Section 8.10 Governing Law. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York; provided that each Letter of Credit shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws or rules designated in such Letter of Credit or application therefor or, if no such laws or rules are designated, the International Standby Practices of the International Chamber of Commerce, as in effect from time to time (the “ ISP ”), and, as to matters not governed by the ISP, the laws of the State of New York. The Borrower, each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent (i) irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court sitting in New York City in any action arising out of any Loan Document, (ii) agrees that all claims in such action may be decided in such court, (iii) waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum and (iv) consents to the service of process by mail, provided that a copy shall be promptly sent by overnight courier to Foley & Lardner LLP, U.S. Bank Center, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5367, Attention: Emory Ireland, Esq. A final judgment in any such action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law or affect its right to bring any action in any other court.

Section 8.11 Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary. No term, provision or requirement, whether express or implied, of any Loan Document, or actions taken or to be taken by any party thereunder, shall be construed to create a partnership, association, or joint venture between such parties or any of them. No term or provision of the Loan Documents shall be construed to confer a benefit upon, or grant a right or privilege to, any Person other than the parties thereto.

Section 8.12 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

67


Section 8.13 Severability. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is prohibited by or invalid under the applicable law of any jurisdiction, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity and only in such jurisdiction, without prohibiting or invalidating such provision in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

Section 8.14 Disclosure of Information. The Borrower agrees and consents to the Agent’s and the Joint Arrangers’ disclosure of information relating to this transaction to Gold Sheets and other similar bank trade publications. Such information will consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications.

Section 8.15 USA Patriot Act Notice. Each Lender that is subject to the PATRIOT Act and the Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the 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 or the Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 8.16 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any Note, the Fee Letters and any other agreements, instruments and other documents required to be executed and delivered in connection herewith, represents the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter covered hereby.

[Signatures to Follow]

 

68


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By:  

/s/    Thomas L. Hanson        

Name:   Thomas L. Hanson
Title:   Vice President And Treasurer

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-1


WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Agent, LC Issuing Bank and as Lender

By:  

/s/    Shawn Young        

Name:   Shawn Young
Title:   Vice President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-2


BARCLAYS BANK PLC,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Gary B. Wenslow        

Name:   Gary Wenslow
Title:   Associate Director

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-3


THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ,

LTD., CHICAGO BRANCH,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Tsuguyuki Umene        

Name:   Tsuguyuki Umene
Title:   Deputy General Manager

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-4


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Gabriel J. Simon

Name:   Gabriel J. Simon
Title:   Assistant Vice President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-5


ABN AMRO, N.V.,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    James L. Moyes

Name:   James L. Moyes
Title:   Managing Director
By:  

/s/    Todd D. Vaubel

Name:   Todd D. Vaubel
Title:   Assistant Vice President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-6


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:   Vice President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-7


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Mark H. Halldorson

Name:   Mark H. Halldorson
Title:   Vice President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-8


THE BANK OF NEW YORK,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:   VP

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-9


CITIBANK, N.A.,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-10


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Paul J. Pace

Name:   Paul J. Pace
Title:   Assistant Vice President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-11


MERRILL LYNCH BANK USA,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Louis Alder

Name:   Louis Alder
Title:   Director

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-12


UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Richard L. Tavrow

Name:   Richard L. Tavrow
Title:   Director Banking Products Services, US
By:  

/s/    Irja R. Otsa

Name:   Irja R. Otsa
Title:   Associate Director Banking Products Services,
  US

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-13


MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD.,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Makoto Murata

Name:   Makoto Murata
Title:   Deputy General Manager

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-14


LEHMAN BROTHERS BANK, FSB,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Gary Taylor

Name:   Gary Taylor
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-15


AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED,

as a Lender

By:  

/s/    Damodar Menon

Name:   Damodar Menon
Title:   Director

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-16


EXHIBIT 1.1(a)

FORM OF REVOLVING NOTE

 

$             

                        , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

                             (the “ Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

                             DOLLARS ($              ), or such lesser amount as may constitute the unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Advances made by the Lender, under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Revolving Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Revolving Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Revolving Note is one of a series of Revolving Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is issued to evidence the Revolving Advances made by the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Revolving Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Revolving Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Revolving Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Revolving Note, this Revolving Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

In the event this Revolving Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Revolving Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the


nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.

 

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By  

 

  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(b)

FORM OF SWINGLINE NOTE

 

$40,000,000

                        , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “ Swingline Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

FORTY MILLION DOLLARS ($40,000,000), or such lesser amount as may constitute the unpaid principal amount of the Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender, under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Swingline Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Swingline Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Swingline Note is issued to evidence the Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Swingline Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Swingline Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Swingline Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Swingline Note, this Swingline Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

In the event this Swingline Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Swingline Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.


WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By

 

 

  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(c)

FORM OF TERM NOTE

 

$             

                        , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

                             (the “ Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

                             DOLLARS ($              ), under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Term Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Term Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Term Note is one of a series of Term Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is issued to evidence the Term Loans made by the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Term Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Term Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Term Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Term Note, this Term Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower:

In the event this Term Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Term Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.


WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By

 

 

  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 2.2(b)

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.2(b) of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing of Revolving Advances under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “ Proposed Borrowing ”) as required by Section 2.2(b) of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                              .

(B) The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Borrowing is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(C) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $              .

(D) [The Interest Period for each Revolving Advance made as part of the Proposed Borrowing is              month[s].] 1

 

 

1

Delete for Base Rate Advances


The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the delivery of this Notice of Borrowing shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of the Proposed Borrowing, the statements contained in Section 3.2(a) of the Credit Agreement are true.

 

 

Very truly yours,

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By

 

 

  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 2.2(c)

FORM OF NOTICE OF SWINGLINE BORROWING

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Swingline Lender

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention:                             

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing of a Swingline Advance under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “ Proposed Borrowing ”) as required by Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                      . 1

(B) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $              . 2

 

 

1

Notice must be received by 2:00 p.m., Charlotte time, on the date of Borrowing.

 

2

Amount of Proposed Borrowing must comply with Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement.


The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the delivery of this Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of the Proposed Borrowing, the statements contained in Section 3.2(a) of the Credit Agreement are true.

 

 

Very truly yours,

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By

 

 

  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 2.4

FORM OF REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Wisconsin Power and Light Company (the “ Borrower ”), refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and the Agent, and hereby gives you notice, pursuant to Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement, that the Borrower hereby requests the issuance of a Letter of Credit (the “ Requested Letter of Credit ”) in accordance with the following terms:

(i) the requested date of [issuance] [extension] [modification] [amendment] of the Requested Letter of Credit (which is a Business Day) is                      ;

(ii) the expiration date of the Requested Letter of Credit requested hereby is                      ; 1

(iii) the proposed stated amount of the Requested Letter of Credit is                      ;

(iv) The beneficiary of the Requested Letter of Credit is: [insert name and address of beneficiary]; and

(v) the conditions under which a drawing may be made under the Requested: Letter of Credit are as follows:

 

1

Date may not be later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Termination Date or, in any event, more than one (1) year after the date of issuance.


Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a consent to this requested [amendment] [modification] executed by the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit. 2

Upon the issuance of the Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank in response to this request, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that the applicable conditions to an issuance of a Letter of Credit that are specified in Article III of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.

 

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

2

Include this paragraph only if request is for modification or amendment of the Letter of Credit.


EXHIBIT A

Consented to as of the date first above written: 3

[NAME OF LETTER OF CREDIT BENEFICIARY]

 

By

 

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

3

Necessary only for modification or amendment.


EXHIBIT 2.11

FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement, that the undersigned hereby requests a Conversion under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Conversion (the “ Proposed Conversion ”) as required by Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Conversion is                      ,      .

(B) The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Conversion is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(C) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Conversion is $                      .

(D) The Type of Advances to which such Advances are proposed to be Converted is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(E) The Interest Period for each Advance made as part of the Proposed Conversion is      month(s). 1

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the Borrower’s request for the Proposed Conversion is made in compliance with Section 2.10 of the Credit Agreement.

 

Very truly yours,

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By

 

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

1

Delete for Base Rent Advances.


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)(viii)(A)

FORM OF OPINION OF

FOLEY & LARDNER LLP

[Date of Amendment Effective Date]

To each of the Banks parties to the

Credit Agreement referred to below,

and to Wachovia Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

Re: Wisconsin Power and Light Company

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(A) of the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Wisconsin Power and Light Company (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

We have acted as counsel for the Borrower in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date (the “ Closing ”) under, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity we have examined:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Notes delivered in connection with the Closing, if any the “ Notes ”);

(iii) the Fee Letters;

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, we have examined the originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established by us, relied upon certificates of


the Borrower or its officers, including the officer’s certificate annexed hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Officer’s Certificate ”), or of public officials.

We have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to the Credit Agreement (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to us as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower), (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to us as copies and (v) the enforceability of all documents against parties thereto other than the Borrower.

Our opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of New York, the laws of the State of Wisconsin and the Federal laws of the United States of America in effect on the date hereof as they presently apply and we express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction. We authorize Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., special counsel to the Agent, to rely on this opinion.

Based upon the foregoing, but subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. Based solely upon a certificate issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Borrower is a validly existing corporation, has filed its most recent annual report required by the Wisconsin Statutes and has not filed Articles of Dissolution as of the date of such certificate.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws, or (b) any law, rule or regulation, or (c) any order or judgment of which we have knowledge applicable to the Borrower. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower. It is understood that the Borrower is required to obtain the Commitment Increase Approvals before any Commitment Increase.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, or the enforcement thereof by the Agent and the Lenders, other than (a) the Certificate of Authority and Order of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, File No. 6680-SB-125, issued on June 30, 2005 and (b) the Certificate of Authority and Order of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, File No. 6680-SB-127, issued on July 27, 2006 (collectively, the “ Orders ”), which Orders are final and in full force and effect. The Orders provide authority for short-term borrowings in principal amounts of up to $250,000,000 (up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 outstanding at any one time). We understand that the Borrower intends to obtain additional approvals from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin before requesting any Advance which would cause the outstanding Advances to exceed $250,000,000. As a condition to the obligation of the Lenders to make any Advances on the occasion of any Borrowing that would cause the aggregate amount of Advances to increase, each of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1 of the Credit Agreement must be true and correct on and as of the date of such Borrowing, before and


after giving effect to the application of the proceeds therefrom. The representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1 include a representation that the borrowing by the Borrower of the Advances will not, at the time of such borrowing, contravene any legal restriction binding on the Borrower, including the Orders. Our opinions in paragraphs 2 and 4 assume that, prior to obtaining any Advance, the Borrower will have satisfied each of the conditions to the Lenders’ obligations to make such Advance.

In addition, we assume that prior to the occurrence of any Trigger Date the Borrower will have obtained such Governmental Approvals as may be necessary in order for the maturity of the Credit Agreement to extend beyond the applicable Trigger Date.

4. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

5. The Borrower is not an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Wherever we indicate that our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts is “to our knowledge” or the like, our opinion is, with your permission, based solely on the Officer’s Certificate and the current conscious awareness of facts or other information of the attorneys currently with our firm who have represented the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement,

Our opinion set forth in paragraph 4 above is limited by:

 

  (a) Applicable bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer; and other laws and judicially developed doctrines relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally;

 

  (b) General principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and limitations on the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies;

 

  (c) The possibility that certain rights, remedies, waivers, and other provisions of the Loan Documents may not be enforceable; nevertheless, such unenforceability will not render any of the Loan Documents invalid as a whole or preclude (i) judicial enforcement of the obligation of Borrower to repay the principal, together with interest thereon (to the extent not deemed a penalty) as provided in the Credit Agreement and/or the Notes; or (ii) acceleration of the obligation of Borrower to repay such principal, together with such interest, upon a material default in a material provision of the Loan Documents; and

 

  (d) The requirement and the enforcing party act in a commercially reasonable manner and in good faith in exercising its rights under the Loan Documents.

These opinions are given as of the date hereof, they are intended to apply only to those facts and circumstances that exist as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation or


responsibility to update or supplement these opinions to reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in laws that may hereafter occur, or to inform the addressee of any change in circumstances occurring after the date hereof that would alter the opinions rendered herein.

This opinion is limited to the matters set forth herein, and no opinion may be inferred or implied beyond the matters expressly contained herein. Except as expressly set forth herein, this opinion is being provided solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the Agent and the Lenders in connection with the Credit Agreement, and is being rendered solely for the benefit of the addressees hereof, their participants, assignees and transferees. This opinion may not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, relied upon by any other party, or filed with or disclosed to any governmental authority other than a court in connection with the enforcement or protection of the rights or remedies of the Agent and/or the Lenders under the Credit Agreement or to a banking examiner or regulator in connection with an examination of the Agent and/or the Lenders by such governmental authority, without our prior written consent.

Very truly yours,


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

FORM OF OPINION OF GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE

BORROWER

[Date of Amendment Effective Date]

To each of the Banks parties to the

Credit Agreement referred to below, and to

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Re: Wisconsin Power and Light Company

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(B) of the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Wisconsin Power and Light Company (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

I am the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Borrower and have acted as such in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date of, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity I have examined, or have arranged for the examination by an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision of:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Notes delivered in connection with the closing of the Credit Agreement;

(iii) the Fee Letters;

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have examined the originals, or copies certified to my or their satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as I or such attorneys have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, I or such attorneys


have, when relevant facts were not independently established by me or by them, relied upon certificates of the Borrower or its officers or of public officials.

I have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to such document (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to me as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower) and (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to me as copies.

I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have made such examination of law as in my or their judgment is necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. I and such attorneys do not, however, purport to be qualified to pass upon, and express no opinion as to, the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

1. The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of the property owned or leased by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse affect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws; (b) any law, rule, regulation, order or judgment applicable to the Borrower, (c) any contractual restriction arising under any agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness described in Schedule III of the Credit Agreement; or (d) to my knowledge, any other legal or contractual restriction binding on, or affecting the Borrower or its properties; and such execution, delivery and performance do not result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties under any agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness described in Schedule III of the Credit Agreement or, to my knowledge, under any other agreement or instrument. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, other than                      , which release[s] are final and in full force and effect and not subject to appeal, rehearing, review or reconsideration.

4. There is no pending or, to my knowledge, threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or its properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that could reasonably be expected, if adversely determined, to materially and adversely affect the business; financial condition, operations, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower, or affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.


I authorize Foley & Lardner LLP, special counsel to the Borrower, to rely on this opinion respecting matters covered by or relating to the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Very truly yours,


EXHIBIT 8.7

FORM OF LENDER ASSIGNMENT

Dated                      ,         

Reference is made to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement” , the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Wisconsin Power and Light Company, a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, (the “ Assignor ”) has committed to make Advances (the “ Advances ”) to the Borrower, which Advances are evidenced by one or more Notes (the “ Notes ”) issued by the Borrower to the Assignor.

The Assignor and              (the “ Assignee ”) agree as follows:

1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, that interest in and to all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date (as defined below) which represents the percentage interest specified on Schedule 1 of all outstanding rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement (the “ Assigned Interest ”), including, without limitation, such interest in the Assignor’s Commitment, the Advances owing to the Assignor, the Assignor’s participations in Letters of Credit and any Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by the Assignor. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignee’s Commitment, the amount of the Advances owing to the Assignee, and the Assignee’s participations in Letters of Credit and any Swingline Advances will be as set forth in Section 2 of Schedule 1. The effective date of this sale and assignment shall be the date specified on Schedule 1 hereto (the “ Effective Date ”).

2. On the Effective Date, the Assignee will pay to the Assignor, in same day funds, at such address and account as the Assignor shall advise the Assignee, $              , and the sale and assignment contemplated hereby shall thereupon become effective. From and after the Effective Date, the Assignor agrees that the Assignee shall be entitled to all rights, powers and privileges of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement and the Note or Notes (if any) to the extent of the Assigned Interest, including without limitation (1) the right to receive all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest for the period from and after the Effective Date, whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnities in respect of claims arising after the Effective Date, increased costs, additional amounts or otherwise, (2) the right to vote and to instruct the Agent under the Credit Agreement according to its Percentage based on the Assigned Interest, (3) the right to set-off and to appropriate and apply deposits of the Borrower as set forth in the Credit Agreement and (4) the right to receive notices, requests, demands and other communications. The Assignor agrees that it will promptly remit to the Assignee any amount received by it in respect of the Assigned Interest (whether from the Borrower, the Agent or otherwise) in the same funds in which such amount is received by the Assignor.


3. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iv) attaches the Note or Notes (if any) referred to in paragraph 1 above and requests that the Agent exchange such Notes (if any) for new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto or new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto and the Assignor in an amount equal to the Commitment retained by the Assignor under the Credit Agreement, respectively, as specified on Schedule 1 hereto. Except as specified in this Section 3, the assignment of the Assigned Interest shall be without recourse to the Assignor.

4. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Lender Assignment; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; [and] (vi) specifies as its Eurodollar Lending Office the office set forth beneath its name on the signature pages hereof [and (vii) attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying as to the Assignee’s status for purposes of determining exemption from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Credit Agreement and the Notes or such other documents as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such rates at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty]. 1

5. Following the execution of this Lender Assignment by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered to the Agent for acceptance and recording by the Agent. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, as of the Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Lender Assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Lender Assignment, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

 

1

If the Assignee is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.


6. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, from and after the Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and commitment fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between themselves.

7. This Lender Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

8. This Lender Assignment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lender Assignment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written, such execution being made on Schedule 1 hereto.


SCHEDULE 1

to

LENDER ASSIGNMENT

Dated                      ,         

 

Section 1.

  

Percentage Interest:

   %

Section 2 .

  

Assignee’s Commitment:

   $             

Aggregate Outstanding Principal Amount of Revolving Advances owing to the Assignee:

   $             

Aggregate Amount of Participations in Letters of Credit assigned to Assignee:

   $             

Aggregate Amount of Participations in Swingline Advances assigned to Assignee:

   $             

A Note payable to the order of the Assignee Dated:                      ,         

  

Principal amount:

   _________

A Note payable to the order of the Assignor Dated:                      ,         

  

Principal amount:

   _________

 


Section 3 .

  

Effective Date:                      ,         

  

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By

 

 

  Title:

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

By

 

 

  Title:

Domestic Lending Office (and address for notices):

[Address]

Eurodollar Lending Office:

[Address]


Accepted this              day of                      ,         

 

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:
WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:


SCHEDULE I

WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006, among

Wisconsin Power and Light Company, as Borrower, the Banks named therein and Wachovia,

National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

 

Name of Lender

   Commitment   

Domestic Lending Office

  

Eurodollar Lending Office

Wachovia Bank, National Association    $26,057,692.31   

201 S. College St.

CP-8

NC-0680

Attention: Brad Riggenbach

Tel: 704-715-8946

Fax: 704-383-0288

Email: bradley.riggenbach@wachovia.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Barclays Bank PLC    $26,057,692.31   

222 Broadway

New York, NY 10038

Attention: Kattia Zevallos

Tel: 973-576-3919

Fax: 973-576-3694

Email: kattia.zevallos@barcap.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Chicago Branch    $20,192,307.69   

Harborside Financial Center

500 Plaza 3

Jersey City, NJ 07311

Attention: Jimmy Yu

Tel: 201-413-8566

Fax: 201-521-2335

Email: jyu@btmna.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.    $19,230,769.23   

Nancy Barwig

227 W. Monroe Street, Floor 28

Mail Code IL-0530

Chicago, IL 60606

Attn: Nancy Barwig

Tel: 312- 541-3349

Fax: 312-541-3376

Email: nancy.r.barwig@jpmchase.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.    $19,230,769.23   

540 West Madison Street

Suite 2100

Chicago, IL 60661

Attention: Loan Administration

Tel: 312-992-5150

Fax: 312-992-5155

Email: cpu.team.b@abnamro.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Bank of America, N.A.    $19,230,769.23   

901 Main St.

TX1-492-14-05

Dallas, TX 75202

Attention: Jackie Archuleta

Tel: 214-209-4111

Fax: 214-290-9422

Email: jacqueline.archuleta@bankofamerica.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.    $19,230,769.23   

201 Third St.

MAC 0187-081

San Francisco, CA 94103

Attention: Neva Moritani

Tel: 415-477-5374

Fax: 415-979-0675

Email:

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

 

Sch. I-1


Name of Lender

   Commitment   

Domestic Lending Office

  

Eurodollar Lending Office

The Bank of New York    $14,230,769.23   

One Wall Street (19th Floor)

New York, NY 10286

Attention: Lisa Williams

Tel: 212-685-7585

Fax: 212-685-7552

Email: lwilliams@bankofny.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Citibank N.A.    $14,230,769.23   

Two Penn’s Way

Suite 200

New Castle, DE 19720

Attention: Karen Riley

Tel: 302-894-6084

Fax: 302-894-6120

Email: Karen.riley@citigroup.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
KeyBank National Association    $14,230,769.23   

127 Public Square

OH-01-27-0847

Cleveland, OH 44114

Attention: Yvette Dyson-Owens

Tel: 216 689 4358

Fax: 216-689-4981

Email: Yvette_Dyson-Owens@keybank.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Merrill Lynch Bank USA    $14,230,769.23   

15 W. South Temple

Suite 300

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Attention: David Millett

Tel: 801-526-8312

Fax: 801-933-8641

Email: David_Millett@ml.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
UBS Loan Finance LLC    $14,230,769.23   

677 Washington Blvd.

Stamford, CT 06901

Attention: Christopher Aitkin

Tel: 203-719-3845

Fax: 203-719-3888

Email: christopher.aitkin@ubs.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.    $11,538,461.54   

1800 Plaza Ten

Jersey City, NJ 07311

Attention: Pamela Chen

Tel: 201-626-9302

Fax: 201-626-9942

Email: Pamela.chen@mizuhocbus.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB    $10,384,615.39   

745 7 th Avenue

16th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Michael Herr

Tel: 212-526-6560

Fax: 212-520-0450

Email: mherr@lehman.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited    $7,692,307.69   

1177 Avenue of the Americas

6th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Doreen Klingenbeck

Tel: 212-801-9726

Fax: 212-536-4826

Email: dklingen@anz.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

TOTAL

   $250,000,000.00      

 

Sch. I-2


SCHEDULE II

EXISTING SYNTHETIC LEASES

 

1. Master Leasing Agreement, dated June 1, 2001. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $5,026,383.08.

 

2. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated November 1, 1993. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $12,643,590.44.

 

3. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated March 15, 1995. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $5,053,547.94.

 

4. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated September 30, 1992. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $8,882,051.94.

 

5. Equipment Leasing Agreement, dated November 2, 1993. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $3,635,065.78.

 

Sch. II-1


SCHEDULE III

EXISTING LIENS

 

1. Liens in favor of wholly owned Subsidiaries.

 

2. Liens, if any, evidenced by existing synthetic leases listed in Schedule II.

 

3. Property pledged as security for any of the following bond issues:

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2006A (Carlton), issued by the Town of Carlton, Wisconsin

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2006B (Sheboygan), issued by the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin

 

Sch. III-1

Exhibit 4.16

Execution Version

Syndicated CUSIP NO. 46106VAA5

 

 

 

$300,000,000

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

FIVE YEAR

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 7 , 2006

Among

INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

as Borrower

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN

as Banks

and

WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

 

 

 

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

as Syndication Agent

WACHOVIA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

and

BARCLAYS CAPITAL

Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

as Documentation Agents

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1

  

Certain Defined Terms

   2

Section 1.2

  

Computation of Time Periods

   18

Section 1.3

  

Computations of Outstandings

   18

Section 1.4

  

Accounting Terms

   18
ARTICLE II   
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT   

Section 2.1

  

The Advances

   19

Section 2.2

  

Making the Advances

   19

Section 2.3

  

Funding Reliance

   22

Section 2.4

  

Letters of Credit

   23

Section 2.5

  

Fees

   27

Section 2.6

  

Changes in the Commitments

   27

Section 2.7

  

Repayment of Advances

   27

Section 2.8

  

Interest on Advances

   28

Section 2.9

  

Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances

   29

Section 2.10

  

Interest Rate Determination

   29

Section 2.11

  

Voluntary Conversion of Advances

   30

Section 2.12

  

Optional Prepayments of Advances

   31

Section 2.13

  

Increased Costs

   31

Section 2.14

  

Illegality

   32

Section 2.15

  

Payments and Computations

   33

Section 2.16

  

Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness

   34

Section 2.17

  

Taxes

   34

Section 2.18

  

Sharing of Payments, Etc

   36

Section 2.19

  

Extension of Termination Date

   36

Section 2.20

  

Replacement of Lenders

   38
ARTICLE III   
CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT   

Section 3.1

  

Conditions Precedent to Amendment Effective Date

   38

Section 3.2

  

Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit

   40

Section 3.3

  

Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit On or After a Federal Trigger Date

   41

Section 3.4

  

Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit On or After Any State Trigger Date

   41

 

i


Section 3.5

  

Reliance on Certificates

   42
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1

  

Representations and Warranties of the Borrower

   42
ARTICLE V   
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER   

Section 5.1

  

Affirmative Covenants

   45

Section 5.2

  

Negative Covenants

   49
ARTICLE VI   
EVENTS OF DEFAULT   

Section 6.1

  

Events of Default

   52

Section 6.2

  

Cash Collateral Account

   55
ARTICLE VII   
THE AGENT   

Section 7.1

  

Authorization and Action

   55

Section 7.2

  

Agent’s Reliance, Etc

   55

Section 7.3

  

Wachovia and Affiliates

   56

Section 7.4

  

Lender Credit Decision

   56

Section 7.5

  

Indemnification

   56

Section 7.6

  

Successor Agent

   57

Section 7.7

  

Delegation of Duties

   57

Section 7.8

  

No Other Duties, Etc

   57

Section 7.9

  

LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender

   58
ARTICLE VIII   
MISCELLANEOUS   

Section 8.1

  

Amendments, Etc

   58

Section 8.2

  

Notices, Etc

   58

Section 8.3

  

No Waiver; Remedies

   59

Section 8.4

  

Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification

   59

Section 8.5

  

Right of Set-off

   61

Section 8.6

  

Binding Effect

   62

Section 8.7

  

Assignments and Participations

   62

Section 8.8

  

Confidentiality

   66

 

ii


Section 8.9

  

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

   66

Section 8.10

  

Governing Law

   67

Section 8.11

  

Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary

   67

Section 8.12

  

Execution in Counterparts

   67

Section 8.13

  

Severability

   67

Section 8.14

  

Disclosure of Information

   67

Section 8.15

  

USA Patriot Act Notice

   67

Section 8.16

  

Entire Agreement

   68

 

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

Exhibit 1.1(a)

  -    Form of Revolving Note

Exhibit 1.1(b)

  -    Form of Swingline Note

Exhibit 1.1(c )

  -    Form of Term Note

Exhibit 2.2(b)

  -    Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit 2.2(c)

  -    Form of Notice of Swingline Borrowing

Exhibit 2.4

  -    Form of Request for Issuance

Exhibit 2.11

  -    Form of Notice of Conversion

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A)

  -    Form of Opinion of Foley & Lardner LLP

Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

  -    Form of Opinion of In-house Counsel

Exhibit 8.7

  -    Form of Lender Assignment

Schedule I

  -    Commitment Schedule

Schedule II

  -    Existing Synthetic Leases

Schedule III

  -    Existing Liens

 

iii


AMENDED AND RESTATED

FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 7 , 2006

THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made by and among:

 

  (i) INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , an Iowa corporation (the “ Borrower ”),

 

  (ii) the banks (the “ Banks ”) listed on the signature pages hereof and the other Lenders (as hereinafter defined) from time to time party hereto, and

 

  (iii) WACHOVIA BANK , NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“ Wachovia ”), as administrative agent (the “ Agent ”) for the Lenders hereunder and as a LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender (as defined below).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

(1) The Borrower has entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2005 (such agreement, as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “ Existing Facility ”) with Wachovia, as administrative agent, Barclays Bank PLC, as syndication agent and the other lenders and agents party thereto.

(2) The Borrower has requested that the parties to the Existing Facility amend and restate the terms of the Existing Facility, and replace the extensions of credit thereunder (including the advances and letters of credit governed by the terms of the Existing Facility), with this Agreement.

(3) The parties hereto agree that from and after the effectiveness of this Agreement, the obligations under the Existing Facility, including the terms of the extensions of credit outstanding thereunder, shall be continued as, and evidenced by, the Advances, Letters of Credit, this Agreement and other Loan Documents.

(4) The Lenders have indicated their willingness to continue extensions of credit under the Existing Facility as Advances and Letters of Credit hereunder, and make additional Advances and continue existing or issue additional Letters of Credit on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

Advance ” means any or all of the Term Loans, the Revolving Advances and the Swingline Advances.

Affected Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

Affected Lender Advance ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.14 .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling (including but not limited to all directors and officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another entity if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

Agent ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Aggregate Available Commitment ” means the aggregate of the Lenders’ Available Commitment hereunder.

Aggregate Commitment ” means the total of each Lenders’ Commitment hereunder.

Alternate Base Rate ” means a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the higher of:

(i) the rate of interest announced publicly by Wachovia or from time to time, as its corporate base rate or prime rate of interest; and

(ii)  1 / 2 of one percent per annum above the Federal Funds Rate.

Each change in the Alternate Base Rate shall take effect concurrently with any change in such base rate or prime rate or the Federal Funds Rate.

Amendment Effective Date ” means the day upon which each of the applicable conditions precedent enumerated in Section 3.1 shall be fulfilled to the satisfaction of, or waived with the consent of, the Lenders, the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Borrower. All transactions contemplated herein shall take place on a Business Day on or prior to November 7, 2006, or such later Business Day as the parties hereto may mutually agree.

 

2


Applicable Lending Office ” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of a Base Rate Advance and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Applicable Margin ” means, for any Eurodollar Rate Advance or Base Rate Advance, (i) on any date the Utilization Percentage equals or is less than 50%, the number of basis points set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 below, opposite the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate, as applicable, and (ii) on any date (A) the Utilization Percentage exceeds 50% or (B) after the Borrower’s exercise of the Term-Out Option pursuant to Section 2.1(c) , the number of basis points set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 below, opposite the Utilized Eurodollar Rate or the Utilized Base Rate, as applicable; provided that upon the Borrower’s exercise of the Term-Out Option, 25 basis points shall be added to the “Applicable Margin” for all Eurodollar Rate Advances and Base Rate Advances from and including the Termination Date to the payment in full of the Term Loans:

 

BASIS FOR PRICING

   LEVEL 1
Reference
Ratings
at least
AA- by
S&P or
Aa3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 2
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 1
but at
least A+
by S&P
or A1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 3
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 2
but at
least A by
S&P or
A2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 4
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 3
but at
least A-
by S&P
or A3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 5
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 4
but at
least
BBB+ by
S&P or
Baa1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 6
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 5
but at
least BBB
by S&P
or Baa2
by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 7
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 6.*

Basis Points Per Annum

                    

Eurodollar Rate

   8.5    10.5    15.0    19.0    27.0    35.0    42.5

Base Rate

   0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0

Utilized Eurodollar Rate

   13.5    15.5    20.0    24.0    32.0    40.0    52.5

Utilized Base Rate

   5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    10.0

 

* or unrated

The Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the Reference Ratings at the time of determination, subject, however, to the following: if the Reference Ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s do not fall within the same Level on the grid above (i.e., a “split rating”) and: (i) the difference consists of one Level, the Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the higher of such Reference Ratings, or (ii) the difference consists of two or more Levels, the Applicable Margin will be based upon the Level that corresponds to a notional Reference Rating that falls at the midpoint between the actual Reference Ratings (or if no Reference Rating on the grid above corresponds to such midpoint, the next higher Reference Rating), unless, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, either Reference Rating is below BBB- (in the case of S&P) or Baa3 (in the case of Moody’s) or the applicable debt securities are, or the Borrower is, as applicable, unrated, in which case the Applicable Margin will be based upon Level 7. Any change in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in the Reference Ratings shall be effective, as to any Advance, as of the date on which the applicable rating agency announces the applicable change in ratings.

 

3


Applicable Rate ” means:

(i) in the case of each Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time;

(ii) in the case of each Eurodollar Rate Advance comprising part of the same Borrowing, a rate per annum during each Interest Period equal at all times to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time during such Interest Period; and

(iii) in the case of each LIBOR Market Interest Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the sum of the LIBOR Monthly Index Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin in effect for a Eurodollar Rate Advance from time to time.

Available Commitment ” means, for each Lender at any time on any day, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) such Lender’s Commitment then in effect over (ii) such Lender’s Credit Exposure, computed after giving effect to all Extensions of Credit made or to be made on such day, the application of proceeds therefrom, all prepayments and repayments of Advances made on such day and all reductions in the LC Outstandings made on such day.

Bankruptcy Event ” means the occurrence of any actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

Banks ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Barclays Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated October 6, 2006, among the Parent, the Borrower, WPL, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital.

Base Rate Advance ” means an Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(a) .

Bonds ” means (i) the Pollution Control Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds (Interstate Power and Light Company Project) Series 2005, issued by the Iowa Finance Authority ($38,385,000) (ii) the Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1998, issued by the City of Chillicothe, Iowa ($10,000,000), (iii) the Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, issued by the City of Clinton, Iowa ($1,000,000), (iv) the Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Lansing), issued by the City of Lansing, Iowa ($2,300,000), (v) the Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1999 (Sherburn), issued by the City of Sherburn, Minnesota ($3,250,000), each as amended, refinanced, replaced or supplemented from time to time so long as the outstanding principal amount thereof is not increased.

Borrower ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

 

4


Borrowing ” means the incurrence by the Borrower (including as a result of conversion of Revolving Advances into Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.1(c) and Conversions of outstanding Advances pursuant to Section 2.11 ) on a single date of a group of Advances of a single Class and Type (or a Swingline Advance made by the Swingline Lender) and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

Business Day ” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City, Charlotte, North Carolina or Des Moines, Iowa and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advance or LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

Capitalized Lease Obligations ” means obligations to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real and/or personal property which obligation is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and for purposes hereof the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount determined in accordance with such principles.

Cash and Cash Equivalents ” means, with respect to any Person, the aggregate amount of the following, to the extent owned by such Person free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances and rights of others and not subject to any judicial, regulatory or other legal constraint: (i) cash on hand; (ii) Dollar demand deposits maintained in the United States with any commercial bank and Dollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank which has an office in the United States and which has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000; (iii) eurodollar time deposits maintained in the United States with, or eurodollar certificates of deposit having a maturity of one year or less issued by, any commercial bank having outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating unsecured bank indebtedness); (iv) direct obligations of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States and having a maturity of one year or less; (v) commercial paper rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) A-1 or P-1 or better by S&P or Moody’s, respectively (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating commercial paper), and having a maturity of one year or less; (vi) obligations with any Lender or any other commercial bank in respect of the repurchase of obligations of the type described in clause (iv) above, provided that such repurchase obligations shall be fully secured by obligations of the type described in said clause (iv) and the possession of such obligations shall be transferred to, and segregated from other obligations owned by, such Lender or such other commercial bank; and (vii) preferred stock of any Person that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating preferred stock of entities engaged in such businesses).

Cash Collateral Account ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.2 .

Class ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(a) .

 

5


Commitment ” means, for each Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make Revolving Advances to the Borrower and to participate in the Swingline Advances and reimbursement obligations of the Borrower in respect of Letters of Credit in an amount no greater than the amount set forth on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into one or more Lender Assignments, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Agent pursuant to Section 8.7(c) , in each such case as such amount may be reduced from time to time or increased pursuant to Section 2.6 .

Confidential Information ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.8 .

Consent Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Consolidated Capital ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the sum of (i) Consolidated Debt of such Person, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iv) the aggregate outstanding amount of Hybrid Securities, and (v) consolidated equity of the preferred stockholders of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, in each case determined at such date in accordance with GAAP, excluding, however, from such calculation, amounts identified as “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” in the financial statements of the Borrower set forth in the Borrower’s Report on Form 10-K or 10-Q, as the case may be, filed most recently with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the date of such determination.

Consolidated Debt ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, at any date of determination, the aggregate Debt of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Debt of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) the aggregate outstanding Debt evidenced by Hybrid Securities to the extent that the total book value of such securities does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Capital as of the date of determination.

Consolidated Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person whose accounts are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

Convert ”, “ Conversion ” and “ Converted ” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type, or to the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Advances, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 2.10 or Section 2.11 .

Credit Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Advances made by such Lender outstanding at such time, (ii) such Lender’s Percentage of the LC Outstandings at such time and (iii) such Lender’s (other than the Swingline Lender’s) Percentage of the Swingline Advances outstanding at such time.

Debt ” means, for any Person, any and all indebtedness, liabilities and other monetary obligations of such Person (without duplication), (i) for borrowed money or evidenced by bonds,

 

6


debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (ii) to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (except trade accounts payable arising and repaid in the ordinary course of business), (iii) Capitalized Lease Obligations, (iv) under reimbursement or similar agreements with respect to letters of credit (other than trade letters of credit) issued to support indebtedness or obligations of such Person or of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above and clause (v) below, (v) reasonably quantifiable obligations under direct guaranties or indemnities, or under support agreements, in respect of, and reasonably quantifiable obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, or to assure an obligee against failure to make payment in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above, and (vi) incurred in connection with any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease or similar off-balance sheet financing product treated as an operating lease for financial accounting purposes and a capital lease for federal income tax purposes, in each case that is entered into after the Amendment Effective Date, but excluding the obligations under the Existing Synthetic Leases, including any extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing thereof; provided that if the aggregate amount owing in respect of all such Existing Synthetic Leases, after giving effect to any such extension, renewal, amendment or refinancing, exceeds the aggregate amount owed as of the Amendment Effective Date, such excess shall be included as Debt.

Default Rate ” means (i) with respect to the unpaid principal of or interest on any Advance, the greater of (A) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for such Advance and (B) 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances and (ii) with respect to any other unpaid amount hereunder, 2%  per annum above the Applicable Rate in effect from time to time for Base Rate Advances.

Dollars ” and the sign “ $ ” each means lawful money of the United States.

Domestic Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

Eligible Assignee ” means (i) a commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof; (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the OECD, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; (iii) the central bank of any country that is a member of the OECD; and (iv) any other commercial bank or other financial institution engaged generally in the business of extending credit or purchasing debt instruments; provided , however , that (A) any such Person shall also (1) have outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally-recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such rating agencies is then in the business of rating unsecured indebtedness of entities engaged in such businesses) or (2) have combined capital and surplus (as established in its most recent report of condition to its primary regulator) of not less than $250,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), and (B) any Person described in clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, on the date on which it is to become a Lender hereunder, (x) be entitled

 

7


to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States Federal income taxes (as contemplated by Section 2.17 ) and (y) not be incurring any losses, costs or expenses of the type for which such Person could demand payment under Section 2.13 .

Equity Interests ” means, (i) with respect to a corporation, shares of common stock of such corporation or any other interest convertible or exchangeable into any such interest, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, a membership interest in such company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, a partnership interest in such partnership, and (iv) with respect to any other Person, an interest in such Person analogous to interests described in clauses (i) through (iii).

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of which such Person is a member and which is under common control within the meaning of the regulations under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or Section 4001 of ERISA, in each case, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Event ” means (i) the occurrence of a reportable event, within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, unless the 30 day notice requirement with respect thereto has been waived by the PBGC; (ii) the provision by the administrator of any Plan of notice of intent to terminate such Plan, pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA (including any such notice with respect to a plan amendment referred to in Section 4041(e) of ERISA); (iii) the cessation of operations at a facility in the circumstances described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal by the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent from a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan during a plan year for which it was a “substantial employer”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (v) the failure by the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent to make a payment to a Plan required under Section 302(f)(1) of ERISA, which failure results in the imposition of a lien for failure to make required payments; (vi) the adoption of an amendment to a Plan requiring the provision of security to such Plan, pursuant to Section 307 of ERISA; or (vii) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Plan, pursuant to Section 4042 of ERISA, or the occurrence of any event or condition which might reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, a Plan.

Eurocurrency Liabilities ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

Eurodollar Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or affiliate of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office or affiliate of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify in writing to the Borrower and the Agent.

 

8


Eurodollar Rate ” means, for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate per annum equal to the average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the rate per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the principal office of each of the Reference Banks in London, England to prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount substantially equal to such Reference Bank’s Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of such Borrowing and for a period equal to such Interest Period. The Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing shall be determined by the Agent on the basis of applicable rates furnished to and received by the Agent from the Reference Banks two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 2.10 .

Eurodollar Rate Advance ” means an Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(b) .

Eurodollar Reserve Percentage ” of any Lender for each Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable to such Lender during such Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under Regulation D or other regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) then applicable to such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

Events of Default ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.1 .

Existing Facility ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the first Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.

Existing Synthetic Leases ” means all synthetic leases existing on the Amendment Effective Date and set forth on Schedule II.

Extension Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Extension Notice ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Extension of Credit ” means (i) the disbursement of the proceeds of any Borrowing and (ii) the issuance of a Letter of Credit or the amendment of any Letter of Credit having the effect of extending the stated termination date thereof or increasing the maximum amount available to be drawn thereunder.

Facility Fee ” means a fee that shall be payable on the aggregate amount of the Commitment of each Lender, irrespective of usage, payable to each Lender on the amount of its Commitment at the rate (expressed in basis points per annum) set forth below in the columns identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 based on the Reference Ratings.

 

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BASIS FOR PRICING

   LEVEL 1
Reference
Ratings
at least
AA- by
S&P or
Aa3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 2
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 1
but at
least A+
by S&P
or A1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 3
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 2
but at
least A by
S&P or
A2 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 4
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 3
but at
least A-
by S&P
or A3 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 5
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 4
but at
least
BBB+ by
S&P or
Baa1 by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 6
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 5
but at
least BBB
by S&P
or Baa2
by
Moody’s.
   LEVEL 7
Reference
Ratings
less than
Level 6.*

Facility Fee (bps)

   4.0    4.5    5.0    6.0    8.0    10.0    12.5

 

* or unrated

The Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the Reference Ratings at the time of determination, subject, however, to the following: if the Reference Ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s do not fall within the same Level on the grid above ( i.e. , a “split rating”) and: (i) the difference consists of one Level, the Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to the higher of such Reference Ratings, or (ii) the difference consists of two or more Levels, the Facility Fee will be based upon the Level that corresponds to a notional Reference Rating that falls at the midpoint between the actual Reference Ratings (or if no Reference Rating on the grid above corresponds to such midpoint, the next higher Reference Rating), unless, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, either Reference Rating is below BBB- (in the case of S&P) or Baa3 (in the case of Moody’s) or the applicable debt securities are, or the Borrower is, as applicable, unrated, in which case the Facility Fee will be based upon Level 7. Any change in the Facility Fee resulting from a change in the Reference Ratings shall be effective as of the date on which the applicable rating agency announces the applicable change in ratings.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Federal Trigger Date ” means December 31, 2007 or any other date on which the Borrower shall require an additional Governmental Approval under federal law in order to obtain additional Extensions of Credit and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

Fee Letters ” means the Wachovia Fee Letter and the Barclays Fee Letter.

GAAP ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 1.4 .

Governmental Approval ” means any authorization, consent, approval, license, franchise, lease, ruling, tariff, rate, permit, certificate, exemption of, or filing or registration with, any governmental authority or other legal or regulatory body.

Granting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(i) .

 

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Hazardous Substance ” means any waste, substance, or material identified as hazardous, dangerous or toxic by any office, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, or instrumentality of the United States or of the State or locality in which the same is located having or exercising jurisdiction over such waste, substance or material.

Hostile Acquisition ” means any acquisition involving a tender offer or proxy contest that has not been recommended or approved by the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Person that is the subject of such acquisition prior to the first public announcement or disclosure relating to such acquisition.

Hybrid Securities ” means any hybrid securities consisting of trust preferred securities or deferrable interest subordinated debt securities issued by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or financing vehicle of the Borrower that (i) has an original maturity of at least 20 years and (ii) requires no repayments or prepayments and no mandatory redemptions or repurchases, in each case, prior to at least 91 days after the occurrence of the Maturity Date.

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.4(c) .

Indentures ” means (i) that certain Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated September 1, 1993, by and between the Borrower and The First National Bank of Chicago (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., Successor Trustee), (ii) that certain Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated August 1, 1940, by and between the Borrower and The First National Bank of Chicago (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., Successor Trustee), (iii) that certain Indenture, dated January 1, 1948, by and between the Borrower and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. and James P. Freeman, (Successor Trustees to The Chase National Bank of the City of New York and Carl E. Buckley), (iv) that certain Indenture, dated August 1, 1997, by and between the Borrower and The First National Bank of Chicago (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., Successor Trustee), and (v) that certain Indenture, dated as of August 20, 2003, between the Borrower and Bank One Trust Company, National Association (The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.), each as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Interest Period ” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such a Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be 1, 2, 3 or 6 months, as the Borrower may, upon notice received by the Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the third Business Day prior to the first day of such Interest Period, select; provided , however , that:

(i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Maturity Date;

(ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration; and

 

11


(iii) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, in the case of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Advance, that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

ISP ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.10 .

Joint Lead Arrangers ” shall mean, collectively, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Barclays Capital, the Investment Banking Division of Barclays Bank PLC.

LC Fee ” is defined in Section 2.5(b) .

LC Issuing Bank ” means Wachovia.

LC Outstandings ” means, on any date of determination, the sum of the undrawn stated amounts of all Letters of Credit that are outstanding on such date plus the aggregate principal amount of all unpaid reimbursement obligations of the Borrower on such date with respect to payments made by the LC Issuing Bank under Letters of Credit.

LC Payment Notice ” is defined in Section 2.4(d) .

Lender Assignment ” means an assignment and acceptance agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.7 .

Lenders ” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.7 , provided , that unless the context otherwise requires, each reference herein to the Lenders shall be deemed to include the Swingline Lender in such capacity.

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.4 .

LIBOR Market Index Rate ” means, for any day, the rate of interest for one month U.S. dollar deposits appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) determined as of 11:00 a.m. (London time), for such day, or if such day is not a London business day, then the immediately preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then as determined by the Agent from another recognized source or interbank quotation).

LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance ” means a Swingline Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.8(c) .

Lien ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 5.2(a) .

Loan Documents ” means (i) this Agreement, any Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.16 , and the Fee Letters, (ii) all agreements, documents and instruments in favor of the Agent, the LC

 

12


Issuing Bank or the Lenders (or the Agent on behalf of the LC Issuing Bank or the Lenders), and (iii) all other agreements, instruments and documents now or hereafter executed and/or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.

Majority Lenders ” means, on any date of determination, Lenders that, collectively, on such date (i) hold greater than 50% of the then Outstanding Credits and, (ii) if there are no Outstanding Credits, have Percentages in the aggregate greater than 50%. Any determination of those Lenders constituting the Majority Lenders shall be made by the Agent and shall be conclusive and binding on all parties absent manifest error.

Margin Stock ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Material Adverse Change ” means (i) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), or financial condition of the Borrower or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (iii) a material adverse change upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Maturity Date ” means the Termination Date unless the Borrower shall exercise the Term-Out Option, in which case the “Maturity Date” shall mean the first anniversary of the Termination Date.

Minnesota Approval ” means a ruling by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that is required to be obtained in order for the term of this Agreement to be at least 364 days.

Minnesota PUC Order ” means the order of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Docket No. E,G-001/S-06-208), dated April 27, 2006.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and to which the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate of the Parent is making or has an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made or had an obligation to make contributions.

Multiple Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and (i) is maintained for employees of the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent and at least one Person other than the Parent and its ERISA Affiliates or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent could have liability under Section 4064 or 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(a) .

Non-Performing Lender ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.4(e) .

 

13


Nonrecourse Debt ” means Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) as to which (A) the Borrower provides no credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Debt), (B) the Borrower is not directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, (C) the Borrower is not the lender or other type of creditor, or (D) the relevant legal documents do not provide that the lenders or other type of creditors with respect thereto will have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Borrower and (ii) no default with respect to which would permit, upon notice, lapse of time or both, any holder of any other Debt (other than the Advances and any Note) of the Borrower to declare a default on such other Debt or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower provides credit support that is limited in its drawable amount for any portion of Debt of any Subsidiary of the Borrower that would be considered Nonrecourse Debt but for the provision of such credit support, such Debt shall be considered Nonrecourse Debt to the extent that it is not so supported.

Notes ” means any or all of the Term Notes, the Revolving Notes and the Swingline Note.

Notice of Borrowing ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(b) .

Notice of Swingline Borrowing ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(c) .

Notice of Conversion ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.11 .

OECD ” means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

OFAC ” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and any successor thereto.

Other Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(b) .

Outstanding Credits ” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Advances outstanding on such date, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Advances outstanding on such date, (iii) the LC Outstandings on such date, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.

Parent ” means Alliant Energy Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation.

PATRIOT Act ” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and all rules and regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (or any successor entity).

 

14


Percentage ” means, for any Lender on any date of determination, the percentage obtained by dividing such Lender’s Commitment on such day by the Aggregate Commitment on such date, and multiplying the quotient so obtained by 100.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

Plan ” means a Single Employer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan.

Prior Termination Date ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.19(b) .

Recipient ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.8 .

Reference Banks ” means Wachovia, Barclays Bank PLC and any additional or substitute Lenders as may be selected from time to time to act as Reference Banks hereunder by the Agent.

Reference Ratings ” means the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured non-credit-enhanced long term debt of the Borrower.

Refunded Swingline Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(d) .

Register ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(c) .

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Request for Issuance ” means a request made pursuant to Section 2.4(a) in the form of Exhibit 2.4 .

Revolving Advances ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a) .

Revolving Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(a) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Revolving Advances made by such Lender.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

Sanctioned Country ” means a country subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sanctions/ index/html , or as otherwise published from time to time.

Sanctioned Person ” means (i) a Person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by OFAC available at http://www.treas.gov/ offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/index/html ,

 

15


or as otherwise published from time to time, or (ii) (A) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (B) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country, or (C) a Person resident in a Sanctioned Country, to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC.

SEC Order ” means Release No. 35-27930, 70-10249 dated December 28, 2004, issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission authorizing the Borrower to obtain Extensions of Credit and to perform its obligations under this Agreement until December 31, 2007.

Senior Financial Officer ” means the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of the Borrower.

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that, on a consolidated basis with any of its Subsidiaries as of any date of determination, accounts for more than 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Single Employer Plan ” means a “single employer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA and which (i) is maintained for employees of the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent and no Person other than the Parent and its ERISA Affiliates, or (ii) was so maintained and in respect of which the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate of the Parent could have liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

SPC ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 8.7(i) .

State Trigger Date ” means (i) March 31, 2007, (ii) March 31, 2008, (iii) March 31, 2009, (iv) March 31, 2010, (v) March 31, 2011, (vi) March 31, 2012, (vii) March 31, 2013 and (viii) March 31, 2014.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or unincorporated entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Equity Interests having ordinary voting power (irrespective of whether at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes of such corporation or entity shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time owned by said Person, either directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries. In the case of an unincorporated entity, a Person shall be deemed to have more than 50% of interests having ordinary voting power only if such Person’s vote in respect of such interests comprises more than 50% of the total voting power of all such interests in the unincorporated entity.

Supplemental Order ” means the order, orders or regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or its successor or any other applicable statute authorizing the Borrower to obtain Extensions of Credit and to perform its obligations under this Agreement after December 31, 2007.

Swingline Advance ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(b) .

Swingline Commitment ” shall mean $50,000,000 or, if less, the Aggregate Commitment at the time of determination, as such amount may be reduced.

 

16


Swingline Exposure ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, its maximum aggregate liability to make Refunded Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) or to purchase participations pursuant to Section 2.2(e) in Swingline Advances that are outstanding at such time.

Swingline Lender ” shall mean Wachovia in its capacity as maker of Swingline Advances, and its successors in such capacity.

Swingline Termination Date ” shall mean the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Termination Date.

Swingline Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of the Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(b) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender.

Taxes ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.17(a) .

Term Loans ” shall mean each Revolving Advance that is converted into a term loan on the Termination Date as set forth in Section 2.1(c) .

Term Note ” means a promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 , in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(c) hereto, evidencing the aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Revolving Advances made by such Lender.

Term-Out Option ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(c) .

Termination Date ” means the earliest to occur of (i) any Trigger Date, if the Borrower has not received all Governmental Approvals required to be obtained in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past such date, (ii) November 7, 2011 (as such date may be extended from time to time pursuant to Section 2.19 ) and (iii) the date of termination or reduction in whole of the Aggregate Commitment pursuant to Section 2.6 or Section 6.1 .

Trigger Date ” means, collectively, each Federal Trigger Date and each State Trigger Date.

Type ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.2(a) .

Unmatured Default ” means an event that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Unutilized Swingline Commitment ” means, with respect to the Swingline Lender at any time, the Swingline Commitment at such time less the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Advances that are outstanding at such time.

 

17


Utilization Percentage ” means, as of any time for the determination thereof, the percentage obtained by dividing the aggregate Outstanding Credits by the Aggregate Commitment then in effect.

Wachovia ” has the meaning assigned to that term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Wachovia Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated October 6, 2006, among the Parent, the Borrower, WPL, Wachovia, and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.

WPL ” means Wisconsin Power and Light Company, a Wisconsin corporation.

Section 1.2 Computation of Time Periods . Unless otherwise indicated, each reference in this Agreement to a specific time of day is a reference to Charlotte, North Carolina time. In the computation of periods of time under this Agreement, any period of a specified number of days or months shall be computed by including the first day or month occurring during such period and excluding the last such day or month. In the case of a period of time “from” a specified date “to” or “until” a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

Section 1.3 Computations of Outstandings . Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to the “principal amount outstanding” on any date under this Agreement, such reference shall refer to the aggregate principal amount of all Advances outstanding on such date after giving effect to all Advances to be made on such date and the application of the proceeds thereof.

Section 1.4 Accounting Terms . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be delivered to the Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“ GAAP ”) applied on a consistent basis. With respect to (and only with respect to) determining compliance with this Agreement, all calculations shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein) be made by application of GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent annual or quarterly financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h) (or prior to the delivery of the first financial statements pursuant to Section 5.1(h) , consistent with the financial statements described in Section 4.1(f) ); provided , however , if (i) the Borrower shall object to determining such compliance on such basis at the time of delivery of such financial statements due to any change in GAAP or the rules promulgated with respect thereto or (ii) the Agent or the Majority Lenders shall so object in writing within 30 days after delivery of such financial statements, then such calculations shall be made on a basis consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered by the Borrower to the Lenders as to which no such objection shall have been made.

 

18


ARTICLE II

AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 2.1 The Advances .

(a) Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make advances (each, a “ Revolving Advance ” and collectively, the “ Revolving Advances ”) to the Borrower from time to time, during the period from and including the date hereof, to and up to, but excluding, the Termination Date, in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed at any time such Lender’s Available Commitment, provided that no Borrowing of Revolving Advances shall be made if, immediately after giving effect thereto (and to any concurrent repayment of Swingline Advances with proceeds of Revolving Advances made pursuant to such Borrowing), the Outstanding Credits would exceed the Commitments. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 (or, if lower, the amount of the Aggregate Available Commitment) or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the same Type made on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Percentages. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment and as hereinabove and hereinafter provided, the Borrower may request Borrowings hereunder, and repay or prepay Revolving Advances pursuant to Section 2.12 and utilize the resulting increase in the Aggregate Available Commitment for further Extensions of Credit in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b) The Swingline Lender agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make advances (each, a “ Swingline Advance ,” and collectively, the “ Swingline Advances ”) to the Borrower, during the period from and including the date hereof, to and up to, but excluding, the Swingline Termination Date (or, if earlier, the Termination Date), in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding the Swingline Commitment. Swingline Advances may be made even if the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Advances outstanding at any time, when added to the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Advances made by the Swingline Lender in its capacity as a Lender outstanding at such time and its LC Outstandings at such time, would exceed the Swingline Lender’s own Commitment at such time, but provided that no Borrowing of Swingline Advances shall be made if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the Outstanding Credits would exceed the Aggregate Commitment at such time. Subject to and on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay (including by means of a Borrowing of Revolving Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) ) and reborrow Swingline Advances.

(c) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may, by notice to the Agent, which shall promptly notify the Lenders, not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the Termination Date, convert all Revolving Advances outstanding as of the close of business on the Termination Date into Term Loans (the “ Term-Out Option ”), provided that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, both immediately before and after giving effect to the conversion of such Revolving Advances. The Term Loans of each Lender (i) shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist of Term Loans of the same Type, and (ii) shall not exceed in initial principal amount for such Lender an amount which equals the total principal amount of Revolving Advances owed to such Lender and outstanding as of the close of business on the Termination Date. Once repaid, Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

Section 2.2 Making the Advances .

(a) The Revolving Advances and the Term Loans (each, together with the Swingline Advances, a “ Class ” of Loan) shall, at the option of the Borrower and subject to the terms and

 

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conditions of this Agreement, be either a Base Rate Advance or Eurodollar Rate Advance (each, a “ Type ” of Advance). The Swingline Advances shall be made and maintained as LIBOR Market Index Rate Advances at all times.

(b) In order to make a Borrowing (other than (w) Borrowings of Swingline Advances, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.2(c) , (x) Borrowings for the purpose of repaying Refunded Swingline Advances, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.2(d) , (y) Borrowings involving conversions of Revolving Advances upon exercise of the Term-Out Option, which shall be made pursuant to Section 2.1(c) or (z) conversions of outstanding Advances made pursuant to Section 2.11 ), the Borrower will give the Agent written notice not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances and (ii) not later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Advances. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “ Notice of Borrowing ”) shall be by telecopier, telex or email (in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Agent), in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2(b) hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, (B) Type of Advances comprising such Borrowing, (C) aggregate amount of such Borrowing and (D) in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the initial Interest Period for each such Advance. Each Lender shall, before (x) 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, and (y) 1:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Advances, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. After the Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , the Agent will promptly make such funds available to the Borrower by means of a credit or wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Borrower.

(c) In order to make a Borrowing of a Swingline Advance, the Borrower will give the Agent (and the Swingline Lender, if the Swingline Lender is not also the Agent) written notice not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “ Notice of Swingline Borrowing ”) shall be by telecopier, telex or email (in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Agent), in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2(c) hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, and (B) aggregate amount of such Swingline Advance to be made pursuant to such Borrowing (which shall not be less than $1,000,000 and, if greater, shall be in an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, in the amount of the Unutilized Swingline Commitment)). Not later than 4:00 p.m. on the date of such Borrowing, the Swingline Lender will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, an amount equal to the amount of the requested Swingline Advance. After the Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , the Agent will promptly make such funds available to the Borrower by means of a credit or wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Borrower.

(d) With respect to any outstanding Swingline Advances, the Swingline Lender may at any time (whether or not an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) in its sole and absolute discretion, and is hereby authorized and empowered by the Borrower to, cause a Revolving Advance to be made for the purpose of repaying such Swingline Advances by

 

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delivering to the Agent (if the Agent is not also the Swingline Lender) and each other Lender (on behalf of, and with a copy to, the Borrower), not later than 11:00 a.m. one (1) Business Day prior to the proposed date of such Borrowing therefor, a notice (which shall be deemed to be a Notice of Borrowing given by the Borrower) requesting the Lenders to make Revolving Advances (which shall be made initially as Base Rate Advances) on such date of Borrowing in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of such Swingline Advances (the “ Refunded Swingline Advances ”) outstanding on the date such notice is given that the Swingline Lender requests to be repaid. Not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested date of such Borrowing, each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. To the extent the Lenders have made such amounts available to the Agent as provided hereinabove, the Agent will make the aggregate of such amounts available to the Swingline Lender in like funds as received by the Agent, which shall apply such amounts in repayment of the Refunded Swingline Advances. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, on the relevant date of such Borrowing, the Refunded Swingline Advances (including the Swingline Lender’s ratable share thereof, in its capacity as a Lender) shall be deemed to be repaid with the proceeds of the Revolving Advances made as provided above (including a Revolving Advance deemed to have been made by the Swingline Lender), and such Refunded Swingline Advances deemed to be so repaid shall no longer be outstanding as Swingline Advances but shall be outstanding as Revolving Advances. If any portion of any such amount repaid (or deemed to be repaid) to the Swingline Lender shall be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrower from the Swingline Lender in any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding or otherwise, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be shared ratably among all the Lenders in the manner contemplated by Section 2.18 .

(e) If, as a result of any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding with respect to the Borrower, Revolving Advances are not made pursuant to Section 2.2(d) in an amount sufficient to repay any amounts owed to the Swingline Lender in respect of any outstanding Swingline Advances, or if the Swingline Lender is otherwise precluded for any reason from giving a notice on behalf of the Borrower as provided for hereinabove, the Swingline Lender shall be deemed to have sold without recourse, representation or warranty (except for the absence of Liens thereon created, incurred or suffered to exist by, through or under the Swingline Lender), and each Lender shall be deemed to have purchased and hereby agrees to purchase, a participation in such outstanding Swingline Advances in an amount equal to its ratable share (based on the proportion that its Commitment bears to the Aggregate Commitment at such time) of the unpaid amount thereof together with accrued interest thereon. Upon one (1) Business Day’s prior notice from the Swingline Lender, each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) will make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , in same day funds, such Lender’s respective participation. To the extent the Lenders have made such amounts available to the Agent as provided hereinabove, the Agent will make the aggregate of such amounts available to the Swingline Lender in like funds as received by the Agent. In the event any such Lender fails to make available to the Agent the amount of such Lender’s participation as provided in this Section 2.2(e) , the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such amount is required to be made available for the account of the Swingline Lender until the date such amount is made available to the Swingline Lender at the Federal Funds Rate for the first three (3) Business Days and thereafter at the Applicable Rate

 

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for such Revolving Advances. Promptly following its receipt of any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower in respect of a Swingline Advance, the Swingline Lender will pay to each Lender that has acquired a participation therein such Lender’s ratable share of such payment.

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the obligation of each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender) to make Revolving Advances for the purpose of repaying any Refunded Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(d) and each such Lender’s obligation to purchase a participation in any unpaid Swingline Advances pursuant to Section 2.2(e) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance or event whatsoever, including, without limitation, (i) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender may have against the Swingline Lender, the Agent, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (ii) the occurrence or continuance of any Unmatured Default or Event of Default, (iii) the failure of the amount of such Borrowing of Revolving Advances to meet the minimum Borrowing amount specified in Section 2.1(a) , or (iv) the failure of any conditions set forth in Section 3.2 or elsewhere herein to be satisfied.

(g) All Term Loans made pursuant to Section 2.1(c) shall be made by each Lender on the basis of such Lender’s Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date.

(h) Each Notice of Borrowing and Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Borrowing which the related Notice of Borrowing specifies is to be comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing for such Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III , including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Eurodollar Rate Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

Section 2.3 Funding Reliance .

(a) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the time of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Agent such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Lender has made such Advance available to the Agent on the time of such Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.2 and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such time a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such Advance available to the Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from the time such amount is made available to the Borrower until the time such amount is repaid to the Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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(b) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

Section 2.4 Letters of Credit .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Letter of Credit shall be issued (or the stated maturity thereof extended or terms thereof modified or amended) on not less than two Business Days’ prior notice thereof by delivery of a Request for Issuance to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank substantially in the form attached hereto in Exhibit 2.4 . Each Request for Issuance shall specify a statement of drawing conditions applicable to such Letter of Credit, and if such Request for Issuance relates to an amendment or modification of a Letter of Credit, it shall be accompanied by the consent of the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit thereto. The expiry of such Letter of Credit shall be no later than the earlier of (i) five Business Days’ prior to the Maturity Date and (ii) one (1) year after its date of issuance; provided , however , that a Letter of Credit may, if requested by the Borrower, provide by its terms, and on terms acceptable to the LC Issuing Bank, for renewal for successive periods of one year or less (but not beyond the date five Business Days prior to the applicable Maturity Date), unless and until the LC Issuing Bank shall have delivered a notice of nonrenewal to the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit. Each Request for Issuance shall be irrevocable unless modified or rescinded by the Borrower not less than one day prior to the proposed date of issuance (or effectiveness) specified therein. Not later than 12:00 noon on the proposed date of issuance (or effectiveness) specified in such Request for Issuance, and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions precedent and the other requirements set forth herein, the LC Issuing Bank shall issue (or extend, amend or modify) such Letter of Credit and provide notice and a copy thereof to the Agent, which shall promptly furnish copies thereof to the Lenders.

(b) No Letter of Credit shall be requested or issued hereunder if, after the issuance thereof, the Outstanding Credits would exceed the total Commitments.

(c) The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank and, if they shall have purchased participations in the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.4(d) , the Lenders, on demand made by the LC Issuing Bank to the Borrower, on and after each date on which the LC Issuing Bank shall pay any amount under any Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank, a sum equal to the amount so paid plus interest on such amount from the date so paid by the LC Issuing Bank until repayment to the LC Issuing Bank in full at a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Advances plus, if any amount paid by the LC Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit is not reimbursed by the Borrower within three Business Days, 2%.

(d) Immediately upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit, the LC Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to each Lender, and each Lender shall be deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from the LC Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, pro rata (based on such Lender’s Percentage), in such Letter of Credit, each drawing made thereunder and the

 

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obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement with respect thereto (other than the fees payable by the Borrower to the LC Issuing Bank). If the LC Issuing Bank shall not have been reimbursed in full for any payment made by the LC Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank on the date of such payment, the LC Issuing Bank shall give the Agent and each Lender prompt notice thereof (an “ LC Payment Notice ”) no later than 12:00 noon on the Business Day immediately succeeding the date of such payment by the LC Issuing Bank. Each Lender severally agrees, absolutely and unconditionally, to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank an amount equal to such Lender’s Percentage of such unreimbursed amount paid by the LC Issuing Bank, plus interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from the date of the payment by the LC Issuing Bank to the date of payment to the LC Issuing Bank by such Lender. Each such payment by a Lender shall be made not later than 3:00 p.m. on the later to occur of (i) the Business Day immediately following the date of such payment by the LC Issuing Bank and (ii) the Business Day on which such Lender shall have received an LC Payment Notice from the LC Issuing Bank. Each Lender’s obligation to make each such payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank shall be several and shall not be affected by the occurrence or continuance of an Unmatured Default or Event of Default or the failure of any other Lender to make any payment under this Section 2.4(d) or the failure of the LC Issuing Bank to provide the LC Payment Notice by 12:00 noon on the Business Day immediately succeeding the date of payment under a Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank. Upon any change in the Commitment of any Lender, with respect to all outstanding Letters of Credit and reimbursement obligations there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this Section 2.4(d) to reflect the new pro rata shares of the Lenders.

(e) The failure of any Lender to make any payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank in accordance with Section 2.4(d) shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation to make payment, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender. If any Lender (a “ Non-Performing Lender ”) shall fail to make any payment to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank in accordance with Section 2.4(d) within five Business Days after the LC Payment Notice relating thereto, then, for so long as such failure shall continue, the LC Issuing Bank shall be deemed, for purposes of Section 8.1 and Article VI hereof, to be a Lender owed a Borrowing in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount due and payable by such Non-Performing Lender to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.4(d) . Any Non-Performing Lender and the Borrower (without waiving any claim against such Lender for such Lender’s failure to purchase a participation in the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower under Section 2.4(d) ) severally agree to pay to the Agent for the account of the LC Issuing Bank forthwith on demand such amount, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such Lender would have purchased its participation had it complied with the requirements of Section 2.4(d) until the date such amount is paid to the Agent at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Base Rate Advances and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the rate applicable to Base Rate Advances plus 1%.

(f) The payment obligations of each Lender under Section 2.4(d) and of the Borrower under this Agreement in respect of any payment under any Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank shall be unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, the following circumstances:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto or to such Letter of Credit;

 

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(ii) any amendment or waiver of, or any consent to departure from, the terms of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or such Letter of Credit;

(iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary, or any transferee, of such Letter of Credit (or any Persons for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, thereby or by such Letter of Credit, or any unrelated transaction;

(iv) any statement or any other document presented under such Letter of Credit reasonably proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

(v) payment in good faith by the LC Issuing Bank under the Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or

(vi) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

(g) The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of any beneficiary or transferee of any Letter of Credit. Neither the LC Issuing Bank, the Lenders nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or Affiliates shall be liable or responsible for (i) the use that may be made of such Letter of Credit or any acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee thereof in connection therewith; (ii) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of documents, or of any endorsement thereon, even if such documents should prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged; (iii) payment by the LC Issuing Bank against presentation of documents that do not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, including failure of any documents to bear any reference or adequate reference to such Letter of Credit; or (iv) any other circumstances whatsoever in making or failing to make payment under such Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the Borrower and each Lender shall have the right to bring suit against the LC Issuing Bank, and the LC Issuing Bank shall be liable to the Borrower and any Lender, to the extent of any direct, as opposed to consequential, damages suffered by the Borrower or such Lender which the Borrower or such Lender proves were caused by the LC Issuing Bank’s willful misconduct or gross negligence, including, in the case of the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank’s willful failure to make timely payment under such Letter of Credit following the presentation to it by the beneficiary thereof of a draft and accompanying certificate(s) that strictly comply with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the LC Issuing Bank may accept sight drafts and accompanying certificates presented under the Letter of Credit issued by the LC Issuing Bank that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the

 

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contrary, and payment against such documents shall not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence by the LC Issuing Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender shall be obligated to indemnify the Borrower for damages caused by the LC Issuing Bank’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

(h) If any Letter of Credit contains a provision pursuant to which it is deemed to be automatically renewed unless notice of termination of such Letter of Credit is given by the LC Issuing Bank, the LC Issuing Bank shall timely give notice of termination if (i) as of close of business on the seventeenth day prior to the last day upon which the LC Issuing Bank’s notice of termination may be given to the beneficiaries of such Letter of Credit, the LC Issuing Bank has received a notice of termination from the Borrower or a notice from the Agent that the conditions to issuance of such Letter of Credit have not been satisfied or (ii) the renewed Letter of Credit would have a term not permitted by Section 2.4(a) .

(i) If (i) as of the Termination Date, any Letter of Credit may for any reason remain outstanding, or (ii) at any time, the aggregate Outstanding Credits shall exceed the Aggregate Commitment (after giving effect to any concurrent termination or reduction thereof), the Borrower shall (A) deliver to the Agent as cash collateral an amount in cash equal to the aggregate LC Outstandings (whether or not any beneficiary under any Letter of Credit shall have drawn or be entitled at such time to draw thereunder) or, in the case of clause (ii) above, an amount in cash equal to such excess or (B) shall make some other arrangements to provide credit support for such Letters of Credit reasonably satisfactory to the Agent. The Agent shall deposit such cash in a special collateral account of the Borrower pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Agent (such account, the “ Cash Collateral Account ”) for the benefit of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders. Such Cash Collateral Account shall at all times be free and clear of all rights or claims of third parties. The Cash Collateral Account shall be maintained with the Agent in the name of, and under the sole dominion and control of, the Agent, and amounts deposited in the Cash Collateral Account shall bear interest at a rate equal to the rate generally offered by Wachovia for deposits equal to the amount deposited by the Borrower in the Cash Collateral Account, for a term to be determined by the Agent, in its sole discretion. The Borrower hereby grants to the Agent for the benefit of the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders a Lien in and hereby assigns to the Agent for the benefit of LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders all of its right, title and interest in, the Cash Collateral Account and all funds from time to time on deposit therein to secure its reimbursement obligations in respect of Letters of Credit. If any drawings then outstanding or thereafter made are not reimbursed in full immediately upon demand or, in the case of subsequent drawings, upon being made, then, in any such event, the Agent may apply the amounts then on deposit in the Cash Collateral Account, toward the payment in full of any of the obligations as and when such obligations shall become due and payable. Any amounts remaining in the Cash Collateral Account (including interest) after the expiration of all Letters of Credit and reimbursement in full of the LC Issuing Bank for all of its obligations thereunder shall be held by the Agent, for the benefit of the Borrower, to be applied against the Outstanding Credits, together with expenses related thereto and accrued interest thereon, in such order and manner as the Agent may direct. If the Borrower is required to provide cash collateral in the case of clause (ii) above, such amount (including interest), to the extent not applied as aforesaid, shall be returned to the Borrower on demand, provided that after giving effect to such return (i) the aggregate Outstanding Credits would not exceed the Aggregate Commitment at such time and (ii) no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at such time.

 

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Section 2.5 Fees .

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender the Facility Fee, from the date hereof, in the case of each Bank, and from the effective date specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender, in the case of each other Lender, until the later of the Maturity Date and the date all Advances are paid in full, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December during the term of such Lender’s Commitment, commencing December 31, 2006, and on the later of the Maturity Date and the date all Advances are paid in full.

(b) The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender a fee (the “ LC Fee ”) on the average daily amount of the sum of the undrawn stated amounts of all Letters of Credit outstanding on each such day, from the date hereof until the later to occur of the Maturity Date and the date on which no Letters of Credit are outstanding, payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December (commencing December 31, 2006) and such later date, at a rate equal at all times to the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time for Eurodollar Rate Advances. In addition, the Borrower shall pay to the LC Issuing Bank such fees for the issuance and maintenance of Letters of Credit and for drawings thereunder as may be separately agreed between the Borrower and the LC Issuing Bank.

(c) In addition to the fees provided for in Section 2.5(a) and Section 2.5(b) , the Borrower shall pay (i) to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, for their own accounts, such fees as are provided for in the Wachovia Fee Letter and (ii) to the Joint Lead Arrangers, for their own accounts, such fees as are provided for in the Wachovia Fee Letter and Barclays Fee Letter.

Section 2.6 Changes in the Commitments .

(a) The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Agent, to terminate in whole or reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the Aggregate Commitment; provided that the Aggregate Commitment shall not be reduced to an amount which is less than the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Credits; and provided , further , that each partial reduction shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.

(b) On the Termination Date, the Aggregate Commitment shall be automatically reduced to zero.

(c) Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitment under this Section 2.6 shall be irrevocable, and the Aggregate Commitment shall not thereafter be reinstated.

Section 2.7 Repayment of Advances.

(a) Except to the extent due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall repay to the Lenders the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Revolving Advance on the Termination Date and the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans, if any, shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.

 

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(b) Except to the extent due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall repay to the Swingline Lender the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Swingline Advance on the earlier to occur of (i) fourteen (14) days after the date of Borrowing of each such Swingline Advance, and (ii) the Swingline Termination Date.

Section 2.8 Interest on Advances. The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance owing to each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the Applicable Rate for such Advance (except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.8 ), payable as follows:

(a) If such Advance is a Base Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, on the date of any Conversion of such Base Rate Advance and on the date such Base Rate Advance shall become due and payable or shall otherwise be paid in full; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Base Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(b) If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable on the last day of such Interest Period and, if the Interest Period for such Advance has a duration of more than three months, on that day of each third month during such Interest Period that corresponds to the first day of such Interest Period (or, if any such month does not have a corresponding day, then on the last day of such month); provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Eurodollar Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(c) If such Advance is a LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance, interest thereon shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, and on the date such LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance shall become due and payable or shall otherwise be paid in full; provided that at any time an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance shall bear interest payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Default Rate.

(d) In respect of any Advance, interest thereon shall be payable at the Applicable Rate at maturity (whether pursuant to acceleration or otherwise) and, after maturity, on demand.

(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of interest to any Lender at a rate in excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. If the amount of interest payable for the account of any Lender on any interest payment date would exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, the amount of interest payable for its account on such interest payment date shall be automatically reduced to such maximum permissible amount. In the event of any such reduction affecting any Lender, if from time to time thereafter the amount of interest payable for the account of such Lender on any interest payment date would be

 

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less than the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, then the amount of interest payable for its account on such subsequent interest payment date shall be automatically increased to such maximum permissible amount, provided that at no time shall the aggregate amount by which interest paid for the account of any Lender has been increased pursuant to this sentence exceed the aggregate amount by which interest paid for its account has theretofore been reduced pursuant to the previous sentence.

Section 2.9 Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances. The Borrower shall pay to Agent for the account of each Lender any costs actually incurred by such Lender with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances that are attributable to such Lender’s compliance with regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System requiring the maintenance of reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities. Such costs shall be paid to the Agent for the account of such Lender in the form of additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Agent. A certificate as to the amount of such additional interest, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender in good faith.

Section 2.10 Interest Rate Determination.

(a) Each Reference Bank agrees to furnish to the Agent timely information for the purpose of determining each Eurodollar Rate. If any one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to the Agent for the purpose of determining any such interest rate, the Agent shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information furnished by the remaining Reference Banks.

(b) The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate determined by the Agent for purposes of Section 2.8(a) , Section 2.8(b) or Section 2.8(c) , and the applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for the purpose of determining the applicable interest rate under Section 2.8(b) .

(c) If fewer than two Reference Banks furnish timely information to the Agent for determining the Eurodollar Rate, due to the unavailability of funds to such Reference Banks in the relevant financial markets:

(i) the Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the interest rate cannot be determined for Eurodollar Rate Advances;

(ii) each such Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance (or if such Advance is then a Base Rate Advance, will continue as a Base Rate Advance); and

 

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(iii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

(d) If, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Majority Lenders notify the Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period for such Advances will not adequately reflect the cost to such Majority Lenders of making, funding or maintaining their respective Eurodollar Rate Advances for such Interest Period, the Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon:

(i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance; and

(ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

(e) If the Borrower shall fail to (i) select the duration of any Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “ Interest Period ” in Section 1.1 or (ii) provide a Notice of Conversion with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advance on or prior to 12:00 noon on the third Business Day prior to the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders and such Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Advance.

(f) On the date on which the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Advances comprising any Borrowing shall be reduced, by payment or prepayment or otherwise, to less than the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, such Advances shall, if they are Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances, automatically Convert into Base Rate Advances, and on and after such date the right of the Borrower to Convert such Advances into Advances of a Type other than Base Rate Advances shall terminate; provided , however , that if and so long as each such Advance shall be of the same Type and have the same Interest Period as Advances comprising another Borrowing or other Borrowings, and the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such Advances shall equal or exceed the product of (i) $1,000,000 and (ii) the number of Lenders on such date, the Borrower shall have the right to continue all such Advances as, or to Convert all such Advances into, Advances of such Type having such Interest Period.

(g) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advance shall automatically Convert into a Base Rate Advance at the end of the Interest Period then in effect for such Eurodollar Rate Advance.

Section 2.11 Voluntary Conversion of Advances. Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Borrower may, on any Business Day, by delivering a notice of Conversion (a “ Notice of Conversion ”) to the Agent not later than 12:00 noon (i) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in respect of Eurodollar Rate Advances and (ii) on the date of the proposed Conversion, in the case of a Conversion to or in

 

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respect of Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Section 2.10 and Section 2.15 , Convert all Advances of one Type comprising the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type; provided , however , that, in the case of any Conversion of any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Base Rate Advances on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Each such Notice of Conversion shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.11 and shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (A) the date of such Conversion, (B) the Advances to be Converted, (C) if such Conversion is into Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance, and (D) the aggregate amount of Advances proposed to be Converted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may not Convert Base Rate Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances and may not select a new Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances at any time an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 2.12 Optional Prepayments of Advances. The Borrower may, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Agent stating the proposed date and aggregate principal amount of the prepayment, and if such notice is given, the Borrower shall prepay for the ratable account of the Lenders the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, without premium or penalty, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid; provided , however , that each partial prepayment shall be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $1,000,000 (or, if lower, the principal amount outstanding hereunder on the date of such prepayment) or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. In the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.4(b) . Except as provided in this Section 2.12 , the Borrower shall have no right to prepay any principal amount of any Advances.

Section 2.13 Increased Costs.

(a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding, or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances or to increase the cost to the Swingline Lender or any Lender of participating in, issuing or maintaining any LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance (or of maintaining its obligations to participate in any LIBOR Market Index Rate Advance) or to increase the cost to such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligations to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender, Swingline Lender or the LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost, submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination thereof shall have been made by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank in good faith.

 

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(b) If any Lender, the Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank or any corporation controlling such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend or participate in LIBOR Market Index Rate Advances or Letters of Credit hereunder or the Swingline Lender’s obligation to issue or maintain any Swingline Advance or the LC Issuing Bank’s obligation to issue or maintain any Letter of Credit hereunder and other commitments of this type, then, upon demand by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, from time to time as specified by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank reasonably determines such increase in capital to be allocable to the existence of such Lender’s Commitment, Swingline Lender’s obligations hereunder or LC Issuing Bank’s obligations hereunder. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank, describing in reasonable detail the manner in which such amounts have been calculated, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that the determination and allocation thereof shall have been made by such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank in good faith.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 2.13(a) or Section 2.13(b) to the contrary, no Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank shall be entitled to demand compensation or be compensated thereunder to the extent that such compensation relates to any period of time more than 60 days prior to the date upon which such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank first notified the Borrower of the occurrence of the event entitling such Lender, Swingline Lender or LC Issuing Bank to such compensation (unless, and to the extent, that any such compensation so demanded shall relate to the retroactive application of any event so notified to the Borrower).

Section 2.14 Illegality. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender (the “ Affected Lender ”) shall notify the Agent and the Borrower that the introduction of or any change in or to the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for the Affected Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, all Eurodollar Rate Advances of the Affected Lender shall, on the fifth Business Day following such notice from the Affected Lender, automatically be Converted into a like number of Base Rate Advances, each in the amount of the corresponding Eurodollar Rate Advance of the Affected Lender being so Converted (each such Advance, as so Converted, being an “ Affected Lender Advance ”), and the obligation of the Affected Lender to make, maintain, or Convert Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances shall thereupon be suspended until the Agent shall notify the

 

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Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist, or the Affected Lender has been replaced pursuant to Section 8.7(g) . For purposes of any prepayment under this Agreement, each Affected Lender Advance shall be deemed to continue to be part of the same Borrowing as the Eurodollar Rate Advances to which it corresponded at the time of the Conversion of such Affected Lender Advance pursuant to this Section 2.14 .

Section 2.15 Payments and Computations.

(a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day when due in Dollars to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.2 in same day funds. The Agent will promptly thereafter cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or fees ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.9 , Section 2.17 , Section 2.19 or Section 8.4(b) ) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of a Lender Assignment and recording of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.7(d) , from and after the effective date specified in such Lender Assignment, the Agent shall make all payments hereunder in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Lender Assignment shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

(b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender is not made when due hereunder held by such Lender, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts with such Lender any amount so due.

(c) All computations of interest based on clause (i) of the definition of “ Alternate Base Rate ” and of the Facility Fees shall be made by the Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of interest based on the Eurodollar Rate, LIBOR Market Index Rate and the LC Fee and the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.10 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such interest or fees are payable. Each determination by the Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.10 , by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, provided that such determination shall have been made by the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in good faith.

(d) Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or fees, as the case may be; provided , however , that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

 

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(e) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

Section 2.16 Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.

(a) 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 Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(b) The Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect 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 Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

(c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to Section 2.16(a) and Section 2.16(b) shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided , however , that the failure of the Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

(d) The Advances of each Class made by each Lender shall, if requested by the applicable Lender (which request shall be made to the Agent), be evidenced (i) in the case of Term Loans, if the Borrower has exercised its Term-Out Option, by a Term Note, (ii) in the case of Revolving Advances, by a Revolving Note, and (iii) in the case of the Swingline Advances, by a Swingline Note, in each case appropriately completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of such Lender. Each Note shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and shall be subject to the provisions hereof and thereof.

Section 2.17 Taxes.

(a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.15 , free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding , in the case of each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent, taxes imposed on its overall net income and franchise taxes imposed on it by any jurisdiction, unless such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) would not have had such taxes imposed on it by such jurisdiction but for such

 

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Lender’s, the LC Issuing Bank’s or the Agent’s (as the case may be) having entered into this Agreement, having consummated the transactions contemplated hereby or having received payments by the Borrower hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “ Taxes ”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17 ) such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (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 taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (hereinafter referred to as “ Other Taxes ”).

(c) The Borrower will indemnify each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.17 ) paid by such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor. Nothing herein shall preclude the right of the Borrower to contest any such Taxes or Other Taxes so paid, and the Lenders in question, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) will, following notice from, and at the expense of, the Borrower, reasonably cooperate with the Borrower to preserve the Borrower’s rights to contest such Taxes or Other Taxes.

(d) Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes, the Borrower will furnish to the Agent, at its address referred to in Section 8.2 , the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

(e) The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender agrees that, on or prior to the date upon which it shall become a party hereto, and upon the reasonable request from time to time of the Borrower or the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or such Lender will deliver to the Borrower and the Agent either (i) a statement that it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction within the United States or (ii) duly completed copies of such form or forms as may from time to time be prescribed by the United States Internal Revenue Service indicating that the LC Issuing Bank or such Lender is entitled to receive payments without deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender that delivers to the Borrower and the Agent the form or forms referred to in the preceding sentence further undertakes to deliver to the Borrower and the Agent further copies of such form or forms, or successor applicable form or

 

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forms, as the case may be, as and when any previous form filed by it hereunder shall expire or shall become incomplete or inaccurate in any respect. The LC Issuing Bank and each Lender represents and warrants that each such form supplied by it to the Agent and the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.17(e) , and not superseded by another form supplied by it, is or will be, as the case may be, complete and accurate.

(f) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.17 shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

(g) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.17 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder.

Section 2.18 Sharing of Payments, Etc. All payments from or on behalf of the Borrower on account of any obligations shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders based upon their respective share, if any, of the obligations with respect to which such payment was received. If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.9 , Section 2.13 , Section 2.17 , Section 2.19 or Section 8.4(b) ) or on account of the Borrower’s reimbursement obligations in respect of LC Outstandings in excess of its ratable share of payments obtained by all the Lenders on account of the Advances or on account of such reimbursement obligations, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them and such reimbursement obligations as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided , however , that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery, together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.18 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

Section 2.19 Extension of Termination Date.

(a) So long as no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 2.19(c) , the Borrower may, no earlier than 60 days and no later than 30 days prior to each anniversary of the Amendment Effective Date (such anniversary, an “ Extension Date ”), but on no more than two occasions, request through written notice to the Agent (the “ Extension Notice ”), that the Lenders extend the

 

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then existing Termination Date for an additional one-year period. Each Lender, acting in its sole discretion, shall, by notice to the Agent no later than the applicable Extension Date (except in the year in which the then existing Termination Date shall occur, in which case such written notice shall be delivered by the Lenders no later than 15 days prior to the then existing Termination Date) (such date, the “ Consent Date ”), advise the Agent in writing of its desire to extend (any such Lender, a “ Consenting Lender ”) or not to so extend (any such Lender, a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”) such date. Any Lender that does not advise the Agent by the Consent Date shall be deemed to be a Non-Consenting Lender. No Lender shall be under any obligation or commitment to extend the then existing Termination Date. The election of any Lender to agree to such extension shall not obligate any other Lender to agree to such extension.

(b) If Lenders holding a Commitment that aggregate more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitment on the Consent Date shall have agreed to such extension, then the then existing Termination Date applicable to the Consenting Lenders shall be extended to the date that is one year after the then existing Termination Date. All Advances of each Non-Consenting Lender shall be subject to the then existing Termination Date, without giving effect to such extension (such date, the “ Prior Termination Date ”). In the event of an extension of the then existing Termination Date pursuant to this Section 2.19 , the Borrower shall have the right, at its own expense, to solicit commitments from existing Lenders and/or Eligible Assignees reasonably acceptable to the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank to replace the Commitment of any Non-Consenting Lenders for the remaining duration of this Agreement. Any Eligible Assignee (if not already a Lender hereunder) shall become a party to this Agreement as a Lender pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower. The Commitment of each Non-Consenting Lender shall terminate on the Prior Termination Date, all Advances and other amounts payable hereunder to such Non-Consenting Lenders shall be subject to the Prior Termination Date and, to the extent such Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitment is not replaced as provided above, the Aggregate Commitment hereunder shall be reduced by the amount of the Commitment of each such Non-Consenting Lender so terminated on the Prior Termination Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.19 , the Termination Date shall not be extended unless the aggregate Commitments of the Consenting Lenders and any Eligible Assignees joining this Agreement pursuant to this Section 2.19(b) are greater than or equal to the Outstanding Credits as of each Prior Termination Date.

(c) An extension of the Termination Date pursuant to this Section 2.19 shall only become effective upon the receipt by the Agent of a certificate (the statements contained in which shall be true) of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower stating that both before and after giving effect to such extension of the Termination Date (i) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) all representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 made by such Borrower are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date such extension is made, except for such representations or warranties which by their terms are made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such specified date.

(d) Effective on and after the Prior Termination Date, (i) each of the Non-Consenting Lenders shall be automatically released from their respective participations and reimbursement obligations under Section 2.4 with respect to any LC Outstandings and (ii) the participations and reimbursement obligations of each Lender (other than the Non-Consenting Lenders) shall be automatically adjusted to equal such Lender’s Percentage of such LC Outstandings.

 

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Section 2.20 Replacement of Lenders.

(a) The Borrower may, at any time at its sole expense and effort, require any Lender that does not approve a consent, waiver or amendment to any Loan Document requested by the Borrower or the Agent and that requires the approval of all Lenders under Section 8.1 which is otherwise approved by the Majority Lenders, upon notice to such Lender and the Agent, to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 8.7 ), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

(i) no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at such time;

(ii) the Agent shall have received the assignment fee specified in Section 8.7(a) ;

(iii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Advances and any funded participations in Letters of Credit not refinanced through the Borrowing of Revolving Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 8.4(b) ) 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);

(iv) such assignee, if it is not an existing Lender and/or Eligible Assignee, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and

(v) such assignment does not conflict with any applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority or otherwise require any Governmental Approvals.

A Lender shall not be required to make any assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

ARTICLE III

CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT

Section 3.1 Conditions Precedent to Amendment Effective Date. The occurrence of the Amendment Effective Date is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

(a) The Agent shall have received the following, each dated the Amendment Effective Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders and in sufficient copies for the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender:

(i) this Agreement, duly executed by the Borrower, each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent;

 

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(ii) each Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 payable to the order of each such Lender, duly completed and executed by the Borrower;

(iii) copies of (A) the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party, and (B) all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action on the part of the Borrower with respect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(iv) a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying the names, true signatures and incumbency of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party;

(v) copies of the Certificate of Incorporation (or comparable charter document) and by laws of the Borrower, together with all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(vi) copies of all Governmental Approvals, if any, required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(vii) copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) , certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower;

(viii) favorable opinions of:

(A) Foley & Lardner LLP, counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(A) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request; and

(B) In-house Counsel of the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.1(a)(viii)(B) and as to such other matters as the Majority Lenders, through the Agent, may reasonably request;

(ix) any fees required to be paid on or before the Amendment Effective Date shall have been paid, including fees and other expenses required to be paid under the Existing Facility; and

(x) such other approvals, opinions and documents as any Lender, through the Agent, may reasonably request.

(b) The following statements shall be true and correct, and the Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, dated the date of the Amendment Effective Date and in sufficient copies for each Lender, stating that:

(i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1 of this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date of the Amendment Effective Date as though made on and as of such date, and

 

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(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default.

(c) The Borrower shall have paid (i) all fees payable hereunder or payable pursuant to the Fee Letters and the Existing Facility to the extent then due and payable, and (ii) all costs and expenses of the Agent (including counsel fees and disbursements) incurred through (and for which statements have been provided prior to) the Amendment Effective Date.

(d) The Agent shall have received evidence that all amounts outstanding under the Existing Facility, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

Section 3.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit. The obligation of (i) each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder to increase and (ii) the LC Issuing Bank to issue, extend the expiry date or increase the amount of, any Letter of Credit shall be subject to the conditions precedent that, on the date of such Extension of Credit:

(a) the following statements shall be true and correct (and each of the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Swingline Borrowing or Request for Issuance, as the case may be, and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing or the issuance, extension or increase of such Letter of Credit, as the case may be, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of such Extension of Credit, such statements are true and correct):

(i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 (other than the representation and warranty set forth in Section 4.1(e) ) are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Extension of Credit, before and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of any Borrowing made in connection therewith or the issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit in connection therewith, as the case may be, as though made on and as of such date;

(ii) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Extension of Credit or from the application of proceeds of any Borrowing made in connection therewith or the issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit in connection therewith, as the case may be, that constitutes an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default; and

(iii) after giving effect to such Extension of Credit, the Borrower’s Outstanding Credits will not exceed its borrowing authority as allowed by applicable governmental authorities.

 

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(b) the Agent shall have received all documentation and information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the PATRIOT Act; and

(c) the Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions, or documents as the Agent, or the Majority Lenders through the Agent, may reasonably request, and such approvals, opinions, and documents shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent.

Section 3.3 Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit On or After a Federal Trigger Date.

(a) At any time after a Federal Trigger Date, the obligation of (a) each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder to increase, and (b) the LC Issuing Bank to issue any Letter of Credit (including the initial Letter of Credit) or increase the stated amount of any Letter of Credit or to extend the termination date thereof shall, if any Governmental Approval is required in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past the Federal Trigger Date, be subject to the Borrower’s delivery of the following, each dated on or prior to the date of such requested Extension of Credit, in form and substance satisfactory to the LC Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and Agent:

(i) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying (A) that attached thereto is a true and correct copy of the Supplemental Order and that such order has been issued and is final and in full force and effect, or (B) that no such order is required in order for the Borrower to be permitted to obtain additional Extensions of Credit; and

(ii) If requested by the Agent, an opinion of counsel for the Borrower to the effect (A) that no Governmental Approval other than the Supplemental Order, which has been duly issued and is final and in full force and effect, is or will be required in connection with the performance by the Borrower, or the consummation by the Borrower, of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement between such Federal Trigger Date and the next succeeding Federal Trigger Date (if there is any next succeeding Federal Trigger Date), or (B) to the effect that no such order is required in order for the Borrower to be permitted to obtain additional Extensions of Credit.

It is understood that any certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and opinion letter delivered pursuant to clause (i) and (ii) may, based upon their terms, suffice to satisfy this Section 3.3 with respect to more than one Federal Trigger Date. The Agent shall furnish each certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and opinion letter delivered pursuant to clause (i) and (ii) to the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender in the manner prescribed in the last paragraph of Section 5.1(h) .

Section 3.4 Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit On or After Any State Trigger Date.

(a) At any time on or after any State Trigger Date, the obligation of (i) each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that

 

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would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder to increase, and (ii) the LC Issuing Bank to issue any Letter of Credit (including the initial Letter of Credit) or increase the stated amount of any Letter of Credit or to extend the termination date thereof shall, if any Governmental Approval is required in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past such State Trigger Date, be subject to the Borrower’s delivery of the following, each dated on or prior to the date of such requested Extension of Credit, in form and substance satisfactory to the LC Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and Agent:

(i) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying that attached thereto are true and correct copies of all Governmental Approvals required to be obtained in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past such State Trigger Date, and that such Governmental Approvals have been issued and are in full force and effect; and

(ii) If requested by the Agent, an opinion of counsel for the Borrower to the effect that no Governmental Approval is or will be required in connection with the performance by the Borrower, or the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement between such State Trigger Date and the next succeeding State Trigger Date (if there is any succeeding State Trigger Date), other than the Governmental Approvals described in clause (i) above, which have been duly issued and are final and in full force and effect.

It is understood that any certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and opinion letter delivered pursuant to clause (i) and (ii) may, based upon their terms, suffice to satisfy this Section 3.4 with respect to more than one State Trigger Date. The Agent shall furnish each certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and opinion letter delivered pursuant to clause (i) and (ii) to the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender in the manner prescribed in the last paragraph of Section 5.1(h) .

Section 3.5 Reliance on Certificates. The Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon the certificates delivered from time to time by officers of the Borrower as to the names, incumbency, authority and signatures of the respective Persons named therein until such time as the Agent may receive a replacement certificate, in form acceptable to the Agent, from an officer of such Person identified to the Agent as having authority to deliver such certificate, setting forth the names and true signatures of the officers and other representatives of such Person thereafter authorized to act on behalf of such Person.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of property owned or used by it makes such qualification necessary (except where the failure to so qualify would not constitute a Material Adverse Change).

 

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(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is or will be a party, and the receipt by the Borrower of the proceeds of Extensions of Credit on the date of any Extension of Credit, are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not and will not contravene (i) the Borrower’s charter or by-laws, (ii) any law, or (iii) any legal or contractual restriction binding on or affecting the Borrower (including, without limitation, the Minnesota PUC Order); and such execution, delivery and performance do not and will not result in or require the creation of any Lien (other than pursuant to the Loan Documents) upon or with respect to any of its properties.

(c) No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, other than (i) (A) the SEC Order and (B) the Minnesota PUC Order, which releases and orders are final and in full force and effect and not subject to appeal, rehearing, review or reconsideration, (ii) with respect to the Borrower’s obtaining any Extension of Credit after each Federal Trigger Date, a Supplemental Order and (iii) in respect of each State Trigger Date, additional Governmental Approvals required to be obtained for the term of this Agreement to extend past such State Trigger Date.

(d) This Agreement is, and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower will be a party when executed and delivered hereunder will be, legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the qualifications, however, that the enforcement of the rights and remedies herein and therein is subject to bankruptcy and other similar laws of general application affecting rights and remedies of creditors and that the remedy of specific performance or of injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceedings therefor may be brought.

(e) Since December 31, 2005, there has been no Material Adverse Change.

(f) The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2005, and the related audited consolidated statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at June 30, 2006 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income for the six-month period then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Bank, fairly present (subject, in the case of such balance sheets and statements of income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2006, to year-end adjustments) the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance, in all material respects, with GAAP.

(g) Except as disclosed in the Parent’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2006, there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change, and since December 31, 2005 there have been no material adverse developments in any action or proceeding so disclosed that might reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

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(h) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates which would result in a liability to the Borrower, no “prohibited transaction” has occurred with respect to any Plan of the Borrower that is reasonably expected to result in a liability to the Borrower and neither the Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan, in each case that could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(i) The Borrower has filed all tax returns (Federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and penalties, or, to the extent the Borrower is contesting in good faith by appropriate proceedings an assertion of liability based on such returns and has provided adequate reserves for payment thereof in accordance with GAAP.

(j) Neither the Borrower nor any Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. After the making of each Extension of Credit, Margin Stock will constitute less than 25 percent of the assets (as determined by any reasonable method) of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

(k) The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company”, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(l) Neither the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower (i) is a Sanctioned Person, (ii) has more than 15% of its assets in Sanctioned Countries, or (iii) derives more than 15% of its operating income from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Countries. No part of the proceeds of any Advance hereunder will be used directly or indirectly to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country.

(m) Neither the making of the Advances hereunder nor the use of the proceeds thereof will violate the PATRIOT Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto. The Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the PATRIOT Act.

(n) Each of the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries has timely filed all material reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by it in order to comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority in respect of the conduct of its business and the

 

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ownership and operation of its properties, except in each case to the extent that the failure to comply therewith, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

Section 5.1 Affirmative Covenants . So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Commitment or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower will, unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing:

(a) Payment of Taxes, Etc . Pay and discharge, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, before the same shall become delinquent, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges, royalties or levies imposed upon it or upon its property except, in the case of taxes, to the extent the Borrower or such Subsidiary is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and has set aside adequate reserves for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Maintenance of Insurance . Maintain, or cause to be maintained, insurance or other risk management programs covering the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries and their respective properties in effect at all times in such amounts and covering such risks and using such means as are usual and customary for companies of a similar size (based on the aggregate book value of the Parent’s assets, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP), engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties, either with reputable insurance companies or, in whole or in part, by establishing reserves of one or more insurance funds or other risk management mechanisms, either alone or with other corporations or associations, unless the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(c) Preservation of Existence, Etc . Preserve and maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to preserve and maintain, its corporate existence (except in a transaction permitted by Section 5.2(c) ), material rights (statutory and otherwise) and franchises; provided , however , that neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to preserve and maintain any such right or franchise, and no such Subsidiary shall be required to preserve and maintain its corporate existence, unless the failure to do so would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(d) Compliance with Laws, Etc . Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, including without limitation any such laws, rules, regulations and orders relating to zoning, environmental protection, use and disposal of Hazardous Substances, land use, ERISA, construction and building restrictions, and employee safety and health matters relating to business operations, the non-compliance with which would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

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(e) Inspection Rights . At the reasonable expense of the Borrower, at any time and from time to time, upon reasonable notice, permit or arrange for the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank, the Lenders and their respective agents and representatives to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and the properties of, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors and accountants.

(f) Keeping of Books . Keep, and cause its Subsidiaries to keep, proper records and books of account, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the assets and business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP.

(g) Maintenance of Properties, Etc . Maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, good and marketable title to, and preserve, maintain, develop, and operate in substantial conformity with all laws and material contractual obligations, all of its properties which are used or useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except where the failure to do so would not constitute a Material Adverse Change.

(h) Reporting Requirements . Furnish to each Lender in the manner prescribed in the last paragraph of this subsection (h):

(i) as soon as possible and in any event within five Business Days after the occurrence of each Unmatured Default or Event of Default continuing on the date of such statement, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth details of such Unmatured Default or Event of Default and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

(ii) as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year end audit adjustments) by a Senior Financial Officer as having been prepared in accordance (in all material respects) with GAAP, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any quarter shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(ii) with respect to such quarter;

(iii) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and consolidated

 

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statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, together with a certificate of said officer stating that no Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, if an Unmatured Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto; provided that delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of copies of the Borrower’s annual Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any year shall satisfy the Borrower’s obligation under this Section 5.1(h)(iii) with respect to such year;

(iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, a certificate signed by the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of the Borrower (i) stating whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such certificate, and if a Default or an Event of Default has then occurred and is continuing, specifying the details thereof and the action that the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth in reasonable detail calculations demonstrating compliance with  Section 5.2(f) and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 4.1 and, if any change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

(v) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after any ERISA Event described in clause (i) of the definition of ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred and (B) within 10 days after any other ERISA Event with respect to any Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower has occurred, a statement of a Senior Financial Officer describing such ERISA Event and the action, if any, which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto;

(vi) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC copies of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan of the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate or to have a trustee appointed to administer any such Plan;

(vii) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the Borrower from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability in an aggregate principal amount of at least $5,000,000 pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA in respect of which the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate is reasonably expected to be liable;

(viii) promptly after requested, such documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Plan as the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request;

(ix) promptly after the Borrower becomes aware of the occurrence thereof, notice of all actions, suits, proceedings or other events (A) of the type described in Section 4.1(g) or (B) for which the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders will be entitled to indemnity under Section 8.4(c) ;

 

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(x) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all such proxy statements, financial statements, and reports which the Borrower sends to its public security holders (if any), and copies of all regular, periodic and special reports, and all registration statements and periodic or special reports, if any, which the Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental authority which may be substituted therefor, or with any national securities exchange; and

(xi) promptly after requested, such other information respecting the business, properties, results of operations, prospects, revenues, condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender through the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(h)(ii) or Section 5.1(h)(iii) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto, on a website on the internet at a website address previously specified to the Agent and the Lenders; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on SyndTrak or another relevant website, if any, to which each of the Agent and each Lender has access; provided that (i) upon the request of the Agent or any Lender, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Agent or such Lender (until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Agent or such Lender) and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by a facsimile or electronic mail) the Agent and each Lender of the posting of any documents. The Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of, or to maintain copies of, the documents referred to above or to monitor compliance by any Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

(i) Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of the Advances hereunder solely for the Borrower’s general corporate purposes (including supporting commercial paper issued by the Borrower) and in compliance with the Minnesota PUC Order, and not to (x) finance any Hostile Acquisition or (y) purchase or carry any Margin Stock in violation of Federal Reserve Board Regulations T, U or X.

(j) Further Assurances . At the expense of the Borrower, promptly execute and deliver, or cause to be promptly executed and delivered, all further instruments and documents, and take and cause to be taken all further actions, that may be necessary or that the Majority Lenders through the Agent may reasonably request to enable the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent to enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement and to exercise their rights and remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document. In addition, the Borrower will use all reasonable efforts to duly obtain Governmental Approvals required in connection with the Loan Documents from time to time on or prior to such date as the same may become legally required, and thereafter to maintain all such Governmental Approvals in full force and effect.

 

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(k) OFAC, PATRIOT Act Compliance . The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) refrain from doing business in a Sanctioned Country or with a Sanctioned Person in violation of the economic sanctions of the United States administered by OFAC, and (ii) provide, to the extent commercially reasonable, such information and take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Agent or any Lender in order to assist the Agent and the Lenders in maintaining compliance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 5.2 Negative Covenants . So long as any amount in respect of this Agreement shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Commitment or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower will not, without the written consent of the Majority Lenders:

(a) Liens, Etc . Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, any lien, security interest, or other charge or encumbrance (including the lien or retained security title of a conditional vendor) of any kind, or any other type of arrangement intended or having the effect of conferring upon a creditor a preferential interest upon or with respect to any of its properties of any character (including, without limitation, accounts) (any of the foregoing being referred to herein as a “ Lien ”), excluding , however, from the operation of the foregoing restrictions the Liens created under the Loan Documents and the following:

(i) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies to the extent not past due;

(ii) Liens imposed by law, such as materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s and repairmen’s liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations which are not overdue or which are being contested in good faith, provided that any such contested Lien securing an amount claimed in excess of $5,000,000 shall be fully bonded within 90 days after the imposition of such Lien;

(iii) pledges or deposits to secure obligations under workmen’s compensation laws or similar legislation, to secure public or statutory obligations of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, or to secure the utility obligations of any such Subsidiary incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(iv) (A) purchase money Liens upon or in property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business (consistent with present practices, it being understood that for purposes of this clause, the purchase, construction or maintenance of generating facilities by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be in the ordinary course of business and consistent with present practices) to secure (1) the purchase price of such property or (2) Debt incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction or improvement of any such property to be subject to such Liens, or (B) Liens existing on any such property at the time of acquisition, or extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing for the same or a lesser amount, provided that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property other than the property being acquired, constructed or improved and replacements, modifications and proceeds of such property, and no such extension, renewal or replacement shall extend to or cover any property not theretofore subject to the Lien being extended, renewed or replaced;

 

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(v) Liens on the capital stock of any of the Borrower’s single-purpose Subsidiaries or any such Subsidiary’s assets to secure the repayment of project financing or Nonrecourse Debt for such Subsidiary;

(vi) attachment, judgment or other similar Liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or the payment of which is covered in full (subject to customary deductible amounts) by insurance maintained with responsible insurance companies;

(vii) Liens securing obligations under agreements entered into pursuant to the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Act or any similar or successor legislation, provided that such obligations do not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(viii) Liens incurred in connection with the sales of assets permitted in Section 5.2(d)(ix) ;

(ix) Liens incurred in connection with the Bonds and Indentures;

(x) Liens incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to secure Nonrecourse Debt or obligations other than for borrowed money, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000 outstanding at any one time;

(xi) Liens on nuclear fuel granted in connection with any financing arrangement for the purpose of purchasing or leasing such nuclear fuel;

(xii) Liens constituting easements, restrictions and other similar encumbrances arising in the ordinary course of business, which in the aggregate do not materially adversely affect the use by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of their respective properties;

(xiii) Liens on assets of any Subsidiary of the Borrower in favor of the Borrower or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower;

(xiv) Liens set forth in Schedule III hereto, and any extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements of any such Liens upon or in the same property theretofore subject thereto; and

(xv) other Liens securing obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not to exceed more than five percent (5%) of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at any time.

 

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(b) Transactions with Affiliates . Enter into, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter into, any transaction with an Affiliate of the Borrower, unless such transaction (i) is on terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than if the transaction had been negotiated in good faith on an arm’s length basis with a Person that was not an Affiliate of the Borrower, (ii) is among wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower or between the Borrower and a wholly-owned Subsidiary or (iii) (A) is permitted by applicable utility or utility holding company regulations or (B) has received all required Government Approvals from each governmental authority exercising jurisdiction over any party thereto, in each case under the foregoing clause (iii) only to the extent such transaction is not materially adverse to the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent.

(c) Mergers, Etc .

(i) merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except the Borrower may merge with or into or consolidate with or into any of its Subsidiaries, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default, (B) the Borrower is the surviving corporation and (C) the Borrower shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction; or

(ii) permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, except that any such Subsidiary may merge with or into any other Person, provided that immediately after giving effect thereto, (A) the surviving corporation is a Subsidiary of the Borrower, (B) no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default and (C) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be liable with respect to any Debt or allow its property to be subject to any Lien which it could not become liable with respect to or allow its property to become subject to under this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the date of such transaction.

(d) Sales, Etc., of Assets . Sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to sell, lease, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, except (i) sales, leases, transfers and assignments from one Subsidiary of the Borrower to another such Subsidiary or to the Borrower, (ii) in any transaction in which the net proceeds from such sale, lease, transfer, assignment or disposition are solely Cash and Cash Equivalents and such proceeds are (A) applied solely as a permanent reduction of the Aggregate Commitment and prepayment of Advances pursuant to Section 2.6 and Section 2.12 , or (B) applied solely to pay or prepay Debt (together with a permanent reduction of any commitments relating to such Debt) incurred by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with the project comprising such assets, (iii) in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction, (iv) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets representing not in excess of 20% of the consolidated assets (valued at book value) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the aggregate from the Amendment Effective Date until the Termination Date in any single or series of transactions, whether or not related, (v) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of worn out or obsolete equipment no longer used and useful in the business of the Borrower and its

 

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Subsidiaries, (vi) dispositions of the transmission assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (vii) dispositions of the Borrower’s Illinois assets, (viii) sales, leases, transfers and assignments of other assets in the ordinary course of business, and (ix) sales of contracts and accounts receivable by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that in each case under clauses (i) through (ix) above, no Unmatured Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing after giving effect thereto.

(e) Maintenance of Ownership of Significant Subsidiaries . Sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such Equity Interests, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its Equity Interests or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such capital stock, except (and only to the extent) as may be necessary to give effect to a transaction permitted by Section 5.2(c) .

(f) Capitalization Ratio . Permit the ratio of Consolidated Debt of the Borrower to Consolidated Capital of the Borrower to exceed .58 to 1.00.

(g) Restrictive Agreements . Directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist, or permit, directly or indirectly, any of its Significant Subsidiaries to enter into, incur or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary to declare or pay dividends or other distributions to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Significant Subsidiary; provided that the foregoing limitations do not apply to (i) financial covenants that require the maintenance of a minimum net worth or compliance with financial tests as conditions to the ability to pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to capital stock or otherwise; (ii) restrictions that arise only if dividends on preferred stock have not been paid; and (iii) limitations or restrictions imposed by law or in regulatory proceedings.

ARTICLE VI

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 6.1 Events of Default . If any of the following events (each an “ Event of Default ”) shall occur and be continuing after the applicable grace period and notice requirement (if any):

(a) The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Borrowing or any reimbursement obligation in respect of a Letter of Credit when the same becomes due and payable; or

(b) The Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Borrowing or any other amount due under this Agreement for two days after the same becomes due; or

(c) Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of the Borrower in any Loan Document or in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant thereto shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

 

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(d) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in Section 5.1(c) , Section 5.1(h)(i) or Section 5.2 (other than Section 5.2(b) thereof); or

(e) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term or covenant on its part to be performed or observed contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, and any such failure shall remain unremedied, after the earlier of (i) actual knowledge by the Borrower thereof, and (ii) written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent, for a period of 30 days; or

(f) The Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall fail to make any payment in respect of any of its Debt other than Nonrecourse Debt, including any interest or premium thereon (but excluding Debt hereunder) aggregating $50,000,000 or more when due under documents related to such Debt (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt; or any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to such Debt, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt; or any such Debt shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof as a result of a default or other similar adverse event; or

(g) The Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of a proceeding instituted against the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including without limitation the entry of an order for relief against the Borrower or such Significant Subsidiary or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for the Borrower or such Significant Subsidiary or any of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall take any corporate or other action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this Section 6.1(g) ; or

(h) Any judgment or order for the payment of money equal to or in excess of $50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective properties and either (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; provided , however , that any such amount shall be calculated after deducting from the sum so payable any amount of such judgment or order that is covered by a valid and binding policy of insurance in favor of the Borrower or such Subsidiary from an

 

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insurer that is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, which policy covers full payment thereof and which insurer has been notified, and has not disputed the claim made for payment, of such amount of such judgment or order; or

(i) Any material provision of any Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on the Borrower or the Borrower shall so assert in writing; or

(j) Any Governmental Approval required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents shall expire or be rescinded, revoked, otherwise terminated, or amended or modified in any manner that is materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent; or

(k) Any ERISA Event shall have occurred with respect to a Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability to the Borrower, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender, such ERISA Event shall still exist; or

(l) The Parent shall cease to own 100% of the common equity interests of the Borrower or shall cease to have the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of the Borrower’s directors:

then, and in any such event, the Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the holders of greater than 50% of the principal amount of the Outstanding Credits then outstanding or, if no Outstanding Credits are then outstanding, Lenders having greater than 50% of the Commitments, by notice to the Borrower, (i) declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances and the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, (ii) declare the Advances (if any), all interest thereon and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances, all such interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower (iii) direct the Borrower to deposit (and the Borrower hereby agrees, forthwith upon receipt of notice of such direction from the Agent, to deposit) with the Agent from time to time such additional amount of cash as is equal to the LC Outstandings, such amount to be held by the Agent in the Cash Collateral Account as security for the LC Outstandings as described in Section 6.2 and (iv) exercise all rights and remedies available to it under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable law; provided , however , that in the event of the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event, (A) the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit, and the Aggregate Commitment and the obligation of each Lender to make Advances shall automatically be terminated, (B) the Advances, all such interest and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower and (C) the obligation of the Borrower to cash collateralize the LC Outstandings as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further action by the Agent, LC Issuing Bank or any Lender.

 

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Section 6.2 Cash Collateral Account . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no notice given or declaration made by the Agent pursuant to this Article VI shall affect (i) the obligation of the LC Issuing Bank to make any payment under any Letter of Credit in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (ii) the obligations of each Lender in respect of each such Letter of Credit; provided , however , that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders (except upon the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event), upon notice to the Borrower, require the Borrower to deposit with the Agent an amount in the Cash Collateral Account equal to the LC Outstandings on such date (whether or not any beneficiary under any such Letter of Credit shall have drawn or be entitled at such time to draw thereunder), such amount to be held by the Agent in the Cash Collateral Account as security as described in Section 2.4(i) . Upon payment in full, after the termination of the Letters of Credit, of all such obligations, the Agent will repay and reassign to the Borrower any cash then in the Cash Collateral Account and the Lien of the Agent on the Cash Collateral Account and the funds therein shall automatically terminate.

ARTICLE VII

THE AGENT

Section 7.1 Authorization and Action . Each of the Lenders (for purposes of this Article, references to the Lenders shall also mean the LC Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender) hereby appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, enforcement or collection of the Borrowings), the Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of Notes (if any); provided , however , that the Agent shall not be required to take any action which, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or applicable law. The Agent agrees to give to each Lender prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the administration and enforcement of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents if it undertakes such administration and enforcement in a manner substantially equal to that which Wachovia accords credit facilities similar to the credit facility hereunder for which it is the sole lender. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders except as otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Borrower shall have no rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

Section 7.2 Agent’s Reliance, Etc . Neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the

 

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foregoing, the Agent: (i) may treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof until the Agent receives and accepts a Lender Assignment entered into by the Lender which is the payee of such Note, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.7 ; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; and (vi) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram, cable or telex) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

Section 7.3 Wachovia and Affiliates . With respect to its Commitment and the Advances made by it, Wachovia shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent or the LC Issuing Bank; and the term “Bank” or “Banks” and “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Wachovia in its individual capacity. Wachovia and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or the trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof, all as if Wachovia were not the Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

Section 7.4 Lender Credit Decision . Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) and such other 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 Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.

Section 7.5 Indemnification . The Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent and any Related Party of the Agent participating in the transaction (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to (i) on or before the Maturity Date, the respective Percentages of the Lenders, or (ii) after the Maturity Date, the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Advances, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under this Agreement,

 

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provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out of pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that the Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by the Borrower.

Section 7.6 Successor Agent . The Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders, with any such resignation or removal to become effective only upon the appointment of a successor Agent pursuant to this Section 7.6 . Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company (and reasonably acceptable to the Borrower so long as no Event of Default exists) organized under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof. If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender or shall be another commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of any State thereof reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement.

Section 7.7 Delegation of Duties . The Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Agent; provided , however , that the Agent shall remain responsible for the performance of its duties under this Agreement and the Loan Documents to the extent required under this Article. The Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of the 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 the Agent.

Section 7.8 No Other Duties, Etc . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Joint Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent, Documentation Agents or other agents listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Agent or a Lender hereunder.

 

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Section 7.9 LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender . The provisions of this Article (other than Section 7.3 ) shall apply to the LC Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender mutatis mutandis to the same extent as such provisions apply to the Agent.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Amendments, Etc . No amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders and, in the case of any amendment, the Borrower, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive, modify or eliminate any of the conditions specified in Section 3.1 , Section 3.2 , Section 3.3 or Section 3.4 ; (b) increase or extend the Commitments of the Lenders (other than pursuant to Section 2.19 ) or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances, any Applicable Margin or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder (other than fees payable to the Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers or the LC Issuing Bank for their own account, or to any Lender pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 ), (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances (excluding the conversion of Revolving Advances into Term Loans under Section 2.1(c) ), any reimbursement obligation in respect of Letters of Credit or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, which shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder, (f) amend this Section 8.1 , (g) release any collateral for the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or (h) change or waive any provision of Section 2.18 or any other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document requiring pro rata treatment of the Lenders; and provided , further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Agent, the Swingline Lender or the LC Issuing Bank under this Agreement or any Note, unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by the Agent, the Swingline Lender and the LC Issuing Bank, as the case may be, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, (ii) that no amendment, waiver or consent shall change or waive any provision of Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 , unless such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing and signed by each Lender directly affected thereby, in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action and (iii) that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder or under any Letter of Credit and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent, as the case may be.

Section 8.2 Notices, Etc . All notices and other communications provided for hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be in writing (including telecopier, telegraphic, telex or cable communication) and mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed, cabled

 

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or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718-2132 Attn: Treasurer, or P.O. Box 77007, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-1007 Attn: Treasurer; if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Lender Assignment pursuant to which it became a Lender; if to the LC Issuing Bank, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; if to the Swingline Lender, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; and if to the Agent, at its address at One Wachovia Center, Wachovia Bank, National Association, 301 S. College Street, NC-0760, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0760, Attention: Shawn Young; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed or cabled, be effective five days after being deposited in the mails, or when delivered to the telegraph company, telecopied, confirmed by telex answerback or delivered to the cable company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Agent pursuant to Articles II or VII shall not be effective until received by the Agent.

Section 8.3 No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of any Lender, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank or the Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 8.4 Costs, Expenses, Taxes and Indemnification.

(a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the preparation (including, without limitation, printing costs), negotiation, execution, delivery, modification and amendment of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out of pocket expenses of counsel for the Agent with respect thereto and with respect to the administration of, and advising the Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender), in connection with the enforcement and workout (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.4(a) . In addition, the Borrower shall pay any and all stamp and other taxes payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder and thereunder, and agrees to save the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay such taxes.

 

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(b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.10(f) , Section 2.11 , Section 2.12 or Section 2.14 or acceleration of the maturity of the Advances pursuant to Section 6.1 or for any other reason, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank, as the case may be, any amounts required to compensate such Lender or the LC Issuing Bank for any additional losses, costs or expenses which it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance.

(c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Agent, the Swingline Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and their respective officers, directors, employees, professional advisors and affiliates (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) which any of them may incur or which may be claimed against any of them by any Person including the Borrower (except for such claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct):

(i) by reason of or resulting from the execution, delivery or performance of any of the Loan Documents or any transaction contemplated thereby, or the use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Advance or the use by the Borrower or any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of such Letter of Credit;

(ii) in connection with any documentary taxes, assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by reason of the execution and delivery of any of the Loan Documents;

(iii) in connection with or resulting from the utilization, storage, disposal, treatment, generation, transportation, release or ownership of any Hazardous Substance (A) at, upon, or under any property of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or (B) by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates at any time and in any place; or

(iv) in connection with or resulting from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through the internet, SyndTrak or other similar transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

In case any action or proceeding is instituted involving any Indemnified Person for which indemnification is to be sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, then such Indemnified Person will promptly notify the Borrower of the commencement of any action or proceeding; provided , however , that the failure so to notify the Borrower will not relieve the Borrower from any liability that the Borrower may have to such Indemnified Person pursuant hereto or from any liability that it may have to such

 

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Indemnified Person other than pursuant hereto. Notwithstanding the above, following such notification, the Borrower may elect in writing to assume the defense of such action or proceeding, and, upon such election, the Borrower will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable for any legal costs subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Person (other than reasonable costs of investigation and providing evidence) in connection therewith, unless (i) the Borrower has failed to provide counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person in a timely manner (it being agreed that Foley & Lardner LLP shall be deemed to be reasonably satisfactory counsel for such purpose), (ii) the Indemnified Person determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate or (iii) the Indemnified Person reasonably determines that there may be legal defenses available to it which are different from, or in addition to those available to the Borrower. If the Borrower assumes the defense of any such action or proceeding, (a) it will be conclusively established for purposes of this Agreement that the claims made with respect thereto are subject to indemnification hereunder; (b) no compromise or settlement of such claims may be effected by the Borrower without the Indemnified Person’s consent and (c) the Indemnified Person will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such claims effected without its consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Indemnified Person determines in good faith that there is a reasonable probability that any action or proceeding may adversely affect it or its affiliates other than as a result of monetary damages for which it would be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such Indemnified Person may, by notice to the Borrower, assume the exclusive right to defend, compromise, or settle such action or proceeding, but the Borrower will not be bound (but will retain its indemnification obligations hereunder) by any determination of an action or proceeding so defended or any compromise or settlement effected without its consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld). In connection with any one action or proceeding, the Borrower will not be responsible for the fees and expenses of more than one separate law firm (in addition to local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons.

(d) The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.4 shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders hereunder and the termination of the Commitments. If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.4 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction thereof which is permissible under applicable law.

Section 8.5 Right of Set-off.

(a) Upon (i) the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and (ii) the making of the request or the granting of the consent by the Majority Lenders specified by Section 6.1 to authorize the Agent to declare all amounts owing hereunder due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1 , each Lender 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 indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under any Loan Document, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under such Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender agrees promptly to

 

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notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set off and application. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender may have.

(b) The Borrower agrees that it shall have no right of set-off, deduction or counterclaim in respect of its obligations hereunder, and that the obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a relinquishment or waiver of the Borrower’s rights to any independent claim that the Borrower may have against the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any Lender for the Agent’s, the LC Issuing Bank’s or such Lender’s, as the case may be, gross negligence or willful misconduct; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the conduct of the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank or any other Lender; provided, further, that the Agent shall not be liable for the conduct of any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank, and the LC Issuing Bank shall not be liable for the conduct of any Lender or the Agent; provided , however that none of the Agent, any Lender or the LC Issuing Bank shall be liable to the Borrower for any amounts representing indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages suffered by the Borrower.

Section 8.6 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Agent and when the Agent shall have been notified in writing by each Bank that such Bank has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders.

Section 8.7 Assignments and Participations.

(a) Each Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it, its participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by it); provided , however , that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Lender Assignment with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than the lesser of the amount of such Lender’s then remaining Commitment and $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (except in the case of assignments between Lenders at the time already parties hereto and between a Lender and an Affiliate of such Lender), (iii) the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower, shall have consented to such assignment (in each case, which may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, a Lender Assignment, together with any Note or Notes (if any) subject to such assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Promptly following its receipt of such Lender Assignment, Note or Notes (if any) and fee, the Agent shall accept and record such Lender Assignment in the Register. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Lender Assignment, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto

 

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and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Lender Assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Lender Assignment, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of a Lender Assignment covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto, but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.13(a) , Section 2.13(b) , Section 2.17 , and Section 8.4 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Lender may at any time, with notice to the Borrower, the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank, assign all or any portion of the Advances owing to it to any other Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender. No such assignment, other than to an Eligible Assignee, a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

(b) By executing and delivering a Lender Assignment, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Lender Assignment, 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 any Loan Document or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of any Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under any Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of each Loan Document, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1(f) ) hereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Lender Assignment; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the 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 the Loan Documents; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms 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 of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

(c) The Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.2 a copy of each Lender Assignment delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

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(d) Upon its receipt of a Lender Assignment executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note or Notes (if any) subject to such assignment, the Agent shall, if such Lender Assignment has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.7 hereto, (i) accept such Lender Assignment, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower.

(e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks, financial institutions or other entities in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it, its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by it); provided , however , that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note (if any) for all purposes of this Agreement, and (iv) the Borrower, the Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

(f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.7 , disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided that, prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree, in accordance with the terms of Section 8.8 , to preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential Information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

(g) If any Lender (or any bank, financial institution, or other entity to which such Lender has sold a participation) shall (i) make any demand for payment under Section 2.9 , Section 2.13 or Section 2.17 or (ii) give notice to the Agent pursuant to Section 2.14 , then within 30 days after any such demand or occurrence (if, but only if, in the case of any demanded payment described in clause (i), such demanded payment has been made by the Borrower), the Borrower may, with the approval of the Agent and the LC Issuing Bank (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and provided that no Event of Default or Unmatured Default shall then have occurred and be continuing, demand that such Lender assign in accordance with this Section 8.7 to one or more Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower all (but not less than all) of such Lender’s Commitment, its participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Advances and the Advances owing to it within the period ending on the later to occur of (x) the last day in the 30-day period described above and (y) the last day of the longest of the then-current Interest Periods for such Advances. If any such Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower shall fail to consummate such assignment on terms acceptable to such Lender, or if the Borrower shall fail to designate any such Eligible Assignees for all or part of such Lender’s Commitment or Advances, then such demand by the Borrower shall become ineffective; it being understood for purposes of this Section 8.7(g) that such assignment shall be conclusively deemed

 

64


to be on terms acceptable to such Lender, and such Lender shall be compelled to consummate such assignment to an Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower, if such Eligible Assignee (1) shall agree to such assignment by entering into a Lender Assignment with such Lender and (2) shall offer compensation to such Lender in an amount equal to all amounts then owing by the Borrower to such Lender hereunder, whether for principal, interest, fees, costs or expenses (other than the demanded payment referred to above and payable by the Borrower as a condition to the Borrower’s right to demand such assignment), or otherwise.

(h) Anything in this Section 8.7 to the contrary notwithstanding, any Lender may assign and pledge all or any portion of its Commitment and the Advances owing to it to any Federal Reserve Bank (and its transferees) as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “ SPC ”) of such Granting Lender identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Advance that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any such SPC to make any Advance, (ii) if such SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Advance, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Advance pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) no SPC or Granting Lender shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 8.4 than the Granting Lender would have been entitled to receive had the Granting Lender not otherwise granted such SPC the option to provide any Advance to the Borrower. The making of an Advance by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Advance were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable so long as, and to the extent that, the related Granting Lender provides such indemnity or makes such payment. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPC, it will not institute against or join any other person in instituting against such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Granting Lender unconditionally agrees to indemnify the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent and each Lender against all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be incurred by or asserted against the Borrower, the LC Issuing Bank, the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in any way relating to or arising as a consequence of any such forbearance or delay in the initiation of any such proceeding against its SPC. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have the rights of a Lender hereunder, such rights being retained by the applicable Granting Lender. Accordingly, and without limiting the foregoing, each party hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have any voting rights hereunder and that the voting rights attributable to any Advance

 

65


made by an SPC shall be exercised only by the relevant Granting Lender and that each Granting Lender shall serve as the administrative agent and attorney-in-fact for its SPC and shall on behalf of its SPC receive any and all payments made for the benefit of such SPC and take all actions hereunder to the extent, if any, such SPC shall have any rights hereunder. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without the prior written consent of any other party hereto, assign all or a portion of its interest in any Advances to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any information relating to its Advances to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety, guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC. This Section 8.7(i) may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Advance is being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment.

Section 8.8 Confidentiality . In connection with the negotiation and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the Borrower has furnished and will from time to time furnish to the Agent, the LC Issuing Bank and the Lenders (each, a “ Recipient ”) written information which is identified to the Recipient in writing, when delivered, as confidential (such information, other than any such information which (i) as publicly available, or otherwise known to the Recipient, at the time of disclosure, (ii) subsequently becomes publicly available other than through any act or omission by the Recipient or (iii) otherwise subsequently becomes known to the Recipient other than through a Person whom the Recipient knows to be acting in violation of his or its obligations to the Borrower, being hereinafter referred to as “ Confidential Information ”). The Recipient will maintain the confidentiality of any Confidential Information in accordance with such procedures as the Recipient applies generally to information of that nature. It is understood, however, that the foregoing will not restrict the Recipient’s ability to freely exchange such Confidential Information with its Affiliates or with current or prospective participants in or assignees of, or any current or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap, securitization or derivative transaction relating to, the Recipient’s position herein, but the Recipient’s ability to so exchange Confidential Information shall be conditioned upon any such Affiliate’s or prospective participant’s or assignee’s or counterparty’s entering into an understanding as to confidentiality similar to this provision. It is further understood that the foregoing will not prohibit the disclosure of any or all Confidential Information if and to the extent that such disclosure may be required (i) by a regulatory agency or otherwise in connection with an examination of the Recipient’s records by appropriate authorities, (ii) pursuant to court order, subpoena or other legal process or in connection with any pending or threatened litigation, (iii) otherwise as required by law, or (iv) in order to protect its interests or its rights or remedies hereunder or under the other Loan Documents; in the event of any required disclosure under clause (ii) or (iii) above, the Recipient agrees to use reasonable efforts to inform the Borrower as promptly as practicable to the extent legally permitted to do so.

Section 8.9 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK, THE LENDERS AND THE BORROWER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK, SUCH LENDERS OR THE BORROWER. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE AGENT, THE LC ISSUING BANK AND THE LENDERS ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

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Section 8.10 Governing Law . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York; provided that each Letter of Credit shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws or rules designated in such Letter of Credit or application therefor or, if no such laws or rules are designated, the International Standby Practices of the International Chamber of Commerce, as in effect from time to time (the “ ISP ”), and, as to matters not governed by the ISP, the laws of the State of New York. The Borrower, each Lender, the LC Issuing Bank and the Agent (i) irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court sitting in New York City in any action arising out of any Loan Document, (ii) agrees that all claims in such action may be decided in such court, (iii) waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum and (iv) consents to the service of process by mail, provided that a copy shall be promptly sent by overnight courier to Foley & Lardner LLP, U.S. Bank Center, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5367, Attention: Emory Ireland, Esq. A final judgment in any such action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law or affect its right to bring any action in any other court.

Section 8.11 Relation of the Parties; No Beneficiary . No term, provision or requirement, whether express or implied, of any Loan Document, or actions taken or to be taken by any party thereunder, shall be construed to create a partnership, association, or joint venture between such parties or any of them. No term or provision of the Loan Documents shall be construed to confer a benefit upon, or grant a right or privilege to, any Person other than the parties thereto.

Section 8.12 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

Section 8.13 Severability . To the extent any provision of this Agreement is prohibited by or invalid under the applicable law of any jurisdiction, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity and only in such jurisdiction, without prohibiting or invalidating such provision in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

Section 8.14 Disclosure of Information . The Borrower agrees and consents to the Agent’s and the Joint Arrangers’ disclosure of information relating to this transaction to Gold Sheets and other similar bank trade publications. Such information will consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications.

Section 8.15 USA Patriot Act Notice . Each Lender that is subject to the PATRIOT Act and the Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record

 

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information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 8.16 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with any Note, the Fee Letters and any other agreements, instruments and other documents required to be executed and delivered in connection herewith, represents the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter covered hereby.

[Signatures to Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Thomas L. Hanson

Name:   Thomas L. Hanson
Title:   Vice President And Treasurer

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-1


WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent, LC Issuing Bank and as Lender
By:  

/s/ Shawn Young

Name:   Shawn Young
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-2


BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Gary Wenslow

Name:   Gary Wenslow
Title:   Associate Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-3


THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD., CHICAGO BRANCH, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Tsuguyuki Umene

Name:   Tsuguyuki Umene
Title:   Deputy General Manager

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-4


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Gabriel J. Simon

Name:   Gabriel J. Simon
Title:   Assistant Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-5


ABN AMRO, N.V., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ James L. Moyes

Name:   James L. Moyes
Title:   Managing Director
By:  

/s/ Todd D. Vaubel

Name:   Todd D. Vaubel
Title:   Assistant Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-6


BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-7


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Mark H. Halldorson

Name:   Mark H. Halldorson
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-8


THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Lender
By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:   VP

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-9


CITIBANK, N.A., as a Lender
By:  

/s/

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-10


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Paul J. Pace

Name:   Paul J. Pace
Title:   Assistant Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-11


MERRILL LYNCH BANK USA, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Louis Alder

Name:   Louis Alder
Title:   Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-12


UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Richard L. Tavrow

Name:   Richard L. Tavrow
Title:   Director Banking Products Services, US
By:  

/s/ Irja R. Otsa

Name:   Irja R. Otsa
Title:   Associate Director Banking Products Services, US

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-13


MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Makoto Murata

Name:   Makoto Murata
Title:   Deputy General Manager

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-14


LEHMAN BROTHERS BANK, FSB, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Gary Taylor

Name:   Gary Taylor
Title:   Senior Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-15


AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Damodar Menon

Name:   Damodar Menon
Title:   Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

S-16


EXHIBIT 1.1(a)

FORM OF REVOLVING NOTE

 

$                                      , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , an Iowa corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

                                          (the “ Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

                                          DOLLARS ($            ), or such lesser amount as may constitute the unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Advances made by the Lender, under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Revolving Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Revolving Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Revolving Note is one of a series of Revolving Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is issued to evidence the Revolving Advances made by the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Revolving Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Revolving Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Revolving Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Revolving Note, this Revolving Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

In the event this Revolving Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Revolving Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.


INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT 1.1(b)

FORM OF SWINGLINE NOTE

 

$50,000,000                         , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , an Iowa corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “ Swingline Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS ($50,000,000), or such lesser amount as may constitute the unpaid principal amount of the Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender, under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Swingline Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Swingline Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Swingline Note is issued to evidence the Swingline Advances made by the Swingline Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Swingline Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Swingline Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Swingline Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Swingline Note, this Swingline Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

In the event this Swingline Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Swingline Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.


INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT 1.1(c)

FORM OF TERM NOTE

 

$                                      , 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY , an Iowa corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of

                                          (the “ Lender ”), at the offices of Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “ Agent ”) located at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank, the principal sum of

                                          DOLLARS ($            ), under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this “ Term Note ”) and the Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning. The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Term Note at the rates applicable thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

This Term Note is one of a series of Term Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is issued to evidence the Term Loans made by the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Term Note by reference in the same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any holder of this Term Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment, prepayment and acceleration of this Term Note.

In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Term Note, this Term Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

In the event this Term Note is not paid when due at any stated or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

This Term Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of any New York State Court or Federal court sitting in New York City, although the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.


INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

By

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 


EXHIBIT 2.2(b)

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Interstate Power and Light Company, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.2(b) of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing of Revolving Advances under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “ Proposed Borrowing ”) as required by Section 2.2(b) of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                             .

(B) The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Borrowing is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(C) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $            .

(D) [The Interest Period for each Revolving Advance made as part of the Proposed Borrowing is              month[s].] 1

 

1

Delete for Base Rate Advances


The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the delivery of this Notice of Borrowing shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of the Proposed Borrowing, the statements contained in Section 3.2(a) of the Credit Agreement are true.

 

Very truly yours,
INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT 2.2(c)

FORM OF NOTICE OF SWINGLINE BORROWING

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as

  Swingline Lender

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention:                                              

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Interstate Power and Light Company, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing of a Swingline Advance under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “ Proposed Borrowing ”) as required by Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                      . 1

(B) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $              . 2

 

1

Notice must be received by 2:00 p.m., Charlotte time, on the date of Borrowing.

2

Amount of Proposed Borrowing must comply with Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement.


The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the delivery of this Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that, on the date of the Proposed Borrowing, the statements contained in Section 3.2(a) of the Credit Agreement are true.

 

Very truly yours,
INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT 2.4

FORM OF REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Interstate Power and Light Company (the “ Borrower ”), refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and the Agent, and hereby gives you notice, pursuant to Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement, that the Borrower hereby requests the issuance of a Letter of Credit (the “ Requested Letter of Credit ”) in accordance with the following terms:

(i) the requested date of [issuance] [extension] [modification] [amendment] of the Requested Letter of Credit (which is a Business Day) is                     ;

(ii) the expiration date of the Requested Letter of Credit requested hereby is                     ; 1

(iii) the proposed stated amount of the Requested Letter of Credit is                     ;

(iv) The beneficiary of the Requested Letter of Credit is: [insert name and address of beneficiary]; and

(v) the conditions under which a drawing may be made under the Requested Letter of Credit are as follows:

Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a consent to this requested [amendment] [modification] executed by the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit. 2

 

1

Date may not be later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Termination Date or, in any event, more than one (1) year after the date of issuance.

2

Include this paragraph only if request is for modification or amendment of the Letter of Credit.


Upon the issuance of the Letter of Credit by the LC Issuing Bank in response to this request, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that the applicable conditions to an issuance of a Letter of Credit that are specified in Article III of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.

 

INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT A

Consented to as of the date

first above written: 3

 

[NAME OF LETTER OF CREDIT BENEFICIARY]
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

3

Necessary only for modification or amendment.


EXHIBIT 2.11

FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION

[Date]

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

Charlotte Plaza Building, CP-8

201 South College Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0680

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Interstate Power and Light Company, refers to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement, that the undersigned hereby requests a Conversion under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Conversion (the “ Proposed Conversion ”) as required by Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement:

(A) The Business Day of the Proposed Conversion is                     ,         .

(B) The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Conversion is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(C) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Conversion is $                    .

(D) The Type of Advances to which such Advances are proposed to be Converted is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

(E) The Interest Period for each Advance made as part of the Proposed Conversion is              month(s). 1

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the Borrower’s request for the Proposed Conversion is made in compliance with Section 2.10 of the Credit Agreement.

 

Very truly yours,
INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

1

Delete for Base Rate Advances.


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)(viii)(A)

FORM OF OPINION OF

FOLEY & LARDNER LLP

[Date of Amendment Effective Date]

To each of the Banks parties to the

    Credit Agreement referred to below,

    and to Wachovia Bank, National Association,

    as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

 

  Re: Interstate Power and Light Company

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(A) of the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Interstate Power and Light Company (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

We have acted as counsel for the Borrower in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date (the “ Closing ”) under, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity we have examined:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Notes delivered in connection with the Closing, if any (the “ Notes ”);

(iii) the Fee Letters;

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, we have examined the originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established by us, relied upon certificates of the Borrower or its officers, including the officer’s certificate annexed hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Officer’s Certificate ”), or of public officials.


We have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to the Credit Agreement (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to us as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower), (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to us as copies and (v) the enforceability of all documents against parties thereto other than the Borrower.

Our opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of New York, the Federal laws of the United States of America and, with respect to opinion paragraph 3 below only, the laws of the State of Illinois and the State of Iowa, in each case as in effect on the date hereof as they presently apply, and we express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction. To the extent that any of the opinions expressed below (other than opinion paragraph 3) involve conclusions as to matters governed by the laws of the State of Iowa, we have relied on the opinions of                     , the                     of the Borrower, delivered to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(B) of the Credit Agreement. We have also relied on the opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P., delivered to you on the date hereof with respect to the matters addressed therein. We believe that you and we are justified in relying on such opinions for such purposes. We authorize Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., special counsel to the Agent, to rely on this opinion.

Based upon the foregoing, but subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. Based solely upon a certificate issued by the Iowa Secretary of State, the Borrower is in existence as a corporation under the laws of the State of Iowa, all fees required by the Iowa Business Corporation Act have been paid by the Borrower, the most recent biennial corporate report has been filed and articles of dissolution have not been filed as of the date of such certificate.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws, or (b) any law, rule or regulation, or (c) any order or judgment of which we have knowledge after due inquiry, applicable to the Borrower. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, or the enforcement thereof by the Agent and the Lenders, other than Securities and Exchange Commission Release No. 35-27930; 70-10249, dated December 28, 2004 (the “ SEC Order ”), and the order of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Docket No. E,G-001/S-06-208), dated April 27, 2006 (together with the SEC Order, the “ Orders ”), which Orders are final and in full force and effect; provided that we assume for purposes of this opinion paragraph and opinion paragraphs 2 and 4 (x) that the


Borrower will obtain and at all times maintain in effect prior to the Termination Date such other Governmental Approvals as may be necessary from time to time, including, without limitation, approvals of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, (y) that prior to the Borrower obtaining any Extension of Credit after a Federal Trigger Date the Borrower will have obtained one or more appropriate Supplemental Orders, and (z) that the Borrower will not request any Extension of Credit that would cause a violation of the limitations expressed in the Orders or any Supplemental Orders.

4. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

5. The Borrower is not an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Wherever we indicate that our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts is “to our knowledge” or the like, our opinion is, with your permission, based solely on the Officer’s Certificate and the current conscious awareness of facts or other information of the attorneys currently with our firm who have represented the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement.

Our opinion set forth in paragraph 4 above is limited by:

 

  (a) Applicable bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, and other laws and judicially developed doctrines relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally;

 

  (b) General principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and limitations on the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies;

 

  (c) The possibility that certain rights, remedies, waivers, and other provisions of the Loan Documents may not be enforceable; nevertheless, such unenforceability will not render any of the Loan Documents invalid as a whole or preclude (i) judicial enforcement of the obligation of Borrower to repay the principal, together with interest thereon (to the extent not deemed a penalty) as provided in the Credit Agreement and/or the Notes; or (ii) acceleration of the obligation of Borrower to repay such principal, together with such interest, upon a material default in a material provision of the Loan Documents; and

 

  (d) The requirement that the enforcing party act in a commercially reasonable manner and in good faith in exercising its rights under the Loan Documents.

We call to your attention that additional Governmental Approvals will be required in connection with any Advances maturing after March 31, 2007 or made after a Federal Trigger Date.


With respect to our Illinois law opinion in paragraph 3 above, (i) we have assumed that no Bank has an “affiliated interest” with the Borrower, as defined by 220 ILCS §5/7-101(2), and (2) we express no opinion as to whether the Borrower is required to have a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

These opinions are given as of the date hereof, they are intended to apply only to those facts and circumstances that exist as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation or responsibility to update or supplement these opinions to reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in laws that may hereafter occur, or to inform the addressee of any change in circumstances occurring after the date hereof that would alter the opinions rendered herein.

This opinion is limited to the matters set forth herein, and no opinion may be inferred or implied beyond the matters expressly contained herein. Except as expressly set forth herein, this opinion is being provided solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the Agent and the Lenders in connection with the Credit Agreement, and is being rendered solely for the benefit of the addressees hereof, their participants, assignees and transferees. This opinion may not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, relied upon by any other party, or filed with or disclosed to any governmental authority other than a court in connection with the enforcement or protection of the rights or remedies of the Agent and/or the Lenders under the Credit Agreement or to a banking examiner or regulator in connection with an examination of the Agent and/or the Lenders by such governmental authority, without our prior written consent.

Very truly yours,


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)(viii)(B)

FORM OF OPINION OF GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE

BORROWER

[Date of Amendment Effective Date]

To each of the Banks parties to the

  Credit Agreement referred to below, and to

  Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent

 

  Re: Interstate Power and Light Company

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(viii)(B) of the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Interstate Power and Light Company (the “ Borrower ”), the Banks parties thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and as LC Issuing Bank. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

I am the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Borrower and have acted as such in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of, and the closing on this date of, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

In that capacity I have examined, or have arranged for the examination by an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision of:

(i) the Credit Agreement;

(ii) the Notes delivered in connection with the closing of the Credit Agreement;

(iii) the Fee Letters;

(iv) the Articles of Incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower Charter ”); and

(v) the by-laws of the Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “ Borrower By-laws ”).

In addition, I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have examined the originals, or copies certified to my or their satisfaction, of such other corporate records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrower, and agreements, instruments and other documents, as I or such attorneys have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, I or such attorneys have, when relevant facts were not independently established by me or by them, relied upon certificates of the Borrower or its officers or of public officials.


I have assumed (i) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by all parties to such document (other than the Borrower), (ii) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to me as originals, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Borrower) and (iv) the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to me as copies.

I, or an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have made such examination of law as in my or their judgment is necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. I and such attorneys do not, however, purport to be qualified to pass upon, and express no opinion as to, the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

1. The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, all other jurisdictions where the nature of its business or the nature of the property owned or leased by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse affect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not contravene (a) the Borrower Charter or the Borrower By-laws; (b) any law, rule, regulation, order or judgment applicable to the Borrower; (c) any contractual restriction arising under any agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness described in Schedule III of the Credit Agreement; or (d) to my knowledge, any other legal or contractual restriction binding on, or affecting the Borrower or its properties; and such execution, delivery and performance do not result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties under any agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness described in Schedule III of the Credit Agreement or, to my knowledge, under any other agreement or instrument. The Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Fee Letters have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower.

3. No Governmental Approval is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Loan Document, other than                     , which release[s] are final and in full force and effect and not subject to appeal, rehearing, review or reconsideration.

4. There is no pending or, to my knowledge, threatened action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or its properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that could reasonably be expected, if adversely determined, to materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition, operations, results of operations or prospects of the Borrower, or affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.


I authorize Foley & Lardner LLP, special counsel to the Borrower, to rely on this opinion respecting matters covered by or relating to the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Very truly yours,


EXHIBIT 8.7

FORM OF LENDER ASSIGNMENT

Dated                      ,         

Reference is made to the Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Interstate Power and Light Company, an Iowa corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, (the “ Assignor ”) has committed to make Advances (the “ Advances ”) to the Borrower, which Advances are evidenced by one or more Notes (the “ Notes ”) issued by the Borrower to the Assignor.

The Assignor and                      (the “ Assignee ”) agree as follows:

1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, that interest in and to all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date (as defined below) which represents the percentage interest specified on Schedule 1 of all outstanding rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement (the “ Assigned Interest ”), including, without limitation, such interest in the Assignor’s Commitment, the Advances owing to the Assignor, the Assignor’s participations in Letters of Credit and any Swingline Advances, and the Note or Notes (if any) held by the Assignor. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignee’s Commitment, the amount of the Advances owing to the Assignee, and the Assignee’s participations in Letters of Credit and any Swingline Advances will be as set forth in Section 2 of Schedule 1. The effective date of this sale and assignment shall be the date specified on Schedule 1 hereto (the “ Effective Date ”).

2. On the Effective Date, the Assignee will pay to the Assignor, in same day funds, at such address and account as the Assignor shall advise the Assignee, $            , and the sale and assignment contemplated hereby shall thereupon become effective. From and after the Effective Date, the Assignor agrees that the Assignee shall be entitled to all rights, powers and privileges of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement and the Note or Notes (if any) to the extent of the Assigned Interest, including without limitation (1) the right to receive all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest for the period from and after the Effective Date, whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnities in respect of claims arising after the Effective Date, increased costs, additional amounts or otherwise, (2) the right to vote and to instruct the Agent under the Credit Agreement according to its Percentage based on the Assigned Interest, (3) the right to set-off and to appropriate and apply deposits of the Borrower as set forth in the Credit Agreement and (4) the right to receive notices, requests, demands and other communications. The Assignor agrees that it will promptly remit to the Assignee any amount received by it in respect of the Assigned Interest (whether from the Borrower, the Agent or otherwise) in the same funds in which such amount is received by the Assignor.


3. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iv) attaches the Note or Notes (if any) referred to in paragraph 1 above and requests that the Agent exchange such Notes (if any) for new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto or new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto and the Assignor in an amount equal to the Commitment retained by the Assignor under the Credit Agreement, respectively, as specified on Schedule 1 hereto. Except as specified in this Section 3, the assignment of the Assigned Interest shall be without recourse to the Assignor.

4. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Lender Assignment; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; [and] (vi) specifies as its Eurodollar Lending Office the office set forth beneath its name on the signature pages hereof [and (vii) attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying as to the Assignee’s status for purposes of determining exemption from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Credit Agreement and the Notes or such other documents as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such rates at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty]. 1

5. Following the execution of this Lender Assignment by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered to the Agent for acceptance and recording by the Agent. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, as of the Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Lender Assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Lender Assignment, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

1

If the Assignee is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.


6. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, from and after the Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and commitment fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between themselves.

7. This Lender Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

8. This Lender Assignment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lender Assignment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written, such execution being made on Schedule 1 hereto.


SCHEDULE 1

to

LENDER ASSIGNMENT

Dated                      ,         

 

Section 1 .

    

Percentage Interest:

     %

Section 2 .

    

Assignee’s Commitment:

   $  

 

Aggregate Outstanding Principal Amount of Revolving Advances owing to the Assignee:

   $  

 

Aggregate Amount of Participations in Letters of Credit assigned to Assignee:

   $  

 

Aggregate Amount of Participations in Swingline Advances assigned to Assignee:

   $  

             

A Note payable to the order of the Assignee

    

Dated:                      ,         

    

Principal amount:

    

 

A Note payable to the order of the Assignor

    

Dated:                      ,         

    

Principal amount:

    

 


Section 3 .

Effective Date:                  ,         

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By

 

 

Title:

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

By

 

 

Title:

 

Domestic Lending Office (and address for notices):

[Address]

Eurodollar Lending Office:

[Address]


Accepted this      day of              ,         

 

Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  
INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  


SCHEDULE I

INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2006, among

Interstate Power and Light Company, as Borrower, the Banks named therein and Wachovia,

National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and LC Issuing Bank

 

Name of Lender

   Commitment   

Domestic Lending Office

  

Eurodollar Lending Office

Wachovia Bank, National Association    $31,269,230.76   

201 S. College St.

CP-8

NC-0680

Attention: Brad Riggenbach

Tel: 704-715-8946

Fax: 704-383-0288

Email: bradley.riggenbach@wachovia.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Barclays Bank PLC    $31,269,230.76   

222 Broadway

New York, NY 10038

Attention: Kattia Zevallos

Tel: 973-576-3919

Fax: 973-576-3694

Email: kattia.zevallos@barcap.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Chicago Branch    $24,230,769.23   

Harborside Financial Center

500 Plaza 3

Jersey City, NJ 07311

Attention: Jimmy Yu

Tel: 201-413-8566

Fax: 201-521-2335

Email: jyu@btmna.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.    $23,076,923.08   

Nancy Barwig

227 W. Monroe Street, Floor 28

Mail Code IL-0530

Chicago, IL 60606

Attn: Nancy Barwig

Tel: 312- 541-3349

Fax: 312-541-3376

Email: nancy.r.barwig@jpmchase.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.    $23,076,923.08   

540 West Madison Street

Suite 2100

Chicago, IL 60661

Attention: Loan Administration

Tel: 312-992-5150

Fax: 312-992-5155

Email: cpu.team.b@abnamro.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Bank of America, N.A.    $23,076,923.08   

901 Main St.

TX1-492-14-05

Dallas, TX 75202

Attention: Jackie Archuleta

Tel: 214-209-4111

Fax: 214-290-9422

Email: jacqueline.archuleta@bankofamerica.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.    $23,076,923.08   

201 Third St.

MAC 0187-081

San Francisco, CA 94103

Attention: Neva Moritani

Tel: 415-477-5374

Fax: 415-979-0675

Email:

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

 

Sch. I-1


Name of Lender

   Commitment   

Domestic Lending Office

  

Eurodollar Lending Office

The Bank of New York    $17,076,923.08   

One Wall Street (19th Floor)

New York, NY 10286

Attention: Lisa Williams

Tel: 212-685-7585

Fax: 212-685-7552

Email: lwilliams@bankofny.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Citibank N.A.    $17,076,923.08   

Two Penn’s Way

Suite 200

New Castle, DE 19720

Attention: Karen Riley

Tel: 302-894-6084

Fax: 302-894-6120

Email: Karen.riley@citigroup.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
KeyBank National Association    $17,076,923.08   

127 Public Square

OH-01-27-0847

Cleveland, OH 44114

Attention: Yvette Dyson-Owens

Tel: 216 689 4358

Fax: 216-689-4981

Email: Yvette_Dyson-Owens@keybank.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Merrill Lynch Bank USA    $17,076,923.08   

15 W. South Temple

Suite 300

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Attention: David Millett

Tel: 801-526-8312

Fax: 801-933-8641

Email: David_Millett@ml.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
UBS Loan Finance LLC    $17,076,923.08   

677 Washington Blvd.

Stamford, CT 06901

Attention: Christopher Aitkin

Tel: 203-719-3845

Fax: 203-719-3888

Email: christopher.aitkin@ubs.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.    $13,846,153.85   

1800 Plaza Ten

Jersey City, NJ 07311

Attention: Pamela Chen

Tel: 201-626-9302

Fax: 201-626-9942

Email: Pamela.chen@mizuhocbus.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB    $12,461,538.45   

745 7 th Avenue

16th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Michael Herr

Tel: 212-526-6560

Fax: 212-520-0450

Email: mherr@lehman.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited    $9,230,769.23   

1177 Avenue of the Americas

6th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Doreen Klingenbeck

Tel: 212-801-9726

Fax: 212-536-4826

Email: dklingen@anz.com

   Same as Domestic Lending Office

TOTAL

   $300,000,000.00      

 

Sch. I-2


SCHEDULE II

EXISTING SYNTHETIC LEASES

1. Master Leasing Agreement, dated July 15, 1995. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $5,069,532.50.

2. Master Leasing Agreement, dated January 18, 2002. Amount owed as of the Amendment effective date is $2,835,600.00.

 

Sch. II-1


SCHEDULE III

EXISTING LIENS

 

1. Liens in favor of wholly owned Subsidiaries.

 

2. Liens, if any, evidenced by existing synthetic leases listed in Schedule II.

 

3. Property pledged as security for any of the following bond issues:

 

   

Pollution Control Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds (Interstate Power and Light Company Project) Series 2005, issued by the Iowa Finance Authority

 

   

Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1998, issued by the City of Chillicothe, Iowa

 

   

Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, issued by the City of Clinton, Iowa

 

   

Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Lansing), issued by the City of Lansing, Iowa

 

   

Variable/Fixed Rate Demand Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1999 (Sherburn), issued by the City of Sherburn, Minnesota

 

Sch. III-1

Exhibit 4.28

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

AND

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

AS TRUSTEE

 

 

Senior Note Indenture

Dated as of September 30, 2009


Alliant Energy Corporation

Reconciliation and Tie Between Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and

Senior Note Indenture, dated as of September 30, 2009

 

Trust Indenture
Act Section

  

Indenture Section

§ 310

   (a)(1)    609
   (a)(2)    609
   (a)(3)    Not Applicable
   (a)(4)    Not Applicable
   (b)    608, 610

§ 311

   (a)    613
   (b)(4)    613(a)
   (b)(6)    613(b)

§ 312

   (a)    701, 702(a)
   (c)    702(b)

§ 313

   (a)    703(a)
   (b)    703(b)
   (c)    703(c), 704
   (d)    703(c)

§ 314

   (a)    704, 1005
   (b)    Not Applicable
   (c)(1)    102
   (c)(2)    102
   (c)(3)    Not Applicable
   (d)    Not Applicable
   (e)    102

§ 315

   (a)    601(a)
   (b)    602
   (c)    601(b)
   (d)    601(c)
   (d)(1)    601(a)(1)
   (d)(2)    601(c)(2)
   (d)(3)    601(c)(3)
   (e)    514

§ 316

   (a)    512, 513
   (a)(1)(A)    512
   (a)(1)(B)    513
   (a)(2)    Not Applicable
   (b)    508

§ 317

   (a)(1)    503
   (a)(2)    504
   (b)    1003

§ 318

   (a)    107


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

P ARTIES

      1

R ECITALS OF THE C OMPANY

   1

ARTICLE ONE Definitions and Other Provisions of General Application

   1

Section 101.

   Definitions    1

Section 102.

   Compliance Certificates and Opinions    6

Section 103.

   Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee    7

Section 104.

   Acts of Holders    7

Section 105.

   Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company    8

Section 106.

   Notice to Holders of Senior Notes; Waiver    9

Section 107.

   Conflict With Trust Indenture Act    9

Section 108.

   Effect of Headings and Table of Contents    9

Section 109.

   Successors and Assigns    10

Section 110.

   Separability Clause    10

Section 111.

   Benefits of Indenture    10

Section 112.

   Governing Law    10

Section 113.

   Legal Holidays    10

Section 114.

   Waiver of Jury Trial    10

Section 115.

   Force Majeure    10

ARTICLE TWO Forms of Senior Notes

   11

Section 201.

   Forms Generally    11

Section 202.

   Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication    11

Section 203.

   Senior Notes Issuable in the Form of a Global Security    11

ARTICLE THREE The Senior Notes

   13

Section 301.

   Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series    13

Section 302.

   Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating    16

Section 303.

   Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange    18

Section 304.

   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Senior Notes    19

Section 305.

   Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved    20

Section 306.

   Persons Deemed Owners    21

Section 307.

   Cancellation    21

Section 308.

   Computation of Interest    21

ARTICLE FOUR Satisfaction and Discharge

   21

Section 401.

   Satisfaction and Discharge of Senior Notes    21

Section 402.

   Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture    24

Section 403.

   Application of Trust Money    25

ARTICLE FIVE Remedies

   25

Section 501.

   Events of Default    25

Section 502.

   Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment    26

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(CONTINUED)

 

          Page

Section 503.

   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee    27

Section 504.

   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim    28

Section 505.

   Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Senior Notes    29

Section 506.

   Application of Money Collected    29

Section 507.

   Limitation on Suits    29

Section 508.

   Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest    30

Section 509.

   Restoration of Rights and Remedies    30

Section 510.

   Rights and Remedies Cumulative    30

Section 511.

   Delay or Omission Not Waiver    30

Section 512.

   Control by Holders of Senior Notes    31

Section 513.

   Waiver of Past Defaults    31

Section 514.

   Undertaking for Costs    31

Section 515.

   Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws    32

ARTICLE SIX The Trustee

   32

Section 601.

   Certain Duties and Responsibilities    32

Section 602.

   Notice of Defaults    33

Section 603.

   Certain Rights of Trustee    33

Section 604.

   Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Senior Notes    34

Section 605.

   May Hold Senior Notes    35

Section 606.

   Money Held in Trust    35

Section 607.

   Compensation and Reimbursement    35

Section 608.

   Disqualification; Conflicting Interests    36

Section 609.

   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility    36

Section 610.

   Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor    36

Section 611.

   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor    38

Section 612.

   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business    39

Section 613.

   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company    39

Section 614.

   Appointment of Authenticating Agent    40

Section 615.

   Calculations in Respect of Senior Notes    41

ARTICLE SEVEN Holders’ Lists and Reports by Trustee and Company

   41

Section 701.

   Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders    41

Section 702.

   Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders    42

Section 703.

   Reports by Trustee    42

Section 704.

   Reports by Company    42

ARTICLE EIGHT Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease

   43

Section 801.

   Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms    43

Section 802.

   Successor Corporation Substituted    44

ARTICLE NINE Supplemental Indentures

   44

Section 901.

   Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders    44

 

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(CONTINUED)

 

          Page

Section 902.

   Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders    45

Section 903.

   General Provisions Regarding Supplemental Indenture    46

Section 904.

   Execution of Supplemental Indentures    46

Section 905.

   Effect of Supplemental Indentures    47

Section 906.

   Conformity With Trust Indenture Act    47

Section 907.

   Reference in Senior Notes to Supplemental Indentures    47

ARTICLE TEN Covenants

   47

Section 1001.

   Payment of Principal and Interest    47

Section 1002.

   Maintenance of Office or Agency    47

Section 1003.

   Money for Senior Notes Payments to be Held in Trust    48

Section 1004.

   Corporate Existence    49

Section 1005.

   Statement as to Compliance    49

Section 1006.

   Waiver of Certain Covenants    49

Section 1007.

   Limitation on Liens    50

ARTICLE ELEVEN Redemption of Senior Notes

   52

Section 1101.

   Applicability of Article    52

Section 1102.

   Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee    52

Section 1103.

   Selection by Trustee of Senior Notes to be Redeemed    52

Section 1104.

   Notice of Redemption    53

Section 1105.

   Deposit of Redemption Price    53

Section 1106.

   Senior Notes Payable on Redemption Date    54

Section 1107.

   Senior Notes Redeemed in Part    54

ARTICLE TWELVE Sinking Funds

   54

Section 1201.

   Applicability of Article    54

Section 1202.

   Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments With Senior Notes    55

Section 1203.

   Redemption of Senior Notes for Sinking Fund    55

ARTICLE THIRTEEN Miscellaneous Provisions

   55

Section 1301.

   No Recourse Against Others    55

Section 1302.

   Assignment; Binding Effect    56

Section 1303.

   USA PATRIOT Act    56

 

iii


SENIOR NOTE INDENTURE

THIS SENIOR NOTE INDENTURE is made as of September 30, 2009, between ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (herein called the “Company”), having its principal office at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, having a corporate trust office at 230 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”).

W ITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Senior Note Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its senior debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the “Senior Notes”), to be issued in one or more series as provided in this Senior Note Indenture; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Senior Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Senior Notes or of series thereof, as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

D EFINITIONS AND O THER P ROVISIONS

OF G ENERAL A PPLICATION

Section 101. Definitions.

For all purposes of this Senior Note Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

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

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

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

 

1


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

(5) the word “including” means without limitation.

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

“Act,” when used with respect to any Holder of a Senior Note, has the meaning specified in Section 104.

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

“Authenticating Agent” means any Person or Persons authorized by the Trustee to authenticate one or more series of Senior Notes.

“Board of Directors” means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of the officers and/or directors of the Company appointed by that board.

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

“Business Day” means a day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, or (ii) a day on which the Trustee or banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed.

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

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

“Company Request” or “Company Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President, a Vice President, its Chief Financial Officer, its Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

2


“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee in Chicago, Illinois, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of execution of this Senior Note Indenture is located at 230 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606, Attention: Corporate Trust Services.

“Corporation” includes corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, companies and business trusts.

“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 305.

“Depositary” means, unless otherwise specified by the Company pursuant to either Section 203 or 301, with respect to Senior Notes of any series issuable or issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or any successor thereto registered as a clearing agency under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation.

“Eligible Obligations” means:

(a) with respect to Senior Notes denominated in Dollars, Government Obligations; or

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

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

“Global Security” means, with respect to any series of Senior Notes issued hereunder, a Senior Note that is executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with Section 203 of this Indenture.

“Government Obligations” means securities which are (a) (i) direct obligations of the United States where the payment or payments thereunder are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States where the timely payment or payments thereunder are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States or (b) depositary receipts issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depositary receipt; provided, that, (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to the Government Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

 

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“Holder,” when used with respect to any Senior Note, means the Person in whose name the Senior Note is registered in the Security Register.

“Indebtedness” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

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

“Interest Payment Date,” when used with respect to any series of Senior Notes, means the dates established for the payment of interest thereon, as provided in the supplemental indenture or in a Board Resolution, or in an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, for such series.

“Lien” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

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

“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

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

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

(i) Senior Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to this Indenture;

(ii) Senior Notes for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company), in either case pursuant to this Indenture, in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Senior Notes; provided that if such Senior Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(iii) Senior Notes that have been paid or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Senior Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Senior Notes in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it and the Company that such Senior Notes are held by a protected purchaser in whose hands such Senior Notes are valid obligations of the Company; and

 

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(iv) Senior Notes, or portions thereof, converted into or exchanged for another security if the terms of such Senior Notes provide for such conversion or exchange;

provided, however, that in determining, during any period in which any Senior Notes of a series are owned by any Person other than the Company or any Affiliate thereof, whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes of such series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Senior Notes of such series owned by the Company or any Affiliate thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding. In determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Senior Notes that the Trustee knows to be so owned by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company in the above circumstances shall be so disregarded. Senior Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Senior Notes and that the pledgee is not the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.

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

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“Predecessor Note” of any particular Senior Note means every previous Senior Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Senior Note; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Senior Note authenticated and delivered under Section 304 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note.

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

“Redemption Price,” when used with respect to any Senior Note to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

“Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Senior Notes of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301, whether or not a Business Day.

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

“Restricted Liens” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

 

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“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 303.

“Senior Note” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Senior Note authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

“Significant Subsidiary” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Senior Notes of any series means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 305.

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

“Subsidiary” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and any reference herein to the Trust Indenture Act or a particular provision thereof shall mean such Trust Indenture Act or provision, as the case may be, as amended or replaced from time to time.

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

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

Section 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

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

 

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Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include

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

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

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

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

Section 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

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

Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous. Any Opinion of Counsel may be rendered, insofar as it relates to matters of New York law, in reliance on an opinion of New York counsel, which may be an opinion contemporaneously delivered to a third party or parties and shall expressly permit such reliance.

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

Section 104. Acts of Holders.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action

 

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embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

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

(c) The principal amount and serial numbers of Senior Notes held by any Person, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the Security Register.

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

(e) The fact and date of execution of any such instrument or writing and the authority of the Person executing the same may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient; and the Trustee may in any instance require further proof with respect to any of the matters referred to in this Section.

(f) If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of Senior Notes of any series any Act, the Company may, at its option, by Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Senior Notes entitled to take such Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Any such record date shall be fixed at the Company’s discretion. If such a record date is fixed, such Act may be sought or given before or after the record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders of Senior Notes for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Senior Notes of such series Outstanding have authorized or agreed or consented to such Act, and for that purpose the Senior Notes of such series Outstanding shall be computed as of such record date.

Section 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

(1) the Trustee by any Holder of a Senior Note or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Services, or transmitted by facsimile

 

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transmission or other direct written electronic means to such telephone number or other electronic communications address as the Trustee shall from time to time designate, or transmitted by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or overnight courier guaranteeing next day delivery, charges prepaid, to the Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office,

(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and transmitted by facsimile transmission or other direct written electronic means to such telephone number or other electronic communications address as the Company shall from time to time designate, or transmitted by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or overnight courier guaranteeing next day delivery, charges prepaid, to the Company, addressed to the attention of its Secretary, at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

Section 106. Notice to Holders of Senior Notes; Waiver.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of Senior Notes of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such Notice.

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders.

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

Section 107. Conflict With Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required to be a part of and govern this Indenture, such required provision shall control.

Section 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

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

 

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Section 109. Successors and Assigns.

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

Section 110. Separability Clause.

In case any provision in this Indenture or the Senior Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 111. Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or the Senior Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, their successors hereunder and the Holders of Senior Notes any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

Section 112. Governing Law.

This Indenture and the Senior Notes shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.

Section 113. Legal Holidays.

In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Senior Note shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Senior Notes) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity, provided that no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

Section 114. Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE INDENTURE, THE SENIOR NOTES OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 115. Force Majeure.

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable, nor shall the Company be responsible or liable to the Trustee, for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military

 

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disturbances, and nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God; it being understood that the Trustee or the Company, as the case may be, shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

ARTICLE TWO

F ORMS OF S ENIOR N OTES

Section 201. Forms Generally.

The Senior Notes of each series shall be in substantially the form appended to the supplemental indenture or the Board Resolution, or the Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, authorizing such series, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Senior Notes, as evidenced by their execution of the Senior Notes.

The Senior Notes of each series shall be issuable in registered form without coupons.

The definitive Senior Notes may be printed, typewritten, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Senior Notes, as evidenced by their execution of such Senior Notes.

Section 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.

The form of the Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication for a series of Senior Notes shall be in substantially the form appended to the Supplemental Indenture or the Board Resolution, or the Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, authorizing such series.

Section 203. Senior Notes Issuable in the Form of a Global Security.

(a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 301 that the Senior Notes of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 302 and the Company Order delivered to the Trustee thereunder, authenticate and deliver such Global Security or Securities, which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of such series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities, (ii) may provide that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Senior Notes represented thereby may from time to time be increased or reduced to reflect exchanges, (iii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or its nominee, (iv) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction and (v) shall bear a legend in accordance with the requirements of the Depositary.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 203 or of Section 303, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless the terms of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be exchanged in whole or in part for individual Senior Notes, a Global Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 303, only to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security, or to the Depositary, or to a successor Depositary for such Global Security selected or approved by the Company, or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.

(c) (1) If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary for the Senior Notes for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good standing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation, the Company shall appoint a successor Depositary with respect to such Global Security. If a successor Depositary for such Global Security is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of individual Senior Notes of such series in exchange for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Senior Notes of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security in exchange for such Global Security.

(2) The Company may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that the Senior Notes of any series issued or issuable in the form of one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such Global Security or Securities. In such event the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Request for the authentication and delivery of individual Senior Notes of such series in exchange in whole or in part for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Senior Notes of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Security or Securities representing such series in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.

(3) If specified by the Company pursuant to Section 301 with respect to Senior Notes issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for individual Senior Notes of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to the Company and such Depositary. Thereupon the Company shall execute, and, upon receipt of a Company Request for the authentication and delivery of individual Senior Notes of such series in exchange in whole or in part for such Global Security, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver (A) to each Person specified by such Depositary a new Senior Note or Notes of the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Global Security; and (B) to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes delivered to Holders thereof.

 

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(4) In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three paragraphs, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver individual Senior Notes in definitive form in authorized denominations. Upon the exchange of the entire principal amount of a Global Security for individual Senior Notes, such Global Security shall be cancelled by the Trustee. Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, Senior Notes issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this Section shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. Provided that the Company has so directed in writing, the Trustee shall deliver such Senior Notes to the Persons in whose names the Senior Notes are registered.

(5) Any endorsement of a Global Security to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, or changes in the rights of Holders, of Outstanding Senior Notes represented thereby shall be made in such manner and by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered pursuant to Section 302 with respect thereto. Subject to the provisions of Section 302, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any such Global Security in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 302 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to such Global Security shall be in writing but need not be accompanied by or contained in an Officer’s Certificate and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.

ARTICLE THREE

T HE S ENIOR N OTES

Section 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

The aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The Senior Notes may be issued in one or more series. There may be established, pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto or in a Board Resolution, or in an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, prior to the issuance of Senior Notes of any series,

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

(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Senior Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Senior Notes of the series pursuant to Sections 203, 303, 304, 907 or 1107);

(3) the Person to whom interest on a Senior Note of the series shall be payable if other than the Person in whose name that Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;

 

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(4) the date or dates on which the principal of the Senior Notes of the series is payable or any formula or other method or other means by which such date or dates shall be determined, by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside of this Indenture or otherwise (without regard to any provisions for redemption, prepayment, acceleration, purchase or extension) and the right, if any, to extend the Maturity of the Senior Notes of such series, and the duration of any such extension;

(5) the rate or rates at which the Senior Notes of the series shall bear interest, if any (including the rate or rates at which overdue principal shall bear interest, if different from the rate or rates at which such Senior Notes shall bear interest prior to Maturity, and if applicable, the rate or rates at which overdue premium or interest shall bear interest, if any), or any method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, or any formula or other method or other means by which such rate or rates shall be determined, by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside of this Indenture or otherwise, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable, the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on Senior Notes on any Interest Payment Date and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such extension;

(6) the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Senior Notes of the series shall be payable;

(7) the methods by which (i) registration of transfer of Senior Notes of such series may be effected, (ii) exchanges of Senior Notes of such series may be effected and (iii) notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Senior Notes of such series and this Indenture may be made, given, furnished, filed or served, if other than as provided in Section 105; the Note Registrar and any Paying Agent or Agents for such series; and, if such is the case, that the principal of such Senior Notes shall be payable without the presentment or surrender thereof;

(8) if the time for the giving of redemption notices for such series of Senior Notes shall be other than as provided in Section 1104, such different time, and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the Senior Notes of such series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company (including any provision for the payment of a “make-whole”, yield-maintenance or similar premium in connection with the redemption of Senior Notes of such series) and any restrictions on such redemptions;

(9) the obligation or obligations, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay the Senior Notes of such series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, Senior Notes of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and applicable exceptions to the requirements of Section 1104 in the case of mandatory redemption or redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder;

(10) the denominations in which Senior Notes of the series shall be issuable;

 

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(11) the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Senior Notes of such series shall be payable (if other than in Dollars); it being understood that, for purposes of calculations under this Indenture, any amounts denominated in a currency other than Dollars or in a composite currency shall be converted to Dollar equivalents by calculating the amount of Dollars which could have been purchased by the amount of such other currency based on such quotations or methods of determination as shall be specified pursuant to this clause (11);

(12) if the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Senior Notes of such series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a coin or currency other than that in which the Senior Notes are stated to be payable, the coin or currency in which payment of any amount as to which such election is made will be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made; it being understood that, for purposes of calculations under this Indenture, any such election shall be required to be taken into account, in the manner contemplated in clause (11) of this paragraph, only after such election shall have been made;

(13) if the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Senior Notes of such series are to be payable, or are to be payable at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in securities or other property, the type and amount of such securities or other property, or the formula or other method or other means by which such amount shall be determined, and the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, any such election may be made; it being understood that all calculations under this Indenture shall be made on the basis of the fair market value of such securities or the fair value of such other property, in either case determined as of the most recent practicable date, except that, in the case of any amount of principal or interest that may be so payable at the election of the Company or a Holder, if such election shall not yet have been made, such calculations shall be made on the basis of the amount of principal or interest, as the case may be, that would be payable if no such election were made;

(14) if the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Senior Notes of the series may be determined with reference to an index or formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(15) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the Company or other provisions as provided herein pertaining to the Senior Notes of the series, and any change in the rights of the Trustee or Holders of such series pursuant to Section 901 or 902;

(16) any additions to the definitions currently set forth in this Indenture with respect to such series;

(17) whether the Senior Notes of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities; the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for certificated Senior Notes of such series and of like tenor of any authorized denomination and the circumstances under which such exchange may occur, if other than in the manner provided for in Section 203; the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities if other than the Depository Trust Company; and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to in Section 203;

 

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(18) to the extent not established pursuant to clause (17) of this paragraph, any limitations on the rights of the Holders of the Senior Notes of such series to transfer or exchange such Senior Notes or to obtain the registration of transfer thereof; and if a service charge will be made for the registration of transfer or exchange of Senior Notes of such series, the amount or terms thereof;

(19) any restriction or condition on the transferability of such Senior Notes;

(20) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Senior Notes of such series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;

(21) the terms, if any, pursuant to which the Senior Notes of such series may be converted into or exchanged for shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company or any other Person;

(22) the obligations or instruments, if any, which shall be considered to be Eligible Obligations in respect of the Senior Notes of such series denominated in a currency other than Dollars or in a composite currency, and any additional or alternative provisions for the reinstatement of the Company’s indebtedness in respect of such Senior Notes after the satisfaction and discharge thereof as provided in Section 401;

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

(24) any non-applicability of Section 1007 (Limitation on Liens) to the Senior Notes of such series or any exceptions or modifications of Section 1007 with respect to the Senior Notes of such series; and

(25) any other terms of the series.

All Senior Notes of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to the date or dates from which interest, if any, shall accrue and denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in the terms of such Senior Notes determined or established as provided above. All Senior Notes of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Senior Notes of such series.

Section 302. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

The Senior Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Company by any two of the following: the President, the Chief Executive Officer, any Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary. The corporate seal of the Company, if any, may be affixed thereto or reproduced thereon and attested by the Secretary of the Company or any Assistant Secretary of the Company. The signature of any of these officers on the Senior Notes may be manual or facsimile.

 

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Senior Notes bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at the time relevant to the authorization thereof the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Senior Notes or did not hold such offices at the date of such Senior Notes.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Senior Notes of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Senior Notes, and the Trustee, in accordance with the Company Order, shall authenticate and deliver such Senior Notes. If all of the Senior Notes of any series are not to be issued at one time and if the supplemental indenture or the Board Resolution, or the Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set forth procedures reasonably acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Senior Notes and determining the terms of particular Senior Notes of such series, such as interest rate, maturity date, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue. In authenticating Senior Notes hereunder, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Senior Notes, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon:

(1) an Opinion of Counsel, to the effect that the form and terms of such Senior Notes or the manner of determining such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture, that the Indenture and such Senior Notes, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), except, however, for the possibility that certain provisions of the Indenture and the Senior Notes may not be enforceable, although the inclusion of such provisions does not affect the validity of the Indenture and the Senior Notes and the Indenture and the Senior Notes contain legally adequate provisions for the realization of the principal legal rights and benefits offered thereby; that the execution and delivery by the Company of the Senior Notes will not result in any violation of any applicable law, statute, rule or regulation of any U.S., Wisconsin or New York government or government instrumentality having jurisdiction over the Company; and that the Company has complied with all conditions precedent under the Indenture to the authentication and delivery of the Senior Notes; and

(2) an Officer’s Certificate stating, to the knowledge of the signer of such certificate, that no Event of Default, or event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default, with respect to any of the Senior Notes shall have occurred and be continuing.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Senior Notes if the issue of such Senior Notes pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Senior Notes and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

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If all the Senior Notes of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Opinion of Counsel and Officer’s Certificate at the time of issuance of each such Senior Note, but such opinion and certificate shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Senior Note of such series to be issued.

Each Senior Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.

No Senior Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Senior Note a certificate of authentication executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Senior Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Senior Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

Section 303. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

The Company shall cause to be kept at the office of the Security Registrar designated pursuant to this Section 303 or Section 1002 a register (referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Senior Notes and of transfers of Senior Notes. The Trustee is hereby initially appointed as Security Registrar for the purpose of registering Senior Notes and transfers of Senior Notes as herein provided.

Subject to Section 203, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Senior Note of any series at the office or agency maintained for such purpose for such series, the Company shall execute, and, as directed by the Company, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Senior Notes of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to Section 203, Senior Notes of any series may be exchanged, at the option of the Holder, for Senior Notes of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Senior Notes to be exchanged at any such office or agency.

Whenever any Senior Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and, as directed by the Company, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Senior Notes that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

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

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

 

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No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Senior Notes, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Senior Notes, other than exchanges pursuant to Sections 304, 907 or 1107 not involving any transfer.

The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange Senior Notes of any series during a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date notice is given identifying the serial numbers of the Senior Notes of that series called for redemption, or (ii) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Senior Notes so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Senior Note being redeemed in part.

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

Section 304. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Senior Notes.

If any mutilated Senior Note is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and, as directed by the Company, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Senior Note of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Senior Note and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Senior Note has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note, a new Senior Note of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Senior Note, pay such Senior Note and provide the Trustee with a Company Order to cancel such Senior Note.

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

Every new Senior Note of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and any such new Senior Note shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Senior Notes of that series duly issued hereunder.

 

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The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Notes.

Section 305. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Senior Notes, interest on any Senior Note that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

Any interest on any Senior Note of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Senior Notes of such series (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Senior Note of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as provided in this Clause. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Senior Notes of such series at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Senior Notes of such series (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Senior Notes of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, and after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause that such manner of payment has been deemed practicable by the Company.

 

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

Section 306. Persons Deemed Owners.

Prior to due presentment of a Senior Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Senior Note is registered, including the Depositary or its nominee, as the absolute owner of such Senior Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 305) interest on such Senior Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Senior Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

Section 307. Cancellation.

All Senior Notes surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Senior Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Senior Notes so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Senior Notes shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Senior Notes canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Senior Notes held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with its customary procedures (subject to any record retention requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Trustee shall promptly deliver a certificate of disposition to the Company upon request.

Section 308. Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Senior Notes of any series, interest on the Senior Notes of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

ARTICLE FOUR

S ATISFACTION AND D ISCHARGE

Section 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Senior Notes.

Any Senior Note or Senior Notes, or any portion of the principal amount thereof, shall be deemed to have been paid and no longer Outstanding for all purposes of this Indenture, and the

 

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entire indebtedness of the Company in respect thereof shall be satisfied and discharged, if there shall have been irrevocably deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company), in trust:

(a) money in an amount which shall be sufficient, or

(b) in the case of a deposit made prior to the Maturity of such Senior Notes or portions thereof, Eligible Obligations, which shall not contain provisions permitting the redemption or other prepayment thereof at the option of the issuer thereof, the principal of and the interest on which when due, without any regard to reinvestment thereof, will provide moneys which, together with the money, if any, deposited with or held by the Trustee or such Paying Agent, shall be sufficient, or

(c) a combination of (a) or (b) which shall be sufficient to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, due and to become due on such Senior Notes or portions thereof; provided, however, that in the case of the provision for payment or redemption of less than all the Senior Notes of any series, such Senior Notes or portions thereof shall have been selected by the Security Registrar as provided herein and, in the case of a redemption, the notice requisite to the validity of such redemption shall have been given or irrevocable authority shall have been given by the Company to the Trustee to give such notice, under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee; and provided, further, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee and such Paying Agent:

(x) if such deposit shall have been made prior to the Maturity of such Senior Notes, a Company Order stating that the money and Eligible Obligations deposited in accordance with this Section shall be held in trust, as provided in Section 403;

(y) if Eligible Obligations shall have been deposited, an Opinion of Counsel that the obligations so deposited constitute Eligible Obligations and do not contain provisions permitting the redemption or other prepayment at the option of the issuer thereof, and an opinion of an independent public accountant or a firm of independent public accountants, selected by the Company and as reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, to the effect that the requirements set forth in clause (b) above have been satisfied; and

(z) if such deposit shall have been made prior to the Maturity of such Senior Notes, (i) an Officer’s Certificate stating the Company’s intention that, upon delivery of such Officer’s Certificate, its indebtedness in respect of such Senior Notes or portions thereof will have been satisfied and discharged as contemplated in this Section, and (ii) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as a result of a change in law occurring or a ruling of the United States Internal Revenue Service issued after the date of issuance of such Senior Notes, the Holders of such Senior Notes, or portions of the principal amount thereof, will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the satisfaction and discharge of the Company’s indebtedness in respect thereof and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, at the same times and in the same manner as if such satisfaction and discharge had not been effected.

 

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Upon the deposit of money or Eligible Obligations, or both, in accordance with this Section, together with the documents required by clauses (x), (y) and (z) above, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of a Company Request, acknowledge in writing that the Senior Notes or portions thereof with respect to which such deposit was made are deemed to have been paid for all purposes of this Indenture and that the entire indebtedness of the Company in respect thereof has been satisfied and discharged as contemplated in this Section. In the event that all of the conditions set forth in the preceding paragraph shall have been satisfied in respect of any Senior Notes or portions thereof except that, for any reason, the Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel specified in clause (z) shall not have been delivered, such Senior Notes or portions thereof shall nevertheless be deemed to have been paid for all purposes of this Indenture, and the Holders of such Senior Notes or portions thereof shall nevertheless be no longer entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or of any of the covenants of the Company under Article Ten (except the covenants contained in Sections 1002 and 1003) or any other covenants made in respect of such Senior Notes or portions thereof as contemplated by Section 301, but the indebtedness of the Company in respect of such Senior Notes or portions thereof shall not be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged prior to Maturity for any other purpose, and the Holders of such Senior Notes or portions thereof shall continue to be entitled to look to the Company for payment of the indebtedness represented thereby; and, upon Company Request, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing that such Senior Notes or portions thereof are deemed to have been paid for all purposes of this Indenture.

If payment at Stated Maturity of less than all of the Senior Notes of any series is to be provided for in the manner and with the effect provided in this Section, the Security Registrar shall select such Senior Notes, or portions of principal amount thereof, in the manner specified by Section 1103 for selection for redemption of less than all the Senior Notes of a series.

In the event that Senior Notes which shall be deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, and, if such is the case, in respect of which the Company’s indebtedness shall have been satisfied and discharged, all as provided in this Section, do not mature and are not to be redeemed within the 60-day period commencing with the date of the deposit of moneys or Eligible Obligations, as aforesaid, the Company shall, as promptly as practicable, give a notice, in the same manner as a notice of redemption with respect to such Senior Notes, to the Holders of such Senior Notes to the effect that such deposit has been made and the effect thereof.

Notwithstanding that any Senior Notes shall be deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, as aforesaid, the obligations of the Company and the Trustee in respect of such Senior Notes under Sections 303, 304, 603, 607, 614, 1002, 1003 and 1104 and this Article Four shall survive.

The Company shall pay, and shall indemnify the Trustee or any Paying Agent with which Eligible Obligations shall have been deposited as provided in this Section against, any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against such Eligible Obligations or the principal or interest received in respect of such Eligible Obligations, including any such tax payable by any entity deemed, for tax purposes, to have been created as a result of such deposit.

 

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Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) if, at any time after a Senior Note would be deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, and, if such is the case, the Company’s indebtedness in respect thereof would be deemed to have been satisfied or discharged, pursuant to this Section (without regard to the provisions of this paragraph), the Trustee or any Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall be required to return the money or Eligible Obligations, or combination thereof, deposited with it as aforesaid to the Company or its representative under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, such Senior Note shall thereupon be deemed retroactively not to have been paid and any satisfaction and discharge of the Company’s indebtedness in respect thereof shall retroactively be deemed not to have been effected, and such Senior Note shall be deemed to remain Outstanding and (b) any satisfaction and discharge of the Company’s indebtedness in respect of any Senior Notes shall be subject to the provisions of Section 403.

Section 402. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

This Indenture shall, upon Company Request, cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Senior Notes herein expressly provided for) and the Trustee, at the expense and request of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

(1) no Senior Notes remain Outstanding hereunder;

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

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

provided, however, that if, in accordance with the last paragraph of Section 401, any Senior Note previously deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, shall be deemed retroactively not to have been so paid, this Indenture shall thereupon be deemed retroactively not to have been satisfied and discharged, as aforesaid, and to remain in full force and effect, and the Company shall execute and deliver such instruments as the Trustee shall reasonably request to evidence and acknowledge the same.

In the event there are Senior Notes of two or more series hereunder, the Trustee shall be required to execute an instrument acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture only if requested to do so by the Company with respect to Senior Notes of all series as to which it is Trustee and if the other conditions thereto are met. In the event there are two or more Trustees hereunder, then the effectiveness of any such instrument shall be conditioned upon receipt of such instruments from all Trustees hereunder.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as aforesaid, the obligations of the Company and the Trustee in respect of such Senior Notes under Sections 303, 304, 603, 607, 614, 1002, 1003 and 1104 and this Article Four shall survive.

 

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Section 403. Application of Trust Money.

Neither the Eligible Obligations nor the money deposited pursuant to Section 401, nor the principal or interest payments on any such Eligible Obligations, shall be withdrawn or used for any purpose other than, and shall be held in trust for, the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Senior Notes or portions of principal amount thereof in respect of which such deposit was made, all subject, however, to the provisions of Section 1003; provided, however, that any cash received from such principal or interest payments on such Eligible Obligations, if not then needed for such purpose, shall, to the extent practicable and upon Company Request and delivery to the Trustee of the documents referred to in subclause (y) of clause (c) in Section 401, be invested pursuant to a Company Order in Eligible Obligations of the type described in clause (b) in Section 401 maturing at such times and in such amounts as shall be sufficient, together with any other moneys and the proceeds of any other Eligible Obligations then held by the Trustee, to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, due and to become due on such Senior Notes or portions thereof on and prior to the Maturity thereof, and interest earned from such reinvestment shall be paid over to the Company as received, free and clear of any trust, lien or pledge under this Indenture except the lien provided by Section 607; and provided, further, that any moneys held in accordance with this Section on the Maturity of all such Senior Notes in excess of the amount required to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, then due on such Senior Notes shall be paid over to the Company free and clear of any trust, lien or pledge under this Indenture except the lien provided by Section 607.

ARTICLE FIVE

R EMEDIES

Section 501. Events of Default.

“Event of Default”, wherever used herein with respect to Senior Notes of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Senior Note of that series when it becomes due and payable on an Interest Payment Date other than at Maturity and continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days; or

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

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

 

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(4) default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Senior Notes other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail or sent via overnight delivery, to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of that series, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder, unless the Holders of a principal amount of Senior Notes of such series not less than the principal amount of Senior Notes the Holders of which gave such notice shall agree in writing to an extension of such period prior to its expiration; or

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

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

(7) any other Event of Default specified by the Company pursuant to Section 301 with respect to Senior Notes of that series.

Section 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default with respect to Senior Notes of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 33% in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of that series may declare the principal amount (or such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of all of the Senior Notes of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Company and the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable.

 

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At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Senior Notes of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

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

(A) all overdue interest on all Senior Notes of that series,

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

(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Senior Notes, and

(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607; and

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

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Company covenants that if an Event of Default occurs under Section 501(1), (2) or (3) with respect to any Senior Notes the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Senior Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on such Senior Notes for principal (and premium, if any) and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal (and premium, if any) and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Senior Notes, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607.

If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Senior Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Senior Notes, wherever situated.

 

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

Section 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

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

(1) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (and premium, if any) and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Senior Notes and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607) and of the Holders of Senior Notes allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

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

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of Senior Notes to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders of Senior Notes, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise.

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

 

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Section 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Senior Notes.

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Senior Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Senior Notes or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name or as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Senior Notes in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

Section 506. Application of Money Collected.

After an Event of Default, any money or other property distributable in respect of the Company’s obligations under this Indenture shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Senior Notes, and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

First: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee (including any predecessor Trustee) for amounts due under Section 607; and

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

Third: The balance, if any, to the Company or any other Person or Persons entitled thereto.

Section 507. Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Senior Note of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Section 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Senior Notes shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 305) interest on such Senior Note on the due dates expressed in such Senior Note (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

Section 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

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

Section 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Notes in the last paragraph of Section 304, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Senior Notes is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Senior Note to exercise any right or remedy upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders of Senior Notes may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Senior Notes.

 

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Section 512. Control by Holders of Senior Notes.

The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Senior Notes of such series; provided, however, that the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction from the Holders if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that the action or proceedings so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith shall, by Responsible Officers, determine that the action or proceedings so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability, or would be unduly prejudicial to the Holders of the Senior Notes of such series not joining in such direction, it being understood that the Trustee shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forebearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders, and the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

Section 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Senior Notes of such series, waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default

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

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Note of such series affected.

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

Section 514. Undertaking for Costs.

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Senior Note by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Company, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder of any Senior Note for the enforcement of the

 

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payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Note on or after the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Senior Note (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).

Section 515. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.

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

ARTICLE SIX

T HE T RUSTEE

Section 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

(a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to Senior Notes of any series,

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

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

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

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

(1) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (a) of this Section;

 

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

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

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

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

Section 602. Notice of Defaults.

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Senior Notes of any series about which the Trustee shall have knowledge as set forth in Section 603(h) hereof, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Senior Notes of such series entitled to receive reports pursuant to Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, notice of all defaults hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Note of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund deposit with respect to Senior Notes of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of Senior Notes of such series; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(4) with respect to Senior Notes of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Senior Notes of such series.

Section 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to the provisions of Section 601:

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

 

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

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

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

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

(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall (subject to applicable legal requirements) be entitled to examine during normal business hours the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;

(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder, and the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be compensated, reimbursed, and indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; and

(h) the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Event of Default, or any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, with respect to the Senior Notes of any series for which it is acting as Trustee unless either (1) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee assigned to the Corporate Trust Office (or any successor division or department of the Trustee) shall have actual knowledge of the event or Event of Default or (2) written notice of such event or Event of Default shall have been given to the Trustee by the Company, any other obligor on such Senior Notes or by any Holder of such Senior Notes.

Section 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Senior Notes.

The recitals contained herein and in the Senior Notes (except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee or any Authenticating Agent assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Senior Notes. The Trustee or any Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Senior Notes or the proceeds thereof.

 

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Section 605. May Hold Senior Notes.

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

Section 606. Money Held in Trust.

Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

Section 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Company agrees

(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), as more fully set forth in a letter agreement between the Company and the Trustee;

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

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

As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Senior Notes upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Senior Notes in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or Section 501(6), the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute

 

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expenses of administration under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law. The provisions of this Section shall survive the satisfaction and discharge or termination of this Indenture, the resignation or removal of the Trustee, and the defeasance of the Senior Notes.

Section 608. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.

If the Trustee has or shall acquire any conflicting interest, within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, it shall, within 90 days after ascertaining that it has such conflicting interest, either eliminate such conflicting interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest with respect to any other indenture of the Company or Senior Notes of any series by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to any particular series of Senior Notes.

Section 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and qualified and eligible under this Article and otherwise permitted by the Trust Indenture Act to act as Trustee under an Indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

Section 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

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

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

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

 

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(d) If at any time:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Senior Note who has been a Holder of a Senior Note for at least six months, or

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

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

then, in any such case, (i) the Company, by a Board Resolution, may remove the Trustee with respect to all Senior Notes, or (ii) subject to Section 514, any Holder of a Senior Note who has been a bona fide Holder of a Senior Note for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Senior Notes and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

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

(f) So long as no Event of Default, or no event which is, or after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become, an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, and except with respect to a Trustee appointed by the Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes pursuant to any series pursuant to subsection (c) above, if the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee (1) a Board Resolution appointing a successor Trustee, effective as of a date specified therein, and (2) an instrument of acceptance of such appointment, effective as of such date, by such successor Trustee in accordance with Section 611,

 

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then the Trustee shall be deemed removed as contemplated by subsection (d) above, the successor Trustee shall be deemed to have been appointed by the Company pursuant to subsection (e) above and such appointment shall be deemed to have been accepted as contemplated in Section 611, all as of such date, and all other provisions of this Section and Section 611 shall be applicable to such removal, appointment and acceptance except to the extent inconsistent with this subsection (f).

(g) The Company or the successor Trustee shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes of any series by mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of such series of Senior Notes as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register.

Section 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

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

(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights (other than such rights in Section 607 hereof relating to indemnities arising prior to the effective date of appointment of a successor Trustee), powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Senior Notes, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers,

 

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trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Senior Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

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

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

Section 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Senior Notes shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Senior Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Senior Notes.

Section 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Senior Notes), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor). For purposes of Section 311(b)(4) and (6) of the Trust Indenture Act:

(a) “cash transaction” means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand; and

(b) “self-liquidating paper” means any draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Company (or any such obligor) for the purpose of financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, shipment, storage or sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided the security is received by the Trustee simultaneously with the creation of the creditor relationship with the Company (or any such obligor) arising from the making, drawing, negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation.

 

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Section 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

At any time when any of the Senior Notes remain Outstanding the Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Senior Notes that shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Senior Notes of such series issued upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 304, and Senior Notes so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Senior Notes by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

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

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and the Trustee shall mail written notice of such appointment by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of Senior Notes, if any, of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

 

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

The provisions of Sections 306, 604 and 605 shall be applicable to each Authenticating Agent.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Senior Notes of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in the following form:

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

 

   
  As Trustee
By:     
  As Authenticating Agent
By:    
  Authorized Signatory

Section 615. Calculations in Respect of Senior Notes.

The Company will be responsible for making calculations called for under the terms of the Senior Notes. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determination of Redemption Price (including make-whole amounts or premiums, if any), original issue discount, if any, and conversion rates and adjustments, if any. The Company will make the calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, its calculations will be final and binding on the Holders of the Senior Notes. The Company will provide a schedule of its calculations to the Trustee when applicable, and the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of the Company’s calculations without independent verification.

ARTICLE SEVEN

H OLDERS ’ L ISTS AND R EPORTS BY T RUSTEE AND C OMPANY

Section 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee

 

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(a) semi-annually, not later than January 1 and July 1, in each year, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, containing all the information in the possession or control of the Company, or any of its Paying Agents other than the Trustee, as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Senior Notes as of the preceding December 15 or June 15, as the case may be, and

(b) at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of the most recent Regular Record Date;

excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar.

Section 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

(a) The Trustee shall comply with the obligations imposed on it pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act.

(b) Every Holder of Senior Notes, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Senior Notes in accordance with Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 703. Reports by Trustee.

(a) Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the first May 15 after the first issuance of Senior Notes pursuant to this Indenture, if required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall transmit a brief report dated as of such May 15 with respect to any of the events specified in such Section 313(a) that may have occurred since the later of the immediately preceding May 15 and the date of this Indenture.

(b) The Trustee shall transmit the reports required by Section 313(b) of the Trust Indenture Act at the times specified therein.

(c) Reports pursuant to this Section shall be transmitted in the manner and to the Persons required by Sections 313(c) and (d) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 704. Reports by Company.

The Company shall:

(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file with the

 

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Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of said Sections, then it shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations; provided that any such information, documents or reports filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (or EDGAR) system or any successor thereto shall be deemed to be filed with the Trustee;

(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; provided that any such information, documents or reports filed with the Commission pursuant to its EDGAR system or any successor thereto shall be deemed to be filed with the Trustee;

(3) transmit, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, to the Holders of Senior Notes, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section 704 as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission; and

(4) notify the Trustee when and as the Senior Notes of any series become admitted to trading on any national securities exchange.

Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder, as to which the Trustee is entitled to conclusively rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates or statements delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 1005.

ARTICLE EIGHT

C ONSOLIDATION , M ERGER , C ONVEYANCE , T RANSFER OR L EASE

Section 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless

(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another corporation or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation organized and existing under the

 

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laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the Senior Notes and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

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

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

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may merge or consolidate with or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to an Affiliate that has no significant assets or liabilities and was formed solely for the purpose of changing the jurisdiction of organization of the Company or the form of organization of the Company; provided that the amount of indebtedness of the Company is not increased thereby; and provided, further that the successor assumes all obligations of the Company under this Indenture.

Section 802. Successor Corporation Substituted.

Upon any consolidation by the Company with or merger by the Company into any corporation or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor corporation had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Senior Notes.

ARTICLE NINE

S UPPLEMENTAL I NDENTURES

Section 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders of Senior Notes, the Company and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

(1) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Senior Notes pursuant to Article Eight; or

 

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

(3) to add any additional Events of Default; or

(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture or to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal (or premium, if any) on Senior Notes, provided any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Senior Notes of any series in any material respect; or

(5) to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture with respect to any series of Senior Notes theretofore unissued; or

(6) to secure the Senior Notes of any series; or

(7) to establish the form or terms of Senior Notes of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or

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

(9) to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the discharge of any series of Senior Notes pursuant to Section 401; provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Senior Notes of such series in any material respect; or

(10) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other changes to the provisions hereof or to add other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Senior Notes of any series in any material respect; or

(11) to comply with the rules or regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the Senior Notes may be listed or traded; or

(12) to modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or under any similar federal statute hereafter enacted, and to add to this Indenture such other provisions as may be expressly required by the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Senior Notes of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Note affected thereby,

 

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(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Senior Note, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change the method of calculating the rate of interest thereon, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or

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

(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902, Section 513 or Section 1006, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Note affected thereby, provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder of a Senior Note with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section and Section 1006, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611(b) and 901(8).

Section 903. General Provisions Regarding Supplemental Indenture.

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

(b) It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders of Senior Notes under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act or action shall approve the substance thereof.

Section 904. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

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

 

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Section 905. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Senior Notes theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

Section 906. Conformity With Trust Indenture Act.

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 907. Reference in Senior Notes to Supplemental Indentures.

Senior Notes of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Senior Notes of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, as directed by the Company, in exchange for Outstanding Senior Notes of such series.

ARTICLE TEN

C OVENANTS

Section 1001. Payment of Principal and Interest.

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Senior Notes that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Notes of that series in accordance with the terms of the Senior Notes and this Indenture not later than 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date by depositing with the Trustee money in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.

Section 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

The Company or its Affiliate will maintain an office or agency where Senior Notes of each series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Senior Notes of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Senior Notes of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency in respect of any series of Senior Notes or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders of Senior Notes of that series

 

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may be made and notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Senior Notes of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, any office or agency required by this Section may be maintained at an office of the Company, in which event the Company shall perform all functions to be performed at such office or agency.

Section 1003. Money for Senior Notes Payments to be Held in Trust.

If the Company or one of its Affiliates shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Senior Notes, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any of the Senior Notes of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Senior Notes, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Notes of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Senior Notes other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:

(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on Senior Notes of that series in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;

(2) give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Senior Notes of that series) to make any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Senior Notes of that series; and

(3) at any time during the continuance of any such failure, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.

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

 

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Subject to applicable abandoned property laws, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Note of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (and premium, if any) or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Senior Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper of general circulation in New York City notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.

Section 1004. Corporate Existence.

Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep its corporate existence in full force and effect.

Section 1005. Statement as to Compliance.

So long as any Senior Notes of any series are Outstanding, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a written statement, which need not comply with Section 102, signed by the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company, as to his or her knowledge of the Company’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture and if a default or an Event of Default has occurred, specify such default or Event of Default and the nature and status thereof, of which such signer may have knowledge. For purposes of this Section 1005, such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.

Section 1006. Waiver of Certain Covenants.

The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 1004 or Section 1007 with respect to the Senior Notes of any series if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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Section 1007. Limitation on Liens.

(a) Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Senior Notes of any series, so long as any Senior Notes of any series are Outstanding, the Company will not pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or grant a security interest in, or permit any mortgage, pledge, security interest or other lien or encumbrance (collectively, “Liens”) upon, any capital stock of any Significant Subsidiary which capital stock is now or hereafter owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, to secure any Indebtedness (hereinafter defined) without concurrently making effective provision whereby the Outstanding Senior Notes shall (so long as such other Indebtedness shall be so secured) be equally and ratably secured with any and all such other Indebtedness and any other Indebtedness similarly secured; provided, however, that this restriction shall neither apply to nor prevent the creation or existence of:

(1) (i) Liens upon capital stock of any Significant Subsidiary hereafter acquired, directly or indirectly, by the Company to secure (A) the purchase price of such capital stock or (B) Indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of any such capital stock, (ii) Liens existing on any such capital stock at the time of acquisition, and (iii) extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing, provided that in connection with this clause (iii), the principal amount of Indebtedness so secured shall be for the same or a lesser principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by the Lien and no such Lien shall extend to or cover any capital stock other than the capital stock being acquired or to more than the same proportion of all shares of capital stock as was covered by the Lien that was extended, renewed or replaced; or

(2) attachment, judgment or other similar liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided that the execution or other enforcement of such liens is effectively stayed and (i) the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or (ii) payment of the claims is covered in full (subject to customary deductible amounts) by insurance maintained with responsible insurance companies.

In case the Company shall propose to pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or grant a security interest in any capital stock of any Significant Subsidiary to secure any Indebtedness, other than as permitted by this Subsection (a) of this Section 1007, the Company will prior thereto give written notice thereof to the Trustee, and the Company will prior to or simultaneously with such pledge, mortgage, hypothecation or grant of security interest, by supplemental indenture executed to the Trustee (or to the extent legally necessary to another trustee or an additional or separate trustee), in form satisfactory to the Trustee, effectively secure (for so long as such other Indebtedness shall be so secured) all the Outstanding Senior Notes equally and ratably with such Indebtedness and with any other indebtedness for money borrowed similarly entitled to be equally and ratably secured.

(b) Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Senior Notes of any series, the provisions of Subsection (a) of this Section 1007 shall not apply to the extent that the Company creates any Restricted Liens to secure Indebtedness that, together with all other Indebtedness secured by Restricted Liens, does not at the time exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets as determined by the Company as of a month end not more than 90 days prior to the closing or consummation of the proposed transaction.

 

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(c) For purposes of this Section 1007:

(1) The term “Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the total amount of the Company’s assets determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as of a date determined pursuant to Section 1007(b), less (a) the sum of the Company’s consolidated current liabilities determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and (b) the amount of the Company’s consolidated assets classified as intangible assets, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including such items as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents, and unamortized debt discount and expense, and regulatory assets carried as an asset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

(2) The term “Indebtedness” applied to any Person means (i) any liability of such Person (A) for borrowed money, or under any reimbursement obligation relating to a letter of credit (other than trade letters of credit) issued to support indebtedness or obligations of such Person or others of the kinds referred to in this definition, or (B) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument, or (C) for payment obligations arising under any conditional sale or other title retention arrangement (including a purchase money obligation) given in connection with the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets of any kind, or (D) for the payment of money relating to a capitalized lease obligation; (ii) any liability of others described in the preceding clause (i) that such Person has guaranteed or that is otherwise its legal liability; and (iii) any amendment, supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any liability of the types referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above.

(3) The term “Restricted Liens” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien or encumbrance upon any capital stock of any Significant Subsidiary, which capital stock is now or hereafter owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, to secure any Indebtedness, other than any mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien or encumbrance described in (a)(1) and (a)(2) above.

(4) The term “Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is also a “significant subsidiary” pursuant to Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission.

(5) The term “Subsidiary” of the Company means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, or limited liability company of which (or in which) more than 50% of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests having ordinary voting power (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency), is at the time directly owned or controlled by the Company.

 

51


ARTICLE ELEVEN

R EDEMPTION OF S ENIOR N OTES

Section 1101. Applicability of Article.

Senior Notes of any series which are specified as contemplated by Section 301 to be redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with such specified terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Senior Notes of any series) in accordance with this Article.

Section 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Company to redeem any Senior Notes shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or an Officer’s Certificate. The Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Senior Notes of such series to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Senior Notes (i) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Senior Notes or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (ii) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Senior Notes, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officer’s Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition. If the Redemption Price is not known at the time such notice is to be given, the actual Redemption Price, calculated as described in the terms of the Senior Notes to be redeemed, will be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate of the Company delivered to the Trustee no later than two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date.

Section 1103. Selection by Trustee of Senior Notes to be Redeemed.

If the Senior Notes are Global Securities, then any partial redemptions shall be made in accordance with the applicable Depositary procedures; otherwise, any partial redemptions shall be pro rata. If the Senior Notes are held in definitive form by more than one Holder and if less than all the Senior Notes of any series are to be redeemed, the particular Senior Notes to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Senior Notes of such series not previously called for redemption, by lot or other such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Senior Notes of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Senior Notes of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Senior Notes of that series.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Senior Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Senior Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

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

 

52


Section 1104. Notice of Redemption.

Unless otherwise indicated in the supplemental indenture or the Board Resolution, or the Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, relating to any series of Senior Notes, notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106 to the Holders of Senior Notes to be redeemed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date.

All notices of redemption shall state:

(1) the Redemption Date,

(2) the Redemption Price,

(3) the CUSIP number of the Senior Notes being redeemed;

(4) if less than all the Outstanding Senior Notes of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Senior Notes to be redeemed,

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

(6) the place or places where such Senior Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, and

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

Notice of redemption of Senior Notes to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company. Notice of mandatory redemption of Senior Notes shall be given by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

Section 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.

Except as otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture or in a Board Resolution, or in an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, pursuant to Section 301, prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company or its Affiliate is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued interest, if any, on all the Senior Notes which are to be redeemed on that date.

 

53


Section 1106. Senior Notes Payable on Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Senior Notes so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified together with any accrued interest thereon, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Senior Notes shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Senior Note for redemption in accordance with such notice, such Senior Note shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture or in a Board Resolution, or in an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, pursuant to Section 301, installments of interest on Senior Notes whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Senior Notes, or one or more Predecessor Notes, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 305.

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

Section 1107. Senior Notes Redeemed in Part.

Any Senior Note that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at an office or agency of the Company therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and, as directed by the Company, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Senior Note without service charge, a new Senior Note of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Senior Note so surrendered.

ARTICLE TWELVE

S INKING F UNDS

Section 1201. Applicability of Article.

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Senior Notes of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Senior Notes of such series.

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Senior Notes of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment”, and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Senior Notes of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of Senior Notes of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Senior Notes of any series as provided for by the terms of Senior Notes of such series.

 

54


Section 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments With Senior Notes.

The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Senior Notes of a series (other than any previously called for redemption), and (2) may apply as a credit Senior Notes of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Senior Notes or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Senior Notes, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Senior Notes of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Senior Notes as provided for by the terms of such series; provided that such Senior Notes have not been previously so credited. Such Senior Notes shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Senior Notes for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

Section 1203. Redemption of Senior Notes for Sinking Fund.

Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Senior Notes, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Senior Notes of that series pursuant to Section 1202 and stating the basis for such credit and that such Senior Notes have not previously been so credited and will also deliver to the Trustee any Senior Notes to be so delivered. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Senior Notes to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Senior Notes shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN

M ISCELLANEOUS P ROVISIONS

Section 1301. No Recourse Against Others.

An incorporator or any past, present or future director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Senior Notes or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Senior Note, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability. Such waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Senior Notes.

 

55


Section 1302. Assignment; Binding Effect.

This Indenture may be assigned by the Company in connection with a transaction described in Article Eight. This Indenture shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Trustee, the Holders, any Security Registrar, Paying Agent, and Authenticating Agent and their respective successors and assigns.

This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section 1303. USA PATRIOT Act.

The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account. The Company agrees that it will provide the Trustee with information about the Company as the Trustee may reasonably request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

56


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

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION ,

as Issuer

By:    /s/ Patricia L. Kampling
  Name:   Patricia L. Kampling
  Title:   Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ,

as Trustee

By:    /s/ Gregory S. Clarke
  Name:   Gregory S. Clarke
  Title:   Vice President

Exhibit 5.1

 

LOGO   

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

 

777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE

MILWAUKEE, WI 53202-5306

414.271.2400 TEL

414.297.4900 FAX

www.foley.com

September 30, 2009

Alliant Energy Corporation

4902 North Biltmore Lane

Madison, WI 53718

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel for Alliant Energy Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”), including the prospectus constituting a part thereof (the “Prospectus”), to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the issuance and sale by the Company from time to time of an indeterminate amount of: (i) shares of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value (the “Common Stock”), and attached common share purchase rights (the “Rights”); (ii) senior notes of the Company (the “Senior Notes”); (iii) warrants (“Warrants”) to purchase Common Stock, Senior Notes or other securities of the Company; (iv) contracts (the “Stock Purchase Contracts”) that obligate holders to purchase from the Company, and the Company to sell to these holders, shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company at a later date; and (v) stock purchase units (the “Stock Purchase Units”) consisting of a Stock Purchase Contract and either Senior Notes, Warrants or other securities of the Company or debt obligations of third parties that are pledged to secure the holder’s obligation to purchase the Common Stock or other securities of the Company under Stock Purchase Contracts (the Common Stock and attached Rights, the Senior Notes, the Warrants, the Stock Purchase Contracts and the Stock Purchase Units are referred to herein as the “Securities”). The terms of the Rights are as set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2008, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Rights Agreement”). The Prospectus provides that it will be supplemented in the future by one or more supplements to such Prospectus and/or other offering material (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”).

As counsel to the Company in connection with the proposed issuance and sale of the Securities, we have examined: (i) the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus and the exhibits (including those incorporated by reference), each constituting a part of the Registration Statement; (ii) the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws, each as amended to date; (iii) the Indenture, dated September 30, 2009, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the “Indenture”); and (iv) such other proceedings, documents and records as we have deemed necessary to enable us to render this opinion.

 

BOSTON

BRUSSELS

CHICAGO

DETROIT

 

JACKSONVILLE

LOS ANGELES

MADISON

MIAMI

 

MILWAUKEE

NEW YORK

ORLANDO

SACRAMENTO

 

SAN DIEGO

SAN DIEGO/DEL MAR

SAN FRANCISCO

SHANGHAI

 

SILICON VALLEY

TALLAHASSEE

TAMPA

TOKYO

WASHINGTON, D.C.


LOGO

Alliant Energy Corporation

September 30, 2009

Page 2

In our examination of the above-referenced documents, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents, certificates and instruments submitted to us as originals and the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed that (i) the Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), will comply with all applicable laws; (ii) a Prospectus Supplement, if required, will have been prepared and filed with the SEC describing the Securities offered thereby; (iii) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and any applicable Prospectus Supplement; (iv) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to any Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (v) any Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Security being offered will have been duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange or exercise; and (vi) with respect to shares of Common Stock offered, there will be sufficient shares of Common Stock authorized under the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and not otherwise reserved for issuance.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. At such time as all of the following shall have occurred, the shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable:

a. The Company’s Board of Directors, or a committee thereof duly authorized by the Board of Directors, shall have adopted appropriate resolutions to authorize the issuance and sale of the Common Stock; and

b. Such shares of Common Stock shall have been issued and sold for the consideration contemplated by, and otherwise in conformity with, the Registration Statement, as supplemented by a Prospectus Supplement with respect to such issuance and sale, and the acts, proceedings and documents referred to above.

2. The Rights attached to the Common Stock, when issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement, will be validly issued.

3. At such time as all of the following shall have occurred, the Senior Notes will be valid, legal and binding obligations of the Company, subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and other similar laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether applied in a proceeding in equity or at law:

a. The Company’s Board of Directors, or a committee thereof or one or more officers of the Company, in each case duly authorized by the Board of Directors, shall have taken action to establish the terms of such Senior Notes and to authorize the issuance and sale of such Senior Notes;


LOGO

Alliant Energy Corporation

September 30, 2009

Page 3

b. The terms of such Senior Notes and of their issuance and sale shall have been established in conformity with the Indenture so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirements or restrictions imposed by any court or governmental entity having jurisdiction over the Company;

c. Any supplemental indenture or officer’s certificate setting forth the terms of a series of Senior Notes to be issued under the Indenture shall have been duly executed and delivered;

d. Such Senior Notes shall have been duly executed, authenticated and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Indenture; and

e. Such Senior Notes shall have been issued and sold for the consideration contemplated by, and otherwise in conformity with, the Registration Statement, as supplemented by a Prospectus Supplement with respect to such issuance and sale, and the acts, proceedings and documents referred to above.

4. At such time as all of the following shall have occurred, the Warrants will be valid, legal and binding obligations of the Company, subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and other similar laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether applied in a proceeding in equity or at law:

a. The Company’s Board of Directors, or a committee thereof or officers of the Company, in each case duly authorized by the Board of Directors, shall have taken action to approve and establish the terms and form of the Warrants and the documents, including any warrant agreements, evidencing and used in connection with the issuance and sale of the Warrants, and to authorize the issuance and sale of such Warrants;

b. The terms of such Warrants and of their issuance and sale shall have been established so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirements or restrictions imposed by any court or governmental entity having jurisdiction over the Company;

c. Any such warrant agreements shall have been duly executed and delivered;

d. Such Warrants shall have been duly executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of the applicable warrant agreement; and


LOGO

Alliant Energy Corporation

September 30, 2009

Page 4

e. Such Warrants shall have been issued and sold for the consideration contemplated by, and otherwise in conformity with, the Registration Statement, as supplemented by a Prospectus Supplement with respect to such issuance and sale, and the acts, proceedings and documents referred to above.

5. At such time as all of the following shall have occurred, the Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units will be valid, legal and binding obligations of the Company, subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and other similar laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether applied in a proceeding in equity or at law:

a. The Company’s Board of Directors, or a committee thereof or one or more officers of the Company, in each case duly authorized by the Board of Directors, shall have taken action to approve and establish the terms of the Stock Purchase Contracts and the documents evidencing and used in connection with the issuance and sale of the Stock Purchase Units, and to authorize the issuance and sale of such Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units;

b. The terms of such Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units and of their issuance and sale shall have been established so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirements or restrictions imposed by any court or governmental entity having jurisdiction over the Company;

c. Such Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units shall have been duly executed and delivered in accordance with their respective terms and provisions; and

d. Such Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units shall have been issued and sold for the consideration contemplated by, and otherwise in conformity with, the Registration Statement, as supplemented by a Prospectus Supplement with respect to such issuance and sale, and the acts, proceedings and documents referred to above.

With respect to the foregoing opinions, at one time Section 180.0622(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law imposed personal liability upon shareholders for debts owing to employees of the Company for services performed, but not exceeding six months’ service in any one case. This statutory provision was repealed by the 2005 Wisconsin Act 474, which provided that the repeal applies to debts incurred on or after June 14, 2006.


LOGO

Alliant Energy Corporation

September 30, 2009

Page 5

We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus which is filed as part of the Registration Statement, and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are “experts” within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act or within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/    Foley & Lardner LLP

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2009, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Alliant Energy Corporation and subsidiaries (“Alliant Energy Corporation”) (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of new accounting standards), and the effectiveness of Alliant Energy Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Alliant Energy Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2008, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

September 29, 2009

Exhibit 24.1

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ Michael L. Bennett

Michael L. Bennett


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ Darryl B. Hazel

Darryl B. Hazel


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ Singleton B. McAllister

Singleton B. McAllister


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ Ann K. Newhall

Ann K. Newhall


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ Dean C. Oestreich

Dean C. Oestreich


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ David A. Perdue

David A. Perdue


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ Judith D. Pyle

Judith D. Pyle


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and appoints William D. Harvey, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Eliot G. Protsch, the Senior Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Barbara J. Swan, the Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, Patricia L. Kampling, the Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, Thomas L. Hanson, the Vice President—Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, F. J. Buri, the Corporate Secretary of the Company, and Enrique Bacalao, the Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the undersigned’s name as a director of Alliant Energy Corporation (the “Company”) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any amendments (including post-effective amendments) or supplements thereto relating to the offering from time to time by the Company of debt securities, shares of common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units (collectively, the “Securities”) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 4 th day of August, 2009.

 

/s/ Carol P. Sanders

Carol P. Sanders

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

 

 

¨ CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b) (2)

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

A National Banking Association   94-1347393

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or

organization if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

101 North Phillips Avenue

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

  57104
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Wells Fargo & Company

Law Department, Trust Section

MAC N9305-175

Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue, 17 th Floor

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479

(612) 667-4608

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

Wisconsin   39-1380265

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

4902 N. Biltmore Lane

Madison, Wisconsin

  53718
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

Senior Notes

(Title of the indenture securities)

 

 

 


Item 1. General Information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

Comptroller of the Currency

Treasury Department

Washington, D.C.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Washington, D.C.

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

San Francisco, California 94120

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Item 2. Affiliations with Obligor. If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None with respect to the trustee.

No responses are included for Items 3-14 of this Form T-1 because the obligor is not in default as provided under Item 13.

Item 15. Foreign Trustee. Not applicable.

Item 16. List of Exhibits. List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of Eligibility.

 

Exhibit 1.    A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee now in effect.*
Exhibit 2.    A copy of the Comptroller of the Currency Certificate of Corporate Existence and Fiduciary Powers for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated February 4, 2004.**
Exhibit 3.    See Exhibit 2
Exhibit 4.    Copy of By-laws of the trustee as now in effect.***
Exhibit 5.    Not applicable.
Exhibit 6.    The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
Exhibit 7.    A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.
Exhibit 8.    Not applicable.
Exhibit 9.    Not applicable.


* Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-4 dated December 30, 2005 of file number 333-130784-06.
** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form T-3 dated March 3, 2004 of file number 022-28721.
*** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-4 dated May 26, 2005 of file number 333-125274.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on the 23rd day of September 2009.

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
/s/ Gregory S. Clarke

Gregory S. Clarke

Vice President


EXHIBIT 6

September 23, 2009

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Gentlemen:

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the undersigned hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned made by Federal, State, Territorial, or District authorities authorized to make such examination may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.

 

Very truly yours,

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

/s/ Gregory S. Clarke

Gregory S. Clarke

Vice President


EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of

Wells Fargo Bank National Association

of 101 North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

at the close of business June 30, 2009, filed in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §161 for National Banks.

 

          Dollar Amounts
In Millions

ASSETS

     

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

     

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

      $ 11,493

Interest-bearing balances

        1,906

Securities:

     

Held-to-maturity securities

        0

Available-for-sale securities

        104,426

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

     

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

        255

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

        1,553

Loans and lease financing receivables:

     

Loans and leases held for sale

        32,219

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

   328,138   

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

   9,887   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

        318,251

Trading Assets

        9,021

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

        4,256

Other real estate owned

        1,398

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

        428

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

        62

Intangible assets

     

Goodwill

        11,487

Other intangible assets

        16,326

Other assets

        26,540
         

Total assets

      $ 539,621
         

LIABILITIES

     

Deposits:

     

In domestic offices

      $ 325,417

Noninterest-bearing

   80,231   

Interest-bearing

   245,186   

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

        77,411

Noninterest-bearing

   1,201   

Interest-bearing

   76,210   

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

     

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

        10,243

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

        4,293


     Dollar Amounts
In Millions
 

Trading liabilities

     5,930   

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

     23,653   

Subordinated notes and debentures

     15,714   

Other liabilities

     27,200   
        

Total liabilities

   $ 489,861   

EQUITY CAPITAL

  

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

     0   

Common stock

     520   

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

     30,594   

Retained earnings

     19,594   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (1,133

Other equity capital components

     0   
        

Total bank equity capital

     49,575   

Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

     185   
        

Total equity capital

     49,760   
        

Total liabilities, and equity capital

   $ 539,621   
        

I, Howard I. Atkins, EVP & CFO of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Howard I. Atkins

EVP & CFO    

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

 

John Stumpf

Carrie Tolstedt

Michael Loughlin

   Directors