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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2010

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Texas   3629   74-2246799

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

SEE TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS BELOW

100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666, (512) 396-5801

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

 

 

Rodney Bingham

President

Thermon Industries, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

(512) 396-5801

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

 

 

with a copy to:

Kevin F. Blatchford

Michael P. Heinz

Sidley Austin LLP

One South Dearborn

Chicago, Illinois 60603

(312) 853-7000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

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

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

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

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. (Check one):

 

  Large accelerated filer     ¨      Accelerated filer   ¨
  Non-accelerated filer   x    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company     ¨

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)   ¨

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)   ¨

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 
Title of each class of class of securities to be registered   Amount to be
registered
  Proposed maximum
offering price per
note
 

Proposed maximum
aggregate

offering price (1)

  Amount of
registration fee (2)

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

  $210,000,000   100%   $210,000,000   $14,973

Guarantees of 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 by each of the Additional Registrants listed below

  N/A   N/A   N/A   (3)
 
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(2) Equal to $71.30 per $1,000,000 of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no separate fee for the guarantees is payable.

 

 

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

TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS

 

 

 
Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter (1)   State or Other
Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or
Organization
  I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number
  Industrial
Classification Code
Number

Thermon Holding Corp.

  Delaware   26-0249310   3629

Thermon Manufacturing Company

  Texas   74-1365355   3629

Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc.

  Texas   74-2638622   3629

Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc.

  Texas   76-0311875   3629

Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc.

  Louisiana   72-1206343   3629
 
 
(1) The address and telephone number of each co-registrant’s principal executive offices is 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666, (512) 396-5801.

 

 

 


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

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 18, 2010

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

Thermon Industries, Inc.

OFFER TO EXCHANGE

$210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933

(CUSIP No. 88362R AC1) (which we refer to as the “New Notes”)

For any and all of its outstanding

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

(CUSIP Nos. 88362R AA5 and U8836E AA7) (which we refer to as the “Old Notes”)

This exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010, unless extended.

Terms of the exchange offer:

 

   

We will exchange New Notes for all outstanding Old Notes that are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

 

   

You may withdraw tenders of Old Notes at any time prior to the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

 

   

The terms of the New Notes are substantially identical to those of the outstanding Old Notes, except that the transfer restrictions and rights under the registration rights agreement, including payment of Additional Interest (as defined below), do not apply to the New Notes.

 

   

The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes will not be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You should see the discussion under the caption “Principal U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” for more information.

 

   

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

 

   

We issued the Old Notes in a transaction not requiring registration under the Securities Act, and as a result, their transfer is restricted. We are making the exchange offer to satisfy your registration rights, as a holder of the Old Notes.

There is no established trading market for the New Notes or the Old Notes.

Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, starting on the expiration date (as defined herein) and ending on the close of business 90 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution.”

See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 20 for a discussion of risks you should consider prior to tendering your outstanding Old Notes for exchange.

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

 

 

 

Prospectus dated                     , 2010


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Summary

   1

Risk Factors

   20

The Transactions

   39

Use of Proceeds

   42

Capitalization

   42

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

   43

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data

   49

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

   52

Business

   65

Management

   78

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

   83

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   91

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

   92

The Exchange Offer

   93

Description of Other Indebtedness

   100

Description of the New Notes

   104

Principal U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

   165

Plan of Distribution

   170

Legal Matters

   171

Experts

   171

Where You Can Find More Information

   171

Index to Financial Statements

   F-1

You should rely only on information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the Notes offered hereby by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offering or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of the Notes. No other person is making any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this prospectus. Nothing contained in this prospectus is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation, whether as to the past or the future.

THE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN RECOMMENDED BY ANY FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY. FURTHERMORE, THE FOREGOING AUTHORITIES HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OR DETERMINED THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

The contents of this prospectus are not to be considered as legal, business or tax advice. You must inform yourself about and observe all applicable laws and regulations in force in any jurisdiction in connection with the possession or distribution of this prospectus and the exchange of the Notes, and you must obtain any consent, approval or permission required to be obtained by you for the exchange of the Notes. We shall not have any responsibility therefor.

 

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Notice to New Hampshire Residents

NEITHER THE FACT THAT A REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE HAS BEEN FILED UNDER CHAPTER 421-B OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE REVISED STATUTES ANNOTATED (“RSA 421-B”) WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE NOR THE FACT THAT A SECURITY IS EFFECTIVELY REGISTERED OR A PERSON IS LICENSED IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CONSTITUTES A FINDING BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE THAT ANY DOCUMENT FILED UNDER RSA 421-B IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. NEITHER ANY SUCH FACT NOR THE FACT THAT AN EXEMPTION OR EXCEPTION IS AVAILABLE FOR A SECURITY OR A TRANSACTION MEANS THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS PASSED IN ANY WAY UPON THE MERITS OR QUALIFICATIONS OF, OR RECOMMENDED OR GIVEN APPROVAL TO, ANY PERSON, SECURITY OR TRANSACTION. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE, OR CAUSE TO BE MADE, TO ANY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER, CUSTOMER OR CLIENT ANY REPRESENTATION INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Disclosure in this prospectus of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), are intended as supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA should be considered as an alternative to net income, income from continuing operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities or any other liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP.

EBITDA represents net income before income taxes, interest income, interest expense and depreciation expense and amortization of other intangible assets. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA before other non-cash charges not included in EBITDA such as amortization of stock compensation and other unusual non-recurring cash charges not associated with the ongoing operations of the Company. We believe these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of high yield issuers, many of which present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results. Our presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider either of these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of our income or cash flows as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

 

   

they do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

 

   

they do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

   

they do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt;

 

   

depreciation is a non-cash expense item that is reflected in our statements of cash flows; and

 

   

other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently from the way we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA only for supplemental purposes. Please see our financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. For a description of how EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are calculated from our net income and a reconciliation of our EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, see the section entitled “Summary Historical Condensed Consolidated Financial Data” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

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Industry and Market Data

The industry and market data contained in this prospectus are based either on our management’s own estimates or on independent industry publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources that we believe to be reliable. However, certain industry and market data is subject to change and cannot always be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other limitations and uncertainties inherent in any statistical survey. Accordingly, you should be aware that the industry and market data contained in this prospectus, and estimates and beliefs based on such data, may not be reliable. Unless otherwise indicated, all information contained in this prospectus concerning the industry in general, including information regarding (1) our market position and market share within our industry, (2) historical data concerning sales and growth of sales in our industry and (3) expectations regarding future growth of sales in our industry, is based on management’s estimates using internal data, data from industry related publications, consumer research and marketing studies and other externally obtained data. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry or market data presented herein, industry and market data involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

 

 

 

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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws in addition to historical information. These forward-looking statements are included throughout this prospectus, including in the sections entitled “Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” and include, without limitation, statements regarding our industry, business strategy, plans, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information. When used in this discussion, the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “future” and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this prospectus.

Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions, data or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these factors, they include, among others, the following:

 

   

general economic conditions and cyclicality in the markets we serve;

 

   

future growth of energy and chemical processing capital investments;

 

   

changes in relevant currency exchange rates;

 

   

our ability to comply with the complex and dynamic system of laws and regulations applicable to international operations;

 

   

a material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities;

 

   

our dependence on subcontractors and suppliers;

 

   

our ability to obtain standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds required to bid on or secure certain customer contracts;

 

   

competition from various other sources providing similar heat tracing products and services, or other alternative technologies, to customers;

 

   

our ability to attract and retain qualified management and employees, particularly in our overseas markets;

 

   

our ability to continue to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our liquidity needs;

 

   

the extent to which federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulation of energy, chemical processing and power generation products and services limits or prohibits the operation of our business; and

 

   

other factors discussed in more detail under the caption “Risk Factors.”

Any one of these factors or a combination of these factors could materially affect our future results of operations and could influence whether any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus ultimately prove to be accurate. See also “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this prospectus regarding the additional factors that have impacted or may impact our business and operations. Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future performance may differ materially from those suggested in any forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update these statements unless we are required to do so under applicable securities laws.

 

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SUMMARY

The following summary highlights selected information contained in this prospectus and may not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire prospectus, including the section entitled “Risk Factors,” before making an investment decision. The terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Parent” and the “Company,” as used in this prospectus, refer to Thermon Holding Corp. and its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries as a combined entity, except where otherwise stated or where it is clear that the terms mean only Thermon Holding Corp. Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, references to “$” or “dollars” in this prospectus are to United States dollars. When we use the term “Notes” in this prospectus, the term includes the Old Notes and the New Notes.

Company Overview

We are a leading industrial company that serves global infrastructure end-markets through our full line of heat tracing solutions. We believe that we are a global leader in the heat tracing industry and one of the few participants with a worldwide footprint and comprehensive suite of equipment, design and engineering services and turnkey solutions. For over 50 years, our heat tracing solutions have served customers in attractive end markets, including energy, chemical processing, power generation and industrial and commercial infrastructure. Our customers include some of the largest multinational energy, petrochemical, power and engineering, procurement and construction companies in the world. We serve our customers locally through 75 direct sales employees in 16 countries, a network of more than 100 independent sales agents and distributors in 30 countries and through our five manufacturing facilities on three continents. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, we achieved revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $192.7 million (66% of which was generated by our foreign subsidiaries) and $45.0 million, respectively.

Our products provide an external heat source to pipes, vessels and instruments for the purposes of freeze protection, temperature maintenance, environmental monitoring and surface snow and ice melting. This heat is primarily produced from electricity or, to a lesser extent, from steam. We offer a full suite of products and design and engineering services for both electric and steam heat tracing applications including cables, tubing bundles, control systems and design optimization, engineering, installation and maintenance services. Our comprehensive offering allows us to meet the unique needs of each customer, ranging from a complete integrated turnkey solution to a routine sale of materials or components.

Customers typically purchase our products when constructing a new facility, expanding or upgrading a current facility or performing maintenance on existing heat-traced pipes within a facility. Our products are low in cost relative to the total cost of a typical process plant but critical to the safe and efficient continued operation of such facility. When maintenance on in-pipe mechanical equipment is required, our products are often removed, discarded and replaced, because they are attached to the facilities’ heat-traced pipes. In order to avoid switching complications or compatibility concerns, customers often use the incumbent heat tracing brand for both upgrades and expansions and routine and preventative maintenance projects. Consequently, our installed base of heat tracing equipment is an important driver of future revenue opportunities. We estimate that approximately 60% of our revenues result from maintenance and repair of heat-traced pipes and from facility expansions.

We have a long history of steady organic revenue growth and stable gross margins through a variety of economic cycles. Specifically, our revenues have grown in 17 of the past 21 fiscal years, and our gross margins have averaged 44% over the period. In addition, revenue has shown significant growth in recent years. Revenue grew from $121.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 to $192.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, and Adjusted EBITDA grew from $18.9 million to $45.0 million over the same period. In addition, our backlog of signed purchase agreements has grown significantly. As of June 30, 2010, we reported a backlog of approximately $78.3 million, up 50% from $52.2 million as of March 31, 2007.

 

 

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Our senior management team averages approximately 25 years of experience with us, and has grown the Company through a variety of business cycles, established our global platform, and built our reputation for quality and reliability in the heat tracing industry. Our senior management team and key employees have a significant equity stake in our company and remain committed to executing our growth plan going forward. Our principal sponsor, Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (“CHS”), has a long, successful track record of investing in industrial and infrastructure businesses. We believe that CHS is a value-added partner to our management team.

Industry Overview

We believe that the market for industrial electric heat tracing is approximately $1 billion in annual revenues. Our industry is fragmented and consists of approximately 40 companies, typically serving discrete local markets and providing a limited service offering. We believe that we are the second largest participant in our addressable market and significantly larger than our next largest competitor. Heat tracing service providers differentiate themselves through the quality and reputation of their products, long-term relationship management and the ability to provide comprehensive solutions. Large, multinational companies drive the majority of spending for the types of major industrial facilities that require our products, and we believe that they prefer vendors who have a global footprint and a comprehensive suite of products and services. We believe that we are one of only a few companies in the industrial heat tracing market that can meet these criteria.

Reliable heat tracing products are critical to the successful, safe operation of a facility. Facilities that utilize heat tracing devices contain interdependent systems of equipment that have differing requirements for temperature maintenance, freeze protection and emissions monitoring. The majority of pipes in a large facility may be heat traced. The largest facilities may contain up to hundreds of thousands of feet of heat tracing cable and thousands of control points. A breakdown in any part of the heat tracing system can have a significant impact on the operations of the entire plant. Stoppages or inefficiencies can be costly in terms of lost production and down time, and therefore we believe that a majority of industrial end users put a premium on reliable, high quality heat tracing solutions.

Demand for industrial heat tracing solutions falls into two categories: (i) new facility construction and (ii) recurring maintenance, repair and operations and facility upgrades or expansions (“MRO/UE”). New facility or “Greenfield” construction projects often require comprehensive heat tracing solutions. We refer to sales revenues by customer of less than $1 million annually, which we believe are typically derived from maintenance, repair and operations and facility upgrades or expansions, as “MRO/UE revenue.” We believe that “Greenfield revenue” consists of sales revenues by customer in excess of $1 million annually (excluding sales to agents, who typically resell our products to multiple customers), and typically includes most orders for projects related to facilities that are new or that are built independent of existing facilities. We believe that we are one of a few heat tracing providers in the world that can offer product solutions, design optimization studies and detailed engineering and installation services. We believe that, over the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, MRO/UE revenue accounted for approximately 60% of our revenues, and Greenfield revenue accounted for approximately 40% of our revenues. In order to avoid switching complications or compatibility concerns, customers often use the incumbent heat tracing brand for MRO/UE. Therefore, the provider of the original heat tracing system is well positioned to capture future recurring revenue from additional work required within the existing facility. Large portions of the heat tracing system may be removed and replaced when an upgrade or retrofit is performed, resulting in sizable revenues for the heat tracing provider (estimated to be 10-20% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system). Routine and preventative maintenance includes planned and unplanned repair and replacement of in-pipe mechanical equipment used throughout a process plant. Preventative maintenance projects are typically undertaken on an ongoing basis and often require new heat tracing equipment, estimated to be valued at 5-10% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system annually.

The major end markets that drive demand for our products include energy, chemical processing and power generation. We believe that there are attractive near to medium-term trends in each of our end markets.

 

 

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Energy. Heat tracing is used to facilitate the processing, transportation and freeze protection of energy products in both upstream and downstream applications. The Energy Information Administration projects that world energy consumption will increase 8.5% from 2010 to 2015, with energy consumption in emerging markets growing 12.7% during that time. The industrialization of developing regions of the world will drive continued heat tracing demand for new Greenfield projects. Extraction operations in harsh, cold weather climates such as those of Canada, Russia, the Caspian Sea and the Baltic region increase the need for heat tracing solutions. We estimate that industry capital expenditures for upstream applications in Canada and Russia will grow 20% in 2010 and 2011. In addition, we believe that we will benefit from stricter environmental compliance and regulatory requirements that often require heat tracing intensive solutions.

Chemical Processing. In the chemical segment, heat tracing applications are required for chemical production, freeze protection and temperature maintenance. The corrosive nature of chemicals shortens the life cycle of in-line mechanical equipment attached to pipes (such as valves, pumps and filters), accelerating the demand for MRO/UE opportunities in this segment. Trends that may impact heat tracing demand include the rapid industrialization of the developing world, a shift in base chemical processing operations to low-cost feedstock regions, a transition of Western chemical processing to specialty applications and environmental compliance. According to the American Chemical Council, global capital spending by the chemicals industry is estimated to increase in 2010 by 10.1% to $251 billion and to $284 billion in 2011, with the bulk of the incremental investment generated from emerging markets, most notably China, Africa and countries in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

Power Generation. Heat tracing systems are used in high-temperature processes, freeze protection and environmental regulation compliance in coal and gas facilities and for safety injection systems in nuclear facilities. An important driver of demand for heat tracing solutions for power generation is increasing demand for electricity worldwide. According to the Energy Information Administration, global net electricity generation is projected to increase 12.6% from 2010 to 2015, with net electricity generation growth in emerging markets at 19.5% during that time. In order to meet this demand, we believe capital spending on new and existing power generation infrastructure will be required. In addition, compliance with regulatory environmental standards also drives heat tracing demand for emissions testing applications in power generation end-markets. The Clean Air Act, the Clean Air Interstate Rule and the Clean Air Mercury Rule are examples of some of the existing and proposed legislation in the United States and abroad.

Competitive Strengths

Defensible market position with significant barriers to entry. We believe that our entrenched customer relationships, global footprint, comprehensive product and service offering and our growing installed base of equipment create a defensible market position with significant barriers to entry. We have longstanding relationships with some of the largest multinational energy, petrochemical, power and engineering, procurement and construction companies in the world. We believe that we are one of the few heat tracing solutions providers with a global footprint and a full suite of products and services required for comprehensive solutions to complex projects. We serve our multinational customers locally through 75 direct sales employees in 16 countries, a network of more than 100 independent sales agents and distributors in 30 countries and through our five manufacturing facilities on three continents. Our growing global installed base of heat tracing solutions fuels additional MRO/UE business and provides us with a stable source of ongoing revenues.

Long history of attractive financial performance. We have a long history of steady organic revenue growth and stable gross margins through a variety of economic cycles. More specifically, our revenues have grown in 17 of the past 21 fiscal years, and our gross margins have averaged 44% over the same period. During this period (fiscal 1991-2010), our revenue grew at a compound annual growth rate of 8%. From the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, our revenue grew $71.3 million, operating income grew $23.6 million and our gross margins have improved to 47%. In addition, we believe that we have a flexible cost structure. We estimate that the majority of our cost structure (excluding depreciation and amortization) is variable.

 

 

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Strong revenue visibility. We believe that we have good visibility into future revenues based on recurring demand generated from our global installed base, a growing backlog of signed purchase agreements and a robust pipeline of identified upcoming heat tracing opportunities. Our growing global installed base of heat tracing solutions drives our MRO/UE business. When upgrades and expansions and routine and preventative maintenance projects arise, customers typically return to the provider of the original heat tracing system. On average, annual MRO/UE expenditures generated from an installed heat tracing system are estimated to be 5-10% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system, and expansions may require an estimated 10-20% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system. In addition, our backlog provides us with a concrete base of future revenues. Because our solutions are installed at the tail end of projects, purchase orders are rarely cancelled. Backlog grew from $52.2 million on March 31, 2007 to $78.3 million on June 30, 2010. Backlog has shown recent significant growth, increasing 37% from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The backlog of $78.3 million on June 30, 2010 was comprised of signed purchase agreements with over 500 customers. In addition, we have identified a strong pipeline of new heat tracing opportunities. Our global sales force tracks medium-term heat tracing opportunities and has identified 611 new projects, which we believe represent an estimated $1.1 billion in potential future revenue opportunity.

Highly diversified customer base and end markets. We provide heat tracing solutions to a diverse base of thousands of customers around the world, and our solutions are used in a broad range of end-markets and applications. Our products and services are used in a variety of applications, including freeze protection, surface snow and ice melting, temperature control and environmental monitoring, by customers in energy, chemical processing, power generation and industrial and commercial infrastructure end markets. Over our 55 year history, we have sold to customers in over 90 countries and, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, approximately 66% of our revenues were generated by our foreign subsidiaries. In addition, we believe that we have limited customer concentration. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, our top customer represented approximately 6% of sales.

Experienced management team. Our senior management team averages approximately 25 years of experience with us and is responsible for growing the Company through a variety of business cycles, building our global platform and developing our reputation for quality and reliability in the heat tracing industry. Our senior management and key employees will have a significant equity stake in the Company upon consummation of this exchange offer. Our senior management team is complemented by the knowledge and experience of our middle management team, which has an average of approximately 19 years of industry experience.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy is designed to capitalize on our competitive strengths. Key elements of our strategy include:

Pursue organic growth opportunities. Throughout our 55 year history, our primary growth engine has been organic expansion. In particular, we will continue to focus on strategically building the necessary global infrastructure to expand our footprint in high growth markets. Our senior management team has successfully grown our business during their tenure, and we believe that additional attractive organic growth opportunities exist. We believe that our global footprint and local presence are key differentiators to our customers. In addition, we believe that there may be opportunities to broaden our existing offerings into areas that are complementary to the products and services that we currently provide. Furthermore, we are focused on increasing MRO/UE revenues generated from our installed base by actively monitoring installations and maintaining strong communication lines with our customers.

Continue to deliver products known for quality, reliability and technology leadership. We are proud of our reputation as a leader in the heat tracing industry with a long history of product innovation and reliability. Because our products are a critical component to the successful operation of our customers’ facilities, we believe

 

 

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that our established reputation for quality and reliability is a competitive advantage to our business. Our team of dedicated research and development professionals is focused on identifying new technologies to enhance our heat tracing solutions for our customers.

Identify and implement operational improvement initiatives. We are highly focused on continuous process improvement. We have identified and begun to implement measures to improve our operational efficiency. Lean manufacturing concepts, for example, have allowed us to increase the economic efficiency of our product offering. We also continue to improve communication among operational divisions in order to derive benefits from leveraging additional scale. To that end, we have recently (i) upgraded our global enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software system, which coordinates global procurement and logistics, (ii) implemented a global project tracking system that allows us to pinpoint and quantify heat tracing opportunities internationally, and (iii) created a platform to standardize our engineering procedures and deliverables.

Selectively pursue value-added, small acquisitions. Given the fragmented nature of the heat tracing industry, we believe that there may be opportunities to pursue small acquisitions at attractive valuations. We plan to strategically assess these opportunities in the future with a focus on geographic expansion, opportunities to broaden our service offerings, technological benefits and potential operating synergies.

 

 

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The Transactions

On April 30, 2010, the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Parent (the “Acquisition”) by an investor group led by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (“CHS”) pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated March 26, 2010 with Thermon Holdings, LLC (“Seller”) and Parent was completed. After accounting for subsequent working capital and other post-closing adjustments required by the stock purchase agreement, the purchase price is currently estimated to be $320.9 million, including the estimated remaining working capital adjustment, income tax adjustment and restricted cash payment obligations at June 30, 2010 of approximately $6.6 million.

The Acquisition purchase price and related fees and expenses were financed with the proceeds from the issuance of the Old Notes and a $129.2 million equity investment consisting of approximately $112.5 million from our Equity Sponsors (as defined below) and approximately $16.7 million of reinvestments from the Management Investors (as defined below). As a result of the equity investment, our Equity Investors (as defined below) became the sole shareholders of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (“TGH”), which became our ultimate parent upon consummation of the Acquisition. Immediately following the closing of the Acquisition and the sale of the Old Notes, Thermon Finance, Inc., the issuer of the Old Notes, was merged with and into Thermon Industries, Inc. (“TII”), a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, which assumed all of TFI’s obligations under the Old Notes and the related indenture by operation of law. See “The Transactions” for a more detailed description of the Acquisition and related transactions.

Simultaneously with the closing of the Acquisition and the sale of the Old Notes, TII and Thermon Canada Inc. (“TCI”) entered into a five-year, $40.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), of which up to $20.0 million is available to TCI, subject in each case to borrowing base availability. See “Description of Other Indebtedness—Revolving Credit Facility” for a detailed description of certain terms of the Revolving Credit Facility.

As used in this prospectus, the “Transactions” refer collectively to the equity investment by our Equity Investors in TGH, TII and TCI entering into the Revolving Credit Facility, the repayment of amounts owed under, and the termination of, certain then-existing revolving credit and term loan facilities, the issuance of the Old Notes and the application of the gross proceeds from the offering of the Old Notes and the equity investment to complete the Acquisition and to pay related fees and expenses of these transactions.

Our Sponsors

In connection with the Acquisition, CHS and two other private equity firms made equity investments in TGH, our ultimate parent entity. We refer to CHS and such other firms collectively in this prospectus as our “Equity Sponsors.”

CHS is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investing in middle market companies in partnership with management. CHS targets well-managed companies with growth potential and enterprise values between $75 million and $500 million. CHS has completed 74 platform investments and 229 add-on investments. Currently, CHS manages 18 portfolio investments with combined annual revenues in excess of $4 billion. Founded in 1988, CHS has formed five private equity funds and currently manages over $2.8 billion of capital. Investing in the infrastructure & industrial products space has been a cornerstone of CHS since its inception, representing over $815 million and over 31% of total capital invested.

Certain members of management and key employees of the Company, together with certain former managers of the Company, which we refer to collectively in this prospectus as the “Management Investors,” reinvested a portion of the cash proceeds they received in the Acquisition as an equity investment in the Company. We refer to the Equity Sponsors and the Management Investors collectively as the “Equity Investors.” See “The Transactions” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” for additional information.

 

 

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Organizational Chart

The following chart summarizes our corporate structure after the consummation of the Transactions and identifies the issuer and the guarantors of the Notes:

LOGO

The indenture that governs the Notes allows us to alter our corporate structure, and in that regard, we are contemplating a restructuring to achieve a more efficient structure.

Our Corporate Information

We are incorporated in Delaware and our corporate offices are located at 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666. Our telephone number is (512) 396-5801. As of June 30, 2010, we had 637 full-time, non-union employees.

 

 

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Summary Description of the Exchange Offer

The summary below describes the principal terms of the exchange offer and is not intended to be complete. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The section of this prospectus entitled “The Exchange Offer” contains a more detailed description of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer. For purposes of this “—Summary Description of the Exchange Offer,” the terms “we” and “our” refer to Thermon Industries, Inc., as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., and not to any of its subsidiaries or parent companies.

 

Old Notes

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, which were issued on April 30, 2010.

 

New Notes

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, the issuance of which has been registered under the Securities Act. The form and terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to those of the Old Notes, except that the transfer restrictions and rights under the registration rights agreement, including payment of Additional Interest, do not apply to the New Notes.

 

Exchange Offer

We are offering to issue up to $210.0 million aggregate principal amount of the New Notes in exchange for a like principal amount of the Old Notes to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement that was executed when the Old Notes were issued in a transaction in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act.

 

Expiration Date; Tenders

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010 (the 20th business day following the date of this prospectus), unless extended in our sole and absolute discretion. By tendering your Old Notes, you represent to us that:

 

   

you are not our “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

any New Notes you receive in the exchange offer are being acquired by you in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

at the time of commencement of the exchange offer, neither you nor anyone receiving New Notes from you, has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution, as defined in the Securities Act, of the New Notes in violation of the Securities Act;

 

   

you are not holding Old Notes that have, or are reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the initial offering;

 

   

if you are not a participating broker-dealer, you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the New Notes, as defined in the Securities Act; and

 

   

if you are a broker-dealer, you will receive the New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired by you as a result of your market-making or other trading activities and that you will deliver a prospectus in connection

 

 

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with any resale of the New Notes you receive. For further information regarding resales of the New Notes by participating broker-dealers, see the discussion under the caption “Plan of Distribution.”

 

Withdrawal; Non-Acceptance

You may withdraw any Old Notes tendered in the exchange offer at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010. If we decide for any reason not to accept any Old Notes tendered for exchange, the Old Notes will be returned to the registered holder at our expense promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer. In the case of the Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), any withdrawn or unaccepted Old Notes will be credited to the tendering holder’s account at DTC. For further information regarding the withdrawal of tendered Old Notes, see “The Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering Old Notes” and the “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal Rights.”

 

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we may waive. See the discussion below under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” for more information regarding the conditions to the exchange offer.

 

Procedures for Tendering the Old Notes

You must do one of the following on or prior to the expiration or termination of the exchange offer to participate in the exchange offer:

 

   

tender your Old Notes by sending the certificates for your Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, with any required signature guarantees, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as exchange agent, at one of the addresses listed below under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent,” or

 

   

tender your Old Notes by using the book-entry transfer procedures described below and transmitting a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, with any required signature guarantees, or an agent’s message instead of the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent. In order for a book-entry transfer to constitute a valid tender of your Old Notes in the exchange offer, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as exchange agent, must receive a confirmation of book-entry transfer of your Old Notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC prior to the expiration or termination of the exchange offer. For more information regarding the use of book-entry transfer procedures, including a description of the required agent’s message, see the discussion below under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfers.”

 

 

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Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

If you are a beneficial owner whose Old Notes are registered in the name of the broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your Old Notes in the exchange offer, you should promptly contact the person in whose name the Old Notes are registered and instruct that person to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender in the exchange offer on your own behalf, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your Old Notes, you must either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Old Notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the person in whose name the Old Notes are registered.

 

Material Federal Income Tax Considerations

The exchange of the Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable transaction for United States federal income tax purposes. See the discussion under the caption “Principal U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” for more information regarding the tax consequences to you of the exchange offer.

 

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

 

Exchange Agent

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is the exchange agent for the exchange offer. You can find the address and telephone number of the exchange agent below under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent.”

 

Resales

Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to the third parties, we believe that the New Notes you receive in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act. However, you will not be able to freely transfer the New Notes if:

 

   

you are our “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

you are not acquiring the New Notes in the exchange offer in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

you have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution, as defined in the Securities Act, of the New Notes, you will receive in the exchange offer;

 

   

you are holding Old Notes that have or are reasonably likely to have the status of an unsold allotment in the initial offering; or

 

   

you are a participating broker-dealer that received New Notes for its own account in the exchange offer in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities.

 

 

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If you fall within one of the exceptions listed above, you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction involving the New Notes. See the discussion below under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Old Notes” for more information.

 

Broker-Dealer

Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of New Notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes which were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that for a period of up to 90 days after the expiration date, as defined in this prospectus, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution” for more information.

 

Registration Rights Agreement

When the Old Notes were issued, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the Old Notes. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, we agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC and cause to become effective, a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the Old Notes for the New Notes.

If we do not complete the exchange offer within 210 days (November 26, 2010) of the date of issuance of the Old Notes, the interest rate borne by the Old Notes will be increased at a rate of 0.25% per annum every 90 days (but shall not exceed 1.0% per annum) until the exchange offer is completed, or until the Old Notes are freely transferable under Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

Under some circumstances set forth in the registration rights agreement, holders of Old Notes, including holders who are not permitted to participate in the exchange offer or who may not freely sell New Notes received in the exchange offer, may require us to file and cause to become effective, a shelf registration statement covering resales of the Old Notes by these holders.

A copy of the registration rights agreement is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Description of the New Notes—Registered Exchange Offer; Registration Rights.”

 

 

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Consequences of Not Exchanging Old Notes

If you do not exchange your Old Notes in the exchange offer, your Old Notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer described in the legend on the certificate for your Old Notes. In general, you may offer or sell your Old Notes only:

 

   

if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws;

 

   

if they are offered or sold under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws; or

 

   

if they are offered or sold in a transaction not subject to the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

We do not currently intend to register the Old Notes under the Securities Act. Under some circumstances, however, holders of the Old Notes, including holders who are not permitted to participate in the exchange offer or who may not freely resell New Notes received in the exchange offer, may require us to file, and to cause to become effective, a shelf registration statement covering resales of Old Notes by these holders. For more information regarding the consequences of not tendering your Old Notes and our obligation to file a shelf registration statement, see “The Exchange Offer—Consequences of Exchanging or Failing to Exchange Old Notes” and “Description of the New Notes—Registered Exchange Offer; Registration Rights.”

 

 

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Summary Description of the New Notes

The terms of the New Notes and those of the outstanding Old Notes are substantially identical, except that the transfer restrictions and rights under the registration rights agreement, including payment of Additional Interest, do not apply to the New Notes. The summary below describes the principal terms of the New Notes and is not intended to be complete. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The section of this prospectus entitled “Description of the New Notes” contains a more detailed description of the terms and conditions of the New Notes. For purposes of this “—Summary Description of the New Notes,” the terms “we” and “our” refer to Thermon Industries, Inc., as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., and not to any of its subsidiaries or parent companies.

 

Issuer

Thermon Industries, Inc., as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc.

 

Notes Offered

Up to $210.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017.

 

Maturity Date

May 1, 2017.

 

Interest

We will pay interest in cash on the New Notes semi-annually at the rate of 9.500% per year, on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on November 1, 2010.

 

Guarantees

The New Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by Parent and each of its existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than the issuer of the New Notes. See “Description of the New Notes—New Note Guarantees.”

 

Security

The New Notes and the guarantees will be secured by liens on substantially all of our and the guarantors’ assets, subject to certain exceptions; provided, however, that pursuant to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the liens will be contractually subordinated to liens thereon that secure our Revolving Credit Facility. The collateral will not include assets constituting Excluded Collateral (as defined herein). See “Description of the New Notes—Security.”

 

Ranking

The New Notes and the guarantees will rank senior in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future subordinated indebtedness, and equal in right of payment with all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness, including indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Facility. The New Notes and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated, however, to our Revolving Credit Facility and certain other indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and to the liabilities of Parent’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors.

 

Optional Redemption

On or after May 1, 2014, we may redeem some or all of the New Notes at a premium that will decrease over time as set forth in this prospectus, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable date of redemption.

 

 

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Prior to May 1, 2013, we may redeem from time to time up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes at a redemption price equal to 109.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings.

Prior to May 1, 2013, we may also, at our option, redeem up to 10% of the originally issued principal amount of New Notes per year, at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.

In addition, we may, at our option, redeem some or all of the New Notes at any time prior to May 1, 2014, by paying a “make whole” premium.

See “Description of the New Notes—Optional Redemption.”

 

Change of Control Offer

If a change of control occurs, we will be required to make an offer to purchase each holder’s New Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See “Description of the New Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control.”

 

Asset Sale Offer

If Parent or any of its restricted subsidiaries sells certain assets and the net proceeds are not applied as required under the Indenture, we may be required to make an offer to purchase some of the New Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See “Description of the New Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

 

Certain Indenture Provisions

The Indenture will limit our ability and the ability of Parent and its other restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock;

 

   

pay dividends, redeem subordinated debt or make other restricted payments;

 

   

make certain investments or acquisitions;

 

   

issue stock of subsidiaries;

 

   

grant or permit certain liens;

 

   

enter into certain transactions with affiliates;

 

   

merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of our or Parent’s assets;

 

   

incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting certain of Parent’s subsidiaries;

 

   

transfer or sell assets, including capital stock of Parent’s subsidiaries; and

 

   

change the business we conduct.

 

 

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These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions. See “Description of the New Notes—Certain Covenants.”

 

Absence of a Public Market

The New Notes are a new issue of securities, and there is currently no established market for them. The New Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or included in any automated quotation system. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the New Notes.

 

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

 

Form and Denomination

The New Notes will be issued only in registered form. The New Notes will initially be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. The New Notes will each be represented by a single permanent global note in fully registered form, deposited with a custodian for and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Beneficial interests in the global note will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. Except as described herein, New Notes in certificated form will not be issued in exchange for the global notes or interests therein.

 

Risk Factors

Tendering your Old Notes in the exchange offer involves risks. You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, you should evaluate the specific factors under “Risk Factors,” before tendering any Old Notes.

 

 

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Summary Historical Condensed Consolidated Financial Data

The following tables set forth certain summary historical condensed consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, and as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009. The summary historical condensed consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with (i) the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Capitalization,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations,” and “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data,” each of which is contained elsewhere in this prospectus, and (ii) our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 and for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009, each of which is contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

The summary historical consolidated financial data set forth for the periods prior to May 1, 2010 do not give pro forma effect to the Transactions and should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which is contained elsewhere in this prospectus, and (ii) our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 and for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009.

In this prospectus, we have included the condensed consolidated financial statements of Thermon Holding Corp. as of June 30, 2010 and for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 (“Successor”) and the condensed consolidated financial statements of Thermon Holdings, LLC for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, for the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, for the three months ended June 30, 2009 (“Predecessor”), and for the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 (“Pre-Predecessor”). Concurrent with the consummation of the Transactions as of April 30, 2010, Thermon Holdings, LLC no longer owned any interest in Thermon Holding Corp., and, beginning the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010, we will report the consolidated financial statements of Thermon Holding Corp. We do not anticipate that there would have been any material difference in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 and for the three months ended June 30, 2009 had such statements been prepared for Thermon Holding Corp., except as it relates to purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions.

 

 

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     Pre-Predecessor/
Predecessor
Combined (1)
    Predecessor     Predecessor/
Successor
Combined (2)
 
     Fiscal Year Ended March 31,     Three Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2009     2010         2009             2010      

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

          

Sales

   $ 185,811      $ 202,755      $ 192,713      $ 50,812      $ 50,576   

Cost of sales (3)

     110,092        105,456        101,401        27,975        31,790   
                                        

Gross profit (3)

   $ 75,719      $ 97,299      $ 91,312      $ 22,837      $ 18,786   

Operating expenses:

          

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses

     47,044        49,807        47,343        10,578        12,813   

Amortization of intangible assets

     6,716        6,627        2,426        589        5,341   
                                        

Income from operations

   $ 21,959      $ 40,865      $ 41,543      $ 11,670      $ 632   

Interest expense, net (4)

     (8,207     (9,531     (7,351     (2,063     (12,066

Gain/(loss) on disposition of PP&E

     (116     (18     (1     —          —     

Miscellaneous income/(expense) (5)

     (12,937     (3,120     (1,285     (5     (19,339
                                        

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

   $ 699      $ 28,196      $ 32,906      $ 9,602      $ (30,773

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (21,712     (1,795     (13,966     (4,359     18,333   
                                        

Net income (loss)

   $ (21,013   $ 26,401      $ 18,940      $ 5,243      $ (12,440
                                        

Other Financial Data:

          

Gross margin (3)

     40.8     48.0     47.4     44.9     37.1

EBITDA – non-GAAP basis (8)

   $ 24,798      $ 46,224      $ 44,681      $ 12,727      $ (7,798

Adjusted EBITDA – non-GAAP basis (8)

     33,143        47,497        44,990        12,727        12,218   

Capital expenditures

     5,315        2,708        1,587        192        874   

Cash flows provided by (used in):

          

Operating activities

     (1,245     23,686        24,681        8,616        (9,805

Investing activities

     (149,956     (2,268     (1,585     (192     (321,400

Financing activities

     158,150        (12,267     (8,600     —          313,745   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     1,163        (2,223     2,249        606        (927

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (6)

     1.1x        3.8x        5.2x        5.4x        nm   

Operating Data:

          

Backlog at end of period (7)

   $ 77,497      $ 66,779      $ 82,459      $ 57,082      $ 78,340   

 

     Pre-Predecessor/
Predecessor
Combined (1)
   Predecessor    Predecessor/
Successor
Combined
     March 31,    June 30,
2010
     2008    2009    2010   

Balance Sheet Data:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,474    $ 13,402    $ 30,147    $ 8,908

Accounts receivable, net

     45,016      37,874      41,882      45,857

Inventory, net

     25,136      25,103      22,835      26,473

Total assets

     213,301      193,736      221,116      395,476

Total debt, including current portion

     120,951      99,032      109,249      212,751

Total shareholder’s / members’ equity

     20,345      38,214      55,074      105,974

 

 

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(1) On August 30, 2007, the Audax Transaction established a new basis of accounting that primarily affected inventory, intangible assets, goodwill, taxes, debt and equity. This resulted in additional amortization expense, interest expense and tax expense for the 2008 fiscal year and, as a result, the results for the two combined periods are not comparable. However, we believe that combining the two periods into a single year for comparative purposes gives the most clarity for the users of this financial information.
(2) On May 1, 2010, the Acquisition established a new basis of accounting that primarily affected inventory, intangible assets, goodwill, taxes, debt and equity. This resulted in additional amortization expense, interest expense and tax expense for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 as compared to the period from April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 and, as a result, the results for the two combined periods are not comparable. However, we believe that combining the two periods into a single period for comparative purposes gives the most clarity for the users of this financial information. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 Combined Financial Statement Presentation” for a separate presentation of the results for the period from April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 and the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010.
(3) In the 2008 fiscal year, there was a non-cash negative impact of $7.1 million to cost of sales and, consequently, gross profit due to a purchase accounting adjustment related to the Audax Transaction. In the three months ended June 30, 2010, there was a non-cash negative impact of $5.0 million to cost of sales and, consequently, gross profit due to a purchase accounting adjustment related to the Acquisition.
(4) Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2010 of $12.1 million included increased interest and amortization related to the Transactions as well as $2.0 million of unused bridge loan fee amortization, $3.1 million of prepayment fees and $2.6 million of accelerated amortization of the deferred debt costs associated with the repaid debt.
(5) Miscellaneous income (expense) for the three months ended June 30, 2010 of $(19.3) million includes $(20.0) million of non-recurring expenses related to the Transactions and $1 million of income related to the reversal of our compliance reserve.
(6) Earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were significantly affected by one-time costs related to the Transactions. If earnings were adjusted to exclude the $5.0 million purchase accounting inventory amortization expense, $5.3 million amortization of intangibles and $20.0 million in transaction costs associated with the Transactions, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three months ended June 30, 2010 would be 1.0x.
(7) Represents the future revenue attributable to signed, but unperformed, purchase agreements that set forth specific revenue amounts at the end of the applicable period.
(8) EBITDA represents net income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense, interest expense and depreciation and amortization of intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA before other non-cash charges not included in EBITDA such as amortization of stock compensation and other unusual non-recurring cash charges not associated with the ongoing operations of the Company. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a discussion of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, including their limits as financial measures. We believe these measures are meaningful to our investors to enhance their understanding of our financial performance and our ability to service our indebtedness, including the Notes. Although EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily measures of our ability to fund our cash needs, we understand that they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as measures of financial performance and to compare our performance with the performance of other companies that report EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow and other measures of financial performance and liquidity reported in accordance with GAAP. Our calculations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table reconciles Net Income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 

 

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     Pre-Predecessor/
Predecessor
Combined
    Predecessor    Predecessor/
Successor
Combined
 
     Fiscal Year Ended March 31,    Three Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2009    2010        2009            2010      

Net income (loss)

   $ (21,013   $ 26,401    $ 18,940    $ 5,243    $ (12,440

Interest expense, net

     8,207        9,531      7,351      2,063      12,066   

Income tax expense

     21,712        1,795      13,966      4,359      (18,333

Depreciation and amortization expense

     15,892        8,497      4,424      1,062      10,909   
                                     

EBITDA – non-GAAP basis

   $ 24,798      $ 46,224    $ 44,681    $ 12,727    $ (7,798
                                     

EBITDA – non-GAAP

   $ 24,798      $ 46,224    $ 44,681    $ 12,727    $ (7,798

Transaction expense (a)

     8,345        1,273      309      —        20,016   
                                     

Adjusted EBITDA – non-GAAP basis

   $ 33,143      $ 47,497    $ 44,990    $ 12,727    $ 12,218   
                                     

 

  (a) Represents (i) expenses related to the with the acquisition of the Company by Audax Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (the “Audax Transaction”), which were incurred in the years ended March 31, 2008 (“Fiscal 2008”) and March 31, 2009 (“Fiscal 2009”); and (ii) transaction expenses related to the acquisition of the Company by CHS (the “CHS Transaction”).

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the following information about these risks, together with the other information included in this prospectus, before deciding to tender your Old Notes in the exchange offer. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot assure you that any of the events discussed in the risk factors below, or other risks, will not occur. If they do, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of the New Notes could decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Exchange Offer

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

If you do not exchange your Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer, then you will continue to be subject to the transfer restrictions on the Old Notes as set forth in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private offering of the Old Notes. In general, the Old Notes may not be offered or sold unless they are registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not intend to register resales of the Old Notes under the Securities Act. You should refer to “Summary Summary Description of the Exchange Offer” and “The Exchange Offer” for information about how to tender your Old Notes.

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

You must follow the exchange offer procedures carefully in order to receive the New Notes.

If you do not follow the procedures described herein, you will not receive any New Notes. The New Notes will be issued to you in exchange for Old Notes only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of:

 

   

your Old Notes and either:

 

   

a properly completed and executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents; or

 

   

a book-entry delivery by electronic transmittal of an agent’s message through the Automated Tender Offer Program of DTC.

If you want to tender your Old Notes in exchange for New Notes, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. No one is under any obligation to give you notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes for exchange. For additional information, see the section captioned “The Exchange Offer” in this prospectus.

There are state securities law restrictions on the resale of the New Notes.

In order to comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, the New Notes may not be offered or resold by any holder, unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdictions or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and the requirements of such exemption have been satisfied. We currently do not intend to register or qualify the resale of the New Notes in any such jurisdictions. However, generally an exemption is available for sales to registered broker-dealers and certain institutional buyers. Other exemptions under applicable state securities laws also may be available.

 

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Certain persons who participate in the exchange offer must deliver a prospectus in connection with resales of the New Notes.

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

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

The markets we serve are subject to cyclical demand, which could harm our business and make it difficult to project long-term performance.

Our operating results have been and may in the future be adversely affected by general economic conditions and the cyclical pattern of certain industries in which our customers and end users operate. Demand for our products and services depends in large part upon the level of capital and maintenance expenditures by many of our customers and end users, in particular those in the energy, chemical processing and power generation industries, or to firms that design and construct facilities for these industries. These customers’ expenditures historically have been cyclical in nature and vulnerable to economic downturns.

New facility construction projects have been a substantial source of recent revenue growth. Decreased capital and maintenance spending, or a decrease in new facility construction, by these customers could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and services and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As a global business, we are exposed to economic, political and other risks in a number of countries, which could materially reduce our revenues, profitability or cash flows, or materially increase our liabilities. If we are unable to continue operating successfully in one or more foreign countries, it may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, approximately 66% of our revenues were generated by our non-U.S. subsidiaries, and approximately 40% were generated outside North America. In addition, one of our key growth strategies is to continue to expand our foreign footprint in emerging and high growth markets around the world, although we may not be successful in expanding our international business.

Conducting business outside the U.S. is subject to additional risks, including the following:

 

   

changes in a specific country’s or region’s political, social or economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets;

 

   

tariffs, other trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;

 

   

restrictions on our ability to own or operate subsidiaries in, expand in, and repatriate cash from, foreign jurisdictions;

 

   

exchange controls and currency restrictions;

 

   

the burden of complying with multiple and potentially conflicting laws;

 

   

potentially negative consequences from changes in U.S. and foreign tax laws;

 

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difficulty in staffing and managing (including ensuring compliance with internal policies and controls) geographically widespread operations;

 

   

different regulatory regimes controlling the protection of our intellectual property;

 

   

difficulty in enforcement of contractual obligations under non-U.S. jurisdictions and collecting accounts receivable from foreign accounts; and

 

   

transportation delays or interruptions.

One or more of these factors could prevent us from successfully expanding our presence in international markets and could also have a material adverse effect on our current international operations.

Our international operations also depend upon favorable trade relations between the U.S. and those foreign countries in which our customers and suppliers have operations. A protectionist trade environment in either the U.S. or those foreign countries in which we do business or sell products, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export compliance, government subsidies or other trade policies, may materially and adversely affect our ability to operate in foreign markets. In addition, because some of our international sales are to foreign governments and entities controlled by foreign governments (such as national corporations), we are subject to the political risks associated with foreign government projects.

We may not succeed in developing and implementing policies and strategies to counter the foregoing factors effectively in each location where we do business and the foregoing factors may cause a reduction in our revenues, profitability or cash flows, or cause an increase in our liabilities.

Our international operations and foreign subsidiaries are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws and regulations and, in particular, export control regulations.

Due to the international scope of our operations, we are subject to a complex system of laws and regulations, including regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”), the Office of Antiboycott Compliance (“OAC”) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), as well as the counterparts of these agencies in foreign countries. While we believe we are in material compliance with these regulations and maintain programs intended to achieve compliance, we may currently or may in the future be in violation of these regulations. In 2009, we entered into settlements with BIS and OFAC, and are currently in the process of entering into a settlement agreement with OAC, in each case with respect to matters we voluntarily disclosed to such agencies. See “Business—Legal Proceedings” for more information on the pending OAC matter.

Any alleged or actual violations may subject us to government scrutiny, investigation and civil and criminal penalties and may limit our ability to export our products or provide services outside the U.S. Additionally, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted.

In addition, our geographically widespread operations, coupled with our relatively smaller offices in many countries, make it more difficult to oversee and ensure that all our offices and employees comply with our internal policies and control procedures. We have in the past experienced employee theft, although the amounts involved have not been material, and we cannot assure you that we can ensure compliance with our internal control policies and procedures.

We operate in many different jurisdictions and we could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar foreign anti-corruption laws.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and similar foreign anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or providing anything of value to influence

 

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foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, or obtaining an unfair advantage. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the global enforcement of anti-corruption laws, with more frequent voluntary self-disclosures by companies, aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the DOJ and the SEC resulting in record fines and penalties, increased enforcement activity by non-U.S. regulators, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. In addition, many of our customers and end users are involved in infrastructure construction and energy production, industries that are often subject to increased scrutiny by regulators. Our internal policies mandate compliance with these anti-corruption laws. We operate in many parts of the world that are recognized as having governmental corruption problems to some degree and where strict compliance with anti-corruption laws may conflict with local customs and practices. Our continued operation and expansion outside the U.S., including in developing countries, could increase the risk of such violations in the future. Despite our training and compliance programs, we cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures always will protect us from unauthorized reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or agents. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees or agents have or may have violated applicable anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be expensive and require significant time and attention from senior management. Violations of these laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt our business, and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition.

Volatility in currency exchange rates may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our foreign subsidiaries generally sell their products and services in the local currency, but obtain a significant amount of their products from our facilities located in another country, primarily the U.S., Canada or Europe. Changes in the relevant exchange rates could adversely affect our margins on foreign sales of products. We also bid for certain foreign projects in U.S. dollars or euros. If the U.S. dollar or euro strengthens relative to the value of the local currency, we may be less competitive on those projects.

In order to meet our global cash management needs, we often transfer cash between the U.S. and foreign operations and sometimes between foreign entities. In addition, our debt service requirements are primarily in U.S. dollars and a substantial portion of our cash flow is generated in foreign currencies, and we will need to repatriate cash to the U.S. in order to meet our U.S. debt service obligations, including on the New Notes. These transfers of cash expose us to currency exchange rate risks, and significant changes in the value of the foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could limit our ability to meet our debt obligations, including under the New Notes, and impair our financial condition.

Because our consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, and we generate a substantial amount of our sales and earnings in other currencies, the translation of those results into U.S. dollars can result in a significant decrease in the amount of those sales and earnings. In addition, fluctuations in currencies relative to the U.S. dollar may make it more difficult to perform period-to-period comparisons of our reported results of operations.

We may not be able to effectively manage our exchange rate and/or currency transaction risks. Volatility in currency exchange rates may decrease our revenues and profitability, adversely affect our liquidity and impair our financial condition. We have not historically entered into hedging instruments to manage our exchange rate risk.

A sustained downturn in the energy industry, due to oil and gas prices or otherwise, could decrease demand for some of our products and services and cause downward pressure on the prices we charge, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A significant portion of our revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 was generated by end-users in the upstream oil and gas markets. Accordingly, demand for a significant portion of our products and services

 

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depends upon the level of capital expenditure by companies in the energy industry, which depends, in part, on energy prices. A sustained downturn in the capital expenditures of our customers, whether due to a decrease in the market price of oil and gas or otherwise, may decrease demand for our products and services and cause downward pressure on the prices we charge, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities could adversely affect our results of operations.

If operations at any of our manufacturing facilities were to be disrupted as a result of significant equipment failures, natural disasters, power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, adverse weather conditions, labor disputes or other reasons, we may be unable to fill customer orders and otherwise meet customer demand for our products, which could adversely affect our financial performance. Interruptions in production, in particular at our manufacturing facilities in San Marcos, Texas, or Calgary, Canada, could increase our costs and reduce our sales. Any interruption in production capability could require us to make substantial capital expenditures to fill customer orders, which could negatively affect our profitability and financial condition. We maintain property damage insurance which we believe to be adequate to provide for reconstruction of facilities and equipment, as well as business interruption insurance to mitigate losses resulting from any production interruption or shutdown caused by an insured loss. However, any recovery under our insurance policies may not offset the lost sales or increased costs that may be experienced during the disruption of operations, which could adversely affect our financial performance.

Our dependence on subcontractors could adversely affect our results of operations.

We rely on third party subcontractors as well as third party suppliers and manufacturers to complete our projects. To the extent that we cannot engage subcontractors or acquire supplies or materials, our ability to complete a project in a timely fashion or at a profit may be impaired. If the amount we are required to pay for these goods and services exceeds the amount we have estimated in bidding for fixed-price contracts, we could experience losses on these contracts. In addition, if a subcontractor or supplier is unable to deliver its services or materials according to the negotiated contract terms for any reason, including the deterioration of its financial condition or over-commitment of its resources, we may be required to purchase the services or materials from another source at a higher price. This may reduce the profit to be realized or result in a loss on a project for which the services or materials were needed.

Our future revenue depends in part on our ability to bid and win new contracts. Our failure to effectively obtain future contracts could adversely affect our profitability.

Our future revenue and overall results of operations require us to successfully bid on new contracts. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, approximately 17% of our annual revenue consisted of designing, engineering, supplying and/or installing equipment for major projects (valued at over $5 million) pursuant to competitive bids. The number of such projects in any year fluctuates, and is dependent upon our ability to bid successfully for such projects. Contract proposals and negotiations are complex and frequently involve a lengthy bidding and selection process, which is affected by a number of factors, such as market conditions, financing arrangements and required governmental approvals. For example, a client may require us to provide a bond or letter of credit to protect the client should we fail to perform under the terms of the contract. If negative market conditions arise, or if we fail to secure adequate financial arrangements or required governmental approvals, we may not be able to pursue particular projects, which could adversely affect our profitability.

We may be unable to compete successfully in the highly competitive markets in which we operate.

We operate in competitive domestic and international markets and compete with highly competitive manufacturers and service providers, both domestically and on a global basis. A number of our direct and indirect competitors are major multinational corporations, some of which have substantially greater technical,

 

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financial and marketing resources than us, and additional competitors may enter these markets. Our competitors may develop products that are superior to our products, develop methods of more efficiently and effectively providing products and services, or adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. Any increase in competition may cause us to lose market share or compel us to reduce prices to remain competitive, which could result in reduced sales and earnings.

A failure to deliver our backlog on time could affect our future sales and profitability and our relationships with our customers, and if we were to experience a material amount of modifications or cancellations of orders, our sales could be negatively impacted.

The ability to meet customer delivery schedules for our backlog is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, access to the raw materials, an adequate and capable workforce, project engineering expertise for certain projects, sufficient manufacturing capacity and in some cases our reliance on subcontractors. A failure to deliver in accordance with our performance obligations may result in financial penalties and damage to existing customer relationships and our reputation, which could cause the loss of future business and could negatively impact our financial performance.

Our backlog is comprised of the portion of firm signed purchase agreements or other written contractual commitments received from customers that we have not recognized as revenue. The dollar amount of backlog as of June 30, 2010 was $78.3 million. Historically, we have experienced few order cancellations and the amount of cancellations of our orders has not been material compared to our total contract volume. Nonetheless, if we were to experience cancellations of or reductions in purchase orders, it would reduce our backlog and, consequently, our future sales and results of operations.

We are subject to project delays by our customers, which may adversely affect our operating results.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, approximately 17% of our revenue was derived from large customer projects valued at over $5 million. Customer project delays may occur, which in turn could delay or reduce our ability to realize value from our backlog and negatively impact the timing, or the amount of, revenue earned and the profitability of our business.

Due to the nature of our business, we may be liable for damages based on product liability claims. We are also exposed to potential indemnity claims from customers for losses due to our work or if our employees are injured performing services.

We face a risk of exposure to claims in the event that the failure, use or misuse of our products results, or is alleged to result, in death, bodily injury, property damage or economic loss. Although we maintain quality controls and procedures, we cannot be sure that our products will be free from defects. If any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to replace the product. In addition, we may be required to recall or redesign such products, which could result in significant unexpected costs. Some of our products contain components manufactured by third parties, which may also have defects. In addition, if we are installing our products, we may be subject to claims that our installation caused damage or loss. Our products are often installed in our customers’ or end users’ complex and capital intensive facilities in inherently hazardous or dangerous industries, including energy, chemical processing and power generation, where the potential liability from risk of loss could be substantial. Although we currently maintain product liability coverage, which we believe is adequate for the continued operation of our business, we cannot be certain that this insurance coverage will continue to be available to us at a reasonable cost or, if available, will be adequate to cover any potential liabilities. With respect to components manufactured by third-party suppliers, the contractual indemnification that we seek from our third-party suppliers may be insufficient to cover claims made against us. In the event that we do not have adequate insurance or contractual indemnification, product liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Under our customer contracts, we often indemnify our customers from damages and losses they incur due to our work or services performed by us, as well as for losses our customers incur due to any injury or loss of life suffered by any of our employees or our subcontractor’s personnel occurring on our customer’s property. Many, but not all, of our customer contracts include provisions designed to limit our potential liability by excluding consequential damages and lost profits from our indemnity obligations. However, substantial indemnity claims may exceed the amount of insurance we maintain and could have a material adverse affect on our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.

MRO/UE revenue and Greenfield revenue represent our attempt to distinguish between recurring and new project revenues, which we cannot track with certainty and which are based on certain management estimates and assumptions.

Our revenue is generally derived from MRO/UE revenue and Greenfield revenue, with MRO/UE referring to recurring revenue attributable to maintenance, repair and operations and facility upgrades and expansions, and “Greenfield” referring to new facility construction projects. In our experience, we believe that $1 million in annual sales is an appropriate threshold for distinguishing between MRO/UE revenue and Greenfield revenue. We often sell our products to intermediaries or subcontract our services; accordingly, we have limited visibility into how our products or services may ultimately be used. Due to the nature of our sales, we can provide no assurance, however, that such measures may accurately reflect the sources of such revenue. Furthermore, our customers do not typically enter into long term forward maintenance contracts with us. In any given year, we may expect that certain of our smaller Greenfield projects may generate less than $1 million in annual sales, and certain of our larger plant expansions or upgrades may generate in excess of $1 million in annual sales. Therefore, MRO/UE revenue and Greenfield revenue are subjective and should not be unduly relied upon for purposes of distinguishing between our recurring and new project revenues.

We may lose money on fixed-price contracts, and we are exposed to liquidated damages risks in many of our customer contracts.

We often agree to provide products and services under fixed-price contracts; a significant portion of our turnkey sales are made pursuant to such fixed-price contracts. Under these contracts, we are typically responsible for all cost overruns, other than the amount of any cost overruns resulting from requested changes in order specifications. Our actual costs and any gross profit realized on these fixed-price contracts will often vary from the estimated costs on which these contracts were originally based. This may occur for various reasons, including errors in estimates or bidding, changes in availability and cost of labor and materials and unforeseen technical and logistical challenges. These variations and the risks inherent in our projects may result in reduced profitability or losses on projects. Depending on the size of a project, variations from estimated contract performance could have a material adverse impact on our operating results. In addition, many of our customer contracts, including fixed-price contracts, contain liquidated damages provisions in the event that we fail to perform our obligations thereunder in a timely manner or in accordance with the agreed terms, conditions and standards.

If we lose our senior management or other key employees, our business may be adversely affected.

Our ability to successfully operate and grow our global business and implement our strategies is largely dependent on the efforts, abilities and services of our senior management and other key employees. Our future success will also depend on, among other factors, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, such as engineers and other skilled labor, and in particular management and skilled employees for our foreign operations. Furthermore, two members of our senior management team are retiring from the Company later this year. Richard Hageman, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Technology, is retiring from the Company on August 31, 2010, and David Ralph, Senior Vice President, Finance, is retiring from the Company on September 30, 2010. The performance of their replacements may have an adverse effect on our overall profitability and market position.

 

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We rely heavily on trade secrets to gain a competitive advantage in the market and the unenforceability of our nondisclosure agreements may adversely affect our operations.

The heat tracing industry is highly competitive and subject to the introduction of innovative techniques and services using new technologies. We require all employees to sign a nondisclosure agreement to protect our trade secrets, business strategy and other proprietary information. If the provisions of these agreements are found unenforceable in any jurisdiction within which we operate, the loss of key personnel may place us at a competitive disadvantage. Even where the provisions are enforceable, the confidentiality clauses may not provide adequate protection of our trade secrets and proprietary information in every jurisdiction.

We may be unable to prevent third parties from using our intellectual property rights, including trade secrets and know-how, without our authorization or from independently developing intellectual property that is the same as or similar to ours, particularly in those countries where the laws do not protect our intellectual property rights as fully as in the U.S. The unauthorized use of our trade secrets or know-how by third parties could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage we have developed, cause us to lose sales or otherwise harm our business or increase our expenses as we attempt to enforce our rights.

Our intellectual property rights may not be successfully asserted in the future or may be invalidated, circumvented or challenged.

We have obtained and applied for some U.S. and, to a lesser extent, foreign trademark registrations and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks. We cannot guarantee that any of our pending applications will be approved. Moreover, even if the applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge them. In addition, we rely on a number of significant unregistered trademarks, primarily abroad, but also in the U.S., in the day-to-day operation of our business. Without the protections afforded by registration, our ability to protect and use our trademarks may be limited and could negatively affect our business.

While we have patented some of our products and processes, we historically have not relied upon patents to protect our design or manufacturing processes or products, and our patents are not material to our operations or business. In addition, while we have not faced intellectual property infringement claims from others in recent years, in the event successful infringement claims are brought against us, particularly claims (under patents or otherwise) against our product design or manufacturing processes, such claims could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or results of operation.

Our business strategy includes acquiring smaller, value-added companies and making investments that complement our existing business. These acquisitions and investments could be unsuccessful or consume significant resources, which could adversely affect our operating results.

Acquisitions and investments may involve cash expenditures, debt incurrence, operating losses and expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Acquisitions involve numerous other risks, including:

 

   

diversion of management time and attention from daily operations;

 

   

difficulties integrating acquired businesses, technologies and personnel into our business;

 

   

potential loss of key employees, key contractual relationships or key customers of acquired companies or of us; and

 

   

assumption of the liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies.

We have limited experience in acquiring or integrating other businesses or making investments or undertaking joint ventures with others. It may be difficult for us to complete transactions quickly and to integrate acquired operations efficiently into our current business operations. Any acquisitions or investments may ultimately harm our business or financial condition, as such acquisitions may not be successful and may ultimately result in impairment charges.

 

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Additional liabilities related to taxes or potential tax adjustments could adversely impact our financial results, financial condition and cash flow.

We are subject to tax and related obligations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or do business, including state, local, federal and foreign taxes. The taxing rules of the various jurisdictions in which we operate or do business often are complex and subject to varying interpretations. Tax authorities may challenge tax positions that we take or historically have taken, and may assess taxes where we have not made tax filings or may audit the tax filings we have made and assess additional taxes, as they have done from time to time in the past. Some of these assessments may be substantial, and also may involve the imposition of substantial penalties and interest. In particular, in the years eligible for future audit, we consummated certain significant business transactions that we treated or intend to treat as not resulting in immediate gain for income tax purposes. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and in establishing appropriate reserves. The resolutions of our tax positions are unpredictable. The payment of substantial additional taxes, penalties or interest resulting from any assessments could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

Even though we expect to increase our repatriation of cash earned by our foreign subsidiaries to partially fund our interest payments in the U.S., we will leave a portion of such cash outside the U.S. as permanently reinvested earnings and profits. Accordingly, our estimated annual effective tax rate is based on partial, and not full, repatriation of cash earned by our foreign subsidiaries. If we have underestimated our need for repatriated cash, or our needs change, significant tax adjustments may result.

We have anticipated the need for a valuation reserve against deferred tax assets that are expected to arise this year as we repatriate earnings to partially fund our interest payments here in the U.S. We expect the deferred tax asset to arise from limitations on our ability to recover the foreign taxes paid on repatriated earnings. This calculation is complex and we may have underestimated or overestimated the need for a valuation reserve and significant tax adjustments may result.

We are subject to numerous environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, as well as potential environmental liabilities, which may require us to make substantial expenditures.

Our operations and properties are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air or water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances or wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, and workplace health and safety. As an owner or operator of real property, or generator of waste, we could become subject to liability for environmental contamination, regardless of whether we caused such contamination. Certain environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs, without regard to fault, on persons who have disposed of or released hazardous substances into the environment. In addition, we could become liable to third parties for damages resulting from the disposal or release of hazardous substances into the environment. Some of our operations require environmental permits and controls to prevent and reduce air and water pollution, and these permits are subject to modification, renewal and revocation by issuing authorities. From time to time, we could be subject to requests for information, notices of violation, and/or investigations initiated by environmental regulatory agencies relating to our operations and properties, violations of environmental and health and safety laws can result in substantial penalties, civil and criminal sanctions, permit revocations, and facility shutdowns. Environmental and health and safety laws may change rapidly and have tended to become more stringent over time. As a result, we could incur costs for past, present, or future failure to comply with all environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. In addition, we could become subject to potential regulations concerning the emission of greenhouse gases, and while the effect of such future regulations cannot be determined at this time, they could require us to incur substantial costs in order to achieve and maintain compliance. In the ordinary course of business, we may be held responsible for any environmental damages we may cause to our customers’ premises.

 

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The obligations associated with being a registered company will require significant resources and management attention.

As a result of filing the registration statement with the SEC in connection with this exchange offer and becoming a registrant, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not previously incur. We will become subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. Furthermore, the need to establish the corporate infrastructure demanded of a registrant may divert management’s attention from implementing our growth strategy, which could prevent us from improving our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a registrant. However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations. In addition, we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur in order to comply with these requirements.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, starting with the second annual report that we file with the SEC. In connection with the implementation of the necessary procedures and practices related to internal control over financial reporting, we may identify deficiencies that we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. If we fail to comply with Section 404, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and sanctions, our ability to obtain financing could be impaired and investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports .

Risk Factors Relating to the New Notes and Our Other Indebtedness

Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our Revolving Credit Facility or the New Notes.

We have substantial indebtedness. As of June 30, 2010, we had approximately $212.8 million of total debt outstanding, all of which was secured. Subject to restrictions in the Indenture governing the New Notes and in our Revolving Credit Facility, we may incur additional indebtedness. Our high level of indebtedness could have important consequences to you and significant effects on our business, including the following: it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including with respect to the New Notes; our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be impaired; we must use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay interest on the New Notes and our other indebtedness, which will reduce the funds available to use for operations and other purposes; our ability to fund a change of control offer may be limited; our high level of indebtedness could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to those of our competitors that may have proportionately less debt; our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate may be limited; and our high level of indebtedness may make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business.

We expect to obtain the funds to fulfill our working capital needs and to repay our indebtedness primarily from our operations and, in the case of our indebtedness, from refinancing thereof. Our ability to meet our working capital needs and make these payments thus depends on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors, many of which we cannot control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future and our currently anticipated growth in revenue and cash flow may not be realized, either or both of which could result in our being unable to repay indebtedness, including the New Notes, or to fund other liquidity needs. If we do not have enough funds, we may be required to refinance all or part of our then existing debt, sell assets or borrow more funds, which we may not be able to accomplish on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from pursuing any of these alternatives.

 

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Despite our current indebtedness level, we and any of our existing or future subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

We and any of our existing and future subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although the terms of the Indenture and our Revolving Credit Facility will contain limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions. The total committed under the Revolving Credit Facility is $40.0 million, subject to borrowing base availability. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the New Notes, the holders of that additional debt will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the New Notes in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of us, subject to any collateral securing the New Notes. If new debt is added to our or any of our existing and future subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify. See “Description of Other Indebtedness.”

A significant portion of our business is conducted through foreign subsidiaries and our failure to generate sufficient cash flow from these subsidiaries, or otherwise repatriate or receive cash from these subsidiaries, could result in our inability to repay our indebtedness.

Our sales to customers located outside the U.S. are conducted primarily through subsidiaries organized under the laws of jurisdictions outside of the United States. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, our foreign subsidiaries generated approximately 66% of our consolidated revenues. As of March 31, 2010, approximately 65% of our consolidated assets, based on book value, were held by foreign subsidiaries. Our ability to meet our debt service obligations with cash from foreign subsidiaries will depend upon the results of operations of these subsidiaries and may be subject to legal, contractual or other restrictions and other business considerations. Our foreign subsidiaries will not guarantee the New Notes. Our foreign subsidiaries may enter into financing arrangements that limit their ability to make loans or other payments to fund payments in respect of the New Notes. In particular, to the extent our foreign subsidiaries incur additional indebtedness to expand operations, the ability of our foreign subsidiaries to provide us cash may be limited. In addition, dividend and interest payments to us from our foreign subsidiaries may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which would reduce the amount of funds we receive from such foreign subsidiaries. Dividends and other distributions from our foreign subsidiaries may also be subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and legal and other restrictions on repatriation, which could further reduce the amount of funds we receive from such foreign subsidiaries.

In general, when an entity in a foreign jurisdiction repatriates cash to the United States, the amount of such cash is treated as a dividend taxable at current U.S. tax rates. Accordingly, upon the distribution of cash to us from our foreign subsidiaries, we will be subject to U.S. income taxes. Although foreign tax credits may be available to reduce the amount of the additional tax liability, these credits may be limited based on the tax attributes of the Company. Therefore, to the extent that we must use cash generated in foreign jurisdictions to make principal or interest payments on the New Notes offered hereby, there may be a cost associated with repatriating the cash to the United States.

None of our foreign subsidiaries or any unrestricted subsidiaries are guarantors with respect to the New Notes, and therefore, any claims you may have in respect of the New Notes are structurally subordinated to the liabilities of those subsidiaries.

None of our foreign subsidiaries or any unrestricted subsidiaries guarantee the New Notes. If any of our foreign subsidiaries or unrestricted subsidiaries becomes insolvent, liquidates, reorganizes, dissolves or otherwise winds up, holders of its indebtedness and its trade creditors generally will be entitled to payment on their claims from the assets of such subsidiary before any of those assets would be made available to us. Consequently, your claims in respect of the New Notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of our foreign subsidiaries and any unrestricted subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2010, our foreign subsidiaries had $3.2 million in bank guarantees and $1.0 million in performance bonds outstanding. However, the Indenture, while restricting foreign subsidiaries’ indebtedness, nevertheless permits our foreign subsidiaries to incur indebtedness. See “Description of the New Notes.” We will not have any unrestricted subsidiaries as of

 

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the date that this exchange offer is consummated. In addition, because the liens on the collateral securing the New Notes include pledges of a portion of the stock (or equivalent equity interest) of our foreign subsidiaries which are directly owned by our U.S. restricted subsidiaries, the validity of those pledges under local law, if applicable, and the ability of the holders of the New Notes to proceed against that collateral under local law, to the extent applicable, may be limited by such local law, which limitations may or may not affect such liens.

The Revolving Credit Facility and the Indenture impose certain operating and financial restrictions, which may prevent us from pursuing certain business opportunities and taking certain actions.

The Revolving Credit Facility and the Indenture impose, and future debt agreements may impose, operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability to: incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock unless certain financial tests are satisfied; pay dividends, redeem subordinated debt or make other restricted payments; make certain investments or acquisitions; issue stock of subsidiaries; grant or permit certain liens on our assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of our assets; incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting certain of our subsidiaries; transfer or sell assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries; and change the business we conduct.

These covenants could adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs; obtain standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds required to bid on or secure certain customer contracts; make strategic acquisitions or investments or enter into alliances; withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general; engage in business activities, including future opportunities, that may be in our interest; and plan for or react to market conditions or otherwise execute our business strategies. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default in respect of the related indebtedness. Any default under the agreements covering our indebtedness that is not waived by the holders of such indebtedness and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness, could make TII unable to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the New Notes and substantially decrease the market value of the New Notes. If a default occurs, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare the indebtedness, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and proceed against any collateral securing that indebtedness. Acceleration of our other indebtedness could result in a default under the terms of the Indenture.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the New Notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our debt agreements, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future and our currently anticipated growth in revenue and cash flow may not be realized, either or both of which could result in our being unable to repay indebtedness, including the New Notes, or to fund other liquidity needs. Therefore, we may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, including the borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the New Notes offered hereby.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including our indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Facility and the New Notes offered hereby. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments, including our Revolving Credit Facility and the Indenture, may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and

 

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principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.

The value of the collateral securing the New Notes may not be sufficient to pay the amounts owed under the New Notes. As a result, holders of the New Notes may not receive full payment on their New Notes following an event of default.

The proceeds of any sale of collateral securing the New Notes following an event of default with respect thereto may not be sufficient to satisfy, and may be substantially less than, amounts due on the New Notes. Furthermore, the liens on the collateral that secures the New Notes and any guarantee of the New Notes by our U.S. restricted subsidiaries will be contractually subordinated to liens on such collateral that secure our Revolving Credit Facility.

The value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend upon market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and similar factors. The collateral does not include contracts, agreements, licenses and other rights that by their express terms prohibit the assignment thereof or the grant of a security interest therein. Some of these may be material to us and such exclusion could have a material adverse effect on the value of the collateral. The value of the collateral could be impaired in the future as a result of changing economic and market conditions, our failure to successfully implement our business strategy, competition and other factors. By its nature, some or all of the collateral may not have a readily ascertainable market value or may not be saleable or, if saleable, there may be delays in its liquidation. To the extent that liens, security interests and other rights granted to other parties (including the prior lien granted to the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility) encumber assets owned by us, those parties have or may exercise rights and remedies with respect to the property subject to their liens that could adversely affect the value of that collateral and the ability of the trustee under the Indenture or the holders of the New Notes to realize or foreclose on that collateral. Consequently, we cannot assure investors in the New Notes that liquidating the collateral securing the New Notes would produce proceeds in an amount sufficient to pay any amounts due under the New Notes after also satisfying the obligations to pay any creditors with prior claims on the collateral. In addition, under the Intercreditor Agreement between the trustee and the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility the right of the lenders to exercise remedies with respect to the collateral could delay liquidation of the collateral. Bankruptcy laws and other laws relating to foreclosure and sale also could substantially delay or prevent the ability of the trustee or any holder of the New Notes to obtain the benefit of any collateral securing the New Notes. Such delays could have a material adverse effect on the value of the collateral.

If the proceeds of any sale of collateral are not sufficient to repay all amounts due on the New Notes, the holders of the New Notes (to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral) would have only an unsecured claim against our remaining assets.

We will in most cases have control over the collateral, and the sale of particular assets by us could reduce the pool of assets securing the New Notes and the guarantees.

The collateral documents allow us to remain in possession of, retain exclusive control over, freely operate, and collect, invest and dispose of any income from, the collateral securing the New Notes and the guarantees. There are circumstances other than repayment or discharge of the New Notes under which the collateral securing the New Notes and guarantees will be released automatically, without your consent or the consent of the trustee.

Under various circumstances, collateral securing the New Notes and the guarantees will be released automatically, including: a sale, transfer or other disposal of such collateral in a transaction not prohibited under the Indenture; with respect to collateral held by a guarantor, upon the release of such guarantor from its guarantee; to the extent required in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement; and to the extent we have defeased or satisfied and discharged the Indenture governing the New Notes.

 

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In addition, the guarantee of a subsidiary guarantor will be automatically released to the extent it is released in connection with a sale of such subsidiary guarantor in a transaction not prohibited by the Indenture.

The Indenture also permits TII to designate one or more of its restricted subsidiaries that is a guarantor of the New Notes as an unrestricted subsidiary. If TII designates such a subsidiary guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture, all of the liens on any collateral owned by such subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries and any guarantees of the New Notes by such subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries will be released under the Indenture. Designation of an unrestricted subsidiary will reduce the aggregate value of the collateral securing the New Notes to the extent that liens on the assets of the unrestricted subsidiary and its subsidiaries are released. In addition, the creditors of the unrestricted subsidiary and its subsidiaries will have a senior claim on the assets of such unrestricted subsidiary and its subsidiaries.

Rights of holders of New Notes in the collateral may be adversely affected by bankruptcy proceedings.

The right of the collateral agent for the New Notes to repossess and dispose of the collateral securing the New Notes upon acceleration is likely to be significantly impaired by federal bankruptcy law if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced by or against us prior to or possibly even after the collateral agent has repossessed and disposed of the collateral. Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, a secured creditor, such as the collateral agent for the New Notes, is prohibited from repossessing its security from a debtor in a bankruptcy case, or from disposing of security repossessed from a debtor, without bankruptcy court approval, which may not be given. Moreover, bankruptcy law permits the debtor to continue to retain and to use collateral, and the proceeds, products, rents or profits of the collateral, even though the debtor is in default under the applicable debt instruments; provided that the secured creditor is given “adequate protection.” The meaning of the term “adequate protection” may vary according to circumstances, but it is intended in general to protect the value of the secured creditor’s interest in the collateral as of the commencement of the bankruptcy case and may include cash payments or the granting of additional security, if and at such time as the bankruptcy court in its discretion determines, for any diminution in the value of the collateral as a result of the stay of repossession or disposition or any use of the collateral by the debtor during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. A bankruptcy court may determine that a secured creditor may not require compensation for a diminution in the value of its collateral if the value of the collateral exceeds the debt it secures. In view of the broad discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court, it is impossible to predict how long payments under the New Notes could be delayed following commencement of a bankruptcy case, whether or when the collateral agent would repossess or dispose of the collateral, or whether or to what extent holders of the New Notes would be compensated for any delay in payment or loss of value of the collateral through the requirements of “adequate protection.” Furthermore, in the event the bankruptcy court determines that the value of the collateral is not sufficient to repay all amounts due on the New Notes, the holders of the New Notes would have “under-secured claims” as to the difference. Federal bankruptcy laws do not permit the payment or accrual of interest, costs and attorneys’ fees for “under-secured claims” during the debtor’s bankruptcy case.

Any future pledge of collateral might be voidable in bankruptcy.

Any future pledge of collateral in favor of the collateral agent for the New Notes, including pursuant to security documents delivered after the date of the Indenture, might be voidable by the pledgor (as debtor in possession) or by its trustee in bankruptcy if certain events or circumstances exist or occur, including, among others, if the pledgor is insolvent at the time of the pledge, the pledge permits the holders of the New Notes to receive a greater recovery than if the pledge had not been given and a bankruptcy proceeding in respect of the pledgor is commenced within 90 days following the pledge, or, in certain circumstances, a longer period.

The collateral is subject to casualty risks.

The Indenture governing the New Notes and the related security documents require us and the guarantors to maintain adequate insurance or otherwise insure against risks to the extent customary with companies in the same or similar business operating in the same or similar locations. There are, however, certain losses, including losses

 

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resulting from terrorist acts, that may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable, in whole or in part. As a result, we cannot assure you that the insurance proceeds will compensate us fully for our losses. If there is a total or partial loss of any of the collateral securing the New Notes, we cannot assure you that any insurance proceeds received by us will be sufficient to satisfy all the secured obligations, including the New Notes.

The rights of holders of New Notes to the collateral securing the New Notes may be adversely affected by the failure to perfect security interests in the collateral and other issues generally associated with the realization of security interests in collateral.

Applicable law requires that a security interest in certain tangible and intangible assets can only be properly perfected and its priority retained through certain actions undertaken by the secured party. The liens on the collateral may not be perfected with respect to the New Notes and the note guarantees if the trustee or the collateral agent is not able to or does not take the actions necessary to perfect any such liens, which the trustee and the collateral agent are not obligated to take. In addition, applicable law requires that certain property and rights acquired after the grant of a general security interest, such as real property, equipment subject to a certificate and certain proceeds, can be perfected only at the time at which such property and rights are acquired and identified. The trustee or the collateral agent for the New Notes may not monitor, or we may not inform the trustee or the collateral agent of, the future acquisition of property and rights that constitute collateral, and necessary action may not be taken to properly perfect the security interest in such after-acquired collateral. The trustee and the collateral agent for the New Notes have no obligation to monitor the acquisition of additional property or rights that constitute collateral or the perfection of any security interest in favor of the New Notes against third parties. A failure to do so may result in the loss of the security interest therein or the priority of the security interest in favor of the New Notes against third parties.

In addition, the security interest of the collateral agent for the New Notes will be subject to practical challenges generally associated with the realization of security interests in collateral. For example, the collateral agent may need to obtain the consent of third parties and make additional filings. If we are unable to obtain these consents or make these filings, the security interests may be invalid and the holders of the New Notes will not be entitled to the collateral or any recovery with respect to the collateral. The collateral agent may not be able to obtain any such consent. Further, the consents of any third parties may not be given when required to facilitate a foreclosure on such collateral. Accordingly, the collateral agent may not have the ability to foreclose upon those assets, and the value of the collateral may significantly decrease.

The pledge of the capital stock of our subsidiaries that will secure the New Notes will automatically be released from the lien on them and no longer constitute collateral when the pledge of such capital stock or such other securities would require the filing of separate financial statements with the SEC for that subsidiary.

The New Notes and the related guarantees will be secured by a pledge of the stock of some of our subsidiaries. Under the SEC regulations in effect as of the issue date of the New Notes, if the par value, book value as carried by us or market value (whichever is greatest) of the capital stock, other securities or similar items of a subsidiary pledged as part of the collateral is greater than or equal to 20% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding, such a subsidiary would be required to provide separate financial statements to the SEC. Therefore, the Indenture and the collateral documents provide that any capital stock and other securities of our subsidiaries will be excluded from the collateral to the extent that the pledge of such capital stock or other securities to secure the New Notes would cause such companies to be required to file separate financial statements with the SEC pursuant to Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X (as in effect from time to time). We believe that the book value of the stock of Thermon Manufacturing Company, Thermon Canada Inc. and Thermon Europe B.V. may exceed the 20% threshold of Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X, and we intend to work with the collateral agent of the New Notes to obtain the release of the pledged stock of these entities pursuant to the Indenture and the collateral documents.

 

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As a result, holders of the New Notes could lose a portion or all of their security interest in the capital stock or other securities of those subsidiaries. It may be more difficult, costly and time-consuming for holders of the New Notes to foreclose on the assets of a subsidiary than to foreclose on its capital stock or other securities, so the proceeds realized upon any such foreclosure could be significantly less than those that would have been received upon any sale of the capital stock or other securities of such subsidiary. See “Description of the New Notes.”

The collateral securing the New Notes may be diluted under certain circumstances.

The collateral that will secure the New Notes also secures our obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility. This collateral may secure on a pari passu basis additional senior indebtedness that we incur in the future, subject to restrictions on our ability to incur debt and liens under our Revolving Credit Facility and the Indenture. Your rights to the collateral would be diluted by any increase in the indebtedness secured on a pari passu or priority basis by this collateral.

The liens on the collateral securing the New Notes and guarantees will be subordinated and your right to exercise remedies with respect to the collateral will be limited by the Intercreditor Agreement between the trustee, as collateral agent, and the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility.

The liens on the collateral that secures the New Notes and any guarantees will be contractually subordinated to liens thereon that secure our Revolving Credit Facility. Consequently, the New Notes and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to our Revolving Credit Facility to the extent of the value of such collateral. A number of the collateral agent’s rights and remedies with respect to the collateral, including the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral and to control the conduct of such proceedings, will be significantly limited under the Intercreditor Agreement between the collateral agent for the holders of the New Notes and the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility.

Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the New Notes and the guarantees, subordinate claims in respect of the New Notes and the guarantees and require noteholders to return payments received and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the New Notes.

Federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes may apply to the issuance of the New Notes and the incurrence of any guarantees of the New Notes. Under federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, which may vary from state to state, the New Notes or any guarantee could be voided as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance if (1) we or any guarantor, as applicable, issued the New Notes or incurred the guarantees with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors or (2) we or any guarantor, as applicable, received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration in return for either issuing the New Notes or incurring the guarantees and, in the case of (2) only, one of the following is also true at the time thereof: we or any guarantor, as applicable, were insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the New Notes or the incurrence of the guarantees; the issuance of the New Notes or the incurrence of the guarantees left us or any guarantor, as applicable, with an unreasonably small amount of capital to carry on its business; or we or any guarantor intended to, or believed that we or such guarantor would, incur debts beyond our or such guarantor’s ability to pay such debts as they mature.

A court would likely find that we or a guarantor did not receive reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the New Notes or such guarantee if we or such guarantor did not substantially benefit directly or indirectly from the issuance of the New Notes or the applicable guarantee. As a general matter, value is given for a transfer or an obligation if, in exchange for the transfer or obligation, property is transferred or an antecedent debt is secured or satisfied. A debtor will generally not be considered to have received value in connection with a debt offering if the debtor uses the proceeds of that offering to make a dividend payment or otherwise retire or redeem equity securities issued by the debtor. We cannot be certain as to the standards a court would use to determine whether or not we or such guarantor were solvent at the relevant time or, regardless of the standard that a court uses, that the issuance of the guarantee would not be further subordinated to our or any guarantor’s other debt.

 

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Generally, however, an entity would be considered insolvent if, at the time it incurred indebtedness: the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all its assets; or the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or it could not pay its debts as they become due.

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

Although any guarantee entered into in connection with the issuance of the New Notes will contain a provision intended to limit that guarantor’s liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing the incurrence of obligations under its guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer, this provision may not be effective to protect such guarantee from being voided under fraudulent transfer law, or may substantially reduce that guarantor’s obligation.

The imposition of certain permitted liens will cause the assets on which such liens are imposed to be excluded from the collateral securing the New Notes and the guarantees. There are also certain other categories of property that are also excluded from the collateral.

The Indenture permits liens in favor of third parties to secure certain indebtedness, such as purchase money indebtedness and capital lease obligations, and assets subject to such liens will in certain circumstances be excluded from the collateral securing the New Notes and the guarantees. Our ability to incur purchase money indebtedness and capital lease obligations is subject to limitations as described in “Description of the New Notes.” In addition, certain categories of assets are excluded from the collateral securing the New Notes and the guarantees. Excluded assets include certain contracts, certain equipment and certain capital stock and other securities of our subsidiaries. See “Description of the New Notes.” If an event of default occurs and the New Notes are accelerated, the New Notes and the guarantees will rank equally with the holders of other unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness of the relevant entity with respect to such excluded property and effectively subordinated to holders of obligations secured by a lien on such excluded property.

The credit ratings assigned to the Notes may not reflect all risks of an investment in the Notes.

The credit ratings assigned to the Notes reflect the rating agencies’ assessments of our ability to make payments on the Notes when due. Consequently, actual or anticipated changes in these credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the Notes. These credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to structure, market or other factors related to the value of the Notes.

Our ability to repurchase the New Notes upon a change of control may be limited.

Upon the occurrence of specific change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding New Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. The lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility may have the right to accelerate the indebtedness thereunder upon a change of control. Any of our future debt agreements may contain a similar provision. However, we may not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of New Notes or repayment of our other indebtedness. We may require additional financing from third parties to fund any such repurchase or repayment, and we cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all. If we fail to repurchase any New Notes submitted in a change of control

 

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offer, it would constitute an event of default under the Indenture which would, in turn, constitute an event of default under our Revolving Credit Facility and could constitute an event of default under our other indebtedness, even if the change of control itself would not cause a default. Important corporate events, such as takeovers, recapitalizations or similar transactions, may not constitute a change of control under the Indenture and thus not permit the holders of the New Notes to require us to repurchase or redeem the New Notes. See “Description of the New Notes Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control.”

Noteholders may not be able to determine when a change of control giving rise to mandatory repurchase rights has occurred following a sale of “substantially all” of our assets and our restricted subsidiaries’ assets.

The definition of change of control in the Indenture governing the New Notes includes a phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of “all or substantially all” of our assets and our restricted subsidiaries’ assets. There is no precise established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a noteholder to require us to repurchase New Notes as a result of a sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of less than all of our assets and our restricted subsidiaries’ assets to another individual, group or entity may be uncertain.

Because each guarantor’s liability under its guarantee may be reduced to zero, voided or released under certain circumstances, you may not receive any payments from some or all of the guarantors.

The guarantees of the New Notes are limited to the maximum amount that the guarantors are permitted to guarantee under applicable law. As a result, a guarantor’s liability under its guarantee could be reduced to zero, depending on the amount of other obligations of such guarantor. Further, under the circumstances discussed more fully above, a court under federal or state fraudulent conveyance and transfer statutes could void the obligations under a guarantee or further subordinate it to all other obligations of the guarantor. In addition, you will lose the benefit of a particular guarantee if it is released under certain circumstances described under “Description of the New Notes—New Note Guarantees.”

Variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.

Our borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income would decrease. We may enter into interest rate swaps or other hedging instruments to reduce interest rate volatility. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to do so or that such swaps or hedging instruments will be effective.

There is currently no public market for the New Notes and an active trading market may not develop for the New Notes. The failure of a market to develop for the New Notes could affect the liquidity and value of the New Notes.

The New Notes will be a new issue of securities, and there is no existing market for the New Notes. An active market may not develop for the New Notes and there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of any market that may develop for the New Notes. If an active market does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the New Notes may be adversely affected.

The liquidity of the trading market, if any, and future trading prices of the New Notes will depend on many factors, including, among other things, the number of holders thereof, prevailing interest rates, our operating results, financial performance and prospects, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the New Notes, the market for similar securities and the overall securities market, and may be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in these factors. Historically, the market for high-yield debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial fluctuations in the prices of these securities. The market for the New Notes may be subject to similar disruptions. Any such disruptions may adversely affect the value of the New Notes.

 

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We do not intend to apply for listing of the New Notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the New Notes in any automated dealer quotation system.

CHS is able to make important decisions about our business and capital structure, and there may be situations in which the interests of CHS and our other Equity Sponsors and the holders of the New Notes will not be aligned.

Parent, a holding company, is TII’s sole shareholder, owning 100% of our outstanding capital stock. Parent, in turn, is indirectly wholly owned by TGH. A majority of the equity of TGH, our ultimate parent entity, is owned by certain investment funds associated with CHS. Therefore, subject to any agreements among our Equity Sponsors, CHS has control over our management and policies, such as the election of a majority of our directors, the appointment of new management and the approval of any other action requiring the approval of our shareholders, including any amendments to our articles of incorporation and mergers, acquisitions and consolidations with third parties and sales of all or substantially all of our assets. Consequently, circumstances may arise in which the interests of CHS could be in conflict with your interests as a holder of the New Notes, and CHS may pursue transactions that, in their judgment, could enhance their equity investment, even though the transaction might involve risks to holders of the New Notes. Furthermore, CHS and our other Equity Sponsors may, in the future, own businesses that directly or indirectly compete with us. CHS and our other Equity Sponsors may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.

 

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THE TRANSACTIONS

On March 26, 2010, Thermon Group, Inc. (“TGI”) entered into a stock purchase agreement with Thermon Holdings, LLC (“Seller”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Thermon Holding Corp. (“Parent”), providing for the acquisition by TGI of all of the outstanding capital stock of Parent (the “Acquisition”). Upon the closing of the Acquisition on April 30, 2010, Parent became a wholly owned subsidiary of TGI, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (“TGH”). TGH is owned by the Equity Investors. After accounting for subsequent working capital and other post-closing adjustments required by the stock purchase agreement, the purchase price is currently estimated to be $320.9 million, including the estimated remaining working capital adjustment, income tax adjustment and restricted cash payment obligations at June 30, 2010 of approximately $6.6 million. The initial purchase price was paid at closing by TGI issuing a demand note to Seller, which was repaid on the closing date with a portion of the proceeds from the cash investment by the Equity Investors and a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the Old Notes. Immediately following the closing of the Acquisition and the sale of the Old Notes, Thermon Finance, Inc. (“TFI”), which was solely owned by TGI, merged with and into Thermon Industries, Inc. (“TII”), a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and TII assumed all of TFI’s obligations under the Notes and the related indenture by operation of law. Parent and each direct and indirect U.S. restricted subsidiary of Parent (other than TII) guarantee TII’s obligations under the Notes.

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

 

(Dollars in millions)          

Sources of Funds

  

Uses of Funds

Sale of Old Notes

   $ 210.0   

Acquisition purchase price (2)

   $ 320.9

Equity investment (1)

     129.2   

Transaction fees and expenses (3)

     23.2

Revolving Credit Facility and cash on hand

     4.9      
                

Total sources of funds

   $ 344.1   

Total uses of funds

   $ 344.1
                

 

(1) Consists of approximately $112.5 million from our Equity Sponsors and approximately $16.7 million of reinvestments from the Management Investors.
(2) Includes $6.6 million of estimated remaining working capital adjustment, income tax adjustment and restricted cash payment obligations owed to Seller at June 30, 2010 pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, which will be funded from cash on hand generated from operations and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
(3) Includes commitment, placement, financial advisory and other transaction fees and expenses, including legal, accounting and other professional fees, and discounts and commissions to the initial purchasers in connection with the offering of the Old Notes.

 

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The following chart shows a simplified overview of the corporate structure and the principal indebtedness after giving effect to the Transactions and identifies the issuer and guarantors of the Notes:

LOGO

 

1. Equity Investors contributed approximately $129.2 million and own all of the capital stock of TGH.
2. On the closing date, TII and TCI entered into the Revolving Credit Facility, under which TCI may borrow up to $20 million under the Canadian Sub Facility and TII may borrow up to $40 million, less any amounts outstanding under the Canadian Sub Facility, subject in each case to borrowing base availability. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility will be used to repay certain existing indebtedness, pay costs and expenses related to the Transactions and for general corporate purposes.
3. Parent and each direct and indirect U.S. subsidiary of Parent (other than TII) guarantee TII’s and TCI’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility. TII and each U.S. guarantor secure their obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility (including their respective guaranty obligations) with liens upon substantially all of their assets. Canadian subsidiaries of Parent and TCI, if any, guarantee TCI’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility. TCI and all Canadian guarantors, if any, secure their obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility (including their respective guaranty obligations) with liens upon substantially all of their assets. Neither TCI nor any Canadian guarantor grant liens to secure obligations owing by TII or any U.S. guarantor. See “Description of Other Indebtedness—Revolving Credit Facility.”

 

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4. The Notes are guaranteed by Parent and each direct and indirect U.S. restricted subsidiary of Parent (other than TII) and the Notes and the guarantees are secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of TII and the respective guarantors. See “Description of the New Notes.”
5. TCI does not guarantee the Notes. TCI held approximately 41% of Parent’s consolidated total assets and generated approximately 26% of Parent’s consolidated revenues and 27% of Parent’s consolidated gross profits for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.
6. None of our non-U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the Notes. The non-U.S. subsidiaries, including TCI, held approximately 65% of Parent’s consolidated total assets and generated approximately 66% of Parent’s consolidated revenues and 60% of Parent’s consolidated gross profits for fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. Any Old Notes that are properly tendered and exchanged pursuant to the exchange offer will be retired and cancelled.

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and total capitalization as of June 30, 2010. The table below should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations,” “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of
June 30, 2010
     (in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,908
      

Total Debt:

  

Foreign revolving credit facilities (1)

   $ —  

U.S. commercial and standby letter of credit facility (2)

     —  

Revolving Credit Facility (3)

     2,751

Old Notes

     210,000
      

Total debt

   $ 212,751

Total shareholder’s equity, net of capitalized transaction costs (4)

     105,974
      

Total capitalization

   $ 318,725
      

 

(1) Our European, Indian and Australian subsidiaries have revolving credit facilities with an aggregate capacity thereunder of approximately $6.9 million with Deutsche Bank Nederland, N.V., ICICI Bank Limited and National Australia Bank Ltd., respectively. In addition, we have a number of other foreign credit facilities, pursuant to which standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds are issued for the purpose of bidding on or securing certain customer contracts. As of June 30, 2010, no indebtedness for borrowed money, $3.2 million in standby letters of credit and bank guarantees, and $1.0 million in surety bonds were outstanding under such facilities. The Indian subsidiary has also issued $2.5 million in custom bonds. See “Description of Other Indebtedness—Other Indebtedness.”
(2) Our U.S. subsidiaries have an open credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. secured by cash used to obtain commercial and standby letters of credit and to support foreign exchange contracts. As of June 30, 2010, there was $0.6 million in standby letters of credit outstanding under the facility. In addition, the U.S. subsidiaries had $1.5 million in performance bonds outstanding with a surety company. See “Description of Other Indebtedness—Other Indebtedness.”
(3) Concurrent with the closing of the Acquisition, TII and TCI entered into the $40.0 million Revolving Credit Facility with a syndicate of lenders led by General Electric Capital Corporation, of which up to $20.0 million is available to TCI, subject in each case to borrowing base availability. As of June 30, 2010, TII and TCI had $0.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in revolving loans and TII had a $0.3 million standby letter of credit outstanding under the facility. See “Description of Other Indebtedness—Revolving Credit Facility.”
(4) Reflects (i) a $129.2 million equity investment consisting of approximately $112.5 million from our Equity Sponsors and approximately $16.7 million of reinvestments from the Management Investors that were made to TGH (TGH applied the cash contribution towards the financing of the Acquisition and related Transactions, see “The Transactions”), (ii) the elimination of the historical members’ equity accounts resulting from the Transactions, (iii) net loss of $(12.1) million for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 and (iv) currency translation adjustment that negatively impacted shareholder’s equity by $(11.1) million.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations for the year ended March 31, 2010, the period from April 1, through April 30, 2010 (“Predecessor”), the period from May 1, through June 30, 2010 (“Successor”) and the three month ended June 30, 2009 (“Predecessor”) are based on our historical consolidated financial statements and give effect to the Transactions and this exchange offer as if they had occurred on April 1, 2009.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data includes unaudited pro forma adjustments that are directly attributable to the Transactions. In addition, with respect to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations, the unaudited pro forma adjustments are expected to have a continuing impact on the consolidated results.

Pro forma adjustments were made to reflect the:

 

   

increase in the management fee which occurred subsequent to the Acquisition;

 

   

increase in amortization expense for changes in the estimated fair values of the acquired intangible assets of the Company;

 

   

increase in interest expense resulting from additional indebtedness incurred in connection with the Notes offered hereby and the Revolving Credit Facility, along with the amortization of debt issuance costs on the Notes offered hereby; and

 

   

the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments.

The Acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase in accordance with the applicable FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) guidance. We have allocated the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired to intangible assets and goodwill. The preliminary allocation to intangible assets and goodwill is based on management’s best estimate of the fair value of the intangible assets (including trademarks, developed technology, customer list, backlog, certifications and non-compete agreements) and is consistent with the methodology applied during 2007 in connection with the acquisition of the Company by Audax Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (the “Audax Transaction”). We have not allocated any of the excess purchase price to the acquired tangible assets or liabilities assumed, except for inventory, but rather utilized their current carrying value as we believe these carrying values approximate fair value, although we have not completed a third party valuation of the acquired assets or liabilities. The pro forma data presented will be revised based upon final calculations and the resolution of purchase price adjustments as additional information becomes available. The final allocation of the purchase price in the Acquisition will be determined at a later date and depends on a number of factors, including the final valuation of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Acquisition. An independent third-party appraiser will perform a valuation of these assets as of the closing date of the Acquisition, and upon a final valuation the purchase allocation will be adjusted. Such final adjustments, including changes to depreciation and amortization resulting from the allocation of purchase price to amortizable tangible and intangible assets, may be material. This valuation will be based on the net tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the closing date of the Acquisition.

We believe that the assumptions used to derive the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data are reasonable given the information available; however, such assumptions are subject to change and the effect of any such change could be material. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of Seller, included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated results of operations or financial position that we would have reported had the Transactions been completed as of the dates and for the periods presented, and should not be taken as representative of our consolidated results of operations or financial condition following the completion of the Transactions.

 

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Thermon Holdings, LLC

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

Year Ended March 31, 2010

 

     Thermon
Historical (a)
    Pro Forma
adjustments
        Thermon
Pro Forma
 

Sales

   $ 192,713      $ —          $ 192,713   

Cost of sales

     101,401        —            101,401   
                          

Gross profit

     91,312        —            91,312   

Operating Expenses

        

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     47,343        1,250      (c)     48,593   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     2,426        12,386      (d)     14,812   
                          

Income from operations

     41,543        (13,636       27,907   

Other income / expense

        

Interest income

     6        —            6   

Interest expense

     (7,357     (15,571   (e)     (22,928

Gain / (loss) on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     (1     —            (1

Miscellaneous income / (expense)

     (1,285     309      (f)     (976
                          
     (8,637     (15,262       (23,899

Income before provision for income taxes

     32,906        (28,898       4,008   

Income taxes

     (13,966     10,114      (g)     (3,853
                          

Net income / (loss)

   $ 18,940      $ (18,784     $ 155   
                          

See accompanying notes

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2010

 

     For the Period From
May 1, through
June 30, 2010 (a)
          For the Period From
April 1 through
April 30, 2010 (a)
    Pro Forma
adjustments
        Thermon
Pro Forma
 
     (Successor)           (Predecessor)                  

Sales

   $ 37,513          $ 13,063      $ —          $ 50,576   

Cost of sales

     25,343            6,447        (5,041   (b)     26,749   
                                      

Gross profit

     12,170            6,616        5,041          23,827   
 

Operating Expenses

              

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     8,550            4,263        104      (c)     12,917   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     5,126            215        1,019      (d)     6,360   
                                      

Income from operations

     (1,506         2,138        3,918          4,550   
 

Other income / expense

              

Interest income

     1            7        —            8   

Interest expense

     (5,845         (6,229     6,341      (e)     (5,733

Miscellaneous income / (expense)

     (5,722         (13,617     20,098      (f)     759   
                                      
     (11,566         (19,839     26,439          (4,966

Income before provision for income taxes

     (13,072         (17,701   $ 30,357          (416

Income taxes

     899            17,434        (10,625   (g)     7,708   
                                      

Net income / (loss)

   $ (12,173       $ (267   $ 19,732        $ 7,292   
                                      

See accompanying notes

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2009

 

     Thermon
Historical (a)
    Pro Forma
adjustments
        Thermon
Pro Forma
 

Sales

   $ 50,812      $ —          $ 50,812   

Cost of sales

     27,975        —            27,975   
                          

Gross profit

     22,837        —            22,837   

Operating Expenses

        

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     10,578        313      (c)     10,891   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     589        3,114      (d)     3,703   
                          

Income from operations

     11,670        (3,427       8,243   

Other income / expense

        

Interest income

     5        —            5   

Interest expense

     (2,068     (3,665   (e)     (5,733

Miscellaneous income / (expense)

     (5     —            (5
                          
     (2,068     (3,665       (5,733

Income before provision for income taxes

     9,602        (7,092       2,510   

Income taxes

     (4,359     2,482      (g)     (1,877
                          

Net income / (loss)

   $ 5,243      $ (4,610     $ 633   
                          

See accompanying notes

 

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Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

On March 26, 2010, TGI entered into a stock purchase agreement with Seller and Parent, Seller’s wholly owned subsidiary, providing for the Acquisition. Upon the closing of the Acquisition on April 30, 2010, Parent became a wholly owned subsidiary of TGI, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of TGH. TGH is owned by the Equity Investors. After accounting for subsequent working capital and other post-closing adjustments required by the stock purchase agreement, the purchase price is currently estimated to be $320.9 million, including the estimated remaining working capital adjustment, income tax adjustment and restricted cash payment obligations at June 30, 2010 of approximately $6.6 million.

The acquired assets and liabilities assumed consist primarily of (i) current assets, (ii) property, plant and equipment to manufacture the needed inventory to operate our full suite of heat tracing solutions, (iii) intangible assets, including but not limited to trademarks, customer relationships, backlog, developed technology, certifications, and other, (iv) current liabilities, (v) long-term debt and (vi) deferred income taxes. The acquired assets are located in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Russia, India, South Korea, China and Australia.

The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations have been prepared to give effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on April 1, 2009. Management believes the assumptions used to prepare this unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects directly attributable to the transaction.

Note 2—Pro Forma Adjustments

 

(a) Represents the historical consolidated results of operations of Thermon Holdings, LLC for the year ended March 31, 2010, the period from April 1, through April 30, 2010 (“Predecessor”), the period from May 1, through June 30, 2010 (“Successor”), and the three months ended June 30, 2009 (“Predecessor”), as applicable.

 

(b) Represents an adjustment to cost of revenues for the non-recurring fair value adjustment to inventory recorded at acquisition, which currently is reflected in the historical financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

(c) Represents the net increase in management fees, calculated as follows:

 

     Year Ended
March 31,
    Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
       2010         2010         2009    
     (dollars in thousands)  

Equity Sponsors Management Fee (i)

   $ 2,000      $ 167      $ 500   

Less: Historical Management Fee (ii)

     (750     (63     (187
                        

Net adjustment to Management Fee

   $ 1,250      $ 104      $ 313   
                        

 

  (i) Represents an annual management fee of $2.0 million that we are required to pay CHS for certain financial, strategic, advisory and consulting services (see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transaction Fee and Management Fee”).
  (ii) Represents the elimination of historical management fee paid to Audax for the respective time periods.

 

(d)

Represents the incremental amortization expense for the unaudited pro forma fair value adjustment to the intangible assets of the Company (including trademarks, developed technology, customer list, backlog, certifications and non-compete agreements), amortized on a straight line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 16 months to 20 years (consistent with the historical useful lives of the intangible assets and consistent with the assigned estimated useful lives from the acquisition of the Company by Audax). The incremental amortization expense does not include additional amortization for backlog related to contracts

 

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with estimated useful lives ranging from 3 months to 5 months as these are not considered recurring in nature due to their short estimated useful lives. The incremental amortization related to such short lived intangibles was approximately $5.0 million and $3.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2010 and the three months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

 

(e) Represents the net increase in interest expense, calculated as follows:

 

     Year Ended
March 31,
    Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
       2010         2010         2009    
     (dollars in thousands)  

Interest expense on Notes offered hereby (i)

   $ (19,950   $ (1,663   $ (4,988

Interest expense on the Revolving Credit Facility (ii)

     (300     (25     (75

Amortization of debt issuance costs related to the Notes offered hereby and the Revolving Credit Facility (iii)

     (2,678     (223     (670
                        

Pro forma additional interest expense

     (22,928     (1,911     (5,733
                        

Elimination of historical interest expense

     7,357        8,252        2,068   
                        

Net adjustment to interest expense

   $ (15,571   $ 6,341      $ (3,665
                        

 

  (i) Represents the increase in interest expense related to the Notes offered hereby in the aggregate principal amount of $210.0 million, bearing an interest rate of 9.5% per annum;
  (ii) Represent the increase in interest expense related to the undrawn portion of the $40.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, bearing a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum.
  (iii) Represents the straight-line amortization of debt issuance costs related to the Notes offered hereby and the Revolving Credit Facility over a 7 year and 5 year period, respectively.

 

(f) Represents an adjustment to miscellaneous expense for non-recurring expenses directly related to the Transactions which currently are reflected in the historical financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

(g) Represents the adjustment to income taxes to reflect the unaudited pro forma adjustments at a statutory tax rate of 35.0%.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables set forth certain selected historical consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006, March 31, 2007, March 31, 2008, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010. The consolidated statement of operations data and other financial data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of such dates were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus. Consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007 were derived from our audited financial statements, which are not included herein. Our historical financial information as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009 is derived from our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial information includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair representation of this information. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

The selected historical consolidated financial data set forth for the periods prior to the three months ended June 30, 2010 do not give pro forma effect to the Transactions and should be read in conjunction with (i) the sections entitled “Summary—Summary Historical Condensed Consolidated Financial Data,” “Capitalization” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” each of which is contained elsewhere in this prospectus, and (ii) our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 and for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009.

In this prospectus, we have included the condensed consolidated financial statements of Thermon Holding Corp. as of June 30, 2010 and for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 (“Successor”), and the condensed consolidated financial statements of Thermon Holdings, LLC for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, for the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, for the three months ended June 30, 2009 (“Predecessor”), and for the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 (“Pre-Predecessor”). Concurrent with the consummation of the Transactions as of April 30, 2010, Thermon Holdings, LLC no longer owned any interest in Thermon Holding Corp., and, beginning the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010, we will report the consolidated financial statements of Thermon Holding Corp. We do not anticipate that there would have been any material difference in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 and for the three months ended June 30, 2009 had such statements been prepared for Thermon Holding Corp., except as it relates to purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions.

 

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    Pre-Predecessor     Pre-Predecessor/
Predecessor
Combined (1)
    Predecessor     Predecessor/
Successor
Combined (2)
 
    Year Ended March 31,     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2009     2010  
    (dollars in thousands)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

             

Sales

  $ 120,362      $ 121,410      $ 185,811      $ 202,755      $ 192,713      $ 50,812      $ 50,576   

Cost of sales (3)

    64,421        66,102        110,092        105,456        101,401        27,975        31,790   
                                                       

Gross profit (3)

  $ 55,941      $ 55,308      $ 75,719      $ 97,299      $ 91,312      $ 22,837      $ 18,786   

Operating Expenses:

             

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

    38,837        37,361        47,044        49,807        47,343        10,578        12,813   

Amortization of intangible assets

    —          —          6,716        6,627        2,426        589        5,341   
                                                       

Income from operations

  $ 17,104      $ 17,947      $ 21,959      $ 40,865      $ 41,543      $ 11,670      $ 632   

Interest income

    35        64        167        94        6        5        8   

Interest expense (4)

    (935     (882     (8,374     (9,625     (7,357     (2,068     (12,074

Gain/(loss) on disposition of property, plant and equipment

    74        428        (116     (18     (1     —          (13

Miscellaneous income/(expense) (5)

    79        (1,400     (12,937     (3,120     (1,285     (5     (19,326
                                                       

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

  $ 16,357      $ 16,157      $ 699      $ 28,196      $ 32,906      $ 9,602      $ (30,733

Income tax benefit (expense)

    (5,148     (5,429     (21,712     (1,795     (13,966     (4,359     18,333   
                                                       

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 11,209      $ 10,728      $ (21,013   $ 26,401      $ 18,940      $ 5,243      $ (12,440

Discontinued operations:

             

Income from operations (less applicable income tax provision (benefit) of ($79) and $229 in 2006 and 2007)

    (153     446        —          —          —          —          —     

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations (less applicable income tax of $112 in 2007)

    —          219        —          —          —          —          —     
                                                       

Net income (loss)

  $ 11,056      $ 11,393      $ (21,013   $ 26,401      $ 18,940      $ 5,243      $ (12,440
                                                       

Other Financial Data:

             

Cash flows provided by (used in):

             

Operating activities

  $ 14,381      $ 12,745      $ (1,245   $ 23,686      $ 24,681      $ 8,616      $ (9,805

Investing activities

    (836     (4,432     (149,956     (2,268     (1,585     (192     (321,400

Financing activities

    (11,515     (9,392     158,150        (12,267     (8,600     —          313,745   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

    —          —          1,163        (2,223     2,249        606        (927

Capital expenditures

    1,246        6,432        5,315        2,708        1,587        192        874   

Depreciation and amortization

    1,504        1,398        15,892        8,494        4,424        1,062        10,909   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (6)

    12.1x        12.0x        1.1x        3.8x        5.2x        5.4x        nm   

 

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    Pre-Predecessor   Pre-Predecessor/
Predecessor
Combined (1)
  Predecessor   Predecessor/
Successor
Combined (2)
    Year Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended
June 30,
    2006   2007   2008   2009   2010   2009   2010
    (dollars in thousands)

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 3,142   $ 2,062   $ 6,474   $ 13,402   $ 30,147   $ 22,432   $ 8,908

Accounts receivable, net

    26,524     27,924     45,016     37,874     41,882     35,311     45,857

Inventory, net

    14,360     18,766     25,136     25,103     22,835     24,727     26,473

Total assets

    65,046     72,769     213,301     193,736     221,116     205,906     395,476

Total debt

    15,081     11,809     120,951     99,032     109,249     102,543     212,751

Total shareholders’/members’ equity

    26,371     30,515     20,345     38,214     55,074     46,876     105,974

 

(1) On August 30, 2007, the Audax Transaction established a new basis of accounting that primarily affected inventory, intangible assets, goodwill, taxes, debt and equity. This resulted in additional amortization expense, interest expense and tax expense for the 2008 fiscal year, and, as a result, the results for the two combined periods are not comparable. However, we believe that combining the two periods into a single year for comparative purposes gives the most clarity for the users of this financial information.
(2) On May 1, 2010, the Acquisition established a new basis of accounting that primarily affected inventory, intangible assets, goodwill, taxes, debt and equity. This resulted in additional amortization expense, interest expense and tax expense for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 as compared to the period from April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 and, as a result, the results for the two combined periods are not comparable. However, we believe that combining the two periods into a single period for comparative purposes gives the most clarity for the users of this financial information. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 Combined Financial Statement Presentation” for a separate presentation of the results for the period from April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 and the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010.
(3) In the 2008 fiscal year, there was a non-cash negative impact of $7.1 million to cost of sales and, consequently, gross profit due to a purchase accounting adjustment related to the Audax Transaction. In the three months ended June 30, 2010, there was a non-cash negative impact of $5.0 million to cost of sales and, consequently, gross profit due to a purchase accounting adjustment related to the Acquisition.
(4) Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2010 of $12.1 million included increased interest and amortization related to the Transactions as well as $2.0 million of unused bridge loan fee amortization, $3.1 million of prepayment fees and $2.6 million of accelerated amortization of the deferred debt costs associated with the repaid debt.
(5) Miscellaneous income (expense) for the three months ended June 30, 2010 of $19.3 million includes $(20.0) million of non-recurring expenses related to the Transactions and $1 million of income related to the reversal of our compliance reserve.
(6) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of deferred financing fees and a portion of rental expense that management believes is representative of the interest component of rental expense. Earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were significantly affected by one-time costs related to the Transactions. If earnings were adjusted to exclude the $5.0 million purchase accounting inventory amortization expense, $5.3 million amortization of intangibles and $20.0 million in transaction costs associated with the Transactions, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three months ended June 30, 2010 would be 1.0x.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The discussions in this section contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of some of the risks that could affect us in the future.

Introduction

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to the audited annual financial statements and accompanying notes thereto, the unaudited interim financial statements and accompanying notes thereto, and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations for the year ended March 31, 2010, and for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 and accompanying notes thereto to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of our operations. The information included herein should be read in conjunction with the annual and the interim financial statements and their accompanying notes and is organized a follows:

 

   

Overview. This section provides a general description of our business, as well as other matters we believe are important in understanding our financial condition and results of operations and in anticipating future trends.

 

   

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. This section discusses the accounting policies and estimates we consider to be important to our financial condition and results of operations and which require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application.

 

   

Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 as well as the years ended March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

   

Contractual Obligations. This section provides a discussion of our commitments as of June 30, 2010.

 

   

Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides an analysis of our cash flows for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 and the years ended March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, as well as a discussion of the potential impact of the Transactions on our liquidity.

 

   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. This section discusses our exposure to potential losses arising from adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices.

 

   

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. This section describes new accounting requirements which we have not yet adopted but which could potentially impact our results of operations and financial position.

Overview

We are a leading industrial company that serves global infrastructure end-markets through our full line of heat tracing solutions. We believe that we are a global leader in the heat tracing industry and one of the few participants with a worldwide footprint and comprehensive suite of equipment, design and engineering services and turnkey solutions. For over 50 years, our heat tracing solutions have served customers in attractive end markets, including energy, chemical processing, power generation and industrial and commercial infrastructure. Our customers include some of the largest multinational energy, petrochemical, power and engineering, procurement and construction companies in the world. We serve our customers locally through 75 direct sales employees in 16 countries, a network of more than 100 independent sales agents and distributors in 30 countries and through our five manufacturing facilities on three continents. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, we achieved revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $192.7 million (66% of which was generated by our foreign subsidiaries) and $45.0 million, respectively.

 

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Our revenues are derived from providing customers with a full suite of innovative and reliable heat tracing solutions, including electric and steam heat tracing, tubing bundles, control systems, design optimization, engineering services and installation services. This suite of products and services allow us to meet the unique needs of each customer, ranging from a complete turnkey solution to a sale of materials or components. Our sales are provided primarily to industrial customers for petroleum and chemical plants, oil and gas production facilities, and power generation facilities.

Our cost of revenues includes the cost of raw material items used in the manufacture of our products, cost of ancillary products that are sourced from external suppliers, construction labor cost, contract engineering cost directly associated to projects, direct labor cost, external sales commissions, and other costs associated with our manufacturing/fabrication shops. The other costs associated with our manufacturing/fabrication shops are mainly indirect production cost, including depreciation, indirect labor costs, and the costs of manufacturing support functions such as logistics and quality assurance. Key raw material costs include polymers, copper, stainless steel, insulating material, and other miscellaneous parts related to products manufactured or assembled as part of our heat tracing solutions.

Our marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses are primarily comprised of compensation and related costs for sales, marketing, pre-sales engineering and administrative personnel as well as other sales related expenses and other costs related to research and development, insurance, professional fees, the global integrated business information system, provisions for bad debts and warranty.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. Our critical accounting policies are those that materially affect our financial statements and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Our most significant financial statement estimates include revenue recognition, allowances for bad debts, warranty reserves, inventory reserves and potential litigation claims and settlements.

Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact the company in the future, actual results may be materially different from the estimates.

Revenue Recognition. Revenues from sales of products are recognized when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable.

Construction contract revenues are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method, primarily based on contract costs incurred to date compared with total estimated contract costs. Changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period they are determined. Revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed are classified as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. Essentially all of such amounts are expected to be billed and collected within one year and are classified as current assets. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are classified as current liabilities. When reasonably dependable estimates cannot be made, construction contract revenues are recognized using the completed contract method.

Estimating allowances, specifically the allowance for doubtful accounts and the adjustment for excess and obsolete inventories. We make estimates about the uncollectability of our accounts receivable. We specifically analyze accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance

 

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for doubtful accounts was $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.2 million at June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively. We also write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and estimated fair value based on assumptions of future demand and market conditions. Our allowance for excess and obsolete inventories was $1.0 million, $1.2 million and $1.4 million at June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively. Significant judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing these allowances. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our bad debt and inventory obsolescence if we made different judgments or utilized different estimates or if actual results varied materially from our estimates.

Valuation of long-lived, goodwill and other intangible assets. Separable intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. In making this assessment, management relies on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, transactions, and market place data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. U.S. GAAP requires that “push down” accounting be applied for wholly owned subsidiaries if the ownership is 95 percent or more. In connection with the CHS Transaction, goodwill has been allocated to our entities in the U.S., Canada and Europe accordingly. As such, the Company has identified three reporting units: U.S., Canada and Europe, for goodwill impairment testing, which are at a level below our one operating segment. Factors considered important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

   

significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

 

   

significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and

 

   

significant negative industry or economic trends.

When it is determined that the carrying value of intangibles, long-lived assets and related goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, the measurement of any impairment is determined and the carrying value is reduced as appropriate. As of June 30, 2010, we had goodwill of approximately $129.6 million, including the impact of the Transactions. There have been no impairments of goodwill during the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 or for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

Accounting for income taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial position or our results of operations. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events are considered other than enactments of changes in tax laws or rates. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized. We expect to establish a valuation allowance in Fiscal 2011, as we expect a comparable amount of foreign taxes paid on repatriated earnings will not be currently recoverable against U.S. income taxes, and future recoverability is not reasonably assured at this time.

Loss Contingencies . We accrue for probable losses from contingencies including legal defense costs, on an undiscounted basis, when such costs are considered probable of being incurred and are reasonably estimable. We periodically evaluate available information, both internal and external, relative to such contingencies and adjust this accrual as necessary. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. In determining whether a loss should be accrued we evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Changes in these factors could materially impact our financial position or our results of operation. In Interim 2011, we reduced our reserve for compliance costs from $0.7 million to $0.1 million.

 

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Three months ended June 30, 2010 Combined Financial Statement Presentation. We have prepared our consolidated and combined financial statements as if Thermon Holding Corp. (“Successor”) had been in existence throughout all relevant periods. The historical financial and other data prior to the acquisition of Thermon Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries CHS, which occurred on April 30, 2010 (the “CHS Transaction”), which established a new basis of accounting, have been prepared using the historical results of operations and bases of the assets and liabilities of Thermon Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Predecessor”). Our historical financial data prior to April 30, 2010 may not necessarily be indicative of our future performance. For comparability to the periods discussed herein, we have presented the three months ended June 30, 2010 financials in the following table.

 

     For the Period
From April 1,
Through
April 30,
2010
(Predecessor)
           For the Period
From May 1,
2010 Through
June 30, 2010
(Successor)
    Three Months
Ended
June  30,
2010
(Predecessor/
Successor
Combined)
 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

           

Revenues

   $ 13,063           $ 37,513      $ 50,576   

Cost of revenues

     6,447             20,302        26,749   

Purchase accounting non-cash adjustment

            5,041        5,041   
                             

Gross profit

     6,616             12,170      $ 18,786   

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     4,263             8,550        12,813   

Amortization of intangible assets

     215             5,126        5,341   
                             

Income (loss) from operations

     2,138             (1,506   $ 632   

Interest income

     7             1        8   

Interest expense

     (6,229          (5,845     (12,074

Miscellaneous income/(expense)

     (13,617          (5,722     (19,339
                             

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     (17,701        $ (13,072   $ (30,773

Income tax benefit

     17,434             899        18,333   
                             

Net income (loss)

   $ (267        $ (12,173   $ (12,440
                             

Statement of Cash Flows Data:

           

Net cash provided by (used in):

           

Operating activities

   $ (6,402        $ (3,403   $ (9,805

Investing activities

     (1,494          (319,906     (321,400

Financing activities

     (19,385          333,130        313,745   

Capital expenditures

     (97          (777     (874

Depreciation and amortization

     392             5,476        5,868   

Purchase accounting adjustment to cost of goods sold

     —               5,041        5,041   

Amortization of deferred debt cost to interest expense

     2,586             2,346        4,932   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (14          (913     (927

 

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Year ended March 31, 2008 Combined Financial Statement Presentation. We have prepared our consolidated and combined financial statements as if Thermon Holdings, LLC (“Predecessor”) had been in existence throughout all relevant periods. The historical financial and other data prior to the acquisition of Thermon Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries by Thermon Holdings, LLC, which occurred on August 30, 2007 (the “Audax Transaction”), which established a new basis of accounting, have been prepared using the historical results of operations and bases of the assets and liabilities of Thermon Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Pre-Predecessor”). Our historical financial data prior to August 30, 2007 may not necessarily be indicative of our future performance. For comparability to the periods discussed herein, we have presented the year ended March 31, 2008 financials in the following table.

 

     For the Period
From April 1,
Through
August 29,
2007
(Pre-Predecessor)
          For the Period
From August 30,
2007 Through
March 31, 2008
(Predecessor)
    Year Ended
March  31,
2008
(Pre-Predecessor/
Predecessor
Combined)
 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

          

Revenues

   $ 61,615          $ 124,196      $ 185,811   

Cost of revenues

     33,801            76,291        110,092   
                            

Gross profit

     27,814            47,905        75,719   

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     17,182            29,862        47,044   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —              6,716        6,716   
                            

Income from operations

     10,632            11,327        21,959   

Interest income

     13            154        167   

Interest expense

     (440         (7,934     (8,374

Gain/(loss) on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     (75         (41     (116

Miscellaneous income/(expense)

     (9,222         (3,715     (12,937
                            

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     908            (209     699   

Income tax expense

     (1,693         (20,019     (21,712
                            

Net income (loss)

   $ (785       $ (20,228   $ (21,013
                            

Statement of Cash Flows Data:

          

Net cash provided by (used in):

          

Operating activities

   $ (10,573       $ 9,328      $ (1,245

Investing activities

     194            (150,150     (149,956

Financing activities

     10,870            147,280        158,150   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     1,147            16        1,163   

Capital expenditures

     1,085            4,230        5,315   

Depreciation and amortization

     654            15,629        16,283   

 

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 (combined) Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009

Revenues . Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010 combined (“Interim 2011”) were $50.6 million, compared to $50.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 (“Interim 2010”), a decrease of $0.2 million or 0.4%, which primarily related to the completion of several large oil and gas projects during the year ended March 31, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010”) that were realized in the year ended March 31, 2009 (“Fiscal 2009”). Revenues in our Western Hemisphere segment increased to $32.1 million in Interim 2011 from $30.3 million in Interim 2010, an increase of $1.8 million or 5.9%, mainly due to the completion of one large Canadian project, partially offset by refinery modernizations and upgrades in the U.S. market sector, the start-up of another large Canadian project and other recurring revenues in Canada. Revenues from our Eastern Hemisphere segment decreased to $18.5 million in Interim 2011 from $20.5 million in Interim 2010, a decrease of $2.0 million or 9.8%, mainly due to the completion of a large oil & gas contract in Russia and a decrease in billings to Korean engineering, procurement and construction companies (EPCs).

Gross Profit. As a percent of revenues, gross profit decreased to 37.1% in Interim 2011 from 44.9% in Interim 2010. Gross profit totaled $18.8 million in Interim 2011, compared to $22.8 million in Interim 2010, a decrease of $4.0 million. In Interim 2011 there was a non-cash $5.0 million negative impact to gross profit due to a purchase accounting adjustment related to the CHS Transaction. Under purchase accounting, inventories that were carried at lower of cost or market are stepped up to fair value, which eliminates gross profit in the period in which the units are sold. Excluding the purchase accounting adjustment, gross profit percentage would have been 47.1%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues, excluding the purchase accounting adjustment, improved in Interim 2011 primarily due to a continued shift in product mix toward higher margin products.

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering . As a percent of revenues, marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses increased to 25.3% in Interim 2011 from 20.8% in Interim 2010. Marketing, general and administrative and engineering costs were $12.8 million in Interim 2011, compared to $10.6 million in Interim 2010, an increase of $2.2 million or 20.8% from Interim 2010. The increase is primarily related to an increase in expenses. The expenses contributing to this increase include $1.2 million in increased incentive compensation as well as an increase in salaries and benefits of $0.8 million. In addition, there is an increase of $0.7 million in professional fees and an increase in research and development expenses of $0.1 million.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $5.3 million in Interim 2011, compared to $0.6 million in Interim 2010, an increase of $4.7 million or 783.3% from Interim 2010, due to the amortization of certain intangible assets associated with the CHS Transaction.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $12.1 million in Interim 2011, compared to $2.1 million in Interim 2010, an increase of $10.0 million or 476.2% from Interim 2010. This was partially due to the higher levels of indebtedness incurred in the CHS Transaction and, to a lesser extent, the higher interest rates on the 9.5% senior secured notes, which increased our monthly interest expense by approximately $1.2 million. The one-time financing costs included $2.0 million in full amortization of our bridge loan fee, $2.6 million in accelerated amortization of deferred debt costs associated with repaid debt and $3.1 million in prepayment penalties.

Miscellaneous expense. Miscellaneous expense was $19.3 million in Interim 2011, compared to miscellaneous income of $0.0 million in Interim 2010, an increase of $19.3 million. Miscellaneous expenses in Interim 2011 consisted primarily of $20.0 million of professional fees and expenses related to completed capital transactions, $0.6 million income related to adjustment of compliance liabilities and foreign exchange transaction gains and other miscellaneous income of $0.1 million. Miscellaneous expense in Interim 2010 consisted primarily of nominal charges for professional fees and expenses related to proposed capital transactions and foreign exchange transaction losses offset by a small gain in sales of fixed assets. None of the individual components in miscellaneous income or expense totaled $0.1 million.

 

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Income taxes. Income taxes were $18.3 million (benefit) in Interim 2011, compared to a $4.4 million tax provision in Interim 2010, an increase of $22.7 million from Interim 2010. The effective tax rates were 59.6% in Interim 2011 and 45.4% in Interim 2010. Our anticipated annual effective benefit rate of approximately 6.9% has been applied to our consolidated pre-tax loss for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010. This benefit rate is less than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the amount of buyer’s expense stemming from the CHS Transaction that is estimated to be nondeductible (an effect of approximately 14.0 percentage points) and a valuation allowance established in connection with our anticipated foreign tax credit and other carry-forwards for U. S. taxation purposes (an effect of approximately 6.6 percentage points). See Note 13, Income Taxes, to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2010, included elsewhere in this prospectus, for further detail on income taxes.

Year Ended March 31, 2010 compared to Year Ended March 31, 2009

Revenues. Revenues for the year ended March 31, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010”) were $192.7 million, compared to $202.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2009 (“Fiscal 2009”), a decrease of $10.1 million or 5.0% primarily related to the completion of several large oil and gas projects during Fiscal 2010 that were realized in Fiscal 2009. Revenues in our Western Hemisphere area decreased to $117.4 million in Fiscal 2010 from $124.6 million in Fiscal 2009, a decrease of $7.2 million or 5.8%, mainly due to the near completion of a large project located in Canada, offset by a ramp-up of another large Canadian project and an increase in normal reoccurring sales. Revenues from our Eastern Hemisphere area decreased to $75.4 million in Fiscal 2010 from $78.1 million in Fiscal 2009, a decrease of $2.7 million or 3.5%, mainly due to the completion of a refinery expansion project in India and a large contract in the upstream oil & gas market sector in Russia, offset by increased revenues from oil and gas companies in Eastern Europe.

Gross Profit. As a percent of revenues, gross profit was 47.4% for Fiscal 2010 as compared to 48.0% for Fiscal 2009. Gross profit totaled $91.3 million for Fiscal 2010, compared to $97.3 million for Fiscal 2009, a decrease of $6.0 million or 6.2% from Fiscal 2009. The slightly lower gross profit percentage was primarily due to a shift in product mix toward lower margin products and services.

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering. As a percent of revenues, marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses came in at 24.6% for both Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009. Marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses were $47.3 million for Fiscal 2010, compared to $49.8 million for Fiscal 2009, a decrease of $2.5 million or 5.0% from Fiscal 2009. The decrease in operating expense is primarily due to the decrease in incentive expense due to lower business activity in Fiscal 2010 from that of Fiscal 2009.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $2.4 million in Fiscal 2010, compared to $6.6 million in Fiscal 2009, a decrease of $4.2 million from Fiscal 2009, due to the amortization of certain intangible assets associated with the Audax Transaction. The decrease in amortization expense was due to certain short-term intangible assets that were fully amortized prior to Fiscal 2010.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $7.4 million in Fiscal 2010, compared to $9.6 million in Fiscal 2009, a decrease of $2.2 million or 22.9% from Fiscal 2009. The decrease is a primarily due to higher debt levels during Fiscal 2009 and a reduction in interest rates during Fiscal 2010.

Miscellaneous expense. Miscellaneous expense was $1.3 million in Fiscal 2010 compared to $3.1 million in Fiscal 2009, a decrease of $1.8 million or 58.1% from Fiscal 2009. Miscellaneous expense in Fiscal 2010 consisted primarily of $1.0 million of professional fees and expenses related to capital transactions and miscellaneous expenses of $0.3 million. Miscellaneous expense in Fiscal 2009 consisted primarily of $1.3 million of professional fees and expenses related to capital transactions, $0.8 million of foreign exchange transaction losses, a $1.2 million charge related to self-reported export compliance violations, partially offset by $0.2 million of miscellaneous income.

 

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Income taxes. Income taxes were $14.0 million in Fiscal 2010 compared to $1.8 million in Fiscal 2009, an increase of $12.2 million. The effective tax rate was 42.6% in Fiscal 2010 and 6.4% in Fiscal 2009. Excluding the effects of the non-cash change in the deferred tax liability related to deemed foreign income, the effective tax rates would be approximately 33.4% and 35.0% in Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. The deemed foreign income relates to the debt outstanding of our Canadian subsidiary that originated in the Audax Transaction. The swings in the effective tax rates is primarily due to the deemed foreign income related to debt outstanding of our Canadian subsidiary and the impact of rate differences of international subsidiaries.

Year Ended March 31, 2009 compared to Year Ended March 31, 2008 (combined)

Revenues. Revenues for Fiscal 2009 were $202.8 million, compared to $185.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2008 (“Fiscal 2008”), an increase of $17.0 million or 9.1% primarily related to the continuation of prior year revenue trends driven by refinery modernizations and energy market expansion, partially offset by the negative impact related to foreign exchange rate movements relative to the U.S. dollar. Revenues in our Western Hemisphere area increased to $124.6 million in Fiscal 2009 from $117.0 million in Fiscal 2008, an increase of $7.6 million or 6.5%, mainly due to the ramp-up of a large upgrade project located in Canada, partially offset by lower sales within the U.S. due to the completion of a large refinery modernization project in Fiscal 2008. Revenues from our Eastern Hemisphere area increased to $78.1 million in Fiscal 2009 from $68.8 million in Fiscal 2008, an increase of $9.3 million or 13.5%, mainly due to refinery expansion work in India, increased capital spending in Asia, and increased revenues from oil and gas companies in Eastern Europe.

Gross Profit. As a percent of revenues, gross profit improved to 48.0% for Fiscal 2009 from 40.8% for Fiscal 2008. Gross profit totaled $97.3 million for Fiscal 2009, compared to $75.7 million for Fiscal 2008, an increase of $21.6 million or 28.5% from Fiscal 2008. In Fiscal 2008 there was a non-cash $7.1 million negative impact to gross profit due to a purchase accounting adjustment related to the Audax Transaction. Under purchase accounting, inventories that were carried at lower of cost or market are stepped up to fair value which eliminates the gross profit in the period in which the units are sold. Excluding the purchase accounting adjustment, gross profit percentage would have been 44.6%. The remaining improvement in gross profit percentage was primarily due to a shift in product mix toward higher margin products, the benefit of lower per-unit prices of finished goods and higher margins realized from services we provide.

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering. As a percent of revenues, marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses decreased slightly to 24.6% for Fiscal 2009 from 25.3% for Fiscal 2008. Marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses were $49.8 million for Fiscal 2009, compared to $47.0 million for Fiscal 2008, an increase of $2.8 million or 6.0% for Fiscal 2008. The increase is primarily due to higher salaries expense related to headcount additions and additional incentive compensation expense related to the increase in revenues and profits.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $6.6 million in Fiscal 2009, compared to $6.7 million in Fiscal 2008, a decrease of $0.1 million from Fiscal 2008, due to the amortization of certain intangible assets associated with the Audax Transaction.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $9.6 million in Fiscal 2009, compared to $8.4 million in Fiscal 2008, an increase of $1.2 million or 14.3% from Fiscal 2008. The increase is a result of the borrowings being outstanding for the entire year in Fiscal 2009 as compared to Fiscal 2008 where the borrowings were outstanding for part of the year.

Miscellaneous expense. Miscellaneous expense was $3.1 million in Fiscal 2009 compared to $12.9 million in Fiscal 2008, a decrease of $9.8 million or 76.0% from Fiscal 2008. Miscellaneous expense in Fiscal 2009 consisted primarily of $1.3 million of professional fees and expenses related to proposed capital transactions, $0.8 million of foreign exchange transaction losses, a $1.2 million charge related to self-reported export compliance violations, partially offset by $0.2 million of miscellaneous income. Miscellaneous expense in Fiscal

 

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2008 consisted primarily of $8.8 million of professional fees and expenses related to capital transactions, a $3.9 million employee compensation transaction bonus related to the Audax Transaction, $0.3 million of foreign exchange transaction losses, $0.3 million of compliance fees and related costs, partially offset by $0.4 million net miscellaneous income.

Income taxes. Income taxes were $1.8 million in Fiscal 2009 compared to $21.7 million in Fiscal 2008, a decrease of $19.9 million or 91.7% from Fiscal 2008. The effective tax rate was 6.4% in Fiscal 2009 and was not meaningful in Fiscal 2008. Excluding the effects of the non-cash change in the deferred tax liability related to deemed foreign income, the effective tax rates would be approximately 35% in Fiscal 2009. The deemed foreign income relates to the debt outstanding of our Canadian subsidiary that originated in the Audax Transaction (See discussion above). The high effective tax rate in Fiscal 2008 was primarily due to the deemed foreign income related to debt outstanding of our Canadian subsidiary, the impact of rate differences of international subsidiaries and permanent differences on certain transaction costs expensed for book purposes but not for tax purposes.

Contractual Obligations

Contractual Obligations. The following table summarizes our material contractual payment obligations as of June 30, 2010. The future contractual requirements include payments required for our debt obligations, operating leases and contractual purchase agreements.

 

        Payment due by period
        (dollars in thousands)
    TOTAL   Less than
1 Year
  1 - 3 Years   4 - 5 Years   More than
5 Years

Senior secured notes

  $ 210,000   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 210,000

Revolving credit facility

    2,751     —       —       2,751     —  

Estimated interest payments on above indebtedness (i)

    140,300     20,080     40,160     40,160     39,900

Operating lease obligations (ii)

    3,070     1,490     1,478     102     —  

Information technology services agreement (iii)

    987     274     713     —       —  
                             

Total

  $ 357,108   $ 21,844   $ 42,351   $ 43,013   $ 249,900
                             

 

(i) Consists of the interest on the Notes, which accrues at 9.5%, and the estimated interest on the USD and CDN revolver, based on the principal balance outstanding at June 30, 2010, with estimated interest calculated at 5.0%, the rate in effect as of June 30, 2010.
(ii) We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business. Our operating leases include the leases on certain of our manufacturing and warehouse facilities.
(iii) Represents the future annual service fees associated with certain information technology service agreements with several vendors.

There are no contingent gains or losses or litigation settlements that are not provided for in the accounts.

Contingencies. For a discussion of contingencies that may impact us, see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements, contained elsewhere in this prospectus. To bid on or secure certain contracts, we are required at times to provide a performance guaranty to our customers in the form of a surety bond, standby letter of credit or foreign bank guaranty. On June 30, 2010, we had in place standby letters of credit and bank guarantees totaling $3.9 million and performance bonds totaling $2.5 million to back performance obligations under customer contracts. As of June 30, 2010, we also had in place a $0.2 million letter of credit as collateral for the revolving facility for our subsidiary in India. Our Indian subsidiary also has $2.5 million in customs bonds outstanding.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Prior to the Transactions

Our principal sources of liquidity prior to the Transactions have been cash generated from operations and available borrowings under revolving lines of credit. Our primary liquidity requirements have been the funding of capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities totaled $24.7 million for Fiscal 2010 compared to $23.7 million for Fiscal 2009 and ($1.2) million for Fiscal 2008. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in Fiscal 2010 compared to Fiscal 2009 was due to an increase in net cash from operations excluding working capital. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in Fiscal 2009 compared with Fiscal 2008 was mainly due to the growth in cash earnings partially offset by the increase in working capital accounts related to higher revenues.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1.6 million for Fiscal 2010 compared to $2.3 million for Fiscal 2009 and $150.0 million for Fiscal 2008. Investing activities in Fiscal 2010 consisted of $1.6 million of capital expenditures. Investing activities in Fiscal 2009 consisted of $2.7 million of capital expenditures, partially offset by $0.4 million of other investing transactions. Investing activities in Fiscal 2008 consisted of $145.9 million net cash paid for Thermon Industries, Inc. associated with the successor acquisition and $4.2 million of capital expenditures primarily due to construction of the Marketing/R&D building in the United States and the mineral insulated cable plant in Canada.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities totaled ($8.6) million for Fiscal 2010 compared to ($12.3) million for Fiscal 2009 and $158.2 million for Fiscal 2008. Financing activities in Fiscal 2010 consisted of a $8.6 million dividend paid to members. Financing activities in Fiscal 2009 consisted of $12.3 million of payments on debt and notes payable. Financing activities in Fiscal 2008 consisted of $113.0 million of net proceeds from revolving lines of credit, long-term debt and short-term notes payable less debt issuance costs and $34.3 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock in 2008.

Following the Transactions

Currently, our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and funds available under our Revolving Credit Facility and other revolving lines of credit. Our primary liquidity needs are to finance our working capital, capital expenditures and debt service needs. We have incurred substantial indebtedness in connection with the Old Notes. As of June 30, 2010 we had $210 million of indebtedness outstanding under the Old Notes and $2.8 million drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility with annual cash interest expense of approximately $20.1 million. We had an additional $29.9 million available under the $40.0 million Revolving Credit Facility as of June 30, 2010 after taking into account the borrowing base, outstanding loan advances and letters of credit. Our debt service obligations following the issuance of the Notes and the Revolving Credit Facility, under certain circumstances, could have a material impact on our ability to generate sufficient liquidity to meet our needs.

The Notes contain various restrictive covenants that will prohibit us from prepaying subordinated indebtedness and restrict our ability to incur indebtedness or liens, make investments or declare or pay any dividends. However, all of these covenants are subject to exceptions. For more information, see “Description of the New Notes.”

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal, to pay interest on, to refinance our indebtedness, including the Notes or the Revolving Credit Facility, or to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This ability is, to a certain extent, subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

 

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Additionally, a substantial portion of our cash flows are generated by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. In general, when an entity in a foreign jurisdiction repatriates cash to the United States, the amount of such cash is treated as a dividend taxable at current U.S. tax rates. Accordingly, upon the distribution of cash to us from our foreign subsidiaries, we will be subject to U.S. income taxes. Although foreign tax credits may be available to reduce the amount of the additional tax liability, these credits may be limited based on the tax attributes of the Company. To the extent that we must use cash generated in foreign jurisdictions, the potential cost associated with repatriating the cash to the United States could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs.

At June 30, 2010, we had $8.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions located in many countries throughout the world. Approximately $1.0 million or 11% of these amounts were held in domestic accounts with various institutions and approximately $7.9 million or 89% was held in accounts outside of the U.S. with various financial institutions.

Based on our current level of operations, however, we believe that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet our short-term liquidity needs. We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowing will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the Notes or the Revolving Credit Facility, or to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a change of control, we could be required to repay or refinance our indebtedness. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the Notes offered hereby or the Revolving Credit Facility, on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

We are expecting $2.7 million of capital expenditures for Fiscal 2011 for furniture and fixture replacements, minor plant equipment replacement and minor maintenance.

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities totaled ($9.8) million for Interim 2011, compared to $8.6 million for Interim 2010. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities in Interim 2011 compared with Interim 2010 was due in large part to expenses related to the CHS Transaction. Cash flows from operations were also negatively impacted from an increase in encumbered cash pledged as collateral for letters of credit and bank guarantees as well as an increase in accounts receivable related to an increase in days of sales outstanding.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $321.4 million for Interim 2011 compared to $0.2 million for Interim 2010. The significant change in cash flows used in investing activities was due to the CHS Transaction. Investing activities in Interim 2011 consisted of $0.9 million of capital expenditures and the CHS Transaction. Investing activities in Interim 2010 consisted of $0.2 million in capital expenditures.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities totaled $313.7 million for Interim 2011, compared to zero for Interim 2010. Financing activities in Interim 2010 consisted of the issuance of $210.0 million under the senior secured notes, $129.2 in capital stock transactions, $6.6 million in additional obligations related to the CHS Transaction and $2.8 million advanced under the revolving credit facility.

Off balance sheet arrangements . As of June 30, 2010, we do not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Seasonal and cyclical demand. Our operating results are impacted by both seasonality and the cyclical pattern of industries to which we provide heat tracing solutions. We experience increased demand for our heat tracing solutions during the winter heating season. Additionally, demand for our products depends in large part upon the level of capital and maintenance expenditures by many of our customers and end users, in particular those customers in the oil and gas, refining, and chemical processing markets. These customers’ expenditures historically have been cyclical in nature and vulnerable to economic downturns.

 

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Effect of inflation. While inflationary increases in certain input costs, such as wages, have an impact on our operating results, inflation has had minimal net impact on our operating results during the last three years, as overall inflation has been offset by increased selling prices and cost reduction actions. We cannot assure you, however, that we will not be affected by general inflation in the future.

Disclosure of non-GAAP financial measures. We provide the following non-GAAP financial measures that are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of high yield issuers. EBITDA represents net income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense, interest expense and depreciation and amortization of intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA before other non-cash charges not included in EBITDA, such as amortization of stock compensation and other unusual non-recurring cash charges not associated with the ongoing operations of the Company. We believe these measures are meaningful to our investors to enhance their understanding of our financial performance and our ability to service our indebtedness, including the Notes. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily measures of our ability to fund our cash needs. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow and other measures of financial performance and liquidity reported in accordance with GAAP. Our calculations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 

     For the Period From
April 1, Through
April 30, 2010
(Predecessor)
          For the Period From
May 1, Through
June 30, 2010
(Successor)
    Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2010
(Predecessor/
Successor
Combined)
    Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2009
(Predecessor)

Net income (loss)

   $ (267       $ (12,173   $ (12,440   $ 5,243

Interest expense, net

     6,222            5,844        12,066        2,063

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (17,434         (899     (18,333     4,359

Depreciation and amortization expense

     392            10,517        10,909        1,062
                                  

EBITDA—non-GAAP basis

   $ (11,087       $ 3,289      $ (7,798   $ 12,727
                                  

EBITDA—non-GAAP basis

   $ (11,087       $ 3,289      $ (7,798   $ 12,727

Transaction expense (a)

     13,921            6,095        20,016        —  
                                  

Adjusted EBITDA—non-GAAP basis

   $ 2,834          $ 9,384      $ 12,218      $ 12,727
                                  

 

(a) Represents expenses related to the CHS Transaction. See Note 12, Miscellaneous Income (Expense), to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2010, included elsewhere in this prospectus, for further detail.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Foreign currency risk . We transact business globally and are subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. Approximately 66% (for Fiscal 2010) of our consolidated revenue is generated by sales from our foreign subsidiaries. This revenue is generated primarily from the operations of our foreign sales subsidiaries in their respective countries and surrounding geographic areas. The revenue is denominated in each subsidiary’s local functional currency although certain sales are denominated in other currencies, including U.S. dollars or Euros, rather than the local functional currency. These subsidiaries incur most of their expenses (other than intercompany expenses) in their local functional currency. These currencies include the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound, Russian Ruble, Australian Dollar, South Korean Won, Chinese Renminbi, Indian Rupee, Mexican Peso, and Japanese Yen.

The geographic areas outside the U.S. in which we operate are generally not considered to be highly inflationary. Nonetheless, these foreign operations are sensitive to fluctuations in currency exchange rates arising from, among other things, certain intercompany transactions that are generally denominated in U.S. dollars rather than

 

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their respective functional currencies. Our operating results as well as our assets and liabilities are also subject to the effect of foreign currency translation when the operating results, assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in our consolidated financial statements. We do not currently use options, forward contracts or any derivatives to hedge cash flow currency exposures.

On a constant currency basis, operating income was positively impacted by approximately $2.1 million in Fiscal 2009, $2.0 million in Fiscal 2010 and $0.7 million in Interim 2010 while Interim 2011 was negatively impacted approximately $0.1 million due to the movement of average foreign exchange rates since Fiscal 2008.

The unrealized effect of foreign currency translation was a loss of $11.7 million in the Interim 2011 period, compared to a gain of $3.4 million in the Interim 2010 period that was recorded in shareholder’s/members’ equity as other comprehensive income. The unrealized effect of foreign currency translation was a loss of $6.6 million in Fiscal 2010, compared to gains of $8.5 million in Fiscal 2009 and $4.1 million in Fiscal 2008 that was recorded in members’ equity as other comprehensive income.

The impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for Interim 2011 was a $0.1 million gain compared to a loss of $0.2 million in Interim 2010. For Fiscal 2010, the impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses on our consolidated statement of operations was a slight gain and in Fiscal 2009, a loss of $0.8 million in Fiscal 2009 and a gain of $0.3 million in Fiscal 2008.

Commodity price risk. We use various commodity based raw materials in conjunction with our manufacturing processes. Generally, we acquire such components at market prices and do not use financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. As a result, we are exposed to market risks related to changes in commodity prices of these components.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued an ASU that amended the accounting rules addressing revenue recognition for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements by eliminating the criterion for objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the undelivered products or services. Instead, revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting provided the deliverables meet certain criteria. Additionally the ASU provides for elimination of the use of the residual method of allocation and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables based on their relative selling price. A hierarchy for estimating such selling price is included in the update. This ASU will be effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating whether this update will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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BUSINESS

Company Overview

We are a leading industrial company that serves global infrastructure end-markets through our full line of heat tracing solutions. We believe that we are a global leader in the heat tracing industry and one of the few participants with a worldwide footprint and comprehensive suite of equipment, design and engineering services and turnkey solutions. For over 50 years, our heat tracing solutions have served customers in attractive end markets, including energy, chemical processing, power generation and industrial and commercial infrastructure. Our customers include some of the largest multinational energy, petrochemical, power and engineering, procurement and construction companies in the world. We serve our customers locally through 75 direct sales employees in 16 countries, a network of more than 100 independent sales agents and distributors in 30 countries and through our five manufacturing facilities on three continents. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, we achieved revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $192.7 million (66% of which was generated by our foreign subsidiaries) and $45.0 million, respectively.

Our products provide an external heat source to pipes, vessels and instruments for the purposes of freeze protection, temperature maintenance, environmental monitoring and surface snow and ice melting. This heat is primarily produced from electricity or, to a lesser extent, from steam. We offer a full suite of products and design and engineering services for both electric and steam heat tracing applications including cables, tubing bundles, control systems and design optimization, engineering, installation and maintenance services. Our comprehensive offering allows us to meet the unique needs of each customer, ranging from a complete integrated turnkey solution to a routine sale of materials or components.

Customers typically purchase our products when constructing a new facility, expanding or upgrading a current facility or performing maintenance on existing heat-traced pipes within a facility. Our products are low in cost relative to the total cost of a typical process plant but critical to the safe and efficient continued operation of such facility. When maintenance on in-pipe mechanical equipment is required, our products are often removed, discarded and replaced, because they are attached to the facilities’ heat-traced pipes. In order to avoid switching complications or compatibility concerns, customers often use the incumbent heat tracing brand for both upgrades and expansions and routine and preventative maintenance projects. Consequently, our installed base of heat tracing equipment is an important driver of future revenue opportunities. We estimate that approximately 60% of our revenues result from maintenance and repair of heat-traced pipes and from facility expansions.

We have a long history of steady organic revenue growth and stable gross margins through a variety of economic cycles. Specifically, our revenues have grown in 17 of the past 21 fiscal years, and our gross margins have averaged 44% over the period. In addition, revenue has shown significant growth in recent years. Revenue grew from $121.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 to $192.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, and Adjusted EBITDA grew from $18.9 million to $45.0 million over the same period. In addition, our backlog of signed purchase agreements has grown significantly. As of June 30, 2010, we reported a backlog of approximately $78.3 million, up 50% from $52.2 million as of March 31, 2007.

Our senior management team averages approximately 25 years of experience with us, and has grown the Company through a variety of business cycles, established our global platform, and built our reputation for quality and reliability in the heat tracing industry. Our senior management team and key employees have a significant equity stake in our company and remain committed to executing our growth plan going forward. Our principal sponsor, Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (“CHS”), has a long, successful track record of investing in industrial and infrastructure businesses. We believe that CHS is a value-added partner to our management team.

Industry Overview

We believe that the market for industrial electric heat tracing is approximately $1 billion in annual revenues. Our industry is fragmented and consists of approximately 40 companies, typically serving discrete local markets and

 

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providing a limited service offering. We believe that we are the second largest participant in our addressable market and significantly larger than our next largest competitor. Heat tracing service providers differentiate themselves through the quality and reputation of their products, long-term relationship management and the ability to provide comprehensive solutions. Large, multinational companies drive the majority of spending for the types of major industrial facilities that require our products, and we believe that they prefer vendors who have a global footprint and a comprehensive suite of products and services. We believe that we are one of only a few companies in the industrial heat tracing market that can meet these criteria.

Reliable heat tracing products are critical to the successful, safe operation of a facility. Facilities that utilize heat tracing devices contain interdependent systems of equipment that have differing requirements for temperature maintenance, freeze protection and emissions monitoring. The majority of pipes in a large facility may be heat traced. The largest facilities may contain up to hundreds of thousands of feet of heat tracing cable and thousands of control points. A breakdown in any part of the heat tracing system can have a significant impact on the operations of the entire plant. Stoppages or inefficiencies can be costly in terms of lost production and down time, and therefore we believe that a majority of industrial end users put a premium on reliable, high quality heat tracing solutions.

Demand for industrial heat tracing solutions falls into two categories: (i) new facility construction and (ii) recurring maintenance, repair and operations and facility upgrades or expansions (“MRO/UE”). New facility or “Greenfield” construction projects often require comprehensive heat tracing solutions. We refer to sales revenues by customer of less than $1 million annually, which we believe are typically derived from maintenance, repair and operations and facility upgrades or expansions, as “MRO/UE revenue.” We believe that “Greenfield revenue” consists of sales revenues by customer in excess of $1 million annually (excluding sales to agents, who typically resell our products to multiple customers), and typically includes most orders for projects related to facilities that are new or that are built independent of existing facilities. We believe that we are one of a few heat tracing providers in the world that can offer product solutions, design optimization studies and detailed engineering and installation services. We believe that, over the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, MRO/UE revenue accounted for approximately 60% of our revenues, and Greenfield revenue accounted for approximately 40% of our revenues. In order to avoid switching complications or compatibility concerns, customers often use the incumbent heat tracing brand for MRO/UE. Therefore, the provider of the original heat tracing system is well positioned to capture future recurring revenue from additional work required within the existing facility. Large portions of the heat tracing system may be removed and replaced when an upgrade or retrofit is performed, resulting in sizable revenues for the heat tracing provider (estimated to be 10-20% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system). Routine and preventative maintenance includes planned and unplanned repair and replacement of in-pipe mechanical equipment used throughout a process plant. Preventative maintenance projects are typically undertaken on an ongoing basis and often require new heat tracing equipment, estimated to be valued at 5-10% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system annually.

The major end markets that drive demand for our products include energy, chemical processing and power generation. We believe that there are attractive near to medium-term trends in each of our end markets.

Energy. Heat tracing is used to facilitate the processing, transportation and freeze protection of energy products in both upstream and downstream applications. The Energy Information Administration projects that world energy consumption will increase 8.5% from 2010 to 2015, with energy consumption in emerging markets growing 12.7% during that time. The industrialization of developing regions of the world will drive continued heat tracing demand for new Greenfield projects. Extraction operations in harsh, cold weather climates such as those of Canada, Russia, the Caspian Sea and the Baltic region increase the need for heat tracing solutions. We estimate that industry capital expenditures for upstream applications in Canada and Russia will grow 20% in 2010 and 2011. In addition, we believe that we will benefit from stricter environmental compliance and regulatory requirements that often require heat tracing intensive solutions.

Chemical Processing. In the chemical segment, heat tracing applications are required for chemical production, freeze protection and temperature maintenance. The corrosive nature of chemicals shortens the life cycle of

 

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in-line mechanical equipment attached to pipes (such as valves, pumps and filters), accelerating the demand for MRO/UE opportunities in this segment. Trends that may impact heat tracing demand include the rapid industrialization of the developing world, a shift in base chemical processing operations to low-cost feedstock regions, a transition of Western chemical processing to specialty applications and environmental compliance. According to the American Chemical Council, global capital spending by the chemicals industry is estimated to increase in 2010 by 10.1% to $251 billion and to $284 billion in 2011, with the bulk of the incremental investment generated from emerging markets, most notably China, Africa and countries in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

Power Generation. Heat tracing systems are used in high-temperature processes, freeze protection and environmental regulation compliance in coal and gas facilities and for safety injection systems in nuclear facilities. An important driver of demand for heat tracing solutions for power generation is increasing demand for electricity worldwide. According to the Energy Information Administration, global net electricity generation is projected to increase 12.6% from 2010 to 2015, with net electricity generation growth in emerging markets at 19.5% during that time. In order to meet this demand, we believe capital spending on new and existing power generation infrastructure will be required. In addition, compliance with regulatory environmental standards also drives heat tracing demand for emissions testing applications in power generation end-markets. The Clean Air Act, the Clean Air Interstate Rule and the Clean Air Mercury Rule are examples of some of the existing and proposed legislation in the United States and abroad.

Competitive Strengths

Defensible market position with significant barriers to entry. We believe that our entrenched customer relationships, global footprint, comprehensive product and service offering and our growing installed base of equipment create a defensible market position with significant barriers to entry. We have longstanding relationships with some of the largest multinational energy, petrochemical, power and engineering, procurement and construction companies in the world. We believe that we are one of the few heat tracing solutions providers with a global footprint and a full suite of products and services required for comprehensive solutions to complex projects. We serve our multinational customers locally through 75 direct sales employees in 16 countries, a network of more than 100 independent sales agents and distributors in 30 countries and through our five manufacturing facilities on three continents. Our growing global installed base of heat tracing solutions fuels additional MRO/UE business and provides us with a stable source of ongoing revenues.

Long history of attractive financial performance . We have a long history of steady organic revenue growth and stable gross margins through a variety of economic cycles. More specifically, our revenues have grown in 17 of the past 21 fiscal years, and our gross margins have averaged 44% over the same period. During this period (fiscal 1991-2010), our revenue grew at a compound annual growth rate of 8%. From the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, our revenue grew $71.3 million, operating income grew $23.6 million and our gross margins have improved to 47%. In addition, we believe that we have a flexible cost structure. We estimate that the majority of our cost structure (excluding depreciation and amortization) is variable.

Strong revenue visibility . We believe that we have good visibility into future revenues based on recurring demand generated from our global installed base, a growing backlog of signed purchase agreements and a robust pipeline of identified upcoming heat tracing opportunities. Our growing global installed base of heat tracing solutions drives our MRO/UE business. When upgrades and expansions and routine and preventative maintenance projects arise, customers typically return to the provider of the original heat tracing system. On average, annual MRO/UE expenditures generated from an installed heat tracing system are estimated to be 5-10% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system, and expansions may require an estimated 10-20% of the initial cost of the heat tracing system. In addition, our backlog provides us with a concrete base of future revenues. Because our solutions are installed at the tail end of projects, purchase orders are rarely cancelled. Backlog grew from $52.2 million on March 31, 2007 to $78.3 million on June 30, 2010. Backlog has shown

 

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recent significant growth, increasing 37% from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The backlog of $78.3 million on June 30, 2010 was comprised of signed purchase agreements with over 500 customers. In addition, we have identified a strong pipeline of new heat tracing opportunities. Our global sales force tracks medium-term heat tracing opportunities and has identified 611 new projects, which we believe represent an estimated $1.1 billion in potential future revenue opportunity.

Highly diversified customer base and end markets. We provide heat tracing solutions to a diverse base of thousands of customers around the world, and our solutions are used in a broad range of end-markets and applications. Our products and services are used in a variety of applications, including freeze protection, surface snow and ice melting, temperature control and environmental monitoring, by customers in energy, chemical processing, power generation and industrial and commercial infrastructure end markets. Over our 55 year history, we have sold to customers in over 90 countries and, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, approximately 66% of our revenues were generated by our foreign subsidiaries. In addition, we believe that we have limited customer concentration. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, our top customer represented approximately 6% of sales.

Experienced management team . Our senior management team averages approximately 25 years of experience with us and is responsible for growing the Company through a variety of business cycles, building our global platform and developing our reputation for quality and reliability in the heat tracing industry. Our senior management and key employees will have a significant equity stake in the Company upon consummation of this exchange offer. Our senior management team is complemented by the knowledge and experience of our middle management team, which has an average of approximately 19 years of industry experience.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy is designed to capitalize on our competitive strengths. Key elements of our strategy include:

Pursue organic growth opportunities . Throughout our 55 year history, our primary growth engine has been organic expansion. In particular, we will continue to focus on strategically building the necessary global infrastructure to expand our footprint in high growth markets. Our senior management team has successfully grown our business during their tenure, and we believe that additional attractive organic growth opportunities exist. We believe that our global footprint and local presence are key differentiators to our customers. In addition, we believe that there may be opportunities to broaden our existing offerings into areas that are complementary to the products and services that we currently provide. Furthermore, we are focused on increasing MRO/UE revenues generated from our installed base by actively monitoring installations and maintaining strong communication lines with our customers.

Continue to deliver products known for quality, reliability and technology leadership . We are proud of our reputation as a leader in the heat tracing industry with a long history of product innovation and reliability. Because our products are a critical component to the successful operation of our customers’ facilities, we believe that our established reputation for quality and reliability is a competitive advantage to our business. Our team of dedicated research and development professionals is focused on identifying new technologies to enhance our heat tracing solutions for our customers.

Identify and implement operational improvement initiatives. We are highly focused on continuous process improvement. We have identified and begun to implement measures to improve our operational efficiency. Lean manufacturing concepts, for example, have allowed us to increase the economic efficiency of our product offering. We also continue to improve communication among operational divisions in order to derive benefits from leveraging additional scale. To that end, we have recently (i) upgraded our global enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software system, which coordinates global procurement and logistics, (ii) implemented a global project tracking system that allows us to pinpoint and quantify heat tracing opportunities internationally, and (iii) created a platform to standardize our engineering procedures and deliverables.

 

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Selectively pursue value-added, small acquisitions . Given the fragmented nature of the heat tracing industry, we believe that there may be opportunities to pursue small acquisitions at attractive valuations. We plan to strategically assess these opportunities in the future with a focus on geographic expansion, opportunities to broaden our service offerings, technological benefits and potential operating synergies.

Segments

We have defined our one operating segment based on geographic regions. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 contained elsewhere in this prospectus for geographic financial data relating to our business.

Products and Services

Our products include a wide range of electric heat tracing cables, steam tracing components, tubing bundles as well as instrument and control products, including:

 

   

Self-regulating & power limiting heating cables: Automatically increase or decrease heat output as pipe temperature changes

 

   

Mineral insulated (“MI”) cables: High performance heat tracing cable for exposures to high temperatures in harsh environments

 

   

Heat traced tube bundles for environmental gas sampling systems

 

   

Heat transfer compounds and steam tracers for comprehensive steam tracing solutions

 

   

Control and monitoring systems for electric tracing of pipes, tanks, hoppers and instrument sampling systems

 

   

Turnkey services that provide customers with complete solutions for heat tracing, including design, optimization, installation and on-going maintenance

Electric Heat Tracing Applications

We provide critical components of an electric heat tracing system, including heating cables, control and monitoring systems and heating systems for tanks and hoppers. We design these products to fit the variations in specific design parameters for each client’s installation. We offer various electric heating cables, including conductive polymer self-regulating heating cables, power limiting cables and MI high temperature heating cables.

Self-regulating heating cables— Our self-regulating heating cables are thermoplastically insulated and engineered to automatically increase or decrease heat output as pipe or vessel temperature changes. BSX™ self-regulating cables are designed to provide freeze protection or process temperature maintenance to metallic and non-metallic piping, vessels and equipment. HTSX self-regulating heating cable is suitable for heat tracing applications involving crude oil and most chemicals. VSX™ premium self-regulating cable is rated for maintenance temperatures of 300°F/149°C and exposure temperatures of up to 540°F/232°C and has among the highest self-regulating temperature ratings in the industry. VSX™ is well suited for the heating of complex sulfur piping systems that are located in hazardous environments.

Power-limiting and constant watt heating cables— Power limiting and constant watt heating cables are thermoplastically insulated parallel resistance cables used to heat trace piping in lengths longer than 200 feet. Such intermediate lengths of pipe are commonly found in pipe racks that connect process units within the plant. These heaters allow longer lengths between power supply points than self-regulating cables.

 

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TEK™ HTEK™ and MIQ™ cables— The TEK™ and HTEK™ series resistance, constant watt, thermoplastically insulated heating cables are used where circuit lengths exceed the limitations of parallel resistance heating cables. By using series constant watt heating cables, a single power supply point can energize circuit lengths up to 12,000 feet. MIQ™ high performance mineral insulated heating cables are used for high temperature maintenance, high temperature exposure and/or high watt density applications that exceed the limitations of thermoplastic insulated cables. MIQ™ cables are composed of a high nickel/chromium alloy sheath, which is well-suited for high temperature service and offers high resistance to stress corrosion in chloride, acid, salt and alkaline environments.

Steam Heat Tracing

In 1954, we began manufacturing heat transfer compound that greatly improved the heat delivery of steam tracing systems. Today, we offer a broad range of heat transfer compounds, steam tracers and tubing bundles that provide our customers with comprehensive steam tracing solutions. We manufacture our heat transfer compounds in various configurations that can be applied to various surfaces in order to increase the heat transfer rate of steam or fluid tracers.

Our heat transfer compounds provide an efficient thermal connection between the heat tracing system and the process equipment. Through the elimination of air voids, heat is directed into the pipe wall primarily through conduction rather than convection and radiation. This requires fewer tracing pipes to maintain specified temperature requirements, substantially reducing operating and investment cost. Steam tracing offers the most cost effective solution for several process applications.

Temperature Controls and Monitoring

We supply a wide range of control and monitoring products, from simple mechanical thermostats to sophisticated microprocessor-based systems that control and monitor the status of electric heat tracing systems. We provide individual units for smaller projects, as well as multi-point controllers that can be integrated into and communicate with a plant’s central operating controls.

A facility’s pipes, tanks and other heat-traced equipment can be monitored through various sensors that assess temperature, monitor current usage and detect any potential problems, such as ground faults. Our TraceView control system software, first introduced over 15 years ago, collects and analyzes data from all of a facility’s heat tracing sensors to be analyzed and controlled by a single technician at a workstation.

We are developing a next generation of control system software, which will provide three crucial improvements over currently available applications:

 

   

Process information faster, substantially reducing data collection time at large facilities with thousands of heat tracing circuits;

 

   

Provide for increased data collection and functionality, thereby increasing plant safety and efficiency; and

 

   

Improves communication with distributed control systems, which are used to control equipment (e.g., valves) in industrial facilities.

Instrumentation

We specialize in pre-insulated and heat-traced tubing bundles with accessories that offer a complete instrument heating system. Our complete range of products includes both electric and steam-heated bundles containing various types of tubing (e.g., copper, stainless steel and polymer) to meet the needs of process and environmental applications.

 

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Environmental monitoring applications include transporting a sample of gas or liquid in a temperature-controlled tube from a probe to an instrument that typically performs an analysis to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Bundles may also provide the same type of service for process related instrumentation such as flow and level transmitters, which have wetted samples.

Tank Insulation and Heating Systems

In 1992, we introduced the ThermaSeam™ Tank Insulation System, which provides a product for insulating large vessels that commonly contain petroleum, chemical, asphalt, anhydrous ammonia, beverages and chilled water for HVAC storage. The design of the ThermaSeam™ Tank Insulation Systems enables installation without the use of scaffolding and is durable, low maintenance and cost-effective. The strength and durability of the system is derived from machine-formed, double-locking standing seams between adjacent panels that provide a weatherproof barrier that extends the entire height of the tank. Through the use of external banding, the system also eliminates traditional weak spots in the tank insulation process. In addition to ThermaSeam™, we offer the RT FlexiPanel ® flexible heating panel, designed specifically for use on metallic tanks or vessels.

Hopper Heating

The HT Hopper Heating Module is a self-contained heater designed for operation on surfaces prone to vibration. In cement plants and fossil fuel power facilities, hoppers are used as a part of the process of filtering ash from the facilities’ emissions. Hopper heaters maintain the walls of the hopper at a temperature above the dew point to prevent moisture from combining with ash and clogging the filtering equipment. We engineer each system based on the heating requirements of the specific application. The HT Hopper Heating Module has multiple flow paths for electrical current, which eliminates the burnout potential common with series wire-based designs. Protection of the heating element from vibration is accomplished with a cushion layer of insulation that also directs the flow of heat from the module to the surface being heated. The module provides mechanical protection during handling, installation and operation, and its low profile design helps facilitate installation.

Turnkey Services

We provide customers with complete turnkey solutions for their heat tracing needs. Turnkey services include front-end optimization, product supply, engineering deliverables, system integration, installation, commissioning and maintenance. Specialized, turnkey heat tracing services meet the needs of many of our industrial customers who have downsized and outsourced their non-core competencies and are requiring their vendor base to have multi-service and multi-site capabilities.

Our turnkey business in the U.S. is based in Houston, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We employ approximately 25 full-time supervisory personnel, as well as a number of part-time installation specialists that focus on turnkey installations. We have over 1,000 turnkey clients; the largest project is approximately $8 million. Engineering and construction companies in the U.S. often subcontract their heat tracing projects to outside parties, including us, because of the field’s highly specialized nature.

VisiTrace ™ Workflow software

VisiTrace ™, our proprietary 3D engineering software system, allows us to design and engineer heat tracing systems in a virtual environment. It fully integrates with our customers’ 3D modeling software systems. This software is designed to create efficiencies for us and our customers by collecting and centralizing a facility’s engineering and design plans, saving time during the design and construction phase as changes are updated instantly through the software. VisiTrace™ optimizes the design of the system reducing our customers’ up-front costs and on-going operating costs, and creates goodwill for future projects.

 

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Value-added Services

We offer heat tracing design and engineering services during every stage of a project. Offering these value-added services, especially during the early stages of a project, is a core element of our business strategy. We believe, based on past experience, that the performance of design and engineering services during the early stages of a project leads to subsequent sales of heat tracing products for that project.

We are focused on providing a comprehensive solution to fulfill the heat tracing needs of our customers. As a manufacturer of a wide range of heat tracing products, we believe that we are well positioned to evaluate and optimize a system for a customer without bias towards a particular product, and rely on our 55 years of experience to craft the most appropriate heat tracing solution for a customer’s situation and demands.

We provide value-added design and engineering services to our customers through our full-time staff of engineers and technicians. Through the design and engineering process, our engineers and specialists located throughout the world provide our customers with design optimization studies, product selection assistance, computer-generated drawing packages and detailed wiring diagrams.

Manufacturing and Operations

We have five manufacturing facilities on three continents. We manufacture products that generate a majority of our total sales at our principal facility in San Marcos, Texas. We produce our flexible heating cables, heat tracing compound and tubing bundles in San Marcos. Our facilities are highly automated, which reduces labor costs. Our facilities incorporate numerous manufacturing processes that utilize computer-controlled equipment and laser technology. We maintain a ready supply of spare parts and have on-site personnel trained to repair and perform preventive maintenance on our specialized equipment, reducing the likelihood of long term interruptions at our manufacturing facilities. Our manufacturing facilities are equipped to provide us with maximum flexibility to manufacture our products efficiently and with short lead times. This in turn allows lower inventory levels and faster response to customer demands. Site planning for expansion of heater cable production facilities at the San Marcos facility is now underway.

Our pre-insulated tubing products are manufactured in our facilities in San Marcos, the Netherlands and South Korea. The majority of our pre-insulated tubing product is custom ordered and made to customers’ specifications in a two part process. The thermal insulation is first applied over heating cable and process tubing, and a protective plastic outer jacket is extruded onto the bundle to protect the insulation.

Our MI cable manufacturing facility in Calgary, Canada gives us adequate capacity to service the demands of clients in the oil sands projects of Western Canada in a time efficient manner. It is enabling us to grow MI cable, which is well-suited for high temperature applications and harsh, arctic environments, into a global business.

We maintain quality control testing standards in all of our manufacturing operations and perform various quality control checks on our products during the manufacturing process. We believe that our highly automated manufacturing process and multiple quality control checkpoints create high levels of operational efficiency.

Our Electronic Cross Linking Facility (“ECLF”) is located at our primary manufacturing facility in San Marcos, Texas. Cross-linking enhances the thermal, chemical and electrical stability of our low-temperature self-regulating heater cables. This facility was built in 2000 at a total cost of approximately $3.3 million, comprised of approximately $1.5 million for the concrete vaulted building and approximately $1.8 million for a 1.5 million electron volts electron beam accelerator and supporting equipment. By performing cross-linking in-house, we condense the overall manufacturing cycle by approximately six weeks. This enhances our ability to ensure a high level of product quality and to better control the production process. We also process third party materials, ranging from Teflon to diamonds, in our ECLF facility under toll processing agreements in order to increase utilization and generate incremental revenues.

 

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Purchasing Strategy— We have multiple suppliers for all of our critical raw materials, including polymer, graphite, copper and stainless steel. For each of these raw materials, a minimum of two suppliers are selected and approved. We evaluate pricing and performance of these suppliers annually. For our low-volume custom-built electronic controller components, we select a single supplier based on past performance reliability and monitor the process closely. Volumes are too low to divide this product over multiple suppliers. Our purchase specifications are usually based on industry or manufacturer standards. Testing of the raw materials is performed and documented by our suppliers and is reviewed by us at the time of receipt.

Distribution— We maintain three central distribution centers located in San Marcos, Texas, Calgary, Alberta and the Netherlands. Inventory is typically shipped directly from these distribution centers to customers, the construction site or our regional sales agents or distributors. Our sales agents may maintain “safety stocks” of core products to service the immediate MRO/UE requirements of customers who are time-sensitive and cannot wait for delivery from one of the central distribution centers. In the U.S., a network of agents maintain safety stocks of core products. In Canada, customers are serviced from the central distribution center in Calgary. In Europe, customers are serviced from the central distribution center in the Netherlands. In Asia, a safety stock of materials are kept in Yokohama, Japan, Seoul, Korea, Shanghai, China, Pune, India and Melbourne, Australia. Safety stocks are also warehoused in Moscow, Russia.

Customers

We serve a broad base of large multinational customers, many of which we have served for 50 years. We have a diversified revenue mix with thousands of customers. None of our customers represented more than 6% of total revenues in fiscal 2010.

Sales and Marketing

Our direct sales force, consisting of 64 employees in 16 countries, is focused on positioning the Company with major end-users and engineering, procurement and construction companies during the development phase of Greenfield projects with the goal of providing reliable, cost-effective heat tracing solutions. We utilize a network of more than 100 independent sales agents and distributors in over 30 countries. In markets such as Eastern Europe, South America and Africa, we operate through independent agents that are supported by our direct sales offices in the U.S. and Europe. We also use independent agents to provide local support to customer facilities for MRO/UE requirements.

We actively participate in the growth and development of the domestic and international heat tracing standards established in the countries in which we sell products. We believe that we have established credibility as a reliable provider of high quality heat tracing products. In addition, we believe that our 15 registered trademarks in the U.S. and numerous additional brand names are recognized globally, giving us excellent brand recognition.

Standards and Certifications —As a part of our development work, our products are tested to demonstrate that they can withstand harsh operating environments. Our heating cable products and associated design practices are subjected to various tests, including heat output, thermal stability and long-term aging, with the goal of producing products capable of performing at or beyond the expectations of our customers. All products are further tested and certified by various approval agencies to verify compliance with applicable industry standards.

Our products comply with national and international heat tracing industry standards such as ANSI/IEEE-515 in the U.S., CSA 130.03 in Canada; IEC 60079-30-1 in Europe, IECEx in Australia and ANSI/IEC in the Middle East. We also hold product certifications from approval agencies around the world (e.g., UL, FM, CSA, LCIE, GOST, CQST).

Competition

The global industrial heat tracing industry is fragmented and consists of approximately 40 companies, typically serving discrete local markets and providing a limited service offering. We believe that we are the second largest

 

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participant in our addressable market and significantly larger than our next largest competitor. We differentiate ourselves from local providers by a global footprint, a full suite of products and services and a track record with the major players in the energy markets. Heat tracing service providers differentiate themselves through value-added services, long-term relationship management and the ability to provide a full range of solutions.

Seasonality

Seasonality has a minor effect on the company’s business. Most of our customers perform preventive maintenance prior to the winter season, thus in our experience making the months of October and November typically our largest for MRO/UE revenue. However, revenues from Greenfield projects are not seasonal and tend to be level throughout the year, depending on the capital spending environment.

Intellectual Property and Technology

Trade secrets, manufacturing know-how and other proprietary rights are important to our business. We have 15 registered trademarks in the U.S. and an additional 20 recognized brand names. In addition, we rely on a number of significant unregistered trademarks, primarily abroad, but also in the U.S., in the day-to-day operation of our business. We have at least 40 registered patents in the U.S., some of which have foreign equivalents. Of the U.S. registered patents, six remain active, along with several foreign equivalents. While we have patented some of our products and processes, we historically have not relied upon patents to protect our design or manufacturing processes or products, and our patents are not material to our operations or business.

The heat tracing industry is highly competitive and subject to the introduction of innovative techniques and services using new technologies. As such we require all employees to sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Research and Development

Our research and development group is focused on identifying new technologies to enhance our industrial heat tracing solutions through identifying opportunities to maximize product reliability and reduce the customer’s total cost of ownership, which consists of capital expense, maintenance costs and energy costs. Current initiatives include conductive polymer technology research and the development of integrated control systems and advanced communication software for our electric heat tracing systems.

 

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Facilities

With our global manufacturing facilities, we are capable of supplying heat tracing products to meet the needs of customers around the world. In addition to our new tubing bundling facility in South Korea, we have manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe and India. Most of our operations are registered to ISO 9001 quality standards.

 

Location

   Country    Approximate
Size
  

Function

   Owned/
Leased

Corporate Headquarters San Marcos, TX

   U.S.    150,000 sq. ft.
on 30 acres
   Manufacturing, fabrication, sales, engineering, marketing, research & development, warehouse and Corporate Headquarters    Owned

Hunter Road Facility San Marcos, TX

   U.S.    26,800 sq. ft.    Fabrication, engineering and warehouse    Leased

McCarty Lane Property San Marcos, TX

   U.S.    6.6 acres    Storage    Owned

Houston, TX

   U.S.    44,000 sq. ft.
on 4.2 acres
   Fabrication, sales, engineering and warehouse    Owned

Baton Rouge, LA

   U.S.    10,000 sq. ft.    Sales, engineering and warehouse    Owned

Newark, DE

   U.S.    850 sq. ft.    Sales    Leased

Office—Calgary, AB

   Canada    34,000 sq. ft.    Fabrication, sales, engineering and warehouse    Leased

MI Plant—Calgary, AB

   Canada    46,000 sq. ft.    Manufacturing, fabrication and warehouse    Leased

Edmonton, AB

   Canada    4,250 sq. ft.    Sales and warehouse    Leased

Sarnia, ON

   Canada    4,500 sq. ft.    Sales and warehouse    Leased

Mexico City

   Mexico    2,000 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Pijnacker

   Netherlands    35,000 sq. ft.
on 1.5 acres
   Manufacturing, fabrication, sales, engineering, warehouse, marketing and European Headquarters    Owned

Moscow

   Russia    3,050 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Paris

   France    2,000 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

   United Kingdom    5,000 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Bergisch Gladbach

   Germany    2,750 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Manama

   Bahrain    700 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Shanghai

   China    2,500 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Beijing

   China    1,500 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Mumbai

   India    3,750 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Koregon Bhima

   India    15,000 sq. ft.
on 2.3 acres
   Manufacturing, fabrication and warehouse    Owned

Caringbah, New South Wales

   Australia    200 sq. ft.    Sales    Leased

Bayswater, Victoria

   Australia    1,350 sq. ft.    Fabrication, sales, engineering and warehouse    Owned

Kuala Lumpur

   Malaysia    475 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Yokohama

   Japan    1,500 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Seoul

   South Korea    3,000 sq. ft.    Sales and engineering    Leased

Yeosu

   South Korea    13,250 sq. ft.    Manufacturing and warehouse    Leased

 

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Employees

As of June 30, 2010, we employed 637 persons on a full-time basis worldwide. None of our employees is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement and we have never experienced any organized work stoppage or strike. We consider our employee relations to be good.

 

     Western
Hemisphere
   Eastern
Hemisphere
   Total

Sales

   38    37    75

Engineering/Technical Sales Support

   89    54    143

Production

   202    32    234

Administration

   53    29    82

Construction

   29    —      29

Marketing

   14    —      14

Finance & Legal

   19    22    41

Research & Development

   19    —      19
              

Total

   463    174    637
              

Governmental Regulation

Due to the international scope of our operations, we are subject to complex U.S. and foreign laws governing, among others, anti-corruption matters, export controls, economic sanctions, antiboycott rules, currency exchange controls and transfer pricing rules. These laws are administered, among others, by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Office of Antiboycott Compliance (OAC) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as the counterparts of these agencies in foreign countries. Our policies mandate compliance with these laws. Despite our training and compliance programs, no assurances can be made that we will be found to be operating in full compliance with, or be able to detect every violation of, any such laws. For example, we paid penalties of $176,000 and $14,613 in 2009 to BIS and OFAC, respectively, to settle allegations that certain of our subsidiaries had committed apparent export control and economic sanctions violations that we voluntarily disclosed to the agencies. In addition, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted. See “—Legal Proceedings” for information on currently pending export control matters.

Environmental Compliance

Our operations and properties are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air or water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances or wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, the emission of greenhouse gases, and workplace health and safety. Certain environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs, without regard to fault, on persons who have disposed of or released hazardous substances into the environment. In addition, we could become liable to third parties for damages resulting from the disposal or release of hazardous substances into the environment. Some of our sites are affected by soil and groundwater contamination relating to historical site operations, which could require us to incur expenses to investigate and remediate the contamination in compliance with environmental laws. Some of our operations require environmental permits and controls to prevent and reduce air and water pollution, and these permits are subject to modification, renewal and revocation by issuing authorities. A failure to obtain, maintain, and comply with these permit requirements could result in substantial penalties, including facility shutdowns. From time to time, we could be subject to requests for information, notices of violation, and/or investigations initiated by environmental regulatory

 

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agencies relating to our operations and properties, Violations of environmental and health and safety laws can result in substantial penalties, civil and criminal sanctions, permit revocations, and facility shutdowns. Environmental and health and safety laws may change rapidly and have tended to become more stringent over time. As a result, we could incur costs for past, present, or future failure to comply with all environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. In addition, we could become subject to potential regulations concerning the emission of greenhouse gasses, and while the effect of such future regulations cannot be determined at this time, they could require us to incur substantial costs in order to achieve and maintain compliance. In the ordinary course of business, we may be held responsible for any environmental damages we may cause to our customers’ premises.

Legal Proceedings

The Company has no outstanding legal matters outside of matters arising in the ordinary course of business, except as described below.

Export Control Matters— In 2008, we voluntarily disclosed to OAC apparent violations of U.S. antiboycott rules. In August 2010, the agency proposed a settlement agreement to which we have agreed. As of the date of this prospectus, definitive settlement documents are in the process of being executed with OAC.

Asbestos Litigation— Since 1999, we have been named as one of many defendants in 15 personal injury suits alleging exposure to asbestos from our products. None of the cases alleges premises liability. Five cases are currently pending. Insurers are defending us in three of the five lawsuits, and we expect that an insurer will defend us in the remaining two matters. Of the concluded suits, there were five cost of defense settlements and the remainder were dismissed without payment. There are no claims unrelated to asbestos exposure for which coverage has been sought under the policies that are providing coverage.

Indian Sales Tax and Customs Disputes— Our Indian subsidiary is currently disputing assessments of administrative sales tax and customs duties with Indian tax and customs authorities. In addition, we currently have a customs duty case before the Supreme Court in India, on appeal by custom authorities. We can give no assurances we will prevail in any of these matters.

 

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MANAGEMENT

The following table identifies the executive officers and directors of Parent.

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Rodney Bingham

   59    President and Chief Executive Officer; Senior Vice President, Western Hemisphere; Director

George P. Alexander

   59    Senior Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere; Director

Jay Peterson

   53    Chief Financial Officer

Richard Hageman

   58    Senior Vice President, Marketing and Technology

David Ralph

   53    Senior Vice President, Finance

Rene van der Salm

   46    Senior Vice President, Operations

Daniel J. Hennessy (1)

   52    Chairman of the Board, Director

James A. Cooper (2)

   54    Director

Marcus J. George (2)

   40    Director

Richard E. Goodrich (3)

   66    Director

Brian P. Simmons (1)

   50    Director

Charles A. Sorrentino (4)

   65    Director

 

(1) Member of the Compensation Committee
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
(3) Chair of the Audit Committee
(4) Chair of the Compensation Committee

Executive Officers

Rodney Bingham , President and Chief Executive Officer and Director has worked for the Company for 39 years in various management positions in the following areas: Research and Development, Engineering, Product Management, Sales, Marketing and Administration. Mr. Bingham has been instrumental in the development and introduction of several key heat tracing products which advanced the state of the industry, including the first parallel resistance, cut-to-length heating cables and the first pipe-mounted power termination assemblies in the industry. Prior to accepting his current position in January 2009, Mr. Bingham held senior management positions for Thermon including the Senior Vice President of Western Hemisphere Operations, Vice President of Thermon’s International Operations, Vice President of Construction Operations and President of Thermon Heat Tracing Services. During his tenure, Mr. Bingham was responsible for the conception and development of Thermon’s cornerstone marketing philosophy for the 1990s. This effort has resulted in millions of dollars of savings to Thermon customers through an altered buying process emphasizing “Early Involvement” in the customer’s project engineering phase, incorporating “Value Added Services” into the turnkey systems pioneered by Thermon in the late 1970s. This philosophy is being utilized on a global basis today. Mr. Bingham has been involved in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) since 1974, and has been a member of the PCIC within the IEEE for over 15 years. He also served on the Power Engineering Society Working Group for the Development of Heat Tracing Standards (IEEE 622).

George Alexander, Senior Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere and Director joined us in August 1971 working in the Production Department. He then spent time in Research and Development, Engineering and as General Sales Manager prior to assuming the role of Vice President Sales and Marketing in May 1983. He is a graduate of Texas State University with a B.S. degree in Mathematics. During Mr. Alexander’s tenure as General Sales Manager, he established the Company as the primary supplier for heat tracing systems to the nuclear power generation industry. He was an author of IEEE 622 “IEEE Recommended Practice for the Design and Installation of Electric Pipe Heating Systems for Nuclear Power Generating Stations” published in November 1979. From 1983 to 1995 during Mr. Alexander’s tenure as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, corporate sales revenue

 

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grew at a compound rate of 8.1%. Mr. Alexander has directed the formulation and execution of the Company’s marketing plans and strategies in Asia Pacific for over ten years by studying economic indicators, identifying customer’s current and future needs and monitoring the competition. Mr. Alexander initiated the formation of Thermon’s Customer Advisory Council. This Council consists of twelve representatives of major corporations from the refining and chemical industries. They, along with the Company’s Distributor Council, provide management with essential feedback regarding current and future industry practices and needs. In 1996, Mr. Alexander accepted the dual role of Vice President, Strategic Alliances and Vice President, Far East operations. From 1996 to 1998 he established several global partnerships with key customers that positively affected Thermon’s revenue growth worldwide. In 1999, Mr. Alexander accepted the position of Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific Operations, one of four Strategic Business Units. In 2005, as Senior Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere, Mr. Alexander assumed responsibility for operations in Europe as well.

Jay Peterson, Chief Financial Officer joined the Company in July 2010 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Thermon, Mr. Peterson held positions as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, Senior Director of Finance, Secretary and Treasurer at Forgent Networks, Inc, a NASDAQ listed company. Mr. Peterson started with Forgent Networks in 1995 and was named Chief Financial Officer in 2001. Before joining Forgent Networks, Mr. Peterson was Assistant Controller in Dell Computer Corporation’s Direct division. He also spent 11 years in various financial management positions with IBM Corporation. Mr. Peterson holds an M.B.A. and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin.

Richard Hageman, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Technology joined us in 1976 as a Technician in Research and Development. He has subsequently held positions in Engineering, Product Management, Domestic Sales, International Sales and Approvals. He is a graduate of Texas State University with a B.S. degree in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. Mr. Hageman has been involved with several new product introductions and was responsible for securing European approvals for self-limiting cables. In 1992, Mr. Hageman relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and founded Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II. As President of the full service affiliate, he was instrumental in organizing the Company and achieving significant sales growth in the region. In 2004, Mr. Hageman relocated back to Central Texas and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing and Technology. In 2008, he became a Trustee of Southwest Research Institute. He is responsible for product management, electronic beam accelerator business and research and development. Mr. Hageman has announced that he plans to retire from the Company on August 31, 2010.

David Ralph, Senior Vice President, Finance joined the Company in October 1976 working in the Accounting Department. In 1979, Mr. Ralph graduated from Texas State University with a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. In 1984, Mr. Ralph received his Certified Public Accountant certificate for the State of Texas. In 1979, Mr. Ralph was promoted to Accounting Department Manager. He was instrumental in the computerization of Thermon’s accounting system. This effort resulted in creating timely financial reports for management, shareholders and outside users. In 1991, Mr. Ralph was promoted to Controller. He was instrumental in the establishment of financial reporting requirements for all affiliate organizations to facilitate consolidated worldwide reporting by the tenth working day of the month. In addition, he worked with the management team to establish financial accountability throughout the organization. In 2001, Mr. Ralph was promoted to Senior Vice President, Finance. Mr. Ralph has announced that he plans to retire from the Company on September 30, 2010.

René van der Salm, Senior Vice President, Operations joined us in October 2001. In 1987, Mr. van der Salm graduated from the Amsterdam Technical University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. After fulfilling his military service, he worked as Sales Engineer, Project Manager and Production Manager in supplying the (Petro) Chemical Industry before joining Thermon. Mr. van der Salm started with Thermon as the European Logistics Manager and was responsible for the implementation of a European wide logistics and financial ERP software. In 2006, Mr. van der Salm was promoted to Vice President Manufacturing and Logistics. During that period he divided his time between the U.S. and European operations and was instrumental in the U.S. implementation of the ERP software. In 2007, Mr. van der Salm relocated to the U.S. and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations.

 

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Directors

Although, as noted below, the composition of the board of directors has been determined by the Securityholder Agreement, we believe that our directors have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable the board of directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure.

Daniel J. Hennessy, Chairman of the Board and Director was a founder of CHS in 1988. Prior to founding CHS Fund I, Mr. Hennessy was a Vice President with Citicorp Mezzanine Investments and Citicorp Leveraged Capital Group in Chicago. Before joining Citicorp, he was employed by Continental Illinois National Bank. He holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. Mr. Hennessy serves on the Board of Directors of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., where he is a member of the Compensation Committee, and Penhall LVI LLC, and has served as a director of Waddington North America, Inc.

James A. Cooper founded Thompson Street Capital Partners LP in 2000, where as Managing Principal he oversees acquisition activity of the firm and is involved in managing the firm’s portfolio companies. He has been involved in middle-market acquisitions for more than 15 years. Prior to founding Thompson Street Capital Partners, Mr. Cooper spent seven years with JPMorgan in New York City, seven years with Harbour Group in St. Louis and was affiliated with GSC Capital in New York. Mr. Cooper holds an M.B.A. from the Darden School at the University of Virginia, and both an M.S. and B.S. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Currently, he serves on the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation Development Board, and is a member of both the Foundation Finance Committee and the University of Missouri MBA Advisory Board. Additionally, Mr. Cooper is a Director of First Banks Inc. where he serves on the Audit and Compensation committees, and has served as a director of Waddington North America, Inc.

Marcus J. George joined CHS in 1997 and was promoted to Partner in 2007. Prior to joining CHS, he was employed by Heller Financial, Inc. in the Corporate Finance Group. He also worked for KPMG. He holds a B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. Mr. George serves on the Board of Directors of Penhall LVI LLC, Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. and KBA Holdings, Inc., and has served as a director of Waddington North America, Inc.

Richard E. Goodrich is a retired Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. (CB&I), an engineering, procurement and construction company that provides services to customers in the chemicals and energy industries. Prior to retiring, Mr. Goodrich served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CB&I from 2001 to 2005, and as acting Chief Financial Officer until June 2006. Mr. Goodrich also serves as a director of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. and Chart Industries. Mr. Goodrich is a Certified Public Accountant having been certified in the District of Columbia in November 1970.

Brian P. Simmons was a founder of CHS in 1988. Prior to founding CHS Fund I, Mr. Simmons was a Vice President with Citicorp’s Leveraged Capital Group in Chicago. Before joining Citicorp, he was employed by Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh and Chicago. Mr. Simmons serves on the Board of Directors of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. and Penhall LVI LLC, and has served as a director of Waddington North America, Inc. Mr. Simmons also serves, and has served, on the Board of Directors of several private CHS portfolio companies. Mr. Simmons. He holds an A.B. from Cornell University and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Latin School of Chicago, Deerfield Academy, the United States Ski and Snowboard Foundation, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Visiting Committee of the University of Chicago School of Social Service.

Charles A. Sorrentino has served at Houston Wire & Cable Co. as President and Chief Executive Officer since 1998. Prior to joining HWCC, Mr. Sorrentino served as President of Pameco Corporation, a national heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration distributor, from 1994 to 1998. Pameco was a $600 million distributor that was listed on the New York Stock Exchange following an initial public offering in 1997 and was

 

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later merged into a larger company. Prior to working with Pameco, Mr. Sorrentino served with PepsiCo, Inc. for nine years. During this time, he held a variety of positions, including Subsidiary President, Division Vice President and Region Vice President. After completing college, Mr. Sorrentino served twelve years with United Technologies (Sundstrand Corporation), a NYSE-listed manufacturer of industrial, heating and air conditioning components in a variety of engineering, sales, marketing and executive management functions. Mr. Sorrentino earned a M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University. He also served in the United States Marine Corps.

Committees of the board of directors

Parent’s board of directors has established an audit committee and a compensation committee.

The audit committee is expected to have responsibility for, among other things, assisting our board of directors in reviewing our financial reporting and other internal control processes, our financial statements, the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence, the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors, and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and our code of ethics.

The compensation committee is expected to have responsibility for reviewing and approving the compensation and benefits of our employees, directors and consultants, administer our employee benefits plans, authorize and ratify stock option grants and other incentive arrangements and authorize employment and related agreements.

Compensation of directors

We expect to pay Chuck Sorrentino and Rich Goodrich (i) $1,500 per meeting for in person attendance and $750 per meeting for in person attendance by telephone at meetings of the board of directors, (ii) $1,000 per meeting for in person attendance and $500 per meeting for in person attendance by telephone at meetings of committees of the board of directors, (iii) an annual retainer of $25,000, payable quarterly, for serving as a member of the board of directors and (iv) an annual retainer of $5,000, payable quarterly, for serving as a member or chairman of any committee of the board of directors. In addition, Messrs. Sorrentino and Goodrich will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan and have an opportunity to invest directly in the common stock of TGH. We do not anticipate paying our other directors fees for services as directors. The Equity Sponsors will receive an annual management fee of $2 million, in the aggregate, in connection with ongoing advisory services and board level services to be provided by the Equity Sponsors to us. All of our directors will be reimbursed their reasonable expenses, if any, of attendance at meetings of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors.

Indemnification of directors and officers

Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) provides that a corporation may indemnify its directors and officers against liabilities actually and reasonably incurred in such capacities, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, with respect to any matter in which the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we shall indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL; provided, however, we shall indemnify a person in connection with any action, suit or proceeding that is initiated by such person only if such action, suit or proceeding was authorized by our Board of Directors. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that this right to indemnification is a contract right, and we may, from time to time, and in the ordinary course of business, enter into contracts under which our directors and officers are provided with such rights of indemnification against liability that they may incur in their capacities as such and in connection with activities performed under the terms of such contracts.

 

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Our bylaws further provide that we shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was one of our directors, officers, employees or agents or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise, against any and all liability and loss (including judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) suffered or incurred and expenses reasonably incurred by such person.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also eliminates the personal liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by Section 102 of the DGCL, which provides that a corporation may eliminate the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Section 102 does not, however, permit a corporation to eliminate or limit liability for (i) any breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividend or unlawful stock purchase or redemption or (iv) any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

We have purchased liability insurance covering our directors and officers and certain other management personnel.

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Introduction

This section provides a discussion of the background and objectives of our compensation programs for senior management, including the following officers, whom we refer to as our “named executive officers”:

 

Name

  

Title

Rodney Bingham

   President and Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President Western Hemisphere

George P. Alexander

   Senior Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere

Richard Hageman

   Senior Vice President, Marketing and Technology

David Ralph

   Senior Vice President, Finance

Rene van der Salm

   Senior Vice President, Operations

Throughout this section, descriptions of historical practices and policies are of the practices and policies of Thermon Holdings, LLC and references to the “Company,” when used in relation to historical practices, are intended to be references to Thermon Holdings, LLC.

On August 30, 2007, the Company was established by the Audax Private Equity Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, “Audax”) to acquire Thermon Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Following the transaction, Audax had the overall responsibility for monitoring and approving the compensation programs for our named executive officers and making decisions regarding compensation to be paid or awarded to them. Audax historically did not seek input from outside compensation consultants with respect to compensation decisions and did not retain a compensation consultant in the Fiscal 2010. In making compensation decisions, Audax relied on the input and recommendations of the Company’s named executive officers. The named executive officer’s recommendations were generally based on the assessment of each individual’s performance compared against the strategic operational plan objectives established for the fiscal year as well as historical compensation practices at the Company.

Going forward, our Compensation Committee will oversee the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs for the named executive officers. Our Compensation Committee is expected to continue our historical compensation policies and practices in the short-term but will reevaluate such policies and practices as it considers advisable.

Objectives of Our Compensation Program

Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain, and reward talented executives who can contribute to our long-term success and is based on the following general principles:

 

   

compensation must be competitive with that offered by other companies that compete with us for executive talent;

 

   

differences in compensation should reflect differing levels of responsibilities;

 

   

performance-based compensation should focus on critical business objectives and align pay through performance-leveraged incentive opportunities; and

 

   

the Company’s non-executive employees receive bonus payouts before any bonus payouts are made to members of senior management.

 

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Elements of Our Compensation Program

Base Salaries

Base salaries are intended to provide a level of compensation sufficient to attract and retain an effective management team, when considered in combination with the other components of our executive compensation program. The relative levels of base salary for our named executive officers are designed to reflect each executive officer’s scope of responsibility and accountability with the Company. There were no changes in the Fiscal 2010 base salaries of Messrs. Hageman, Ralph and van der Salm from the base salary levels established for Fiscal 2009. Messrs. Bingham and Alexander each received an increase in base salary to reflect increases in their responsibilities during Fiscal 2010.

Annual Bonuses

Historically, the Company has provided its named executive officers, with short-term incentive compensation through its annual bonus plan. Annual bonus compensation holds executives accountable, rewards the executives based on actual business results and helps create a “pay for performance” culture.

Based on the recommendations of Messrs. Bingham, Alexander and Ralph, early in Fiscal 2010, Audax established a bonus pool for the Company’s executive incentive compensation plan as a percentage of the Company’s Fiscal 2010 Adjusted EBITDA. For purposes of the annual bonus program, Adjusted EBITDA was equal to operating income plus incentive compensation, depreciation and amortization expenses and management fees and related expenses.

Under the annual bonus plan, the executive bonus pool was equal to 1.75% of Adjusted EBITDA if Adjusted EBITDA ranged from $40,000,000 to $44,999,999 and 2.00% of Adjusted EBITDA if Adjusted EBITDA equaled or exceeded $45,000,000. If the Adjusted EBITDA targets were met and the bonus pool was funded, each named executive officer was eligible for an allocation of the bonus pool subject to the attainment of specific performance goals. For each of our named executive officers, awards were based 75% on Adjusted EBITDA and 25% on certain strategic operational goals. Under the payout formula, no bonus would be paid if Adjusted EBITDA was less than 90% of target, 75% of the bonus pool would be available for bonuses if Adjusted EBITDA was between 90% and 100% of target and 100% of the bonus pool would be available for bonuses if Adjusted EBITDA was equal to or greater than 100% of target. For Fiscal 2010, the Adjusted EBITDA target was $36,346,385. Under the Company’s annual bonus plan, the bonus pool was allocated to each named executive officer as follows:

 

Named Executive Officer

   Bonus Pool Allocation  

Rodney Bingham

   24

George Alexander

   21

David Ralph

   21

Richard Hageman

   14

Rene van der Salm

   20

As Fiscal Year 2010 progressed, it became apparent that the Company would exceed the performance targets under the annual bonus plan. At the recommendation of Messrs. Bingham, Alexander, and Ralph , Audax approved the termination of the annual bonus program described above and awarded discretionary bonuses to each of the named executive officers that were significantly less than what each named executive officer would have been entitled to under the bonus plan described above. In addition, based on the recommendations of Messrs. Bingham, Alexander, and Ralph, Audax authorized the allocation of the portion of the bonus pool that would have been paid to the named executive officers pursuant to the above payout formula to the bonus pool established for the Company’s non-executive employees. Please see the Bonus column included in the Summary Compensation Table for the amount of discretionary bonuses awarded to each named executive officer in Fiscal 2010.

 

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Long-Term Incentives

Following the Audax acquisition in late 2007, the Company established a “profits-interest program” under which the Company granted Class P Units to certain employees, including each of the named executive officers. Profits-interest programs such as that represented by the P Units are common practice in portfolio companies of private equity firms and allow participants to share in the increase in value of the Company above the aggregate purchase price paid in the transaction. The program was intended to provide an incentive to management to keep focused on the long-term value of the Company.

Class P Units are subject to the terms of the certificate documenting the award, including vesting and repurchase rights at the lower of original cost and fair market value upon separation of service. In the event of a change in control, Class P Units share in the distributions from the Company once the holders of Class A Units receive their capital distributions.

The Company did not grant any Class P Units to any of its named executive officers during Fiscal 2010.

Employee Benefits and Other Benefits

Each of our named executive officers is entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (including 401(k) retirement savings, and medical, dental, and life insurance benefits) on the same basis as other employees. In addition, the Company maintains a corporate apartment and leases a Company vehicle for Mr. Bingham’s use in commuting between the Company’s facilities in Houston and San Marcos, Texas.

Employment-Related Agreements

During Fiscal 2010, none of the named executive officers was subject to an employment agreement. Concurrent with the closing of the Acquisition, we entered into employment agreements with Rodney Bingham and George Alexander. The material terms of Messrs. Bingham and Alexander’s employment agreements are described below.

Rodney Bingham and George Alexander

Term.  The term of each executive’s employment agreement commenced on April 30, 2010. Unless terminated earlier, each employment agreement will terminate on its second anniversary.

Salary and Bonus.  The employment agreements of Messrs. Bingham and Alexander provide for an initial base salary of $280,000 and $250,000, respectively. In addition, if certain annual performance targets are met in the future, each executive will be eligible to receive an annual performance-based bonus.

Restrictive Covenants.  The employment agreement of each executive prohibits the officer from competing with us during his employment period and for a period of one year thereafter.

Termination Benefits.  We may terminate the employment agreement of each executive without cause, and each executive may terminate the employment agreement for any reason, upon 10 days prior written notice to the other.

If an executive terminates his employment for “good reason” or we terminate his employment other than for “cause,” death, or “disability” (as such terms are defined in each executive’s employment agreement), then the executive is entitled to receive a continuation of such executive’s base salary for twelve months, any earned but unpaid bonus from the current fiscal year, any earned but unpaid salary, and any accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits.

 

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If an executive terminates his employment without “good reason” or we terminate his employment for “cause” (as such terms are defined in each executive’s employment agreement), then the executive is entitled to receive any earned but unpaid salary, and any accrued but unpaid benefits.

Upon termination of employment for death, or “disability” (as such term is defined in each executive’s employment agreement), the executive is entitled to receive any earned but unpaid salary, and any accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits.

The employment agreements do not provide for the payment of any benefits upon a change in control transaction.

Impact of Tax and Accounting Treatments

We believe that the compensation paid to our named executive officers is fully deductible under the Internal Revenue Code at the time it is paid. We further believe that Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, does not have a material effect on our compensation program because we do not regularly award stock options, restricted shares or other equity-based compensation.

Timing of Compensation Decisions

Prior to or shortly after the beginning of each fiscal year, the named executive officers as a group review prior year performance and prepare recommendations with respect to base salaries and the distribution of annual bonus and long-term incentives, if any, for the prior year. Historically, these recommendations have been presented to and approved by Audax.

Fiscal Year 2011 Compensation Decisions and Events

Impact of Acquisition on Compensation Program

As discussed under “The Transactions,” the Company was acquired by the Equity Investors on April 30, 2010. In connection with the Acquisition, Thermon Holding Corp. entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Bingham and Alexander as described above. In addition, the P Unit program was cancelled and the outstanding P Units became vested and were exchanged for the right to receive cash consideration per P Unit. The following table sets forth the value of the P Units held by each named executive officer that vested in connection with the Acquisition:

 

Named Executive Officer

   Value of Accelerated Vesting of P Units

Rodney Bingham

   $ 1,897,265

George P. Alexander

   $ 1,897,265

Richard Hageman

   $ 1,045,355

David Ralph

   $ 1,045,355

Rene van der Salm

   $ 851,929

In connection with the Acquisition, certain key employees of the Company, including Messrs. Hageman, Ralph and van der Salm received transaction-based bonuses. These transaction-based bonuses were recommended to Audax by Messrs. Bingham, Alexander and Ralph. Consistent with the Company’s compensation philosophy, the transaction-based bonuses that were ultimately paid to the named executive officers were less than those originally approved by Audax and the amounts that would have been paid to the named executive officers were distributed to other non-executive employees of the Company. Messrs. Hageman, Ralph and van der Salm each received a transaction-based bonus in the amount of $60,000, $150,000 and $140,000, respectively. These transaction-based bonuses were rolled over into equity in TGH. Messrs. Bingham and Alexander did not receive a transaction-based bonus.

 

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Long-Term Incentive Compensation

On July 28, 2010, the board of directors of TGH adopted the Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan (the “Equity Plan”). We believe that the Equity Plan will encourage select members of management to acquire or, in some cases, further develop a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of TGH and the Company and enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and reward qualified individuals for management positions.

Under the Equity Plan, 14,208 shares of TGH’s common stock are available for awards, subject to adjustment for stock dividends and other similar changes in capitalization. As of July 31, 2010, the board of directors of TGH has granted all of the available shares under the Equity Plan as options to purchase shares of TGH common stock. The Equity Plan will be administered by the board of directors of TGH. Under the Equity Plan, the board of directors of TGH designates participants in the plan and determines the exercise price, the number of shares subject to individual awards and the terms and conditions, including the vesting schedule, of each award granted under the Equity Plan. The options generally expire ten years from the date of grant except in certain termination events, in which case the options may expire earlier.

We have the right to repurchase the common stock acquired on exercise of the option for fair market value following termination of the optionee’s employment for death, disability or termination without cause. For all other termination events, we have the right to repurchase the common stock acquired on exercise of the option for the lower of fair market value or the exercise price. Fair market value is determined by the board of directors of TGH in good faith.

The plan terminates in 2020 unless terminated earlier by the board of directors of TGH.

 

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2010 Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the compensation of the named executive officers for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008. The “named executive officers” are our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and our three other most highly compensated executives serving as executive officers as of March 31, 2010.

 

Name and Principal Position

   Fiscal
Year
   Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)(1)
   All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
   Total
($)

Rodney Bingham

   2010    265,608    160,000    47,179    472,787

President and Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President, Western Hemisphere

   2009    231,238    161,000    34,064    426,302
   2008    218,141    150,000    26,926    395,067

George P. Alexander

   2010    220,578    155,000    9,637    385,215

Senior Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere  

   2009    204,664    146,000    8,259    358,923
   2008    196,603    145,000    9,006    350,609

Richard Hageman

   2010    165,567    100,000    8,795    274,362

Senior Vice President, Marketing and   Technology

   2009    165,593    121,000    8,195    294,788
   2008    150,995    125,000    8,230    284,225

David Ralph  

   2010    210,624    155,000    8,221    373,845

Senior Vice President, Finance  

   2009    210,654    151,000    7,321    368,975
   2008    206,562    145,000    8,235    359,797

Rene van der Salm  

   2010    160,536    120,000    7,836    288,372

Senior Vice President, Operations  

   2009    160,568    121,000    7,364    288,932
   2008    123,964    73,500    75    197,539

 

(1) The amounts reported in this column represent discretionary bonuses paid during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011 for Fiscal 2010 performance. Please see “—Elements of Our Compensation Program—Annual Bonuses” for further information regarding the discretionary bonuses paid with respect to Fiscal 2010.
(2) All Other Compensation for each of the named executive officers is comprised of the following amounts:

 

Name

   Year    Company
Contribution
to 401(k) ($)
   Group Life
Insurance
($)
   Company
Apartment(A)
   Company
Provided
Vehicle(A)
   All Other
Compensation
Total ($)

Rodney Bingham

   2010    7,390    2,322    21,535    15,932    47,179

George P. Alexander

   2010    7,376    2,261    —      —      9,637

Richard Hageman

   2010    7,350    1,445    —      —      8,795

David Ralph  

   2010    7,200    1,021    —      —      8,221

Rene van der Salm  

   2010    7,350    486    —      —      7,836

 

(A) Mr. Bingham regularly commutes between our facilities in Houston, Texas and our headquarters in San Marcos, Texas. Included in All Other Compensation for Mr. Bingham for Fiscal 2010 were payments for expenses related to the cost to maintain an apartment for Mr. Bingham when he works at our headquarters and the cost of a Company leased vehicle for commuting between Houston and San Marcos, Texas. We value these benefits based on the actual cost incurred to maintain an apartment for Mr. Bingham in San Marcos, Texas and to provide the Company leased vehicle.

 

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2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

 

     Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards

Name

   Threshold ($)    Target ($)(1)    Maximum ($)

Rodney Bingham

   —      240,393    —  

George P. Alexander

   —      210,343    —  

Richard Hageman

   —      140,229    —  

David Ralph

   —      210,343    —  

Rene van der Salm

   —      200,327    —  

 

(1) As noted above, at the beginning of Fiscal 2010, each named executive officer was eligible for a bonus payment under the Company’s annual bonus plan if certain performance metrics relating to Adjusted EBITDA and strategic operational goals were met. Amounts earned under the annual bonus pool were to be determined as a percentage of Fiscal 2010 Adjusted EBITDA, assuming a minimum level of Adjusted EBITDA was attained. There was no threshold, target or maximum amounts. The amount shown was calculated for Fiscal 2010 based on the formula and actual Fiscal 2010 performance. As discussed above, based on the recommendations of Messrs. Bingham, Alexander and Ralph, Audax approved the termination of the annual bonus plan and, accordingly, no bonuses were awarded based on the annual bonus plan’s payout formula. Instead, Audax approved the grant of discretionary bonuses to each of the named executive officers that were significantly less than what each named executive officer would have been entitled to under the bonus plan described above. Please see “—Elements of Our Compensation Program—Annual Bonuses” for further information regarding the Company’s bonus plan and the decision to award discretionary bonuses in lieu of bonuses payable pursuant to the annual bonus plan formula.

2010 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

Name

   Number of Shares or
Units of Stock That
Have Not Vested (1)(2)
(#)
   Market Value of
Shares or Units of
Stock That Have
Not Vested (3)
($)

Rodney Bingham

   500    —  

George P. Alexander

   500    —  

Richard Hageman

   277    —  

David Ralph  

   277    —  

Rene van der Salm  

   224    —  

 

(1) Amounts reported in this column represent the number of unvested P Units held by each named executive officer as of March 31, 2010.
(2) The P Units vest at a rate of 20% on each anniversary of the grant date. All of the P Units were granted to the named executive officers on February 7, 2008.
(3) Under the P Unit agreements, the P Units did not have any value unless and until a change in control of the Company occurred. Accordingly, the market value of the P Units as of March 31, 2010 was $0 per P Unit.

 

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2010 Stock Vested Table

 

     Stock Awards

Name

   Number of Units
Acquired on
Vesting (1)
(#)
   Value Realized
on Vesting (2)
($)

Rodney Bingham

   167    —  

George P. Alexander

   167    —  

Richard Hageman

   90    —  

David Ralph  

   90    —  

Rene van der Salm  

   76    —  

 

(1) Amounts reported in this column represent the number of each named executive officer’s P Units that vested during Fiscal 2010. The P Units vest at a rate of 20% on each anniversary of the grant date.
(2) Under the P Unit agreements, the P Units did not have any value unless and until a change in control of the Company occurred. Accordingly, the market value of the P Units as of the applicable vesting date was $0 per P Unit.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

During Fiscal 2010, we had no individual employment agreements or change in control agreements with any of our named executive officers. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2010, none of our named executive officers had a contractual right to receive severance or other post-termination benefits from the Company. As noted in this “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” in connection with the purchase of the Company by the Equity Investors, Thermon Holding Corp. entered into individual employment agreements with Messrs. Bingham and Alexander. Please see “—Employment Related Agreements” for a discussion of the material terms of those agreements.

Under the terms of each P Unit award agreement, in the event of a change in control, the holders of the P Units receive distributions from the Company after the holders of the Class A Units have received their capital investment in the Company. After the holders of the Class A Units and Class P Units have received their capital, the holders of the Class A Units and Class P-1 Units receive distributions until two times their capital is returned. Thereafter, the holders of Class A Units and Class P-1 and P-2 Units receive distributions until three times their capital is returned. Thereafter, Class A Units and Class P-1, P-2 and P-3 Units receive distributions until four times their capital is returned. Thereafter, all holders of Units receive distributions. As noted above, under the P Unit agreements, the P Units did not have any value unless and until a change in control of the Company occurred. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2010, the market value of the P Units was $0 per P Unit. As discussed under “The Transactions,” the Company was acquired by the Equity Investors on April 30, 2010. In connection with the Acquisition, each of Messrs. Bingham, Alexander, Hageman, Ralph and van der Salm received proceeds with respect to the vesting of P Units of approximately $1,900,000, $1,900,000, $1,050,000, $1,050,000 and $850,000, respectively.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Thermon Industries, Inc. is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of TGH. The following table shows, as of June 30, 2010, the beneficial ownership of shares of common stock of TGH by (i) each of TGH’s directors and executive officers, (ii) all of TGH’s directors and executive officers as a group, and (iii) each person known to our management to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of TGH’s common stock. As of June 30, 2010, there were 129,222 outstanding shares of TGH’s common stock. Investment funds sponsored by the Equity Sponsors and certain members of management, together with certain former managers, own all of the common stock of TGH.

 

Name

   Shares
Beneficially
Owned (1)
    Percentage of
Total
Outstanding
 

CHS Private Equity V LP

   72,036 (2)    55.75

Thompson Street Capital Partners II, LP

   25,000      19.35

Crown Investment Series LLC—Series 4

   14,750      11.41

Star Investment Series LLC—Series 1

   750      *   

George P. Alexander

   1,984 (3)(4)    1.54

Rodney Bingham

   2,000 (3)    1.55

Richard Hageman

   131 (3)    *   

David P. Ralph

   544 (3)    *   

Rene van der Salm

   816 (3)    *   

James A. Cooper

   25,000 (5)    19.35

Marcus J. George

   72,036 (6)    55.75

Richard E. Goodrich

   —        —     

Daniel J. Hennessy

   72,036 (6)    55.75

Brian P. Simmons

   72,036 (6)    55.75

Charles A. Sorrentino

   —        —     

All executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons)

   102,511 (7)    79.33

 

 * Less than 1% of outstanding common stock of TGH
(1) “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The number and percentage of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each person listed in the table is determined based on the shares of common stock that such person beneficially owned as of June 30, 2010, or that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days thereafter. The number of outstanding shares used as the denominator in calculating the percentage ownership of each person is 129,222 shares of common stock (which is the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2010) plus the number of shares of common stock that such person has the right to acquire as of June 30, 2010, or within 60 days thereafter. Each person has sole voting power and sole investment power over the shares of common stock that the person beneficially owns, unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Includes 36 shares owned by CHS Associates V, an entity related to CHS.
(3) These shares are non-voting shares of Class B common stock of TGH.
(4) Includes 496 shares owned by the Bridget Alexander Trust, which is for the benefit of spouse Bridget Alexander, 496 shares owned by spouse Bridget Alexander, and 496 shares owned by The BA 2008 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, which is for the benefit of George Alexander.
(5) Shares are owned by Thompson Street Capital Partners II, LP, of which Mr. Cooper is a managing partner. Mr. Cooper disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
(6) Shares are owned by CHS Private Equity V LP, of which Mr. George, Mr. Hennessy and Mr. Simmons are partners. Each of Mr. George, Mr. Hennessy and Mr. Simmons disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
(7) Includes shares for which the following directors have disclaimed beneficial ownership: Mr. George, Mr. Hennessy, Mr. Simmons and Mr. Cooper. See footnotes (4) and (5) above.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Securityholder Agreement

An amended and restated securityholder agreement was executed by all owners of TGH stock, which we refer to as the Securityholder Agreement, and become effective upon completion of the Acquisition. The Securityholder Agreement contains, among other things, provisions relating to Parent’s governance, transfer restrictions (including rights of first refusal in favor of the Equity Sponsors), tag-along rights, drag-along rights, preemptive rights, and registration rights. The Securityholder Agreement also provides that Parent’s board of directors shall include a majority of directors designated by CHS, a director designated by Thompson Street Capital Partners (“TSCP”) (so long as TSCP owns shares of Parent), Rodney Bingham and George Alexander (so long as such individual is employed by Parent or any of its subsidiaries and owns shares of Parent), Richard E. Goodrich and Charles A. Sorrentino, as well as a non-voting observer designated by Crown Investment Series LLC (“Crown”). Any related party transaction, including any business combination transaction, involving Parent or its subsidiaries and CHS, or an affiliate of CHS, must be approved by both TSCP and Crown.

Transaction Fee and Management Fee

At the closing of the Acquisition, CHS received an aggregate fee of $5.6 million, plus out of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Acquisition. Upon closing of the Acquisition, we entered into a management services agreement with the Equity Sponsors pursuant to which they have agreed to provide us with management and consulting services and financial and other advisory services. Pursuant to such agreement, the Equity Sponsors will receive an annual management fee of $2 million, in the aggregate, and reimbursement of out of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the provision of such services. A portion of TSCP’s annual management fee (equal to the annual management fee payable for the first two years and three months) was prepaid at the closing of the Acquisition. The management services agreement includes customary indemnification provisions in favor of the Equity Sponsors.

Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons

On July 28, 2010, we adopted a Statement of Policy Regarding Transactions with Related Parties, which requires that each director and executive officer promptly advise the chairman of the audit committee of any Related Person transaction, as defined therein, of which he or she becomes aware in which we are to be a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and the applicable Related Person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, and all material facts with respect thereto. The audit committee (or, if determined by the audit committee as advisable, the disinterested members of our board of directors) shall then consider such Related Person transaction for approval or ratification. No Related Person transaction will be consummated without the approval or ratification of the audit committee or the disinterested members of the board of directors as described above. It will be our policy that no director shall participate in any discussion or approval of a Related Person transaction for which he or she is a Related Person.

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Terms of the Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering Old Notes

Subject to terms and conditions detailed in this prospectus, we will accept for exchange Old Notes which are properly tendered on or prior to the expiration date and not withdrawn as permitted below. As used herein, the term “expiration date” means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010, the 20th business day following the date of this prospectus. We may, however, in our sole discretion, extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. The term “expiration date” means the latest time and date to which the exchange offer is extended.

As of the date of this prospectus, $210.0 million aggregate principal amount of Old Notes are outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first being sent on or about the date hereof, to all holders of Old Notes known to us.

We expressly reserve the right, at any time, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open, and delay acceptance for exchange of any Old Notes, by giving written notice of such extension to the holders thereof as described below. During any such extension, all Old Notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer and may be accepted for exchange by us. Any Old Notes not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without expense to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

Old Notes tendered in the exchange offer must be in denominations of principal amount of $2,000 or larger integral multiples of $1,000.

We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any Old Notes, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.” We will give written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the Old Notes as promptly as practicable. Such notice, in the case of any extension, will be issued by means of a press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

Procedures for Tendering Old Notes

The tender to us of Old Notes by you as set forth below and our acceptance of the Old Notes will constitute a binding agreement between us and you upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal. Except as set forth below, to tender Old Notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, you must transmit a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, including all other documents required by such letter of transmittal or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent’s message in lieu of such letter of transmittal, to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as exchange agent, at the address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent” on or prior to the expiration date. In addition, either:

 

   

certificates for such Old Notes must be received by the exchange agent along with the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer (a “book-entry confirmation”) of such Old Notes, if such procedure is available, into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer must be received by the exchange agent, prior to the expiration date, with the letter of transmittal or an agent’s message in lieu of such letter of transmittal.

The term “agent’s message” means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by the exchange agent and forming a part of a book-entry confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering participant stating that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the letter of transmittal and that we may enforce such letter of transmittal against such participant.

 

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The method of delivery of Old Notes, letters of transmittal and all other required documents is at your election and risk. If such delivery is by mail, it is recommended that you use registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery. No letter of transmittal or Old Notes should be sent to us.

Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed unless the Old Notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

 

   

by a holder of the Old Notes who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal, or

 

   

for the account of an eligible institution (as defined herein).

In the event that signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal are required to be guaranteed, such guarantees must be by a firm which is a member of the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program or the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (each such entity being hereinafter referred to as an “eligible institution”). If Old Notes are registered in the name of a person other than the signer of the letter of transmittal, the Old Notes surrendered for exchange must be endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer or exchange, in satisfactory form as we or the exchange agent determine in our sole discretion, duly executed by the registered holders with the signature thereon guaranteed by an eligible institution.

We or the exchange agent in our sole discretion will make a final and binding determination on all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of Old Notes tendered for exchange. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any particular Old Note not properly tendered or to not accept any particular Old Note which acceptance might, in our judgment or our counsel’s, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities or conditions of the exchange offer as to any particular Old Note either before or after the expiration date (including the right to waive the ineligibility of any holder who seeks to tender Old Notes in the exchange offer). Our or the exchange agent’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer as to any particular Old Note either before or after the expiration date (including the letter of transmittal and the instructions thereto) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes for exchange must be cured within a reasonable period of time, as we determine. We are not, nor is the exchange agent or any other person, under any duty to notify you of any defect or irregularity with respect to your tender of Old Notes for exchange, and no one will be liable for failing to provide such notification.

If the letter of transmittal or any Old Notes or powers of attorney are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by us or the exchange agent, proper evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must be submitted with the letter of transmittal.

By tendering Old Notes, you represent to us that, among other things, the New Notes acquired pursuant to the exchange offer are being obtained in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such New Notes, whether or not such person is the holder, that neither the holder nor such other person has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Notes, and that you are not holding Old Notes that have, or are reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the initial offering. If you are our “affiliate,” as defined under Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and engage in or intend to engage in or have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of such New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the exchange offer, you or any such other person:

 

   

could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC; and

 

   

must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

 

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Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes, where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. See “Plan of Distribution.” The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange; Delivery of New Notes

Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the exchange offer, we will accept, promptly after the expiration date, all Old Notes properly tendered and will issue the New Notes promptly after acceptance of the Old Notes. See “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.” For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have accepted properly tendered Old Notes for exchange if and when we give oral (confirmed in writing) or written notice to the exchange agent.

The holder of each Old Note accepted for exchange will receive a New Note in the amount equal to the surrendered Old Note. Holders of New Notes on the relevant record date for the first interest payment date following the consummation of the exchange offer will receive interest accruing from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the Old Notes. Holders of New Notes will not receive any payment in respect of accrued interest on Old Notes otherwise payable on any interest payment date, the record date for which occurs on or after the consummation of the exchange offer.

In all cases, issuance of New Notes for Old Notes that are accepted for exchange will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of:

 

   

certificates for such Old Notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such Old Notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC,

 

   

a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or an agent’s message in lieu thereof, and

 

   

all other required documents.

If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer or if Old Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, such unaccepted or non-exchanged Old Notes will be returned without expense to the tendering holder or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book entry transfer, such non-exchanged Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

Book-Entry Transfers

For purposes of the exchange offer, the exchange agent will request that an account be established with respect to the Old Notes at DTC within two business days after the date of this prospectus, unless the exchange agent has already established an account with DTC suitable for the exchange offer. Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC may make book-entry delivery of Old Notes by causing DTC to transfer such Old Notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer. Although delivery of Old Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer at DTC, the letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof or an agent’s message in lieu thereof, with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at the address set forth under “—Exchange Agent” on or prior to the expiration date.

 

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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you are a registered holder of Old Notes and you want to tender your Old Notes but your Old Notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit your Old Notes to reach the exchange agent before the expiration date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected if

 

  (1) the tender is made through an eligible institution,

 

  (2) prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, from that eligible institution a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery, substantially in the form provided by us, stating:

 

   

the name and address of the holder of Old Notes,

 

   

the amount of Old Notes tendered,

 

   

the tender is being made by delivering that notice and guaranteeing that within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery, the certificates of all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, will be deposited by that eligible institution with the exchange agent, and

 

  (3) the certificates for all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, are received by the exchange agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery.

Withdrawal Rights

You may withdraw your tender of Old Notes at any time prior to the expiration date. To be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent at one of the addresses set forth under “—Exchange Agent.” This notice must specify:

 

   

the name of the person having tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn,

 

   

the Old Notes to be withdrawn (including the principal amount of such Old Notes), and

 

   

where certificates for Old Notes have been transmitted, and the name in which such Old Notes are registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

If certificates for Old Notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, the withdrawing holder must also submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn and a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution, unless such holder is an eligible institution. If Old Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn Old Notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of DTC.

We or the exchange agent will make a final and binding determination on all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices. Any Old Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any Old Notes tendered for exchange but not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder without cost to such holder (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described above, such Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for the Old Notes as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer). Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under “—Procedures for Tendering Old Notes” above at any time on or prior to the expiration date.

 

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Conditions to the Exchange Offer

Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, we are not required to accept for exchange, or to issue New Notes in exchange for, any Old Notes and may terminate or amend the exchange offer if any of the following events occur prior to acceptance of such Old Notes:

(a) the exchange offer violates any applicable law or applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or

(b) there is threatened, instituted or pending any action or proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree has been issued by, any court or governmental agency or other governmental regulatory or administrative agency or commission,

(1) seeking to restrain or prohibit the making or consummation of the exchange offer or any other transaction contemplated by the exchange offer, or assessing or seeking any damages as a result thereof, or

(2) resulting in a material delay in our ability to accept for exchange or exchange some or all of the Old Notes pursuant to the exchange offer; or

(c) any statute, rule, regulation, order or injunction has been sought, proposed, introduced, enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the exchange offer or any of the transactions contemplated by the exchange offer by any government or governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or any action has been taken, proposed or threatened, by any government, governmental authority, agency or court, domestic or foreign, that in our reasonable judgment might, directly or indirectly, result in any of the consequences referred to in clauses (b)(1) or (b)(2) above or, in our reasonable judgment, might result in the holders of New Notes having obligations with respect to resales and transfers of New Notes which are greater than those described in the interpretation of the SEC referred to elsewhere in this prospectus, or would otherwise make it inadvisable to proceed with the exchange offer; or

(d) there has occurred:

(1) any general suspension of or general limitation on prices for, or trading in, our securities on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market,

(2) any limitation by a governmental agency or authority which may adversely affect our ability to complete the transactions contemplated by the exchange offer,

(3) a declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States or any limitation by any governmental agency or authority which adversely affects the extension of credit, or

(4) a commencement of a war, armed hostilities or other similar international calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or, in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer, a material acceleration or worsening thereof;

which in our reasonable judgment in any case, and regardless of the circumstances (including any action by us) giving rise to any such condition, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the exchange offer and/or with such acceptance for exchange or with such exchange.

The foregoing conditions are for our sole benefit and may be asserted by us regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any condition or may be waived by us in whole or in part at any time in our reasonable discretion. Our failure at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights will not be deemed a waiver of any such right and each such right will be deemed an ongoing right which may be asserted at any time.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any Old Notes tendered, and no New Notes will be issued in exchange for any such Old Notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

 

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Exchange Agent

We have appointed The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. All executed letters of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent at the address set forth below. Questions, requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail, Overnight Delivery after

4:30 p.m. on the Expiration Date :

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

c/o Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Trust Operations

Reorganization Unit

101 Barclay Street—7 East

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Carolle Montreuil

For Information Call:

(212) 815-5920

By Facsimile Transmission

(for Eligible Institutions only):

(212) 298-1915

Confirm by Telephone:

(212) 815-5920

DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF SUCH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

Fees and Expenses

The principal solicitation is being made by mail by The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as exchange agent. We will pay the exchange agent customary fees for its services, reimburse the exchange agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the provision of these services and pay other registration expenses, including fees and expenses of the trustee under the indenture relating to the New Notes, filing fees, blue sky fees and printing and distribution expenses. We will not make any payment to brokers, dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer.

Additional solicitation may be made by telephone, facsimile or in person by our and our affiliates’ officers and regular employees and by persons so engaged by the exchange agent.

Accounting Treatment

We will record the New Notes at the same carrying value as the Old Notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes. The expenses of the exchange offer will be amortized over the term of the New Notes.

 

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Consequences of Exchanging or Failing to Exchange Old Notes

If you do not exchange your Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer, your Old Notes will continue to be subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the notes regarding transfer and exchange of the Old Notes and the restrictions on transfer of the Old Notes described in the legend on your certificates. These transfer restrictions are required because the Old Notes were issued under an exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, the Old Notes may not be offered or sold unless registered under the Securities Act, except under an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not plan to register the Old Notes under the Securities Act. Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the New Notes you receive in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act. However, you will not be able to freely transfer the New Notes if:

 

   

you are our “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act,

 

   

you are not acquiring the New Notes in the exchange offer in the ordinary course of your business,

 

   

you have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution, as defined in the Securities Act, of the New Notes you will receive in the exchange offer,

 

   

you are holding Old Notes that have, or are reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the initial offering, or

 

   

you are a participating broker-dealer.

We do not intend to request the SEC to consider, and the SEC has not considered, the exchange offer in the context of a similar no-action letter. As a result, we cannot guarantee that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the exchange offer as in the circumstances described in the no action letters discussed above. Each holder, other than a broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of New Notes and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a distribution of New Notes. If you are our affiliate, are engaged in or intend to engage in a distribution of the New Notes or have any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the New Notes you will receive in the exchange offer, you may not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction involving the New Notes. If you are a participating broker-dealer, you must acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the New Notes. In addition, to comply with state securities laws, you may not offer or sell the New Notes in any state unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in that state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with. The offer and sale of the New Notes to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A of the Securities Act) is generally exempt from registration or qualification under state securities laws. We do not plan to register or qualify the sale of the New Notes in any state where an exemption from registration or qualification is required and not available.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

The following summary of certain provisions of the instruments evidencing our material indebtedness does not purport to be complete, but it does discuss the provisions that are, in our view, material to investors in the Notes, and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the corresponding agreements, including the definitions of certain terms therein that are not otherwise defined in this prospectus.

Revolving Credit Facility

Overview

The revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) consists of a senior secured revolving credit facility, including a sub facility for letters of credit, providing for loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $40.0 million to TII (the “US Borrower”), with up to $20.0 million of the Revolving Credit Facility (the “Canadian Sub Facility”) being available to TCI (the “Canadian Borrower” and together with the US Borrower, the “Borrowers”). Availability of funds for each Borrower under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Canadian Sub Facility, as applicable, is determined by a borrowing base equal to the sum of 85% of eligible accounts receivable of the relevant Borrower and its subsidiaries, plus 60% of eligible inventory of the relevant Borrower and its subsidiaries, plus 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible equipment of the relevant Borrower and its subsidiaries, plus 50% of the fair market value of eligible owned real property of the relevant Borrower and its subsidiaries. In no case shall availability under the Revolving Credit Facility or the Canadian Sub Facility exceed the commitments thereunder. As of June 30, 2010, we were able to borrow up to $29.9 million (after taking into account borrowings of $2.8 million and letters of credit totaling $0.3 million outstanding as of June 30, 2010) under our Revolving Credit Facility based on our calculation of our borrowing base at that time.

The Revolving Credit Facility was provided by a syndicate of lenders led by General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), and including Bank of Montreal and KeyBank National Association. The following summary is a description of the principal terms of the Revolving Credit Facility and the related documents governing the Revolving Credit Facility (such documents together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Revolving Credit Documentation”).

Maturity; Prepayments

The Revolving Credit Facility will mature in 2015.

Subject to certain exceptions, the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 100% of the net proceeds that exceed certain monetary thresholds of (i) any sale or other disposition of any assets of the Borrowers or their subsidiaries, (ii) any sale or issuances of equity or debt securities of Parent, the Borrowers or any of their subsidiaries and/or other indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by any Borrower or any of their subsidiaries and (iii) insurance proceeds and condemnation awards to the extent not reinvested in the Borrowers’ business; provided, however , that no such prepayments will be required to the extent the multiple of the total indebtedness of Parent and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis results in a leverage ratio (the “Leverage Ratio”) of less than 3.50 to 1.00, as such ratio is defined in the credit agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing and irrespective of the actual Leverage Ratio, each Borrower shall make a prepayment to the extent any asset included in the borrowing base is sold or otherwise disposed of or is the subject of a casualty loss or condemnation event, to the extent such sale, disposition or loss would cause the loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility to exceed the permitted aggregate maximum outstanding balance thereof.

Guarantees; Security

The obligations of the Borrowers are guaranteed by Parent, the holding company that owns all of the capital stock of the US Borrower, and all other direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries of Parent and the US Borrower (the “US Guarantors”). In addition, the direct and indirect Canadian subsidiaries of Parent and the Canadian

 

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Borrower, if any (the “Canadian Guarantors” and together with the US Guarantors, the “Guarantors,” and the Guarantors together with the Borrowers, the “Credit Parties”), guarantee the obligations of the Canadian Borrower. Unless material incremental income tax liability under Section 956 of the Internal Revenue Code results therefrom (a “956 Impact”), the Canadian Guarantors, if any, and the Canadian Borrower will guaranty the obligations of the US Borrower. It is currently anticipated that a 956 Impact would result from such a guaranty by the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Guarantors of the US Borrower’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility. Therefore, no such guaranty is expected.

The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in substantially all existing and after-acquired real and personal property of the Borrowers and the Guarantors, in each case subject to certain exceptions, permitted liens and encumbrances reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. Unless a 956 Impact results therefrom, the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Guarantors, if any, will guaranty the obligations of the US Borrower and will secure such guaranty obligations with substantially all of their assets. It is currently anticipated that such a guaranty and grant of collateral would result in a 956 Impact, and therefore, no such guaranty or grant of collateral by the Canadian Borrower or the Canadian Guarantors, if any, in respect of the US Borrower’s obligations is expected.

Interest; Fees

Borrowings available to the US Borrower under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the US Borrower’s option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the greatest of (a) the interest rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal as the U.S. “Prime Rate”, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 1 /2 of 1% and (c) the sum of the three-month LIBOR rate plus the excess of the LIBOR applicable margin over the base rate applicable margin or (ii) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the greatest of (a) the offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the applicable interest period that appears on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page, (b) the offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for a three-month interest period that appears on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page and (c) 1.50%. The base rate applicable margin will be 2.50% per annum and the LIBOR applicable margin is 3.50% per annum.

Borrowings denominated in Canadian dollars under the Canadian Sub Facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Canadian Borrower’s option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the greater of (a) the interest rate quoted in The Globe and Mail as the Canadian “prime” rate, “chartered bank prime rate” or words of similar description and (b) the BA rate for a 30-day interest period plus 1.35% or (ii) a BA rate determined by reference to the greatest of (a) the average rate quoted on the Reuters Monitor Screen Page CDOR for the applicable interest period, (b) the average rate quoted on the Reuters Monitor Screen Page CDOR for a three-month interest period and (c) the sum of the three-month BA rate plus the excess of the BA rate applicable margin over the base rate applicable margin. The base rate applicable margin is 2.50% per annum and the BA rate applicable margin is 3.50% per annum. Borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars under the Canadian Sub Facility will bear interest at the rate available to the US Borrower, as described above.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Borrowers are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate equal to 0.75% per annum. In addition to customary issuance, amendment and extension fees, the Borrowers are required to pay letter of credit fees equal to the LIBOR margin or the BA Rate, as applicable, on the undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit.

Covenants; Events of Default

The Revolving Credit Documentation contains customary events of default and affirmative, negative and financial reporting covenants, including delivery of annual and monthly financial reports and restrictions on indebtedness, liens and dispositions. The Revolving Credit Documentation also contains a financial covenant that requires compliance with a specified minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which will only be in effect when availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is below specified amounts in relation to the borrowing base.

 

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The affirmative covenants set forth in the Revolving Credit Documentation require each Credit Party thereunder to, among other things, and in each case subject to certain exceptions and qualifications:

 

   

periodically deliver financial statements and comply with other reporting and notice requirements;

 

   

preserve and maintain in full force and effect all governmental rights, privileges, qualifications, permits, licenses and franchises necessary in the normal conduct of its business;

 

   

maintain property, liability and business interruption insurance as well as other insurance of a nature and providing such coverage as is customarily covered by businesses of the size and character of the Credit Parties;

 

   

keep and maintain, and cause each of its subsidiaries to keep and maintain, all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition;

 

   

pay, perform and discharge (as applicable) all taxes, contractual obligations assessments and governmental charges;

 

   

comply with applicable laws;

 

   

enter into control agreements with respect to deposit, securities, commodity or similar accounts maintained by a Credit Party;

 

   

obtain landlord agreement or bailee waivers from the lessor of any property functioning as the corporate headquarters of the Credit Parties and properties containing collateral with a fair market value in excess of US dollar equivalent of $500,000;

 

   

cause any wholly-owned domestic subsidiary and, subject to certain conditions and limitations, any wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of the US Credit Parties to be a guarantor under the Revolving Credit Facility, and cause any collateral acquired after the closing date to be subject to the liens securing the obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility; and

 

   

cause any wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of the Credit Parties to be a guarantor of obligations under the Canadian Sub Facility, and cause any collateral acquired after the closing date to be subject to the liens securing the obligations under the Canadian Sub Facility.

The negative covenants set forth in the Revolving Credit Documentation restrict the ability of each of the Credit Parties thereunder to, among other things, and in each case subject to certain exceptions and qualifications:

 

   

create, incur, assume or suffer to exist contingent obligations, additional indebtedness or liens on their assets;

 

   

sell, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose their assets;

 

   

engage in mergers, acquisitions, consolidations and asset sales;

 

   

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

   

declare, pay or make distributions or dividends;

 

   

make investments or loans or acquire any person or entity;

 

   

enter into any agreements that contain negative pledges;

 

   

cause a change in the organizational structure, name, accounting jurisdiction, or enter into any business that is materially different from those currently conducted by the Credit Parties;

 

   

use the proceeds of the Revolving Credit Facility in contravention of certain requirements of law or in violation of the Revolving Credit Documentation; and

 

   

in the event that availability under the Revolving Credit Facility falls below specified amounts in relation to the borrowing base, permit a specified minimum fixed charge coverage ratio based primarily on a calculation of cash flow to interest expense to be less than 1.10 to 1.00.

 

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The Revolving Credit Facility contains events of default customary for senior secured financings, including cross-defaults to other material indebtedness and certain change of control events. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility may be accelerated and become due and payable immediately and our cash may become restricted.

Other Indebtedness

In addition, our subsidiaries are parties to the following indebtedness arrangements (all US dollar equivalents are presented for the convenience of the reader and are based on exchange rates then in effect on June 30, 2010):

 

   

In May 2005, Thermon Heat Tracers Private Limited entered into a INR 20,000,000 (US $430,000) working capital and financial and performance guarantee facility with ICICI Bank Limited. It was subsequently increased in August 2009 to INR 80,000,000 (US $1,721,000) of which INR 39,695,000 (US $854,000) is in bank guarantees and no loans were outstanding as of June 30, 2010. This facility is secured by receivables, inventory, real estate, a letter of credit and cash. This facility is used to support working capital loans and to obtain bank guarantees.

 

   

In December 2005, Thermon Europe B.V. and Thermon Benelux B.V. entered into a Euro 4,000,000 (US $4,882,000) revolving credit facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (which was transferred from ABN AMRO to New HBU II N.V. on March 24, 2010, with the latter entity subsequently merging with Deutsche Bank Nederland, N.V), under which Euro 1,313,000 (US $1,603,000) is in bank guarantees and no loans were outstanding as of June 30, 2010. This facility is secured by receivables, inventory, equipment, furniture and real estate. This facility is used to support working capital loans and to obtain bank guarantees.

 

   

In April 2006, Thermon Australia Pty. Ltd. entered into a AUD $325,000 (US $278,000) revolving credit facility, including the availability of short term loans and bank guarantees, with National Australia Bank Ltd., under which AUD $12,000 (US $11,000) is in bank guarantees and no loans were outstanding as of June 30, 2010. This facility is secured by real estate and is used to support working capital loans and to obtain bank guarantees.

 

   

In December 2007, Thermon Canada Inc. entered into a CDN $393,328 (US $369,000) standby letter of credit facility with The Toronto-Dominion Bank, of which CDN $369,000 (US $347,000) were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2010. This facility is secured by cash and is used to obtain bank guarantees.

 

   

In August 2009, Thermon Manufacturing Company entered into an open standby letter of credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., of which $621,000 were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2010. This facility is secured by cash and is used to obtain commercial and standby letters of credit and to support foreign exchange contracts.

In addition to the foregoing arrangements, several Thermon entities have obligations with respect to:

 

   

Outstanding performance bonds in the U.S. and South Korea and outstanding customs bonds in India in an aggregate amount equal to approximately $ 4,962,000 as of June 30, 2010;

 

   

Outstanding bank guarantees issued by the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi in Japan and HDFC Bank Ltd in India in an aggregate amount equal to approximately $374,000, as of June 30, 2010; and

 

   

Three outstanding capital leases for equipment in Australia and the Netherlands totaling approximately $114,000 as of June 30, 2010.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES

The Company will issue the New Notes under an indenture (the “ Indenture ”) among itself, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity, the “ Trustee ”) and collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”). The terms of the New Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The New Notes are also entitled to the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below under the caption “—Registered Exchange Offer; Registration Rights.”

Certain defined terms used in this description are defined under the caption “—Certain Definitions.” In this description, the term “ Company ” refers only to Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation, prior to the Merger and to Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation, as the surviving corporation after the Merger, and not to any of their respective Subsidiaries or parent companies. The term “ Parent ” refers only to Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, and not to any of its Subsidiaries.

The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture, the Collateral Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement. It does not restate those agreements in their entirety and we urge you to read them because they, not this description, define your rights as holders of the New Notes. You may request copies of these agreements at our address set forth under the heading “Additional Information.”

General

The New Notes will:

 

   

be senior secured obligations of the Company;

 

   

rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future senior Indebtedness of the Company, including borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement;

 

   

rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated Indebtedness of the Company;

 

   

be secured on a second-priority basis by Liens on substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than the Excluded Collateral, subject to Permitted Liens;

 

   

be effectively junior to the Company’s obligations secured by Permitted Liens, including the Company’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations; and

 

   

be unconditionally Guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis, by the Parent and all of its current and future Domestic Subsidiaries (other than the Company) as set forth below.

Each Guarantee of the New Notes (a “ New Note Guarantee ”) will:

 

   

be a senior secured obligation of the Guarantor;

 

   

rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, including such Guarantor’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement;

 

   

rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor;

 

   

be secured on a second-priority basis by Liens on substantially all of the Guarantor’s assets, other than the Excluded Collateral, subject to Permitted Liens; and

 

   

be effectively junior to such Guarantor’s obligations secured by Permitted Liens, including such Guarantor’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations.

 

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Not all of the Parent’s Subsidiaries will Guarantee the Company’s obligations under the New Notes. Therefore, the New Notes will be effectively subordinated to the existing and future liabilities of the Parent’s non-guarantor Subsidiaries, including trade creditors, secured creditors and other creditors holding debt and Guarantees issued by such non-guarantor Subsidiaries of the Parent, as well as claims of preferred and minority stockholders (if any) of such non-guarantor Subsidiaries. Foreign Subsidiaries and Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not Guarantee the New Notes. See “Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the New Notes—None of our foreign subsidiaries or unrestricted subsidiaries are guarantors with respect to the New Notes, and therefore, any claims you may have in respect of the New Notes are structurally subordinated to the liabilities of those subsidiaries.”

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the Parent’s Subsidiaries that will not be Guarantors contributed approximately 65% of the Parent’s consolidated revenues, and as of December 31, 2009, those Subsidiaries had assets, based on book value, of approximately 64% of the Parent’s consolidated assets.

Subject to certain limitations, the Indenture will permit the Parent, the Company and the Parent’s other Subsidiaries to Incur additional Indebtedness, including secured Indebtedness, in the future.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

 

   

The Company will issue New Notes initially with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $210,000,000.

 

   

The New Notes will mature on May 1, 2017.

 

   

The New Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

   

The New Notes will bear interest at the rate of 9.500% per annum from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from April 30, 2010. The Company will pay interest on the New Notes semi-annually, in arrears, every May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 2010 to holders of record on the immediately preceding April 15 and October 15 (whether or not a business day). Interest on the New Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

The Company will pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the New Notes:

 

   

at the office or agency maintained for that purpose;

 

   

at its option, by check mailed to the holders of the New Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of holders of the New Notes; or

 

   

with respect to New Notes represented by Global New Notes the holders of which have provided the Company with wire transfer instructions, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account or accounts specified.

Until the Company designates another office or agency, its office or agency for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the New Notes will be the corporate trust office of the Trustee, initially located at The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Corporate Trust, 601 Travis Street, 16 th floor, Houston, TX 77002.

Subject to the covenants described below, the Company may, without the consent of the holders of the New Notes, issue additional New Notes (“ Additional New Notes ”) under the Indenture having the same terms in all respects as the New Notes, or similar in all respects to the New Notes except for the payment of interest on the New Notes (1) scheduled and paid prior to the date of issuance of those Additional New Notes or (2) payable on the first interest payment date following that date of issuance. The New Notes offered hereby and any Additional New Notes would be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including waivers,

 

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amendments, redemptions, offers to purchase and with respect to the New Note Guarantees. Any Additional New Notes issued after this exchange offer will be secured by the Collateral, equally and ratably, with the New Notes. As a result, the issuance of Additional New Notes will have the effect of diluting the security interest of the Collateral for the then outstanding New Notes. Because, however, any Additional New Notes may not be fungible with the New Notes for federal income tax purposes, they may have a different CUSIP number or numbers and may be represented by a different global note or notes. Unless the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of the Indenture and this “Description of the New Notes,” references to “New Notes” include any Additional New Notes actually issued, as well as the Exchange New Notes referred to below under the caption “—Registered Exchange Offer; Registration Rights.”

New Note Guarantees

The New Notes will be fully and unconditionally Guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Guarantors. The Indenture limits Indebtedness and other Guarantees that may be Incurred by the Guarantors.

The obligations of each Guarantor under its New Note Guarantee will be limited in a manner intended to prevent such Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the New Notes—Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the New Notes and the guarantees, subordinate claims in respect of the New Notes and the guarantees and require noteholders to return payments received and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the New Notes.”

The New Note Guarantee of a Guarantor and its obligations under the Indenture Documents will be released:

(1) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Parent or a Guarantor of the Parent, if the sale or other disposition complies with the “Asset Sale” provisions of the Indenture;

(2) in connection with any sale, issuance or other disposition of Capital Stock of that Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent, if the sale, issuance or other disposition complies with the “Asset Sale” provisions of the Indenture and the Guarantor ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent as a result of such sale, issuance or other disposition;

(3) if the Parent designates any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(4) in the event that such Guarantor was required to become a Guarantor under the provisions of the covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—Additional New Note Guarantees” by virtue of clause (ii) thereof, at such time as such Guarantor shall cease to Guarantee any Indebtedness of the Company or any other Guarantor; or

(5) upon legal defeasance, covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture as provided below under the captions “—Defeasance” and “—Satisfaction and Discharge.”

Security

Collateral Documents

Pursuant to one or more Collateral Documents to be entered into by the Company and the Guarantors in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the holders of New Notes (collectively, the “ New Notes Secured Parties ”), the New Notes, the New Note Guarantees and all other Indenture Obligations will be secured by a Lien on substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the Company and the Guarantors, except as described below.

 

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Among other things, the Collateral does not include:

(1) the voting Capital Stock of any CFC in excess of 65% of all of the outstanding voting Capital Stock of such CFC;

(2) motor vehicles covered by certificates of title or ownership to the extent that a security interest cannot be perfected solely by filing a UCC-1 financing statement (or similar instrument);

(3) rights under any contracts that contain a valid and enforceable prohibition on assignment of such rights (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity), but only for so long as such prohibition exists and is effective and valid;

(4) property and assets owned by the Company or any Guarantor that are the subject of Permitted Liens described in clause (7) of the definition thereof for so long as such Permitted Liens are in effect and the Indebtedness secured thereby otherwise prohibits any other Liens thereon;

(5) deposit accounts of the Company or any Guarantor exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments;

(6) any Capital Stock or other securities of the Parent’s Subsidiaries to the extent that the pledge of such securities results in the Parent being required to file separate financial statements of such Subsidiary with the SEC, but only to the extent necessary for the Parent not to be subject to such requirement and only for so long as such requirement is in existence; provided that neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action in the form of a reorganization, merger or other restructuring a principal purpose of which is to provide for the release of the Lien on any securities pursuant to this clause; and

(7) leasehold interests in real property with respect to which the Company or any Guarantor is a tenant or subtenant

(such excluded assets collectively referred to in this description as the “ Excluded Collateral ”).

The First Priority Claims, including Obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement, will also be secured by a Lien on substantially all assets of the Company and the Guarantors, which security interest will be contractually senior to the security interest thereon that secures the New Notes and the New Note Guarantees pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement. As a result, the New Notes will be effectively subordinated to these Obligations to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the First Priority Claims.

No appraisals of any Collateral have been prepared in connection with the offering of the New Notes. The value of the Collateral at any time will depend on market and other economic conditions, including the availability of suitable buyers for the Collateral. In the event of a foreclosure, liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, no assurance can be given that the proceeds from any sale or liquidation of the Collateral will be sufficient to pay any of the Company’s Obligations under the New Notes or any of the New Note Guarantees, in full or at all, after first satisfying the Company’s Obligations in full under First Priority Claims.

The right of the Collateral Agent to repossess and dispose or otherwise exercise remedies in respect of the Collateral upon the occurrence of an Event of Default is likely to be significantly impaired by applicable bankruptcy law if a bankruptcy proceeding were to be commenced by or against the Company or any Guarantor prior to the Collateral Agent having repossessed and disposed of the Collateral or otherwise completed the exercise of its remedies with respect to the Collateral. Under Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”), a secured creditor such as the Collateral Agent is prohibited from repossessing its security from a debtor in a bankruptcy case, or from disposing of security repossessed from such debtor, without bankruptcy court approval. Moreover, the Bankruptcy Code permits the debtor to continue to retain and to use collateral even though the debtor is in default under the applicable debt instruments; provided

 

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that, under the Bankruptcy Code, the secured creditor is given “adequate protection.” The meaning of the term “adequate protection” may vary according to circumstances, but it is intended in general to protect the value of the secured creditor’s interest in the collateral securing the obligations owed to it and may include cash payments or the granting of additional security, if and at such times as the bankruptcy court in its discretion determines, for any diminution in the value of such collateral as a result of the stay of repossession or disposition or any use of the collateral by the debtor during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. In view of the lack of a precise definition of the term “adequate protection” and the broad discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court, it is impossible to predict how long payments under the New Notes or the New Note Guarantees could be delayed following commencement of a bankruptcy case, whether or when the Collateral Agent could repossess or dispose of the Collateral or whether or to what extent holders of New Notes would be compensated for any delay in payment or loss of value of the Collateral through the requirement of “adequate protection.”

Moreover, the Collateral Agent may need to evaluate the impact of the potential liabilities before determining to foreclose on Collateral consisting of real property because a secured creditor that holds a lien on real property may be held liable under environmental laws for the costs of remediating or preventing release or threatened releases of hazardous substances at such real property. Consequently, the Collateral Agent may decline to foreclose on such Collateral or exercise remedies available if it does not receive indemnification to its satisfaction from the holders of New Notes.

In addition, because a portion of the Collateral consists of pledges of a portion of the Capital Stock of certain of Parent’s Foreign Subsidiaries (and neither the Company nor the Guarantors will be required to follow any local law requirements to ensure the perfection of any such pledge) but rather, will only be required to take such steps as may be necessary under New York law to perfect any such pledge, the validity of those pledges under applicable foreign law, and the ability of the holders to realize upon that Collateral under applicable foreign law, to the extent applicable, may be limited or not recognized by such law, which limitations or non-recognition may or may not affect such Liens.

The Collateral Agent’s ability to foreclose on the Collateral may be subject to lack of perfection, the consent of third parties, prior liens and practical problems associated with the realization of the Collateral Agent’s Lien on the Collateral.

Certain security interests in the Collateral may not be perfected on the date of the Indenture. For example, some of the instruments and other documents, such as Mortgages and account control agreements, required to perfect a security interest may not be delivered and/or, if applicable, recorded on or prior to such date. To the extent any such security interest cannot be perfected by such date, the Company and the Guarantors will agree to use their commercially reasonable efforts to do or cause to be done all acts and things that may be required, including obtaining any required consents from third parties, to have all security interests in the Collateral duly created and enforceable and perfected, to the extent required by the Collateral Documents, promptly following the date of the Indenture. For so long as, and to the extent these Liens remain unperfected, holders of the New Notes may not be able to collect the full value of the security interest in such Collateral if their position as secured creditors is challenged by another party.

Intercreditor Agreement

The Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and as Administrative Agent, the Trustee and the holders of New Notes (collectively the “ Second Lien Creditors ”), and the First Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and as First Lien Collateral Agent, and the lenders under the Revolving Credit Agreement (the “ First Lien Lenders ,” and together with the First Priority Agent, the “ First Lien Creditors, ” and together with the Second Lien Creditors, the “ Secured Creditors ”), and the Company and the Guarantors entered into the Intercreditor Agreement. By their acceptance of the New Notes, the holders of New Notes are deemed to have authorized the Collateral Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement with the First Priority Agent, which, among other things, provide for the following:

Lien Priorities . Irrespective of the order or time of attachment, or the order, time or manner of perfection, or the order or time of filing or recordation of any document or instrument, or other method of perfecting a Lien in

 

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favor of each Secured Creditor in any Collateral, and notwithstanding any conflicting terms or conditions which may be contained in any of the Indenture Documents or the documents relating to First Priority Claims (the “ First Lien Documents ”), the Liens of the First Priority Agent on the Collateral will be senior and prior in right to the Liens of the Collateral Agent on the Collateral, and such Liens of the Collateral Agent on the Collateral will be junior and subordinate to the Liens of the First Priority Agent. The priorities of the Liens shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, modification, supplement, extension, renewal, restatement, replacement or refinancing of any of the First Priority Claims, nor by any action or inaction which any of the Secured Creditors may take or fail to take in respect of the Collateral, not inconsistent with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

Perfection; Prohibition on Contesting Liens . Each Secured Creditor shall be solely responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of its Lien in the Collateral in which such Secured Creditor has been granted a Lien. Each Secured Creditor will agree that it will not institute or join in any contest of the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Liens of the other Secured Creditor in the Collateral or the enforceability of the First Priority Claims or the Indenture Obligations.

Proceeds of Collateral. Any Collateral or proceeds thereof received by any Second Lien Creditor including, without limitation, any such Collateral constituting proceeds, or any distribution in respect thereof, that may be received by any Second Lien Creditor (a) in connection with any enforcement action (including any right of setoff) with respect to the Collateral, (b) in connection with any insurance policy claim or any condemnation award (or deed in lieu of condemnation) with respect to the Collateral (other than payments made in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents as in effect on the date of the Indenture (or on terms no less favorable to the First Lien Creditors and the Company than those in effect on the date of the Indenture)), (c) from the collection or other disposition of, or realization on, the Collateral, whether or not pursuant to an insolvency proceeding (other than payments made in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents as in effect on the date of the Indenture (or on terms no less favorable to the First Lien Lenders and the Company than those in effect on the date of the Indenture)) or (d) in violation of the Intercreditor Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust and promptly paid over to the First Priority Agent, for the benefit of the First Lien Creditors, in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, for payment of the First Priority Claims and each Second Lien Creditor authorizes the First Priority Agent to make any such endorsements as agent for the Collateral Agent (which authorization, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable). All Collateral and proceeds thereof received by any First Lien Creditor prior to the date all First Priority Claims are paid in full (the “ First Lien Termination Date ”) shall be applied to the First Priority Claims, and all Collateral and all proceeds thereof received from and after the First Lien Termination Date shall be forthwith paid over, in the kind or funds and currency received with any necessary endorsements, to the Second Lien Creditors for application to the Indenture Obligations (unless otherwise required by law or court order).

Enforcement of Security; Standstill . The First Lien Creditors shall have the exclusive right to manage, perform and enforce the terms of the First Lien Documents with respect to the Collateral, to exercise and enforce all privileges and rights thereunder according to their sole discretion and the exercise of their sole business judgment, including the exclusive right to take or retake control or possession of the Collateral and to hold, prepare for sale, process, dispose of, or liquidate the Collateral and to incur expenses in connection with such disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction against the Collateral. Notwithstanding any rights or remedies available to a Second Lien Creditor under any of the Indenture Documents, applicable law or otherwise, no Second Lien Creditor shall take any enforcement action; provided that, upon the expiration of the period commencing on the date of a Second Lien Default (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) and ending upon the date which is the earlier of (a) 180 days after the First Priority Agent has received notice with respect to such Event of Default and (b) the date on which the First Priority Claims have been paid in full (such period, the “ Standstill Period ”); provided that in the event that as of any day during such 180 days, no Event of Default is continuing, then the Standstill Period shall be deemed not to have commenced, the Second Lien Creditors may take any enforcement action (provided that they give the First Priority Agent at least 5 business days written notice prior to taking such enforcement action,

 

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which notice may be given during the pendency of the applicable Standstill Period) against the Collateral; provided, however , that notwithstanding the expiration of the Standstill Period or anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall any Second Lien Creditor exercise or continue to exercise any enforcement action against the Collateral (other than to consummate a disposition theretofore agreed to) if the First Priority Agent or any other First Lien Creditor shall have commenced and is diligently pursuing an enforcement action with respect to a material portion of the Collateral, or diligently attempting in good faith to vacate any stay prohibiting an enforcement action with respect to all or any material portion of the Collateral or diligently attempting in good faith to vacate any stay prohibiting an enforcement action.

Purchase Option. Upon the occurrence of (a) the acceleration of all or any portion of the First Priority Claims, (b) the commencement by any First Lien Creditor of any enforcement action on any material portion of the Collateral (other than to exercise control over, or to sweep funds held in, any deposit or securities account), (c) a default in any payment of principal or interest on First Priority Claims which remains uncured or unwaived for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or (d) the commencement of any insolvency proceeding (each a “ Purchase Triggering Event ”), the Second Lien Creditors shall have the option to purchase all, but not less than all, of the First Priority Claims from the First Lien Creditors, and assume all, but not less than all, of the then (if any) existing funding commitments under the First Lien Documents which, if funded, would constitute First Priority Claims, by giving a written notice (the “ Purchase Notice ”) to the First Priority Agent no later than the 10th business day after receipt by the Collateral Agent of a written notice from First Priority Agent of the occurrence of a Purchase Triggering Event (an “ Agent’s Notice ”). A Purchase Notice once delivered shall be irrevocable.

On the date specified by the Collateral Agent in the Purchase Notice (which shall not be less than three business days nor more than 10 business days, after the receipt by the First Priority Agent of the Purchase Notice), the First Lien Creditors shall sell to the Second Lien Creditors, and the Second Lien Creditors shall purchase from the First Lien Creditors, all, but not less than all, of the First Priority Claims, and the First Lien Creditors shall assign to the purchasing Second Lien Creditors, and the purchasing Second Lien Creditors shall assume from the First Lien Creditors all, but not less than all, of the then (if any) existing funding commitments under the First Lien Documents which, if funded, would constitute First Priority Claims.

Upon the date of such purchase and sale, the Second Lien Creditors purchasing the First Priority Claims shall (a) pay to the First Priority Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Creditors as the purchase price therefor the sum of the full amount of all the First Priority Claims then outstanding and unpaid (including principal, interest, fees, indemnities and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses and hedging obligations), (b) furnish cash collateral to the First Priority Agent with respect to the outstanding letter of credit obligations in such amounts as are required under the Revolving Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and (c) agree to reimburse the First Lien Creditors for any loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) in connection with any checks or other payments provisionally credited to the First Priority Claims, and/or as to which the First Lien Creditors have not yet received final payment.

Such purchase and sale shall be expressly made without representation or warranty of any kind by the First Lien Creditors as to the First Priority Claims or otherwise and without recourse to the First Lien Creditors, except for representations and warranties as to the following: (a) the amount of the First Priority Claims being purchased (including as to the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on such First Priority Claims, fees and expenses thereof), (b) that the First Lien Creditors own the First Priority Claims free and clear of any Liens and (c) each First Lien Creditor has the full right and power to assign its First Priority Claims and such assignment has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action by such First Lien Creditor.

As soon as practicable after receipt of the Agent’s Notice, but in no event more than 10 business days after the Collateral Agent’s receipt of the Agent’s Notice, the Second Lien Creditors (if they elect to do so) shall send to the First Priority Agent the Purchase Notice. The First Lien Creditors shall not complete any enforcement action (other than the exercise of control over, or to sweep funds held in, any deposit or securities accounts), as long as

 

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the purchase and sale of the First Priority Claims provided for above shall have closed within 10 business days of the First Priority Agent’s receipt of the Purchase Notice and the First Lien Creditors shall have received payment in full of the First Priority Claims as provided above within such 10 business day period.

Bankruptcy Financing and Other Matters . If Parent or any of the Guarantors (an “ Obligor ”) shall become subject to insolvency proceedings and such Obligor or Obligors as debtor(s)-in-possession (or a trustee appointed on behalf of such Obligor or Obligors) shall move for either approval of financing (“ DIP Financing ”) to be provided by one or more of the First Lien Creditors (or to be provided by any other person or group of persons with the consent of the First Priority Agent) under Section 364 of Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended, and codified as 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq. (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”) or the use of cash collateral with the consent of the First Lien Creditors under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, then subject to the next paragraph, the Second Lien Creditors agree as follows: (i) adequate notice to the Second Lien Creditors for such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral shall be deemed to have been given to the Second Lien Creditors if notice is given, in accordance with the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, to the Collateral Agent at least one business day in advance of the hearing to approve such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral on an interim basis, and to the Collateral Agent at least 15 days in advance of the hearing to approve such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral on a final basis, (ii) such DIP Financing (and any First Priority Claims which arose prior to the insolvency proceeding) may be secured by Liens on all or a part of the assets of the Obligors which shall be superior in priority to the Liens on the assets of the Obligors held by any other Person, (iii) so long as (I) the aggregate principal amount of loans and letter of credit accommodations outstanding under any such DIP Financing, together with the outstanding principal amount of the pre-petition First Priority Claims, does not exceed the greater of (a) $50.0 million minus the aggregate amount of all proceeds of asset sales that are applied to permanently repay the principal amount of loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement and, in the case of any such repayment of revolving loans, effect a corresponding and permanent reduction of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Agreement and (b) the principal amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Company in reliance on clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Debt, (II) such cash collateral or DIP Financing is on commercially reasonable terms, (III) the Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Creditors retain the right to object to any ancillary agreements or arrangements regarding the use of cash collateral or the DIP Financing (other than relief available under Sections 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code to which the Collateral Agent and the other Second Lien Creditors have agreed to not object as set forth in this paragraph or the next paragraph, to the extent that such agreements or arrangements are in the judgment of the Collateral Agent or the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes materially adverse to their interests, (IV) the DIP Financing does not compel any Obligor to seek confirmation of a specific plan of reorganization for which all or substantially all of the material terms are set forth in the DIP Financing documentation or a related document, and (V) the indebtedness under the DIP Financing (other than such indebtedness constituting First Priority Claims) is not secured by any Lien or any asset or property of any Obligor on a basis that is senior to the Liens securing the Indenture Obligations unless such Liens are senior to the Liens securing the First Priority Claims, the Second Lien Creditors will not request or accept adequate protection or any other relief in connection with the use of, or object to, such cash collateral or such DIP Financing except as set forth in the next paragraph, (iv) the Second Lien Creditors will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) the Liens securing the Indenture Obligations (A) to the Liens securing such DIP Financing (the “ DIP Liens ”) on the same terms (but on a basis junior to the Liens of the First Lien Creditors) as the Liens of the First Lien Creditors are subordinated thereto (and such subordination will not alter in any manner the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement), (B) to any “replacement Liens” granted to the First Lien Creditors as adequate protection of their interests in the Collateral (the “ Senior Adequate Protection Liens ”) and (C) to any reasonable “carve-out” agreed to by the First Priority Agent or the other First Lien Creditors and (v) subject to the next paragraph and the provisions above in this paragraph, the Second Lien Creditors shall not contest or oppose in any manner any adequate protection provided to the First Lien Creditors as adequate protection of their interests in the Collateral, any DIP Financing or any cash collateral use and shall be deemed to have waived any objections to such adequate protection, DIP Financing or cash collateral use, including, without limitation, any objection alleging Obligors’ failure to provide “adequate protection” of the interests of the Second Lien Creditors in the Collateral.

 

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Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, in any insolvency proceeding, if the First Lien Creditors (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection in the form of Senior Adequate Protection Liens, the Second Lien Creditors may seek (and the First Lien Creditors may not oppose) adequate protection of their interests in the Collateral in the form of (i) a replacement Lien on the additional collateral subject to the Senior Adequate Protection Liens (the “ Junior Adequate Protection Liens ”), which Junior Adequate Protection Liens, if granted, will be subordinate to all Liens securing the First Priority Claims (including, without limitation, the Senior Adequate Protection Liens and any reasonable “carve-out” agreed to by the First Priority Agent or the other First Lien Creditors) and any Liens securing the DIP Financing on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Indenture Obligations are so subordinated under the Intercreditor Agreement (provided that any failure of the Second Lien Creditors to obtain such Junior Adequate Protection Liens shall not impair or otherwise affect the agreements, undertakings and consents of the Second Lien Creditors pursuant to the preceding paragraph) and (ii) superpriority claims under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code junior in all respects to the superpriority claims granted under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to the First Lien Creditors on account of any of the First Priority Claims or granted under Section 364(c)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the DIP Financing or use of cash collateral as provided above; provided that the inability of the Second Lien Creditors to receive a Lien on actions under Chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code or proceeds thereof shall not affect the agreements and waivers set forth in this section. To the extent that the First Lien Creditors are receiving post-petition interest and/or adequate protection payments in any insolvency proceeding, the Second Lien Creditors may seek comparable post-petition interest and/or adequate protection payments in any such insolvency proceeding without any requirement to turn the same over to the First Lien Creditors, and the First Lien Creditors may oppose motions for post petition interest and/or adequate protection payments (but, if granted, may not oppose such payments).

The Second Lien Creditors agree that they will not object to or oppose a disposition of any Collateral securing the First Priority Claims (or any portion thereof) free and clear of Liens or other claims under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, if the First Lien Creditors have consented to such or disposition of such assets, as long as all proceeds of such disposition received by the First Lien Creditors on account of the First Priority Claims will be applied in reduction of the First Priority Claims and, subject to the above, the Liens of the Second Lien Creditors attach to any proceeds of such disposition; provided that the Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Creditors, may raise any objections to any such disposition of such Collateral that could be raised by any creditor of the Obligors whose claims were not secured by any Liens on such Collateral, provided such objections are not inconsistent with any other term or provision of the Intercreditor Agreement and are not based on the status of the Collateral Agent or the Second Lien Creditors as secured creditors (without limiting the foregoing, neither the Collateral Agent nor the Second Lien Creditors may raise any objections based on rights afforded by Sections 363(e) and (f) of the Bankruptcy Code to secured creditors (or by any comparable provision of any Bankruptcy Law)) with respect to the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Creditors waive any claim they may now or hereafter have arising out of the First Lien Creditors’ election in any proceeding instituted under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Creditors agree not to initiate or prosecute or join with any other Person to initiate or prosecute any claim, action or other proceeding (i) challenging the enforceability of the First Lien Creditors’ claims as fully secured claims with respect to all or part of the First Priority Claims or for allowance of any First Priority Claims (including those consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses) or opposing any action by the First Priority Agent or the First Lien Creditors to enforce their rights or remedies arising under the First Lien Documents in a manner which is not prohibited by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) challenging the enforceability, validity, priority or perfected status of any Liens on assets securing the First Priority Claims under the First Lien Documents, (iii) asserting any claims which the Obligors may hold with respect to the First Lien Creditors, (iv) seeking to lift the automatic stay as against the Collateral unless, subject to the provisions of “—Proceeds of Collateral” above, their motion for adequate protection permitted to be made pursuant to this section has been denied by the bankruptcy court having jurisdiction over the insolvency proceeding, to the extent that such action is opposed by the First Priority Agent or (v) opposing a motion by the First Priority Agent to lift the automatic stay. The First Lien Creditors agree not to initiate or prosecute or join with any person to initiate or prosecute any claim, action or other proceeding

 

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challenging the enforceability, validity, priority or perfected status of any Liens on assets securing the Indenture Obligations under the Second Lien Documents.

To the extent that the First Lien Creditors receive payments on the First Priority Claims or proceeds of Collateral for application to the First Priority Claims which are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any Bankruptcy Law, common law, equitable cause or otherwise (and whether as a result of any demand, settlement, litigation or otherwise) (each a “ First Lien Avoidance ”), then to the extent of such payment or proceeds received, such Obligations, or part thereof, intended to be satisfied by such payment or proceeds shall be revived and continue in full force and effect as if such payments or proceeds had not been received by the First Lien Creditors, and the Intercreditor Agreement, if theretofore terminated, shall be reinstated in full force and effect as of the date of such First Lien Avoidance, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the Lien priorities and the relative rights and obligations of the First Lien Creditors and the Second Lien Creditors provided for herein with respect to any event occurring on or after the date of such First Lien Avoidance. The Second Lien Creditors agree that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any First Lien Avoidance, whether by preference or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such First Lien Avoidance otherwise allocable to them shall, to the extent resulting from proceeds of Collateral, instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.

In the event of any insolvency proceeding involving one or more Obligors, all proceeds of Collateral shall be paid or delivered directly to First Priority Agent (to be held and/or applied by the First Priority Agent in accordance with the terms of the First Lien Documents) until all First Priority Claims are paid in full before any of the same shall be made to one or more of the Second Lien Creditors on account of any Indenture Obligations, and each Second Lien Creditor irrevocably authorizes, empowers and directs any debtor, debtor in possession, receiver, trustee, liquidator, custodian, conservator or other Person having authority, to pay or otherwise deliver all such distributions in respect of any Indenture Obligations to the First Priority Agent until all First Priority Claims are paid in full; provided that the foregoing provision shall not apply to distributions made in respect of the Indenture Obligations pursuant to a plan of reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code.

If, in any insolvency proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, both on account of First Priority Claims and on account of Indenture Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Priority Claims and on account of the Indenture Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.

Release of Liens

The Company and the Guarantors will be entitled to releases of assets included in the Collateral from the Liens securing Indenture Obligations under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) in connection with asset dispositions permitted or not prohibited under the covenant described below under “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales;”

(2) if any Guarantor is released from its New Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (including by virtue of such Guarantor ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary), that Guarantor’s assets will also be released from the Liens securing its New Note Guarantee and the other Indenture Obligations; or

(3) if required in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document.

 

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The Liens on the Collateral that secures the Indenture Obligations also will be released:

(1) upon legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture as described below under the captions “—Defeasance” and “—Satisfaction and Discharge;” or

(2) with the consent of the holders of the requisite percentage of New Notes in accordance with the provisions described below under the caption “—Amendment, Supplement and Waiver.”

Optional Redemption

Except as set forth below, the Company will not be entitled to redeem the New Notes at its option prior to May 1, 2014.

Optional Redemption prior to May 1, 2013 . At any time and from time to time during any period consisting of 12 consecutive months ending on the day immediately preceding the first, second or third anniversary of the date of the Indenture, the Company, at its option, may redeem a portion of the New Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of the New Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date); provided , that the maximum aggregate principal amount of the New Notes that may be redeemed during any such 12 consecutive month period shall not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of New Notes originally issued under the Indenture on the date of the Indenture.

Optional Redemption on or after May 1, 2014 . At any time and from time to time on and after May 1, 2014, the Company, at its option, may redeem the New Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of the New Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1 of each of the years set forth below.

 

Year

   Percentage  

2014

   104.750

2015

   102.375

2016 and thereafter

   100.000

Optional Redemption with Proceeds of Certain Equity Offerings . At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2013, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, the Company, at its option, may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes (including any Additional New Notes) originally issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 109.500% of the principal amount of the New Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of the New Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date) if:

 

   

such redemption is made with the proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings;

 

   

at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes (including any Additional New Notes) originally issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding New Notes held by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries); and

 

   

the redemption occurs within 90 days of the closing of such Equity Offering.

Optional Redemption at Make-Whole Price . At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2014, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, the Company, at its option, may redeem the New Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes, plus the

 

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Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of the New Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date).

Applicable Premium ” means with respect to a New Note at any redemption date, the greater of (i) 1.00% of the then outstanding principal amount of such New Note and (ii) the excess of (A) the present value at such redemption date of (1) the redemption price of such New Note on May 1, 2014 (such redemption price being described in the second paragraph in this “—Optional Redemption” section exclusive of any accrued interest) plus (2) all required remaining scheduled interest payments due on such New Note through May 1, 2014 (but excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 0.50%, over (B) the then outstanding principal amount of such New Note.

Treasury Rate ” means, at any redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of constant maturity United States Treasury securities (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H. 15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two business days prior to such redemption date (or, if such statistical release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2014; provided, however , that if no published maturity exactly corresponds with such date, then the Treasury Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated on a straight-line basis from the arithmetic mean of the yields for the next shortest and next longest published maturities; provided further, however , that if the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2014, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases

Except as described below under the captions “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and “—Asset Sales,” the Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments or offers to purchase with respect to the New Notes. The Parent, the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Parent may at any time and from time to time purchase New Notes in the open market, pursuant to tender or exchange offers, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

Selection and Notice

If less than all of the New Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select the New Notes for redemption as follows:

 

   

if the New Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the New Notes are listed; or

 

   

if the New Notes are not listed on any national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.

No New Notes of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of New Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.

If any New Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such New Note shall state the portion of the principal amount of that New Note to be redeemed. A new New Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original New Note will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original New Note. On and after the redemption date, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the principal amount of the New Notes or portions of New Notes called for redemption and for which funds have been set aside for payment.

 

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Repurchase at the Option of Holders

Change of Control

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Company has mailed a redemption notice to the holders thereof with respect to all of the outstanding New Notes as described above under “—Optional Redemption” at any time prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, each holder of New Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such holder’s New Notes pursuant to the offer described below at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, unless the Company has mailed a redemption notice with respect to all of the outstanding New Notes to the holders thereof as described under “Optional Redemption” at any time prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will mail a notice to each holder with a copy to the Trustee (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) stating:

 

   

that a Change of Control has occurred and that such holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such holder’s New Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of the New Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the Change of Control Payment Date);

 

   

the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control;

 

   

the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed); and

 

   

the instructions, as determined by the Company, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a holder must follow in order to have its New Notes purchased.

The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (i) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all New Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (ii) a notice with respect to the redemption of all New Notes has been given pursuant to “Optional Redemption” as described above at any time prior to the Change of Control Payment Date and the New Notes are redeemed in accordance with such notice.

A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, and conditioned upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making the Change of Control Offer.

On a date that is, subject to any contrary requirement of applicable law, at least 30 but no more than 60 days from the date on which the Company mails notice of the Change of Control (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”), the Company will, to the extent lawful:

 

   

accept for payment all New Notes or portions thereof validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;

 

   

deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all New Notes or portions thereof so tendered and not withdrawn; and

 

   

deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the New Notes so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of New Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Company.

The paying agent will promptly mail to each holder of New Notes so accepted the Change of Control Payment for such New Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each holder a new New Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the New Notes

 

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surrendered, if any; provided that each such new New Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Company will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

The Change of Control purchase feature of the New Notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of the Parent or the Company and thus the removal of incumbent management. Neither the Parent nor the Company currently intends to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is likely that either the Parent or the Company could decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations discussed below, either the Parent or the Company could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of Indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect its capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on the Parent’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ ability to Incur additional Indebtedness are contained in the covenants described below under the captions “—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” “—Liens” and “—Sale and Leaseback Transactions.” Such restrictions can only be waived with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture will not contain any covenants or provisions that may afford holders of the New Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

The definition of “Change of Control” includes a phrase relating to the sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of “all or substantially all” of the assets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of New Notes to require the Company to repurchase such New Notes as a result of a sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of less than all of the assets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another Person may be uncertain.

The provisions under the Indenture relative to our obligation to make a Change of Control Offer to repurchase the New Notes as a result of a Change of Control may be waived or modified, with respect to the New Notes, with the written consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes, except that, after the obligation has arisen to make or consummate a Change of Control Offer, amendment, change or modification in any material respect of our obligation to make and complete such Change of Control Offer requires the consent of each holder of New Notes affected.

Asset Sales

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any Asset Sale (except with respect to an Event of Loss) unless:

 

   

the Parent (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

 

   

at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents;

provided that the amount of:

 

   

any liabilities (as shown on the Parent’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet) of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the New Notes or any New Note Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation or assignment and assumption agreement releasing the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary from further liability; and

 

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any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received in that conversion) within 120 days following the consummation of such Asset Sale,

will be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision.

Within 360 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary may apply such Net Proceeds at its option:

 

   

to permanently reduce Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto);

 

   

with respect to Asset Sales of assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, to permanently reduce Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent or another Subsidiary of the Parent;

 

   

to acquire the Capital Stock of a Person engaged in a Similar Business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent;

 

   

to acquire other assets that are not classified as current assets under GAAP and that are used or useful in a Similar Business and/or to make expenditures for maintenance, repair or improvement of existing properties and assets; or

 

   

any combination of the foregoing.

Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the Indenture.

Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested (by election or as a result of the passage of time) as provided in the first sentence of the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $5.0 million, within 10 business days thereof, the Company will be required to make an offer (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”) to all holders of New Notes to

purchase the maximum principal amount of New Notes that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price for such Asset Sale Offer shall be an amount in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of the New Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the date of purchase), in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of New Notes tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of New Notes surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the amount of the Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the New Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis based upon principal balance; provided , that in connection with any such proration, the Trustee may make such adjustments upward or downward and not exceeding $1,000 principal amount such that the unpurchased portion of any New Note shall equal $2,000 principal amount or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Upon completion of such offer to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

General

The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of, and Rule 14e-l under, the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder in connection with the repurchase of the New Notes as a result of a Change of Control or Asset Sale. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Indenture by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

 

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New Notes (or portions thereof) purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer will be cancelled and cannot be reissued.

If a Change of Control Offer is made, there can be no assurance that the Company will have available funds sufficient to pay the Change of Control Offer purchase price for all the New Notes that might be delivered by holders of the New Notes seeking to accept the Change of Control Offer. It is also possible that the events that constitute a Change of Control may also be events of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement. These events may permit the lenders under the Revolving Credit Agreement to accelerate the Indebtedness outstanding thereunder. If the Company is required to repurchase the New Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer and repay certain amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement if such Indebtedness is accelerated, the Company would probably require third-party financing. The Company cannot give assurance that it would be able to obtain third-party financing on acceptable terms, or at all. If the Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement is not paid, the lenders thereunder may seek to enforce security interests in the collateral securing such Indebtedness, thereby limiting the Company’s ability to raise cash to purchase the New Notes, and reducing the practical benefit of the offer to purchase provisions to the holders of the New Notes.

Certain Covenants

Restricted Payments

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,

(1) declare or pay any dividend on, or make any other payment or distribution in respect of, its Equity Interests (including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger, consolidation or amalgamation involving the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary) or similar payment to the direct or indirect holders thereof in their capacity as such (other than any dividends or distributions payable solely in its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) and dividends or distributions payable to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (and, if such Restricted Subsidiary has stockholders other than the Parent or other Restricted Subsidiaries, to its other stockholders on no more than a pro rata basis));

(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Parent held by any Person or any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of the Parent (in each case other than held by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary), including in connection with any merger, consolidation or amalgamation and including the exercise of any option to exchange any Equity Interests (other than into Equity Interests of the Parent that are not Disqualified Stock);

(3) make any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, more than 30 days prior to the scheduled final maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of any Indebtedness (excluding any intercompany Indebtedness between Parent and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or among Restricted Subsidiaries of the Parent) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes or any New Note Guarantee; or

(4) make any Restricted Investment

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (1) through (4) above being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:

(a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and

(b) the Parent would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in paragraph (a) under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; and

 

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(c) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate of all other Restricted Payments made by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of the Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (2) through (14) of the next succeeding paragraph), is, at the time of determination, less than the sum of:

(i) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent for the period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first full fiscal quarter occurring immediately following the date of the Indenture to the end of the Parent’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus

(ii) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Parent from the issuance or sale of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) subsequent to the date of the Indenture (other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of the Parent) and 100% of any cash capital contribution received by the Parent from its stockholders subsequent to the date of the Indenture, plus

(iii) the amount by which the principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary is reduced upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary) subsequent to the date of the Indenture of any Indebtedness of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary convertible or exchangeable for Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent (less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of any other property, distributed by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary upon such conversion or exchange); provided , however , that the foregoing amount shall not exceed the net cash proceeds received by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary from the sale of such Indebtedness (excluding net cash proceeds from sales to a Restricted Subsidiary); plus

(iv) the amount equal to the sum of (x) the net reduction in the Restricted Investments made by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Person resulting from repurchases, repayments or redemptions of such Investments by such Person, proceeds realized on the sale or other disposition of such Investment and proceeds representing the return of capital (excluding dividends and distributions to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income), in each case, realized by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, and (y) in the event that any Unrestricted Subsidiary is re-designated as a Restricted Subsidiary, the portion (proportionate to the Parent’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such Unrestricted Subsidiary is re-designated a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that the foregoing sum will not exceed, in the case of any such Person, the amount of Restricted Investments previously made (and treated as a Restricted Payment) by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person or Unrestricted Subsidiary; plus

(v) 50% of any dividends or distributions received by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent that is a Guarantor after the date of the Indenture from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Parent, to the extent that such dividends or distributions were not otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income of the Parent for such period.

The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:

(1) the payment by the Parent, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of the dividend or distribution or giving of the redemption notice, as the case may be, if at the date of declaration or notice, the dividend, distribution or redemption payment would have complied with the provisions of the Indenture;

(2) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, any Restricted Payment made in exchange for, or with the net cash proceeds from, the substantially concurrent sale of Equity Interests of the Parent (other than any Disqualified Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to a Subsidiary of the Parent) or a substantially concurrent cash capital contribution

 

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received by the Parent from its shareholders; provided that the net cash proceeds from such sale or such cash capital contribution (to the extent so used for such Restricted Payment) shall be excluded from clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph;

(3) the making of any payment on or with respect to, or the defeasance, redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes or to any New Note Guarantee with, in exchange for, or with the net cash proceeds from, an Incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Debt;

(4) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, providing cash to any direct or indirect parent of Parent to fund the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value of any Equity Interests of such Person, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary held by employees, former employees, directors, former directors, consultants or former consultants (or their respective permitted transferees) of such Person or the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of such redemptions, repurchases, retirements and other acquisitions (excluding amounts representing cancellation of Indebtedness, but including, for the avoidance of doubt, the aggregate principal amount of all Permitted Debt described in clause (13) of the definition thereof issued as consideration for any such redemptions, repurchases, retirements or other acquisitions) shall not exceed $5.0 million in any fiscal year and $7.5 million in the aggregate (in each case plus the amount of net cash proceeds received by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) in respect of “key-man” life insurance and (b) from the issuance of Equity Interests by the Parent to members of management of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, to the extent that those amounts did not provide the basis for any previous Restricted Payment);

(5) payments of dividends on Disqualified Stock issued pursuant to the covenant described below under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(6) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price thereof and repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon the withholding of a portion of the Capital Stock granted or awarded to an employee of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to pay for the taxes payable by such employee upon such grant or award, provided that all such repurchases shall not be included in the calculation of Restricted Payments and no proceeds in respect of the issuance of Capital Stock shall be deemed to have been received for the purposes of clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph;

(7) cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of the Parent; provided , however , that any such cash payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitation of the covenant described under this caption (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent);

(8) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, payments of intercompany subordinated Indebtedness, the Incurrence of which was permitted under clause (5) of paragraph (b) of the covenant described below under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”;

(9) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of Disqualified Stock or any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes or to any New Note Guarantee pursuant to provisions similar to those described under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control;” provided that all New Notes tendered by holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

(10) payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders of Capital Stock of the Parent pursuant to applicable law, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer of assets that complies with the provisions of the Indenture applicable to mergers, consolidations, amalgamations and transfers of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

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(11) Permitted Parent Payments;

(12) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, payment of fees not in excess of $2.0 million per annum pursuant to the Management Agreement as in effect on the date of the Indenture;

(13) the application of the proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes and the equity investment by the Equity Investors on the date of the Indenture and the related transactions, all as described under “Use of Proceeds;” or

(14) Restricted Payments in an amount which, when taken together with all Restricted Payments previously made pursuant to this clause (14) and then outstanding, does not exceed $7.5 million.

The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets proposed to be transferred or issued by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment.

Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

(a) The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and the Parent will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided , however , that the Company and any Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and the Parent may issue shares of Disqualified Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Parent’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom, including the effect of acquisitions or repayments or redemptions of Indebtedness to be funded by such proceeds), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

(b) The foregoing provisions will not prohibit the Incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “ Permitted Debt ”):

(1) the Incurrence by the Company, Thermon Canada Inc. or any Guarantor (including any Guarantees thereof) of Indebtedness pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the sum of (A) the greater of (x) $40.0 million and (y) the Borrowing Base, plus (B) in the event of any refinancing of any such Indebtedness, the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing, less the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied to permanently repay any such Indebtedness pursuant to “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”;

(2) the Incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the New Notes (other than any Additional New Notes) and the related New Note Guarantees and the Exchange New Notes and the related New Note Guarantees to be issued pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

(3) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations) Incurred for the purpose of financing (or refunding, refinancing or replacing) all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of property (real or personal), plant or equipment used in any Similar Business (including through the direct acquisition of such property, plant or equipment or the acquisition of Equity Interests of the Person owning such property, plant or equipment) that, added to all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (3) and then outstanding, will not exceed $5.0 million;

(4) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Debt in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease, discharge or refund, Indebtedness that was Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) or pursuant to clause (2), (8) or this clause (4);

 

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(5) the Incurrence of (a) intercompany Indebtedness of the Company, a Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary for so long as such Indebtedness is held by the Company or a Guarantor; provided that (i) such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and if owing by the Company or any Guarantor, contractually subordinated in all respects (other than with respect to the maturity thereof) to the Obligations of the Company under the New Notes or such Guarantor under its New Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and (ii) if as of any date any Person other than the Company or a Guarantor owns or holds any such Indebtedness or holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens of the type described in clause (1) or (16) of the definition thereof), such date shall be deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not permitted under this clause (5) by the issuer of such Indebtedness and (b) intercompany Indebtedness of the Company, any Guarantor or any Foreign Subsidiary for so long as such Indebtedness is held by a Foreign Subsidiary; provided that (i) if such Indebtedness is owing by the Company or any Guarantor, such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and contractually subordinated in all respects (other than with respect to the maturity thereof) to the Obligations of the Company under the New Notes or such Guarantor under its New Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and (ii) if as of any date any Person other than such other Foreign Subsidiary owns or holds any such Indebtedness or holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens of the type described in clause (25) of the definition thereof), such date shall be deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not constituting Indebtedness permitted under this clause (5) by the issuer of such Indebtedness;

(6) Guarantees by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent that the guaranteed Indebtedness was permitted to be Incurred by another provision of this covenant; provided that if the Indebtedness being guaranteed (x) is subordinated to the New Notes or a New Note Guarantee, then the Guarantee must be subordinated to the same extent as the Indebtedness being guaranteed or (y) is owed by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the prior payment in full of the New Notes in the case of the Company or the New Note Guarantees in the case of a Guarantor;

(7) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations in the ordinary course of business and not for purposes of speculation;

(8) the Incurrence of Existing Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness described in clause (1), (2) or (5) of this covenant);

(9) the Incurrence of Obligations by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of standby and other letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees, performance, bid and surety bonds, customs bonds, completion guarantees or similar instruments issued in the ordinary course of business and not supporting obligations for borrowed money, including in respect of workers’ compensation claims and self-insurance obligations and bids or contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with any customer of Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five business days of its Incurrence;

(11) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries (including refinancings thereof) that, when added together with any other Indebtedness incurred under this clause (11) and then outstanding, will not exceed $5.0 million;

(12) Indebtedness of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business;

(13) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes or similar Indebtedness issued by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to current, future or former officers, directors and employees thereof, or to their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent of Parent, Parent, or the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent described in clause (4) of the second paragraph under the caption “Restricted Payments”;

 

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(14) the Incurrence by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness to the extent that the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited with the Trustee to redeem the New Notes in full or to defease or to satisfy and discharge the New Notes;

(15) the Incurrence of Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn outs or similar obligations, in each case, incurred in connection with the disposition or acquisition of any business, assets or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, other than Indebtedness or Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; and

(16) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness, or issuance of Disqualified Stock by the Parent (in addition to Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock permitted by any other clause of this paragraph) in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) that, when added to all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (16) and then outstanding, will not exceed $20.0 million.

(c) The Parent will not incur, and will not permit the Company or any other Guarantor to incur, any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes and the applicable New Note Guarantee on substantially identical terms; provided, however , that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness solely by virtue of being unsecured or by virtue of being secured on junior Lien or priority basis.

(d) For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in clauses (1) through (16) under paragraph (b) of this covenant or under paragraph (a) of this covenant, the Parent shall, in its sole discretion, divide and classify such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of such clauses or pursuant to paragraph (a) of this covenant, and may re-classify any such item of Indebtedness from time to time among such clauses or the first paragraph of this covenant, so long as such item meets the applicable criteria for such category. For avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness may be classified as Incurred in part pursuant to one of the clauses (1) through (16) above, and in part under one or more other clauses or under paragraph (a) of this covenant. Indebtedness outstanding on the date of the Indenture under the Revolving Credit Agreement shall be treated as Incurred pursuant to clause (1) above.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Accrual of interest and dividends, accretion of accreted value, amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms and the

 

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payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock, and changes to amounts outstanding in respect of Hedging Obligations solely as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation payable thereunder shall not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness.

Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries

The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Company) (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or Person becoming a Subsidiary through merger, consolidation or amalgamation or Investment therein) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default. If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding Investments owned by Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary designated as Unrestricted will be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of the designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under the covenant described above under the caption “—Restricted Payments” or under one or more clauses of the definition of Permitted Investments, as determined by Parent. That designation will only be permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that time and if the Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Parent may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if that redesignation would not cause a Default.

Any designation of a Subsidiary of Parent as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by the covenant described above under the caption “—Restricted Payments.” If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it will thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under the covenant described under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” Parent will be in default of such covenant. The Board of Directors of Parent may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent; provided that such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, and such designation will only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under the covenant described under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period; and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

Liens

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any kind on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, except Permitted Liens.

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to its Capital Stock or any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits;

(2) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

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(3) make any loans or advances to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(4) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

However, the foregoing restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(1) any agreements in effect or entered into on the date of the Indenture, including agreements governing Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the Indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are not (as determined in good faith by the Company) materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the agreements governing such Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the Indenture;

(2) the Revolving Credit Agreement as in effect as of the date of the Indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements, refinancings or additional facilities are not (as determined in good faith by the Company) materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement, as in effect on the date of the Indenture;

(3) the Indenture Documents;

(4) applicable law and any applicable rule, regulation, order, approval, license, permit or similar restriction;

(5) customary non-assignment, non-subletting or non-sublicensing provisions in leases, licenses or other agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(6) purchase money obligations that impose restrictions of the nature described in clause (4) of the preceding sentence on the property so acquired;

(7) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of (x) all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or (y) any other assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that restricts distributions, loans or transfers by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition thereof;

(8) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired, and any amendment, modification, renewal, replacement or refinancing thereof; provided, that such amendments, modifications, renewals, replacements or refinancings are not (as determined in good faith by the Company) materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the holders of the New Notes than such encumbrances or restrictions prior to such amendment, modification, renewal, replacement or refinancing;

(9) Liens that limit the right of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to dispose of the asset or assets subject to such Lien;

(10) customary provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in partnership, joint venture, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements, limited liability company organizational documents, sale-leaseback agreements, stockholder agreements and other similar agreements, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such agreements;

(11) any such encumbrance or restriction with respect to any Foreign Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement governing Indebtedness incurred by such Foreign Subsidiary, (i) if the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such agreement or instrument taken as a whole are not materially more

 

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restrictive to the holders of the New Notes than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements described in clauses (1) and (2) above (as determined in good faith by the Company), or (ii) if such encumbrance or restriction is not materially more restrictive to the holders of the New Notes than is customary in comparable financings (as determined in good faith by the Company) and either (x) the Company determines in good faith that such encumbrance or restriction will not materially affect the Company’s ability to make the principal or interest payments on the New Notes or (y) such encumbrance or restriction applies only if a default occurs in respect of a payment or financial covenant relating to such Indebtedness;

(12) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

(13) other Indebtedness of Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted to be Incurred subsequent to the date of the Indenture pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described above under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;” provided that the restrictions therein are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the Indenture.

Nothing contained in this “Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries” covenant shall prevent the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from creating, incurring or suffering to exist any Permitted Lien.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

(a) The Parent and the Company . Neither the Parent nor the Company shall, in any transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not the Parent or the Company, as the case may be, survives), or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent to sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of) all or substantially all of the property and assets of , in the case of Parent, the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries,

taken as a whole, and, in the case of the Company, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, to any Person, unless:

(1) either:

(A) if the transaction or series of transactions is a consolidation of the Parent or the Company with or a merger of the Parent or the Company with or into any other Person, the Parent or the Company, as the case may be, shall be the surviving Person of such consolidation or merger; or

(B) the Person formed by any consolidation or merger with or into the Parent or the Company (if other than the Parent or the Company, as the case may be), or to which all or substantially all of such properties and assets are sold, assigned, conveyed, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and such Person shall expressly assume by (i) a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the obligations of (x) the Parent under its New Note Guarantee and the Indenture or (y) the Company under the New Notes and the Indenture, as the case may be, and in each case, the Indenture, as so supplemented, shall remain in full force and effect and (ii) by amendment, supplement or other instrument (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent), executed and delivered to the Trustee, all obligations of the Parent or the Company, as applicable, under the Collateral Documents, and in connection therewith shall cause such instruments to be filed and recorded in such jurisdictions and take such other actions as may be required by applicable law to perfect or continue the perfection of the Lien created under the Collateral Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to the surviving entity; and

 

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(2) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (including any Indebtedness Incurred or anticipated to be Incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(3) at the time of such transaction and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable period (but without giving effect to the costs and expenses of such transaction), (x) the Parent, or the successor entity to the Parent, as the case may be, would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in paragraph (a) of the covenant described above under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” or (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent, or the successor entity to the Parent, as the case may be, shall immediately after such transaction be no less than such ratio immediately prior to such transaction.

The foregoing requirements shall not apply to any transaction or series of transactions involving the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of any properties or assets by any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries to the Company or any Guarantor, or the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of any Subsidiary of the Parent with or into the Company or any Guarantor. Clauses (2) and (3) of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to (i) the Merger, (ii) a merger of the Parent or the Company with an Affiliate solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Parent or the Company in another jurisdiction, (iii) a merger transaction among any of the Parent, the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or (iv) a merger, consolidation or amalgamation of a Foreign Subsidiary with another Foreign Subsidiary or the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of any properties or assets of a Foreign Subsidiary to another Foreign Subsidiary.

In connection with any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition contemplated by the foregoing provisions, the Parent shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition and the supplemental indenture in respect thereof comply with the requirements of the Indenture and an Opinion of Counsel. Each such Officers’ Certificate shall set forth the manner of determination of the Parent’s compliance with clause (3) of the preceding paragraph.

The successor entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the predecessor company under the Indenture Documents, and the predecessor entity shall (except in the case of a lease) be released from all its obligations and covenants under the Indenture Documents.

(b) The Guarantors . Subject to certain limitations in the Indenture governing release of a Guarantor upon the sale or disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor, each Guarantor (other than the Parent) shall not, in any transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate with or merge into (whether or not such Guarantor survives), or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and assets to, any Person, unless either:

(1) either:

(A) if the transaction or series of transactions is a consolidation of such Guarantor with or a merger of such Guarantor with or into any other Person, such Guarantor shall be the surviving Person of such consolidation or merger; or

(B) the Person formed by any consolidation or merger with or into such Guarantor (if other than the Guarantor), or to which all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are sold, assigned, conveyed, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume by (i) a supplemental indenture

 

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executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the obligations of such Guarantor under its New Note Guarantee and the Indenture and, in each case, the Indenture, as so supplemented, shall remain in full force and effect and (ii) by amendment, supplement or other instrument (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent), executed and delivered to the Trustee, all obligations of such Guarantor under the Collateral Documents, and in connection therewith shall cause such instruments to be filed and recorded in such jurisdictions and take such other actions as may be required by applicable law to perfect or continue the perfection of the Lien created under the Collateral Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to the surviving entity; or

(2) the transaction is made in compliance with the covenant described under “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

The foregoing requirements shall not apply to any transaction or series of transactions involving the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of any properties or assets by any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries to the Company or any Guarantor, or the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of any Subsidiary of the Parent with or into the Company or any Guarantor.

In connection with any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition contemplated by clause (1) of the foregoing provisions, such Guarantor shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition and the supplemental indenture in respect thereof comply with the requirements of the Indenture and an Opinion of Counsel.

The successor entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the predecessor company under the Indenture Documents, and the predecessor entity shall (except in the case of a lease) be released from all its obligations and covenants under the Indenture Documents.

Transactions with Affiliates

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any payment to, or sell, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or Guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), unless:

(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction at the time in an arm’s-length transaction with a Person who was not an Affiliate; and

(2) if such Affiliate Transaction involves an amount in excess of $5.0 million, the terms of the Affiliate Transaction are set forth in writing and a majority of the non-employee directors of the Parent disinterested with respect to such Affiliate Transaction has determined in good faith that the criteria set forth in clause (1) are satisfied and has approved the relevant Affiliate Transaction as evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Parent set forth in an Officers’ Certificate; and

(3) if such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involves an amount in excess of $10.0 million, the Parent obtains an opinion as to the fairness to the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing or that such Affiliate Transaction is no more restrictive to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries than could reasonably be expected to be obtained at the time in an arm’s-length transaction with a Person who was not an Affiliate.

 

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The foregoing provisions will not apply to the following:

(a) any employment agreement or compensation plan or arrangement entered into by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business of the Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary;

(b) the payment of compensation (including awards or grants in cash, securities or other payments) for the personal services of, and expense reimbursement and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to clause (a) above or otherwise as determined in good faith by the Parent Board of Directors;

(c) payments or issuances of securities pursuant to employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, employee benefit plans, or arrangements for employees, officers or directors, including vacation plans, health and life insurance plans, deferred compensation plans, directors’ and officers’ indemnification agreements and retirement or savings plans, stock option, stock ownership and similar plans so long as the Parent Board of Directors in good faith shall have approved the terms thereof and deemed the services theretofore or thereafter to be performed for such compensation to be fair consideration therefor;

(d) transactions exclusively between or among the Parent and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that such transactions are not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture;

(e) transactions under any agreement or arrangement existing on the date of the Indenture, as in effect on the date of the Indenture, or as modified, amended or amended and restated so long as such agreement or arrangement as so modified, amended or amended and restated, taken as a whole, is not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the holders of the New Notes than the original agreement or arrangement in existence on the date of the Indenture;

(f) the issuance or sale of any Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of, or any contribution of capital to, the Parent;

(g) Restricted Payments that are permitted by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the caption “—Restricted Payments” and any Permitted Investments of the type described in clause (9) of the definition thereof; and

(h) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services or joint venture partners, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture which are fair to the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries or are on terms no less favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party; provided that such transactions are approved by a majority of the Parent Board of Directors in good faith (including a majority of disinterested directors of the Parent Board of Directors, or if there is only one disinterested director, such director).

Business Activities

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than Similar Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Equity Interests in Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, transfer, convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests in any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent to any Person (other than the Parent or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent), unless:

(1) such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition is of all the Equity Interests in such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; and

(2) the Net Proceeds from such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition are applied in accordance with the covenant described above under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

 

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In addition, the Parent will not permit any of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries to issue any Equity Interests (other than, if necessary, shares of its Capital Stock constituting directors’ qualifying shares) to any Person other than to the Parent or another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent.

Payments for Consent

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any holder of New Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the New Notes or any other Indenture Document unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all holders of the New Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any property unless:

(1) the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to (A) Incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the covenant described above under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and (B) Incur a Lien on such property securing such Attributable Debt pursuant to the covenant described above under the caption “—Liens”; and

(2) the transfer of assets in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is permitted by, and the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, applies the Net Proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, the covenant described above under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

The foregoing provisions will not apply if (i) the lease is for a period, including renewal rights, of not in excess of three years or (ii) the transaction is among the Company, the Parent and any of the other Guarantors, among the Guarantors or among Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

Additional New Note Guarantees

If (i) the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall acquire or create another Domestic Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture or (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantees (or otherwise becomes liable for) Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor, then the Parent shall cause such Subsidiary to become a Guarantor and:

(1) execute a supplemental indenture, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall unconditionally Guarantee all of the Company’s Obligations under the Indenture Documents on the terms set forth in the Indenture;

(2) execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such amendments or supplements to the Collateral Documents necessary in order to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the New Notes, a security interest in the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, subject to Permitted Liens and the Intercreditor Agreement, which are owned by the Company or a Guarantor and are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents;

(3) take such actions as are necessary to grant to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the New Notes a perfected second-priority security interest, subject to Permitted Liens and the Intercreditor Agreement, in the assets of such Subsidiary, other than Excluded Collateral, including the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be required by the Collateral Documents or by law or as may reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent;

 

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(4) take such further action and execute and deliver such other documents specified in the Indenture Documents or otherwise reasonably requested by the Trustee or Collateral Agent to give effect to the foregoing; and

(5) deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel that such supplemental indenture and any other documents required to be delivered have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Subsidiary and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Subsidiary and the Collateral Documents to which such Subsidiary is a party create a valid perfected Lien on the Collateral covered thereby.

Further Assurances

Neither the Parent nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries will take or knowingly omit to take any action that would materially impair the Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself, the Trustee and the holders of the New Notes, with respect to any material portion of the Collateral. The Company and the Parent shall, and shall cause each other Guarantor to, at their sole cost and expense, (i) execute and deliver all such agreements and instruments as the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request to more fully or accurately describe the property intended to be Collateral or the Obligations intended to be secured by the Collateral Documents and (ii) file any such notice filings or other agreements or instruments as may be reasonably necessary under applicable law to perfect (and maintain the perfection and priority) the Liens created by the Collateral Documents, subject to Permitted Liens, at such times and at such places as may be required by law or as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, in each case subject to the terms of the Collateral Documents.

Mortgages

With respect to any fee interest in real property that is acquired by the Company or any Guarantor that has a purchase price that is greater than $1.0 million (such real property referred to individually and collectively as the “ Premises ”), within 120 days after the acquisition thereof, the Company or such Guarantor shall:

(1) deliver to the Collateral Agent, as mortgagee, for the benefit of the holders of the New Notes, fully executed counterparts of Mortgages (in substantially the form of the First Priority Mortgages), duly executed by the Company or the applicable Guarantor, as the case may be, together with evidence of the completion (or reasonably satisfactory arrangements for the completion) of all recordings and filings of such Mortgage as may be necessary to create a valid, perfected Lien, subject to Permitted Liens, against the Premises purported to be covered thereby;

(2) deliver to the Collateral Agent, a mortgagee’s title insurance policy in favor of the Collateral Agent in an amount equal to 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Premises covered by the related Mortgage, insuring that title to such property is marketable and that the interests created by the Mortgage constitute valid Liens thereon free and clear of all Liens, defects and encumbrances other than Permitted Liens and any other exceptions disclosed in such policy, and such policies shall also include, to the extent available and issued at ordinary rates, customary endorsements and shall be accompanied by evidence of the payment in full (or reasonably satisfactory arrangements for the payment in full) of all premiums thereon;

(3) deliver to the Collateral Agent the most recent survey of such Premises, together with such other survey updates, affidavits or other documents in form sufficient for the title insurer issuing the title policy to remove the standard survey exception from such policy and issue a survey endorsement to such policy, including, without limitation, (i) an updated survey certification in favor of the Collateral Agent from the applicable surveyor stating that, based on a visual inspection of the property and the knowledge of the surveyor, there has been no change in the facts depicted in the survey or (ii) an affidavit and/or indemnity from the Company or the applicable Guarantor, as the case may be, stating that to its knowledge there has been no change in the facts depicted in the survey, other than, in each case, changes that do not materially adversely affect the use by the Company or Guarantor, as applicable, of such Premises for the Company or such Guarantor’s business as so conducted, or intended to be conducted, at such Premises; and

 

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(4) deliver an Opinion of Counsel to the Collateral Agent that such Mortgage has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company or such Guarantor, constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Company or such Guarantor and has been properly recorded.

Reports

Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any New Notes are outstanding, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2010, Parent will furnish to the holders of New Notes and the Trustee within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations:

(1) all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Parent (as a non-accelerated filer) were required to file such reports; and

(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with or furnished to the SEC on Form 8-K if the Parent were required to file or furnish such reports; provided, however , that no such current report will be required to be furnished if the Parent determines in its good faith judgment that such event is not material to holders of New Notes or the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

The availability of the foregoing materials on the SEC’s EDGAR service (or any successor thereto) shall be deemed to satisfy the Parent’s delivery obligation.

All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules and regulations applicable to such reports. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report on the Parent’s consolidated financial statements by the Parent’s certified independent accountants. In addition, following the consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, the Parent will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the rules and regulations applicable to such reports (unless the SEC will not accept such filing).

If, at any time after consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, the Parent is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, the Parent will nevertheless continue filing the reports specified in the preceding paragraphs of this covenant with the SEC within the time periods specified above unless the SEC will not accept such filings. The Parent will not take any action for the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the SEC will not accept the Parent’s filings for any reason, the Parent will post the reports referred to in the preceding paragraphs on its website within the time periods that would apply if the Parent (as a non-accelerated filer) were required to file those reports with the SEC.

If the Parent has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraphs will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of the financial condition and results of operations of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Parent.

The Parent will, for so long as any New Notes remain outstanding, will use its commercially reasonable efforts to hold and participate in quarterly conference calls with the holders of the New Notes, beneficial owners of the New Notes and securities analysts to discuss such financial information no later than ten business days after distribution of such financial information.

The Parent will also, for so long as any New Notes remain outstanding, furnish or cause to be furnished to the holders of the New Notes, beneficial owners of the New Notes, securities analysts and prospective investors upon request the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act so long as the New Notes are not freely transferable under the Securities Act.

 

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Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Parent shall not be deemed to have failed to comply, observe or perform its obligations hereunder for purposes of clause (4) under “—Events of Default and Remedies” until 30 days after the date any information, report or other document hereunder is required to be filed or transmitted so long as Parent is using its reasonable efforts to make such filing.

Events of Default and Remedies

An “Event of Default” will be defined in the Indenture as:

(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the New Notes;

(2) default in payment when due of the principal, or premium, if any, of any New Note (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise);

(3) default in the payment of principal and interest on New Notes required to be repurchased by the provisions described under the captions “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control,” “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales,” or the failure by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described under”—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”;

(4) failure to perform any other covenant or agreement of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the Indenture Documents for 60 days after written notice to the Parent or the Company by the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding voting as a single class;

(5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of the Indenture (but excluding Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), which default (A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of such Indebtedness when due and payable after the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a “ Payment Default ”) or (B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity (which acceleration is not rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured within 20 days of receipt by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary of notice of any such acceleration) and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent);

(6) failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments which are non-appealable in an aggregate amount (net of any amount covered by indemnities or insurance issued by a reputable and creditworthy insurer that has not disclaimed coverage) in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 consecutive days following such judgment becoming final and non-appealable;

(7)(i) any security interest created by any Collateral Document ceases to be in full force and effect (except as permitted by the terms of the Indenture or the Collateral Documents) or (ii) the breach or repudiation by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any of their obligations under any Collateral Document (other than by reason of a release of such obligation or Lien related thereto in accordance with the terms of the Indenture or the Collateral Documents); provided that, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), such cessation, breach or repudiation, individually or in the aggregate, results in Collateral having a Fair Market Value in excess of $5.0 million not being subject to a valid, perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent under any applicable law (other than the law of any foreign jurisdiction) (to the extent required under the Collateral Documents);

(8) except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, any New Note Guarantee from a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any

 

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reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its New Note Guarantee (other than by reason of a release of such Guarantor under such New Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents); and

(9) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency described in the Indenture with respect to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary.

If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding New Notes may declare all the New Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Parent, any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding New Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of the New Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the New Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding New Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from holders of the New Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the New Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, on the New Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the New Notes by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding New Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration).

In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (5) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the New Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the holders of New Notes, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee stating that both (a) either (x) the default giving rise to such Event of Default pursuant to clause (5) shall be remedied or cured pursuant to the terms of, or waived by the holders of, such Indebtedness or any consequent acceleration of such Indebtedness shall be rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured or (y) such Indebtedness shall have been discharged in full and (b) (1) the rescission and annulment of such acceleration of the New Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the New Notes that became due solely because of such acceleration of the New Notes, have been cured or waived.

The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture and the other Indenture Documents and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture Documents or the Registration Rights Agreement, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of New Notes by accepting a New Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the New Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws or other corporate laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

 

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Governing Law

The Indenture Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights and immunities of the Trustee and rights of registration and transfer, exchange or replacement of New Notes, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) as to all outstanding New Notes if:

(a)(1) the Company will have paid or caused to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest as and when the same will have become due and payable, (2) all outstanding New Notes (except lost, stolen or destroyed New Notes which have been replaced or paid) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (3) all New Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or (ii) (A) shall become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one (1) year or (B) are to be called for redemption within one (1) year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Company or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in trust of cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the New Notes to the date of Stated Maturity or such redemption, as the case may be;

(b) the Company and the Guarantors have paid all other sums payable by them under the Indenture and the other Indenture Documents; and

(c) the Company has delivered an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been satisfied.

Defeasance

At any time and at the Company’s option:

(1) if applicable, the Company will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the outstanding New Notes; or

(2) if applicable, the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries may omit to comply with certain restrictive covenants, and that such omission shall not be deemed to be a Default or an Event of Default under the Indenture and the New Notes;

in either case (1) or (2) upon irrevocable deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of an independent, nationally recognized (a) investment bank, (b) appraisal firm or (c) firm of certified public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding New Notes on the Stated Maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the New Notes are being defeased to Stated Maturity or to a particular redemption date. With respect to clause (2), the obligations under the Indenture (other than with respect to such covenants) and the Events of Default (other than the Events of Default relating to such covenants) shall remain in full force and effect.

Such trust may only be established if, among other things:

(a) with respect to clause (1), the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the holders of the outstanding New Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S.

 

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federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred; or, with respect to clause (2), the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the holders of the outstanding New Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;

(b) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit or the granting of any Liens in respect thereof);

(c) such deposit, defeasance and discharge or deposit and defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(d) the Company must have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit and the 91 st day following the date of deposit and assuming that no holder of the New Notes is an insider of the Company, after the 91 st day following the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally;

(e) the Company must have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the holders of the New Notes over the other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company or others; and

(f) the Company must have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to the deposit, defeasance and discharge or the deposit and defeasance have been complied with.

Transfer and Exchange

A holder may transfer or exchange New Notes in accordance with the Indenture. Upon any transfer or exchange, the registrar of the New Notes and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any New Note selected for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any New Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of New Notes to be redeemed. The registered holder of a New Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes (subject to the record date provisions of the New Notes).

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Except as provided below, the Indenture Documents may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the New Notes), and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture Documents may be waived with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding New Notes (including consents obtained in connection with purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the New Notes).

 

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Without the consent of each holder of New Notes affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any New Notes held by a non-consenting holder):

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

(2) reduce the principal of, premium, if any, or change the fixed maturity of any New Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the New Notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders” prior to the time at which an obligation to make such an offer has arisen);

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

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

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

(6) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of New Notes to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the New Notes when due and payable;

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

(8) after the Company’s obligation to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer arises under the Indenture, amend, change or otherwise modify in any material respect (A) such obligation or (B) the provisions or definitions with respect thereto; or

(9) make any change in the foregoing or succeeding amendment and waiver provisions.

In addition, any amendment to, or waiver of, the provisions of the Indenture Documents that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens securing the New Notes will require the consent of the holders of at least 66   2 /3% in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any holder of New Notes, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture Documents to:

(1) cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or to make a modification of a formal, minor or technical nature or to correct a manifest error;

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

(3) comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations, amalgamations and sales of assets;

(4) provide for the assumption of the Company’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to holders of New Notes in the case of a merger, consolidation, amalgamation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such Person;

(5) add Guarantees with respect to the New Notes or to secure the New Notes or to release a Guarantor from its New Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture;

(6) add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor for the benefit of the holders of the New Notes or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor;

(7) make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of New Notes or that does not adversely affect (as determined by the Company in good faith) the legal rights under the Indenture Documents of any such holder;

 

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(8) comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended;

(9) (i) enter into additional or supplemental Collateral Documents or (ii) release Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Collateral Documents;

(10) (i) enter into additional or supplemental New Note Guarantees with respect to the New Notes or (ii) release a New Note Guarantee by a Guarantor which release is otherwise permitted under the Indenture and would not result in a Default or Event of Default;

(11) evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor trustee pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(12) make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of New Notes as permitted by the Indenture, including to facilitate the issuance and administration of the New Notes or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository; provided , however , that (i) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in New Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of holders to transfer New Notes;

(13) provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional New Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; or

(14) to conform the text of the Indenture or any other Indenture Document to any provision of this “Description of the New Notes” to the extent that such provision of this “Description of the New Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture or any other Indenture Document, as evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate of the Company.

The consent of holders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

After an amendment under the Indenture becomes effective, the Company is required to mail to holders of the New Notes a notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure to give such notice to all holders of the New Notes, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

Concerning the Trustee

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., the Trustee under the Indenture, will also be the initial paying agent and registrar for the New Notes and the Collateral Agent under the Security Agreement. The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company or any Guarantor, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; provided , however , that if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days or resign.

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding New Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. If an Event of Default shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any holder of the New Notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense and then only to the extent required by the terms of the Indenture.

 

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Additional Information

Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the Indenture without charge by writing to Thermon Holding Corp., 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666, Attention: Chief Executive Officer.

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

Except as set forth below, the New Notes will be issued in registered, global form in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The New Notes initially will be represented by one or more New Notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “ Global New Notes ”). The Global New Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the Trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”) and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case, for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below.

Except as set forth below, the Global New Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to DTC or another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global New Notes may not be exchanged for New Notes in certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below. See “—Exchange of Global New Notes for Certificated New Notes.” Except in the limited circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global New Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of New Notes in certificated form. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global New Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct and indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream), which may change from time to time.

Depository Procedures

The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to change by them. The Company takes no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urges investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

DTC has advised the Company 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 pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participating organizations and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between such participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. The participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers of the New Notes), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers and dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through participants or indirect participants of DTC. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of its participants and indirect participants.

DTC has also advised the Company that, pursuant to procedures established by it, ownership of these interests in the Global New Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to participants) or by participants and indirect participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interest in the Global New Notes).

All interests in a Global New Note, 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

 

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to the procedures and requirements of such systems. The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global New Note to such persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants, which in turn act on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person holding a beneficial interest in a Global New Note to pledge such interest to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interest.

Except as described below, owners of interests in the Global New Notes will not have New Notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of New Notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or “holders” thereof under the Indenture for any purpose.

Payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on a Global New Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder thereof. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee will treat the persons in whose names the New Notes, including the Global New Notes, are registered as the owners of the New Notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for:

(1) any aspect of DTC’s records or any participant’s or indirect participant’s records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest in the Global New Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC’s records or any participant’s or indirect participant’s records relating to beneficial ownership interests in the Global New Notes; or

(2) any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its participants or indirect participants.

DTC has advised the Company that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the New Notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners of New Notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participants or indirect participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the Company or the Trustee. Neither the Company nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any participants or indirect participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the New Notes, and the Company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

Transfers between participants will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.

Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the New Notes described herein, cross-market transfers between participants of DTC, on the one hand, and participants of Euroclear or Clearstream, 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 their respective depositaries; 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 (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global New Note 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 depositaries for Euroclear or Clearstream.

 

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

Exchange of Global New Notes for Certificated New Notes

A Global New Note is exchangeable for definitive New Notes in registered certificated form (“ Certificated New Notes ”) if:

(1) DTC (a) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global New Note or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, the Company fails to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days thereafter; or

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

In all cases, Certificated New Notes delivered in exchange for any Global New Note or beneficial interests in Global New Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of DTC (in accordance with its customary procedures) and will bear the applicable restrictive legend referred to in “Notice to Investors,” unless that legend is not required by applicable law.

Exchange of Certificated New Notes for Global New Notes

Certificated New Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in any Global New Note unless the transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in the Indenture) to the effect that such transfer will comply with the appropriate transfer restrictions applicable to such New Notes. See “Notice to Investors.”

Same Day Settlement and Payment

The Company will make payments in respect of any New Notes represented by a Global New Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account or accounts specified by DTC as the registered holder of such Global New Note. The New Notes represented by the Global New Notes are expected to be eligible to trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such New Notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds.

Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global New Note from a participant of DTC will be credited, and any 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 the Company that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global New Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a participant of 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.

 

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Registered Exchange Offer; Registration Rights

The Company, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Old Notes entered into the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which the Company and each Guarantor agreed, at their expense, for the benefit of the holders of the Old Notes, to:

 

   

within 120 days after the date of the Indenture, file a registration statement on an appropriate registration form (the “ Exchange Offer Registration Statement ”) with respect to a registered offer (the “ Exchange Offer ”) to exchange the Registrable Notes (as defined below) for the Company’s notes (the “ New Notes ”), Guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Guarantors, if any, which New Notes will have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Registrable Notes (except that the transfer restrictions and rights under the registration rights agreement, including payment of Additional Interest will not apply to the New Notes);

 

   

use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act within 210 days after the date of the Indenture (the “ Effectiveness Date ”); and

 

   

use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer to be consummated within 30 business days of the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

Upon the Exchange Offer Registration Statement being declared effective, the Company will offer the New Notes (and the related Guarantees, if any) in exchange for surrender of the Registrable Notes (and the related Guarantees, if any). The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer if required by applicable law) after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to the holders of Registrable Notes. For each of the Registrable Notes surrendered to the Company pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the holder who surrendered such Registrable Note will receive a New Note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Registrable Note. Interest on each New Note will accrue (A) from the later of (x) the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Registrable Note surrendered in exchange therefor, or (y) if the Registrable Note is exchanged for a New Note after the record date for an interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange, such interest payment date; or (B) if no interest has been paid on such Registrable Note, from the date of the Indenture.

The Company and the Guarantors have filed the Exchange Offer Registration Statement of which this prospectus forms a part and are conducting the Exchange Offer in accordance with their obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement. Holders of the New Notes will not be entitled to any registration rights with respect to the New Notes. Under some circumstances as described below, holders of the Registrable Notes (and the related Guarantees, if any), including holders who are not permitted to participate in the Exchange Offer or who may not freely sell New Notes received in the Exchange offer, may require us to file and cause to become effective, a Shelf Registration Statement covering resales of the Registrable Notes by these holders.

For the purposes of the Registration Rights Agreement, “ Registrable Notes ” means each:

(1) Old Note, until the earliest to occur of:

(a) the date on which such Old Note is exchanged in the Exchange Offer for a New Note which is entitled to be resold to the public by the holder thereof without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;

(b) the date on which such Old Note has been disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement (as defined below); and

(c) the date on which such Old Note is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act; and

 

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(2) New Note held by a Participating Broker-Dealer (as defined below) until the date on which such New Note is disposed of by a Participating Broker-Dealer pursuant to the “Plan of Distribution” contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (including the delivery of the prospectus contained therein).

Under existing interpretations of the SEC contained in several no-action letters to third parties, the New Notes (and the related Guarantees, if any) will be freely transferable by holders thereof (other than affiliates of the Company) after the Exchange Offer without further registration under the Securities Act. Each holder that wishes to exchange its Old Notes for New Notes will be required to represent:

 

   

that any New Notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;

 

   

that at the time of the commencement and consummation of the Exchange Offer it has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution (within the meaning of Securities Act) of the New Notes in violation of the Securities Act;

 

   

that if such holder is an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) of the Company, it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable to it;

 

   

if such holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of New Notes; and

 

   

if such holder is a broker-dealer (a “ Participating Broker-Dealer ”) that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes.

By acquiring Registrable Notes, a holder will be deemed to have agreed to indemnify the Company and the Guarantors, if any, against certain losses arising out of information furnished by such holder in writing for inclusion in any Shelf Registration Statement. Holders of Old Notes will also be required to suspend their use of the prospectus included in the Shelf Registration Statement under certain circumstances upon receipt of written notice to that effect from the Company.

The Company will agree to make available, during the period required by the Securities Act, a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act for use by Participating Broker-Dealers and other Persons, if any, with similar prospectus delivery requirements for use in connection with any resale of New Notes.

If:

 

   

prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Registrable Notes determine in their reasonable judgment that the New Notes would not, upon receipt, be tradeable by the holders thereof without restriction under the Securities Act;

 

   

any change in law or applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC would not permit the consummation of the Exchange Offer prior to the Effectiveness Date;

 

   

the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 30 business days from the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective;

 

   

in the case of (A) any holder not permitted by applicable law or SEC policy to participate in the Exchange Offer, (B) any holder participating in the Exchange Offer that receives New Notes that may not be sold without restriction under state and federal securities laws (other than due solely to the status of such holder as an Affiliate of the Company) or (C) any broker-dealer that holds Old Notes acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates and, in each such case contemplated by this clause, such holder notifies the Company within six months of consummation of the Exchange Offer; or

 

   

in certain circumstances, certain holders of unregistered New Notes so request,

 

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then in each case, the Company will (x) promptly deliver to the holders of Old Notes and the Trustee written notice thereof and (y) as promptly as practicable, file a shelf registration statement covering resales of the applicable Old Notes (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”), and (b) use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep effective the Shelf Registration Statement until the earlier of one year after the effective date or such time as all of the applicable Old Notes have been sold thereunder.

The Company and the Guarantors will, in the event that a Shelf Registration Statement is filed, provide to each holder of Old Notes copies of the prospectus that is a part of the Shelf Registration Statement, notify each such holder when the Shelf Registration Statement for the Old Notes has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the Old Notes. A holder of Old Notes that sells Old Notes pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement that are applicable to such a holder (including certain indemnification rights and obligations).

If the Company defaults on its registration obligations described above, then Additional Interest will accrue on the principal amount of the Old Notes at a rate of 0.25% per annum for the first 90 days immediately following the date of such default. The Additional Interest rate will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day period; provided that the amount of Additional Interest accruing will not exceed 1.0% per annum; provided further that upon the Company’s cure of such default, Additional Interest on the Old Notes shall cease to accrue. Additional Interest will not accrue at any particular time with respect to more than one default. Any amounts of Additional Interest that have accrued will be payable in cash on the same original interest payment dates for the Old Notes.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

Acquired Debt ” means with respect to any specified Person:

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person was merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person; and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person at the time such asset is acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Administrative Agent ” means General Electric Capital Corporation, or any successor thereto, as administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

 

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Asset Sale ” means:

(1) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of any assets (including by way of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction); provided that the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and/or the provisions described under the caption “—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets” and not by the provisions described under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales;”

(2) the issue or sale by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Capital Stock of any of the Parent’s Restricted Subsidiaries (other than directors’ qualifying Capital Stock or Capital Stock required by applicable law to be owned by another Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary); and

(3) an Event of Loss.

In the case of either clause (1), (2) or (3), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions:

(A) that have a Fair Market Value in excess of $1.0 million; or

(B) for Net Proceeds in excess of $1.0 million.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:

(1) a transfer of Capital Stock of a Foreign Subsidiary to Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or a transfer of assets (a) to the Company or any Guarantor or (b) by a Foreign Subsidiary to another Foreign Subsidiary;

(2) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent;

(3) the sale, disposition or lease of (x) inventory, products or services by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business or (y) accounts receivable by Foreign Subsidiaries in connection with factoring arrangements entered into by them in the ordinary course of business;

(4) for purposes of the covenant described above under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” only, a Restricted Payment that is permitted by the covenant described above under the caption “—Certain Covenants—Restricted Payments” or a Permitted Investment;

(5) the Incurrence of Permitted Liens and the disposition of assets subject to such Liens by or on behalf of the Person holding such Liens;

(6) the sale, transfer or other disposition or discounting, on a non-recourse basis, of overdue and delinquent accounts in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(7) any disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents;

(8) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any property in the ordinary course of business;

(9) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract rights, intangible claims or rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business;

(10) any sale, abandonment or other disposition in the ordinary course of business of intellectual property or other assets determined by the Parent in its good faith judgment to be damaged, worn-out, surplus, obsolete, permanently retired or no longer useful or economically practicable or commercially desirable to maintain in the conduct of the business of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

(11) the license of patents, trademarks, copyrights and know-how to third Persons in the ordinary course of business; and

(12) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code (or comparable or successor provision), any exchange of like property (excluding boot thereon) for use in any Similar Business.

 

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Attributable Debt ” in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined by the Company in accordance with GAAP) of the total obligations of the lessee for net rental payments (excluding any amounts required to be paid by such lessee, whether or not designated as rent or additional rent, on account of maintenance or repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges or any amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of sales or similar contingent amounts) during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended; provided , however , if such sale and leaseback transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby will be determined in accordance with the definition of Capital Lease Obligation).

Board of Directors ” means:

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

(2) with respect to a partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of the partnership;

(3) with respect to a limited liability company, the board of directors or other governing body, and in the absence of the same, the managing member or members or any controlling committee of managing members thereof; and

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

Borrowing Base ” means, at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (A) 50% of the book value of “inventories, net” of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (B) 75% of the book value of “accounts receivable, net” of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case, as reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent for its most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at such time.

Capital Lease Obligation ” of any Person means the monetary obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of (or other Indebtedness arrangements conveying the right to use) real or personal property which are required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease or a liability on the face of a balance sheet of such Person determined in accordance with GAAP (each such lease and arrangement is hereinafter referred to as a “Capitalized Lease”) and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof in accordance with GAAP and the stated maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such Capitalized Lease prior to the first date upon which such Capitalized Lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the immediately preceding sentence, “Capital Lease Obligations” shall not include any such obligations under any Specified Capitalized Lease.

Capital Stock ” means:

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

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

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

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

 

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Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally Guaranteed by, the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition;

(2) certificates of deposit, time deposits, eurodollar time deposits, demand deposits, overnight bank deposits or banker’s acceptances having maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition issued by any lender to the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or by any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof having combined capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000;

(3) commercial paper of an issuer rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, Inc. (“ S&P ”) or P-1 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper issuers generally, and maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition;

(4) repurchase obligations of any financial institution satisfying the requirements of clause (2) of this definition, having a term of not more than 30 days, with respect to securities issued or fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States;

(5) securities with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully Guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States, by any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth or territory or by any foreign government, the securities of which state, commonwealth, territory, political subdivision, taxing authority or foreign government (as the case may be) have the highest rating obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s;

(6) securities with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any financial institution satisfying the requirements of clause (2) of this definition;

(7) money market mutual or similar funds that invest exclusively in assets satisfying the requirements of clauses (1) through (6) of this definition;

(8) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s; and

(9) investments made by Foreign Subsidiaries in local currencies in instruments issued by or with entities in such jurisdictions having correlative and comparable attributes to the foregoing.

Cash Management Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, all obligations of such Person in respect of overdrafts and liabilities owed to any other Person that arise from treasury, depositary or cash management services, including in connection with any automated clearing house transfers of funds, or any similar transactions.

CFC ” means a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and any entity that wholly-owns the stock of a CFC and which is disregarded for United States federal income purposes as an entity that is separate from its owner.

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

(1) the direct or indirect sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition (other than by way of merger, consolidation or amalgamation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than a Permitted Holder;

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

(3) the consummation of any transaction (including any merger, consolidation or amalgamation) the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above) other than a Permitted Holder, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that

 

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for purposes of this clause (3) such person shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all shares that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting stock or shares of the Parent;

(4) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Parent are not Continuing Directors; or

(5) the Parent shall cease to own all of the outstanding Capital Stock of the Company.

Collateral ” means the collateral securing the Indenture Obligations.

Collateral Documents ” means the Security Agreement, the Mortgages and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted by the Company or any Guarantor to secure any Indenture Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to any such Lien are governed.

Consolidated Cash Flow ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period plus :

(1) an amount equal to any extraordinary or non-recurring loss, to the extent that such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(2) an amount equal to any net loss realized in connection with an Asset Sale, the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness by such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries, to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(3) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(4) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period; plus

(5) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(6) write offs, write downs or impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, unrealized mark-to-market losses, and other non-cash charges (excluding any such other non-cash charge to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(7) the amount of fees and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Management Agreement to the extent deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(8) the expenses of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are described in note (v) to the table under paragraph (b) of New Note 2 to the “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations” section of the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private offering of the Old New Notes to the extent deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus

(9) all non-cash items to the extent that such non-cash items increased Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding the recognition of deferred revenue or any items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period and any items for which cash was received in a prior period).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes based on income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary of a Person shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the Net Income of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person.

 

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Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of, without duplication:

(1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges Incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations, and excluding amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs); plus

(2) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period (excluding amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs); plus

(3) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person to the extent that such Indebtedness is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on the assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the immediately preceding sentence “Consolidated Interest Expense” shall not include any interest expense in respect of any Specified Capitalized Lease.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period; provided that:

(1) the Net Income of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included, but only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions that have been distributed in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;

(2) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction has been legally waived; and

(3) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded.

Continuing Directors ” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Parent who (1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of the Indenture or (2) was elected to such Board of Directors with the approval, recommendation or endorsement of, or whose nomination for election was approved, recommended or ratified by, a majority of the directors who were members of such Board of Directors on the date of the Indenture or whose nomination or election to the Board of Directors was previously so approved.

Default ” means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be an Event of Default.

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder) or upon the happening of any event:

(1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise;

(2) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock (excluding Capital Stock convertible or exchangeable solely at the option of the Parent or a Subsidiary of the Parent; provided that any such conversion or exchange will be deemed an Incurrence of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, as applicable); or

(3) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part,

 

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in the case of each of clauses (1), (2) and (3), on or prior to the 91st day after the Stated Maturity of the New Notes; provided that any Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to repurchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or “change of control” occurring on or prior to the 91st day after the Stated Maturity of the New Notes will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the “asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are not more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the provisions of the covenants described under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and “—Asset Sales” are to the holders.

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent other than a Foreign Subsidiary.

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

Equity Offering ” means a sale for cash of either (1) common equity securities or units including or representing common equity securities of the Parent (other than to a Subsidiary of the Parent) or (2) common equity securities or units including or representing common equity securities of a direct or indirect parent entity of the Parent (other than to the Parent or a Subsidiary of the Parent) to the extent that the net proceeds therefrom are contributed to the common equity capital of the Parent.

Event of Loss ” means, with respect to any (i) loss or destruction of any property or asset or (ii) any actual condemnation, seizure or taking, by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise, of such property or asset, or confiscation of the use of such property or asset, the date on which the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries receives insurance proceeds, or proceeds of a condemnation award or other compensation to replace or repair such property or asset (including improvements), in each case, in excess of $5.0 million with respect to any such event.

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

Existing Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of the Indenture until such Indebtedness is repaid.

Fair Market Value ” means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent; provided , however , that, except in the case of determining the Fair Market Value of assets in connection with an Asset Sale not involving the sale of assets to an Affiliate, the Board of Directors’ determination must be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if the Fair Market Value exceeds $10.0 million.

First Priority Agent ” means the agent designated as such under the Intercreditor Agreement and shall initially be the Administrative Agent, together with its successors and permitted assigns in such capacity.

First Priority Cash Management Obligations ” means any Cash Management Obligations secured by any Collateral under the First Priority Collateral Documents.

First Priority Claims ” means (a) Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement permitted pursuant to clause (1) and, to the extent the incurrence of such Indebtedness thereunder would not result in the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under the Revolving Credit Agreement to exceed $50.0 million, clause (16), in each case, of the definition of the term “Permitted Debt,” (b) First Priority Cash Management Obligations and First Priority Hedging Obligations, and (c) all other Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the documents relating to Indebtedness described in clauses (a) and (b) above.

 

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First Priority Collateral Documents ” means the First Priority Security Agreements, the First Priority Mortgages and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any First Priority Claims or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed.

First Priority Hedging Obligations ” means any Hedging Obligations that are permitted to be incurred under clause (7) of the definition of the term “Permitted Debt” and that are secured by any collateral under the First Priority Collateral Documents.

First Priority Mortgages ” means a collective reference to each mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt and any other document or instrument under which any Lien on real property owned by the Company or any Guarantor is granted to secure any First Priority Claims or under which rights or remedies with respect to any such Liens are governed.

First Priority Security Agreements ” means the Guaranty and Security Agreement, by and among the Company, as a grantor, the domestic subsidiaries of the Company party thereto from time to time as grantors and General Electric Capital Corporation, as U.S. Agent and the Guarantee and Security Agreement, by and among Thermon Canada Inc., as a grantor, the domestic subsidiaries of the Company party thereto from time to time as grantors and GE Canada Finance Holding Company, as Canadian Agent, in each case to be dated as of the date of the Indenture and as amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with their respective terms.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs or redeems any Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings) or issues or redeems Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Calculation Date ”), the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock (including the application of any proceeds therefrom), as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable period. In addition, for purposes of making the computation referred to above:

(1) acquisitions that have been made by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers, consolidations or amalgamations and including any related financing transactions, during such period or subsequent to such period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of such period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated to include the Consolidated Cash Flow of the acquired entities (adjusted to exclude (A) the cost of any compensation, remuneration or other benefit paid or provided to any employee, consultant, Affiliate or equity owner of the acquired entities to the extent such costs are eliminated and not replaced and (B) the amount of any reduction in general, administrative or overhead costs of the acquired entities, in each case, as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of the Parent);

(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded;

(3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date;

(4) any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such period;

(5) any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such period;

 

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(6) if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the Calculation Date in excess of 12 months); and

(7) for purposes of making the computations referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness of the specified Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries under a revolving credit facility (to the extent not excluded from the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio due to the operation of the first parenthetical phrase of this definition) computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based on the weighted average daily balance of such Indebtedness during such period.

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of, without duplication:

(1) the Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period; plus

(2) the product of (A) all cash dividend payments (and non-cash dividend payments in the case of a Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary) on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, times (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent incorporated or organized in a jurisdiction other than the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia and any Subsidiary of the Parent that wholly-owns the Capital Stock of a CFC and which is disregarded for United States federal income tax purposes as an entity that is separate from its owner.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, which are in effect from time to time, including those set forth in:

(1) the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s FASB Statement No. 168 (the “ FASB Accounting Standards Codification ”);

(2) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

(3) the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and

(4) such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession.

Guarantee ” by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person to:

(1) purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment) of such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment of such Indebtedness;

(2) purchase property, securities or services for the purposes of assuring the holder of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness; or

(3) maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness;

 

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provided , however , that the Guarantee by any Person shall not include (x) endorsements by such Person for collection or deposit, in either case, in the ordinary course of business, or (y) a contractual commitment by one Person to invest in another Person for so long as such Investment is reasonably expected to constitute a Permitted Investment under clauses (1), (3) or (4) of the definition of “Permitted Investment.”

Guarantors ” means (i) the Initial Guarantors and (ii) each Domestic Subsidiary and any other Restricted Subsidiary that executes a New Note Guarantee after the date of the Indenture in accordance with the provisions thereof, until, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), the New Note Guarantee of any such Person is released in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.

Incur ” means, with respect to any Indebtedness or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume (pursuant to a merger, consolidation, amalgamation, acquisition or other transaction), Guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any such Indebtedness or other obligation on the balance sheet of such Person (and “Incurrence” and “Incurred” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided , however , that a change in GAAP that results in an obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Indebtedness shall not be deemed an Incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided , further , that the accretion of original issue discount on Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness. Indebtedness otherwise Incurred by a Person before it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent shall be deemed to have been Incurred at the time it becomes such a Restricted Subsidiary.

Indebtedness ” means (without duplication), with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person:

(1) indebtedness for borrowed money;

(2) indebtedness evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments of which such Person is obligated or liable;

(3) every payment obligation of such Person with respect to reimbursement of letters of credit, banker’s acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person, other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations, other than obligations referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (5), entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the 10th day following payment on the letter of credit;

(4) every payment obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade payables, credit on open account, provisional credit, accrued liabilities or similar terms arising in the ordinary course of business which are not overdue or which are being contested in good faith);

(5) every Capital Lease Obligation of such Person;

(6) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of Disqualified Stock of such Person at the time of determination plus accrued but unpaid dividends;

(7) every net payment obligation of such Person under interest rate swap, cap, collar or similar agreements or foreign currency hedge, exchange or similar agreements of such Person (collectively, “ Hedging Obligations ”); and

(8) every payment obligation of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (7) of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has Guaranteed or is liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, to the extent of such Guarantee or other liability.

Indenture Documents ” means the New Notes, the Indenture, the New Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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Indenture Obligations ” means all Obligations in respect of the New Notes or arising under the Indenture Documents. Indenture Obligations shall include all interest accrued (or which would, absent the commencement of an insolvency or liquidation proceeding, accrue) after the commencement of an insolvency or liquidation proceeding in accordance with and at the rate specified in the relevant Indenture Document whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim in such insolvency or liquidation proceeding.

Initial Guarantors ” means the Parent, Thermon Manufacturing Company, a Texas corporation, Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc., a Texas corporation, Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc., a Texas corporation and Thermon Heat Tracing Services II, Inc., a Louisiana corporation.

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of direct or indirect loans (including Guarantees of Indebtedness or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commissions, travel, indemnifications and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided that an acquisition of assets, Equity Interests or other securities by the Parent for consideration consisting of common equity securities of the Parent shall not be deemed to be an Investment. If the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent such that after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent, the Parent shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and the covenant described under “—Certain Covenants—Restricted Payments”:

(1) Investments shall include the portion (proportionate to the Parent’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Parent at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Parent shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Parent’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Parent’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such transfer.

“Investment” shall exclude (x) intercompany royalties, commissions, chargebacks and expense reimbursement obligations (including with respect to information technology, insurance and other corporate overhead) between Parent and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or among Restricted Subsidiaries of the Parent and (y) receivables, advances, extensions of trade credit by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices of the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be.

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Investment.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, encumbrance or hypothecation of any kind in respect of that asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under

 

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applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any other agreement to give a security interest in and any filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction).

Management Agreement ” means the Management Agreement among the Company, CHS Management V LP, Thompson Street Capital Manager LLC and Crown Investment Series LLC—Series 4 (or a related or affiliated entity), dated as of the date of the Indenture.

Merger ” means the merger of Thermon Finance, Inc. with and into Thermon Industries, Inc., with Thermon Industries, Inc. as the survivor of such merger, as more fully described under “The Transactions.”

Mortgages ” means a collective reference to each mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt and any other document or instrument under which any Lien on real property owned by the Company or any Guarantor is granted to secure any Indenture Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to any such Liens are governed.

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends, excluding, however, (1) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with (A) any Asset Sale (including dispositions pursuant to Sale and Leaseback Transactions) or (B) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries and (2) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any gain arising from any payments made under a Specified Insurance Policy (as defined below)) (but not loss (other than any loss to the extent such loss is covered by insurance issued by a reputable and creditworthy insurer that has not disclaimed coverage (a “Specified Insurance Policy”))), together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not such loss).

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale and cash proceeds generated from checks or other cash equivalent financial instruments (including Cash Equivalents)) and insurance proceeds received on account of an Event of Loss, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including legal, tax, accounting and investment banking, broker or finder fees and sales commissions) and any relocation expenses Incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP or amount placed in an escrow account or cash reserves for purposes of such an adjustment and escrowed amounts and amounts taken by the Parent or Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve against liabilities associated with such Asset Sale, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with Asset Sale, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Non-Recourse Debt ” means Indebtedness:

(1) as to which neither the Parent nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise; and

(2) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity.

 

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

Officer ” means, with respect to any Person, the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, president, any executive vice president, senior vice president or vice president, the treasurer, principal accounting officer or the secretary of such Person.

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company, the Parent or another Guarantor, as applicable, by two Officers thereof, one of whom must be the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of such Person, and delivered to the Trustee.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, the Parent or the Trustee.

Permitted Holder ” means Code Hennessey & Simmons LLC and its majority owned and controlled Affiliates.

Permitted Investments ” means:

(1) any Investment in the Company or a Guarantor and any Investment by a Foreign Subsidiary in another Foreign Subsidiary and any transfer of Capital Stock of a Foreign Subsidiary to Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent;

(2) any Investment in cash or Cash Equivalents or the New Notes (by way of purchase or other acquisition);

(3) any Investment by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (A) such Person becomes a Guarantor or (B) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Guarantor;

(4) any Investment by a Foreign Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (A) such Person becomes a Foreign Subsidiary or (B) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, a Foreign Subsidiary;

(5) any Investment existing on the date of the Indenture or made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the date of the Indenture or an Investment consisting of any extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on the date of the Indenture; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased (x) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the date of the Indenture or (y) as otherwise permitted under the Indenture;

(6) any Restricted Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant described above under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”;

(7) Hedging Obligations (including deposits of cash or other property to secure performance of Hedging Obligations) that are Incurred by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and not for purposes of speculation;

(8) Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers’ compensation, performance and other similar deposits;

(9) loans and advances to employees and directors of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(10) Investments consisting of non-cash consideration received in connection with dispositions of damaged, worn-out, surplus, obsolete, permanently retired or no longer useful or economically practical or commercially desirable to maintain assets permitted pursuant to the Indenture;

 

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(11) Investments received in settlement of bona fide disputes or delinquent accounts or as distributions in bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings;

(12) Investments in any Person to the extent consideration for such Investment consists of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent;

(13) cash or Cash Equivalents or other property deposited in the ordinary course of business to secure (or to secure letters of credit, banker’s acceptances or bank guarantees in connection with) the performance of statutory obligations (including obligations under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation), surety or appeal bonds, customs bonds, leases, bids, agreements or other obligations under arrangements with utilities, insurance agreements, construction agreements, government contracts, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(14) Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries of the Parent arising from (a) Guarantees by the Parent and its Domestic Subsidiaries of products and services provided by, and obligations of, such Foreign Subsidiaries, under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with customers of such Foreign Subsidiaries and (b) the Incurrence of Obligations by the Parent or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries in respect of standby and other letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees, performance, bid and surety bonds, customs bonds, completion guarantees or similar instruments of like nature incurred or issued in connection with bids or contracts with customers of such Foreign Subsidiaries, in each case incurred or issued in the ordinary course of business; provided that the aggregate amount of all such obligations of the Parent and its Domestic Subsidiaries in respect of the foregoing shall not exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(15) Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries not to exceed $15.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(16) Investments made, in connection with a Specified Restructuring, by Thermon Manufacturing in Thermon Canada to the extent evidenced by the Hybrid New Note;

(17) following the consummation of a Specified Restructuring, Investments made by Specified US LLC in Thermon Canada in exchange for common shares of Thermon Canada, pursuant to the Forward Subscription Agreement; provided that (a) such Investments shall be made solely with funds contributed to Specified US LLC by Thermon Manufacturing, pursuant to the Capital Support Agreement; and (b) such contributions shall be made solely with the proceeds of any payments made by Thermon Canada to Thermon Manufacturing, pursuant to the terms of the Hybrid New Note; provided further, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this clause (17), the aggregate amount of such Investments made by Specified US LLC in Thermon Canada since the date that a Specified Restructuring is consummated shall not exceed the aggregate amount of such payments made by Thermon Canada to Thermon Manufacturing; and

(18) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (18) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate.

provided, however, that with respect to any Investment, the Company may, in its sole discretion, allocate all or any portion of such Investment to one or more of the above clauses (1) through (18) so that all or a portion of such Investment would be a Permitted Investment.

Permitted Liens ” means:

(1) Liens securing First Priority Claims;

(2) Liens in favor of the Company or a Guarantor;

(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated or amalgamated with the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that such Liens were not created in

 

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connection with, or in contemplation of, such merger, consolidation or amalgamation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated or amalgamated with the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(4) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were not created in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition;

(5) Liens, pledges or deposits on cash or Cash Equivalents or other property to secure (or to secure letters of credit, banker’s acceptances or bank guarantees in connection with) the performance of statutory obligations (including obligations under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation), surety or appeal bonds, customs bonds, leases, bids, agreements or other obligations under arrangements with utilities, insurance agreements, construction agreements, government contracts, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(6) Liens arising pursuant to an order of attachment, condemnation, eminent domain, distraint or similar legal process arising in connection with legal proceedings and any Liens that are required to protect or enforce rights in any administrative, arbitration or other court proceedings in the ordinary course of business, in each case, not giving rise to an Event of Default;

(7) Liens securing Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by clause (3) of paragraph (b) of the covenant described above under the caption “—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” covering only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness and directly related assets such as proceeds (including insurance proceeds), products, replacements, substitutions and accessions thereto;

(8) Liens existing on the date of the Indenture and replacement Liens that do not encumber additional assets (other than improvements and accessions to such encumbered assets), unless such encumbrance is otherwise permitted;

(9) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent for more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;

(10) Liens securing Permitted Refinancing Debt, provided that the Parent or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary was permitted to Incur such Liens with respect to the Indebtedness so refinanced under the Indenture and:

(a) the new Lien is limited to all or part of the same property and assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original Lien arose, could secure the original Lien (plus improvements and accessions to, such property or proceeds or distributions thereof); and

(b) the Indebtedness secured by the new Lien is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (x) the outstanding principal amount, or, if greater, committed or accreted amount, of the Indebtedness renewed, refunded, refinanced replaced, defeased or discharged with such Permitted Refinancing Debt; and (y) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums and tender, exchange and defeasance costs related to such renewal, refunding, refinancing, replacement, defeasance or discharge;

(11) statutory and common law Liens of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen or other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business with respect to amounts that are not yet delinquent for more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;

 

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(12) Liens resulting from operation of law with respect to any judgments, awards or orders to the extent that such judgments, awards or orders do not cause or constitute an Event of Default;

(13) survey exceptions, easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions, reservations, covenants, conditions, restrictions, minor imperfections or exceptions in title and other charges or encumbrances in respect of real property or imposed by law not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(14) Liens arising from filings of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements or similar documents regarding leases or otherwise for precautionary purposes relating to arrangements not constituting Indebtedness;

(15) banker’s Liens, Liens that are contractual rights of set-off and similar Liens (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(16) Liens securing Indenture Obligations (including Additional New Notes);

(17) Liens securing Hedging Obligations permitted by clause (7) of paragraph (b) of the covenant described above under the caption “—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;”

(18) Liens on raw materials or on manufactured products as security for any drafts or bills of exchange drawn in connection with the importation of such raw materials or manufactured products;

(19) Liens resulting from leases or subleases granted to others that do not materially interfere with the ordinary course of business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(20) Liens on goods imported by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of such goods;

(21) Liens consisting of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods acquired by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the past practices of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to the date of the Indenture;

(22) Liens securing insurance premium financing arrangements, provided that such Lien is limited to the applicable insurance contracts;

(23) any interest or title of a lessor, licensor or sublicensor solely in the property leased, licensed or sublicensed to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any lease, license or sublicense not constituting Indebtedness;

(24) Liens Incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent with respect to Obligations in an aggregate principal amount that does not exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding and that (A) are not Incurred in connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit (other than trade credit in the ordinary course of business) and (B) do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of the property or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of business by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary; and

(25) Liens securing Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries to the extent such Indebtedness is permitted under the covenant described above under the caption “—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”; provided, that no asset of the Company or any Guarantor shall be subject to any such Lien.

 

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For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest in connection with or in respect of any referenced Indebtedness.

Permitted Parent Payments ” means (i) for so long as the Parent is a member of a group filing a consolidated or combined tax return with Holdings or any direct parent thereof, payments to Holdings in respect of an allocable portion of the tax liabilities of such group that is attributable to the Parent and its Subsidiaries (the “ Tax Payments ”) and (ii) Payments to Holdings or any indirect parent of Parent to pay (a) franchise taxes or other costs of maintaining the corporate existence of such entities, (b) general administrative expenses incurred by such entities when due, not to exceed $250,000 in any fiscal year, and (c) customary salary, bonus, expense reimbursement and other benefits payable to directors, officers and employees of any such entities to the extent such amounts are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries. The Tax Payments shall not exceed the lesser of (x) the amount of the relevant tax (including any penalties and interest) that the Parent would owe if the Parent were filing a separate tax return (or a separate consolidated or combined return with its Subsidiaries that are members of the consolidated or combined group), taking into account any carryovers and carrybacks of tax attributes (such as net operating losses) of the Parent and such Subsidiaries from other taxable years and (y) the net amount of the relevant tax that Holdings actually owes to the appropriate taxing authority.

Permitted Refinancing Debt ” means any Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net cash proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, redeem, replace, repurchase, defease, discharge or refund other Indebtedness (in whole or in part) of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be; provided that:

(1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Debt does not exceed the principal amount and premium, if any, plus accrued interest (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded (plus the amount of any fees, expenses and other costs, including premiums and tender, exchange and defeasance costs, Incurred in connection therewith);

(2) such Permitted Refinancing Debt has a final scheduled maturity date later than the final scheduled maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded (or, if shorter, has a final scheduled maturity date later than the final scheduled maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the New Notes);

(3) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Debt is subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes on terms at least as favorable to the holders of New Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded; and

(4) if the Company or a Guarantor is the obligor of the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded, then such Permitted Refinancing Debt shall only be Incurred by the Company or a Guarantor (and not any Restricted Subsidiaries that is not the Company or a Guarantor) and (ii) if a Restricted Subsidiary that is not the Company or a Guarantor is the obligor of the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded, then such Permitted Refinancing Debt shall only be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not the Company or a Guarantor.

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

 

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Preferred Stock ” as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

Refinance ” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease, discharge or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness. “Refinanced” and “refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated as of the date of the Indenture, among the Company, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the New Notes, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means the Company and any other Subsidiary of the Parent that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Revolving Credit Agreement ” means the loan agreement, to be dated as of the date of the Indenture, by and among the Company, the several lenders from time to time parties thereto, and the Administrative Agent, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case, as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, replaced (whether or not upon termination and whether with the original lenders, institutional investors or otherwise), refinanced (including through the issuance of debt securities), restructured or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time.

Sale and Leaseback Transaction ” means an arrangement relating to property owned by the Parent or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the Indenture or thereafter acquired by the Parent or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries whereby the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor agency thereto.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Security Agreement ” means the Security Agreement, to be dated as of the date of the Indenture, made by the Company and the Guarantors in favor of the Collateral Agent, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

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

Similar Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Parent and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the Indenture or any reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or any business or activity that is similar, reasonably related, incidental, complementary or ancillary thereto.

Specified Capitalized Lease ” means a Capitalized Lease that previously would not have constituted a Capitalized Lease as of the date of the Indenture (regardless of whether such Capitalized Lease was in existence on such date) but constitutes a Capitalized Lease solely due to a change in GAAP subsequent to such date.

 

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Specified Restructuring ” means a corporate restructuring pursuant to which the following steps shall be taken:

(1) first, Parent shall contribute the shares of Thermon Canada to the Company solely in exchange for voting stock of the Company, and the Company shall then contribute all such shares of Thermon Canada to Thermon Manufacturing solely in exchange for voting stock of Thermon Manufacturing;

(2) second, Thermon Manufacturing shall form Specified US LLC, which shall be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

(3) third, Thermon Manufacturing shall transfer all or a portion of the shares of one or more of its Foreign Subsidiaries (other than Thermon Canada) to Thermon Canada in exchange for a promissory note (the “ Hybrid New Note ”); and

(4) fourth, Specified US LLC shall enter into a forward subscription agreement (the “ Forward Subscription Agreement ”) with Thermon Canada, pursuant to which Specified US LLC shall be obligated to purchase additional common shares in Thermon Canada, and Thermon Manufacturing shall enter into a capital support agreement (a “ Capital Support Agreement ”) with Specified US LLC, pursuant to which Thermon Manufacturing shall guarantee to make capital contributions to Specified US LLC.

Specified US LLC ” means a limited liability company to be newly formed by Thermon Manufacturing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Stated Maturity ” when used with respect to any security or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the principal of such security or such installment of interest is due and payable.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or a combination thereof) and (2) any partnership (A) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (B) the only general partners of which are such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).

Thermon Canada ” means Thermon Canada Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia.

Thermon Manufacturing ” means Thermon Manufacturing Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas.

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Parent (other than the Company) that is designated by the Board of Directors of the Parent as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:

(1) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;

(2) except as permitted by the covenant described above under the caption “—Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates,” is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Parent;

(3) is a Person with respect to which neither the Parent nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

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U.S. Government Obligation ” means:

(1) any security which is: a direct obligation of the United States of America the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally Guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of the United States of America, which, in either case, is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof; and

(2) any depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depository receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depository receipt.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (A) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (B) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by

(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock of which (other than directors’ qualifying Capital Stock or Capital Stock required by applicable law to be owned by another Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).

 

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PRINCIPAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of (i) the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to this exchange offer and (ii) the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes. It addresses purchasers that acquire their Notes at original issuance at their original issue price, and that acquire and hold the Notes as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that might be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances or the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to special classes of taxpayers, such as dealers in securities or currencies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, tax-exempt entities, partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, financial institutions, insurance companies, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting, persons holding the Notes as a part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a straddle, U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar, former citizens or residents of the United States or investors subject to the alternative minimum tax. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and judicial decisions, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this prospectus might affect the tax consequences described herein, possibly with retroactive effect. Persons considering the purchase of Notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding the Notes in light of their particular situations as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a Note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof (including the District of Columbia), an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or a trust treated as a United States person under Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (taking into account certain effective dates and transition rules in the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder). The term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a Note (other than an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder. If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds a Note, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership and the partner. Partnerships holding a Note, and partners in a partnership holding a Note, should consult their tax advisors.

The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth below is included for general information only and may not be applicable depending upon a holder’s particular situation. Prospective purchasers of the Notes should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Notes, including the tax consequences under state, local, estate, foreign and other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in U.S. or other tax laws.

*  *  *  *

Any discussion of U.S. federal tax issues set forth in this prospectus was written in connection with the promotion and marketing by us and the Initial Purchasers of the Notes. Such discussion was not intended or written to be legal or tax advice to any person and was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any U.S. federal tax penalties that may be imposed on such person. Each investor should seek advice based on its particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

*  *  *  *

Treatment of Exchanges under Exchange Offer

The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to this exchange offer will not be treated as an “exchange” for U.S. federal income tax purposes because the New Notes will not be considered to differ materially in kind or

 

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extent from the Old Notes. Accordingly, the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes will not be a taxable event to holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, (1) a holder will not recognize taxable gain or loss as a result of exchanging such holder’s Old Notes for New Notes; (2) the holding period of the New Notes will include the holding period of the Old Notes exchanged therefor; and (3) the adjusted issue price and adjusted tax basis of the New Notes will be the same as the adjusted issue price and adjusted tax basis of the Old Notes exchanged therefor immediately before the exchange.

U.S. Holders

Stated Interest

Stated interest on a Note will be reportable by a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time it accrues or is received, in accordance with the U.S. Holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Optional Redemption

As described above under the heading “Description of the New Notes—Optional Redemption,” we may under certain circumstances redeem or repurchase the Notes before maturity. Also, in the event a change of control occurs, we may be required to repurchase Notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus any accrued interest to the date of repurchase, as described above under the heading “Description of the New Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control.” In addition, if there is a default of the registration obligations, the interest rate on the Notes will increase. Under the U.S. Treasury Regulations regarding notes issued with original issue discount, if based on all the facts and circumstances as of the date on which the Notes are issued there is a remote likelihood that a contingency will occur, it is assumed that such contingency will not occur. We intend to take the position that the likelihood of (i) a repurchase premium becoming payable on the Notes, or (ii) the interest rate being increased as a result of a default of the registration obligations, is remote (within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations) as of the issue date, and that, as a result, such additional amounts need not be taken into account unless and until such additional amounts become payable, at which time such additional amounts should be taxable to a U.S. Holder in accordance with such U.S. Holder’s method of accounting. Our position will be binding on all U.S. Holders except a U.S. Holder that discloses its differing position in a statement attached to its timely filed U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year during which a Note was acquired. There can be no assurance, however, that the IRS will agree with our position. If our position were successfully challenged by the IRS, the Notes could be treated as “contingent payment debt instruments” under the Treasury regulations and a U.S. Holder could be required to accrue income on a Note in excess of stated interest payments (regardless of the U.S. Holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes) at a rate equal to our “comparable yield,” and to treat as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, any gain recognized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of a Note.

This discussion assumes the Notes will not be treated as contingent payment debt instruments.

The Merger

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the transitory existence of Thermon Finance, Inc., is likely to be disregarded and the Notes treated as issued directly by Thermon Industries, Inc. Accordingly, the merger should not cause the U.S. Holders to recognize income, gain or loss with respect to their Notes.

Amortizable Bond Premium

If a U.S. Holder acquires a Note in a secondary market transaction for an amount in excess of, in general, its principal amount, such U.S. Holder will be considered to have purchased such Note with “amortizable bond premium” equal in amount to such excess. Generally, a U.S. Holder may elect to amortize such premium as an offset to interest income, using a constant yield method. The premium amortization is calculated assuming that we will exercise redemption rights in a manner that maximizes the U.S. Holder’s yield. If the U.S. Holder elects

 

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to amortize bond premium, such U.S. Holder must reduce its tax basis in the Note by the amount of the premium used to offset interest income as set forth above. An election to amortize bond premium applies to all taxable debt obligations held during or after the taxable year for which the election is made and may be revoked only with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service.

Market Discount

If a U.S. Holder acquires a Note in a secondary market transaction for an amount that is less than, in general, its principal amount, the amount of such difference is treated as “market discount” for U.S. federal income tax purposes to such U.S. Holder, unless such difference is considered to be de minimis , as described in Section 1278(a)(2)(C) of the Code. Under the market discount rules of the Code, a U.S. Holder is required to treat any principal payment on, or any gain on the sale, exchange or redemption or other taxable disposition of, a Note as ordinary income to the extent of the accrued market discount that has not previously been included in income. In general, the amount of market discount that has accrued is determined on a ratable basis, although in certain circumstances an election may be made to accrue market discount on a constant interest basis. A U.S. Holder may not be allowed to deduct immediately a portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness incurred or maintained to purchase or to carry Notes with market discount. A U.S. Holder may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues, in which case the interest deferral rule set forth in the preceding sentence will not apply. Such an election will apply to all debt instruments acquired on or after the first day of the taxable year to which such election applies and is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. The tax basis in a Note will be increased by the amount of market discount included in income as a result of such election. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Notes with market discount.

Disposition of Notes

A U.S. Holder who disposes of a Note by sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or otherwise, generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition (not including any amount attributable to accrued but unpaid stated interest) and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Note. Any amount attributable to accrued but unpaid stated interest will be treated as a payment of interest and taxed in the manner described above under “—Stated Interest.” In general, the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a Note will be equal to the purchase price of the Note paid by the U.S. Holder (excluding any amount attributable to accrued but unpaid stated interest) and reduced by any prior payments received on the Note other than payments of stated interest (subject to the adjustments described above under “—Amortizable Bond Premium” and “—Market Discount,” if applicable). Upon a disposition of a portion of a Note, gain or loss will be determined under the foregoing rules by reference to an allocable portion of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Note.

Except as described above under “—Market Discount,” gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of a Note generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of disposition, the Note has been held for more than one year. For individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses generally is taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income. Capital losses are subject to limits on deductibility.

Non-U.S. Holders

Subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding, principal and interest payments made on, and gains from the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of, a Note will not be subject to the withholding of U.S. federal income tax, provided that, in the case of interest,

 

   

the Non-U.S. Holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock,

 

   

the Non-U.S. Holder is not a “controlled foreign corporation” (as defined in the Code) related, directly or indirectly, to us through stock ownership,

 

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the Non-U.S. Holder is not a bank receiving interest described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, and

 

   

the certification requirements under Section 871(h) or Section 881(c) of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder, summarized below, are met.

Sections 871(h) and 881(c) of the Code and Treasury regulations thereunder generally require that, in order to obtain the exemption from withholding described above, either

 

   

the beneficial owner of the Note must certify, under penalties of perjury, to the withholding agent that such owner is a Non-U.S. Holder and must provide such owner’s name, address and U.S. taxpayer identification number, if any, and must otherwise satisfy documentary evidence requirements,

 

   

a financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of business and holds a Note certifies to the withholding agent that the appropriate certification has been received from the beneficial owner by it or by a financial institution between it and the beneficial owner and generally furnishes the withholding agent with a copy thereof, or

 

   

the Non-U.S. Holder must provide such certification to a U.S. branch of a foreign bank or of a foreign insurance company, a “qualified intermediary” or a “withholding foreign partnership” and certain other conditions must be met.

A Non-U.S. Holder may give the certification described above on IRS Form W-8BEN, which generally is effective for the remainder of the year of signature plus three full calendar years, unless a change in circumstances makes any information on the form incorrect. Special rules apply to foreign partnerships. In general, a foreign partnership will be required to provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8IMY and attach thereto an appropriate certification from each partner. Partners in foreign partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors.

Even if a Non-U.S. Holder does not meet the above requirements, interest payments will not be subject to the withholding of U.S. federal income tax (or will be subject to withholding at a reduced rate) if the Non- U.S. Holder certifies on the appropriate IRS Form W-8 that either (i) an applicable tax treaty exempts, or provides for a reduction in, such withholding or (ii) interest paid on a Note is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s trade or business in the United States and therefore is not subject to withholding (as described in greater detail below).

If a Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, and if interest on a Note is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from withholding of U.S. federal income tax, will generally be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax on such interest in the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. Holder. In lieu of providing an IRS Form W-8BEN, such a Non-U.S. Holder will be required to provide the withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI in order to claim an exemption from withholding. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to branch profits tax equal to 30%, or such lower rate as may be provided by an applicable treaty, of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

A Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of a Note (except, in certain cases, to the extent that such gain is attributable to accrued but unpaid interest) unless the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s trade or business in the United States, or, if the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual, the Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition and certain other conditions are met. In addition, if the Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to branch profits tax equal to 30%, or such lower rate as may be provided by an applicable treaty, of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

 

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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

U.S. Holders

Information reporting requirements apply to interest and principal payments made to, and to the proceeds of certain sales or other dispositions by, certain non-corporate U.S. Holders. In addition, backup withholding is required on such payments unless a U.S. Holder furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number (which for an individual is generally the individual’s Social Security Number) and certifies on an IRS Form W-9, under penalties of perjury, that the U.S. Holder is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. The current backup withholding rate is 28% of the amount paid and is scheduled to increase to 31% for 2011 and thereafter. Backup withholding does not apply with respect to payments made to certain exempt recipients, such as corporations and tax-exempt organizations. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders

Backup withholding does not apply to payments of interest and principal made to, and the proceeds of a sale or other disposition by, a Non-U.S. Holder if such Non-U.S. Holder certifies (on IRS Form W-8BEN or other appropriate form) its Non-U.S. Holder status. However, information reporting on IRS Form 1042-S will generally apply to payments of interest. Information reporting (but generally not backup withholding) may also apply to payments made outside the United States, and payments on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of a debt security effected outside the United States, if payment is made by a payor that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a United States person, to

 

   

a controlled foreign corporation,

 

   

a U.S. branch of a foreign bank or foreign insurance company,

 

   

a foreign partnership controlled by United States persons or engaged in a U.S. trade or business, or

 

   

a foreign person, 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business for a specified three-year period,

unless such payor has in its records documentary evidence that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. Holder and certain other conditions are met or the beneficial owner otherwise establishes an exemption.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We on behalf of ourself and the guarantors have agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business 90 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until                     , 2010, all dealers effecting transactions in the New Notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.

We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by broker-dealers. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such New Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells New Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such New Notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of New Notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

Furthermore, any broker-dealer that acquired any of the Old Notes directly from us:

 

   

may not rely on the applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC’s position contained in Exxon Capital Holdings Corp., SEC no-action letter (April 13, 1988), Morgan, Stanley & Co. Inc., SEC no-action letter (June 5, 1991) and Shearman & Sterling, SEC no-action letter (July 2, 1983); and

 

   

must also be named as a selling noteholder in connection with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act relating to any resale transaction.

For a period of 90 days after the expiration date we and the guarantors will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We and the guarantors have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the Old Notes) other than commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will indemnify the holders of the Old Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the New Notes and the related guarantees will be passed upon for us by Sidley Austin LLP, Chicago, Illinois, as to matters of New York and Delaware law. In rendering its opinion, Sidley Austin, LLP will rely upon the opinions of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., Houston, Texas, as to matters of Texas law, and Liskow & Lewis, as to matters of Louisiana law.

EXPERTS

Our consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 and for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008 (“Predecessor”), and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 (“Pre-Predecessor”), appearing in this registration statement and prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing herein, and are based in part on the reports of Meyers Norris Penny LLP, Bell Partners, Shanghai Jialiang CPAs and B.L. Ajmera & Company, with respect to Thermon Canada Inc., Thermon Australia Pty Ltd., Thermon Heat Tracing & Engineering (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Thermon Heat Tracers Pvt., Ltd., respectively. The financial statements referred to above are included in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549, a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act with respect to our offering of the New Notes. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. You will find additional information about us and the New Notes in the registration statement. Certain items are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to the Company and the New Notes, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits and any schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance, if such contract or document is filed as an exhibit, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. A copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, from which interested persons can electronically access the registration statement, including the exhibits and any schedules thereto. Copies of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, are also available at your request, without charge, from Thermon Holding Corp. 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, Attention: Chief Executive Officer. Our telephone number at that address is (512) 396-5801.

If for any reason we are not required to comply with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are still required under the indenture to furnish the holders of the New Notes with the information, documents and other reports specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act. In addition, we have agreed that, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, we will furnish to the holders of the Notes and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. We also maintain an Internet site at http://www.thermon.com. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Audited Financial Statements of Thermon Holdings, LLC and its Consolidated Subsidiaries

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended March 31, 2010 and March  31, 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008 (“Predecessor”) and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 (“Pre-Predecessor”)

   F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010 and 2009

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Members’ Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 2010 and March  31, 2009 and the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008 (“Predecessor”)

   F-5

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the period from April  1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 (“Pre-Predecessor”)

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 2010 and March  31, 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008 (“Predecessor”) and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 (“Pre-Predecessor”)

   F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-9

Unaudited Financial Statements of Thermon Holding Corp. and its Consolidated Subsidiaries

   F-40

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2010 (“Successor”) and March  31, 2010 (“Predecessor”)

   F-41

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 (“Successor”), the period from April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 (“Predecessor”) and the three months ended June 30, 2009 (“Predecessor”)

   F-42

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s/Members’ Equity for the period from March 31, 2010 through April 30, 2010 (“Predecessor”), the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 (“Successor”) and the period from March 31, 2009 through June 30, 2009 (“Predecessor”)

   F-43

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period from May 1, 2010 thorough June  30, 2010 (“Successor”), the period from April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 (“Predecessor”) and the three months ended June 30, 2009 (“Predecessor”)

   F-44

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-45

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Members and Board of Directors

Thermon Holdings, LLC

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Thermon Holdings, LLC (the Company and Predecessor) as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, members’/shareholder’s equity, and cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the period from August 30, 2007 to March 31, 2008 (Predecessor); and for the period from April 1, 2007 to August 29, 2007 of Thermon Industries, Inc. (Pre-Predecessor). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Thermon Canada, Inc., Thermon Australia, PTY., LTD, M/S Thermon Heat Tracers PVT., LTD. (2010 and 2009 only), and Thermon Heat Tracing & Engineering (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., wholly owned subsidiaries, which statements reflect total assets of $98.8 million and $74.0 million as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and total revenues of $61.9 million, and $73.7 million, $38.9 million, and $16.2 million, for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 to March 31, 2008, and for the period from April 1, 2007 to August 29, 2007, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Thermon Canada, Inc., Thermon Australia, PTY., LTD, Thermon Heat Tracers PVT., LTD. (2010 and 2009 only), and Thermon China is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Thermon Holdings, LLC at March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the period from August 30, 2007 to March 31, 2008 (Predecessor); and for the period from April 1, 2007 to August 29, 2007 of Thermon Industries, Inc. (Pre-Predecessor) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

June 28, 2010

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
     Year Ended
March 31,
2010
    Year Ended
March 31,
2009
    For the
Period From
August 30,
2007
Through
March 31,
2008
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through
August 29,

2007
 

Sales

   $ 192,713      $ 202,755      $ 124,196          $ 61,615   

Cost of sales

     101,401        105,456        76,291            33,801   
                                    

Gross profit

     91,312        97,299        47,905            27,814   

Operating expenses:

            

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     47,343        49,807        29,862            17,182   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     2,426        6,627        6,716            —     
                                    

Income from operations

     41,543        40,865        11,327            10,632   

Other income (expenses):

            

Interest income

     6        94        154            13   

Interest expense

     (7,357     (9,625     (7,934         (440

Gain (loss) on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     (1     (18     (41         (75

Miscellaneous income (expense)

     (1,285     (3,120     (3,715         (9,222
                                    
     (8,637     (12,669     (11,536         (9,724
                                    

Income (loss) from operations before provision for income taxes

     32,906        28,196        (209         908   

Income taxes

     (13,966     (1,795     (20,019         (1,693
                                    

Net income (loss)

   $ 18,940      $ 26,401      $ (20,228       $ (785
                                    

See accompanying notes.

 

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Thermon Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     March 31
     2010    2009

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 30,147    $ 13,402

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,835 and $1,233 as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively

     41,882      37,874

Notes receivable and other

     3      558

Inventories, net

     22,835      25,103

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     1,636      2,458

Income taxes receivable

     1,368      370

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     4,331      3,649

Deferred income taxes

     1,428      1,872
             

Total current assets

     103,630      85,286

Property, plant and equipment, net

     22,750      22,255

Goodwill

     42,013      37,008

Intangibles, net

     50,137      46,171

Debt issuance costs, net

     2,586      3,016
             

Total assets

   $ 221,116    $ 193,736
             

Liabilities and members’ equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 9,397    $ 10,458

Accrued liabilities

     13,505      13,711

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     1,035      1,038

Income taxes payable

     2,158      1,777

Due to former shareholders

     —        2,363

Deferred income taxes

     138      185
             

Total current liabilities

     26,233      29,532

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     109,249      99,032

Deferred income taxes

     30,005      26,361

Other noncurrent liabilities

     555      597

Members’ equity

     55,074      38,214
             

Total liabilities and members’ equity

   $ 221,116    $ 193,736
             

See accompanying notes.

 

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Thermon Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Members’ Equity

(Shares and Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Ownership Units     Retained
Earnings
    Currency
Translation
Adjustment
    Other     Total  
     Issued and
Outstanding
    Amount          

Initial capitalization, August 30, 2007:

            

Issuance of Class A Units for cash

   33,837      $ 33,837      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 33,837   

Exchange Class A Units for certain shares of Thermon Industries, Inc.

   12,943        3,232        —          —          —          3,232   

Issuance of Class A Units for cash

   425        425        —          —          —          425   

Award of Unvested Series P Units for cash

   6,630        7        —          —          —          7   

Stock compensation

   —          71        —          —          —          71   

Net loss

   —          —          (20,228     —          —          (20,228

Translation adjustment

   —          —          —          2,928        —          2,928   

Other

   —          —          —          —          73        73   
                  

Comprehensive loss

   —          —          —          —          —          (17,227
                                              

Balances at March 31, 2008

   53,835        37,572        (20,228     2,928        73        20,345   

Series P units forfeited

   (1,582     —          —          —          —          —     

Stock compensation

   —          (71     —          —          —          (71

Net income

   —          —          26,401        —          —          26,401   

Translation adjustment

   —          —          —          (8,474     —          (8,474

Other

   —          —          —          —          13        13   
                  

Comprehensive income

   —          —          —          —          —          17,940   
                                              

Balances at March 31, 2009

   52,253        37,501        6,173        (5,546     86        38,214   
                                              

Dividend paid

   —          —          (8,600     —          —          (8,600

Net income

   —          —          18,940        —          —          18,940   

Translation adjustment

   —          —          —          6,606        —          6,606   

Other

   —          —          —          —          (86     (86
                  

Comprehensive income

   —          —          —          —          —          25,460   
                                              

Balances at March 31, 2010

   52,253      $ 37,501      $ 16,513      $ 1,060      $ —        $ 55,074   
                                              

 

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Thermon Holdings, LLC

Pre-Predecessor’s Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Common
Stock
Amount
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance at March 31, 2007

   $ 40    $ 186    $ 28,883      $ 1,406    $ 30,515   

Issuances of common stock

     —        39      —          —        39   

Net loss

     —        —        (785     —        (785

Translation adjustments

     —        —        —          1,209      1,209   
                   

Comprehensive income

     —        —        —          —        424   
                                     

Balance at August 29, 2007

   $ 40    $ 225    $ 28,098      $ 2,615    $ 30,978   
                                     

 

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Thermon Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
     Year Ended
March 31, 2010
    Year Ended
March 31, 2009
    For the Period
From
August 30, 2007
Through
March 31, 2008
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through
August 29, 2007
 

Operating activities

            

Net income (loss)

   $ 18,940      $ 26,401      $ (20,228       $ (785

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

            

Depreciation and amortization

     4,424        8,494        15,239            654   

Amortization of debt cost, net

     657        656        390            —     

(Benefit)/provision for deferred income taxes

     4,040        (11,622     15,423            (157

Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     1        19        41            75   

Other

     —          (15     88            (98

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:

            

Accounts receivable

     (2,971     6,417        (14,982         (1,189

Inventories

     2,855        33        (1,893         (4,334

Costs and estimated earnings and billings on construction contracts

     819        (1,607     493            9   

Other current and noncurrent assets

     (1,125     (503     (31         (729

Accounts payable

     (789     (3,283     5,036            (1,140

Accrued liabilities and noncurrent liabilities

     (189     (1,255     6,666            (3,163

Change in liability to former shareholders

     (2,363     (1,081     3,444            —     

Income taxes payable

     382        1,029        (358         284   
                                    

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     24,681        23,686        9,328            (10,573
 

Investing activities

            

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     2        32        12            1   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (1,587     (2,708     (4,229         (1,085

Cash paid for Thermon Industries, Inc. (net of cash acquired of $3,700)

     —          —          (145,933         —     

Proceeds from insurance recoveries on building

     —          —          —              1,278   

Other investing transactions

     —          408        —              —     
                                    

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (1,585     (2,268     (150,150         194   

 

F-7


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
     Year Ended
March 31, 2010
    Year Ended
March 31, 2009
    For the Period
From
August 30, 2007
Through
March 31, 2008
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through
August 29, 2007
 

Financing activities

            

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and long-term debt

   $ —        $ —        $ 116,975          $ 39,333   

Debt issuance costs

     —          —          (4,268         —     

Payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term debt

     —          (11,957     —              (28,503

Proceeds from short-term notes payable

     —          —          303            1   

Payments on short-term notes payable

     —          (310     —              —     

Issuance of common stock

     —          —          34,270            39   

Dividend paid

     (8,600     —          —              —     
                                    

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (8,600     (12,267     147,280            10,870   
                                    

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     2,249        (2,223     16            1,147   

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     16,745        6,928        6,474            1,638   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     13,402        6,474        —              2,062   
                                    

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 30,147      $ 13,402      $ 6,474          $ 3,700   
                                    
 

Supplemental Noncash investing and financing activities

            

Predecessor equity rollover

   $ —        $ —        $ 3,232          $ —     

Effect of exchange rate changes on long-term debt

   $ 10,218      $ (9,652   $ 1,849          $ —     

Effect of exchange rate changes on fixed assets

   $ (909   $ 1,931      $ 119          $ —     

Effect of exchange rate changes on intangibles

   $ (6,619   $ 7,981      $ —            $ —     

Effect of exchange rate changes on Goodwill

   $ (5,005   $ 4,829      $ —            $ —     
 

Cash paid for interest and income taxes

            

Interest, net

   $ 6,920      $ 8,521      $ 7,532          $ 434   

Income taxes, net

   $ 10,432      $ 12,482      $ 5,037          $ 1,119   

See accompanying notes.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands)

March 31, 2010

1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

Thermon is a global manufacturing and engineering company dedicated to electrical and steam trace heating of piping, vessels, instrumentation and associated equipment. Through a network of international subsidiaries, the Company provides services to industrial and commercial businesses in most of the major industrial centers around the world. The Company’s largest markets are the U.S., Europe, Asia and Canada. The Company’s primary base of customers operates in the oil, petrochemical and power generation industries.

On August 30, 2007, Thermon Holdings, LLC (the Company and Predecessor) was established by the Audax Private Equity Fund II, L.P. and its affiliates (Audax), to acquire Thermon Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Thermon and Pre-Predecessor).

The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase combination. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired based on their estimated fair values and liabilities assumed were recorded based upon their actual value. The allocation of the assets is based upon an independent appraisal.

The Company’s accounting basis was changed to reflect the acquisition of the Pre-Predecessor by the Company because the Predecessor’s shareholders retained a minority ownership interest in the Company in accordance with the accounting standards for leveraged buyout transactions. The Company’s accounting basis was changed to fair value to reflect the new shareholder’s interest in the Company and the continuing shareholders’ residual interest was valued at the continuing shareholders’ basis in the Pre-Predecessor of approximately $3,232, instead of the $12,943 fair value of the 12,942 Class A Units exchanged. This difference of $9,711 was prorated to the fair value adjustments to the net assets acquired.

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Consolidated subsidiaries domiciled in foreign countries comprised approximately 66%, 70%, 65%, and 62% of the Company’s consolidated sales, $18,509, $17,500, $(700), and $5,500 of the Company’s consolidated pretax income for the period from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 (fiscal year 2010) April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 (fiscal year 2009), August 30, 2007 to March 31, 2008 and the period from April 1, 2007 to August 29, 2007, respectively, and 65% and 59%, of the Company’s consolidated total assets at March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

In November 2008, Thermon Manufacturing Company (TMC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, purchased all outstanding minority interest shares of Thermon Heat Tracers PVT. LTD. (India). As of March 31, 2010 and 2009, Thermon Heat Tracers PVT., LTD. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TMC.

During fiscal year 2010, the Company adopted standards for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are available to be issued. Management has evaluated subsequent events through June 28, 2010, the date at which the financial statements were available to be issued.

Segment Reporting

The Company’s chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses the performance of its electrical and stream trace heating of piping, vessels, instrumentation and associated equipment sales activities as one segment.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in bank and money market funds. All highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less from time of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.

Receivables

The Company’s receivables are recorded at cost when earned and represent claims against third parties that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of the Company’s receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, represents their estimated net realizable value. If events or changes in circumstances indicate specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the Company’s ability to collect those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. The Company has established an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon an analysis of aged receivables. Past-due receivable balances are written-off when the Company’s internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting the amounts due.

The Company’s primary base of customers operates in the oil, petrochemical and power generation industries. Although the Company has a concentration of credit risk within these industries, the Company has not experienced significant collection losses on sales to these customers. The Company’s foreign receivables are not concentrated within any one geographic region nor are they subject to any current economic conditions that would subject the Company to unusual risk. The Company does not generally require collateral or other security from customers.

The Company performs credit evaluations of new customers and sometimes require deposits, prepayments or use of trade letters of credit to mitigate our credit risk. Allowance for doubtful account balances are $1,835 and $1,233 as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Although we have fully provided for these balances, we continue to pursue collection of these receivables.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

The following table summarizes the annual changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts:

 

Pre-Predecessor:

  

Balance at March 31, 2007

   $ 611   

Additions charged to expense

     91   

Write-off of uncollectible accounts

     (6
        

Balance at August 29, 2007

   $ 696   
        

Predecessor:

  

Balance at August 30, 2007

   $ 696   

Additions charged to expense

     284   

Write-off of uncollectible accounts

     (137
        

Balance at March 31, 2008

     843   

Additions charged to expense

     738   

Write-off of uncollectible accounts

     (348
        

Balance at March 31, 2009

     1,233   

Additions charged to expense

     881   

Write-off of uncollectible accounts

     (279
        

Balance at March 31, 2010

   $ 1,835   
        

Inventories

Inventories, principally raw materials and finished goods, are valued at the lower of cost (weighted average cost) or market.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from sales of the Company’s products are recognized when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is probable.

Construction contract revenues are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method, primarily based on contract costs incurred to date compared with total estimated contract costs. Changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period they are determined. Revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed are classified as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. Essentially all of such amounts are expected to be billed and collected within one year and are classified as current assets. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are classified as current liabilities. When reasonably dependable estimates cannot be made, construction contract revenues are recognized using the completed contract method.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for renewals and improvements that significantly extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets are charged to operations as incurred when assets are sold or retired, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is credited or changed to operations.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following lives:

 

     Useful Lives in
Years

Land improvements

   15 to 20

Buildings and improvements

   10 to 40

Machinery and equipment

   3 to 25

Office furniture and equipment

   3 to 10

Fair Value Measurements

Financial instruments for which the Company did not elect the fair value option include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, current and long-term debt, accounts payable, and other current liabilities. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments, approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature or variable rates.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Costs in excess of net asset value (goodwill) of purchased businesses relates to the acquisition made by the Company. Separable intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives, and goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. In making this assessment, management relies on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, transactions, and market place data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. As such, U.S. GAAP requires that “push down” accounting be applied for wholly owned subsidiaries if the ownership is 95 percent or more. In connection with the Audax transaction, goodwill was allocated to the companies subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada and Europe accordingly. As such, the Company has identified three reporting units: U.S., Canada and Europe, for goodwill impairment testing, which are at a level below its operating segment. Factors considered important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

   

Significant underperformance relative to expected historical review or projected future operating results;

 

   

Significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and

 

   

Significant negative industry or economic trends.

When testing for goodwill impairment, the Company performs a step 1 goodwill impairment test to identify a potential impairment. In doing so, the Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill may be impaired and a step 2 goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of any impairment loss. In the step 2 goodwill impairment test, the Company compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner that the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The Company allocates the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, including intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Any excess of the value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Estimates about fair value used in the step 1 goodwill impairment tests have been calculated using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows of each reporting unit. The income approach has been supported by additional transaction and guideline analyses. These approaches incorporate a number of assumptions including future growth rates, discount factors, and income tax rates in assessing fair value. Changes in economic and operating conditions impacting these assumptions could result in goodwill impairments in future periods.

There was no impairment of goodwill for any period presented in these financial statements.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows that the assets are expected to generate. If the long-lived assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value and is recorded in the period the determination was made.

Income Taxes

Taxable income or loss of Thermon Holdings, LLC is included in the income tax returns of its members. However, its sole direct subsidiary, Thermon Holding Corp. has elected C-Corporation status for income tax purposes. As a result, the income tax amounts recorded in these consolidated financial statements relate to Thermon Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries through which substantially all of the operations of the Company are derived.

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events are considered other than enactments of changes in tax laws or rates. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized.

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a pronouncement entitled Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (the Pronouncement), which clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions. The Pronouncement requires the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position, if the position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Pronouncement was effective for the Company on April 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

Exchange adjustments resulting from foreign currency transactions are recognized in income as realized. For the Company’s non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries, assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at a weighted average exchange rate prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a separate component of members’ equity.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Warranties

The Company offers a standard warranty on product sales in which they will replace a defective product for a period of one year. Warranties on construction projects are negotiated individually, are typically one year in duration, and may include the cost of labor to replace products. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the amount of sales, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

Research and Development

Research and development expenditures are expensed when incurred and are included in marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses. Research and development expenses include salaries, direct costs incurred, and building and overhead expenses. The amounts expensed in fiscal year 2010 and 2009, in the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 were $1,770, $1,676, $1,087, and $727, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Cost

The Company includes shipping and handling costs as part of cost of goods sold.

Economic Dependence

Customer A accounted for 14% of the Company’s total revenue during fiscal year 2009. No customer represented more than 10% of the Company’s revenues in any of the other periods reported.

No customer represented more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable at March 31, 2010 and 2009.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior year Class P-unit amounts, miscellaneous income (expense) and operating cash flow amounts have been made to conform to current year presentations. Such reclassification had no impact on net income or total members’ equity.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2009, the FASB updated FASB ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (FASB ASC 105). The update establishes the FASB Standards Accounting Codification (Codification) as the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities and rules and interpretive releases of the SEC as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. This update is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We adopted the update on March 31, 2010, as required and concluded it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations (FASB ASC 805), which significantly changes the principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and the goodwill acquired. This statement is effective prospectively, except for certain retrospective

 

F-14


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

adjustments to deferred tax balances, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company’s adoption of FASB ASC 805, on April 1, 2009, had no material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , that defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, expands disclosure about fair value measurements, and introduces the fair value option for certain for certain financial assets and liabilities. The Company adopted the fair value provisions of ASC 820 on April 1, 2008. Prior to adoption, the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for non-financial assets and liabilities were deferred by one year. The Company adopted the fair value provisions of ASC 820 for non-financial assets and liabilities on April 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, result of operations or cash flows.

2. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at March 31:

 

     2010     2009  

Raw materials

   $ 7,451      $ 7,361   

Work in progress

     1,831        2,798   

Finished goods

     14,725        16,297   
                
     24,007        26,456   

Valuation reserves

     (1,172     (1,353
                

Net inventory

   $ 22,835      $ 25,103   
                

The following table summarizes the annual charges in our valuation reserve accounts:

 

Pre-Predecessor:

  

Balance at March 31, 2007

   $ 448   

Additions charged to expense

     83   

Charged to reserve

     (1
        

Balance at August 29, 2007

   $ 530   
        

Predecessor:

  

Balance at August 30, 2007

   $ 530   

Additions charged to expense

     1,356   

Charged to reserve

     (58
        

Balance at March 31, 2008

     1,828   

Additions charged to expense

     349   

Charged to reserve

     (824
        

Balance at March 31, 2009

     1,353   

Additions charged to expense

     173   

Charged to reserve

     (354
        

Balance at March 31, 2010

   $ 1,172   
        

 

F-15


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

3. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at March 31:

 

     2010     2009  

Land, buildings and improvements

   $ 13,437      $ 13,001   

Machinery and equipment

     11,739        9,757   

Office furniture and equipment

     2,866        2,521   
                
     28,042        25,279   

Accumulated depreciation

     (5,292     (3,024
                
   $ 22,750      $ 22,255   
                

Depreciation expense was $1,998, $1,870, $1,377, and $654 in fiscal 2010 and 2009, for the period from August 30, 2007 to March 31, 2008, and for the period from April 1, 2007 to August 29, 2007, respectively.

4. Acquisition, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

On August 30, 2007, the Company paid approximately $149,633 in cash, including approximately $3,224 in closing costs, and issued 12,942 Class A Member Units to certain Thermon management investors in exchange for all of the common stock and options to acquire common stock of the Pre-Predecessor. The Company financed the cash portion of the acquisition with proceeds from (i) issuance of 33,837 Class A Member Units to Audax for $33,837 and (ii) cash from the issuance of $107,000 of term loans and (iii) cash from the issuance of $9,588 of revolving credit loans.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

 

Assets acquired:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,700   

Accounts receivable, net

     29,812   

Inventories, net

     30,080   

Other current assets

     4,546   

Property, plant and equipment

     20,232   

Identifiable intangible assets

     64,883   

Goodwill

     41,695   

Other noncurrent assets

     50   
        

Total assets

     194,998   

Liabilities assumed:

  

Current liabilities

     18,430   

Other long-term debt

     1,711   

Noncurrent deferred tax liability

     21,071   

Other noncurrent liabilities

     922   
        

Total liabilities

     42,134   

Purchase price

     152,864   

Less: cash

     (3,700
        

Purchase price net of cash

   $ 149,164   
        

 

F-16


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

At March 31, 2010, approximately $3,911 of the purchase price was held in escrow by a third party for the benefit of the Company in the event of any breaches of representations and warranties contained in the definitive agreements.

Other intangible assets at March 31, 2010 consist of the following:

 

     Life    Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Carrying
Amount

Trademarks

      $ 27,767    $ —      $ 27,767

Developed technology

   20 years      6,408      828      5,580

Customer relationships

   10 years      21,632      5,588      16,044

Backlog

   3-16 months      9,770      9,770      —  

Certifications

        521      57      464

Noncompete agreements

   5 years      464      240      224

Other

        58      —        58
                       

Total

      $ 66,620    $ 16,483    $ 50,137
                       

Other intangible assets at March 31, 2009 consist of the following:

 

     Life    Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Carrying
Amount

Trademarks

      $ 24,678    $ —      $ 24,678

Developed technology

   20 years      5,695      451      5,244

Customer relationships

   10 years      18,415      2,916      15,499

Backlog

   3-16 months      8,184      8,184      —  

Certifications

        413      —        413

Noncompete agreements

   5 years      413      131      282

Other

        55      —        55
                       

Total

      $ 57,853    $ 11,682    $ 46,171
                       

The change in the gross carrying value from March 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010 is mainly related to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

The Company recorded amortization expense of $2,426, $6,627, $6,716, and $-0- for fiscal year 2010, 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007, respectively. Annual amortization for the next five years and thereafter will approximate the following:

 

2011

   $ 2,426

2012

     2,426

2013

     2,374

2014

     2,337

2015

     2,337

Thereafter

     9,948
      

Total

   $ 21,848
      

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

The following reconciles goodwill recorded at the date of acquisition through March 31, 2010:

 

Balance at acquisition

   $ 41,695   

Foreign currency impact

     876   
        

Balance at March 31, 2008

     42,571   

Reductions

     (734

Foreign currency impact

     (4,829
        

Balance at March 31, 2009

     37,008   

Foreign currency impact

     5,005   
        

Balance at March 31, 2010

   $ 42,013   
        

None of the balance of Goodwill and Other Intangible assets is deductible for income tax purposes.

5. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued current liabilities consisted of the following at March 31:

 

     Fiscal
     2010    2009

Accrued employee compensation and related expenses

   $ 6,171    $ 9,180

Warranty reserve

     699      975

Professional fees

     1,097      807

Interest

     280      567

Taxes payable

     567      395

Compliance costs

     704      748

Other

     3,987      1,039
             

Total accrued current liabilities

   $ 13,505    $ 13,711
             

6. Short-Term Revolving Lines of Credit

The Company’s subsidiary in the Netherlands has a revolving credit facility in the amount of Euro 4,000 (equivalent to $5,381 USD at March 31, 2010) collateralized by receivables, inventory, equipment, furniture and real estate. No loans were outstanding on this facility at March 31, 2010 or 2009.

The Company’s subsidiary in India has a revolving credit facility in the amount of 80,000 rupees (equivalent to $1,777 USD at March 31, 2010). The facility is collateralized by receivables, inventory, real estate, a letter of credit, and cash. No loans were outstanding under the facility at March 31, 2010 or 2009.

The Company’s subsidiary in Australia has a revolving credit facility in the amount of $325 Australian Dollars (equivalent to $298 USD at March 31, 2010). The facility is collateralized by real estate. The facilities had no loans outstanding as of March 31, 2010 or 2009.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

7. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following at March 31:

 

     2010    2009

Loan advances under $25,000,000 (reduced from $35,000,000 in December 2008) multicurrency revolving credit facility collateralized by substantially all assets of U.S. and Canadian companies including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, real estate and a portion of the Company’s common stock in certain international affiliates and the guaranty of certain affiliates. Interest is payable periodically based on Lender’s Prime Rate plus 1.75% or LIBOR / BA Rate plus 2.75%. Principal is due at maturity on August 31, 2012.

   $ —      $ —  

Notes payable to lender collateralized by substantially all assets of U.S. and Canadian companies including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, real estate and a portion of the Company’s common stock in certain international affiliates and the guaranty of certain affiliates. Interest is payable periodically based on LIBOR Rate (0.25% and 0.5% at March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively) plus 5.75%. Principal is due at maturity on August 30, 2014

     109,249      99,032
             
     109,249      99,032

Less current portion

     —        —  
             
   $ 109,249    $ 99,032
             

The change in long-term debt from March 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010 is related to the effect of exchange rates in the amount of $10,217. The carrying amounts of long-term debt approximate their fair values due to their variable interest rates.

Substantially all of the Company’s receivables, inventories and property, plant and equipment are pledged as collateral under one or more of its notes payable and, under the terms of certain of its notes payable, the Company has restrictions on additional indebtedness and dividends and, among other things, must maintain specific cash flow and debt ratios.

Maturities of long-term debt are as follows for the years ended March 31:

 

2011

   $ —  

2012

     —  

2013

     —  

2014

     —  

2015

     109,249
      

Total

   $ 109,249
      

8. Related-Party Transactions

The Company paid management fees and expenses to Audax in fiscal year 2010 and 2009 of $862 and $825, and $475 during the period from August 30, 2007 to March 31, 2008. In connection with formation on August 30, 2007, the Company also paid Audax success fees of $2,376 that were expensed, and reimbursed out of pocket expenses of $410 that were included in the cost of the acquisition.

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

The Company paid rent of $4 and $5 during the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007, respectively, to the Company’s President and Chairman for lease of certain buildings and facilities in San Marcos, Texas. There was no such rent paid during fiscal year 2009 and 2010.

Notes receivable and other includes $-0- and $477 due from former shareholders under indemnity agreements at March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

In connection with the acquisition the selling shareholders issued the Company a collateral loan of $2,363 to secure certain letters of credit and bank guarantees. The balance of the loan was repaid in March 2010.

9. Employee Benefits

The Company has defined contribution plans covering substantially all domestic employees and certain foreign subsidiary employees who meet certain service and eligibility requirements. Participant benefits are 100% vested upon participation. The Company matches employee contributions, limited to 50% of the first 6% of each employee’s salary contributed. The Company’s matching contributions to defined contribution plans on a consolidated basis were approximately $749, $697, $339, and $331 in fiscal year 2010 and 2009 and during the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007, respectively.

The Company has an incentive compensation program to provide employees with incentive pay based on the Company’s ability to achieve certain profitability objectives. The Company recorded approximately $3,253, $5,400, $3,612, and $1,410, for incentive compensation earned during fiscal year 2010 and 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007, respectively. The bulk of the incentive is normally paid subsequent to the finalization of fiscal results for the fiscal year. In the fiscal year 2010, the amount actually paid out with respect to fiscal 2009 was reduced by approximately $1,043 and the benefit was reflected in the fiscal 2010 incentive expense.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

At March 31, 2010, the Company had in place letter of credit guarantees from banks, securing performance obligations of the Company, totaling $4,580 relating to certain sales contracts of which $2,066 is secured by cash deposits. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at March 31, 2010 and 2009, was approximately $2,066 and $400, respectively, of foreign currency deposits pledged as collateral on performance bonds and letters of credit.

The Company leases various property and equipment under operating leases. Lease expense was approximately $1,697, $1,605, $974, and $747 in fiscal year 2010 and 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007, respectively. Future minimum annual lease payments under these leases are as follows for the years ended March 31:

 

2011

   $ 1,490

2012

     758

2013

     409

2014

     311

2015

     102

Thereafter

     —  
      
   $ 3,070
      

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

The Company has entered into information technology service agreements with several vendors. The service fees expense amounted to $1,114, $1,106, $461, and $645 during fiscal year 2010 and 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007, respectively. The future annual service fees under the service agreements are as follows for the fiscal years ended March 31:

 

2011

   $ 1,034

2012

     843

2013

     329

2014

     55

2015

     —  
      
   $ 2,261
      

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in various lawsuits and administrative proceedings. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties, or judgment being assessed against the Company, which, from time to time, may have an impact on earnings. It is the opinion of management the following proceeding will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations or financial position.

The Company filed voluntary self disclosure reports with the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to advise of possible violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. The Company settled the matter with OFAC in August 2009 and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $15. The Company settled the matter with BIS in September 2009 and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $176. The penalties and legal expenses related to these matters were reimbursed from a $2,000 escrow fund created under the 2007 Agreement and Plan of Merger (CBT Escrow). The remainder of the CBT Escrow was distributed to former shareholders after the settlements were finalized.

The Company also filed a voluntary self disclosure report to the Department of Commerce (OAC), Office of Antiboycott Compliance to advise of possible violations of U.S. antiboycott regulations. At March 31, 2010, the Company had not received a formal response from the OAC and the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome or estimate of loss for the petition at this stage. An escrow fund created under the 2007 Agreement and Plan of Merger (the General Indemnity Escrow) will reimburse the Company for fees, penalties and expenses in excess of $1,510 (the Deductible). The General Indemnity Escrow had a balance of $3,911 as of March 31, 2010 (See Note 4). As of March 31, 2010, the Company has incurred $806 in expenses subject to the Deductible. Therefore, if additional fees, penalties and expenses exceed $704, the Company expects to be reimbursed up to the amount then remaining in the General Indemnity Escrow.

The OAC sent draft charging letters to the Company on June 25, 2010 and indicated that it intended to initiate settlement discussions promptly. The amount remaining in the General Indemnity Escrow as of June 28, 2010 is $1,000.

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Changes in the Company’s product liability for the three-year period ended March 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

Pre-Predecessor:

  

Balance at March 31, 2007

   $ 464   

Reserve for warranties issued during the period

     107   

Settlements made during the period

     (87
        

Balance at August 29, 2007

   $ 484   
        

Predecessor:

  

Balance at August 30, 2007

   $ 484   

Reserve for warranties issued during the period

     318   

Settlements made during the period

     (186
        

Balance at March 31, 2008

     616   

Reserve for warranties issued during the period

     518   

Settlements made during the period

     (159
        

Balance at March 31, 2009

     975   

Reserve for warranties issued during the period

     188   

Settlements made during the period

     (464
        

Balance at March 31, 2010

   $ 699   
        

11. Members’ Equity

The limited liability company agreement (Operating Agreement) entered into in August 2007 in connection with the acquisition of Thermon sets forth that ownership interests are comprised of Class A Units for investors and a series of Class P Units as profits interest units. The Operating Agreement sets forth the terms of ownership and how the profits, losses and gains will be allocated to the capital accounts of its members. The timing and aggregate amount of distributions to unit holders are determined at the sole discretion of the Board of Managers. Only Class A Units are voting units. Unless specifically agreed, holders of the Company’s ownership interest have no liability for the Company’s obligations.

Units are not transferable, except in limited circumstances as set out in the Operating Agreement.

Class P Units are additionally subject to the terms of the certificate documenting the award, including vesting and repurchase rights at the lower of original cost of fair market value upon separation of service.

In the event of a change of control transactions, Class A Units receive all distributions until capital is returned. Then, Class P units receive all distributions until their capital is returned. Thereafter, Class A Units and Class P-1 Units participate until two times capital is returned. Thereafter, Class A Units and Class P-1 and P-2 Units participate until three times capital is returned. Thereafter, Class A Units and Class P-1, P-2 and P-3 Units participate until four times capital is returned. Thereafter all Units participate. Distributions are currently prohibited by agreement with lenders to the Company.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

In February 2008, certain members of management were issued 6,630 restricted and unvested Class P series units for $7 in cash. These units vest at a rate of 20% at each anniversary of the grant through February 2013, and are exercisable in the event of a change in control transaction. The following table summarizes activity in Member units by class during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

 

     Shares
Outstanding
March 31,
2009
   Shares
Forfeited
   Shares
Outstanding
March 31,
2010
   Shares
Vested
March 31,
2010
   Available for
Issuance
March 31,
2010

Class A Units

   47,205    —      47,205    —      —  

Class P1 Units

   2,319    —      2,319    929    1,508

Class P2 Units

   858    —      858    343    560

Class P3 Units

   906    —      906    363    593

Class P4 Units

   965    —      965    385    622
                        

Total P Units

   5,048    —      5,048    2,020    3,283
                        

Total

   52,253    —      52,253    2,020    3,283
                        

12. Income Taxes

Income taxes included in the consolidated income statement consisted of the following:

 

     Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
     Year Ended
March 31,
2010
   Year Ended
March 31,
2009
    For the Period
From
August 30,
2007 Through
March  31,
2008
          For the Period
from April 1,
2007 Through
August 29, 2007
 

Current provision:

             

Federal provision

   $ 4,481    $ 4,643      $ 1,189          $ 202   

Foreign provision

     5,168      8,427        3,242            1,735   

State provision (benefit)

     277      347        165            (87

Deferred provision:

             

Federal deferred provision (benefit)

     3,413      (8,367     18,161            (178

Foreign deferred provision (benefit)

     617      (3,082     (2,576         26   

State deferred provision (benefit)

     10      (173     (162         (5
                                   

Total provision for income taxes

   $ 13,966    $ 1,795      $ 20,019          $ 1,693   
                                   

 

F-23


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

     March 31,
     2010    2009

Deferred tax assets:

     

Accrued liabilities and reserves

   $ 874    $ 1,372

Inventories

     251      294

Pensions

     100      67

International, net

     203      139
             
     1,428      1,872
             

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Intangible assets

     12,171      11,755

Property, plant and equipment

     2,860      2,522

Canadian debt facility

     14,945      11,973

Other

     167      296
             
     30,143      26,546
             

Net deferred tax liability

   $ 28,715    $ 24,674
             

The U.S. and non-U.S. components of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:

 

     Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
     Year Ended
March 31,
2010
   Year Ended
March 31,
2009
   For the
Period From
August 30,
2007
Through
March 31,
2008
          For the Period
from April 1,
2007 Through
August 29, 2007
 

U.S.

   $ 14,398    $ 10,766    $ 557          $ (4,572

Non-U.S.

     18,508      17,430      (766         5,480   
                                  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 32,906    $ 28,196    $ (209       $ 908   
                                  

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

The difference between the provision for income taxes and the amount that would result from applying the U.S. statutory tax rate to income before provision for income taxes is as follows:

 

     Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
     Year Ended
March 31,
2010
    Year Ended
March 31,
2009
    For the Period
From
August 30,
2007 Through
March 31,
2008
          For the Period
from April 1,
2007 Through
August 29, 2007
 

Notional U.S. federal income tax expense (benefit) at the statutory rate

   $ 11,517      $ 9,888      $ (67       $ 327   

Adjustments to reconcile to the income tax provision (benefit):

            

U.S. state income tax provision (benefit), net

     86        51        155            14   

Effects on Canadian debt facility

     2,463        (7,755     19,997            —     

Rate difference—international subsidiaries

     (410     (1,122     (5         1,826   

Nondeductible charges

     38        (36     60            (574

Adjustment to tax account balances

     251        479        (258         (47

Other

     21        290        137            147   
                                    

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ 13,966      $ 1,795      $ 20,019          $ 1,693   
                                    

The Company views undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries as permanently re-invested. Foreign tax credits would substantially offset any such earnings should they be distributed and, therefore, the Company has provided no deferred taxes related to these earnings.

In connection with obtaining financing in Canada during the acquisition discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the stock of Thermon Canada, a subsidiary of Thermon Manufacturing Company (“TMC”), was transferred to Thermon Holding Corp. (“THC”). This caused TMC to realize a gain on the difference between its tax basis in Thermon Canada and the fair market value of Thermon Canada’s stock under IRC Section 311(b); however, the gain was deferred under the consolidated return rules and created a “deferred intercompany gain”. This deferred gain is a tax attribute which is not reflected on the financial statements of the Company since it is avoidable.

Additionally, as a result of certain transactions related to the acquisition and internal reorganization, Thermon Canada was deemed to have assumed approximately CAD 54 million of third party debt from its U.S. parent for U.S. income tax purposes. As a general rule, the assumption of a parent’s debt by a wholly-owned subsidiary is the equivalent of a dividend from the subsidiary to the parent. However, since THC remains jointly and severally liable on the debt pursuant to the credit agreement, the constructive dividend is not deemed to occur until Thermon Canada pays interest and/or principal on the debt thereby relieving THC of its obligation. The deemed assumption of the debt created a deferred tax liability, which will reverse as debt service payments are made over the term of the loan. Furthermore, since the debt is in Canadian currency, the deferred tax liability recorded on the U.S. financial statements is also subject to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate each year.

As of March 31, 2010, the tax years 2004 through 2009 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject.

As a result of the implementation of the pronouncement entitled Accounting for Uncertainty of Income Taxes, the Company recognized no change in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and no adjustments to the April 1, 2009 balance of retained earnings.

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

13. Miscellaneous Income (Expense)

Miscellaneous income (expense) included in the consolidated income statement consisted of the following for the year ended March 31:

 

     Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
     Year Ended
March 31,
2010
    Year Ended
March 31,
2009
    For the  Period
From

August 30,
2007 Through
March 31,
2008
          For the Period
from April 1,
2007 Through
August 29, 2007
 

Professional fees and expenses related to proposed capital transactions

   $ (1,012   $ (1,273   $ (3,470       $ (5,350

Compliance fees and costs

     —          (1,220     (300         —     

Employee compensation related to sale on August 29, 2007

     —          —          —              (3,930

Other

     (273     627        55            58   
                                    

Total

   $ (1,285   $ (3,120   $ (3,715       $ (9,222
                                    

14. Geographic Information

The Company has determined its operating segments using the management approach. The management approach designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of our operating segments. It requires disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers.

The Company has defined its operating segment based on geographic regions. The Company sells its products in two geographic regions. The Company’s sales in these regions share similar economic characteristics, similar product mix, similar customers and similar distribution methods. Accordingly, the Company elected to aggregate these two geographic regions into a single operating segment. Revenue from the sale of its products which are similar in nature and revenue from construction and engineering are reflected as sales in its consolidated statement of operations.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Total sales, operating income and long-lived assets, classified by major geographic areas in which the Company operates are as follows:

 

    Predecessor           Pre-Predecessor  
    Year
Ended
March 31,
2010
    Year Ended
March 31,
2009
    For the
Period
August 30,
2007 Through
March 31,
2008
          For the Period
April 1, 2007
Through
August 29, 2007
 

Sales by geographic area:

           

Western hemisphere:

           

Unaffiliated customer sales

  $ 117,357      $ 124,610      $ 78,130          $ 38,869   

Intercompany sales

    30,289        35,424        19,767            10,295   
                                   
    147,646        160,034        97,897            49,164   

Eastern hemisphere:

           

Unaffiliated customer sales

    75,355        78,145        46,066            22,746   

Intercompany sales

    2,002        1,724        1,471            859   
                                   
    77,357        79,869        47,537            23,605   
                                   

Eliminations

    (32,290     (37,148     (21,238         (11,154
                                   
    192,713        202,755        124,196            61,615   
 

Operating income:

           

Western hemisphere

    31,770        33,777        19,086            6,213   

Eastern hemisphere

    12,699        14,490        7,322            4,313   

Unallocated:

           

Amortization of intangibles

    (2,426     (6,627     (6,716         —     

Purchase accounting adjustment to cost of goods sold

    —          —          (7,146         —     

Management fees

    (862     (825     (475         —     

Other

    362        49        (744         106   
                                   
  $ 41,543      $ 40,865      $ 11,327          $ 10,632   
                                   

 

     March 31,
     2010    2009

Long-lived assets

     

Western hemisphere

   $ 18,852    $ 18,511

Eastern hemisphere

     3,898      3,744
             
   $ 22,750    $ 22,255
             

Total sales outside the United States for fiscal year 2010 and 2009, the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, and the period from April 1, 2007 through August 29, 2007 were approximately $134.0 million, $144.0 million, $88.2 million, and $41.3 million, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

15. Subsequent Events

In April 2010, a group of private equity entities led by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (CHS) purchased Thermon Holding Corp. from its then-existing owners (primarily equity group Audax) for approximately $310 million in a transaction that was financed by approximately $129 million of equity, and $210 million of debt raised in a private bond offering under Rule 144A-sales to qualified investors. These financings include amounts used to purchase the business as well as transaction costs.

16. Guarantor Consolidation

Thermon Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thermon Holdings, LLC, assumed the obligations of Thermon Finance, Inc. under the senior secured notes issued in connection with the sale by Thermon Holdings, LLC of Thermon Holding Corp. to Thermon Group, Inc. in April 2010 (See Note 15). The senior secured notes is guaranteed by Thermon Holding Corp. and each of its existing and future wholly-owned U.S. Subsidiaries other than Thermon Industries, Inc. However, all other subsidiaries located outside of the United States are not guarantors under the senior secured notes. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 and the accompanying condensed statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 and for the period from August 30, 2007 through March 31, 2008, represent the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Thermon Holdings, LLC, Thermon Holding Corp. and other U.S. restricted subsidiaries. The information is presented on the equity method of accounting together with elimination entries necessary to reconcile to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Statement of Operations

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2010  
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
   Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
    Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —      $ —        $ —        $ 101,712      $ 131,256      $ (40,255   $ 192,713   

Cost of sales

     —        —          —          65,554        76,462        (40,615     101,401   
                                                       

Gross profit

     —        —          —          36,158        54,794        360        91,312   

Operating expenses:

               

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     —        —          —          22,069        25,274        —          47,343   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     —        —          —          454        1,972        —          2,426   
                                                       

Income from operations

     —        —          —          13,635        27,548        360        41,543   

Other income/(expenses):

               

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     18,940      18,940        12,271        11,274        —          (61,425     —     

Interest income

     —        4,016        4,016        41        (16     (8,051     6   

Interest expense

     —        (4,016     (4,016     (4,016     (3,341     8,032        (7,357

Miscellaneous income (expense) and other

     —        —          —          4,397        (5,683     —          (1,286
                                                       
     18,940      18,940        12,271        11,696        (9,040     (61,444     (8,637

Income before provision for income taxes

     18,940      18,940        12,271        25,331        18,508        (61,084     32,906   

Income taxes

     —        —          —          (8,309     (5,547     (110     (13,966
                                                       

Net income (loss)

   $ 18,940    $ 18,940      $ 12,271      $ 17,022      $ 12,961      $ (61,194   $ 18,940   
                                                       

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Statement of Operations—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2009  
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
   Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
    Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —      $ —        $ —        $ 104,693      $ 145,524      $ (47,462   $ 202,755   

Cost of sales

     —        —          —          66,360        86,527        (47,431     105,456   
                                                       

Gross profit

     —        —          —          38,333        58,997        (31     97,299   

Operating expenses:

               

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     —        —          —          24,644        25,234        (71     49,807   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     —        —          —          382        6,173        72        6,627   
                                                       

Income from operations

     —        —          —          13,307        27,590        (32     40,865   

Other income/(expenses):

               

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     26,401      26,401        22,883        13,578        —          (89,263     —     

Interest income

     —        5,275        5,275        36        96        (10,588     94   

Interest expense

     —        (5,275     (5,275     (5,275     (4,377     10,577        (9,625

Miscellaneous income (expense) and other

     —        —          —          2,785        (5,879     (44     (3,138
                                                       
     26,401      26,401        22,883        11,124        (10,160     (89,318     (12,669

Income before provision for income taxes

     26,401      26,401        22,883        24,431        17,430        (89,350     28,196   

Income taxes

     —        —          —          3,221        (5,023     7        (1,795
                                                       

Net income (loss)

   $ 26,401    $ 26,401      $ 22,883      $ 27,652      $ 12,407      $ (89,343   $ 26,401   
                                                       

 

F-30


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Statement of Operations—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     For the Period From August 30, 2007 Through March 31, 2008  
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
    Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
    Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 66,378      $ 83,524      $ (25,706   $ 124,196   

Cost of sales

     —          —          —          48,694        53,099        (25,502     76,291   
                                                        

Gross profit

     —          —          —          17,684        30,425        (204     47,905   

Operating expenses:

              

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     —          —          —          13,740        16,122        —          29,862   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     —          —          —          1,312        5,475        (71     6,716   
                                                        

Income from operations

     —          —          —          2,632        8,828        (133     11,327   

Other income/(expenses):

              

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (20,228     (20,228     (18,438     2,949        —          55,945        —     

Interest income

     —          3,990        3,990        98        58        (7,982     154   

Interest expense

     —          (3,990     (3,990     (3,990     (3,947     7,983        (7,934

Miscellaneous income (expense) and other

     —          —          —          1,562        (5,705     387        (3,756
                                                        
     (20,228     (20,228     (18,438     619        (9,594     56,333        (11,536

Income before provision for income taxes

     (20,228     (20,228     (18,438     3,251        (766     56,200        (209

Income taxes

     —          —          —          (19,561     (515     57        (20,019
                                                        

Net income (loss)

   $ (20,228   $ (20,228   $ (18,438   $ (16,310   $ (1,281   $ 56,257      $ (20,228
                                                        

 

F-31


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Balance Sheet

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2010
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
   Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
   Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
   Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
   International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Assets

                   

Current assets

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 4,692    $ 25,455    $ —        $ 30,147

Accounts receivable, net

     —        —        —        15,829      30,472      (4,419     41,882

Notes and other

     —        —        —        3,024      3      (3,024     3

Inventories, net

     —        —        —        10,666      13,531      (1,362     22,835

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     —        —        —        1,209      427      —          1,636

Income taxes receivable

     —        —        —        1,098      270      —          1,368

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     —        —        —        1,633      2,291      407        4,331

Deferred income taxes

     —        —        —        1,125      303      —          1,428
                                                 

Total current assets

     —        —        —        39,276      72,752      (8,398     103,630

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —        —        —        15,366      7,384      —          22,750

Goodwill

     —        —        —        15,404      26,609      —          42,013

Intangible assets, net

     —        —        —        12,858      37,279      —          50,137

Debt issuance costs, net

     —        —        —        1,545      1,041      —          2,586

Intercompany loans

     —        56,000      56,000      335      —        (112,335     —  

Investment in subsidiaries

     55,074      55,074      28,409      63,467      —        (202,024     —  
                                                 
   $ 55,074    $ 111,074    $ 84,409    $ 148,251    $ 145,065    $ (322,757   $ 221,116
                                                 

 

F-32


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Balance Sheet—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2010
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
   Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
   Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
   Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
   International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Liabilities and members’ equity

                   

Current liabilities:

                   

Accounts payable

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 4,232    $ 9,001    $ (3,836   $ 9,397

Accrued liabilities

     —        —        —        6,671      9,262      (2,428     13,505

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     —        —        —        1,035      —        —          1,035

Income taxes payable

     —        —        —        182      1,976      —          2,158

Notes payable

     —        —        —        1,155      358      (1,513     —  

Deferred income taxes

     —        —        —        138      —        —          138
                                                 

Total current liabilities

     —        —        —        13,413      20,597      (7,777     26,233

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     —        56,000      —        —        53,249      —          109,249

Intercompany debt

     —        —        56,000      56,000      —        (112,000     —  

Deferred income taxes

     —        —        —        21,861      8,144      —          30,005

Other noncurrent liabilities

     —        —        —        —        555      —          555

Members’/shareholder’s equity

     55,074      55,074      28,409      56,977      62,520      (202,980     55,074
                                                 
   $ 55,074    $ 111,074    $ 84,409    $ 148,251    $ 145,065    $ (322,757   $ 221,116
                                                 

 

F-33


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Balance Sheet—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2009
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
   Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
   Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
   Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
   International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Assets

                   

Current assets

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 5,912    $ 7,490    $ —         $ 13,402

Accounts receivable, net

     —         —         —         15,204      28,433      (5,763     37,874

Notes and other

     432      —         —         3,323      81      (3,278     558

Inventories, net

     —         —         —         12,329      14,498      (1,724     25,103

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     —         —         —         1,398      1,060      —           2,458

Income taxes receivable

     —         —         —         143      227      —           370

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     —         —         —         1,091      2,558      —           3,649

Deferred income taxes

     —         —         —         1,150      161      561        1,872
                                                 

Total current assets

     432      —         —         40,550      54,508      (10,204     85,286

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —         —         —         15,321      6,934      —           22,255

Goodwill

     —         —         —         15,404      21,604      —           37,008

Intangible assets, net

     —         —         —         13,312      32,859      —           46,171

Debt issuance costs, net

     —         —         —         1,973      1,043      —           3,016

Deferred income taxes non-current

     —         —         —         —         45      (45     —   

Intercompany loans

     —         56,000      56,000      80      —         (112,080     —   

Investment in subsidiaries

     37,782      37,782      22,167      52,909      —         (150,640     —   
                                                 
   $ 38,214    $ 93,782    $ 78,167    $ 139,549    $ 116,993    $ (272,969   $ 193,736
                                                 

 

F-34


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Balance Sheet—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2009
     Thermon
Holdings,
LLC
   Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
   Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
   Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S. Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
   International
Subsidiaries
(Non-guarantors)
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Liabilities and members’ equity

                   

Current liabilities:

                   

Accounts payable

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 4,739    $ 11,867    $ (6,148   $ 10,458

Accrued liabilities

     —        —        —        8,546      6,407      (1,242     13,711

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     —        —        —        1,038      —        —          1,038

Income taxes payable

     —        —        —        153      1,624      —          1,777

Notes payable

     —        —        —        1,587      145      (1,732     —  

Due to former shareholders

     —        —        —        2,363      —        —          2,363

Deferred income taxes

     —        —        —        185      —        —          185
                                                 

Total current liabilities

     —        —        —        18,611      20,043      (9,122     29,532

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     —        56,000      —        —        43,032      —          99,032

Intercompany debt

     —        —        56,000      56,000      —        (112,000     —  

Deferred income taxes

     —        —        —        18,933      7,428      —          26,361

Other noncurrent liabilities

     —        —        —        —        597      —          597

Members’/shareholder’s equity

     38,214      37,782      22,167      46,005      45,893      (151,847     38,214
                                                 
   $ 38,214    $ 93,782    $ 78,167    $ 139,549    $ 116,993    $ (272,969   $ 193,736
                                                 

 

F-35


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2010  
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
    Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
    Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S. Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operations

   $ 8,600      $ 8,600      $ 8,600      $ 8,848      $ 19,162      $ (29,129   $ 24,681   

Investing activities

              

Proceeds from sales of P.P.& E.

     —          —          —          2        —          —          2   

Purchases of P.P.& E.

     —          —          —          (1,200     (387     —          (1,587

Other investing transactions

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
                                                        

Net cash (used) in investing activities

     —          —          —          (1,198     (387     —          (1,585

Financing activities

              

Payments on debt

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Payment of dividends to members

     (8,600     —          —          —          —          —          (8,600

Payment of intercompany dividends

     —          (8,600     (8,600     (8,600     (2,856     28,656        —     

Change in affiliate debt

     —          —          —          (270     (203     473        —     
                                                        

Net cash (used) in financing activities

     (8,600     (8,600     (8,600     (8,870     (3,059     29,129        (8,600

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —          —          —          —          2,249        —          2,249   

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     —          —          —          (1,220     17,965        —          16,745   

Cash at beginning of period

     —          —          —          5,912        7,490        —          13,402   
                                                        

Cash at end of period

   $ —        $ —        $        $ 4,692      $ 25,455      $ —        $ 30,147   
                                                        

 

F-36


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Year Ended March 31, 2009  
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
   Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
   Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S. Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operations

   $ —      $ —        $ —      $ 10,206      $ 15,262      $ (1,782   $ 23,686   

Investing activities

                

Proceeds from sales of P.P.&E.

     —        —          —        21        11        —          32   

Purchases of P.P.&E.

     —        —          —        (1,387     (1,321     —          (2,708

Other investing transactions

     —        —          —        408        —          —          408   
                                                      

Net cash (used) in investing activities

     —        —          —        (958     (1,310     —          (2,268

Financing activities

                

Payments on debt

     —        (4,588     —        (1,080     (6,599     —          (12,267

Payment of intercompany dividends

     —        —          —        —          (1,948     1,948        —     

Change in affiliate debt

     —        4,588        —        (5,261     839        (166     —     
                                                      

Net cash (used) in financing activities

     —        —          —        (6,341     (7,708     1,782        (12,267

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —        —          —        —          (2,223     —          (2,223

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     —        —          —        2,907        4,021        —          6,928   

Cash at beginning of period

     —        —          —        3,005        3,469        —          6,474   
                                                      

Cash at end of period

   $ —      $ —        $ —      $ 5,912      $ 7,490      $ —        $ 13,402   
                                                      

 

F-37


Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     For the Period From August 30, 2007 Through March 31, 2008  
     Thermon
Holdings, LLC
    Thermon
Holding Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
   Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S. Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operations

   $ —        $ —        $ —      $ 11,306      $ (2,783   $ 805      $ 9,328   

Investing activities

               

Proceeds from sales of P.P.& E.

     —          —          —        1        11        —          12   

Purchases of P.P.&E.

     —          —          —        (2,463     (1,766     —          (4,229

Cash paid for Thermon Industries, Inc.

     —          (145,933     —        —          —          —          (145,933

Purchase accounting adjustments

     —          47,843        —        (3,438     (46,832     2,427        —     

Investment in subsidiaries

     (37,502     —          —        —          —          37,502        —     
                                                       

Net cash (used) in investing activities

     (37,502     (98,090     —        (5,900     (48,587     39,929        (150,150

Financing activities

               

Proceeds from debt issued, net of costs

     —          60,588        —        (2,401     54,823        —          113,010   

Issuance of common stock

     37,502        37,502        —        —          —          (40,734     34,270   
                                                       

Net cash (used) in financing activities

     37,502        98,090        —        (2,401     54,823        (40,734     147,280   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —          —          —        —          16        —          16   

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     —          —          —        3,005        3,469        —          6,474   

Cash at beginning of period

     —          —          —        —          —          —          —     
                                                       

Cash at end of period

   $ —        $ —        $ —      $ 3,005      $ 3,469      $ —        $ 6,474   
                                                       

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holdings, LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

17. Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

The following quarterly results have been derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements that, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such quarterly information. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. The unaudited quarterly financial data for each of the eight quarters in the two years ended March 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
     June 30
2009
   September 30
2009
   December 31
2009
   March 31
2010

Sales

   $ 50,812    $ 44,745    $ 47,348    $ 49,808

Gross profit

     22,837      22,906      23,196      22,373

Income from operations

     11,254      11,877      10,235      8,177

Net income

   $ 5,243    $ 5,304    $ 4,182    $ 4,212

 

     Three Months Ended
     June 30
2008
   September 30
2008
   December 31
2008
   March 31
2009

Sales

   $ 53,398    $ 52,060    $ 52,766    $ 44,531

Gross profit

     22,875      25,657      26,712      22,055

Income from operations

     7,900      11,193      12,345      9,428

Net income

   $ 4,541    $ 6,088    $ 7,115    $ 8,656

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

Thermon Holding Corp.

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Three Months

Ended June 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holding Corp.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     June 30,
2010

(Successor)
        March 31,
2010

(Predecessor)

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,908       $ 30,147

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,698 and $1,835 as of June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively

     45,857         41,882

Notes receivable and other

     342         3

Inventories, net

     26,473         22,835

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     1,906         1,636

Income taxes receivable

     3,376         1,368

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     7,225         4,331

Deferred income taxes

     1,390         1,428
                

Total current assets

     95,477         103,630

Property, plant and equipment, net

     22,589         22,750

Goodwill

     129,626         42,013

Intangible assets, net

     134,385         50,137

Debt issuance costs, net

     13,399         2,586
                
   $ 395,476       $ 221,116
                

Liabilities and shareholder’s/members’ equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

   $ 13,323       $ 9,397

Accrued liabilities

     12,213         13,505

Obligations in settlement of the CHS Transaction

     6,600         —  

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     964         1,035

Income taxes payable

     235         2,158

Deferred income taxes

     —           138
                

Total current liabilities

     33,335         26,233

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     212,751         109,249

Deferred income taxes

     42,137         30,005

Other noncurrent liabilities

     1,279         555

Shareholder’s / Members’ equity

     105,974         55,074
                
   $ 395,476       $ 221,116
                

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holding Corp.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     For the Period
From May 1,
Through

June 30, 2010
(Successor)
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through

April 30, 2010
(Predecessor)
    Three Months
Ended

June 30, 2009
(Predecessor)
 

Sales

   $ 37,513          $ 13,063      $ 50,812   

Cost of sales

     25,343            6,447        27,975   
                            

Gross profit

     12,170            6,616        22,837   

Operating expenses:

          

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

     8,550            4,263        10,578   

Amortization of other intangible assets

     5,126            215        589   
                            

Income (loss) from operations

     (1,506         2,138        11,670   

Other income/(expenses):

          

Interest income

     1            7        5   

Interest expense

     (5,845         (6,229     (2,068

Miscellaneous income/(expense)

     (5,722         (13,617     (5
                            
     (11,566         (19,839     (2,068

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     (13,072         (17,701     9,602   

Income taxes benefit (expense)

     899            17,434        (4,359
                            

Net income (loss)

   $ (12,173       $ (267   $ 5,243   
                            

Comprehensive income (loss):

          

Net income (loss)

   $ (12,173       $ (267   $ 5,243   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (11,105         (576     3,419   
                            

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (23,278       $ (843   $ 8,662   
                            

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in

Shareholder’s/Members’ Equity (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Stock/
Capital
Amount
        Retained
Earnings
    Currency
Translation
Adjustment
    Total  

Predecessor:

            

Balances at March 31, 2010

   $ 37,501       $ 16,513      $ 1,060      $ 55,074   

Net loss

     —           (267     —          (267

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —           —          (576     (576
                                  

Balances at April 30, 2010

   $ 37,501       $ 16,246      $ 484      $ 54,231   
                                  

Successor:

            

Balances at May 1, 2010

   $ —         $ —        $ —        $ —     

Initial capital contribution

     37,501         16,246        484        54,231   

Distribution to sellers from bond offering proceeds

     —           (145,417     —          (145,417

Capital contributions by new shareholder

     40,681         —          —          40,681   

Capital contribution by new shareholder related to certain management cash investments

     2,036         —          —          2,036   

Record costs and expenses paid by shareholder on our behalf

     22,300         —          —          22,300   

Push-down accounting effects of CHS Transaction

     26,734         129,171        (484     155,421   

Net loss

     —           (12,173     —          (12,173

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —           —          (11,105     (11,105
                                  

Balances at June 30, 2010

   $ 129,252       $ (12,173   $ (11,105   $ 105,974   
                                  

Predecessor:

            

Balances at March 31, 2009

   $ 37,501       $ 6,173      $ (5,460   $ 38,214   

Net income

     —           5,243        —          5,243   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —           —          3,419        3,419   
                                  

Balances at June 30, 2009

   $ 37,501       $ 11,416      $ (2,041   $ 46,876   
                                  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     For the Period
From May 1,
Through
June 30, 2010
(Successor)
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through
April 30, 2010
(Predecessor)
    Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2009
(Predecessor)
 

Operating activities

          

Net income (loss)

   $ (12,173       $ (267   $ 5,243   

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

          

Depreciation and amortization

     10,517            392        1,062   

Amortization of debt costs

     2,346            2,586        177   

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes

     (3,029         (15,122     1,872   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

          

Accounts receivable

     (5,167         1,365        2,684   

Inventories

     849            (1,719     567   

Costs and estimated earnings and billings on construction contracts

     (375         34        (1,099

Other current and noncurrent assets

     (2,061         (3,151     (832

Accounts payable

     3,280            825        1,734   

Accrued liabilities and noncurrent liabilities

     3,464            9,515        (4,366

Income taxes payable

     (1,054         (860     1,574   
                            

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (3,403         (6,402     8,616   
 

Investing activities

          

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (777         (97     (192

Cash paid for Thermon Holding Corp. (net of cash acquired of $2,852)

     (318,048         —           —      

Other investing activities

     (1,081         (1,397     —      
                            

Net cash used in investing activities

     (319,906         (1,494     (192
 

Financing activities

          

Proceeds from senior secured notes

     210,000            —           —      

Proceeds from revolving line of credit

     4,204            —           —      

Obligation on acquisition

     6,600            —           —      

Payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term debt

     (1,453         (19,385     —      

Capital contributions

     129,252            —           —      

Debt issuance costs

     (15,473         —           —      
                            

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     333,130            (19,385     —      

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (913         (14     606   

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     8,908            (27,295     9,030   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     —               30,147        13,402   
                            

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 8,908          $ 2,852      $ 22,432   
                            

Supplemental Noncash investing and financing activities

          

Effect of exchange rate changes on long-term debt

   $ —             $ 1,022      $ 3,511   

Effect of exchange rate changes on fixed assets

   $ 457          $ 38      $ (903

Effect of exchange rate changes on intangibles

   $ 5,008          $ 144      $ (2,669

Effect of exchange rate changes on goodwill

   $ 5,291          $ 10      $ (1,746

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010

1. Basis of Presentation

On April 30, 2010, a group of investors led by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (CHS) and certain management investors acquired Thermon Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries (“We”, the “Company” or “Successor”) from Thermon Holdings, LLC (“Predecessor”) for approximately $320.9 million in a transaction that was financed by approximately $129.2 million of equity, and $210 million of debt raised in an exempt Rule 144A senior secured note offering to qualified institutional investors (the “CHS Transaction”). These financings include amounts used to purchase the business as well as pay transaction costs.

In the CHS Transaction the senior secured notes were issued by Thermon Finance, Inc., which immediately after the closing of the CHS Transaction, was merged into our subsidiary Thermon Industries, Inc.

The transaction was accounted for as a purchase combination. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired based on their estimated fair values, and liabilities assumed were recorded based upon their actual value. The allocation of the assets is preliminary and subject to change as the independent appraisal process has commenced but has not been finalized.

Pushdown accounting was employed to reflect the $129.2 million of equity and $23.2 million of transaction costs paid by our new owner.

We have prepared our condensed consolidated financial statements as if Thermon Holding Corp. had been in existence throughout all relevant periods. The historical financial and other data prior to the closing of the CHS Transaction on April 30, 2010 have been prepared using the historical results of operations and bases of the assets and liabilities of the Predecessor. Our historical financial data prior to May 1, 2010 may not be indicative of our future performance.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Thermon Holdings, LLC for the year ended March 31, 2010. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) considered necessary to present fairly our financial position at June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, and the results of our operations and the cash flows for the period from May 1 through June 30, 2010, the period from April 1 through April 30, 2010 and the three month period ended June 30, 2009. Operating results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending March 31, 2011. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period presentation to conform to the current period presentation. All dollar and share amounts are presented in thousands, unless otherwise noted.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued an ASU that amended the accounting rules addressing revenue recognition for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements by eliminating the criterion for objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the undelivered products or services. Instead, revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting provided the deliverables meet certain criteria. Additionally the ASU provides for elimination of the use of the residual method of allocation and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables based on their relative selling price. A hierarchy for estimating such selling price is included in the update. This ASU will be effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating whether this update will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

3. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

     June 30,
2010
(Successor)
          March 31,
2010

(Predecessor)
 

Raw materials

   $ 8,812          $ 7,451   

Work in process

     1,126            1,831   

Finished goods

     17,576            14,725   
                    
     27,514            24,007   

Valuation reserves

     (1,041         (1,172
                    

Net inventory

   $ 26,473          $ 22,835   
                    

4. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

     June 30,
2010
(Successor)
          March 31,
2010

(Predecessor)
 

Land, buildings and improvements

   $ 12,400          $ 13,437   

Machinery and equipment

     8,201            11,739   

Office furniture and equipment

     2,453            2,866   
                    
     23,054            28,042   

Accumulated depreciation

     (465         (5,292
                    
   $ 22,589          $ 22,750   
                    

5. Acquisition, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We were acquired on April 30, 2010 for approximately $320,900 as follows:

 

Consideration to or on behalf of sellers at close

   $ 220,600

Payoff existing debt, interest and bank fees at close

     93,700

Accrual for obligations in settlement with seller (1)

     6,600
      
   $ 320,900
      

 

(1) At June 30, 2010, we had several unsettled items from the CHS Transaction, including the following:

 

   

By the end of September 2010, we expect to finalize the post-closing adjustment for working capital. It is currently estimated that we will owe the sellers an additional $2.4 million, which we intend to fund from operations and borrowings under the revolver. We have accounted for this in the estimated purchase price.

 

   

We are required to pay the sellers in the CHS Transaction approximately $2.1 million of restricted cash included in prepaid expenses as the restricted cash becomes available to us. We currently expect that approximately $1.5 million will become payable to the sellers by April 2011, which we intend to fund from operations and borrowings under the revolver. We have accounted for this in the estimated purchase price.

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

   

By the end of June 2011, we expect to finalize the post-closing adjustment for income taxes. It is currently estimated that we will owe the sellers an additional $2.1 million, which we intend to fund from operations and borrowings under the revolver. We have accounted for this in the estimated purchase price.

At June 30, 2010, approximately $15,125 of the purchase price was held in escrow by a third party for our benefit in the event of any breaches of representations and warranties contained in the definitive agreements.

The Company’s allocation of the purchase price is contingent upon the receipt of a final third-party valuation and additional analysis is necessary to finalize the allocation.

Acquisition-related transaction costs, such as advisory, legal and other professional fees, are not included as a component of consideration transferred, but are accounted for as expenses in the periods in which costs are incurred. Total advisory, legal and other fees incurred by the Company were approximately $35.7 million, of which $6.1 million was expensed in the period from May 1 through June 30, 2010, $13.9 million was incurred and expensed by the Predecessor in the period from April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 and the remainder is being capitalized as debt issuance cost.

6. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued current liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     June 30,
2010
(Successor)
        March 31,
2010

(Predecessor)

Accrued employee compensation and related expenses

   $ 3,423       $ 6,171

Warranty reserve

     964         699

Professional fees

     1,035         1,097

Interest

     3,447         280

Taxes payable

     680         567

Compliance costs

     100         704

Other

     2,564         3,987
                

Total accrued current liabilities

   $ 12,213       $ 13,505
                

7. Related-Party Transactions

We paid management fees to our private equity sponsors of $6,930 in the two months ended June 30, 2010. Of this amount, $969 is included in prepaid expenses, $2,605 was included in deferred debt issuance costs, net, $3,022 is included in miscellaneous expense and $334 is included in Marketing, general and administrative and engineering expense.

The Predecessor paid management fees and expenses to its private equity sponsor in the one month ended April 30, 2010 of $4,795. Of this amount $79 is included in Marketing, general and administrative and engineering expense and $4,716 is included in Miscellaneous income/expense as it was related to the CHS Transaction.

See Note 5, Acquisition, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for further information regarding amounts due the sellers. Estimated amounts due the sellers are shown as a current liability labeled “Obligations in Settlement of the CHS Transaction.”

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

8. Short-Term Revolving Lines of Credit

The Company’s subsidiary in the Netherlands has a revolving credit facility in the amount of Euro 4,000 (equivalent to $4,882 USD at June 30, 2010) collateralized by receivables, inventory, equipment, furniture and real estate. No loans were outstanding on this facility at June 30, 2010 or 2009.

The Company’s subsidiary in India has a revolving credit facility in the amount of 80,000 rupees (equivalent to $1,721 USD at June 30, 2010). The facility is collateralized by receivables, inventory, real estate, a letter of credit, and cash. No loans were outstanding under the facility at June 30, 2010 or 2009.

The Company’s subsidiary in Australia has a revolving credit facility in the amount of $325 Australian Dollars (equivalent to $278 USD at June 30, 2010). The facility is collateralized by real estate. The facilities had no loans outstanding as of June 30, 2010 or 2009.

9. Long-Term Debt

Long- term debt consisted of the following:

 

     June 30,
2010
(Successor)
        March 31,
2010

(Predecessor)

Revolving credit facility due 2015

   $ 2,751       $ —  

9.500% Senior Secured Notes, due May 2017

     210,000         —  

Notes payable

     —           109,249
                
     212,751         109,249

Less current portion

     —           —  
                
   $ 212,751       $ 109,249
                

Bank Credit Facility

We have a multi-currency revolving credit facility that provides for loans in an aggregate amount of up to $40.0 million to our U.S. borrower, including a sub facility for letters of credit and a sub facility for up to the equivalent of $20.0 million in Canadian Dollars to our Canadian borrower. Availability is subject to a borrowing base. The availability at June 30, 2010 was approximately $29.9 million. This facility is collateralized by substantially all of our assets. The interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus a margin. At June 30, 2010, the interest rate on this facility was 5.0%.

Thermon Industries, Inc. 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

We will pay interest in cash semi-annually at the rate of 9.500% per year, on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on November 1, 2010 with a long payment (i.e., with one extra day of interest). These notes are collateralized by substantially all of our assets, subordinated only to the bank credit agreement discussed above. These notes were issued in a Rule 144A exempt senior secured note offering to qualified institutional investors. The proceeds were used to fund the purchase price for the CHS Transaction and related transaction costs. We agreed to register new notes with the SEC and, when effective, offer to exchange the old notes for the new registered notes this fall.

The indenture governing the notes limits the Company’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

 

   

Incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock;

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

   

Pay dividends, redeem subordinated debt or make other restricted payments;

 

   

Make certain investments or acquisitions;

 

   

Issue stock of subsidiaries;

 

   

Grant or permit certain liens;

 

   

Enter into certain transactions with affiliates;

 

   

Merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of our or Thermon Industries, Inc.’s assets;

 

   

Incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting certain of our subsidiaries;

 

   

Transfer or sell assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries; and

 

   

Change the business we conduct.

These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions.

As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of our debt based upon comparable private trades was approximately $210 million. At March 31, 2010, the carrying amounts of long-term debt approximate their fair values due to their variable rates.

Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

Financial assets and liabilities with the carrying amounts approximating fair value include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, current debt, accounts payable and other current liabilities.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

At June 30, 2010, the Company had in place letter of credit guarantees from banks, securing performance obligations of the Company, totaling approximately $4,102 relating to certain sales contracts of which $2,054 is secured by cash deposits. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, was approximately $2,054 and $2,066, respectively, of cash deposits pledged as collateral on performance bonds and letters of credit.

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of doing business and believe that adequate reserves have been established for any probable losses. Expenses related to litigation are included in operating income. We do not believe that the outcome of any of these proceedings would have a significant adverse effect on our financial position, long-term results of operations, or cash flows. It is possible, however, that charges related to these matters could be significant to our results or cash flows in any one accounting period.

The Company has no outstanding legal matters outside of matters arising in the ordinary course of business, except as described below.

Export Control Matters— In 2008, we voluntarily disclosed to OAC apparent violations of U.S. antiboycott rules. In August 2010, the agency proposed a settlement agreement to which we have agreed. As of the date of this prospectus, definitive settlement documents are in the process of being executed with OAC.

Asbestos Litigation— Since 1999, we have been named as one of many defendants in 15 personal injury suits alleging exposure to asbestos from our products. None of the cases alleges premises liability. Five cases are

 

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Table of Contents

Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

currently pending. Insurers are defending us in three of the five lawsuits, and we expect that an insurer will defend us in the remaining two matters. Of the concluded suits, there were five cost of defense settlements and the remainder were dismissed without payment. There are no claims unrelated to asbestos exposure for which coverage has been sought under the policies that are providing coverage.

Indian Sales Tax and Customs Disputes— Our Indian subsidiary is currently disputing assessments of administrative sales tax and customs duties with Indian tax and customs authorities. In addition, we currently have a customs duty case before the Supreme Court in India, on appeal by custom authorities. We can give no assurances we will prevail in any of these matters.

Changes in the Company’s product liability are as follows:

 

     For the Period
From May 1,
Through

June 30, 2010
(Successor)
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through

April 30, 2010
(Predecessor)
   Three Months
Ended

June  30, 2009
(Predecessor)
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 1,057          $ 699    $ 975   

Provision for warranties issued

     104            19      54   

Reclassification of other liabilities

     —              339      —     

Settlements

     (197         —        (13
                           

Balance at end of period

   $ 964          $ 1,057    $ 1,016   
                           

11. Shareholder’s Equity/Members’ Equity

We have 100,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock issued and outstanding. All of our outstanding shares of common stock are held by our parent entity, Thermon Group, Inc.

12. Miscellaneous Income (Expense)

Miscellaneous income (expense) is as follows:

 

     For the Period
From May 1,
Through

June 30, 2010
(Successor)
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through

April 30, 2010
(Predecessor)
    Three Months
Ended

June  30, 2009
(Predecessor)
 

Fees to our sponsors related to the CHS Transaction

   $ (3,022       $ (4,716   $ —     

Professional fees and expenses related to capital transactions

     (3,073         (5,660     —     

Employee compensation related to the sale on April 30, 2010

     —              (3,545     —     

Changes in estimates for compliance fees and costs

     600            —          —     

Other

     (227         304        (5
                            

Total

   $ (5,722       $ (13,617   $ (5
                            

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

13. Income Taxes

Our anticipated annual effective benefit rate of approximately 6.9% has been applied to our consolidated pre-tax loss for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010. This benefit rate is less than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the amount of buyer’s expense stemming from the CHS Transaction that are estimated to be nondeductible (an effect of approximately 14.0 percentage points), valuation reserves taken against our anticipated foreign tax credit and other carryforwards for U. S. taxation purposes (an effect of approximately 6.6 percentage points) and foreign rate effects amounting to 7.3 percentage points.

For the period from April 1 through April 30, 2010 of the Predecessor, an income tax benefit of approximately $17,434 was recorded on the pre-tax loss. In connection with the CHS Transaction, the Canadian debt facility was repaid releasing a deferred tax liability of $14,945. Without the benefit of the deferred tax reversal related to the Canadian debt facility, the benefit rate amounted to approximately 14.1%. This benefit rate was increased by foreign tax credits and exchange losses associated with repatriated earnings (an effect of approximately 20.3 percentage points) and decreased by the amount of sellers’ expense stemming from the CHS Transaction that is anticipated to be non-deductible ( an effect of approximately 6.0 percentage points).

For the three months ended June 30, 2009 of the Predecessor, the anticipated annual effective tax rate applied to pre-tax income was approximately 45.4%. The effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. statutory rate due to the borrowings that were outstanding under the Canadian debt facility.

We established a long-term liability for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $717 in connection with the CHS Transaction to account for the differences in recognition thresholds and attribute measurement for purposes of financial statement disclosure as compared to tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. All of our unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2010 would affect our effective income tax rate if recognized. The nature of the uncertainty relates to deductions taken or to be taken on tax returns that have not been examined by the applicable tax authority. There was no difference between the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefit for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010.

14. Geographic Information

We have defined our operating segment based on geographic regions. We sell our products in two geographic regions. Our sales in these regions share similar economic characteristics, similar product mix, similar customers and similar distribution methods. Accordingly we have elected to aggregate these two geographic regions into a single operating segment. Revenue from the sale of our products which are similar in nature and revenue from construction and engineering are reflected as sales in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

Total sales and operating income classified by major geographic area in which the Company operates are as follows:

 

     For the Period
From May 1,
Through

June 30, 2010
(Successor)
          For the Period
From April 1,
Through

April 30, 2010
(Predecessor)
    Three Months
Ended

June  30, 2009
(Predecessor)
 

Sales by geographic area:

          

Western hemisphere:

          

Unaffiliated customer sales

   $ 23,150          $ 8,977      $ 30,279   

Intercompany sales

     5,282            2,939        8,417   
                            
     28,432            11,916        38,696   

Eastern hemisphere:

          

Unaffiliated customer sales

     14,363            4,086        20,533   

Intercompany sales

     191            51        973   
                            
     14,554            4,137        21,506   
                            

Eliminations of intercompany sales

     (5,473         (2,990     (9,390
                            
   $ 37,513          $ 13,063      $ 50,812   
                            

Operating income

          

Western hemisphere

   $ 5,954          $ 2,358      $ 9,175   

Eastern hemisphere

     3,077            162        3,220   

Unallocated:

          

Amortization of intangibles

     (5,126         (215     (589

Purchase accounting adjustment to cost of goods sold

     (5,041         —          —     

Management fees

     (334         (79     (254

Other

     (36         (88     118   
                            
   $ (1,506       $ 2,138      $ 11,670   
                            

15. Subsequent Events

Stock Option Plan

On July 28, 2010, our ultimate parent approved a stock option plan and simultaneously issued 14,208 stock option grants to employees of the Company. The stock option plan relates to shares of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Accordingly, the plan will only affect the shareholder’s equity of our parent and will not have an effect on shares outstanding of Thermon Holding Corp. The issuance of the grants will generate accounting for stock-based compensation and we will begin amortizing estimated compensation expense in the three month period ended September 30, 2010.

16. Guarantor Consolidation

The senior secured notes issued by Thermon Industries, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary are guaranteed by the Company and our other existing, wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries Thermon Manufacturing Company, Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc., Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc. and Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc. (collectively, the “Guarantors”), commencing on May 1, 2010.

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Notes to Financial Statements—(continued)

 

Our foreign subsidiaries (collectively, the “Non-Guarantors”) are not guarantors of the senior secured notes.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2010 and the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the period from May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010, represent the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of our Guarantors and Non-Guarantors. The information is presented on the equity method of accounting together with elimination entries necessary to reconcile to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Condensed Balance Sheet

(unaudited)

 

    June 30, 2010
    Thermon Holding,
Corp. (Guarantor)
  Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
    Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and US
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
  Eliminations     Consolidated

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ —     $ —        $ 938      $ 7,970   $ —        $ 8,908

Accounts receivable, net

    —       —          19,816        32,881     (6,840     45,857

Notes and other

    —       —          2,655        326     (2,639     342

Inventories, net

    —       —          13,281        14,704     (1,512     26,473

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

    —       —          1,332        574     —          1,906

Income taxes receivable

    —       —          3,085        291     —          3,376

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    969     —          1,495        4,310     451        7,225

Deferred Income taxes

    —       —          1,125        265     —          1,390
                                         

Total current assets

    969     —          43,727        61,321     (10,540     95,477

Property, plant and equipment, net

    —       —          15,719        6,870     —          22,589

Goodwill

    —       —          55,480        74,146     —          129,626

Intangible assets, net

    2,155     —          44,321        87,909     —          134,385

Debt Issuance costs, net

    —       13,399        —          —       —          13,399

Deferred income taxes non-current

    —       —          —            —          —  

Intercompany loans

        539        —       (539     —  

Investment in subsidiaries

    103,281     175,441        85,332        —       (364,054     —  
                                         
  $ 106,405   $ 188,840      $ 245,118      $ 230,246   $ (375,133   $ 395,476
                                         

Liabilities and shareholder’s equity Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

  $ —     $ —        $ 5,522      $ 14,364   $ (6,563   $ 13,323

Accrued liabilities

    —       3,436        4,102        6,465     (1,790     12,213

Obligations in settlement of the CHS Transaction

    —       —          6,600        —       —          6,600

Billings in excess of costs and estimated

           

Earnings on uncompleted contracts

    —       —          964        —       —          964

Income taxes payable (receivable)

    —       —          (1,242     1,477     —          235

Notes payable

    —       360        795        102     (1,257     —  

Due to former shareholders

    —       —          —          —       —          —  

Deferred income taxes

    —       —          —          —       —          —  
                                         

Total current liabilities

    —       3,796        16,741        22,408     (9,610     33,335

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

    —       210,000        2,000        751     —          212,751

Intercompany debt

    431     —          —          —       (431     —  

Deferred Income taxes

    —       —          19,705        22,432     —          42,137

Other noncurrent liabilities

    —       —          716        563     —          1,279

Shareholder’s equity

    105,974     (24,956     205,956        184,092     (365,092     105,974
                                         
  $ 106,405   $ 188,840      $ 245,118      $ 230,246   $ (375,133   $ 395,476
                                         

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Condensed Statement of Operations

(unaudited)

 

    For the Period From May 1, 2010 Through June 30, 2010  
    Thermon
Holding,
Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries,
Inc. (Issuer)
    Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantors)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues

  $ —        $ —        $ 18,186      $ 26,618      $ (7,291   $ 37,513   

Cost of sales

    —          —          14,129        18,450        (7,236     25,343   
                                               

Gross profit

    —          —          4,057        8,168        (55     12,170   

Operating expenses:

           

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering

    78        —          4,526        3,946        —          8,550   

Amortization of other intangible assets

    53        —          1,510        3,563        —          5,126   
                                               

Income (loss) from operations

    (131     —          (1,979     659        (55     (1,506

Other income/(expenses):

           

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (6,519     313        974        —          5,232        —     

Interest income

    —          —          —          1        —          1   

Interest expense

    —          (5,782     (52     (11     —          (5,845

Miscellaneous income/(expense)

    (5,523     (461     1,553        (1,291       (5,722
                                               
    (12,042     (5,930     2,475        (1,301     5,232        (11,566

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

    (12,173     (5,930     496        (642     5,177        (13,072

Income tax benefit (expense)

    —          —          1,215        (329     13        899   
                                               

Net income (loss)

  $ (12,173   $ (5,930   $ 1,711      $ (971   $ 5,190      $ (12,173
                                               

 

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Thermon Holding Corp.

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

    For the Period May 1, 2010 Through June 30, 2010  
    Thermon
Holding, Corp.
(Guarantor)
    Thermon
Industries, Inc.
(Issuer)
    Thermon
Manufacturing
Company and
U.S.
Subsidiaries
(Guarantor)
    International
Subsidiaries
(Non-
guarantors)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net cash provided by (used in) operations

  $ (6,570   $ (461   $ (1,150   $ 5,394      $ (616   $ (3,403

Investing activities

           

Purchases of P.P.&E.

      —          (641     (136     —          (777

Cash paid for Thermon

    (172,631     (145,417     —          —          —          (318,048

Other investing transactions

    (1,081     —          —          —          —          (1,081
                                               

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (173,712     (145,417     (641     (136     —          (319,906

Financing activities

           

Proceeds from Senior Secured Notes

    —          210,000        —          —          —          210,000   

Proceeds from revolving line of credit

      —          2,000        2,204        —          4,204   

Obligation on Acquisition

    —          —          6,600        —          —          6,600   

Payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term debt

    —          —          —          (1,453     —          (1,453

Capital contributions

    129,252        —          —          —          —          129,252   

Debt issuance costs

    —          (15,473     —          —          —          (15,473

Change in affiliate debt

    51,030        (48,649     (5,871     2,874        616        —     
                                               

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    180,282        145,878        2,729        3,625        616        333,130   

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

    —          —          —          (913     —          (913

Change in cash and cash equivalents

    —          —          938        7,970        —          8,908   

Cash at beginning of period

    —          —          —          —          —          —     
                                               

Cash at End of period

  $ —        $ —        $ 938      $ 7,970      $ —        $ 8,908   
                                               

 

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LOGO

Thermon Industries, Inc.

OFFER TO EXCHANGE

$210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933

(CUSIP No. 88362R AC1)

for any and all of its outstanding

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

(CUSIP Nos. 88362R AA5 and U8836E AA7)

Until                     , 2010, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this exchange offer, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

                    , 2010

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Delaware Corporation

Delaware General Corporation Law. Under the Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“ DGCL ”), a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding (i) if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (ii) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe such conduct was unlawful. In actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, a corporation may indemnify such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which that person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person in fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or other such court shall deem proper. To the extent that such person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defending any such action, suit or proceeding referred to above or any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she is entitled to indemnification for expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided for or granted pursuant to Section 145 of the DGCL is not exclusive of any other rights of indemnification or advancement of expenses to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled, and a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance against liabilities asserted against any former or current, director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or a person who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether or not the power to indemnify is provided by the statute.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions, or for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for such limitation of liability.

Thermon Holding Corp.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Article Eighth of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, no director shall be personally liable to the corporation or any stockholder for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

Bylaws. Article V provides that we shall indemnify any former or present officer or director to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. However, subject to certain exceptions, we shall indemnify such director or officer

 

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seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding initiated by such director or officer only if such proceeding was authorized by our Board of Directors.

D&O Insurance. We maintain standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and to us with respect to payments which may be made by us to such officers and directors pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law.

Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.4 to this Registration Statement provides for indemnification of our directors and officers by the initial purchasers party thereto against certain liabilities.

The Louisiana Corporation

Louisiana Business Corporation Law. Section 83A(1) of the Louisiana Business Corporation Law (“ LBCL ”) permits corporations to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, including any action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another business, foreign or nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Section 83A(2) of the LBCL provides that, in case of actions by or in the right of the corporation, the indemnity shall be limited to expenses, including attorneys fees and amounts paid in settlement not exceeding, in the judgment of the board of directors, the estimated expense of litigating the action to conclusion, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, and that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable for willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless, and only to the extent that the court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, he is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper. Section 83(B) of the LBCL provides that to the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any such action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith. Any indemnification under Section 83A of the LBCL, unless ordered by the court, shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in a specific case upon a determination that the applicable standard of conduct has been met, and such determination shall be made: (i) by the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit, or proceeding, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable and the board of directors so directs, by independent legal counsel, or (iii) by the stockholders.

The indemnification provided for by Section 83 of the LBCL shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the person indemnified is entitled under any bylaw, agreement, authorization of stockholders or directors, regardless of whether directors authorizing such indemnification are beneficiaries thereof, or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs and legal representative; however, no such other indemnification measure shall permit indemnification of any person for the results of such person’s willful or intentional misconduct.

 

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Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc.

Amended and Restated Bylaws. Article II, Section 7 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc. provides that the corporation shall indemnify its present and former directors and officers from and against any and all claims and liabilities to which he or she may be or become subject because he or she is or was a director or officer of the corporation and/or because of his or her alleged acts or omissions at the time when any such claim or liability is asserted, and shall reimburse each such director and officer for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense of such claims or liabilities, including amounts paid or agreed to be paid in connection with reasonable settlements made with the approval of the Board of Directors of the corporation. However, no director or officer shall be entitled to such indemnification unless, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the corporation, the director or officer has not been guilty of negligence or willful misconduct.

The Texas Corporations

Texas Business Organizations Code. Section 8.051 of the Texas Business Organizations Code (“ TBOC ”) requires a Texas corporation to indemnify a director or former director who is wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with defending a proceeding in which such person is a respondent, and Section 8.105(b) requires a Texas corporation to indemnify an officer to the same extent indemnification is mandatory for a director. Sections 8.101, 8.102 and 8.103 of the TBOC authorize a Texas corporation to indemnify a director who was, is, or is threatened to be a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding because of his role as a director only if a determination is made (i) by a majority vote of the directors who at the time of the vote are disinterested and independent, regardless of whether such directors constitute a quorum; (ii) by a majority vote of a board committee designated by a majority of disinterested and independent directors and consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors; (iii) by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors as set forth in (i) or (ii); (iv) by the shareholders in a vote that excludes the shares held by directors who are not disinterested and independent; or (v) by the shareholders in a unanimous vote that such indemnification is permissible under the TBOC. The power to indemnify applies only if the director or former director acted in good faith and, in the case of conduct in the person’s official capacity as a director, in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the corporation, and, in all other cases, the person’s conduct was not opposed to the best interest of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The director or former director may be indemnified with respect to judgments and other expenses that are reasonably incurred by that person in connection with a proceeding; provided that if the person is found liable to the corporation or due to the fact that the person improperly received a personal benefit, the person may not be indemnified with respect to a judgment, penalty, fine, or tax. A corporation may not indemnify an director or former director who is found liable to the corporation, or for improper receipt of a personal benefit, if liability arose out of willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of the director’s or officer’s duty to the corporation, breach of the director’s or officer’s duty of loyalty to the corporation, or an act or omission not in good faith constituting a breach of duty to the corporation.

Section 8.104 of the TBOC provides that the corporation may pay or reimburse, in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding, reasonable expenses incurred by a present director who was, is, or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding after the corporation receives a written affirmation by the director of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification under Section 8.101 and a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it is ultimately determined that he has not met that standard or if it is ultimately determined that indemnification of the director is not otherwise permitted under the TBOC. Section 8.105 of the TBOC provides that a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to a person who is an officer of the corporation, as provided by: (i) the corporation’s governing documents; (ii) an action by the corporation’s board of directors; (iii) resolution by the shareholders; (iv) contract; or (v) common law. Section 8.105 also provides that reasonable expenses incurred by a former director or officer who was, is, or is threatened to be made a named defendant or

 

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respondent in a proceeding may be paid or reimbursed by the corporation, in advance of the final disposition of the action, as the corporation considers appropriate.

Section 7.001 of the TBOC permits a corporation to eliminate or limit in its certificate of formation all monetary liability of the corporation’s directors to the corporation or its shareholders for acts or omissions by the director in the performance of such director’s duties. However, the TBOC does not permit elimination or limitation of liability of a director for: (i) breaching a duty of loyalty to a corporation or its shareholders; (ii) an act or omission not in good faith that is a breach of duty to the corporation or involves intentional misconduct or a known violation of the law; (iii) engaging in a transaction from which the director obtains an improper benefit; or (iv) violating applicable statutes which expressly provide for the liability of a director.

The TBOC permits insurance providing indemnification for liabilities not otherwise indemnifiable under Chapter 8 of the TBOC.

Thermon Industries, Inc.

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. Article X of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of TII provides that, to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, a director shall not be liable to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for an action or omission in the director’s capacity as a director, except for liability for (i) a breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) an act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of a duty of the director to the corporation or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, (iii) a transaction from which a director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the director’s office, or (iv) an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided for by statute.

Thermon Manufacturing Company

Amended and Restated Bylaws. Section 6.11 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Manufacturing Company provide that the corporation may indemnify a director only if it is determined in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation that such director (1) conducted himself or herself in good faith, (2) reasonably believed, in the case of conduct in his official capacity as a director, that his or her conduct was in the corporation’s best interests, and in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation’s best interests, and (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or conduct was unlawful. A director may not be indemnified if an improper personal benefit was received by him or her, or if the director is found liable to the corporation, and was found liable for willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Company.

Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc.

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc. contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers.

Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc.

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc. contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers.

 

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Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

Exhibits

Certain of the agreements included as exhibits to this prospectus contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

 

   

should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;

 

   

have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;

 

   

may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to you or other investors; and

 

   

were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.

The registrants acknowledge that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, they are responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this registration statement not misleading.

 

Exhibit
Numbers

  

Description

  2.1    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2010, by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, Thermon Holding Corp. and Thermon Group, Inc.
  2.2    First Amendment to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2010, by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, Thermon Holding Corp. and Thermon Group, Inc.
  2.3    Amendment to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2010, by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, Thermon Holding Corp. and Thermon Group, Inc.
  2.4    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Finance, Inc. and Thermon Industries, Inc.
  3.1    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Industries, Inc.
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Industries, Inc.
  3.3    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Thermon Holding Corp.
  3.4    Bylaws of Thermon Holding Corp.
  3.5    Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Manufacturing Company
  3.6    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Manufacturing Company
  3.7    Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc.
  3.8    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc.
  3.9    Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc.
  3.10    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc.
  3.11    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc.
  3.12    Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc.
  4.1    Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, between Thermon Finance, Inc., as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent

 

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Exhibit
Numbers

  

Description

  4.2    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc. (as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc.), as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
  4.3    Form of 9.500% Senior Secured Note due 2017
  4.4    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., each of the guarantors party thereto and each of the initial purchasers party thereto
  5.1    Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP
  5.2    Opinion of Fulbright & Jaworksi L.L.P.
  5.3    Opinion of Liskow & Lewis
10.1    Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., Thermon Canada Inc., the other parties thereto that are designated as a “credit party” therein (including Thermon Holding Corp.), General Electric Capital Corporation, as US agent for the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto with a US revolving loan commitment and for itself as a US lender (including as US swingline lender), GE Canada Holding Finance Company, as Canadian agent for the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto with a Canadian revolving loan commitment, Bank of Montreal, as documentation agent for the lenders and for itself as a lender, and KeyBank National Association, as syndication agent for the lenders and for itself as a lender, and such other lenders party thereto
10.2    First Lien Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., the other U.S. Credit Parties named therein and General Electric Capital Corporation, as U.S. agent
10.3    Second Lien Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc. (as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc.), the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as collateral agent
10.4    Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, between General Electric Capital Corporation, as the first lien agent, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as the second lien agent, and acknowledged by Thermon Industries, Inc. (as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc.) and the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto
10.5    Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., and the other parties identified therein
10.6    Management Services Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., CHS Private Equity V LP, Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P., Crown Investment Series LLC—Series 4, Star Investment Series LLC—Series 1
10.7    Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan, as adopted on July 28, 2010*
10.8    Form of Stock Option Agreement under Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan*
10.9    Confidential Employment Agreement, effective as of April 30, 2010, between Rodney Bingham and Thermon Holding Corp.*
10.10    Confidential Employment Agreement, effective as of April 30, 2010, between George P. Alexander and Thermon Holding Corp.*
10.11    Offer letter dated July 7, 2010 between Jay Peterson and Thermon Group, Inc.*

 

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Exhibit
Numbers

  

Description

10.12    Letter agreement dated July 28, 2010 between Charles A. Sorrentino and Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*
10.13    Letter agreement dated July 28, 2010 between Richard E. Goodrich and Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*
12.1    Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
21.1    Subsidiaries of Thermon Holding Corp.
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2    Consent of Meyers Norris Penny LLP
23.3    Consent of Bell Partners
23.4    Consent of Shanghai Jialiang CPAs
23.5    Consent of B. L. Ajmera & Company
23.6    Consent of Sidley Austin LLP (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)
23.7    Consent of Fulbright & Jaworksi L.L.P. (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.2)
23.8    Consent of Liskow & Lewis (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.3)
24.1    Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages hereto)
25.1    Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
99.1    Form of Letter of Transmittal
99.2    Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
99.3    Form of Letter to Clients
99.4    Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees

 

* Constitutes a compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed with this prospectus.

Financial Statement Schedule

None. Financial statement schedules have been omitted since the required information is included in our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this registration statement.

 

Item 22. Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

(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 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 a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

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

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act 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 purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the registrants are subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(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 registrants undertake that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrants 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 registrants will be sellers 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 registrants hereby undertake to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of a registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have 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 registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants 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 registrants 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 has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Marcos, State of Texas, on August 18, 2010.

 

THERMON HOLDING CORP.
By:       / S /    R ODNEY  B INGHAM         
Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Western Hemisphere

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Rodney Bingham and Jay Peterson, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act separately and full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-facts and agents, and each of them, 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 they or he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or his or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney shall not revoke any powers of attorney previously executed by the undersigned. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney that the undersigned may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically provides that it revokes this Power of Attorney by referring to the date of the undersigned’s execution of this Power of Attorney. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever two or more powers of attorney granting the powers specified herein are valid, the agents appointed on each shall act separately unless otherwise specified.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/ S /    R ODNEY B INGHAM        

Rodney Bingham

  

President and Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Western Hemisphere and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    G EORGE A LEXANDER          

George Alexander

  

Senior Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere and Director

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    D AVID R ALPH        

David Ralph

  

Senior Vice President, Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    J AY P ETERSON        

Jay Peterson

  

Chief Financial Officer

  August 18, 2010

 

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Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/ S /    D ANIEL J. H ENNESSY        

Daniel J. Hennessy

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    J AMES A. C OOPER        

James A. Cooper

  

Director

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    M ARCUS J. G EORGE        

Marcus J. George

  

Director

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    R ICHARD E. G OODRICH        

Richard E. Goodrich

  

Director

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    B RIAN P. S IMMONS        

Brian P. Simmons

  

Director

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    C HARLES S ORRENTINO        

Charles A. Sorrentino

  

Director

  August 18, 2010

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Marcos, State of Texas, on August 18, 2010.

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC.

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC. THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC.

By:       / S /    R ODNEY  B INGHAM         
Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Rodney Bingham and Jay Peterson , and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act separately and full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-facts and agents, and each of them, 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 they or he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or his or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney shall not revoke any powers of attorney previously executed by the undersigned. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney that the undersigned may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically provides that it revokes this Power of Attorney by referring to the date of the undersigned’s execution of this Power of Attorney. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever two or more powers of attorney granting the powers specified herein are valid, the agents appointed on each shall act separately unless otherwise specified.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/ S /    R ODNEY B INGHAM        

Rodney Bingham

  

President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    D AVID R ALPH        

David Ralph

  

Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    D ANIEL J. H ENNESSY        

Daniel J. Hennessy

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

  August 18, 2010

/ S /    M ARCUS J. G EORGE        

Marcus J. George

  

Director

  August 18, 2010

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Numbers

  

Description

  2.1    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2010, by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, Thermon Holding Corp. and Thermon Group, Inc.
  2.2    First Amendment to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2010, by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, Thermon Holding Corp. and Thermon Group, Inc.
  2.3    Amendment to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2010, by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, Thermon Holding Corp. and Thermon Group, Inc.
  2.4    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Finance, Inc. and Thermon Industries, Inc.
  3.1    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Industries, Inc.
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Industries, Inc.
  3.3    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Thermon Holding Corp.
  3.4    Bylaws of Thermon Holding Corp.
  3.5    Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Manufacturing Company
  3.6    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Manufacturing Company
  3.7    Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc.
  3.8    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc.
  3.9    Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc.
  3.10    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc.
  3.11    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc.
  3.12    Bylaws of Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc.
  4.1    Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, between Thermon Finance, Inc., as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
  4.2    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc. (as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc.), as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
  4.3    Form of 9.500% Senior Secured Note due 2017
  4.4    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., each of the guarantors party thereto and each of the initial purchasers party thereto
  5.1    Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP
  5.2    Opinion of Fulbright & Jaworksi L.L.P.
  5.3    Opinion of Liskow & Lewis
10.1    Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., Thermon Canada Inc., the other parties thereto that are designated as a “credit party” therein (including Thermon Holding Corp.), General Electric Capital Corporation, as US agent for the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto with a US revolving loan commitment and for itself as a US lender (including as US swingline lender), GE Canada Holding Finance Company, as Canadian agent for the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto with a Canadian revolving loan commitment, Bank of Montreal, as documentation agent for the lenders and for itself as a lender, and KeyBank National Association, as syndication agent for the lenders and for itself as a lender, and such other lenders party thereto


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Numbers

  

Description

10.2    First Lien Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., the other U.S. Credit Parties named therein and General Electric Capital Corporation, as U.S. agent
10.3    Second Lien Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc. (as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc.), the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as collateral agent
10.4    Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, between General Electric Capital Corporation, as the first lien agent, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as the second lien agent, and acknowledged by Thermon Industries, Inc. (as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc.) and the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto
10.5    Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., and the other parties identified therein
10.6    Management Services Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., CHS Private Equity V LP, Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P., Crown Investment Series LLC—Series 4, Star Investment Series LLC—Series 1
10.7    Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan, as adopted on July 28, 2010*
10.8    Form of Stock Option Agreement under Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan*
10.9    Confidential Employment Agreement, effective as of April 30, 2010, between Rodney Bingham and Thermon Holding Corp.*
10.10    Confidential Employment Agreement, effective as of April 30, 2010, between George P. Alexander and Thermon Holding Corp.*
10.11    Offer letter dated July 7, 2010 between Jay Peterson and Thermon Group, Inc.*
10.12    Letter agreement dated July 28, 2010 between Charles A. Sorrentino and Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*
10.13    Letter agreement dated July 28, 2010 between Richard E. Goodrich and Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*
12.1    Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
21.1    Subsidiaries of Thermon Holding Corp.
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2    Consent of Meyers Norris Penny LLP
23.3    Consent of Bell Partners
23.4    Consent of Shanghai Jialiang CPAs
23.5    Consent of B. L. Ajmera & Company
23.6    Consent of Sidley Austin LLP (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)
23.7    Consent of Fulbright & Jaworksi L.L.P. (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.2)
23.8    Consent of Liskow & Lewis (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.3)
24.1    Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages hereto)
25.1    Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
99.1    Form of Letter of Transmittal
99.2    Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
99.3    Form of Letter to Clients
99.4    Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees

EXHIBIT 2.1

EXECUTION COPY

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

 

 

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

by and among

THERMON HOLDINGS, LLC,

THERMON HOLDING CORP.

and

THERMON GROUP, INC.

Dated as of March 26, 2010

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
ARTICLE I PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES    1
        1.01   

Purchase and Sale of Shares

   1
        1.02   

Calculation of Closing and Final Consideration

   1
        1.03   

The Closing

   4
ARTICLE II CONDITIONS TO CLOSING    4
        2.01   

Conditions to All Parties’ Obligations

   4
        2.02   

Conditions to Buyer’s Obligations

   4
        2.03   

Conditions to Seller’s and the Company’s Obligations

   7
        2.04   

Waiver of Conditions

   8
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER    8
        3.01   

Organization and Power; Audax Acquisition Documents

   8
        3.02   

Execution and Delivery; Valid and Binding Agreement

   9
        3.03   

No Breach

   9
        3.04   

Ownership

   9
        3.05   

Litigation

   9
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY    9
        4.01   

Organization and Corporate Power

   9
        4.02   

Subsidiaries

   10
        4.03   

Authorization; Valid and Binding Agreement; No Breach

   10
        4.04   

Capital Stock

   11
        4.05   

Financial Statements

   11
        4.06   

Absence of Certain Developments

   12
        4.07   

Title to Properties

   14
        4.08   

Tax Matters

   14
        4.09   

Contracts and Commitments

   16
        4.10   

Intellectual Property

   18
        4.11   

Litigation

   18
        4.12   

Employee Benefit Plans

   19
        4.13   

Insurance

   20
        4.14   

Compliance with Laws; Permits

   21
        4.15   

Environmental Compliance and Conditions

   21
        4.16   

Affiliated Transactions

   22
        4.17   

Customers and Suppliers

   22
        4.18   

Employment and Labor Matters

   22
        4.19   

Product Warranty

   23
        4.20   

Certain Payments

   24
        4.21   

Brokerage and Expenses

   24
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER    24
        5.01   

Organization and Power

   24
        5.02   

Authorization; Valid and Binding Agreement

   24

 

i


        5.03   

No Breach

   24
        5.04   

Consents, etc

   24
        5.05   

Litigation

   25
        5.06   

Brokerage

   25
        5.07   

Investment Representation

   25
        5.08   

Financing

   25
        5.09   

Solvency

   26

ARTICLE VI CERTAIN PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

   26
        6.01   

Conduct of the Business

   26
        6.02   

Access to Books and Records

   27
        6.03   

Obtainment of Consents; Regulatory Filings

   28
        6.04   

Conditions

   29
        6.05   

Exclusive Dealing

   29
        6.06   

Notification

   29
        6.07   

Update of Financial Statements

   30
        6.08   

Certain Environmental Actions

   30

ARTICLE VII COVENANTS OF BUYER

   31
        7.01   

Access to Books and Records

   31
        7.02   

Notification

   31
        7.03   

Director and Officer Liability and Indemnification

   31
        7.04   

Regulatory Filings

   32
        7.05   

Conditions; Financing

   32
        7.06   

Contact with Customers, Suppliers and Other Business Relations

   34
        7.07   

Payment to Seller with Respect to Released Bonding Restricted Cash

   34
        7.08   

Insurance Policies

   34

ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION

   35
        8.01   

Termination

   35
        8.02   

Effect of Termination

   35

ARTICLE IX ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

   36
        9.01   

Survival

   36
        9.02   

Indemnification of Buyer

   36
        9.03   

Indemnification of Seller

   39
        9.04   

Termination of Indemnification

   39
        9.05   

Procedures Relating to Indemnification

   39
        9.06   

Mitigation

   41
        9.07   

Determination of Loss Amount

   42
        9.08   

Exclusive Remedy

   42
        9.09   

Tax Matters

   43
        9.10   

Further Assurances

   45
        9.11   

Seller Waiver and Release of Claims

   45
        9.12   

Limitation on Distributions from Indemnity Escrow Account

   46
        9.13   

Special Indemnification by Audax Fund II

   46

 

ii


ARTICLE X DEFINITIONS

   48
        10.01   

Definitions

   48
        10.02   

Other Definitional Provisions

   59

ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS

   59
        11.01   

Press Releases and Communications

   59
        11.02   

Expenses

   60
        11.03   

Knowledge Defined

   60
        11.04   

Notices

   60
        11.05   

Assignment

   62
        11.06   

Severability

   62
        11.07   

No Strict Construction

   62
        11.08   

Amendment and Waiver

   63
        11.09   

Complete Agreement

   63
        11.10   

Counterparts

   63
        11.11   

Governing Law

   63
        11.12   

CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS

   63
        11.13   

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

   64
        11.14   

No Third Party Beneficiaries

   64
        11.15   

Representation of Seller and its Affiliates

   64
        11.16   

No Additional Representations; Disclaimer

   65
        11.17   

Conflict Between Transaction Documents

   66
        11.18   

Specific Performance

   66
        11.19   

Consents

   66

Exhibits and Disclosure Schedules

 

Exhibit A   -    Form of Termination Agreement
Exhibit B   -    Form of Insurance Policies
Exhibit C   -    Form of FIRPTA Certificate
Exhibit D   -    Form of Demand Note
Exhibit E   -    Bridge Loans Commitment Letter
Exhibit F   -    Revolver Commitment Letter
Exhibit G   -    Equity Commitment Letter
Exhibit H   -    Intercompany Agreement
Exhibit I   -    Form of Limited Guaranty
Exhibit J   -    Form of Audax Restrictive Covenant Agreement
Exhibit K   -    Form of Escrow Agreement

Accounting Principles Schedule

Accounts Receivable Schedule

Affiliated Transactions Schedule

April and May 2010 Estimated Tax Payments Schedule

Authorization Schedule

Bonding Arrangements Schedule

Brokerage Schedule

Capitalization Schedule

Compliance with Laws Schedule

Conditions to Buyer’s Obligations Schedule

 

iii


Conduct of Business Schedule

Contracts Schedule

Customers and Suppliers Schedule

Developments Schedule

Employee Benefits Schedule

Employment and Labor Matters Schedule

Environmental Schedule

Financial Statements Schedule

Indebtedness Schedule

Indebtedness Pay-Off Schedule

Insurance Schedule

Intellectual Property Schedule

Key Contracts Schedule

Leased Real Property Schedule

Letters of Credit Schedule

Liens Schedule

Litigation Schedule

Other Locations Schedule

Owned Real Property Schedule

Permitted Liens Schedule

Product Warranty Schedule

Subsidiary Schedule

Taxes Schedule

 

iv


STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of March 26, 2010, by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Thermon Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Buyer ”). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Article X below.

WHEREAS, Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company, which as of the date hereof consists of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (collectively, the “ Shares ”);

WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Buyer desires to acquire from Seller, and Seller desires to sell to Buyer, all of such Shares;

WHEREAS, Seller, the Company and Buyer have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, on the date of this Agreement as a condition to Buyer’s entry into this Agreement, Buyer has required certain equity holders of Seller, who are (or were) members of management or key employees of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof (each a “ Beneficial Seller ”), to each execute and deliver to Buyer a restrictive covenant agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer with respect to such Beneficial Seller as an agreement ancillary to this Agreement and in connection with Buyer’s purchase of the Shares and the goodwill of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, representations and warranties and mutual covenants contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES

1.01 Purchase and Sale of Shares . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing, Seller shall sell, assign, transfer and convey to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and acquire from Seller, all of the Shares owned by Seller in exchange for the payment of the Estimated Purchase Price to Seller.

1.02 Calculation of Closing and Final Consideration .

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Purchase Price ” means an amount equal to:

(i) $310,000,000,

(ii) plus the total amount of Cash on Hand (provided that the Purchase Price will be increased by no more than $2,000,000 (the “ Cash Increase Limit ”), even if the total amount of Cash on Hand is greater than the Cash Increase Limit),

(iii) minus the outstanding amount of Indebtedness as of the Closing,


(iv) minus the unpaid Seller Transaction Expenses,

(v) plus the amount, if any, by which the Net Working Capital exceeds the Upper End Net Working Capital Target,

(vi) minus the amount, if any, by which the Net Working Capital is less than the Lower End Net Working Capital Target, and

(vii) minus the Escrow Amount.

(b) At least two business days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver in writing to Buyer its good faith estimate of the Purchase Price (the “ Company’s Estimate ”) based upon the most recent reasonably ascertainable financial information of the Company and its Subsidiaries (which estimate shall specifically set forth the various components of the Purchase Price as set forth in the various clauses of Section 1.02(a) ). The Company’s Estimate shall be subject to Buyer’s prompt review and reasonable approval with the Company’s Estimate as so approved by Buyer (or as modified by agreement of all of the parties hereto) referred to herein as the “ Estimated Purchase Price ”. The Company will timely provide to Buyer such supporting documentation as Buyer may reasonably request in connection with Buyer’s review of the Company’s Estimate.

(c) As promptly as possible, but in any event within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Buyer will deliver to Seller (i) an unaudited, consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (which shall have been prepared with the assistance of Buyer’s or the Company’s accountants) and (ii) its calculation of the Purchase Price (together, the “ Closing Statement ”). The Closing Statement shall be prepared in a manner consistent with the Agreed Accounting Principles and the definitions of the terms Cash on Hand, Indebtedness, Seller Transaction Expenses and Net Working Capital. The Closing Statement shall entirely disregard (i) any and all effects on the assets or liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or of any financing or refinancing arrangements entered into at any time by Buyer or by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof on or after the Closing Date or any other transaction entered into by Buyer or by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof on or after the Closing Date in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) any of the plans, transactions, or changes which Buyer intends to initiate or make or cause to be initiated or made after the Closing with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries or their business or assets, or any facts or circumstances that are unique or particular to Buyer or any of its assets or liabilities.

(d) Buyer shall, and shall cause the Company to, (i) provide Seller and its representatives with reasonable access during normal business hours to the books, records (including work papers, schedules, memoranda and other documents), supporting data, facilities and employees of the Company for purposes of their review of the Closing Statement, and (ii) reasonably cooperate with Seller and its representatives in connection with such review, including providing on a timely basis all other information reasonably requested (which includes all of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ material back-up or supporting data used in the preparation of the Closing Statement) by Seller or its representatives in connection with their review of the Closing Statement. If Seller has any objections to the Closing Statement, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a statement setting forth its objections thereto (an “ Objections Statement ”), which statement shall identify in reasonable detail those items and amounts to which Seller objects (the “ Disputed Items ”). If an Objections Statement is not delivered to Buyer within sixty (60) days after delivery of the Closing Statement, the Closing Statement as prepared by Buyer shall be final, binding and non-appealable by the parties hereto; provided that, in the event Buyer, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not provide any papers or documents reasonably requested by Seller or any of its authorized representatives within five (5) days of request therefor (or such shorter

 

2


period as may remain in such 60-day period), such 60-day period shall be extended by one (1) day for each additional day required for Buyer, the Company or one of its Subsidiaries to fully respond to such request; provided further that such 60-day period shall be extended a minimum of ten (10) days following the date on which Buyer, the Company or one of its Subsidiaries shall have fully responded to such request that was made within such 60-day period ( i.e. , prior to any extension). Seller and Buyer shall negotiate in good faith to resolve the Disputed Items and all such discussions related thereto shall (unless otherwise agreed by Buyer and Seller) be governed by Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence and any applicable similar state rule, but if they do not reach a final resolution within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the Objections Statement to Buyer, Seller and Buyer shall submit any unresolved Disputed Items to Deloitte LLP (the “ Accounting Firm ”) and also submit a written statement identifying in reasonable detail all other items and amounts with respect to the Closing Statement that are not unresolved Disputed Items. Seller and Buyer shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Accounting Firm to resolve any unresolved Disputed Items as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days after engagement by Seller and Buyer, and to set forth in a written statement its final determination of the Closing Statement and resulting Purchase Price based upon its resolution of such unresolved Disputed Items and the items and amounts with respect to the Closing Statement that were not unresolved Disputed Items. With respect to any such Disputed Item(s), (i) the scope of any dispute to be resolved by the Accounting Firm shall be limited to whether the amounts set forward on the Closing Statement were obtained from and in accordance with the books and records of the Company and prepared in a manner consistent (including the basis of calculation of individual line items and the determination of allowances and reserves) with the definitions of the terms that are components of the Purchase Price and the Agreed Accounting Principles and practices referred to therein and whether there were errors of fact or mathematical errors in the Closing Statement or in calculating the final Purchase Price (including the Net Working Capital) or their respective components; and (ii) the Accounting Firm may not assign a value to any particular item greater than the greatest value for such item claimed by either party or less than the smallest value for such item claimed by either party, in each case as presented to the Accounting Firm. The determinations made by the Accounting Firm shall be final, binding and non-appealable by the parties hereto and judgment may be entered thereon. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the resolution of such Disputed Items by the Accounting Firm. The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be allocated between Seller and Buyer so that Seller’s or Buyer’s share of such Accounting Firm’s fees and expenses shall be equal to the product of (i) and (ii), where (i) is the aggregate amount of such fees and expenses, and where (ii) is a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount in dispute that is ultimately unsuccessfully disputed (as determined by the Accounting Firm) by Seller or Buyer, as applicable, and the denominator of which is the total amount in dispute.

(e) If the Purchase Price as finally determined pursuant to Section 1.02(d) (the “ Final Purchase Price ”) is greater than the Estimated Purchase Price (such excess, the “ Adjustment Amount ”), then, within five business days after the determination of the Final Purchase Price, (i) Buyer shall pay to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller, the Adjustment Amount, together with simple interest on the entire amount of such excess computed at a per annum interest rate of 5% from the Closing Date to the date of such payment in full, such interest calculated on the basis of a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, and (ii) Buyer and Seller shall deliver joint written instructions to the Escrow Agent to cause the Escrow Agent to make payment of the Adjustment Escrow Funds from the Adjustment Escrow Account to, or as directed by, Seller.

(f) If the Estimated Purchase Price is greater than the Final Purchase Price (such excess, the “ Excess Amount ”), then, within five business days after the determination of the Final Purchase Price, Buyer and Seller shall jointly instruct the Escrow Agent to pay to Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Buyer the Excess Amount, together with simple interest on the entire amount of such excess computed at a per annum interest rate of 5% from the Closing

 

3


Date to the date of such payment in full, such interest calculated on the basis of a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, from the Adjustment Escrow Amount in the Adjustment Escrow Account. If the Excess Amount (together with the interest to be paid on such amount in accordance with this Section 1.02(f) ) is greater than the Adjustment Escrow Amount (such excess, the “ Adjustment Excess Amount ”), then, within five business days after the determination of the Final Purchase Price, Buyer and Seller shall deliver joint written instructions to the Escrow Agent to pay to Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Buyer the amount of the Adjustment Excess Amount from the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account. In the event that the Excess Amount is less than the Adjustment Escrow Funds (such shortfall, the “ Remaining Adjustment Escrow Funds ”), Buyer and Seller shall simultaneously with delivery of the instructions in the immediately foregoing sentence, deliver joint written instructions to the Escrow Agent to cause the Escrow Agent to pay the Remaining Adjustment Escrow Funds from the Adjustment Escrow Account to, or as directed by, Seller.

(g) All payments required pursuant to Section 1.02(e) and Section 1.02(f) shall be deemed for Tax purposes to be adjustments to the Purchase Price.

1.03 The Closing . The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, located at 300 North LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois, on April 30, 2010, or if any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Article II (other than those to be satisfied at the Closing) have not been satisfied or waived by the party entitled to the benefit thereof prior to such date, then on or prior to the third day following satisfaction or waiver of all of the closing conditions set forth in Article II (other than those to be satisfied at the Closing) or on such other date as is mutually agreeable to Buyer and Seller. The date of the Closing is herein referred to as the “ Closing Date .” The Closing shall be deemed to occur at 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date.

ARTICLE II

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

2.01 Conditions to All Parties’ Obligations . The obligations of Seller and Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions as of the Closing Date:

(a) The applicable waiting periods, if any, under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated;

(b) Except for any pending action or proceeding directly or indirectly initiated by the party asserting its right not to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to this Section 2.01(b) , no Proceeding before any Governmental Body shall be pending wherein an unfavorable judgment, decree or order would prevent the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, declare unlawful the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or cause such transactions to be rescinded; and

(c) This Agreement shall not have been terminated in accordance with Section 8.01 .

2.02 Conditions to Buyer’s Obligations . The obligation of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions as of the Closing Date:

(a) The representations and warranties of Seller and the Company contained in Article III and Article IV shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date as if made as of such date (except to the extent any such representation and warranty expressly relates to an earlier date (in which case as of such earlier date));

 

4


(b) The covenants and agreements of the Company and Seller required to be performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing shall have been so performed in all material respects;

(c) The proceeds of debt financing in an amount equal to at least $200 million on terms and conditions (i) with respect to pricing ( e.g. , interest, fees, charges), not less favorable and (ii) with respect to all other material terms, not materially less favorable, than the terms and conditions set forth in the Bridge Loans Commitment Letter with respect to the Bridge Loans (after giving effect to any provisions relating to “market flex” or similar provisions affecting the structure, pricing, maturity, amortization or any other terms with respect to the financing contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters) shall have been received by, or shall be fully available to, Buyer and all of the conditions to initial funding of the Revolver Loans set forth in the Revolver Commitment Letter shall be satisfied or upon Closing would be satisfied; provided that the condition set forth in this Section 2.02(c) shall be deemed to be satisfied and Buyer shall have no right to rely on this Section 2.02(c) if such proceeds have not been received by or are not available to Buyer as a result of (x) the failure of CHS V to provide the equity financing contemplated by the Equity Commitment Letter (provided that the conditions set forth therein are or are deemed satisfied) or (y) any action or inaction within the control of Buyer or its Affiliates (and not in any way dependent upon the actions or inactions of any Person that Buyer or its Affiliates do not control, except to the extent any such non-controlled Person is willing to (but for actions or inactions by Buyer or its Affiliates) satisfy requests that such non-controlled Person take, or refrain from taking, such actions or inactions, as applicable) that has prevented satisfaction of any condition set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters;

(d) The management services agreement, dated August 30, 2007, by and among Audax, the Company, Thermon Manufacturing Company and Thermon Canada, Inc. being terminated on the Closing Date pursuant to a written termination agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A , duly executed by the parties thereto;

(e) The Company shall have obtained and delivered to Buyer written consents or approvals from the Persons specified on Conditions to Buyer’s Obligations Schedule and each such consent and approval shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer;

(f) The Senior Executive Agreements shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing and shall not have been repudiated or materially breached by any of the Senior Executives;

(g) Since the date hereof, there have been no material adverse changes with respect to any of the contracts set forth on the Key Contracts Schedule ; provided that expiration of any such contract on its expiration date, if any, in accordance with its stated terms, or expiration upon completion or substantial completion of such contract shall not be deemed a material adverse change; provided , however , that cancellation or termination or notice of cancellation or termination of a contract before its expiration date, if any, or before completion or substantial completion of such contract will be deemed a material adverse effect;

(h) the insurance policies (including the declarations and endorsements thereto) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (collectively, the “ Insurance Policies ”) shall have been duly executed by the parties thereto and issued by Columbia Casualty Company, Lloyd’s Insurance and Aspen UK

 

5


Insurance Limited and shall each be in full force and effect with such Insurance Policies (including the declarations and endorsements thereto) each having an effective date of the date hereof and a policy term of seven years from the date hereof, a limit of liability of $40.5 million and a total premium of $1,550,000 (plus applicable Taxes), of which 25.926% of such amount will be paid by Buyer at its sole cost and expense and the remainder will be paid as a Seller Transaction Expense;

(i) Seller shall have delivered to Buyer each of the following:

(i) a certificate of Seller executed by a duly authorized officer thereof, dated the Closing Date, stating that the preconditions specified in subsections (a) and (b) above as they relate to Seller have been satisfied;

(ii) a copy of the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Seller and the Escrow Agent;

(iii) a copy of the Audax Restrictive Covenant Agreement, duly executed by Audax Fund II;

(iv) (A) a copy of the certificate of formation of Seller certified by the Secretary of State of Delaware and (B) a certificate of good standing for Seller from the Secretary of State of Delaware, dated within twenty (20) days of the Closing Date;

(v) certified copies of the resolutions duly adopted by Seller’s board of managers and/or members authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby to which Seller is a party, and the consummation of all transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer;

(vi) a certificate signed by the individual(s) signing this Agreement and any other agreement or certificate executed pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of Seller that such individual(s) is (are) duly authorized to execute this Agreement and all such other agreements or certificates executed pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of Seller as an authorized officer or agent thereof, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer; and

(vii) the stock certificate representing the Shares accompanied by a duly executed stock power.

(j) The Company shall have delivered to Buyer each of the following:

(i) a certificate of the Company executed by a duly authorized officer thereof, dated the Closing Date, stating that the preconditions specified in subsections (a) and (b) above as they relate to the Company have been satisfied;

(ii) certified copies of the resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s board of directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby to which the Company is a party, and the consummation of all transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer;

(iii) (A) a copy of the certificate of incorporation of the Company certified by the Secretary of State of Delaware and (B) a certificate of good standing for the Company from the Secretary of State of Delaware, dated within twenty (20) days of the Closing Date;

 

6


(iv) (A) a certified copy of the certificate or articles of incorporation or equivalent organizational document of each Subsidiary of the Company and (B) where such document is generally available, a certificate of good standing or equivalent certificate from the jurisdiction in which each Subsidiary of the Company was incorporated or formed, in each case, dated within twenty (20) days of the Closing Date;

(v) a certificate signed by the individual(s) signing this Agreement and any other agreement or certificate executed pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of the Company that such individual(s) is (are) duly authorized to execute this Agreement and all such other agreements or certificates executed pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of the Company as an authorized officer or agent thereof, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer;

(vi) a FIRPTA certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C executed by the Company, certifying as to the facts that exempt the transactions contemplated hereby from withholding under Section 1445 of the Code; and

(vii) (A) payoff letter(s) for the Company Senior Debt, (B) final invoices for all unpaid Seller Transaction Expenses and (C) customary payoff letters from each holder of Indebtedness identified on the Indebtedness Pay-Off Schedule (collectively, the “ Payoff Documents ”), all such Payoff Documents being in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer and its lenders.

2.03 Conditions to Seller’s and the Company’s Obligations . The obligations of the Company and Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions as of the Closing Date:

(a) The representations and warranties set forth in Article V hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date as if made as of such date (except to the extent any such representation and warranty expressly relates to an earlier date (in which case as of such earlier date));

(b) The covenants and agreements of Buyer required to be performed by Buyer under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing shall have been so performed in all material respects;

(c) Buyer shall have paid and delivered the Estimated Purchase Price to Seller by delivery of a promissory note in an aggregate principal amount equal to the Estimated Purchase Price, such promissory note to be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “ Demand Note ”), which promissory note shall be due and payable immediately following the Closing by delivery of immediately available cash funds by means of a wire transfer to accounts specified by Seller to Buyer not later than two business days prior to the Closing;

(d) Buyer shall have delivered to the Company each of the following:

(i) a certificate of Buyer executed by a duly authorized officer thereof, dated the Closing Date, stating that the preconditions specified in subsections (a) and (b) hereof have been satisfied;

(ii) a copy of the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Buyer and the Escrow Agent;

(iii) certified copies of the resolutions duly adopted by Buyer’s board of directors (or equivalent governing body) authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby, and the consummation of all transactions contemplated hereby and thereby in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller;

 

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(iv) a certificate signed by the individual(s) signing this Agreement and any other agreement or certificate executed pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of Buyer that such individual(s) is (are) duly authorized to execute this Agreement and all such other agreements or certificates executed pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of Buyer as an authorized officer or agent thereof, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller; and

(v) (A) a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation or equivalent organizational document of Buyer and (B) a certificate of good standing or equivalent certificate from the jurisdiction in which Buyer is incorporated or formed, in each case, dated within twenty (20) days of the Closing Date;

(e) Buyer shall have deposited the Adjustment Escrow Deposit Amount with the Escrow Agent to be kept in a segregated interest-bearing account (the “ Adjustment Escrow Account ”) designated by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement;

(f) Buyer shall have deposited the Indemnity Escrow Deposit Amount with the Escrow Agent to be kept in a segregated interest-bearing account (the “ Indemnity Escrow Account ”) designated by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement;

(g) Buyer shall have (i) caused the Company to repay in full the Company Senior Debt with respect to the Canadian Credit Agreement (as defined herein within the definition of Company Senior Debt) and the CIT Revolver (as defined herein within the definition of Company Senior Debt) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts designated by the holders of such Indebtedness as specified in the Payoff Documents and (ii) repaid, or caused to be repaid the Company Senior Debt with respect to the U.S. Credit Agreement (as defined herein within the definition of Company Senior Debt) and all other amounts necessary to discharge fully the then outstanding balance of all Indebtedness identified on the Indebtedness Pay-Off Schedule , by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account(s) designated by the holders of such Indebtedness as specified in the Payoff Documents; and

(h) Buyer shall have paid, or caused to be paid, on behalf of Seller, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, all amounts necessary to discharge fully the then outstanding balance of all Seller Transaction Expenses, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account(s) designated by each Person to whom such Seller Transaction Expenses are to be paid as specified in the Payoff Documents.

2.04 Waiver of Conditions . All conditions to the Closing shall be deemed to have been satisfied or waived from and after the Closing.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Seller represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

3.01 Organization and Power; Audax Acquisition Documents . Seller is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, with full limited liability company power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform its

 

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obligations hereunder. Seller has provided to Buyer a true, complete and correct copy of the Audax Acquisiton Documents, including all amendments and modifications thereto. No amounts are payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the Company Shareholders or the Shareholder Representative under Section 2.10 of the Audax Merger Agreement.

3.02 Execution and Delivery; Valid and Binding Agreement . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite action on the part of Seller, and no other proceedings on Seller’s part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement. Assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Buyer and the Company, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, or moratorium laws, other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies.

3.03 No Breach . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not conflict with or result in any material breach of, constitute a material default under, result in a material violation of, result in the creation of any Lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any material assets of Seller, or require any material authorization, consent, approval, exemption or other material action by, notice to, or report, registration or other filing with, any court, other Governmental Body or other Person, under the provisions of any indenture, mortgage, lease, loan agreement or other material agreement or instrument to which Seller is bound, or any Law to which Seller is subject that is material, other than any such authorizations, consents, approvals, exemptions or other actions required under the HSR Act or applicable antitrust or competition Laws of the country of Russia or that may be required by reason of Buyer’s participation in the transactions contemplated hereby or the failure of which to obtain would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to perform any of its material obligations under this Agreement.

3.04 Ownership . Seller is the record owner of the Shares set forth on the attached Capitalization Schedule . On the Closing Date, Seller shall transfer to Buyer good title to the Shares free and clear of all Liens, options, proxies, voting trusts or agreements and other restrictions and limitations of any kind, other than applicable federal and state securities Law restrictions.

3.05 Litigation . As of the date hereof, there are no Proceedings pending or, to the actual knowledge of Seller, threatened against or affecting Seller or any of Seller’s assets at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Body, which would adversely affect Seller’s performance under this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. As of the date hereof, Seller is not subject to any outstanding judgment, order or decree of any court or Governmental Body, which would adversely affect Seller’s performance under this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

4.01 Organization and Corporate Power . The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, and the Company has all requisite corporate power and authority and all authorizations, licenses and permits necessary to own and

 

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operate its properties and to carry on its businesses as now conducted, except where the failure to hold such authorizations, licenses and permits would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the conduct of business as now conducted requires it to qualify, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

4.02 Subsidiaries . Except as set forth on the attached Subsidiary Schedule , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns or holds the right to acquire any stock, partnership interest, joint venture interest or other equity ownership interest in any other Person. Each of the Company’s Subsidiaries is validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, has all requisite corporate or other organizational power and authority and all authorizations, licenses and permits necessary to own its properties and to carry on its businesses as now conducted and is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the conduct of businesses as now conducted requires it to qualify, except in each such case where the failure to hold such authorizations, licenses and permits or to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on the attached Subsidiary Schedule , there are no outstanding (a) shares of capital stock or other equity interests or voting securities of any Subsidiary of the Company, (b) securities convertible or exchangeable into capital stock of any Subsidiary of the Company, (c) any options, warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, preemptive rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, calls, puts, rights of first refusal or other contracts that require any Subsidiary of the Company to issue, sell or otherwise cause to become outstanding or to acquire, repurchase or redeem capital stock of any Subsidiary of the Company or (d) stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or similar rights with respect to any Subsidiary of the Company. All of the capital stock of each of the Subsidiaries of the Company is owned directly by the Company or indirectly by the Company through the Subsidiary(ies) of the Company as described on the attached Subsidiary Schedule .

4.03 Authorization; Valid and Binding Agreement; No Breach .

(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite action on the part of the Company, and no other proceedings on the Company’s part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement. Assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Buyer and Seller, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, or moratorium laws, other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies.

(b) Except as set forth on the attached Authorization Schedule , the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not materially conflict with or result in any material breach of, constitute a material default under, result in a material violation of, result in the creation of any Lien upon any material assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or require any material authorization, consent, approval, exemption or other material action by or notice to any court, other Governmental Body or other third party, under the provisions of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ certificate or articles of incorporation or bylaws or other applicable governing documents, or any Material Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound, or any Law to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject that is material, other than any such authorizations, consents, approvals, exemptions or other actions (i) required under the HSR Act or applicable antitrust or competition Laws of the country of Russia or (ii) that may be required by reason of Buyer’s participation in the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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4.04 Capital Stock . The Shares constitute all the capital stock of the Company. Except as set forth on the Capitalization Schedule , the Company does not have any other equity securities or securities containing any equity features authorized, issued or outstanding, and there are no agreements, options, warrants or other rights or arrangements existing or outstanding which provide for the sale or issuance of any of the foregoing by the Company. Except for the Shares, there are no outstanding (a) shares of capital stock or other equity interests or voting securities of the Company, (b) securities convertible or exchangeable into capital stock of the Company, (c) any options, warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, preemptive rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, calls, puts, rights of first refusal or other contracts that require the Company to issue, sell or otherwise cause to become outstanding or to acquire, repurchase or redeem capital stock of the Company or (d) stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or similar rights with respect to the Company.

4.05 Financial Statements .

(a) The Financial Statements Schedule attached hereto consists of: (i) the Company’s unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 (the “ Latest Balance Sheet ”) and the related statement of income for the nine-month period then ended (together with the Latest Balance Sheet, the “ Unaudited Financial Statements ”) and (ii) the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 (such financial statements referred to in this clause (ii) the “ Audited Financial Statements ” and together with the Unaudited Financial Statements, the “ Financial Statements ”). Except as set forth on the attached Financial Statements Schedule , the Financial Statements have been prepared from the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ books and records and present fairly in all material respects the respective financial condition and results of operations (and, in the case of the audited consolidated financial statements, the cash flows) of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) as of the respective dates and for the respective periods referred to therein in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (subject in the case of the unaudited consolidated financial statements to (x) the absence of footnote disclosures and other presentation items and (y) changes resulting from normal year-end adjustments, none of which disclosures or changes are material, or, if material, are substantially consistent with prior audited consolidated financial statements, including as to magnitude and scope).

(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have no Liabilities, except (i) Liabilities set forth on the Latest Balance Sheet, (ii) Liabilities that were incurred after the date of the Latest Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (iii) Liabilities not required by GAAP to be reflected on the face of a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (iv) Liabilities arising under the executory portion of any contract (but not Liabilities that result from, arise out of or are attributable to, any breach of such contract) and (v) Liabilities specifically disclosed in the disclosure schedules attached to this Agreement.

(c) The Accounts Receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries set forth on the Latest Balance Sheet and arising subsequent to the date of the Latest Balance Sheet represent sales made by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business pursuant to bona fide transactions involving goods delivered or services rendered by the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Accounts Receivable, and reserves and allowances with respect thereto, reflected on the Latest Balance Sheet are stated thereon in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied with the Company’s historical accounting practices (subject to (i) the absence of footnote disclosures and other presentation items and (ii) changes resulting from normal year-end adjustments, none of which disclosures or changes are material, or, if material, are substantially consistent with prior audited consolidated financial statements, including as to magnitude and scope). Except as set forth on the attached Accounts Receivable Schedule , to the Company’s Knowledge, any material amounts due, or to become due, in respect of such Accounts Receivable are not in dispute and there are no setoffs or counterclaims asserted, except to the extent provision has been made therefor in the Latest Balance Sheet or the Closing Statement.

 

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(d) The February 2010 backlog report previously provided to Buyer was compiled and prepared using a method and approach substantially consistent with that used in the compilation and preparation of the December 2009 backlog report previously provided to Buyer and, to the Company’s knowledge, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no known project cancellations or significant delays with respect to the top 10 projects by dollar amount set forth in the February 2010 backlog report.

(e) All inventory of the Company and its Subsidiaries (“ Inventory ”) is located on the Owned Real Property, the Leased Real Property or at various project or worksite locations or warehouse spaces rented by the Company (or in transit from or to any of the foregoing), the warehouse locations of which are set forth on the Other Locations Schedule . The Inventory, and the reserves and allowances with respect thereto, reflected on the Latest Balance Sheet are stated thereon in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied with the Company’s historical accounting practices (subject to (i) the absence of footnote disclosures and other presentation items and (ii) changes resulting from normal year-end adjustments, none of which disclosures or changes are material, or, if material, are substantially consistent with prior audited consolidated financial statements, including as to magnitude and scope).

(f) Except as set forth on the Indebtedness Schedule , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Indebtedness outstanding as of the date hereof.

(g) The Bonding Arrangements Schedule sets forth as of February 28, 2010 (i) all Bonding Arrangements of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (ii) the respective Company or Subsidiary thereof on account of which such Bond Arrangement was entered into or issued, (iii) the respective beneficiaries for which they were entered into or issued, (iv) the respective dates they were entered into or issued and if applicable, the expiration dates thereof, (v) the respective coverage amounts thereof, and (vi) whether any cash collateral, letter of credit or other security arrangement or guaranty has been granted by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Person with respect thereto.

4.06 Absence of Certain Developments . Since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, there has not been any Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on the attached Developments Schedule and except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has:

(a) incurred any Indebtedness in excess of $2,000,000 (other than borrowings from banks or similar financial institutions under credit lines in the ordinary course of business);

(b) amended or modified its certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or equivalent governing documents);

(c) subjected any material portion of its properties or assets to any Lien with respect to any Indebtedness or any other material Lien, except for Permitted Liens;

(d) sold, assigned or transferred any material portion of its tangible assets, except in the ordinary course of business;

(e) sold, assigned or transferred any material Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except in the ordinary course of business (which includes licensing the use of any such Intellectual Property in connection with sale of goods or services in the ordinary course of business);

 

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(f) issued, sold or transferred any of its capital stock or other equity securities, securities convertible into its capital stock or other equity securities or warrants, options or other rights to acquire its capital stock or other equity securities, or any bonds or debt securities;

(g) made any material capital investment in, or any material loan to, any other Person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company), except in the ordinary course of business;

(h) declared, set aside or paid any dividend or made any distribution with respect to its capital stock (whether in cash or in kind) or redeemed, purchased, or otherwise acquired any of its capital stock, except for dividends or distributions made by the Subsidiaries to their respective parents in the ordinary course of business;

(i) made any material capital expenditures or commitments therefor, except (i) in the ordinary course of business and (ii) for such capital expenditures or commitments therefor that are reflected in the Company’s budget for the current fiscal year;

(j) paid, loaned or advanced (other than the payment of salary and benefits in the ordinary course of business or the payment, advance or reimbursement of expenses in the ordinary course of business) any amounts to, or sold, transferred or leased any of its assets to, or entered into any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, or made any loan to, or entered into any other transaction with, any of its directors, officers or employees;

(k) hired or terminated the employment of any officer or any Person whose annual compensation from the Company and its Subsidiaries exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, $200,000;

(l) made or granted any bonus or any compensation or salary increase to any current (or former) employee whose annual base salary is (or was at the time of his or her termination) in excess of $200,000 (except in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice), or made or granted any material increase in any employee benefit plan or arrangement, or materially amended or terminated any existing employee benefit plan or arrangement or severance agreement or employment contract or adopted any new employee benefit plan or arrangement or severance agreement or employment contract (except as required under applicable law or in the ordinary course of business where such adoption or amendment does not materially increase the cost to the Company of providing such benefits);

(m) intentionally delayed or postponed the payment of accounts payable or other Liabilities beyond the original due date so that such payments are made in a post-Closing period, other than for such payment delayed or postponed in the ordinary course of business;

(n) canceled, compromised, waived or released any material right or claim (or series of related rights or claims that, together, are material) or any Indebtedness (or series of related Indebtedness) owed to it, in each case, other than in the ordinary course of business;

(o) made a material change in its accounting or Tax methods, practices or policies or prepared or filed any Tax Return inconsistent with past practice (including by taking any position, any election or adopting any method that is inconsistent with positions taken, elections made or methods used in preparing or filing similar Tax Returns in prior periods), and the Company has not settled any material federal, state, local or foreign Tax Liability;

(p) commenced or settled any Proceeding involving an amount in excess of $250,000 for any one case;

 

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(q) made any loans or advances to, or guarantees for the benefit of, any Persons (except to employees in the ordinary course of business); or

(r) committed to do any of the foregoing.

4.07 Title to Properties .

(a) Except as set forth on the attached Liens Schedule , the Company or one of its Subsidiaries owns good title to, or holds pursuant to valid and enforceable leases, all of the items of tangible, personal property shown to be owned or leased by it on the Latest Balance Sheet, free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens, except for items that have been sold or disposed of subsequent to the date hereof in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices. The assets, rights and properties that the Company and its Subsidiaries own or have a valid lease or license or right to use as of the date hereof are sufficient to conduct the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries in all material respects in the manner as presently conducted.

(b) The attached Owned Real Property Schedule sets forth the address and a legal description of all land (collectively, the “ Owned Real Property ”) owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and used in the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries has good and marketable fee simple title (or foreign equivalent) to each parcel of Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens.

(c) The real property demised by the leases described on the attached Leased Real Property Schedule (the “ Leased Real Property ”) constitutes all of the real property leased or subleased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as lessee, and all of the real property leased or subleased to any third party by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as lessor. Except as set forth on the attached Leased Real Property Schedule , the Leased Real Property leases are in full force and effect, and the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company holds a valid and existing leasehold interest under each such lease, subject to proper authorization and execution of such lease by the other party and the application of any bankruptcy or creditor’s rights laws. The Company has delivered or made available to Buyer complete and accurate copies of each of the leases described on the attached Leased Real Property Schedule , and none of such leases has been modified in any material respect, except to the extent that such modifications are disclosed by the copies delivered or made available to Buyer. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any material respect under any of such leases. As of the date hereof and except as described in the attached Leased Real Property Schedule , with respect to each Leased Real Property: (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received a written notice from any Governmental Body of, or is subject to, a special assessment in excess of $50,000 individually or $250,000 in the aggregate with respect to the Leased Real Property; (ii) to the Company’s Knowledge, there are no material claims, demands, notices, suits or judgments for which the Company or any Subsidiary is responsible relating to fire, zoning, building or health code violations of the Leased Real Property, which have not been heretofore corrected; (iii) none of the Leased Real Property is vacant or unoccupied; and (iv) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received a written notice of the intention of any party to terminate any lease described in the Leased Real Property Schedule .

4.08 Tax Matters . Except as set forth on the Taxes Schedule :

(a) the Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all material Tax Returns that are required to be filed by them and have timely paid all Taxes due and owing;

(b) all Taxes, including all estimated Taxes for the current taxable year, of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries attributable to Pre-Closing Tax Periods (regardless of whether disclosed in

 

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a Tax Return) have been paid in full, or with respect to Taxes other than Income Taxes, reflected on the Closing Statement and taken into account as a reduction in Net Working Capital, by the Company and each such Subsidiary whether or not such Taxes are due and owing as of the Closing; and the Company has paid $5,250,000 in estimated US federal income tax payments for the period of April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010;

(c) all material Taxes that each of the Company and its Subsidiaries have been required to deduct, collect or withhold have been duly collected or withheld and, to the extent required when due, have been duly paid to the proper taxing or other Tax Authority, and each of the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with all reporting and recordkeeping requirements;

(d) (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted, requested or is subject to any waiver or extension that is currently in effect for the period of limitations for the assessment or payment of any Tax, (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has executed any power of attorney with respect to any Tax, other than powers of attorney that are no longer in force, (iii) there is no unpaid deficiency or adjustment for Taxes of any of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries that has been claimed, proposed, asserted or assessed, in each case, in writing, by any Tax Authority with respect to any taxable year for which the statute of limitations has not run, (iv) there are no pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened Proceedings, deficiencies, refund litigation or claims before any Governmental Body, for or relating to any material Liability in respect of Taxes of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and (v) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has requested any extension of time within which to file any material Tax Return which Tax Return has not since been filed;

(e) there are no Liens for Taxes (other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable) upon the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(f) there are no closing agreements or rulings relating to Taxes that have been entered into or issued by any Tax Authority with or in respect of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that will materially affect the Tax Liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any period (or portion thereof), beginning after the Closing Date;

(g) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any material amount in taxable income or exclude any material item of deduction or loss from taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) beginning after the Closing Date as a result of (i) any installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date, (ii) any prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date, (iii) any deferred intercompany gain or excess loss amount described in Treasury Regulations under Code section 1502 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) arising on or prior to the Closing Date, or (iv) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date and no Tax Authority has proposed any adjustment pursuant to Code section 481(a) (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) or change in accounting method;

(h) (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has ever been a member of an “affiliated group” within the meaning of Code section 1504(a) filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than the “affiliated group” as defined in Code section 1504(a) the common parent of which is the Company), (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any binding Tax sharing, Tax indemnity or Tax allocation agreement or other similar arrangement with any other party, except for any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, the primary focus of which is not Taxes and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Liability for the Taxes of any person under Treasury Regulations section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor or by contract;

 

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(i) within the two year period ending on the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” within the meaning of Code section 355(a)(1)(A);

(j) to the Company’s Knowledge, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has complied with all reporting and record keeping obligations under Code section 6038 (and any other similar state, local, or foreign Law) and maintained appropriate documentation for transfer pricing arrangements for purposes of Code section 482 (and any other similar state, local, or foreign Law);

(k) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is required to make any disclosure to the Internal Revenue Service of a “listed” transaction as such term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(2); and

(l) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in or cooperated with an international boycott, within the meaning of Section 999 of the Code, nor has the Company or any of its Subsidiaries had operations which were or may hereafter become reportable under Section 999 of the Code with respect to Pre-Closing Tax Periods.

The representations set forth in this Section 4.08 , Section 4.12(f) and Section 4.12(g) are the only representations in this Agreement with respect to Taxes and any claim for breach of representation with respect to Taxes shall be based on the representations made in this Section 4.08 , Section 4.12(f) and Section 4.12(g) and shall not be based on representations set forth in any other provision of this Agreement.

4.09 Contracts and Commitments .

(a) Except as set forth on the attached Contracts Schedule , as of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to any written:

(i) agreement relating to any completed material business acquisition of a third Person by the Company or such Subsidiary within the last five (5) years;

(ii) collective bargaining agreement or contract with any labor union, other than as described in Section 4.18 hereof or the Employment and Labor Matters Schedule ;

(iii) material written bonus, pension, profit sharing, retirement or other form of deferred compensation plan, other than as described in Section 4.12 hereof or the Employee Benefits Schedule ;

(iv) stock purchase, stock option or similar plan;

(v) contract for the employment of any officer, individual employee or other person on a full-time or consulting basis providing for fixed compensation in excess of (a) $100,000 per annum in the United States and (b) $200,000 per annum outside of the United States;

(vi) employee leasing agreement that provide for payments in excess of (a) $100,000 per annum in the U.S. and (b) $200,000 per annum outside of the United States;

(vii) any agreement with any independent contractor, sales representative or distributor pursuant to which such Person purchased goods in excess of $500,000 from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from April 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009;

 

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(viii) all material stand-alone agreements with respect to the licensing of Intellectual Property by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to a third party or by a third party to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including all agreements with respect to the licensing of any Intellectual Property used in a material respect by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, but excluding license agreements for commercially available off-the-shelf software);

(ix) agreement, instrument or arrangement with, or relating to the provision of goods or services to, any Governmental Body where the amount involved currently outstanding is $100,000 or more, other than any agreement, instrument or arrangement entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(x) agreement, indenture or instrument relating to the borrowing of money or to mortgaging, pledging or otherwise placing a Lien with respect to Indebtedness or other material Lien on the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ assets;

(xi) guaranty of any obligation for borrowed money;

(xii) lease or agreement under which it is lessee of, or holds or operates any personal property owned by any other party, for which the annual rental exceeds $100,000;

(xiii) lease or agreement under which it is lessor of or permits any third party to hold or operate any property, real or personal, for which the annual rental exceeds $100,000;

(xiv) “take or pay” contracts;

(xv) any contract under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to pay an earnout or other similar contingent purchase price amount to a third party in connection with an acquisition or sale of assets as to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective assets are bound;

(xvi) any contract that establishes a partnership or joint venture;

(xvii) contract or group of related contracts with the same party for the purchase of products or services, under which the undelivered balance of such products and services has a selling price in excess of $250,000;

(xviii) contract or group of related contracts with the same party for the sale of products or services under which the undelivered balance of such products or services has a sales price in excess of $500,000;

(xix) non-competition agreement or exclusivity agreement (other than distributor or agency agreements) which materially prohibits the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from freely engaging in business anywhere in the world;

(xx) agreement with any transportation company involving annual payments in excess of $250,000;

(xxi) stand-alone agreement for the transportation or disposal of Hazardous Substances; or

 

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(xxii) Bonding Arrangements or stand-alone indemnification agreements (other than guarantees by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the obligations of another Subsidiary of the Company).

(b) Buyer has been given access to or the Company has made available to Buyer at its offices a true and correct copy of all written contracts which are referred to on the Contracts Schedule , together with all material amendments, waivers or other changes thereto.

(c) As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in material breach or default under any contract listed on the Contracts Schedule or any lease described on the Leased Real Property Schedule (each, a “ Material Contract ” and, collectively, the “ Material Contracts ”). To the Company’s Knowledge, no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time would constitute a material breach or default, or permit termination by the other party, under a Material Contract. To the Company’s Knowledge, the other party to each of the Material Contracts is not in material breach or default thereunder. Each Material Contract, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, is valid, binding, enforceable (except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies) and in full force and effect (assuming such Material Contract is valid and binding obligation of the other parties thereto). Each Material Contract, with respect to the other parties to such Material Contract, to the Company’s Knowledge, is valid, binding, enforceable (except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies) and in full force and effect. To the Company’s Knowledge, no other party to any Material Contract has repudiated any material provision of any Material Contract.

4.10 Intellectual Property . All of the issued Patents, Patent applications and other registered Patents, Internet domain names, registered Trademarks, Trademark applications, material unregistered Trademarks, registered copyrights and copyright applications currently owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (the “ Registered Intellectual Property ”) are set forth on the attached Intellectual Property Schedule . Except as set forth on the “ Intellectual Property Schedule : (i) the Company or one of its Subsidiaries owns and possesses all right, title and interest in and to the Registered Intellectual Property, and owns and possesses all right, title and interest in and to, or possesses the valid right to use, subject to written license agreements set forth on the Contracts Schedule immediately under the subheading “Intellectual Property Licenses”, all other Intellectual Property currently used in the conduct of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses in all material respects in the manner as presently conducted, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens, (ii) the Registered Intellectual Property has not been cancelled, expired or abandoned, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, is valid and subsisting, (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notices of infringement or misappropriation since the Acquisition Date from any Person with respect to any Intellectual Property, (iv) to the Company’s Knowledge, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently infringing on any Patents of any other Person, (v) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently infringing on any Intellectual Property, other than Patents, of any other Person that would reasonably be expected to give rise to any material Liability, (vi) to the Company’s Knowledge, no Person is currently infringing on the Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (vii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has licensed or sublicensed its rights in any of the material Intellectual Property owned or licensed by the Company or any Subsidiary (other than non-exclusive licenses or sublicenses granted via non stand-alone license agreements in the ordinary course of business in a manner not inconsistent with industry practice).

4.11 Litigation . Except as set forth on the attached Litigation Schedule , as of the date hereof, there are (a) no Proceedings pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against the Company

 

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or any of its Subsidiaries, at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Body, which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, would result in Liability to the Company and its Subsidiaries in excess of $250,000 in any one case or series of related cases based upon substantially similar events or facts, and (b) no Proceedings pending by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries against any other Person. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding judgment, order or decree of any court or Governmental Body. The Litigation Schedule identifies each matter which an insurer is currently providing coverage or a defense and whether such coverage or defense for such matter is subject to such insurer’s reservation of rights.

4.12 Employee Benefit Plans .

(a) Except as listed on the attached Employee Benefits Schedule or with respect to any plan or arrangement under which the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ only obligation or commitment is to provide the minimum benefit required under the applicable law of any country or jurisdiction outside the United States, with respect to employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries maintains or contributes to or is a party to any “pension plans” (as defined under Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”)) (the “ Pension Plans ”), “welfare plans” (as defined under Section 3(1) of ERISA) (the “ Welfare Plans ”), any severance, change-in-control, material fringe benefit, retention, bonus, incentive or deferred compensation, program, policy or arrangement or any other material employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement or any employment or similar agreement which requires the provision of (or eligibility for) any material benefit other than benefits provided under other Plans listed on the attached Employee Benefits Schedule (collectively, together with the Pension Plans and Welfare Plans, the “ Plans ”). Each Plan that is subject to the Laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States of America (each, a “ Foreign Plan ”) is identified as such on the Employee Benefits Schedule . Each Foreign Plan that is intended to qualify for special Tax treatment has met all requirements for such treatment. Except as set forth on the attached Employee Benefits Schedule immediately under the subheading “Non-Compliance/Qualification Defects”, each of the Pension Plans that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter or favorable prototype opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service and no circumstances exist which could be reasonably expected to cause such a Pension Plan to be not so qualified. Except as set forth on the attached Employee Benefits Schedule immediately under the subheading “Non-Compliance/Qualification Defects,” the Plans comply in form and in operation in all material respects with their terms and all applicable laws, including the requirements of the Code and ERISA (if applicable). The Company made available to Buyer with respect to each Plan (other than non-material Foreign Plans), as applicable, true, current and complete copies of (i) all plan documents (or a written summary if no plan document exists), related trust agreements, insurance contracts and policies and all amendments thereto, (ii) all current summary plan descriptions and summaries of material modifications, (iii) the Form 5500 annual reports and accompanying schedules and actuarial reports, as filed, for the most recently completed three plan years, (iv) all documents and correspondence relating to the Plans received from or provided to the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Internal Revenue Service or any other Governmental Body during the past three years, and (v) the most recent favorable determination letter or favorable prototype opinion letter.

(b) With respect to the Plans, all required contributions of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and all insurance premiums due on or before the Closing Date have been made or properly accrued in accordance with GAAP on or before the Closing Date.

(c) Except as set forth on the attached Employee Benefits Schedule , none of the Plans is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and none of the Company, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate has any material Liability, whether direct, indirect, contingent or otherwise, under

 

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Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA. None of the Company, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate has, at any time during the last six years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any “multiemployer plan,” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, or any employee benefit plan, program or arrangement that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code. Except as set forth on the attached Employee Benefits Schedule immediately under the subheading “Non-Compliance/Qualification Defects”, none of the Company, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate has any Liability on account of any violation of the health care requirements of Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or Section 4980B. Each Plan that is a defined benefit pension plan (i) that is funded by employer contributions or (ii) under which benefits are paid by an insurance company pursuant to a policy between such insurance company and the Company or any Subsidiary, that could result in unfunded or under funded accrued liabilities to the Company, any Subsidiary, any of their respective Affiliates or Buyer is denoted with an asterisk (*) on the Employee Benefits Schedule . None of the Company or any Subsidiary would be liable for any material payments with respect to such Plan if the Plan were terminated as of the date hereof. None of any Plan, the Company or any Subsidiary provides, or has an obligation to provide, medical, life insurance or other welfare benefits to any Person (other than a beneficiary of any employee) at a time when he or she is not an employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than as required under Code Section 4980B, or similar Law).

(d) There is no pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened action, claim or lawsuit relating to any Plan (other than routine claims for benefits). There is no audit, inquiry or examination pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened by the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any other Governmental Body with respect to any Plan.

(e) Except as set forth on the attached Employee Benefits Schedule immediately under the subheading “Entitlement to Payment”, neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either alone or in combination with another event) will (i) entitle any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any payment (including severance pay or similar compensation), any cancellation of indebtedness, or any increase in compensation; (ii) result in the acceleration of payment, funding or vesting under any Plan; or (iii) result in any increase in benefits payable under any Plan.

(f) No amount paid or payable (whether in cash, in property, or in the form of benefits) in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (either solely as a result thereof or as a result of such transactions in conjunction with any other event) will be an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Code, or would constitute an “excess parachute payment” if such amounts were subject to the provisions of section 280G of the Code and no Person is entitled to receive any additional payments form the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of the imposition of any tax under Section 4999 of the Code.

(g) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary maintains or is party to any arrangement that is subject to Section 409A of the Code.

4.13 Insurance . The attached Insurance Schedule lists each material insurance policy maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries. All such insurance policies are in full force and effect and the limits with respect thereto have not been exhausted. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of cancellation or termination of any such policy. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in material default with respect to its obligations under any such insurance policies, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute a material default or permit termination, modification or acceleration under such policy. To the Company’s Knowledge, no insurer is currently in default under any such

 

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insurance policies. Since the Acquisition Date, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been denied insurance for any reason with respect to any insurance policy for which it applied. Since the Acquisition Date, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received in writing any notice from the insurer disclaiming coverage or reserving rights with respect to a particular claim or such policy in general. With respect to such insurance policies, no further premiums (including Liberty Mutual audit premiums for General Liability and Workers Compensation) or payments will be due after the Closing Date with respect to periods on or prior to the Closing Date other than as reflected in Net Working Capital.

4.14 Compliance with Laws; Permits . Except as set forth on the attached Compliance with Laws Schedule , the Company and each of its Subsidiaries are, and since January 1, 2005 have been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws. Except as set forth on the attached Compliance with Laws Schedule , neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any written notice of any pending investigation or review by any Governmental Body with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. To the Company’s Knowledge, no investigation or review by any Governmental Body with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened. The Company and its Subsidiaries hold all material governmental permits, licenses, registrations certificates and other governmental authorizations necessary for the Company and its Subsidiaries to conduct their respective businesses as presently conducted.

4.15 Environmental Compliance and Conditions . Except as set forth on the attached Environmental Schedule :

(a) Since January 1, 2005, the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been in material compliance with the requirements of all applicable Environmental Laws.

(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and since January 1, 2005 have been, in material compliance with all authorizations, licenses and permits required under Environmental Law (“ Environmental Permits ”) to operate at the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property and to carry on its businesses as now conducted, and there are no filings with, notifications to or consent required by any Governmental Body to continue such Environmental Permits in full force and effect after the Closing. There is no pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened administrative or judicial proceeding, review or investigation by any Governmental Body that would reasonably be expected to result in the involuntary revocation, non-renewal or adverse modification of any such Environmental Permits.

(c) Except with respect to matters that have been settled or resolved with no obligation outstanding, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not received any written notice, claim or demand from any Governmental Body or any other Person, and there are no consent orders in effect, Proceedings pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, involving any actual or alleged violation of Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits, or any Liability or potential Liability for investigation costs, cleanup costs, response costs, corrective action costs, personal injury, property damage, natural resources damages or attorney fees under Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits, the subject of which could reasonably be expected to result in material Liability on the part of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

(d) Except as permitted by Environmental Law, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries have released any Hazardous Substance at any Owned Real Property, Leased Real Property or any formerly owned or leased real property, or have arranged for the treatment, storage or disposal of any Hazardous Substance at any other real property, in any such case so as would reasonably be expected to give rise to material Liability for investigation costs, cleanup costs, response costs, corrective action costs,

 

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personal injury, property damage, natural resources damages or attorney fees under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or any other Environmental Laws.

(e) There are no underground storage tanks located at, under or on any Owned Real Property, or utilized by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at any Leased Real Property, except in material compliance with Environmental Laws, and the Company and its Subsidiaries have in place all training and employee protection programs required by occupational, health and safety requirements under Environmental Laws, including with respect to the presence of asbestos-containing materials at any Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property.

(f) The representations and warranties in this Section 4.15 are the sole and exclusive representations and warranties in this Agreement concerning environmental matters including, without limitation, matters arising under Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits.

4.16 Affiliated Transactions . Except as set forth on the attached Affiliated Transactions Schedule , no officer, director, stockholder or Affiliate of the Company or its Subsidiaries or any individual in such officer’s, director’s, stockholder’s or Affiliate’s immediate family (i) is a party to any material agreement, contract, commitment or transaction with the Company or its Subsidiaries (excluding employment arrangements), (ii) has any interest in any property used by the Company or its Subsidiaries or (iii) provides or causes to be provided to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any asset, services or facilities used by the Company or its Subsidiaries.

4.17 Customers and Suppliers . The attached Customers and Suppliers Schedule contains a complete and accurate list of (a) the ten (10) largest customers and ten (10) largest agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries (based on amounts invoiced to customers and agents in the most recently completed fiscal year), together with the amounts invoiced by the Company and its Subsidiaries to such customers and agents during the most recently completed fiscal year, and (b) the ten (10) largest suppliers to the Company and its Subsidiaries (based on purchases in the most recently completed fiscal year), together with the volume (in dollars) of the purchases made from such suppliers during the most recently completed fiscal year. As of the date hereof, to the Company’s Knowledge, no customer, agent or supplier listed on the attached Customers and Suppliers Schedule has indicated to the Company in writing that it intends to discontinue doing business with the Company or its Subsidiaries or materially reduce the business that it conducts with the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case, as a result of poor performance or any other failure or default on the part of the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with any prior transaction.

4.18 Employment and Labor Matters Except as set forth on the attached Employment and Labor Matters Schedule ,

(i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, nor has any of them experienced any strike or material grievance, claim of unfair labor practices, or other collective bargaining dispute within the past two years;

(ii) there is no lawsuit, grievance, arbitration, administrative hearing, employment standards complaint, pay equity complaint, occupational health and safety charge, claim or investigation of wrongful (including constructive) discharge, employment discrimination or retaliation, sexual harassment, unfair labor practice charge or complaint or other employment dispute of any nature pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, against the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

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(iii) there are no current union representation questions involving employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(iv) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with all Laws and orders relating to the employment of labor, including all Laws and orders relating to wages, hours, discrimination, sexual harassment, civil rights, immigration, safety and health, workers’ compensation and the collection and payment of withholding Taxes, social security Taxes and similar Taxes;

(v) to the Company’s Knowledge, all employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries working in the United States are authorized to work in the United States and a Form I-9 has been properly completed and retained with respect to each employee or former employee as required by applicable Law;

(vi) to the Company’s Knowledge, all employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries working in countries outside of the United States are authorized to work in such countries and the necessary immigration approvals have been obtained with respect to each employee or former employee as required by applicable Law;

(vii) (a) there are no written employment contracts (other than offer letters and non-competition agreements which do not provide for rights to severance compensation) for any employee working in the United States or employed by a United States Subsidiary of the Company and (b) no employee working in the United States or employed by a United States Subsidiary of the Company has any contractual right to severance compensation;

(viii) no employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or former employee has any right to be rehired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to it hiring a Person not previously employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and

(ix) all employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries have been or will have been on or before the Closing, paid in full by the Company and its Subsidiaries for all earned wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses (including any bonuses or incentive compensation related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) for all services performed by such employees up to and including the Closing, or any such unpaid amounts existing at the time of the Closing will be properly reflected in the Net Working Capital included in the Closing Statement.

(x) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are and have been in compliance with the requirements of the WARN Act and have no Liabilities or unfulfilled notice obligations pursuant to the WARN Act.

(b) The Employment and Labor Matters Schedule sets forth all indebtedness for borrowed money or other monetary obligations owed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any present or former employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (except for loans or advances to present employees in the ordinary course of business that aggregate less than $100,000).

4.19 Product Warranty . Except as set forth on the Product Warranty Schedule , with respect to any product or service manufactured, sold, leased or delivered by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any written notice or, to the Company’s Knowledge any oral notice, of any material Proceedings pending or threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the quality or performance of such products or services with respect to claims in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate (which would include any claims relating to any alleged defects, deficiencies, non-conformance, or negligence with respect to any such products or services).

 

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4.20 Certain Payments . No employee or agent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give to (a) any customer, supplier, employee of a Governmental Body, or any actual agent of any of the foregoing who is in a position to help or hinder the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or assist such party in connection with any actual or proposed transaction relating to the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) any gift or benefit in violation of applicable Laws or (b) to the Company’s Knowledge, any gift or similar benefit which if not continued or repeated in the future would have a material adverse effect on the relationship of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with such Person. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof has taken any action (or engaged in any omission) that violated the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (including all regulations promulgated pursuant thereto), as amended.

4.21 Brokerage and Expenses . Except as set forth on the attached Brokerage Schedule , there are no claims for brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar compensation in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based on any arrangement or agreement made by or on behalf of Seller or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

Buyer represents and warrants to Seller and the Company as follows:

5.01 Organization and Power . Buyer is a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization, with full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder.

5.02 Authorization; Valid and Binding Agreement . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite action on the part of Buyer, and no other proceedings on Buyer’s part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement. Assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Seller and the Company, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, or moratorium laws, other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies.

5.03 No Breach . Buyer is not subject to or obligated, to the extent applicable, under its articles of incorporation, its bylaws or applicable governing documents, any applicable Law that is material, or any material agreement or instrument, or any license, franchise or permit, or any order, writ, injunction or decree, which would be breached or violated in any material respect by its execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.

5.04 Consents, etc . Except for the applicable requirements of the HSR Act and applicable antitrust or competition Laws of the country of Russia, Buyer is not required to submit any notice, report or other filing with any Governmental Body in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. No consent, approval or authorization of any Governmental Body or any other party or Person is required to be obtained by

 

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Buyer in connection with its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than any such consent, approval, authorization (i) required under the HSR Act or applicable antitrust or competition Laws of the country of Russia or (ii) that may be required by reason of Seller’s participation in the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.05 Litigation . There are no Proceedings pending or, to Buyer’s knowledge, overtly threatened against or affecting Buyer at Law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Body, which would adversely affect Buyer’s performance under this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Buyer is not subject to any outstanding judgment, order or decree of any court or Governmental Body.

5.06 Brokerage . There are no claims for brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar compensation in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based on any arrangement or agreement made by or on behalf of Buyer.

5.07 Investment Representation . Buyer is acquiring the Shares for its own account with the present intention of holding such securities for investment purposes and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of such securities in violation of any federal or state securities Laws. Buyer is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act. Buyer acknowledges that it is informed as to the risks of the transactions contemplated hereby and of ownership of the Shares. Buyer acknowledges that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state or foreign securities Laws and that the Shares may not be sold, transferred, offered for sale, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of unless such transfer, sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition is pursuant to the terms of an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and the Shares are registered under any applicable state or foreign securities Laws or sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and any applicable state or foreign securities Laws.

5.08 Financing . Buyer has obtained: (i) a debt financing commitment letter (together with copies of any provisions relating to “market flex” or similar provisions affecting the structure, pricing, maturity, amortization or any other terms with respect to the financing contemplated by such debt financing commitment letter), dated as of the date hereof, by and among Jefferies Finance LLC (“ Jefferies ”), Bank of Montreal (“ BMO ”), KeyBank National Association (“ KeyBank ”), CHS V and Buyer, pursuant to which each of Jefferies, BMO and KeyBank has committed to provide or cause to be provided debt financing to Buyer (which includes up to $200,000,000 in bridge financing to be utilized in the event that the issuance and sale of senior secured second lien notes in a comparable amount is not consummated at or prior to the Closing) (the “ Bridge Loans ”) in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby, a complete and accurate fully executed copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit E (the “ Bridge Loans Commitment Letter ”); (ii) a debt financing commitment letter (together with copies of any provisions relating to “market flex” or similar provisions affecting the structure, pricing, maturity, amortization or any other terms with respect to the financing contemplated by such debt financing commitment letter), dated as of the date hereof, by and among General Electric Capital Corporation (“ GE Capital ”), GE Canada Finance, Buyer, BMO, Key Bank (together, the “ Revolver Lenders ”) and Buyer, pursuant to which the Revolver Lenders have committed to provide or cause to be provided debt financing to Buyer (which includes up to $40,000,000 in a senior secured credit facility of which up to Cdn $20,000,000 may be available to a Canadian borrower) (the “ Revolver Loans ”), a complete and accurate fully executed copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “ Revolver Commitment Letter ” and together with the Bridge Loans Commitment Letter, the “ Debt Commitment Letters ”); and (iii) an equity financing commitment letter, dated as of the date hereof, pursuant to which CHS V has, among other things, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, committed to provide equity financing to Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, a complete and

 

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accurate fully executed copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit G (the “ Equity Commitment Letter ”). The Debt Commitment Letters and Equity Commitment Letter shall together be referred to herein as the “ Commitment Letters ”. Subject to the conditions expressly set forth therein, the aggregate proceeds to be disbursed pursuant to the agreements contemplated by the Commitment Letters provide all funds necessary (a) to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the payment of the Purchase Price, the deposit of the Escrow Amount, the payoff of the Company Senior Debt Payoff Amount and Indebtedness identified on the Indebtedness Pay-Off Schedule and the payment of the unpaid Seller Transaction Expenses in accordance with the final invoices delivered pursuant to Section 2.02(i)(iv) , and (b) to pay all fees and expenses of Buyer at the time of the Closing. The Debt Commitment Letters (together with the ancillary documents referenced therein or delivered to the Company’s counsel) constitute all of the agreements entered into between Jefferies, BMO, KeyBank, GE Capital, GE Canada Finance and/or their respective Affiliates and Buyer and its Affiliates with respect to the financing arrangements contemplated thereby. The Commitment Letters are not subject to any contingency or condition of any kind whatsoever related to the funding of the full amount of the financing contemplated by the Commitment Letters (including any “market flex” provisions or similar provisions affecting the structure, pricing, maturity, amortization or any other terms) other than as set forth in the executed copies thereof (and in the copy of the “market flex” provision or similar provisions affecting the structure, pricing, maturity, amortization or any other terms excerpted from any related fee letter) attached hereto. The Commitment Letters are in full force and effect, constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Buyer and, to the knowledge of Buyer, the other parties thereto, and have not been modified or amended in any respect, and the respective commitments contained in the Commitment Letters have not been withdrawn or rescinded. Neither Buyer nor any of its Affiliates is in breach of any of the Commitment Letters nor do Buyer or any of its Affiliates have knowledge of any breach of the Commitment Letters by any of the other parties thereto. As of the date hereof, to the Buyer’s knowledge, (x) neither Buyer nor any other party to any Commitment Letter will be unable to satisfy on a timely basis any of the conditions that are required to be satisfied by it or such other party as a condition to the obligations under the Commitment Letters prior to the expiration thereof and (y) no portion of the financing contemplated by the Commitment Letters will not be made available to Buyer at the Closing. Buyer has paid in full any and all commitment fees and/or other fees required to be paid on or prior to the date hereof under the terms of the Commitment Letters and will pay all other commitment fees and/or other fees required to be paid under the terms of the Commitment Letters upon the Closing. Buyer will not use any portion of the Cdn $20,000,000 of the Revolver Loans to repay any of the Company Senior Debt.

5.09 Solvency . Assuming (i) that all representations and warranties in Articles III and IV are true and correct in all material respects, (ii) that the Company is in compliance in all material respects with its covenants set forth in Sections 6.01(a) and (iii) satisfaction of the conditions to Buyer’s obligations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or waiver of such conditions by Buyer, then immediately after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (a) the Buyer and its Subsidiaries will be able to pay their debts as they become due and will own property which has a fair saleable value greater than the amounts required to pay their debts (including a reasonable estimate of the amount of all contingent liabilities) and (b) the Buyer and its Subsidiaries will have adequate capital to carry on their businesses. No transfer of property is being made and no obligation is being incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of the Company, its Subsidiaries or the Buyer.

ARTICLE VI

CERTAIN PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

6.01 Conduct of the Business .

(a) From the date hereof until the Closing Date, except as set forth on the attached Conduct of Business Schedule , the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to carry on its and its Subsidiaries’ businesses according to its ordinary course of business and substantially in the same manner as heretofore conducted; provided that, the foregoing notwithstanding, the Company may use all available cash to repay any Seller Transaction Expenses or Indebtedness prior to the Closing.

 

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(b) From the date hereof until the Closing Date, except as otherwise provided for by this Agreement or consented to in writing by Buyer, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, intentionally take any action which, if taken after the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, would be required to be disclosed on the Developments Schedule pursuant to Section 4.06 .

(c) From the date hereof until the Closing Date, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to not, permit the modification of any of the insurance policies set forth on the attached Insurance Schedule without the prior written consent of Buyer.

(d) Prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall enter into the Intercompany Agreement with Thermon Canada, Inc., in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H (the “ Intercompany Agreement ”) and shall deliver a copy of such fully-executed Intercompany Agreement to Buyer and shall comply with the terms thereof.

(e) From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to not, permit any amendment, waiver or other modification of any or all of the Audax Acquisition Documents, or release any amounts held in escrow or by the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of any such documents or otherwise in connection therewith, without the prior written consent of Buyer, except the Company may release funds in the 2007 Escrow Agreement, provided further that the balance of the Audax Escrow Funds shall not be less than $1,000,000.

(f) From the date hereof through the Closing, the Company shall cause the applicable Subsidiaries thereof to retain sufficient cash in an amount not to exceed $1,595,000 to enable such Subsidiaries to make the estimated Income Tax payments set forth on the April and May 2010 Estimated Tax Payments Schedule for such Subsidiaries with respect to the Pre-Closing Tax Period to the extent such estimated Income Tax payments have not been made prior to the Closing Date (such retained cash on the Closing Date being the “ Reserved Estimated Tax Payment Cash ”). The Company will promptly, but in any event within 60 days of the Closing Date, determine the actual amount of Income Tax liability applicable to April 2010 and, to the extent prior to Closing, May 2010, for such Subsidiaries, which determination will be subject to Seller’s approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and will pay in cash any such amounts to Seller to the extent the Reserved Estimated Tax Payment Cash plus any Income Tax payments made for April and May 2010 prior to the Closing with respect to such Subsidiaries exceed the actual amount of Income Tax allocable to such period with respect to such Subsidiaries set forth on the April and May 2010 Estimated Tax Payments Schedule . For purposes of this Section 6.01(f) , the determination of the Taxes of the Company or such Subsidiary for the period including April and May 2010 shall be determined on a “closing of the books basis” by treating such period as two partial periods, one ending at the close of the earlier of May 31, 2010 or the Closing Date and the other beginning on the day after such date, except that exemptions, allowances, deductions or Taxes that are calculated on an annual basis, such as the deduction for depreciation, shall be apportioned between such two taxable years or periods on a daily basis, provided , however , that the amount of Taxes for such period shall be reduced by the amount of estimated Tax payments that have been made with respect to such period.

6.02 Access to Books and Records . From the date hereof until the Closing Date, upon reasonable notice, the Company shall provide Buyer and its authorized representatives (“ Buyer’s

 

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Representatives ”) with access as reasonably requested by Buyer to the offices, personnel, advisors, properties, books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries to the extent relating to the transition of the Company’s business to Buyer; provided that such access does not unreasonably interfere with the normal operations of the Company; provided further that all requests for such access shall be directed to Charles Stocks at Jefferies & Company, Inc. or such other Person as the Company may designate in writing from time to time. To the extent the Company reasonably believes in good faith that disclosure of information to Buyer otherwise required by this Agreement would result in the loss of the attorney client privilege, the Company shall inform Buyer that it is not disclosing information to Buyer based on such concern but the Company shall disclose all information related thereto that the Company can disclose without the loss of such privilege as advised by counsel. The Company shall promptly and, in any event, before Closing, enter into a joint defense agreement with Buyer to allow for disclosure of such privileged information, such agreement in form and substance mutually agreed upon by Buyer and the Company acting reasonably in good faith. Neither the Company nor Seller make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any information (if any) provided pursuant to this Section 6.02 , and Buyer may not rely on the accuracy of any such information, in each case other than as expressly set forth in Seller’s and the Company’s representations and warranties contained in Article III and Article IV and as provided in Section 6.07 . The information provided pursuant to this Section 6.02 will be used solely for the purpose of effecting the transactions contemplated hereby, and will be governed by all the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement, dated May 13, 2008, by and between Seller and Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, including, without limitation, all addendums, the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”).

6.03 Obtainment of Consents; Regulatory Filings .

(a) The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain consents of all Persons who are party to the agreements set forth on the Authorization Schedule and designated by an asterisk (*). All costs incurred in connection with obtaining such consents shall be borne by Seller. The Company shall coordinate and cooperate with Buyer in exchanging such information and providing such assistance as Buyer may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing. Subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of information, Buyer shall have the right to review in advance, and to the extent practicable will consult with the Company and Seller on the information provided in connection with obtaining such consents and as to the form and substance of such consents. In exercising the foregoing right, Buyer shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable.

(b) Seller, the Company and their respective Affiliates shall, within two (2) business days after the date hereof, make or cause to be made all required filings and submissions under any material Laws applicable to Seller, the Company and their respective Affiliates for the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. Subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of information, Buyer shall have the right to review in advance, and to the extent practicable will consult with Buyer on, all the information that appears in any such filings. In exercising the foregoing right, the Company shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable.

(c) The Seller, the Company and their respective Affiliates will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain consents of all Government Bodies necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. All filing fees incurred in connection with obtaining such consents, including the HSR Act filing fee, shall be borne by Buyer. Seller, the Company, and their respective Affiliates acknowledge that Buyer shall not be responsible for their attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred in connection with obtaining such consents. The Company shall coordinate and cooperate with Buyer in exchanging such information and providing such assistance as Buyer may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing. Subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of information, Buyer shall have the right to review in advance, and to the extent practicable will consult

 

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with the Company and Seller on the information provided in connection with obtaining such consents and as to the form and substance of such consents. In exercising the foregoing right, Buyer shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable.

(d) Seller, the Company, Buyer and their respective Affiliates shall (i) apply for “early termination” of the waiting period or comparable period under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) not extend any waiting period or comparable period under the HSR Act or enter into any agreement with any Government Body not to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, except with the prior written consent of Seller and Buyer. Seller and the Company shall keep Buyer apprised of the status of all filings and submissions referred to in this Section 6.03 , including promptly furnishing Buyer with copies of notices or other communications received by Seller or the Company in connection therewith. Each of Seller and the Company shall not permit any of its officers, employees or other representatives or agents, as applicable, to participate in any meeting with any Governmental Body in respect of such filings and submissions unless it consults with Buyer in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Body, gives Buyer the opportunity to attend and participate thereat.

6.04 Conditions . Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver the items set forth in Section 2.02(h) , and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the conditions set forth in Section 2.02 hereof to be satisfied and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein as soon as reasonably possible after the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.02 (other than those to be satisfied at the Closing); provided that it being understood that neither the Company nor Seller has any legally binding covenants in connection with Buyer’s obtainment of Buyer’s debt or equity financing.

6.05 Exclusive Dealing . During the period from the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01 hereof, neither Seller nor the Company shall take or permit any other Person on its behalf to take any action to, directly or indirectly: (a) solicit, initiate or otherwise encourage any proposal or offer from any Person (other than Buyer or one of its Affiliates) relating to any transaction or series of related transactions involving: (i) merger, consolidation, share exchange, conversion, recapitalization, refinancing, liquidation or acquisition of the Seller, the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (ii) sale of any material amount of assets of Seller, the Company or any Subsidiary thereof outside of the ordinary course of business, (iii) direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of any capital stock or other equity interests of Seller, the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, or (iv) any similar transaction or business combination involving Seller, the Company or any Subsidiary thereof (each of the above, an “ Alternative Transaction ”); (b) participate in any discussions or negotiations with, provide any information to, or enter into any agreement with any Person (other than Buyer or one of its Affiliates) in connection with an Alternative Transaction; or (c) accept any proposal or offer from any Person (other than Buyer or one of its Affiliates) relating to an Alternative Transaction.

6.06 Notification . From the date hereof until the Closing Date, the Company may disclose to Buyer in writing (in the form of updated disclosure schedules) any development, fact or circumstance first arising after (and only after) the date hereof causing a breach of any of the representations and warranties contained in Article III or Article IV hereof and of any breach of the covenants in this Agreement made by the Company or Seller. Such disclosures shall amend and supplement the appropriate disclosure schedules delivered on the date hereof as of the Closing Date and attached hereto; provided that, such disclosures shall not be deemed to amend and supplement the appropriate disclosure schedules for purposes of the conditions to Closing set forth in Section 2.02(a) or (b)  above or Buyer’s ability to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(b) below. Upon the Closing, the delivery of any such updated disclosure schedules will be deemed to have cured any misrepresentation or breach of warranty

 

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or covenant that otherwise might have existed on the Closing Date by reason of such inaccuracy or breach and Buyer shall not have any claim (whether for indemnification or otherwise) against the Company or Seller for any such breach or inaccuracy.

6.07 Update of Financial Statements . During the period from the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, the Company shall prepare in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and deliver to Buyer promptly upon completion, but in any event no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the applicable fiscal month, consolidated financial statements for the Company and its Subsidiaries for each fiscal month ending after December 31, 2009, consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of such month and statements of operations for that month and for the portion of the year then ended (the “Monthly Financial Statements”) provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Monthly Financial Statements for the fiscal month ending January 31, 2010 shall be delivered to Buyer on or before the date of this Agreement and Monthly Financial Statements for any fiscal month ending after March 1, 2010 will not be required to be delivered. The Monthly Financial Statements shall be (or shall have been) prepared from the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ books and records and present fairly in all material respects the respective financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) as of the respective dates and for the respective periods referred to therein in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (subject to (x) the absence of footnote disclosures and other presentation items and (y) changes resulting from normal year-end adjustments, none of which disclosures or changes are material, or, if material, are substantially consistent with prior consolidated audited financials, including as to magnitude and scope).

6.08 Certain Environmental Actions .

(a) During the period from the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts, at its sole cost and expense, to have the waste drums stored north of the Electron Cross-Linking Facility building (such drums, the “ Pre-Closing Waste Drums ”) at the Company’s San Marcos, Texas campus removed and disposed of in accordance with Environmental Laws (the “ Drum Disposal ”) prior to the Closing Date, except for up to three of the Pre-Closing Waste Drums that are not full (the “ Continued Use Drums ”). Such removal process shall include having the contents of the Pre-Closing Waste Drums sampled by a qualified third party vendor for waste handling purposes pursuant to a proposal reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, and thereafter sent off-site for disposal in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws based upon the results of such testing. The Company shall promptly provide to Buyer the results of the testing performed on the contents of the Pre-Closing Waste Drums and documentation evidencing their proper disposal, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.

(b) The Company shall promptly, but in any event no later than April 1, 2010, engage, or cause Thermon Heat Tracers Pvt. Ltd. (“ Thermon India ”) to engage, a reputable environmental consulting firm reasonably acceptable to Buyer to address environmental compliance matters at Thermon India’s Pune, India facility (the “ Pune Facility ”), which such consultant shall be engaged to assist and advise Thermon India in (i) filing permit applications required under applicable Environmental Laws in connection with operations at the Pune Facility as currently conducted; (ii) reviewing and, as required by Environmental Laws, implementing revised wastewater and waste handling practices; and (iii) any other actions required by the relevant Governmental Body pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws in connection with such permit applications and revised waste and wastewater handling procedures. The Company shall, and shall cause Thermon India to, reasonably cooperate with the consultant during the pre-Closing Date period of consultant’s engagement and shall provide Buyer with evidence, which evidence shall be in such form and substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer, as to the timely retention of such consultant as required under this Section 6.08(b) and as to recommendations, if any, by the consultant, correspondence with or applications submitted to any Governmental Body and the implementation of any required practices or procedures during such period.

 

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ARTICLE VII

COVENANTS OF BUYER

7.01 Access to Books and Records . From and after the Closing, Buyer shall cause the Company to provide Seller and its authorized representatives with reasonable access (for the purpose of examining and copying), during normal business hours, to the personnel, books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to periods or occurrences prior to the Closing Date in connection with any matter, whether or not relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Unless otherwise consented to in writing by Seller, Buyer shall not, and shall not permit the Company to, for a period of seven years following the Closing Date, destroy, alter or otherwise dispose of any books and records of the Company, or any portions thereof, relating to periods prior to the Closing Date without first giving reasonable prior notice to Seller and offering to surrender to Seller such books and records or such portions thereof.

7.02 Notification . From the date hereof until the Closing Date, Buyer may disclose to Seller and the Company in writing (in the form of updated disclosure schedules updates) any development, fact or circumstance first arising after (and only after) the date hereof causing a breach of any of Buyer’s representations and warranties contained in Article V and of any breach of the covenants in this Agreement made by Buyer, provided that, such disclosures shall not be deemed to have any effect for purposes of the conditions to closing set forth in Section 2.03(a) or (b)  above or Seller’s ability to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(c) below. Upon the Closing, the delivery of any such written disclosure will be deemed to have cured any misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant that otherwise might have existed hereunder on the Closing Date by reason of such inaccuracy or breach and Seller shall not have any claim (whether for indemnification or otherwise) against Buyer for any such breach or inaccuracy.

7.03 Director and Officer Liability and Indemnification .

(a) For a period of six years after the Closing, Buyer shall not, and shall not permit the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to, amend, repeal or modify any provision in the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other equivalent governing documents relating to the exculpation, indemnification or advancement of expenses of any officers and directors (each, a “ D&O Indemnified Person ”) (unless required by Law), it being the intent of the parties that the officers and directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall continue to be entitled to such exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses to the full extent of the Law.

(b) In addition to the other rights provided for in this Section 7.03 and not in limitation thereof, from and after the Closing, Buyer shall, and shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries (each, a “ D&O Indemnifying Party ”) to, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, (i) indemnify and hold harmless (and release from any Liability to Buyer or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), the D&O Indemnified Persons against all D&O Expenses (as defined below), losses, claims, damages, judgments or amounts paid in settlement (“ D&O Costs ”) in respect of any threatened, pending or completed claim, action or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, based on or arising out or relating to the fact that such Person is or was a director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries arising out of acts or omissions occurring on or prior to the Closing (including in respect of

 

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acts or omissions in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby) (a “ D&O Indemnifiable Claim ”) and (b) advance to such D&O Indemnified Persons all D&O Expenses incurred in connection with any D&O Indemnifiable Claim (including in circumstances where the D&O Indemnifying Party has assumed the defense of such claim) promptly after receipt of reasonably detailed statements therefor; provided, however, that the Person to whom D&O Expenses are to be advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such Person is not entitled to indemnification. Any D&O Indemnifiable Claims shall continue until such D&O Indemnifiable Claim is disposed of or all judgments, orders, decrees or other rulings in connection with such D&O Indemnifiable Claim are fully satisfied. For the purposes of this Section 7.03(b) , “ D&O Expenses ” shall include attorneys’ fees and all other costs, charges and expenses paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, to be a witness in or participate in any D&O Indemnifiable Claim, but shall exclude Losses, judgments and amounts paid in settlement (which items are included in the definition of D&O Costs).

(c) At or prior to Closing, Buyer shall, or shall cause the Company to, obtain, maintain and fully pay for irrevocable “tail” insurance policies naming the D&O Indemnified Persons as direct beneficiaries with a claims period of at least six years from the Closing Date from the Company’s current insurance carrier or an insurance carrier with the same or better credit rating as the Company’s current insurance carrier with respect to directors’ liability insurance in an amount and scope at least as favorable in all material respects as the Company’s existing policies with respect to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Closing Date and such insurance policies shall be reasonably satisfactory to Seller and a carrier binder confirming coverage bound shall be delivered to Seller on the Closing Date. Buyer shall not, or shall cause the Company to not, cancel or change such insurance policies in any respect.

7.04 Regulatory Filings .

(a) Buyer shall, within two (2) business days after the date hereof, make or cause to be made all required filings and submissions under any material Laws applicable to Buyer and its Affiliates for the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. Subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of information, the Company shall have the right to review in advance, and to the extent practicable will consult with Buyer on, all the information that appears in any such filings. In exercising the foregoing right, the Company shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. Buyer shall pay all fees associated with all filings and submissions referred to in this Section 7.04(a) .

(b) Seller, the Company, Buyer and their respective Affiliates shall (i) apply for “early termination” of the waiting period or comparable period under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) not extend any waiting period or comparable period under the HSR Act or enter into any agreement with any Government Body not to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, except with the prior written consent of Seller and Buyer. Buyer shall keep the Company apprised of the status of all filings and submissions referred to in Section 7.04(a) above, including promptly furnishing the Company with copies of notices or other communications received by Buyer in connection therewith. Buyer shall not permit any of its officers, employees or other representatives or agents, as applicable, to participate in any meeting with any Governmental Body in respect of such filings and submissions unless it consults with the Company in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Body, gives the Company the opportunity to attend and participate thereat.

7.05 Conditions; Financing

(a) Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the conditions set forth in Section 2.03 hereof to be satisfied and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein as promptly as practical but in no event later than May 14, 2010 (other than those to be satisfied at the Closing).

 

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(b) Buyer shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and use commercially reasonable efforts to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to arrange, and close concurrently with the Closing, debt financing on terms and conditions described in the Debt Commitment Letters and any Alternative Financing (including obtaining rating agency approvals, maintaining in effect the Commitment Letters, satisfying on a timely basis all conditions to obtaining the financing provided for in the Commitment Letters (including by consummating the financing contemplated by the Equity Commitment Letter at or prior to the Closing (subject to the conditions contained in the Equity Commitment Letter)), negotiating and entering into definitive agreements with respect to the Debt Commitment Letters on terms and conditions contained therein or with respect to any Alternative Financing, satisfying all conditions in such definitive agreements that are within their respective control and, if necessary, borrowing pursuant to the Debt Commitment Letters in the event any “market flex” provisions or similar provisions affecting the structure, pricing, maturity, amortization or any other terms are exercised). In the event that all or any portion of the debt financing contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letter becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange, as promptly as reasonably practicable following the occurrence of such event but no later than May 14, 2010, alternative financing from alternative sources in an amount not less than that previously contemplated to be available under the Debt Commitment Letters (or portion thereof) on terms that are not materially less beneficial to Buyer (including with respect to conditionality) and on terms that would not reasonably be expected to prevent, delay or impede the consummation of any remaining financing contemplated by the Commitment Letters or the transactions contemplated hereby (the “ Alternative Financing ”).

(c) As reasonably requested from time to time by Seller, Buyer shall inform in reasonable detail Seller as to the status of Buyer’s efforts to arrange the terms of, and satisfy the conditions contemplated by, the financing contemplated by the Commitment Letters in accordance with this Agreement and shall not, and shall not permit any of its Affiliates to, agree to or permit any cancellation (other than in accordance with its terms), amendment, supplement or other modification to be made to, or any waiver of any provision or remedy under, the Commitment Letters that is adverse to Seller without obtaining the prior written consent of Seller (other than any amendment, supplement or other modification to the Debt Commitment Letter (i) adding additional lenders thereto or (ii) resulting in terms that are no less beneficial to Buyer (including with respect to conditionality) and that would not reasonably be expected to prevent, delay or impede the consummation of the financing contemplated by the Commitment Letters or the transactions contemplated hereby; provided that no such amendment, supplement or waiver reduces the amount of the financing available thereunder), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Buyer shall give Seller prompt notice (i) of any material breach by any party to the Commitment Letters, (ii) of any termination of any of the Commitment Letters, (iii) if Buyer is advised by any Lender party to the Bridge Loans Commitment Letter that such Lender will not fund the Bridge Loans or the Revolver Loans, or (iv) that any portion of the financing contemplated by the Commitment Letters will not be made available to Buyer at the Closing to the extent Buyer becomes aware of such breach, termination, refusal or unavailability.

(d) In the event that on May 14, 2010 (i) all or any portion of the senior secured second lien notes offering described in the Debt Commitment Letter has not been consummated, (ii) all of the closing conditions contained in Article II shall have been satisfied or waived (other than the condition set forth in Section 2.02(c) and those conditions that by their nature will not be satisfied until the Closing) and (iii) the Bridge Loans (or any Alternative Financing obtained in accordance with this

 

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Section 7.05 ) are available on the terms and conditions described in the Debt Commitment Letter (or such Alternative Financing), then Buyer shall borrow under and use the proceeds of the Bridge Loans (or such Alternative Financing), in lieu of the senior secured second lien notes offering described in the Debt Commitment Letter no later than May 14, 2010.

7.06 Contact with Customers, Suppliers and Other Business Relations . Prior to the Closing, Buyer and Buyer’s Representatives shall contact and communicate with the employees, customers, suppliers and other business relations of the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby only with the prior written consent of the Company and Seller, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

7.07 Payment to Seller with Respect to Released Bonding Restricted Cash . Within thirty (30) days after each calendar quarter following the Closing Date, Buyer shall pay to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller, the net amount of cash released to Buyer during such quarterly period that was Bonding Restricted Cash on the Closing Date. Prior to making such payment, Buyer shall provide to Seller a written statement calculating the amount to be distributed for such quarter which shall be subject to Seller’s reasonable approval.

7.08 Insurance Policies .

(a) Following the date hereof and continuing until the expiration of the Insurance Policies, Buyer will provide to Audax Fund II copies of any notices from or correspondence with any Tax Authority or the Insurers with respect to any Claim (as defined in the Insurance Policies) or Audit and provide such information with respect thereto and keep Audax Fund II reasonably informed with respect to any such Claim (as defined in the Insurance Policies) or as to any such Audit, in each case as reasonably requested by Audax Fund II. Furthermore, during such time period, Audax Fund II shall have the right to consult with Buyer at reasonable intervals with respect to matters related to a Claim or an Audit with respect thereto as reasonably requested by Audax Fund II. For the sake of clarity, Buyer will not be required to provide to Audax Fund II any communications or documents if Buyer is advised by legal counsel that such provision may result in the loss of the attorney client privilege.

(b) Following the date hereof and continuing until the expiration of the Insurance Policies, Buyer will not and will cause the insureds under the Insurance Policies to not (i) agree to any change in the amount of coverage below $30,000,000, agree to a change in the amount of the Retention, or voluntarily cancel the Insurance Policies before their stated term, (ii) settle for the payment of any amounts under the Insurance Policies for less than the Special Indemnity Cap (to the extent such payment does not fully cover the Special Loss suffered or incurred by the insureds under the Insurance Policies), or (iii) make any amendment or other modification to the Insurance Policies or provide any consent or waiver under the Insurance Policies that have an adverse effect on Audax Fund II’s indemnification obligations under Section 9.13 , in each case without obtaining the consent of Audax Fund II, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.08 , in no event shall Buyer or the insureds under Insurance Policies be required to take or refrain from taking any action that is prohibited by or would constitute a breach of the Insurance Policies.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION

8.01 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

(a) by the mutual written consent of Buyer and Seller;

(b) by Buyer, if there has been a material violation or breach by the Company or Seller of any covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement which has prevented the satisfaction of any condition to the obligations of Buyer at the Closing and such violation or breach has not been waived by Buyer or, in the case of a covenant breach, cured by the Company or Seller within ten (10) days after written notice thereof from Buyer;

(c) by Seller, if there has been a material violation or breach by Buyer of any covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement which has prevented the satisfaction of any condition to the obligations of the Company and Seller at the Closing and such violation or breach has not been waived by Seller or, in the case of a covenant breach, cured by Buyer within ten (10) days after written notice thereof by Seller (provided that neither a breach by Buyer of Section 5.08 hereof nor the failure to deliver the full consideration payable pursuant to Article I under this Agreement at the Closing as required hereunder shall be subject to cure hereunder unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Seller);

(d) except for any Proceeding directly or indirectly initiated by such party, by either Seller or Buyer, in each case at its sole discretion, if any Governmental Body institutes, any Proceeding challenging the validity or legality, or seeking to retrain the consummation of, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(e) by either Seller or Buyer, in each case at its sole discretion, if any Governmental Body shall request the submission of additional information or documentary material regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from Seller or Buyer after review of the initial notification submitted pursuant to the HSR Act or any other applicable antitrust or competition Law;

(f) by Seller at its sole discretion if any lender named in a Debt Commitment Letter makes any proposal to withdraw, terminate or make a material change in the terms (including the amount of financing contemplated by) any Debt Commitment Letter and Buyer does not arrange an alternative to the financing to be provided by such lender within ten (10) days of such withdrawal, termination or material changes; provided that Seller shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.01(f) if Seller is in material breach of this Agreement;

(g) by Seller at its sole discretion if Buyer has not provided written notice to Seller within 21 days of the date of this Agreement that all of the documentation for the Bridge Loans has been completed to Buyer’s satisfaction;

(h) by either Buyer or Seller if the transactions contemplated hereby have not been consummated by 5:00 p.m., New York City time on May 14, 2010; provided that neither Buyer nor Seller shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.01(h) if such Person (and in the case of Seller, if the Company) has materially breached this Agreement and such breach has prevented or frustrated the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby.

8.02 Effect of Termination . In the event of the termination of this Agreement by either Buyer or Seller as provided above, the provisions of this Agreement shall immediately become void and of no

 

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further force or effect (other than this Section 8.02 and Article XI hereof which shall survive the termination of this Agreement in accordance with their terms; provided , however , that the last sentence of Section 6.02 above, and the Confidentiality Agreement referred to therein, shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of seven (7) years following the date of such termination (and, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement to the contrary, the Confidentiality Agreement term shall be automatically amended to be extended for such additional five year period)), and there shall be no Liability on the part of any of Buyer, the Company, or Seller to one another, except for knowing or willful material breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation, the failure of a party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement following the satisfaction of all the conditions to such party’s obligations under Article II ) prior to the time of such termination, which breach is a basis for the termination of this Agreement. In the event of a termination of this Agreement, (a) if there has been any knowing or willful material breach of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement prior to the Closing Date, which breach is a basis for the termination of this Agreement, the non-breaching party shall not be limited to the remedy of termination in accordance with this Article VIII , but from and after such termination shall be entitled to pursue all available legal and equitable rights and remedies it may hold at law or equity with respect to such breach, and shall be entitled to recover all of its reasonable costs and expenses incurred in pursuing them (including reasonable attorneys’ fees if it is finally determined that such party is entitled to any such rights or remedies), and (b) if there has been any other breach of this Agreement prior to the Closing, the non-breaching party’s sole remedy in respect of such breach shall be to terminate this Agreement prior to the Closing in accordance with this Article VIII .

ARTICLE IX

ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

9.01 Survival . The representations and warranties contained in Article III , Article IV and Article V and the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and shall terminate at 5:00 p.m. Chicago, Illinois time on the date that is fifteen (15) months after the Closing Date, provided , however , that the covenants contained in Article VI and Article VII shall terminate on the Closing Date upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (other than the covenants contained in Sections 6.01(d) , (e)  and (f)  and Section 6.07 , which shall survive the Closing and terminate at 5:00 p.m. Chicago, Illinois time on the date that is fifteen (15) months after the Closing Date) unless a specific covenant contained in Article VI and Article VII requires performance after the Closing Date, in which case such covenant shall survive for a period of thirty (30) days following the date on which the performance of such covenant is required to be completed and provided further, however, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Tax Indemnity shall survive the Closing and shall not terminate until 5:00 p.m. Chicago, Illinois time on October 31, 2013 (the “ Extended Survival Period ”) and the indemnity obligations contained in Sections 9.02(a)(i)-(viii)  shall survive the Closing and shall terminate at 5:00 p.m. Chicago, Illinois time on the date that is fifteen (15) months after the Closing Date. The agreements and covenants set forth in Article IX , Article X and Article XI shall survive in accordance with the terms thereof.

9.02 Indemnification of Buyer .

(a) From and after the Closing (but subject to the terms and conditions of this Article IX ), the Buyer Indemnitees (as defined below) shall be indemnified and held harmless by Seller from the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account in respect of any Loss suffered or incurred by Buyer (and its successors or assigns in accordance with Section 11.05 ) or any of its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees or agents (the “ Buyer Indemnitees ”) to the extent such Loss results from, arose out of, or relates to:

(i) a breach of any representation or warranty of Seller or the Company contained in Article III or Article IV of this Agreement or any breach of Section 6.07 by the Company, in each case taking into account any disclosure made pursuant to Section 6.06 , or any breach of any of Sections 6.01(d) , (e)  and (f)  by the Company;

 

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(ii) any breach of any covenant of Seller contained in this Agreement requiring performance by Seller after the Closing;

(iii) any amounts required to pay (A) any Seller Transaction Expenses not paid upon Closing and (B) any Indebtedness of the Company as of the Closing Date that was not reflected on the Closing Statement;

(iv) any Third-Party Claim with respect to (a) that certain Engagement Letter, dated February 20, 2008, between Jeffries & Company, Inc. and Thermon Industries, Inc. or (b) that certain Engagement Letter, dated February 22, 2008, between W.Y. Campbell & Company and Thermon Industries, Inc., each such agreement as amended or otherwise modified on the Closing Date;

(v) the improper exclusion of hourly and leased employees of Thermon Heat Tracing Services – II, Inc. from participation in the Company 401(k) Plan to the extent occurring prior to the Closing, and any Loss related to any voluntary correction of such exclusion;

(vi) any breach of Environmental Law relating or applying to the Pune Facility, including fines, penalties, or corrective action, to the extent occurring during the period (A) prior to the Closing Date and (B) for any breach that commenced prior to the Closing, from and after the Closing until the Company corrects such breaches of Environmental Laws as long as the Company is diligently pursuing such corrections, but in any event no such breaches that are continuing after December 31, 2010;

(vii) the costs associated with the Drum Disposal, if such Drum Disposal has not fully occurred prior to the Closing Date or such costs have not been fully paid by the Company prior to the Closing Date and are not fully reflected as a current liability on the Closing Statement, as well as fines, penalties or corrective action required under applicable hazardous waste provisions of any Environmental Laws, if the testing of the contents of the Pre-Closing Waste Drums as required by Section 6.08(a) hereof demonstrates applicability of the hazardous waste provisions of any Environmental Laws (in which case the indemnification obligations under this Section 9.02(a)(vii) shall also apply to the Pre-Closing Waste Drums (including the Continued Use Drums) whether or not the Drum Disposal has fully occurred prior to the Closing Date as long as the Company is diligently pursuing such corrections, but in any event no later than December 31, 2010);

(viii) acts described in the disclosure to the Office of Antiboycott Compliance as described in Item 3(c) on the Compliance with Laws Schedule , including the loss of foreign Tax credits as a result of any such acts, to the extent that the Buyer Indemnitees have not been fully indemnified for such Loss pursuant to Section 9.2(e) of the Audax Merger Agreement after diligently pursuing such indemnification; and

 

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(ix) (a) all Income Taxes attributable to Pre-Closing Tax Periods that are not Covered Taxes, (b) all other Taxes relating to or arising out of any matter designated by an asterisk (*) on the Taxes Schedule (without regard to the currency amounts specified in such schedule; it being understood that such amounts do not limit the Buyer Indemnitees’ recovery for Losses with respect to such matters), and (c) the reduction or disallowance of any Transaction Tax Benefit for which a payment has been made by Buyer to Seller (only to the extent of the Transaction Tax Benefit paid to Seller) (the Seller’s indemnification obligations related to this Section 9.02(a)(ix) , the “ Tax Indemnity ”).

(b) For purposes of determining the amount of a Loss resulting from a breach of any representation or warranty of Seller or the Company contained in this Agreement, the terms “material” or “Material Adverse Effect” or words of similar import contained in such representation or warranty shall in each case be disregarded and without effect (as if such terms were deleted from such representation or warranty).

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement:

(i) no Buyer Indemnitees shall be entitled to any indemnification for a Loss pursuant to Section 9.02(a)(i) if, with respect to any individual item of Loss, such item is less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) (“ Minor Claim ”); provided that, notwithstanding the forgoing, the Minor Claim shall not apply to a Loss resulting from a breach of a Fundamental Representation or in the case of fraud; and

(ii) no Buyer Indemnitee shall be entitled to any indemnification for a Loss pursuant to Sections 9.02(a)(i) , (a)(v) and (a)(vi) unless the aggregate of all such Losses (excluding Minor Claims) would exceed on a cumulative basis an amount equal to $3,100,000 (the “ Deductible ”), and then only to the extent such Losses exceed the Deductible; provided that, notwithstanding the forgoing, the Deductible shall not apply to Losses resulting from a breach of a Fundamental Representation or in the case of fraud.

(d) From and after the Closing (but subject to the terms and conditions of this Article IX ), any indemnification of the Buyer Indemnitees for which Seller is liable under Section 9.02 shall be effected by a payment made from the Indemnity Escrow Amount from time to time remaining in the Indemnity Escrow Account in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement. Except as provided in Section 9.12 and pursuant to the Limited Guaranty, any claim by any Buyer Indemnitees for which Seller is liable hereunder shall be asserted solely and exclusively against the Indemnity Escrow Amount from time to time remaining in the Indemnity Escrow Account pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement, and the Indemnity Escrow Amount remaining from time to time in the Indemnity Escrow Account shall be the Buyer Indemnitees sole and exclusive source of recovery for any amounts owing to Buyer Indemnitees hereunder. Except as provided in Section 9.12 and pursuant to the Limited Guaranty, no claim by Buyer Indemnitees shall be asserted against, and Buyer Indemnitees shall not be entitled to indemnification from, Seller or any of its Affiliates other than by recourse to the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 9.02(d) to the contrary, this Section 9.02(d) shall not apply in the case of fraud.

(e) Buyer and Seller agree that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all Taxes attributable to payments made on the Canadian Credit Agreement or the CIT Revolver in accordance with the Intercompany Agreement and not directly or indirectly from any borrowings or funds in Canada or in any other foreign jurisdiction shall be treated as properly allocable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period.

 

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(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Seller shall have no obligation to indemnify any of the Buyer Indemnitees from and against (and Seller shall not be responsible for) any Taxes of any Person (i) for any Post-Closing Tax Period (or any other Losses directly related to any such Taxes), including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Taxes that are attributable to any transaction occurring on the Closing Date after the Closing, (ii) arising out of the use or the repayment of the Demand Note, (iii) arising out of any repayment on the Canadian Credit Agreement or the CIT Revolver not in accordance with the terms of the Intercompany Agreement or directly or indirectly using borrowings or funds in Canada or in any other foreign jurisdiction to make such repayments or (iv) that are attributable to any election under Code Section 338 with respect to transactions that occur on or after the Closing Date.

(g) All payments under this Article IX shall be treated by the parties as an adjustment to the proceeds received by Seller pursuant to Article I .

9.03 Indemnification of Seller . From and after the Closing (but subject to the provisions of this Article IX ), Buyer shall, or shall cause the Company to, indemnify Seller, its members, its and their Affiliates, and its and their officers, directors, employees and agents (the “ Seller Indemnitees ”) against and hold them harmless from any Losses suffered or incurred by any Seller Indemnitee to the extent arising from or related to (a) any breach of any representation or warranty of Buyer contained in this Agreement, and (b) any breach of any covenant of Buyer or the Company contained in this Agreement requiring performance by Buyer or the Company after the Closing. All payments under this Section 9.03 shall be treated by the parties as an adjustment to the proceeds received by Seller pursuant to Article I .

9.04 Termination of Indemnification . The obligations to indemnify and hold harmless a party hereto in respect of a breach of representation or warranty or covenant shall terminate at the applicable survival termination time (as set forth in Section 9.01 ), unless an Indemnified Party shall have made prior to such applicable survival termination time, a proper claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 9.02 or Section 9.03 , subject to the terms and conditions of Article IX , prior to such termination time, as applicable, including by delivering a written notice (stating in reasonable detail the nature of, and factual and legal basis for, any such claim for indemnification, and the provisions of this Agreement upon which such claim for indemnification is made, to the extent then known) to the Indemnifying Party. If an Indemnified Party has made a proper claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 9.02 or Section 9.03 prior to such termination time, then such claim, if then unresolved, shall not be extinguished by the passage of the deadlines set forth in Section 9.01 . All claims (except with respect to the Tax Indemnity) by any Buyer Indemnitee hereunder shall immediately terminate and expire as soon as the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement is equal to zero dollars. Except as provided in Section 9.12 , no claims shall be asserted against the Indemnity Escrow Amount (if any) in the Indemnity Escrow Account, including any amounts held for unresolved claims, after 5:00 p.m. on the fifteen (15) month anniversary of the Closing Date.

9.05 Procedures Relating to Indemnification .

(a) In order for a party (the “ Indemnified Party ”) to be entitled to any indemnification provided for under this Agreement in respect of a claim or demand made by any Person against the Indemnified Party (a “ Third-Party Claim ”), such Indemnified Party must notify the indemnifying party (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third-Party Claim as promptly as reasonably possible after receipt by such Indemnified Party of notice of the Third-Party Claim; provided that failure to give such notification on a timely basis shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure. Thereafter, the Indemnified Party shall promptly deliver to the Indemnifying Party after the Indemnified Party’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received

 

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by the Indemnified Party relating to the Third-Party Claim; provided that failure to deliver such notices and documents on a timely basis shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure; and, provided further that if the Indemnifying Party shall have denied its indemnification obligation hereunder, the Indemnified Party shall have no obligation to deliver such notices and documents promptly; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party shall deliver any notices or documents as reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party thereafter.

(b) If a Third-Party Claim is made against an Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnified Party, subject to the limitations on any claims contained in this Article IX , within thirty (30) days of its receipt of notice from the Indemnified Party of such Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party may assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party and reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party. To so assume the defense thereof, the Indemnifying Party must notify the Indemnified Party in writing within such thirty (30) days that the Indemnifying Party will indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to such Third-Party Claim as provided in this Article IX subject to the limitations on any claims contained in this Article IX . The Indemnifying Party shall lose its right to defend or litigate the Third-Party Claim if it fails to diligently defend or litigate such Third-Party Claim. Should an Indemnifying Party so elect to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, and so long as the Indemnifying Party has not lost its right to defend or litigate such Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party for legal expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof. If the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, it being understood, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall control such defense, and in its discretion exercised in reasonable, good faith and upon advice of counsel, may settle such Third-Party Claim either before or after the initiation of litigation at such time and upon such terms as it deems fair and reasonable subject to the written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably witheld, conditioned or delayed; provided , that the Indemnifed Party may deny, condition, delay or otherwise withhold its consent in the Indemnified Party’s sole and absolute discretion, if such proposed settlement (i) does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the Person or Persons asserting such Third-Party Claim to such Indemnified Party of an unconditional release from all Liability with respect to such Third-Party Claim or consent to entry of any judgment, (ii) requires the Indemnified Party to take, or refrain from taking, any action, or pay any amounts without such Indemnified Party’s express prior written consent, (iii) imposes equitable remedies or any obligation on the Indemnified Parties, or (iv) involves a finding or admission of wrongdoing by the Indemnified Party and (A) if the Indemnified Party is a Buyer Indemnitee, then by Buyer or any Affiliate thereof, or (B) if the Indemnified Party is a Seller Indemnitee, then by Seller or any Affiliate thereof. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of a Third-Party Claim, all attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by the Indemnifying Party in so defending such Third Party Claim shall be paid by the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party chooses to defend any Third-Party Claim, all the parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution of such Third-Party Claim. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the Indemnifying Party’s request) the provision to the Indemnifying Party of records and information which are reasonably relevant to such Third-Party Claim, and making employees and other representatives and advisors available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. Whether or not Seller shall have assumed the defense of a Third-Party Claim, neither Buyer nor any of its Affiliates shall admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. If there shall be any conflicts between this Section 9.05(b) and Section 9.09(g) (relating to Tax Claims), the provisions of Section 9.09(g) shall control with respect to Tax Claims and this Section 9.05(b) shall not apply to any Covered Tax.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 9.05 or in Section 9.09 to the contrary, Seller, as the Indemnifying Party, shall not be entitled to assume any defense of a Third-Party Claim or Tax Claim hereunder unless (i) the Indemnified Party and Seller reasonably and in good faith determine that, based upon the totality of the facts and circumstances in which such Third-Party Claim or Tax Claim has been made, the balance of the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account (taking into account all pending indemnification claims) is sufficient to satisfy the Indemnified Party’s Losses associated with respect to such Third-Party Claim or Tax Claim and (ii) the Third-Party Claim or Tax Claim involves only money damages and does not seek an injunction or other equitable relief. In addition, an Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume or continue any defense of a Third-Party Claim or Tax Claim hereunder if (A) the claim for indemnification is with respect to a criminal proceeding, action, indictment, allegation or investigation or (B) a conflict of interest exists or develops between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party with respect to the Third-Party Claim or Tax Claim.

9.06 Mitigation . Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted to expand or diminish any mitigation obligations of any Person under applicable Law. In the event that an Indemnifying Party makes any payment to any Indemnified Party for indemnification for which such Indemnified Party could have collected on a claim against a third party (including under any contract and any insurance claims), the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to pursue claims and conduct litigation on behalf of such Indemnified Party and any of its successors, to pursue and collect on any indemnification or other remedy available to such Indemnified Party thereunder with respect to such claim and generally to be subrogated to the rights of such Indemnified Party; provided that the Indemnifying Partying shall not be entitled to pursue claims and conduct litigation against any customer or supplier of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof. Except pursuant to a settlement agreed to by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party shall not waive or release any contractual right to recover from a third party (other than a customer or supplier of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) any loss subject to indemnification hereby without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnified Party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates (including the Company if the Company is an Affiliate) to, cooperate with the Indemnifying Party, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, with respect to any such effort to pursue and collect with respect thereto. To the extent Audax II makes any payment under Section 9.13 , Audax Fund II shall be entitled to the rights of an Indemnifying Party under this Section 9.06 .

 

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9.07 Determination of Loss Amount .

(a) The amount of any and all Losses under this Article IX shall be determined net of any Tax benefits actually realized by any party seeking indemnification hereunder arising from the deductibility of any such Losses and shall be increased by any Tax detriments realized by the party seeking indemnification hereunder and by any amounts recovered by any Indemnified Party or any of such Indemnified Party’s Affiliates under or pursuant to any insurance policy, title insurance policy, indemnity, reimbursement arrangement or contract pursuant to which or under which such Indemnified Party or such Indemnified Party’s Affiliates is a party or has rights (collectively, “ Alternative Arrangements ”). The Indemnified Party shall seek full recovery under any insurance policy or title insurance policy covering any Loss to the same extent as such party would if such Loss were not subject to indemnification hereunder, but shall have no obligation to seek recovery under any indemnity, reimbursement arrangement, or contract.

(b) In no event shall a Buyer Indemnitee or a Seller Indemnitee be entitled to recover or make a claim for any amounts in respect of consequential, incidental or punitive damages or similar damages unless such amounts are paid to a third party.

(c) No Buyer Indemnitee shall be entitled to any indemnification under this Article IX for a Loss to the extent such Loss constitutes (i) Indebtedness or unpaid Seller Transaction Expenses, specifically taken into account in the determination of the Final Purchase Price or (ii) a current liability on the Closing Statement as finally determined, or to the extent a Buyer Indemnitee has already recovered for such matter.

9.08 Exclusive Remedy . Buyer acknowledges and agrees that, from and after the Closing, its sole and exclusive remedy with respect to (i) any claims relating to Section 1.02(f) shall be against the Adjustment Escrow Amount in the Adjustment Escrow Account and the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account and (ii) any and all other claims relating (directly or indirectly) to the subject matter of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, regardless of the legal theory under which such Liability or obligation may be sought to be imposed, whether sounding in contract or tort, or whether at law or in equity, or otherwise, shall be, in accordance with this Article IX , against the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account and the Buyer Indemnitees shall have no other remedy or recourse with respect to any of the foregoing other than pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, this Article IX . In furtherance of the foregoing, Buyer hereby waives, from and after the Closing, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, any and all rights, claims and causes of action it may have against the Seller Indemnitees relating (directly or indirectly) to the subject matter of this Agreement arising under or based upon CERCLA. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the Buyer Indemnitees may not avoid such limitation on liability by (x) seeking damages for breach of contract, tort or pursuant to any other theory of liability, all of which are hereby waived or (y) asserting or threatening any claim against any officer, director, employee or Affiliate of a party hereto that is not a party hereto (or a successor to a party hereto) for breaches of the representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement. EACH OF THE BUYER INDEMNITEES EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS AFFORDED BY ANY STATUTE WHICH LIMITS THE EFFECT OF A RELEASE WITH RESPECT TO UNKNOWN CLAIMS. EACH OF THE BUYER INDEMNITEES UNDERSTANDS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS RELEASE OF UNKNOWN CLAIMS AND WAIVER OF STATUTORY PROTECTION AGAINST A RELEASE OF UNKNOWN CLAIMS. EACH BUYER INDEMNITEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS WAIVER IS AN ESSENTIAL AND MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT. The parties hereto agree that the provisions in this Agreement relating to indemnification, and the limits imposed on Buyer’s remedies with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including Section 9.02 and Section 9.03 ) were specifically bargained for between sophisticated parties and were specifically taken

 

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into account in the determination of the amounts to be paid to Seller hereunder. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, this Section 9.08 shall not limit the Buyer’s Indemnitees’ remedies for fraud and the foregoing agreements, waivers and acknowledgments shall not be effective in the case of fraud.

9.09 Tax Matters .

(a) Responsibility for Filing Tax Returns .

(i) Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared and timely file or cause to be timely filed all Tax Returns for the Pre-Closing Tax Period for the Company and its Subsidiaries that have not yet been filed as of the Closing Date. Each such Tax Return shall be prepared in a manner consistent with past practice, except as otherwise required by applicable Law. At least thirty (30) days prior to the date on which each such Tax Return is filed, Buyer shall submit such Tax Return to Seller for Seller’s review and approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall waive any carryback of any net operating loss, capital loss or credit on any such Tax Return.

(ii) With respect to the preparation of Tax Returns, Buyer and Seller agree that all Transaction Tax Deductions shall be treated as properly allocable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period, except as otherwise required by applicable Law. Subject to the foregoing, Buyer shall include all Transaction Tax Deductions as deductions in the Tax Returns of the Company or its Subsidiaries for the Pre-Closing Tax Period that ends on the Closing Date to the extent deductible under applicable Law. For the portion of the day of the Closing after the time of Closing, other than the transactions expressly contemplated hereby, Buyer shall cause the Company and each of its Subsidiaries to carry on its business only in the ordinary course in the same manner as heretofore conducted. Buyer and the Company shall not take any action, or permit any action to be taken, other than the transactions expressly contemplated hereby, that may prevent the Tax year of the Company and its Subsidiaries from ending for federal and state income Tax purposes at the end of the day on which the Closing occurs.

(iii) To the extent the Transaction Tax Deductions are not fully utilized in the Pre-Closing Tax Period, Seller, Buyer, and the Company consent and agree that the Company shall elect to carry back any item of loss, deduction, or credit from any Transaction Tax Deductions to prior taxable years to the fullest extent permitted by Law (using any available short-form or accelerated procedures and filing amended Tax Returns to the extent necessary), and Buyer and the Company shall prepare and timely file, or cause to be prepared and timely filed, any claim for refund resulting from such carry back as part of the preparation and filing of the Tax Returns described in Section 9.09(a)(i) .

(b) Transaction Tax Benefits . Buyer shall pay to Seller any Transaction Tax Benefit (as defined below) within ten (10) calendar days of realizing such benefit; provided , that any such payment shall be determined net of the amount of any Taxes for which Seller is responsible under this Agreement and any amounts related to Taxes payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the Company Shareholders or the Shareholder Representative; provided, further, that Buyer’s obligations under this Section 9.09(b) shall terminate upon the expiration of the Extended Survival Period. For this purpose, a “ Transaction Tax Benefit ” is (i) any refund of Tax paid with respect to a Pre-Closing Tax Period resulting from the carryback of a Transaction Tax Deduction (and any interest thereon), (ii) any reduction in the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s cumulative Liability for Taxes resulting from a Transaction Tax Deduction and (iii) any other refund of Tax paid with respect to a Pre-Closing Tax Period and any interest thereon. A Transaction Tax Deduction shall be deemed to be realized in a taxable year if, and to the extent that, either (1) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries receives an actual cash refund of Taxes paid as a result of the carry back to a previous taxable year of a Transaction Tax Deduction calculated by the

 

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difference, if any, between (A) the actual refund of Taxes of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries that is available for the Pre-Closing Tax Period and (B) the refund of Taxes of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries that would be available for the Pre-Closing Tax Period if the Taxes of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries for such period were computed without regard to any Transaction Tax Deductions or (2) the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s cumulative Liability for Taxes for such taxable year, calculated by excluding the relevant Transaction Tax Deduction, exceeds the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s actual Liability for Taxes for such taxable year, calculated by taking into account the relevant Transaction Tax Deduction (treating such Transaction Tax Deduction as the last item claimed for any taxable year).

(c) Cooperation . The parties shall cooperate with each other to provide each other with such assistance as may be reasonably requested by them in connection with the preparation of any Tax Returns, including the filing of any claim for refund resulting from a carryback of a Transaction Tax Deduction, any Tax audit or other examination in connection with an administrative or judicial proceeding involving a taxing authority relating to Taxes, and the enforcement of the provisions of this Section 9.09(c) . Such cooperation shall include, including upon Seller’s request, providing records and information that are reasonably relevant to any such matters and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information.

(d) Transfer Taxes . Seller and Buyer shall pay equally any real property transfer or gains tax, stamp tax, stock transfer tax, or other similar Tax imposed on Seller, Buyer, the Company or any Subsidiary thereof as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, “ Transfer Taxes ”), and any penalties or interest with respect to the Transfer Taxes. Each of Seller and Buyer agrees to cooperate with the other in the filing of any returns with respect to the Transfer Taxes, including promptly supplying any information in their possession that is reasonably necessary to complete such returns.

(e) Amended Tax Returns; Tax Elections . Buyer shall not, without Seller’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) cause or permit the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to (i) amend any Tax Return that relates in whole or in part to any Pre-Closing Tax Period or (ii) make any election that has retroactive effect to any Pre-Closing Tax Period.

(f) Tax Sharing Contracts . Seller shall cause the provisions of any Tax sharing contract or similar arrangement for which the Company or any Subsidiary has any Liability to be terminated on or before the Closing Date. This Section 9.09(f) shall not apply to any contract or arrangement that is solely between the Company and any of its Subsidiaries (or between any of its Subsidiaries) or to any contract the primary subject of which is not Taxes, including the Audax Merger Agreement.

(g) Tax Claims . Notwithstanding Section 9.05 , if notice of any legal proceeding, audit or inquiry from a Governmental Body with respect to Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than Covered Taxes shall be received by Buyer for which Seller may be liable pursuant to Article IX for a taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date (a “ Tax Claim ”), Buyer shall notify Seller in writing of such Tax Claim; provided , however , that the failure to give Seller notice in detail reasonably sufficient to apprise Seller of the nature of the Tax Claim, shall not relieve Seller of its obligations under Article IX , except to the extent Seller is actually prejudiced thereby. Seller will be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and if Seller acknowledges in writing within thirty (30) days of receiving notice from Buyer of such Tax Claim that Seller shall be liable for any Loss resulting from such Tax Claim subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IX , Seller shall (subject to Section 9.05(c) have the right to represent the interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries in such Tax Claim; provided , Seller shall not settle such claim without the consent of Buyer or the Company, as applicable (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). To the extent Seller chooses not to exercise its rights

 

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pursuant to the previous sentence, Buyer shall have the right to represent the interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries in any Tax Claim; provided , that with respect to such Tax Claim Buyer shall not settle such claim without the consent of Seller (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall have the right to represent the interest of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to any matter set forth on the Taxes Schedule; provided that with respect to any such matter Buyer shall not settle such matter without the consent of Seller (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

(h) Tax Shelter . Buyer is (i) a newly-formed corporation without any net operating losses or other tax attributes that would be available to offset gain recognized with regard to a sale of the assets of the Company, (ii) subject to U.S. federal income Tax and (iii) not a member of an “affiliated group” within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code which files a consolidated return and reports losses or has other tax attributes that would be available to offset gain recognized with regard to a sale of assets of the Company (other than expenses attributable to the formation of Buyer and the implementation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement).

9.10 Further Assurances . From time to time, as and when requested by any party hereto and at such requesting party’s expense, any other party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents and instruments and shall take, or cause to be taken, all such further or other actions as the requesting party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to evidence and effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

9.11 Seller Waiver and Release of Claims .

(a) Except in the case of fraud or pursuant to this Agreement, effective upon the Closing, Seller agrees that in no circumstances shall Seller bring any Proceeding against the Company, any Subsidiary thereof, or any of their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, agents or representatives arising out of any breach of the representations and warranties or pre-Closing covenants made by the Company in this Agreement (and only this Agreement).

(b) Except in the case of fraud or pursuant to this Agreement, effective upon the Closing, Seller (solely in its capacity as such) hereby releases and forever discharges the Company, its Subsidiaries and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives (individually a “ Releasee ” and collectively, “ Releasees ”), from any Liability arising out of any matter, circumstance or event occurring relating to Seller’s ownership interest in the Company, including with respect a claim that the consideration received by Seller in exchange for such Seller’s securities of the Company at Closing is inadequate or does not fully reflect the fair market value of the ownership interest of Seller in the Company (the “ Released Claims ”).

(c) Further, effective upon the Closing, Seller hereby irrevocably covenants to refrain from, directly or indirectly, asserting any Released Claim or commencing, instituting or causing to be commenced, any Proceeding of any kind against any Releasee solely based upon any Released Claim. Seller represents to the Releasees that Seller has not assigned or transferred or purported to assign or transfer to any Person all or any part of, or any interest in, any Released Claim and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no such assignment or transfer shall be permitted and any purported assignment or transfer of any Released Claim shall be legally ineffective.

(d) Seller hereby represents that Seller understands and acknowledges that Seller may hereafter discover facts and legal theories concerning the Released Claims in addition to or different from those of which Seller now believes to be true. Seller understands and hereby agrees that the release under this Section 9.11 with respect to the Released Claims shall remain effective in all respects

 

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notwithstanding such additional or different facts and legal theories or the discovery of those additional or different facts or legal theories. Seller assumes the risk of any mistake of fact or law with regard to any Released Claim or with regard to any of the facts which are now unknown to the undersigned solely to the extent relating to the Released Claims. Notwithstanding the release set forth herein, the release under this Section 9.11 with respect to the Released Claims and all obligations assumed hereunder shall remain binding on Seller.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.11 , the provisions of this Section 9.11 shall not apply to any Liability of each of the Company Shareholders (as such term is defined in the Audax Merger Agreement) under the Audax Merger Agreement (or the Letters of Transmittal provided by the Company Shareholders pursuant thereto) or pursuant to the Seller’s limited liability company agreement (or agreements contemplated thereby).

9.12 Limitation on Distributions from Indemnity Escrow Account . No portion of the Indemnity Escrow Amount shall be distributed to, or as directed by, Seller from the Indemnity Escrow Account except in compliance with this Section 9.12 . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in the Escrow Agreement (a) no Unitholder shall be entitled to directly or indirectly receive any payment or distribution from the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account and (b) Seller shall not deliver proceeds from the Indemnity Escrow Amount in the Indemnity Escrow Account to or as directed by any Unitholder, in either case, unless and until (i) such Unitholder has duly executed and delivered a counterpart signature to the Limited Guaranty attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “ Limited Guaranty ”), to each of Seller, Buyer and the Company or (ii) the survival period for the Tax Indemnity has expired. Furthermore, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in the Escrow Agreement, if a Unitholder has not so executed and delivered such counterpart signature, then such Unitholder’s Guarantor’s Percentage Interest (as such term is defined in the Limited Guaranty) of then remaining Indemnity Escrow Amount (the “ Unitholder’s Holdback Amount ”) shall remain in the Indemnity Escrow Account (and there shall be no distribution to or as directed by Seller with respect thereto) and the Buyer Indemnitees shall be entitled to indemnification from the Unitholder’s Holdback Amount (in an amount not to exceed the amount that Buyer Indemnitee would have been entitled to receive from such Unitholder had such Unitholder executed the Limited Guaranty) to the extent a final determination or agreement has been made regarding the amount owing by Seller subject to the limitations contained in Article IX of this Agreement with respect to the Tax Indemnity (and claims may be asserted against the Indemnity Escrow Account after the fifteen (15) month anniversary of the Closing Date with respect thereto but in no event later than the Extended Survival Period) until the earlier of (x) the Unitholder’s Holdback Amount having a zero balance, (y) the termination in its entirety of the Tax Indemnity or (z) such Unitholder having executed and delivered a counterpart signature of the Limited Guaranty to each of Seller, Buyer and the Company, in which case such Unitholder shall be liable for Seller’s indemnification obligations under the Tax Indemnity to the extent a final determination or agreement has been made regarding the amount owing by Seller subject to the limitations contained in Article IX of this Agreement as provided in the Limited Guaranty. For the avoidance of doubt, no Buyer Indemnitee shall be entitled to seek indemnification from any Unitholder upon the earlier of (A) (i) with respect to a Unitholder who has not executed and delivered a counterpart signature to the Limited Guaranty, the Unitholder’s Holdback Amount having a zero balance and (ii) with respect to a Unitholder who signed a Limited Guaranty, the payment of all amounts which such Unitholder is liable under such Unitholder’s Limited Guaranty, and (B) the termination in its entirety of the Tax Indemnity.

9.13 Special Indemnification by Audax Fund II .

(a) If and only if (A) an insured under the Insurance Policies incurs a Special Loss consisting of a Covered Tax and/or Contest Costs above the Retention (the costs of which Retention shall be paid as provided below), (B) (i) the insureds under the Insurance Policies have not recovered at least

 

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$16,664,000 in the aggregate (the “ Special Indemnity Cap ”) under the Insurance Policies or (ii) Columbia Casualty Company does not pay to the insureds the full amount of such Special Loss, subject to the Limit of Liability contained in the applicable Insurance Policy attached hereto as Exhibit B, due to the insolvency of Columbia Casualty Company, (C) at least one of the insureds under the Insurance Policies has pursued a claim for indemnification thereunder with respect to such Special Loss (which either has been partially or fully denied (provided that a reservation of rights shall not constitute a denial)) until (I) settled with, the insurers under the Insurance Policies with the consent of Audax Fund II, where consent of Audax Fund II is required under this Agreement, (II) arbitrated under the Insurance Policies, (III) otherwise arbitrated or litigated with a final determination, or (IV) the claim has not been paid in full due to the insolvency of one or more of the insurers under the Insurance Policies, (D) following the Closing, Buyer and the insureds under the Insurance Policies have complied with the terms of the Insurance Policies required to be performed by the insureds after the Closing, provided the failure to so comply shall not affect the indemnification obligation of Audax Fund II hereunder except to the extent that such failure resulted in the loss of rights of the insureds under the Insurance Policies to indemnification under the Insurance Policies, and (E) Buyer and the insureds under the Insurance Policies have complied with Sections 7.08(b)(i) and (ii)  of this Agreement, then Audax Fund II shall indemnify the Buyer Indemnitees and the insureds for such Special Loss; provided that the amount of such indemnity shall not exceed the Special Indemnity Cap less (i) any recovery by the insureds under the Insurance Policy issued by Columbia Casualty Company (attached hereto as Exhibit B) and (ii) the first $1,664,000 of any recovery by the insureds under the Insurance Policies issued by Lloyd’s Insurance and Aspen Insurance UK Ltd (attached hereto as Exhibit B). For the avoidance of doubt, Audax Fund II will not be liable under the preceding sentence for more than $16,664,000 in the aggregate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the obligations of Audax Fund II under this Section 9.13(a)  is, subject to the conditions of the first sentence of this Section 9.13(a) , absolute and unconditional, even if the basis for the insurers’ denial of indemnification and coverage of the insureds is due to the applicability of an exclusion under the Insurance Policies or due to a claim that the representations letter(s) delivered in connection with the Insurance Policies was untrue or inaccurate in any respect. The Retention shall be paid (i) 50% by Seller or Audax Fund II and (ii) 50% by Buyer or the insureds under the Insurance Policies. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the provisions of this Section 9.13(a) are not subject to any of the limitations set forth in Article IX (including Section 9.08 ); provided that this Section 9.13(a) shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Buyer Indemnitees with respect to matters covered by the Insurance Policies. The obligations of Audax Fund II under this Section 9.13(a) shall survive for the Policy Term; provided that, if a claim for indemnification under this Section 9.13(a) against Audax Fund II is made prior to the expiration of the Policy Term, then such claim, if then unresolved, shall not be extinguished by the expiration of such period and shall survive until such claim is finally resolved. Audax Fund II covenants and agrees that it will retain sufficient assets to satisfy its obligations under this Section 9.13(a) . To the extent Audax Fund II makes any payment under this Section 9.13(a) , the Buyer Indemnitees who are insureds under the Insurance Policies, if requested by Audax Fund II, shall pursue their legal rights and remedies under such Insurance Policies at the sole cost and expense of Audax Fund II, to the extent such insured’s rights and remedies (if any) have not been finally determined and to the extent such arrangement (and the Buyer Indemnitees obligations under this Section 9.13(a) ) are not prohibited by the Insurance Policies. If the Special Loss consisting of a Covered Tax and Contest Costs is less than the Special Indemnity Cap, and Audax Fund II pays all or a portion of such Special Loss to a Buyer Indemnitee or insureds and an insured under the Insurance Policies thereafter recovers from the insurers under the Insurance Policies amounts consisting of a Covered Tax and Contest Costs (but not for Gross Up as such term is defined in the Insurance Policies) such that the amount of recovery under the Insurance Policies plus the amount paid by Audax Fund II hereunder exceeds such Special Loss, then such insured will promptly pay over to Audax Fund II the recovery with respect to such Covered Tax and Contest Costs (but not for Gross Up as such term is defined in the Insurance Policies), but only up to the amounts paid by Audax Fund II with respect to such Special Loss.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in Section 9.13(a) , Buyer (and on behalf of the Buyer Indemnitees), by Buyer’s acceptance of the benefits under Section 9.13(a) , covenants, agrees and acknowledges that, no Person other than Audax Fund II shall have any obligation hereunder and that, notwithstanding that Audax Fund II is a partnership, no recourse under this Section 9.13(a) shall be had against any current or future officer, agent or employee of Audax Fund II, against any current or future general or limited partner of Audax Fund II or any current or future director, officer, employee, general or limited partner, member, affiliate or assignee of any of the foregoing whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any current or future officer, agent or employee of Audax Fund II or any current or future general or limited partner of Audax Fund II or any current or future director, officer, employee, general or limited partner, member, affiliate or assignee of any of the foregoing, as such, for any obligations of Audax Fund II under Section 9.13(a) or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.

ARTICLE X

DEFINITIONS

10.01 Definitions . For purposes hereof, the following terms, when used herein with initial capital letters, shall have the respective meanings set forth herein:

2007 Escrow Agreement ” means the Escrow Agreement, dated August 30, 2007, by and among the Company, Shareholder Representative and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

2007 Transmittal Letters ” means the Letters of Transmittal by and between Thermon Industries, Inc. and each of (a) George Alexander, (b) Roy E. Barth, (c) Rodney Bingham, (d) Mark R. Burdick, (e) Richard L. Burdick, (f) Beverly B. Childers, (g) Ken Conrick, (h) David Duval, (i) Richard Hageman, (j) Rob Leussink, (k) Brian McLennan, (l) Robert Mulder, (m) Byung Ho Park, (n) David Ralph, (o) Frank Rangel, (p) James Schubert, (q) Kevin Simpson, (r) Frank Lewis Smith, (s) Johannes van der Salm, (t) Gary Craig, (u) Kirk Dippel, (v) Alex Dolgoff, (w) Donny Hirsch, (x) William G. Huff, (y) Richard Hulett as Trustee for the Hulett Family 1994 Revocable Trust, (z) Paul Irwin, (aa) David Jevas, (bb) Sanrda L. Michalewicz, (cc) Kenneth O’Bryant, (dd) Sam Plamer, (ee) Paul J. Philipps as Trustee of the Phillips Family Trust, (ff) Eric Reitler, (gg) Paul Richtie, (hh) Scott Sandlin and (ii) John Schramm.

2008 Letter Agreement ” means the Letter Agreement, dated September 29, 2008, by and between the Company and Shareholder Representative.

2009 Letter Agreement ” means the Letter Agreement, dated February 25, 2009, by and between the Company and Shareholder Representative.

Accounts Receivable ” means all trade and other accounts and notes receivable owing to the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Accounting Firm ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(d) .

Acquisition Date ” means August 31, 2007.

 

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Adjustment Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(e) .

Adjustment Excess Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(f) .

Adjustment Escrow Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(e) .

Adjustment Escrow Amount ” shall mean the Adjustment Escrow Deposit Amount, less any distributions thereof in accordance with this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement.

Adjustment Escrow Deposit Amount ” means $3,500,000.

Adjustment Escrow Funds ” shall mean the amounts held in the Adjustment Escrow Account, including any dividends, interest, distributions and other income received in respect thereof, less any losses on investments thereof, less distributions thereof in accordance with this Agreement and the Adjustment Escrow Agreement.

Affiliate ” of any particular Person means any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such particular Person. For the purposes of this definition, “controlling,” “controlled” and “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, contract or otherwise.

Agreed Accounting Principles ” shall mean GAAP, as modified by the matters set forth on the attached Accounting Principles Schedule . For further clarification, if alternative methodologies exist for calculating asset and liability balances under GAAP, the methodology employed will be based on the Audited Financial Statements as modified by the Accounting Principles Schedule .

Alternative Arrangements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.07(a) .

Audax ” means Audax Management Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Audax Acquisition Documents ” means each of the Audax Merger Agreement, the 2007 Escrow Agreement, the 2008 Letter Agreement, the 2009 Letter Agreement, and the 2007 Transmittal Letters.

Audax Escrow Funds ” means the Indemnity Escrow Fund as defined pursuant to the 2007 Escrow Agreement, subject to the 2008 Letter Agreement and 2009 Letter Agreement.

Audax Fund II ” means Audax Private Equity Fund II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

Audax Merger Agreement ” means that certain Merger Agreement, dated July 10, 2007, by and among Company, Thermon Merger Corp., Thermon Industries, Inc., Richard L. Burdick, Burdick Interests, LTD, George Alexander, Rodney Bingham, Richard Hageman, David Ralph and TII Shareholder Representative, LLC, subject to the terms of the 2008 Letter Agreement and 2009 Letter Agreement.

Audax Restrictive Covenant Agreement ” means the Non-Solicitation and No-Hire Agreement, in the form of Exhibit J attached hereto, to be entered into by Buyer and Audax Fund II.

 

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Audit ” has the meaning set forth in the Insurance Policies.

Audited Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(a) .

Beneficial Seller ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals .

Bonding Arrangements ” means any performance, bid, payment or completion bonds, bank guarantees, sureties, letters of credit, customs bonds, bankers acceptances, indemnification agreements with respect thereto, or similar obligations and any agreement involving the issuance thereof, or any amendment, modification or renewal thereof.

Bonding Restricted Cash ” means all cash posted or otherwise used to secure Bonding Arrangements of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.

Bridge Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

Bridge Loans Commitment Letters ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

Buyer Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(a) .

Buyer’s Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02 .

Cash Increase Limit ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(a)(ii) .

Cash on Hand ” means, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, as of the close of business on the Closing Date (but before taking into account the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby) all cash (other than Bonding Restricted Cash), all cash equivalents, and marketable securities, in each case determined in accordance with the Agreed Accounting Principles, minus (i) the aggregate amount of outstanding checks (to the extent an amount corresponding to each such check has been released from accounts payable) issued by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing, any overdraft and charges, if any, with respect thereto, and minus (ii) the amount of any dividends declared but not yet paid with a record date on or prior to the Closing Date. Cash on Hand shall include checks, other wire transfers and drafts deposited or available for deposit for the account of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided that the accounts receivable reflected in the Closing Statement do not include amounts related to such checks, other wire transfers and drafts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash on Hand shall not include any Reserved Estimated Tax Payment Cash.

CERCLA ” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

CHS V ” means CHS Private Equity V LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03 .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03 .

Closing Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(c) .

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Company 401(k) Plan ” means the Thermon Industries, Inc. 401(k) Plan.

 

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Commitment Letters ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

Company’s Estimate ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(b) .

Company’s Knowledge ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03 .

Company Senior Debt ” shall mean all amounts owing (including any principal, premium, accrued and unpaid interest, related expenses, prepayment penalties, commitment and other fees, sale or liquidity participation amounts, reimbursements, and all other amounts payable in connection therewith) by the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to (i) that certain Credit Agreement, dated August 30, 2007, among Thermon Canada Inc. (as successor by amalgamation to Thermon Holdings ULC), the Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein), the Lenders (as defined therein), and CIT Financial Ltd., as administrative agent for the Lenders and as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined therein) as amended (the “ Canadian Credit Agreement ”), (ii) that certain Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated August 30, 2007, by and among the Company, Thermon Manufacturing Company, Thermon Holdings ULC (as predecessor-in-interest by amalgamation), CIT Lending Services Corporation, CIT Financial Ltd. and the other parties thereto, as amended (the “ CIT Revolver ”) and (iii) that certain Credit Agreement, dated August 30, 2007, among the Company, Seller, the Guarantors (as defined therein), the Lenders (as defined therein), and CIT Lending Services Corporation, as administrative agent for the Lenders and as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined therein), as amended (the “ U.S. Credit Agreement ”), other than any contingent guaranty obligations.

Company Senior Debt Payoff Amount ” means the amount due and owing indicated in the payoff letter delivered pursuant to Section 2.02(j)(vii)(A) , which is equal to the aggregate amount of Indebtedness relating to Company Senior Debt up to and including the Closing Date.

Company Shareholders ” shall mean as defined in the Audax Merger Agreement.

Confidentiality Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02 .

Contest Costs ” has the meaning set forth in the Insurance Policies.

Covered Tax ” has the meaning set forth in the Insurance Policies.

D&O Costs ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(b) .

D&O Expenses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(b) .

D&O Indemnified Person ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(a) .

D&O Indemnifiable Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(b) .

D&O Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(b) .

Debt Commitment Letters ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

Deductible ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(c)(ii) .

Demand Note ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c) .

Disclosed Consent ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.19 .

 

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Disputed Items ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(d) .

Environmental Laws ” means all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, regulations, ordinances, common law theories and other provisions having the force or effect of law, and all judicial and administrative orders and determinations that are binding upon the Company or its Subsidiaries, concerning pollution or protection of the environment and protection of occupational health and safety, as it relates to exposure to or the management of Hazardous Substances, including all those relating to the generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, discharge, release, threatened release, control, or cleanup of any Hazardous Substances, as such of the foregoing are promulgated and in effect on or prior to the Closing Date.

Environmental Permits ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(b) .

Equity Commitment Letters ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

ERISA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12(a) .

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which together with the Company or any Subsidiary is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.

Escrow Account ” means the account established by the Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement.

Escrow Agent ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Escrow Agreement ” means the Escrow Agreement, in the form of Exhibit K attached hereto, to be entered into by Buyer, Seller, and the Escrow Agent.

Escrow Amount ” means the sum of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit Amount and the Indemnity Escrow Deposit Amount.

Estimated Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(b) .

Excess Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(f) .

Final Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(e) .

Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(a) .

Foreign Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12(a) .

Fundamental Representations ” means Section 3.01 (Organization and Power; Audax Acquisition Documents), Section 3.02 (Execution and Delivery; Valid and Binding Agreement), Section 3.04 (Ownership), Section   4.01 (Organization and Corporate Power), Section 4.03(a) (Authorization), Section 4.04 (Capital Stock), and Section 4.22 (Brokerage and Expenses).

GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date hereof, applied in a manner consistent with those used in preparing the Company’s audited financial consolidated balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows for the fiscal year end March 31, 2009.

 

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Governmental Body ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government or quasi-governmental authority or any department, agency, commission, board, subdivision, bureau, agency, instrumentality, court or other tribunal of any of the foregoing.

Hazardous Substance ” means any substance or material that is regulated as a toxic or hazardous substance or waste, or as a pollutant, contaminant or infectious waste, or terms of similar meaning and regulatory effect under any Environmental Law, including asbestos, lead, petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas or synthetic fuels), polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas and other radioactive materials.

HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

Income Taxes ” means any net income, franchise, net profits, excess profits, or similar Taxes measured in whole or in part on the basis of net income.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, (i) the principal amount of all indebtedness for borrowed money owed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to Seller or a third Person, whether current or funded, or secured or unsecured, (ii) any obligation to Seller or a third Person evidenced by any note, bond, debenture or other debt security, (iii) any obligation to Seller or a third Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services, including all earn-out or other similar contingent payment obligations (other than trade payables and other current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business), (iv) any obligations under leases which have been, or must be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases, (v) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired (even though the rights and remedies of seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (vi) all indebtedness secured by a purchase money mortgage or other Lien to secure all or part of the purchase price of the property subject to such mortgage or Lien, (vii) all indebtedness of third Persons which is directly or indirectly guaranteed by the Company or its Subsidiaries (contingently or otherwise) (excluding corporate credit cards of employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries), (ix) any unpaid premium liability with respect to the pre-Closing period for the insurance policy that funds the Thermon Europe B.V//Thermon Benelux Pension Plan to the extent not included on Closing Statement, and (x) any fees, penalties, premiums or accrued and unpaid interest, or other expenses with respect to the foregoing, including prepayment penalties and consent fees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness does not include (A) any lease obligations that are not, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases, (B) any intercompany obligations between or among the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including obligations solely between or among Subsidiaries) and (C) any Bonding Arrangements (other than any Bonding Arrangements drawn prior to Closing and which have not been reimbursed).

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.05(a) .

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.05(a) .

Indemnity Escrow Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(f) .

Indemnity Escrow Amount ” shall mean the Indemnity Escrow Deposit Amount, less any distributions thereof in accordance with this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement.

Indemnity Escrow Deposit Amount ” means $11,625,000.

 

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Indemnity Escrow Funds ” means the amounts held in the Indemnity Escrow Account, including any dividends, interest, distributions and other income received in respect thereof, less any losses on investment thereof, less distributions thereof in accordance with this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement.

Insurance Policies ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(h) .

Intellectual Property ” means (i) Patents, (ii) Trademarks, (iii) copyrightable works, copyrights and copyright registrations, and (iv) trade secrets and other confidential information.

Inventory ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(e) .

Latest Balance Sheet ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(a) .

Laws ” means all applicable federal, state, local, provincial and other laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, administrative or judicial orders, decrees or decisions, and the common law.

Leased Real Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.07(c) .

Liability ” means any liability, obligation, debt or commitment of any kind or nature, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due.

Liens ” means any lien, mortgage, security interest, pledge deposit, encumbrance, charge, security interest, adverse claim, community property interest, option, warrant, right of first refusal, easement, license, servitude, deed of trust, right of way, zoning or other similar restriction.

Limited Guaranty ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.12 .

Loss ” means any loss, damage, penalty, fine, cost (but not including any opportunity cost), settlement payment, Liability, Taxes, fee (including any reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees and expenses), expense, deficiency, award, judgment or other charge (including amounts paid in investigation, defense or settlement of any of the foregoing).

Lower End Net Working Capital Target ” means $45,450,000.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any effect, change, event, occurrence, development or circumstance that, individually or in the aggregate, has a materially adverse effect upon the business, assets, results of operations or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, but excluding (and none of the following shall be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect) any effect, change, development or circumstance resulting or arising from (i) any general deterioration in the economy affecting the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate, provided that such change or deterioration does not have a disproportional impact on the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) financial, banking, or securities markets (including any disruption thereof and any decline in the price of any security or any market index), (iii) the announcement or pendency of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) any matter set forth in the disclosure schedules attached hereto or (v) compliance with the terms of, or the taking of any action required by, this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby.

Material Contract ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09(c) .

 

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Minor Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(c)(i) .

Monthly Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.07 .

Net Working Capital ” means (i) all current assets (excluding Cash On Hand) of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the close of business on the Closing Date (but before taking into account the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby), minus (ii) all current liabilities (excluding any items constituting Indebtedness or Seller Transaction Expenses) of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the close of business on the Closing Date (but before taking into account the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby), in each case using the same line items set forth on the Accounting Principles Schedule and calculated in accordance with the Agreed Accounting Principles. For the avoidance of doubt, the determination of the Estimated Purchase Price and Final Purchase Price and the preparation of the Closing Statement shall take into account only those components ( i.e. , line items) and adjustments reflected on the Accounting Principles Schedule . Further to the preceding sentence, the calculation of Estimated Purchase Price shall be determined, and any such calculation of Final Purchase Price on the Closing Statement shall be determined, in accordance with the Agreed Accounting Principles, and without duplication to any items counted in the computation of Seller Transaction Expenses. The parties agree that the purpose of preparing and calculating the Net Working Capital hereunder is to measure changes in Net Working Capital without the introduction of new or different accounting methods, policies, practices, procedures, classifications, judgments or estimation methodologies from the Agreed Accounting Principles.

Objections Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(d) .

Owned Real Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.07(b) .

Patent ” means United States, foreign, and international patent applications, utility model applications and patents, as well as all related reissues, divisions, re-examinations, renewals, extensions, provisionals, continuations, and continuations-in-part, and equivalent or other similar rights anywhere in the world in inventions and discoveries including invention disclosures.

Payoff Document ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(j)(vii) .

Pension Plans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12(a) .

Permit ” means an permit, license, certifications, registrations, identifications, authorizations, numbers, variances, adjusted standards, orders or consent issued or required by any Governmental Body or pursuant to any Law.

Permitted Liens ” means (i) statutory Liens for current Taxes or other governmental charges not yet due and payable or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries and for which appropriate reserves have been established on the Company’s books and in its financial statements in accordance with GAAP, (ii) mechanic’s, carriers’, workers’, repairers’ and similar statutory Liens arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business for amounts which are not delinquent and which are not, individually or in the aggregate, significant, (iii) zoning, entitlement, building and other land use regulations imposed by a Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property which are not violated by the current use and operation of the Owned Real Property and Leased Real Property, (iv) covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements and other similar matters of record affecting title to the Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property which do not materially impair the occupancy or use of the Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property for the purposes for which it is currently used or proposed

 

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to be used in connection with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ businesses, (v) public roads and highways, (vi) Liens arising under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security, retirement and similar legislation, (vii) nonexclusive Intellectual Property licenses granted by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and (xi) those matters identified on the attached Permitted Liens Schedule .

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

Plans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12(a) .

Policy Term ” has the meaning set forth in the Insurance Policies.

Post-Closing Tax Period ” means any taxable period or portion of a taxable period that is not a Pre-Closing Tax Period.

Pre-Closing Tax Period ” means any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date and the portion of any Straddle Period up to and including the Closing Date.

Proceeding ” means any proceeding, action, suit, litigation, hearing, audit, investigation, arbitration, mediation, requests for information, charge, complaint, demand (in each case, whether civil, criminal, or administrative) commenced, conducted, heard or pending by or before any Governmental Body, arbitrator or mediator.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(a) .

Registered Intellectual Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10 .

Remaining Adjustment Escrow Funds ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(f) .

Revolver Commitment Letter ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

Revolver Lenders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

Revolver Loans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08 .

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

Seller Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 .

Seller Transaction Expenses ” means (i) the aggregate fees and expenses of the Company relating to the transactions contemplated hereby to (A) Jefferies & Company, Inc. and WY Campbell & Company for investment banking services for the Company and (B) Kirkland & Ellis LLP for legal services to the Company, and (C) Ernst & Young LLP for tax and accounting services to the Company and (D) any other advisors, in each case for clauses (A), (B), (C), & (D) above to the extent unpaid at the time of determination (which, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, shall be the Closing Date) and to the extent related to the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) all obligations to pay special bonuses or other similar forms of compensation to directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents payable in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, such bonuses shall not include annual bonuses or other annual incentive compensation) (provided that an accrual of such annual bonuses or other annual incentive compensation to the extent then earned shall be set forth on the Closing Statement).

 

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Senior Executives ” means each of Rodney Bingham, George Alexander and Rene van der Salm.

Senior Executive Agreements ” means the manager equity agreement and securityholder agreement dated as of the date of this Agreement and executed by each of the Senior Executives, a copy of each of which fully-executed agreement has provided to Seller.

Shareholder Representative ” shall mean as defined in the Audax Merger Agreement.

Special Loss ” shall have the meaning given to the term “Loss” in the Insurance Policies.

Special Indemnity Cap ”shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.13(a) .

Straddle Period ” means any taxable period beginning on or prior to and ending after the Closing Date.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interests thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control the managing director, managing member, general partner or other managing Person of such partnership, association or other business entity. Unless the context requires otherwise, each reference to a Subsidiary shall be deemed to be a reference to a Subsidiary of the Company.

Tax ” or “ Taxes ” means any federal, state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real property, ad valorem/personal property, stamp, excise, occupation, sales, use, transfer, value added, customs, alternative minimum, estimated or other tax, assessment, duty, fee, levy or other governmental charge, including any interest, penalty or addition thereto.

“Tax Authority ” means any Governmental Body or any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental or private body having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or imposition of any Tax.

Tax Indemnity ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(a)(ix)

Tax Return ” means any return, report, declaration, claim for refund, information return or other document (including schedules or any related or supporting information) filed or required to be filed with any governmental entity or other authority in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Tax or the administration of any Laws relating to any Tax.

Third Party Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.05(a) .

 

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Trademarks ” means all trademarks, service marks, logos, trade dress and trade names (including all assumed and fictitious names, together with all goodwill associated therewith (including all translations, adaptations, deviations and combinations of the foregoing), whether registered or unregistered, and all registrations, pending applications and renewals for any of the foregoing.

Transaction Tax Benefit ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.09(b) .

Transaction Tax Deductions ” means any item of loss, deduction, or credit resulting from or attributable to (i) any employee bonuses or other compensation paid by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on or before the Closing Date in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, (ii) any Seller Transaction Expenses that are properly deductible by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Tax purposes, and (iii) any unamortized (as of immediately prior to the Closing) capitalized debt costs or debt prepayment fees or penalties, in each case to the extent Buyer and Seller agree it is more likely than not that such amounts are deductible for tax purposes by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the Pre-Closing Tax Period (the " MLTN Standard "). Within 30 days following the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a schedule setting forth the Transaction Tax Deductions (the “ Deduction Statement ”), along with the backup or supporting data and documentation used in the preparation thereof. If Buyer has any objections to the Deduction Statement, it shall inform the Seller, in writing, within 45 days after receiving the Deduction Statement. Seller and Buyer shall negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute and the Deduction Statement shall be modified accordingly. If the Seller and Buyer do not reach a final resolution within ninety (90) days after the Seller's delivery of the Deduction Statement, Seller and Buyer shall submit any unresolved items to a mutually agreed upon nationally recognized accounting firm (the " MLTN Accounting Firm "). The determinations made by the MLTN Accounting Firm shall be final, binding and non-appealable by the parties hereto. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with (i) the preparation, negotiation or review of the Deduction Statement and (ii) the resolution of such disputed items by the MLTN Accounting Firm. The fees and expenses of the MLTN Accounting Firm shall be allocated between Seller and Buyer so that Seller’s or Buyer’s share of such MLTN Accounting Firm’s fees and expenses shall be equal to the product of (i) and (ii), where (i) is the aggregate amount of such fees and expenses and where (ii) is a fraction, the numerator of which is (A) for the Seller, the aggregate dollar amount of items disputed by Buyer that do not meet the MLTN Standard (as determined by the MLTN Accounting Firm) and (B) for Buyer, the aggregate dollar amount of items disputed by Buyer that do meet the MLTN Standard (as determined by the MLTN Accounting Firm) and the denominator, in each case, of which is the aggregate dollar amount of items disputed by Buyer.

Transfer Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.09(d) .

Unaudited Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(a) .

Unitholder ” means any holder of units of Seller.

Unitholder’s Holdback Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.12 .

Upper End Net Working Capital Target ” means $45,950,000.

“WARN Act” means, collectively, the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and any and all comparable applicable Laws, each as amended from time to time, and any regulations, rules or guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

Welfare Plans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12(a) .

 

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10.02 Other Definitional Provisions .

(a) All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, disclosure schedules, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Exhibits, disclosure schedules, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Articles, Sections, subsections or other subdivisions of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement, and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof.

(b) Exhibits and disclosure schedules to this Agreement are attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein for all purposes.

(c) The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The words “this Article,” “this Section” and “this subsection,” and words of similar import, refer only to the Article, Section or subsection hereof in which such words occur. The word “including” (in its various forms) means including without limitation.

(d) All references to “$” and dollars shall be deemed to refer to United States currency unless otherwise specifically provided.

(e) Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

11.01 Press Releases and Communications . No press release or public announcement related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or prior to the Closing, any other announcement or communication to the employees, clients or suppliers of the Company, shall be issued or made by any party hereto without the joint approval of Buyer and Seller, unless required by Law (in the reasonable opinion of counsel) in which case Buyer and Seller shall have the right to review such press release, announcement or communication prior to its issuance, distribution or publication; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not restrict or prohibit the Company from making an announcement to its employees, customers and other business relations to the extent the Company reasonably determines in good faith that such announcement is necessary or advisable and, in the event, any such announcement will be in writing, the proposed announcement shall be provided to Buyer and Seller for their respective approval, which shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed; provided further that such announcement by the Company shall not disclose the Purchase Price. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that Audax, Code Hennessy & Simmons, LLC and their respective Affiliates (except for the Company and its Subsidiaries) may provide general information about the subject matter of this Agreement and the Company and its Subsidiaries (including its and their performance and improvements) in connection with their or their Affiliates’ fund raising, marketing, informational or reporting activities. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall Buyer or, after the Closing, the Company have any right to use Audax’ name or mark, or any abbreviation, variation or derivative thereof, in any press release, public announcement or other public document or communication without the express written consent of Audax.

 

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11.02 Expenses . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein (including Section 2.03(h) ), each party shall pay its own fees and expenses (including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees and expenses) in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (whether consummated or not).

11.03 Knowledge Defined . For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ the Company’s Knowledge ” as used herein shall mean the actual knowledge of the following executive officers of the Company: George Alexander, Rodney Bingham, Richard Hageman, David Ralph, Rene van der Salm, Jim Schubert, Fred Schulte, Sarah Alexander and Beverly Childers, after making a reasonable inquiry of those officers, directors and key management employees who could reasonably be expected to have actual knowledge of the matters in question.

11.04 Notices . All notices, demands and other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when personally delivered, (b) when transmitted via telecopy (or other facsimile device) to the number set out below if the sender on the same day sends a confirming copy of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery service (charges prepaid), (c) the day following the day (except if not a business day then the next business day) on which the same has been delivered prepaid to a reputable national overnight air courier service or (d) the third business day following the day on which the same is sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid. Notices, demands and communications, in each case to the respective parties, shall be sent to the applicable address set forth below, unless another address has been previously specified in writing:

Notices to Buyer (and, after the Closing, the Company) :

Thermon Group, Inc.

c/o Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC

10 South Wacker Drive

Suite 3175

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Facsimile: (312) 876-3854

Attn:    Daniel J. Hennessy

            Marcus J. George

            Laura L. Lester

            Nicholas M. Mellors

with a copy to:

Sidley Austin LLP

One South Dearborn

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Facsimile No.: (312) 853-7036

Attn:    Jeffrey N. Smith

            Dirk W. Andringa

 

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Notices to Seller :

Thermon Holdings, LLC

c/o Audax Management Company, LLC

101 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

Telephone: (617) 859-1500

Facsimile: (617) 859-1600

Attn:     Oliver C. Ewald

             Donald G. Bramley

             Steven R. Loose

with a copy to :

Kirkland & Ellis LLP 3

00 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654 F

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Attn:     Jeffrey Seifman, P.C.

             Robert A. Wilson

Notices to Company (prior to the Closing) :

Thermon Holding Corp.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Telephone: (512) 396 5801

Facsimile: (512) 754 2434

Attn:     Rodney Bingham

with a copy to :

Audax Management Company, LLC

101 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

Facsimile: (617) 859-1600

Attn:    General Counsel

and :

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

300 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Attn:    Jeffrey Seifman, P.C.

 

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Notices to Audax and Audax Fund II :

Audax Management Company, LLC

101 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

Facsimile: (617) 859-1600

Attn:    Oliver Ewald

with a copy to :

Audax Management Company, LLC

101 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

Facsimile: (617) 859-1600

Attn:    General Counsel

and :

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

300 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

Attn:    Jeffrey Seifman, P.C.

11.05 Assignment . This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned or delegated by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Buyer may assign this Agreement to (a) any Subsidiary of Buyer, (b) any purchaser of all or substantially all of Buyer’s assets or (c) to any lender to Buyer or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof as security for obligations to such lender in respect of the financing arrangements entered into in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and any refinancings, extensions, refundings or renewals thereof, provided that no assignment to any such Subsidiary, purchaser or lender shall in any way affect Buyer’s obligations or liabilities under this Agreement and (ii) after the Closing, Seller may assign this Agreement to any of its beneficial owners or successors by operation of law, provided that no such assignment shall in any way affect Sellers’ obligations or liabilities under this Agreement.

11.06 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and the parties shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any prohibited or invalid provision with an effective and valid provision that gives effect to the intent of the parties to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law.

11.07 No Strict Construction . The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction

 

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shall be applied against any Person. The disclosure schedules attached to this Agreement have been arranged for purposes of convenience in separately titled sections corresponding to sections of this Agreement; provided however, each section of the disclosure schedules shall be deemed to incorporate by reference all information disclosed in any other section of the disclosure schedules only to the extent the applicable information disclosed in such other section of the disclosure is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure schedule with respect to such disclosure. Capitalized terms used in the disclosure schedules hereto and not otherwise defined therein have the meanings given to them in this Agreement. The specification of any dollar amount or the inclusion of any item in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or the disclosure schedules or Exhibits attached hereto is not intended to imply that the amounts, or higher or lower amounts, or the items so included, or other items, are or are not required to be disclosed (including, without limitation, whether such amounts or items are required to be disclosed as material or threatened) or are within or outside of the ordinary course of business, and no party shall use the fact of the setting of the amounts or the fact of the inclusion of any item in this Agreement or the disclosure schedules or Exhibits hereto in any dispute or controversy between the parties as to whether any obligation, item or matter not described or included in this Agreement or in any disclosure schedule or Exhibit is or is not required to be disclosed (including whether the amount or items are required to be disclosed as material or threatened) or is within or outside of the ordinary course of business for purposes of this Agreement. The information contained in this Agreement and in the disclosure schedules and Exhibits hereto is disclosed solely for purposes of this Agreement, and no information contained herein or therein shall be deemed to be an admission by any party hereto to any third party of any matter whatsoever (including, without limitation, any violation of Law or breach of contract).

11.08 Amendment and Waiver . Any provision of this Agreement or the disclosure schedules or Exhibits hereto may be amended or waived only in a writing signed by Buyer, the Company and Seller. No waiver of any provision hereunder or any breach or default thereof shall extend to or affect in any way any other provision or prior or subsequent breach or default.

11.09 Complete Agreement . This Agreement and the documents referred to herein (including the Confidentiality Agreement) contain the complete agreement between the parties hereto and supersede any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

11.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including by means of telecopied signature pages or electronic transmission in portable document format (pdf)), any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

11.11 Governing Law . All matters relating to the interpretation, construction, validity and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic Laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of Laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

11.12 CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS . SUBJECT TO SECTION 1.02 (WHICH SHALL GOVERN ANY DISPUTE ARISING THEREUNDER), THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE COURTS LOCATED IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE OR THE COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES LOCATED IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE IN RESPECT OF THE INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED AGREEMENT, CERTIFICATE OR OTHER DOCUMENT DELIVERED IN CONNECTION

 

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HEREWITH AND BY THIS AGREEMENT WAIVE, AND AGREE NOT TO ASSERT, ANY DEFENSE IN ANY ACTION FOR THE INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED AGREEMENT, CERTIFICATE OR OTHER DOCUMENT DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, THAT THEY ARE NOT SUBJECT THERETO OR THAT SUCH ACTION MAY NOT BE BROUGHT OR IS NOT MAINTAINABLE IN SUCH COURTS OR THAT THIS AGREEMENT MAY NOT BE ENFORCED IN OR BY SUCH COURTS OR THAT THEIR PROPERTY IS EXEMPT OR IMMUNE FROM EXECUTION, THAT THE ACTION IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM, OR THAT THE VENUE OF THE ACTION IS IMPROPER. SERVICE OF PROCESS WITH RESPECT THERETO MAY BE MADE UPON BUYER BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO SUCH PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 11.04 . PARTIES TO THE DEBT COMMITMENT LETTERS SHALL BE THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF THIS SECTION 11.12 .

11.13 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II) EACH SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) EACH SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (IV) EACH SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 11.13 .

11.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries . No Person other than the parties hereto shall have any rights, remedies, obligations or benefits under any provision of this Agreement, other than Section 9.02 , Section 9.03 , and Section 11.12 (each to the extent provided therein), except for (i) the directors and officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries solely with respect to Section 7.03 , (ii) Audax and Code, Hennessy & Simmons, LLC solely with respect to Section 11.01 , and (iii) Audax Fund II solely with respect to Section 7.08 , Section 9.06 and Section 9.13 .

11.15 Representation of Seller and its Affiliates . Buyer agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Buyer Indemnitees, that, following the Closing, Kirkland & Ellis LLP may serve as counsel to Seller and its Affiliates in connection with any matters related to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including any litigation, claim or obligation arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement notwithstanding any representation by Kirkland & Ellis LLP prior to the Closing Date of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries. Buyer and the Company (on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) hereby (i) waive any claim they have or may have that Kirkland & Ellis LLP has a conflict of interest or is otherwise prohibited from engaging in such representation and (ii) agree that, in the event that a dispute arises after the Closing between Buyer, the Company or any Subsidiary and Seller or any of its Affiliates, Kirkland & Ellis LLP may represent Seller or any of its Affiliates in such dispute even though the interests of such Person(s) may be directly adverse to Buyer, the Company or its Subsidiaries and even though Kirkland & Ellis LLP may have represented the Company or its Subsidiaries in a matter substantially related to such dispute. Buyer and the Company (on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) also further agree that, as to all communications among Kirkland & Ellis LLP and the Company, its Subsidiaries, and Seller or Seller’s Affiliates and

 

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representatives, that relate in any way to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the attorney-client privilege and the expectation of client confidence belongs to Seller and may be controlled by Seller and shall not pass to or be claimed by Buyer, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a dispute arises between Buyer, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and a third party other than a party to this Agreement after the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries may assert the attorney-client privilege to prevent disclosure of confidential communications by Kirkland & Ellis LLP to such third party; provided, however, that neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary may waive such privilege without the prior written consent of Seller.

11.16 No Additional Representations; Disclaimer .

(a) Buyer acknowledges that it has conducted to its satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of the financial condition, results of operations, assets, Liabilities, properties and projected operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and, in making its determination to proceed with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Buyer has relied on the results of its own independent investigation and verification and the representations and warranties of the Company and Seller expressly and specifically set forth in Article III and Article IV (and the covenants of the Company set forth in Section 6.07 ), as qualified by the attached disclosure schedules (and updated disclosure schedules). The representations and warranties of Seller and the Company expressly and specifically set forth in Article III and Article IV (and the covenants of the Company set forth in Section 6.07 ) constitute the sole and exclusive representations, warranties and statements of any kind of any of the Company and Seller to Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and Buyer understands, acknowledges and agrees that all other representations, warranties and statements of any kind or nature expressed or implied (including any relating to the future or historical financial condition, results of operations, prospects, assets or liabilities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or the quality, quantity or condition of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets) are specifically disclaimed by the Company and Seller. EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND SELLER MADE IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY CONTAINED IN SECTION 6.07 , NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR SELLER MAKES OR PROVIDES, AND BUYER HEREBY WAIVES, ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, CONFORMITY TO SAMPLES, OR CONDITION OF THE COMPANY’S OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES’ ASSETS OR ANY PART THEREOF. BUYER SPECIFICALLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER OR THE COMPANY SET FORTH IN ARTICLE III AND ARTICLE IV , THE COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY CONTAINED IN SECTION 6.07 , (X) BUYER IS ACQUIRING THE COMPANY ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS AND (Y) NONE OF THE COMPANY, SELLER OR ANY OTHER PERSON (INCLUDING, ANY STOCKHOLDER, MEMBER, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING, WHETHER IN ANY INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATE OR ANY OTHER CAPACITY) IS MAKING, AND BUYER IS NOT RELYING ON, ANY REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OR OTHER STATEMENTS OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, AS TO ANY MATTER CONCERNING THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, OR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED TO (OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRED BY) BUYER OR ANY OF BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVES.

(b) In connection with the investigation by Buyer of the Company and its Subsidiaries, Buyer has received or may receive from the Company and/or its Subsidiaries certain projections, forward-looking statements and other forecasts and certain business plan information. Buyer acknowledges that there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such estimates, projections and

 

65


other forecasts and plans, that Buyer is familiar with such uncertainties, that Buyer is taking full responsibility for making its own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, prospects and other forecasts and plans so furnished to it (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections, forecasts or plans), and that Buyer shall have no claim against anyone with respect thereto. Accordingly, Buyer acknowledges that neither the Company, Seller, nor any member, officer, director, employee or agent of any of the foregoing, whether in an individual, corporate or any other capacity, make any representation, warranty, or other statement with respect to, and Buyer is not relying on, such estimates, projections, prospects, forecasts or plans (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections, prospects, forecasts or plans), and Buyer agrees that it has not relied thereon.

11.17 Conflict Between Transaction Documents . The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that to the extent any terms and provisions of this Agreement are in any way inconsistent with or in conflict with any term, condition or provision of any other agreement, document or instrument contemplated hereby, this Agreement shall govern and control.

11.18 Specific Performance . The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by a party in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached by a party. It is accordingly agreed that each party hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement by another party hereto and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof against another party hereto in any court having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which a party hereto is entitled at law or in equity.

11.19 Consents . Buyer agrees and acknowledges that Seller shall have no liability whatsoever to Buyer Indemnitees (and Buyer Indemnitees shall not be entitled to assert any claims) arising out of or relating to the failure to obtain a consent that is (i) set forth on the Authorization Schedule (a “ Disclosed Consent ”) if such Disclosed Consent was not obtained and Buyer knowingly elected to proceed with the Closing or (ii) not required to be disclosed on the Authorization Schedule . Buyer further agrees that no representation, warranty or covenant of the Company contained herein shall be breached or deemed breached and no condition of Buyer shall be deemed not to be satisfied as a result of the failure to obtain any such consent or as a result of any such default, acceleration or termination or any lawsuit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation commenced or threatened by or on behalf of any Person arising out of or relating to the failure to obtain any such Disclosed Consent or any such default, acceleration or termination.

*    *    *    *    *

 

66


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Stock Purchase Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

SELLER:
THERMON HOLDINGS, LLC
  By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
COMPANY:
THERMON HOLDING CORP.
  By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
BUYER:
THERMON GROUP, INC.
  By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

  Name:   Marcus J. George
  Title:   Vice President


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this signature page to the Stock Purchase Agreement on the day and year first above written to evidence its agreement to be a party to and bound solely by the provisions of Section 9.13 of the Stock Purchase Agreement and a beneficiary of the provisions under Section 11.14 of the Stock Purchase Agreement as set forth therein.

 

AUDAX PRIVATE EQUITY FUND II, L.P.
  By:  

Audax Private Equity Business II, L.P.

  Its:   General Partner
  By:  

Audax Holdings I, L.L.C.

  Its:   General Partner
  By:  

/s/ Oliver C. Ewald

  Name:   Oliver C. Ewald
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

EXHIBIT 2.2

FIRST AMENDMENT TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is made as of April 28, 2010 by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Thermon Group, Inc. (“ Buyer ”).

WHEREAS, Seller, the Company and Buyer entered into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2010 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”) (capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement);

WHEREAS, Section 11.08 of the Purchase Agreement provides that the Purchase Agreement may be amended only in a writing signed by Buyer, the Company and Seller;

WHEREAS, Section 2.02(h) of the Purchase Agreement provides that, among other Closing conditions, the Insurance Policies, in the form attached thereto as Exhibit B , shall have been duly executed by the parties thereto;

WHEREAS, Section 6.01(d) of the Purchase Agreement provides that, prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall enter into the Intercompany Agreement with Thermon Canada, Inc. in the form attached thereto as Exhibit H and shall deliver a copy of such fully-executed Intercompany Agreement to Buyer and shall comply with the terms thereof; and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Purchase Agreement to amend and replace the Insurance Policies and the Intercompany Agreement, and to clarify certain matters with respect to the treatment of Bonus Investment Amounts (hereinafter defined).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals, which by this reference are incorporated herein and made a substantive part hereof, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Insurance Policies . The form of Insurance Policies shall be amended and replaced in its entirety with the revised form of Insurance Policies attached hereto as Exhibit B , and such revised form of Insurance Policies shall be the “ Insurance Policies .”

 

2. Intercompany Agreement . The form of Intercompany Agreement shall be amended and replaced it its entirety with the revised form of Intercompany Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit H , and such revised form of Intercompany Agreement shall be the “ Intercompany Agreement .”

 

3.

Treatment of Bonus Investment Amounts . Any payable recorded on the books of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries holding funds on behalf of any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries relating to such employee’s investment in Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. in connection with such employee’s transaction bonus (such funds, being “ Bonus Investment Amounts ”) shall be excluded from the calculation of Net Working Capital and the Bonus


 

Investment Amounts shall not constitute Cash on Hand. Furthermore, the Bonus Investment Amounts shall not be used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any purpose prior to the Closing including, without limitation, payment of Seller Transaction Expenses or Indebtedness. Similarly, the US $50,000 (or the AUD equivalent thereof) held by Thermon Australia Pty., Ltd. and contemplated to be paid to its employee Danny Phillips as a transaction bonus (which payment will not occur until after the Closing Date and the after-tax amount of which will be reinvested in Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. as a condition to the receipt of such bonus by Mr. Phillips) shall be excluded from the calculation of Net Working Capital (including any related payable or other related liability) and shall not constitute Cash on Hand.

 

4. Ratification . Except as expressly modified and amended by the provisions of this Amendment, all provisions of the Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

 

5. Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Amendment shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Amendment is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Amendment, and the parties shall amend or otherwise modify this Amendment to replace any prohibited or invalid provision with an effective and valid provision that gives effect to the intent of the parties to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law.

 

6. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any multiple counterparts (including by means of telecopied signature pages or electronic transmission in portable document format (pdf)), any one of which need not contain the signature of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

7. Subject to Provisions of Purchase Agreement . This Amendment shall be subject to the provisions of Article XI of the Purchase Agreement as if this Amendment were the Purchase Agreement.

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

SELLER :

 

THERMON HOLDINGS, LLC

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

 

COMPANY :

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

 

BUYER :

By:  

/s/ Laura Lester

Name:  

Laura Lester

Title:  

Vice President

EXHIBIT 2.3

Execution Version

AMENDMENT TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT TO THE STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is made as of July 12, 2010 by and among Thermon Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Thermon Group, Inc. (“ Buyer ”).

WHEREAS, Seller, the Company and Buyer entered into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2010 (as previously amended or otherwise modified, the “ Purchase Agreement ”) (capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement);

WHEREAS, Section 11.08 of the Purchase Agreement provides that the Purchase Agreement may be amended only in a writing signed by Buyer, the Company and Seller; and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Purchase Agreement as set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals, which by this reference are incorporated herein and made a substantive part hereof, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendment of Section 6.01(f) . The second sentence of Section 6.01(f) shall be amended and replaced in its entirety as follows:

The Company will promptly, but in any event by June 30, 2011, determine the actual amount of Income Tax liability applicable to April 2010 for such Subsidiaries, which determination will be subject to Seller's approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and will pay in cash any such amounts to Seller to the extent the Reserved Estimated Tax Payment Cash plus any Income Tax payments made for April 2010 prior to the Closing with respect to such Subsidiaries exceed the actual amount of Income Tax allocable to such period with respect to such Subsidiaries set forth on the April and May 2010 Estimated Tax Payments Schedule .

 

2. Ratification . Except as expressly modified and amended by the provisions of this Amendment, all provisions of the Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

 

3. Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Amendment shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Amendment is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Amendment, and the parties shall amend or otherwise modify this Amendment to replace any prohibited or invalid provision with an effective and valid provision that gives effect to the intent of the parties to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law.


4. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any multiple counterparts (including by means of telecopied signature pages or electronic transmission in portable document format (pdf)), any one of which need not contain the signature of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

5. Subject to Provisions of Purchase Agreement . This Amendment shall be subject to the provisions of Article XI of the Purchase Agreement as if this Amendment were the Purchase Agreement.

[ Signature page follows ]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

SELLER :
THERMON HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Oliver C. Ewald

Name:  

Oliver Ewald

Title:  

 

COMPANY :
THERMON HOLDING CORP.
By:  

/s/ George P. Alexander

Name:  

George P. Alexander

Title:  

Senior VP, Eastern Hemisphere

BUYER :
THERMON GROUP, INC.
By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

Name:  

Marcus J. George

Title:  

Vice President

EXHIBIT 2.4

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated effective as of April 30, 2010 (this “ Plan of Merger ”), is entered into by and between THERMON FINANCE, INC., a Texas corporation (“ Thermon Finance ”), and THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC., a Texas corporation (“ Thermon Industries ”). Thermon Finance and Thermon Industries are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Merging Corporations .”

RECITALS AND DECLARATIONS

W HEREAS , Thermon Finance is a for-profit corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Texas;

W HEREAS , Thermon Industries is a for-profit corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Texas;

W HEREAS , the sole shareholder and board of directors of Thermon Finance, and the sole shareholder and board of directors of Thermon Industries each deem it advisable and in the best interest of the Merging Corporations for Thermon Finance to be merged with and into Thermon Industries (the “ Merger ”), with Thermon Industries being the surviving corporation of the Merger (the “ Surviving Corporation ”); and

W HEREAS , the sole shareholder and board of directors of Thermon Finance, and the sole shareholder and board of directors of Thermon Industries have each duly approved this Plan of Merger;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

THE MERGER AND NAME OF SURVIVING CORPORATION

At the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined), Thermon Finance shall be merged with and into Thermon Industries. At the Effective Time, the separate existence of Thermon Finance shall cease, and Thermon Industries, as the Surviving Corporation, shall carry on its business and shall continue its existence as a Texas for-profit corporation. The Surviving Corporation shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, shall continue its existence under the name “Thermon Industries, Inc.,” and shall maintain a registered office in the State of Texas at c/o CT Corporation System, 350 N. St. Paul Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.

ARTICLE 2

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE MERGER

The terms and conditions of the Merger are (in addition to those set forth elsewhere in this Plan of Merger) as follows:

2.1 Effective Time of Merger . Subject to the terms and upon satisfaction of all requirements of law and the conditions specified in this Plan of Merger, the Merger shall become effective, and the effective time of the Merger shall occur at the date and time the Certificate of Merger filed with respect to the Merger is accepted by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas (the “ Effective Time ”).

 

- 1 -


2.2 Effects of Merger . At the Effective Time of the Merger:

2.2.1. The separate existence of Thermon Finance shall cease, and the Surviving Corporation shall be deemed a continuation in entity and identity of each of the Merging Corporations. The directors and officers of Thermon Industries immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation.

2.2.2. The Surviving Corporation shall thereupon and thereafter possess all the rights, privileges, powers, immunities, purposes and franchises of a public as well as of a private nature, and be subject to all the restrictions, disabilities and duties of each Merging Corporation; each and all of the rights, privileges, powers, immunities, purposes and franchises of each Merging Corporation, and all real property and personal property, tangible and intangible, of every kind and description, and all debts due to any Merging Corporation on whatever account, including all other things in action or belonging to each Merging Corporation shall be vested in the Surviving Corporation; and all property, rights, privileges, powers, immunities, purposes and franchises, and all and every other interest shall thereafter be considered the property of the Surviving Corporation as they were of the respective Merging Corporations, and the title to any real estate vested by deed or otherwise in any Merging Corporation shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger; but all rights of creditors and all liens upon any property of any Merging Corporation shall be preserved unimpaired, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the respective Merging Corporations shall thenceforth attach to the Surviving Corporation and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if said debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.

2.2.3. The assets, liabilities, reserves and accounts of each Merging Corporation shall be recorded on the books of the Surviving Corporation at the amounts at which they, respectively, shall be carried on the books of such Merging Corporation subject to such adjustments or eliminations of items as may be appropriate in giving effect to the Merger.

2.3 Manner and Basis of Converting the Ownership Interests . Each share of outstanding capital stock in Thermon Finance immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger shall, at the Effective Time of the Merger and by virtue of the Merger, cease to be outstanding and shall be converted into the right to receive $1.00. Each share of outstanding capital stock in Thermon Industries immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger shall, at the Effective Time of the Merger and by virtue of the Merger, be converted into one (1) issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation.

2.4 Certificate of Formation . The Articles of Incorporation of Thermon Industries, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of Formation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided in the Surviving Corporation’s Certificate of Formation and by applicable law.

2.5 Bylaws . The bylaws of Thermon Industries, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided in the Surviving Corporation’s bylaws and by applicable law.

 

- 2 -


ARTICLE 3

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Each Merging Corporation shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf (including without limitation fees and expenses of financial consultants, accountants and counsel) in connection with the consummation of the Merger.

ARTICLE 4

APPROVAL OF THE MERGER

4.1 Approval . This Plan of Merger has been adopted and approved on behalf of Thermon Finance and Thermon Industries in accordance with the Texas Business Organizations Code, and the terms of the respective governance documents of each Merging Corporation. By signing this Agreement, Thermon Finance and Thermon Industries represent that such approval has been properly obtained.

4.2 Certificate of Merger . The Surviving Corporation shall cause a Certificate of Merger, when certified, executed and acknowledged in accordance with Chapter 10 of the Texas Business Organizations Code, to be filed and recorded in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Texas.

ARTICLE 5

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Governing Law . This Plan of Merger and the legal relations between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

5.2 Amendment . This Plan of Merger cannot be altered or amended except pursuant to an instrument in writing signed on behalf of the parties hereto.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

- 3 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement and Plan of Merger to be executed on its behalf as of the day and year first written above.

 

THERMON FINANCE, INC.
By:  

/s/ Daniel J. Hennessy

Name:   Daniel J. Hennessy
  President
THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
  President

EXHIBIT 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

Thermon Industries, Inc, a Texas corporation (the “Corporation”), pursuant to the provisions of Article 4 07 of the Texas Business Corporation Act, hereby adopts the following Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, which completely replace, restate and amend the original Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation as amended. Among other things, the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation change and replace (i) the authorized capital stock of the Corporation contained in Article Four of the original Articles of Incorporation as amended, and (ii) the provisions relating to indemnification contained in Article Six of the original Articles of Incorporation. In addition, the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation update other provisions that were contained in the original Articles of Incorporation pertaining to the Corporation’s registered agent and members of the Board of Directors

The following Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were adopted by the shareholders of the corporation effective as of May 9, 1997. The designation and number of outstanding shares of each class or series entitled to vote thereon as a class were as follows:

 

Class or Series

   Number of Shares
Outstanding and
Entitled to Vote as a Class
   Number of
Shares Voted
for the
Amendment(s)
   Number of
Shares Voted
Against the
Amendment(s)

Class A Preferred Stock

   23,000    23,000    -0-

Class B Preferred Stock

   4,000    4,000    -0-

Common Stock

   87,303    85,326    1,977
              

Upon the effective date of the following Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

(a) The shares of Class A Preferred Stock and the shares of Class B Preferred Stock, par value $10 00 per share, issued and outstanding at the time of the adoption of these Amended and Restated Articles are to be automatically changed without any action on the part of the holder thereof into the right to receive an aggregate of 51,785 shares of the Corporation’s Voting Common Stock, par value, $1.00 per share (“Voting Common Stock”);

(b) Each share of nonvoting Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, issued and outstanding at the time of the adoption of these Amended and Restated Articles is to be automatically changed without any action on the part of the holder thereof into the right to receive one share of the Corporation’s Voting Common Stock,


(c) The Corporation’s authorized Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred Stock and nonvoting Common Stock shall be eliminated; and

(d) The number of shares of authorized Voting Common Stock shall be 10,000,000 shares

The following Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation effects a reduction in the amount of stated capital of the Corporation from $357,303 00 to $139,088.00.

The following Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation fully and completely restate the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation.

ARTICLE I.

Name

The name of the Corporation is THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

ARTICLE II.

Duration

The period of the duration of the Corporation is perpetual

ARTICLE III.

Purpose

The purpose for which the Corporation is organized is to transact any and all lawful business for which corporations may be incorporated under the Texas Business Corporation Act.

ARTICLE IV.

Capital Stock

The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 15,000,000 which shall consist of 10,000,000 shares of voting common stock having a par value of $1 00 per share (“Voting Common Stock”) and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock having a par value of $10 00 per share (“Preferred Stock”).

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation/Page 2


A description of the stock of the Corporation and a statement of the designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including voting rights of the stock are as follows:

 

1 Authority to establish series of unissued shares of Preferred Stock is vested in the Board of Directors of the Corporation In order to establish a series, the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall adopt a resolution setting forth the designation of the series and fixing and determining the designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including voting rights, thereof or so much thereof as shall not be fixed and determined by the articles of incorporation of the Corporation

2. A holder of the Voting Common Stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to one vote for each and every share of Voting Common Stock standing in his or her name at any and all meetings of shareholders of the Corporation.

3 Shareholders of the Corporation shall not have the right to cumulate their votes

4 Except as may be provided pursuant to Paragraph 1 of this Article IV, shares of stock of the Corporation do not carry preemptive rights

5 There shall be set forth on the face or back of each certificate for shares of stock of the Corporation a statement that each of the following is set forth in the articles of incorporation of the Corporation on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Texas, and that the Corporation will furnish a copy of each such statement to the record holder of the certificate without charge on written request to the Corporation at its principal place of business or registered office: (i) a statement of the designations, preferences, and relative rights, including voting rights, of each class or series of the Corporation’s capital stock to the extent that they have been fixed and determined, (ii) a statement of the authority of the Board of Directors to fix and determine the designations, preferences, limitations, and relative rights, including voting rights, of any series, and (iii) a statement of the extent to which the Corporation has by its articles of incorporation limited or denied the preemptive right of shareholders to acquire unissued or treasury shares of the Corporation

ARTICLE V.

Special Voting Provisions

If, with respect to any action taken by the shareholders of the Corporation, any provision of the Texas Business Corporation Act would, but for this Article Five, require the vote or concurrence of the holders of shares having more than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast thereon, or of any class or series thereof, the vote or concurrence of the holders of shares having only a majority of the votes entitled to be cast thereon, or of any class or series thereof, shall be required with respect to any such action

Restated Articles of Incorporation/Page 3


ARTICLE VI.

Interested Transactions

No contract or other transaction between the Corporation and any other corporation shall be affected by the fact that one (1) or more of the directors or officers of this Corporation is interested in or is a director or officer of such other corporation, and any director or officer individually may be a party to or may be interested in any contract or transaction of this Corporation. No contract or transaction of this Corporation with any person or persons, firm or association shall be affected by the fact that any director or officer of this Corporation is a party to or interested in such contract or transaction, or in any way connected with such person or persons, firm or association; provided, that the interest in any such contract or other transaction of any such director or officer shall be fully disclosed to the directors of the Corporation and that such contract or other transaction shall be authorized or ratified by the vote of a majority of directors of the Corporation not so interested. In the absence of fraud, no director or officer having such adverse interest shall be liable to the Corporation or to any shareholder or creditor thereof, or to any other person, for any loss incurred by it under or by reason of such contract or transaction, nor shall any such director or officer be accountable for any gains or profits realized thereon. In any case described in this Article Six, any such director may be counted in determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors which shall authorize or ratify any such contract or transaction

ARTICLE VII.

Initial Consideration for Issuance of Shares

The Corporation received consideration of a value of at least One Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($1,000 00), consisting of money, labor done, or property actually received, in exchange for the issuance of its shares prior to conducting its business

ARTICLE VIII.

Registered Office and Agent

The address of the registered office of the Corporation is 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666. The name of the registered agent of the Corporation at such address is John E. Willis.

Restated Articles of Incorporation/Page 4


ARTICLE IX.

Board of Directors

The number of Directors shall from time to time be fixed by the Bylaws of the Corporation. The number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors is three (3) Directors need not be residents of the State of Texas or shareholders of the Corporation. The name and address of the persons currently elected to serve as members of the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of the shareholders, or until their successors shall have been duly elected, unless they shall sooner die, resign or be removed, in accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation, are as follows

 

Name

  

Address

Richard L Burdick

  

c/o Thermon Industries, Inc

l00 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Fred Schulte

  

c/o Thermon Industries, Inc

l00 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

John E Willis

  

c/o Thermon Industries, Inc.

l00 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

ARTICLE X.

Limitation of Director Liability

To the greatest extent permitted by applicable law in effect from time to time, a director of the Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for an act or omission in the director’s capacity as a director except for liability for (i) a breach of a director’s duty or loyalty to the Corporation or its shareholders; (ii) an act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of duty of the director to the Corporation or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, (iii) a transaction from which a director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the director’s office, or (iv) an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided for by statute.

Restated Articles of Incorporation/Page 5


ARTICLE XI.

Indemnification

1 Right to Indemnification . Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Texas Business Corporation Act, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), against all expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue with respect to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemmtee’s heirs, executors and administrators; provided , however , that the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The right to indemnification conferred in this Article shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”), provided , however , that, if the Texas Business Corporation Act requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Article or otherwise.

2 Non-Exclusivity of Rights . The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under these Articles of Incorporation or any provision of the Bylaws, or under any agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

3 Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any indemnitee against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Texas Business Corporation Act

4 Indemnity of Employees and Agents of the Corporation . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article or as otherwise permitted under the Texas Business Corporation Act with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation

Restated Articles of Incorporation/Page 6


ARTICLE XII.

Call of Special Meetings of the Shareholders

Special meetings of the Corporation’s shareholders may be called (i) by the president, the board of directors, or such other person or persons as may be authorized in the Bylaws or (ii) by the holders of at least fifty percent (50%) of all the shares entitled to vote at the proposed special meeting

ARTICLE XIII.

Actions by Written Consent of the Shareholders

Any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the shareholders or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the shareholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holder or holders of shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at which the holders of all shares entitled to vote on the action were present and voted.

ARTICLE XIV.

Amendment of Bylaws

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Texas, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation or to adopt new Bylaws

DATED this 9th day of May, 1997

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Richard L Burdick

  Richard L Burdick, President

Restated Articles of Incorporation/Page 7


ARTICLES AND CERTIFICATE OF MERGER

MERGING

THERMON MERGER CORP.

(A Texas Corporation)

INTO

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

(A Texas Corporation)

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 5.04 of the Texas Business Corporation Act ( “TBCA” ) and Chapter 10 and Chapter 21, Subchapter J of the Texas Business Organizations Code ( “TBOC” ), the undersigned, Thermon Merger Corp., a Texas corporation (the “Merging Corporation”), and Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”), adopt the following Articles and Certificate of Merger and hereby certify as follows:

FIRST: The name and state of incorporation of each of the corporations of the merger are as follows:

 

Name

   State of
Incorporation
   Applicable
Statute of
Formation
   Secretary of State
File Number

Thermon Merger Corp.

   Texas    TBOC    800820129

Thermon Industries, Inc.

   Texas    TBCA    62831500

SECOND: An Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Plan” ) has been approved by the Merging Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the TBOC and by the Surviving Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the TBCA.

THIRD: Upon the effectiveness of the merger, the amendments set forth on Exhibit A shall be effected to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation.

FOURTH: An executed Plan is on file at the principal place of business of the Surviving Corporation. The address of the principal place of business of the Surviving Corporation is 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666.

FIFTH: A copy of the Plan will be furnished by the Surviving Corporation on written request and without cost to any shareholder of the Merging Corporation or the Surviving Corporation.

SIXTH: The shareholders of the Surviving Corporation approved the Plan by written consent given in accordance with the provisions of Article 9.10 of the TBCA and any written notice required by such Article has been given.

SEVENTH: The sole shareholder of the Merging Corporation approved the Plan by written consent given in accordance with the applicable provisions of the TBOC and by the governing documents of the Merging Corporation.

 

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EIGHTH : The Plan has been approved as required by the laws of the jurisdiction of formation of each organization that is a party to the merger and by the governing documents of those organizations.

NINTH : The Surviving Corporation will be responsible for the payment of all fees and franchise taxes which may be owed by the Merging Corporation and the Surviving Corporation will be obligated to pay such fees and franchise taxes if the same are not timely filed.

TENTH : This document takes effect upon the occurrence of a future event or fact, other than the passage of time. The date of the 90 th day after the date of the filing of this document is November 27, 2007. The delivery of the Merger Consideration as defined and as set forth in the Plan will cause this document to take effect.

*    *    *    *    *    *

 

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EXECUTED this 29 th day of August, 2007.

 

THERMON MERGER CORP.
By:  

/s/ John Mitchell

Name:   John Mitchell
Title:   Vice President and Assistant Secretary
THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Mark Burdick

Name:  

Mark Burdick

Title:  

Treasurer and Assistant Secretary


EXHIBIT A

AMENDMENTS TO THE

AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF THE

SURVIVING CORPORATION

The following amendments to the Surviving Corporation’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation shall be effected upon the effectiveness of the merger between the Surviving Corporation and the Merging Corporation:

1. Article IV shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“ARTICLE IV.

Capital Stock

The total number of shares the Corporation is authorized to issue is 100,000. The par value of each of the authorized shares is $0.01,”

2. Article V entitled “Special Voting Provisions” is deleted in its entirety.

3. Article VIII shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“ARTICLE VIII.

Registered Office and Agent

The address of the registered office of the Corporation is 1021 Main Street, Suite 1150, Houston, Texas 77002. The name of the registered agent of the Corporation at such address is CT Corporation System.”

4. Article IX shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“ARTICLE IX.

Board of Directors

The number of directors constituting the board of directors and the names and addresses of the person or persons who are to serve as directors until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified are as follows:

 

Steven Loose

  

101 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02199

John Mitchell

  

101 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02199


5. Article XI entitled “Indemnification” is deleted in its entirety.

6. Article XII entitled “Call of Special Meetings of the Shareholders” is deleted in its entirety.

7. Article XIII entitled “Actions by Written Consent of the Shareholders” is deleted in its entirety.

EXHIBIT 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

OF

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

A Texas Corporation


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Article One: OFFICES

   1
  1.01   Registered Office and Agent    1
1.02   Other Offices    1
Article Two: SHAREHOLDERS    1
  2.01   Annual Meetings    1
  2.02   Special Meetings    1
  2.03   Place of Meetings    1
  2.04   Notice    2
  2.05   Voting List    2
  2.06   Voting of Shares    2
  2.07   Quorum    3
  2.08   Majority Vote; Withdrawal of Quorum    3
  2.09   Method of Voting; Proxies    3
  2.10   Closing of Transfer Books; Record Date    3
  2.11   Officers’ Duties at Meetings    4
Article Three: DIRECTORS    4
  3.01   Management    4
  3.02   Number; Election; Term; Qualification    4
  3.03   Changes in Number    5
  3.04   Removal    5
  3.05   Vacancies    5
  3.06   Place of Meetings    5
  3.07   First Meeting    5
  3.08   Regular Meetings    5
  3.09   Special Meetings; Notice    6
  3.10   Quorum; Majority Vote    6
  3.11   Procedure; Minutes    6
  3.12   Presumption of Assent    6
  3.13   Compensation    6
Article Four: COMMITTEES    6
  4.01   Designation    6
  4.02   Number; Qualification; Term    6
  4.03   Authority    7
  4.04   Committee Changes; Removal    7
  4.05   Regular Meetings    7
  4.06   Special Meetings    7
  4.07   Quorum Majority Vote    8
  4.08   Minutes    8
  4.09   Compensation    8
  4.10   Responsibility    8
  4.11   Advisory Committees    8

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page
Article Five: GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO MEETINGS    8
  5.01   Notice    8

  5.02

  Waiver of Notice    9
  5.03   Telephone or Remote Communication Meetings    9
  5.04   Action Without Meeting    10
Article Six: OFFICERS AND OTHER AGENTS    10
  6.01   Number; Titles; Election; Term; Qualification    10
  6.02   Removal    11
  6.03   Vacancies    11
  6.04   Authority    11
  6.05   Compensation    11
  6.06   Chairman of the Board    11
  6.07   President    11
  6.08   Vice Presidents    11
  6.09   Treasurer    11
  6.10   Assistant Treasurers    12
  6.11   Secretary    12
  6.12   Assistant Secretaries    12
Article Seven: CERTIFICATES AND SHARES    12
  7.01   Certificated and Uncertificated Shares    12
  7.02   Certificates for Certificated Shares    13
  7.03   Issuance    13
  7.04   Consideration for Shares    13
  7.05   Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates    13
  7.06   Transfer of Shares    14
  7.07   Registered Shareholders    14
  7.08   Legends    14
  7.09   Regulations    14
Article Eight: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS    15
  8.01   Dividends    15
  8.02   Reserves    15
  8.03   Books and Records    15
  8.04   Fiscal Year    15
  8.05   Seal    15
  8.06   Attestation by the Secretary    15
  8.07   Resignation    15
  8.08   Securities of Other Corporations    15
  8.09   Amendment of Bylaws    16
  8.10   Invalid Provisions    16
  8.11   Headings, Table of Contents    16

 

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AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

A Texas Corporation

PREAMBLE

These bylaws are subject to, and governed by, the Texas Business Organizations Code and the articles of incorporation of Thermon Industries, Inc. (the “Corporation ”). In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of these bylaws and the mandatory provisions of the Texas Business Organizations Code or the provisions of the articles of incorporation of the Corporation, such provisions of the Texas Business Organizations Code or the articles of incorporation of the Corporation, as the case may be, will be controlling.

ARTICLE ONE: OFFICES

1.01 Registered Office and Agent . The registered office and registered agent of the Corporation shall be as designated from time to time by the appropriate filing by the Corporation in the office of the Secretary of State of Texas.

1.02 Other Offices . The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Texas, as the board of directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE TWO: SHAREHOLDERS

2.01 Annual Meetings . An annual meeting of shareholders of the Corporation shall be held during each calendar year on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, if not a legal holiday in the place where the meeting is to be held, and, if a legal holiday in such place, then on the next business day following, at the time specified in the notice of the meeting. At such meeting, the shareholders shall elect directors and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

2.02 Special Meetings . A special meeting of the shareholders may be called at any time by the president, the board of directors, or the holders of not less than ten percent of all shares entitled to vote at such meeting. Only business within the purpose or purposes described in the notice of special meeting may be conducted at such special meeting.

2.03 Place of Meetings . The annual meeting of shareholders may be held at any place within or without the State of Texas designated by the board of directors. Special meetings of shareholders may be held at any place within or without the State of Texas designated by the person or persons calling such special meeting as provided in Section 2.02 above. Meetings of shareholders shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation unless another place is designated for meetings in the manner provided herein. The board of directors may determine that a meeting may be held solely by means of remote communication in accordance with Texas law.

 

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2.04 Notice . Except as otherwise provided by law, written or printed notice stating the place, day, and hour of each meeting of the shareholders, the means of any remote communications by which shareholders may be considered present and may vote at the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, either personally, by electronic transmission or by mail, by or at the direction of the president, the secretary, or the person calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting.

2.05 Voting List . At least ten days before each meeting of shareholders, the secretary shall prepare a complete list of shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, including the address of each shareholder and the number of voting shares held by each shareholder. For a period of ten days prior to such meeting such list shall be kept on file at the registered office of the Corporation and shall be subject to inspection by any shareholder during usual business hours. Alternatively, the list of the shareholders may be kept on a reasonably accessible electronic network, If the information required to gain access to the list is provided with the notice of the meeting. The Corporation is not required to include any electronic contact information of any shareholder on the list. If the Corporation elects to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the information is available only to shareholders of the Corporation. The list shall be produced at the meeting, and at all times during such meeting shall be subject to inspection by any shareholder. If the meeting is held by means of remote communication, the list must be open to the examination of any shareholder for the duration of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access the list must be provided to the shareholders with the notice of the meeting. The original stock transfer books shall be prima facie evidence as to who are the shareholders entitled to examine such list.

2.06 Voting of Shares . Treasury shares, shares of the Corporation’s own stock owned by another corporation the majority of the voting stock of which is owned or controlled by the Corporation, and shares of the Corporation’s own stock held by the Corporation in a fiduciary capacity shall not be shares entitled to vote or to be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares. Shares standing in the name of another domestic or foreign corporation of any type or kind may be voted by such officer, agent, or proxy as the bylaws of such corporation may authorize or, in the absence of such authorization, as the board of directors of such corporation may determine. Shares held by an administrator, executor, guardian, or conservator may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy, without transfer of such shares into his name so long as such shares form a part of the estate served by him and are in the possession of such estate. Shares held by a trustee may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy, only after the shares have been transferred into his name as trustee. Shares standing in the name of a receiver may be voted by such receiver, and shares held by or under the control of a receiver may be voted by such receiver, and shares held by or under the control of a receiver may be voted by such receiver without transfer of such shares into his name if authority to do so is contained in the court order by which such receiver was appointed. A shareholder whose shares are pledged shall be entitled to vote such shares until they have been transferred into the name of the pledgee, and thereafter, the pledgee shall be entitled to vote such shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any lender shall be entitled to vote any interests pledged to it under any financing documentation and in accordance with such documentation without any restriction or limitation.

 

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2.07 Quorum . The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, except as otherwise provided by law, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws. If a quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of shareholders, a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, who are present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At any reconvening of an adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented by proxy, any business may be transacted which could have been transacted at the original meeting, if a quorum had been present or represented.

2.08 Majority Vote; Withdrawal of Quorum . If a quorum is present in person or represented by proxy at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one on which, by express provision of law, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws, a different vote is required, in which event such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. The shareholders present at a duly convened meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding any withdrawal of shareholders which may leave less than a quorum remaining.

2.09 Method of Voting; Proxies . Every shareholder of record shall be entitled at every meeting of shareholders to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote, for every share standing in his name on the original stock transfer books of the Corporation except to the extent that the voting rights of the shares of any class or classes are limited or denied by the articles of incorporation. Such stock transfer books shall be prima facie evidence as to the identity of shareholders entitled to vote. At any meeting of shareholders, every shareholder having the right to vote may vote either in person or by a proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. A telegram, telex, cablegram or other form of electronic transmission, including telephone transmission, by the shareholder, or a photographic, photostatic, facsimle or similar reproduction of a writing executed by the shareholder shall be treated as an execution in writing for purposes of this Section. Any electronic transmission must contain or be accompanied by information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the shareholder. Each such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before, or at the time of, the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. If no date is stated on a proxy, such proxy shall be presumed to have been executed on the date of the meeting at which it is be voted. Each proxy shall be revocable unless the proxy form conspicuously states that the proxy is irrevocable and the proxy is coupled with an interest.

2.10 Closing of Transfer Books; Record Date . For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of shareholders or any reconvening thereof, entitled to receive a distribution (other than a distribution involving a purchase or redemption by the Corporation of any of its own shares) or a share dividend, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the board of directors may provide

 

3


that the stock transfer books of the Corporation shall be closed for a stated period but not to exceed in any event sixty days. If the stock transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten days immediately preceding such meeting. In lieu of closing the stock transfer books, the board of directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of shareholders, such date in any case to be not more than sixty days and, in case of a meeting of shareholders, not less than ten days prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken. If the stock transfer books are not closed and if no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of shareholders or entitled to receive a distribution (other than a distribution involving a purchase or redemption by the Corporation of any of its own shares) or a share dividend, the date on which the notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the board of directors declaring such distribution or share dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of shareholders.

2.11 Officers’ Duties at Meetings . The president shall preside at, and the secretary shall prepare minutes of, each meeting of shareholders, and in the absence of either such officer, his duties shall be performed by some person or persons elected by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy.

ARTICLE THREE: DIRECTORS

3.01 Management . The business and property of the Corporation shall be managed by the board of directors, and subject to the restrictions imposed by law, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws, the board of directors may exercise all the powers of the Corporation.

3.02 Number: Election: Term: Qualification . The number of directors which shall constitute the board of directors shall be not less than one. The first board of directors shall consist of the number of directors named in the articles of incorporation. Thereafter, the number of directors which shall constitute the entire board of directors shall be determined by resolution of the board of directors at any meeting thereof or by the shareholders at any meeting thereof, but shall never be less than one. At each annual meeting of shareholders, directors shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. No director need to be a shareholder, a resident of the State of Texas, or a citizen of the United States. In addition, the board of directors may appoint such advisory directors as it determines from time to time to be appropriate. Advisory directors shall not have the right to vote on any matter brought before the board of directors for a vote, but shall have the right to attend board meetings and to receive such documents and other materials as are provided to all other board members, unless either the president or a majority of the board of directors determines that such attendance or the provision of such materials could have an adverse effect on the business or operations of the Corporation or is otherwise not in the best interests of the Corporation. Advisory directors may receive such compensation, including the issuance of stock options as the board of directors determines is appropriate. Any advisory directors may be removed by the board of directors, with or without cause and with or without notice at any time.

 

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3.03 Changes in Number . No decrease in the number of directors constituting the entire board of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by (i) the shareholders at any annual or special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose or (ii) the board of directors for a term of office continuing only until the next election of one or more directors by the shareholders; provided that the board of directors may not fill more than two such directorships during the period between any two successive annual meeting of shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any class or series of shares are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the articles of incorporation, any newly created directorship(s) of such class or series to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of such directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors elected by such class or series then in office or by sole remaining director so elected or by the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of such class or series, and such directorship(s) shall not in any case be filled by the vote of the remaining directors or by the holders of the outstanding shares of the Corporation as a whole unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation.

3.04 Removal . At any meeting of shareholders called expressly for that purpose, any director or the entire board of directors may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote on the election of directors.

3.05 Vacancies . Any vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by (i) the shareholders at any annual or special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose or (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors though less than a quorum of the board of directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected to serve for the unexpired term of his predecessor in officer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any class or series of shares are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the articles of incorporation, any vacancies in such directorship(s) may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors elected by such class or series then in office or by a sole remaining director so elected or by the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of such class or series, and such directorship (s) shall not in any case be filled by the vote of the remaining directors or the holders of the outstanding shares of the Corporation as a whole unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation.

3.06 Place of Meetings . The board of directors may hold its meetings and may have an office and keep the books of the Corporation, except as otherwise provided by law, in such place or places within or without the state of Texas as the board of directors may from time to time determine.

3.07 First Meeting . Each newly elected board of directors may hold its first meeting for the purpose of organization and the transaction of business, if a quorum is present, immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of shareholders, and notice of such meeting shall not be necessary.

3.08 Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without notice at such times and places as may be designated from time to time by resolution of the board of directors and communicated to all directors.

 

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3.09 Special Meetings; Notice . Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held whenever called by the president or by any director. The person calling any special meeting shall cause notice of such special meeting, including therein the time and place of such special meeting, to be given to each director at least two days before such special meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of any special meeting.

3.10 Quorum; Majority Vote . At all meetings of the board of directors, a majority of the directors, who are serving immediately before the meeting begins, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and vacancies on the board of directors shall be disregarded in determining a quorum. If a quorum is not present at a meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present. The act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is in attendance shall be the act of the board of directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the articles of incorporation or these bylaws.

3.11 Procedure; Minutes . At meetings of the board of directors, business shall be transacted in such order as the board of directors may determine from time to time. The board of directors shall appoint at each meeting a person to preside at the meeting and a person to act as secretary of the meeting. The secretary of the meeting shall prepare minutes of the meeting which shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation for placement in the minute books of the Corporation.

3.12 Presumption of Assent . A director of the Corporation who is present at any meeting of the board of directors at which action on any matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent to such action with the person acting as secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward any dissent by certified or registered mail to the secretary of the Corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action.

3.13 Compensation . Directors, in their capacity as directors, may receive, by resolution of the board of directors, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attending meetings of the board of directors or a stated salary. No director shall be precluded from serving the Corporation in any other capacity or receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE FOUR: COMMITTEES

4.01 Designation . The board of directors may designate executive and other committees.

4.02 Number; Qualification; Term . Each committee shall consist of one or more directors appointed by the board of directors. The number of committee members may be increased or decreased from time to time by the board of directors. Each committee member shall serve as such until the earliest of (a) the expiration of his term as director, (b) his resignation as a committee member or as a director, or (c) his removal, as a committee member or as a director.

 

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4.03 Authority . Each committee, to the extent expressly provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the board of directors in the management of the business and property of the Corporation, including, without limitation, the power and authority to declare a dividend and to authorize the issuance of shares of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, no committee shall have authority of the board of directors in reference to:

(a) amending the articles of incorporation;

(b) approving a plan of merger or consolidation;

(c) recommending to the shareholders the sale,lease, or exchange of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Corporation otherwise than in the usual and regular course of its business;

(d) recommending to the shareholder a voluntary dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation thereof;

(e) amending, altering, or repealing these bylaws or adopting new bylaws;

(f) filling vacancies in the board of directors or of any committee;

(g) filling any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors;

(h) electing or removing officers or committee members;

(i) fixing the compensation of any committee member; or

(j) altering or repealing any resolution of the board of directors which by its terms provides that it shall not be amendable or repealable.

4.04 Committee Changes Removal . The board of directors shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of, and to discharge any committee. However, a committee member may be removed by the board of directors, only if, in the judgment of the board of directors, the best interests of the Corporation will be served thereby.

4.05 Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of any committee may be held without notice at such time and place as may be designated from time to time by the committee and communicated to all members thereof.

4.06 Special Meetings . Special meetings of any committee may be held whenever called by any committee member. The committee member calling any special meeting shall cause notice of such special meeting, including therein the time and place of such special meeting to be given to each committee member at least two days before such special meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of any committee need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of any special meeting.

 

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4.07 Quorum; Majority Vote . At meetings of any committee, a majority of the members designated by the board of directors and actually serving on the committee (not including vacancies) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at a meeting of any committee, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present. The act of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance shall be the act of a committee, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws.

4.08 Minutes . Each committee shall cause minutes of its proceedings to be prepared and shall report the same to the board of directors upon the request of the board of directors. The minutes of the proceedings of each committee shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation for placement in the minute books of the Corporation.

4.09 Compensation . Committee members may, by resolution of the board of directors, be allowed a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attending any committee meetings or a stated salary.

4.10 Responsibility . The designation of any committee and the delegation of authority to it shall not operate to relieve the board of directors or any director of any responsibility imposed upon it or such director by law.

4.11 Advisory Committees . The board of directors, from time to time, may appoint one or more advisory committees which would be comprised of any number of, or no, directors and one or more non-directors (whether ex-officio or otherwise) and may elect to compensate such advisors as deemed to be appropriate. Such committees will be considered advisory committees only, created to provide certain information to the board of directors as from time to time may be deemed necessary and desirable. Members of advisory committees may vote, if they so choose, among themselves regarding information to be presented and recommendations to be made to the board. No advisory committee nor any member thereof shall have the right or power to bind the board or the Corporation in any manner, nor shall they be deemed to be directors of the Corporation. The members of any advisory committee will be provided with indemnification in accordance with the articles of incorporation of the Corporation. The board of directors may, at any time, remove any member of an advisory committee with or without cause and without notice.

ARTICLE FIVE: GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO MEETINGS

5.01 Notice . Whenever by law, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws, notice is required to be given to any shareholder, director, or committee member and no provision is made as to how such notice shall be given, it shall be construed to mean that any such notice may be given (a) in person, (b) in writing, by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such shareholder, director, or committee member at his address as it appears on the books of the Corporation or, in the case of a shareholder, the stock transfer records of the Corporation, (c) on consent of a shareholder, director, or committee member, by electronic transmission, or (d) by any other method permitted by law. Shareholders, directors, and committee members may specify the form of electronic transmission to be used to communicate notice and may revoke this consent

 

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by written notice to the Corporation. The consent is deemed to be revoked if the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices, and the person responsible for delivering notice on behalf of the Corporation knows that delivery of these two electronic transmissions was unsuccessful. Any notice required or permitted to be given by mail shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time when the same is deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, and addressed as aforesaid. Any notice required or permitted to be given by telegram, telex, cable, or similar means shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time transmitted with all charges prepaid and addressed as aforesaid. Any notice required or permitted to be given by electronic transmission is deemed given when the notice is (i) transmitted to a facsimile number provided by the shareholder, director, or committee member for the purpose of receiving notice; (ii) transmitted to an electronic mail address provided by the shareholder, director, or committee member for the purpose of receiving notice; (iii) posted on an electronic network and a message is sent to the shareholder director, or committee member at the address provided by the shareholder, director, or committee member for the purpose of alerting the shareholder, director, or committee member of a posting or (iv) communicated to the shareholder, director, or committee member by any other form of electronic transmission consented to by the shareholder, director, or committee member.

5.02 Waiver of Notice . Whenever by law, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws, any notice is required to be given to any committee member, shareholder, or director of the Corporation, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time notice should have been given, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance of a committee member shareholder, or director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. The business to be transacted at or the purpose of a regular or special meeting of shareholders, directors, or committee members is not required to be specified in a written waiver of notice or a waiver by electronic transmission.

5.03 Telephone or Remote Communication Meetings . Shareholders, directors, or committee members may participate in and hold a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other means of remote communication equipment by means of which persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Shareholders may be considered present in person and may vote at a meeting of shareholders held solely by means of remote communication if (a) the Corporation implements reasonable measures to verify that each person considered present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a shareholder; (b) the Corporation implements reasonable measures to provide the shareholders at the meeting by means of remote communication a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the shareholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of a meeting substantially concurrently with the proceedings; and (c) the Corporation maintains a record of any shareholder vote or other action taken at the meeting by means of remote communication.

 

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5.04 Action Without Meeting .

(a) Written Consents . Any action which may be taken, or is required by law the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws to be taken, at a meeting of shareholders, the directors, or any committee members may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the shareholders, directors, or committee members, as the case may be, entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same force and effect, as of the date stated therein, as a unanimous vote of such shareholders, directors, or committee members, as the case may be,and may be stated as such in any document filed with the Secretary of State of Texas or in any certificate or other document delivered to any person; provided, however, if the Corporation’s articles of incorporation permits action by less than unanimous consent of shareholders, the articles of incorporation shall control. The consent may be in one or more counterparts so long as each shareholder, director, or committee member signs one of counterparts. Any photographic, photostatic, facsimile, or similarly reliable reproduction of a consent in writing signed by a shareholder, director, or committee member may be substituted or used instead of the original writing. The signed consent shall be placed in the minute books of the Corporation.

(b) Electronic Consents . A telegram, telex, cablegram, or other electronic transmission by a shareholder, director, or committee member consenting to an action to be taken is considered to be written, signed, and dated for the purposes of this Section if the transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine that the transmission was transmitted by the shareholder, director, or committee member, as the case may be, and the date on which the shareholder, director, or committee member transmitted the transmission. The date of transmission shall be deemed to be the date on which the consent was signed. Consent given by telegram, telax, cablegram, or other electronic transmission by a shareholder may not be considered delivered until the consent is reproduced in paper form and the paper form is delivered to the Corporation at its registered office in this state or its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the books in which proceedings of shareholder meetings are recorded.

ARTICLE SIX: OFFICERS AND OTHER AGENTS

6.01 Number; Titles; Election; Term; Qualification . The officers of the Corporation shall be a president and secretary, and if the board of directors determines appropriate, one or more vice presidents (and, in the case of each vice president, with such descriptive title, if any, as the board of directors shall determine), and a treasurer. The Corporation may also have a chairman of the board, one or more assistant treasurers, one or more assistant secretaries, and such other officers and such agents as the board of directors may from time to time elect or appoint. The board of directors shall elect a president and secretary and such other officers as it deems appropriate at its first meeting at which a quorum shall be present after the annual meeting of shareholders or whenever a vacancy exists. The board of directors then, or from time to time, may also elect or appoint one or more other officers or agents as it shall deem advisable. Each officer and agent shall hold office for the term for which he is elected or appointed and until his successor has been elected or appointed and qualified. Any person may hold any number of offices. No officer or agent need be a shareholder, a director, a resident of the State of Texas, or a citizen of the United States.

 

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6.02 Removal . Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the board of directors may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the best interest of the Corporation will be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights.

6.03 Vacancies . Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation may be filled by the board of directors.

6.04 Authority . Officers shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the Corporation as are provided in these bylaws or as may be determined by resolution of the board of directors not inconsistent with these bylaws.

6.05 Compensation . The compensation, if any of officers and agents shall be fixed from time to time by the board of directors; provided, that the board of directors may by resolution delegate to any one or more officers of the Corporation the authority to fix such compensation.

6.06 Chairman of the Board . The chairman of the board shall have such powers and duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors.

6.07 President . Unless and to the extent that such powers and duties are expressly delegated to a chairman of the board by the board of directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the supervision of the board of directors, shall have general management and control of the business and property of the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business with all such powers with respect to such general management and control as may be reasonably incident to such responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the power to employ, discharge or suspend employees and agents of the Corporation, to fix the compensation of employees and agents and to suspend, with or without cause, any officer of the Corporation pending final action by the board of directors with respect to continued suspension, removal, or reinstatement of such officer. The president may, without limitation, agree upon and execute all division and transfer order bonds, contracts, and other obligations in the name of the Corporation.

6.08 Vice Presidents . Each vice president shall have such powers and duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or as may be delegated from time to time by the president and (in the order as designated by the board of directors, or in the absence of such designation, as determined by the length of time each has held the office of vice president continuously) shall exercise the power of the president during that officer’s absence or inability to act. As between the Corporation and third parties, any action taken by a vice president in the performance of the duties of the president shall be conclusive evidence of the absence or inability to act of the president at the time such action was taken.

6.09 Treasurer . The treasurer shall have custody of the Corporation’s funds and security shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements, and shall deposit and all moneys and valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depository or depositories as may be designated by the board of directors. The treasurer shall

 

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audit all payrolls and vouchers of the Corporation, receive, audit, and consolidate operating and financial statements of the Corporation and its various departments, shall supervise the accounting and auditing practices of the Corporation, and shall have charge of matters relating taxation. Additionally, the treasurer shall have the power to endorse for deposit collection, or otherwise all checks, drafts, notes, bills of exchange, and other commercial paper payable toddle Corporation and to give proper receipts and discharges for all payments to the Corporation. The treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or as may be delegated from time to time by the president.

6.10 Assistant Treasurers . Each assistant treasurer shall have such powers and duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or as may be prescribed from time to time by the president. /The assistant treasurers (in the order as designated by the board of directors or, in the absence of such designation, as determined by the length time each has held the office of assistant treasurer continuously) shall exercise the powers of the treasure during that officer’s absence or inability to act. As between the Corporation and third parties, any action taken by an assistant treasurer in the performance of the duties of the treasurer shall be conclusive evidence of the absence or inability to act of the treasurer at the time such action was taken.

6.11 Secretary . The secretary shall maintain minutes of all meetings of the board of directors, of any committee, and of the shareholders or consents in lieu of such minutes in the Corporation’s minute books, and shall case notice of such meetings to be given when requested by any person authorized to call such meetings. The secretary may sign with the president, in the name of the Corporation, all contracts of the Corporation and affix the seal of the Corporation thereto. The secretary shall have change of the certificate books, stock transfer books, stock ledgers, and such other stock books and papers as the board of directors may direct, all of which shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection any director at the office of the Corporation during business hours. The secretary shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or as may be delegated from time to time by the president.

6.12 Assistant Secretaries . Each Assistant secretary shall have such powers and duties as may be prescribed board of directors or as may be delegated from time to time by the president. The assistant secretaries (in the order designated by the board of directors or, in the absence of such designation, as determined by the length of time each has held the office of assistant secretary continuously) shall exercise the powers of the secretary during that officer’s absence or inability to act. As between the Corporation and third parties, any action taken by an assistant secretary in the performance of the duties of the secretary shall be conclusive evidence of the absence or inability act of the secretary at the time such action was taken.

ARTICLE SEVEN: CERTIFICATES AND SHARES

7.01 Certificated and Uncertificated Shares . The shares of the Corporation may be either certificated shares or Uncertificated shares. As used herein, the term “certificated shares” means shares represented by instruments in bearer or registered form, and the term “uncertificated shares” means shares not represented by instruments and the transfers of which are registered upon books maintained for that purpose by or on behalf of the Corporation.

 

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7.02 Cetificates for Certificated Shares . The certificates representing certificated shares of stock of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the board of directors in conformity with law. The certificates shall be consecutively numbered, shall be entered as they are issued in the books of the Corporation or in the records of the Corporation’s designated transfer agent, if any, and shall state upon the face thereof: (a) that the Corporation is organized under the laws of the State of Texas; (b) the name of the person to whom issued; (c) the number and class of shares and the designation of the series, if any, which such certificate represents; (d) the par value of each share represented by such certificate, or a statement that the shares are without par value; and (e) such other matters as may be required by law. The certificates shall be signed by the president or any vice president and also by the secretary, an assistant secretary, or any other officer; however, the signatures of any of such officers may be facsimiles. The certificates may be sealed with the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof.

7.03 Issuance . Shares with or without par value may be issued for such consideration and to such persons as the board of directors may from time to time determine, except in the case of shares with par value the consideration must be at least equal to the par value of such shares. Shares may not be issued until the full amount of the consideration has been paid. After the issuance of uncertificated shares, the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation shall send to the registered owner of such uncertificated shares a written notice containing the information required to be stated on certificates representing shares of stock as set forth in Section 7.02 above and such additional information as may be required by Section 3.202 of the Texas Business Organizations Code as currently in effect and as the same may be amended from time to time hereafter.

7.04 Consideration for Shares .The consideration for the issuance of shares shall consist of money paid, promissory notes, labor done (including services actually performed or future services to be performed for the Corporation), or property (tangible or intangible) actually received. In the absence of fraud in the transaction, the judgment of the board of directors as to the value of consideration received shall be conclusive. When consideration, fixed as provided by law, has been paid the shares shall be deemed to have been issued and shall be considered fully paid and nonassessable. The consideration received for shares shall be allocated by the board of directors, in accordance with law, between stated capital and capital surplus accounts.

7.05 Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates . The Corporation shall issue a new certificate or certificates in place of any certificate representing shares previously issued if the registered owner of the certificate:

(a) Claim . Makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the board of directors that a previously issued certificate representing shares has been lost, destroyed, or stolen;

(b) Timely Request . Requests the issuance of a new certificate before the Corporation has notice that the certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim;

(c) Bond . Delivers to the Corporation a bond in such form, with such surety sureties, and with such fixed or open penalty, as the board of directors may direct, in its discretion, to indemnify the Corporation (and its transfer agent and registrar, if any) against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction, or theft of the certificate; and

 

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(d) Other Requirements . Satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the board of directors.

7.06 Transfer of Shares . Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferable only on the books of the Corporation by the shareholders thereof in person or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives. With respect to certificated shares, upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation for transfer of a certificate representing shares duly endorsed and accompanied by any reasonable assurances that such endorsements are genuine and effective as the Corporation may require and after compliance with any applicable law relating to the collection of taxes, the Corporation or its transfer agent shall, if it has no notice of an adverse claim or if it has discharged any duty with respect to any adverse claim, issue one or more new certificates to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate, and record the transaction upon its books. With respect to uncertificated shares, upon delivery to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of an instruction originated by an appropriate person (as prescribed by Section 8.107 of the Texas Uniform Commercial Code as currently in effect and as the same may be amended from time to time hereafter) and accompanied by any reasonable assurances that such instruction is genuine and effective as the Corporation may require and after compliance with any applicable law relating to the collection of taxes, the Corporation or its transfer agent shall, if it has no notice of an adverse claim or has discharged any duty with respect to any adverse claim, record the transaction upon its books, and shall send to the new registered owner of such uncertificated shares, and, if the shares have been transferred subject to a registered pledge, to the registered pledgee, a written notice containing the information required to be stated on certificates representing shares of stock set forth in Section 7.02 above and such additional information as may be required by Section 3.202 of the Texas Business Organizations Code as currently in effect and as the same may be amended from time to time hereafter.

7.07 Registered Shareholders . The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the shareholder of record as the shareholder in fact of any shares and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have actual or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any lender shall be entitled to enforce any interests pledged to it under any financing documentation and in accordance with such documentation without any restriction or limitation.

7.08 Legends . The board of directors shall cause an appropriate legend to be placed on certificates representing shares of stock as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the board of directors in order for the Corporation to comply with applicable federal or state securities or other laws.

7.09 Regulations . The board of directors shall have the power and authority to make all such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer, registration, or replacement of certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation.

 

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ARTICLE EIGHT: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

8.01 Dividends . Subject to provisions of applicable statutes and the articles of incorporation, dividends may be declared by and at the discretion of the board of directors at any meeting and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of stock of the Corporation.

8.02 Reserves . The board of directors may create out of funds of the Corporation legally available therefor such reserve or reserves out of the Corporation’s surplus as the board of directors from time to time, in its discretion, considers proper to provide for contingencies, to equalize dividends, to repair or maintain any property of the Corporation, or for each other purpose as the board of directors shall consider beneficial to $1, Corporation. The board of directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

8.03 Books and Records . The Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account, shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its shareholders, board of directors, and any committee, and shall keep at its registered office or principal place of business, or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar, a record of its shareholders, giving the names and addresses of all shareholders and the number and class of the shares held by each shareholder.

8.04 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporations hall be fixed by the board of directors; provided, that if such fiscal year is not fixed by the board of directors and the board of directors does not defer its determination of the fiscal year, the fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

8.05 Seal . The seal, if any, of the Corporation shall be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the board of directors. If the board of directors approves a seal, the affixation of such seal shall not be required to create a valid and binding obligation against the Corporation.

8.06 Attestations by the Secretary . With respect to any deed, deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument executed by the Corporation through its duly authorized officer or officers, the attestation to such execution by the secretary of the Corporation shall not be necessary to constitute such deed, deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument a valid and binding obligation against the Corporation unless the resolutions, if any, of the board of directors authorizing such execution expressly state that such attestation is necessary.

8.07 Resignation . Any director, committee member, officer, or agent may resign by so stating at any meeting of the board of directors or by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the board of directors, the president, or the secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the statement at the board of directors’ meeting or in the written or electronically transmitted notice, but in no event may the effective time of such resignation be prior to the time such statement is made or such notice is given. If no effective time is specified in the resignation, the resignation shall be effective immediately. Unless a resignation specifies otherwise, it shall be effective without being accepted.

8.08 Securities of Other Corporations . The president or any vice president of the Corporation shall have the power and authority to transfer, endorse for transfer, vote, consent, or take any other action with respect to any securities of another issuer which may be held or owned by the Corporation and to make, execute, and deliver any waiver, proxy, or consent with respect to any such securities.

 

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8.09 Amendment of Bylaws . The power to amend or repeal these bylaws or to adopt new bylaws is vested in the board, of directors, but is subject to the right of the shareholders to amend or repeal these bylaws or to adopt new bylaws.

8.10 Invalid Provisions . If any part of these bylaws is held invalid or inoperative for any reason, the remaining parts, so far as is possible and reasonable, shall remain valid and operative.

8.11 Headings: Table of Contents . The headings and table of contents used in these bylaws are for convenience only and do not constitute matter to be construed in the interpretation of these bylaws.

The undersigned, the secretary of the Corporation, hereby certifies that the foregoing bylaws were adopted by the board of directors of the Corporation as of August 30, 2007.

 

By:

 

/s/ David Ralph

 

David Ralph, Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT 3.3

CERTIFICATE OF

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

THERMON HOLDING CORP.

*    *    *    *    *

Steven R. Loose, being the President of Thermon Holding Corp., a corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”). DOES HEREBY CERTIFY as follows:

FIRST: The Corporation filed its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 23, 2007 (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”).

SECOND: The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and further amends the Certificate of Incorporation of this Corporation.

THIRD: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation, pursuant to a unanimous written consent, adopted resolutions authorizing the Corporation to amend, integrate and restate the Certificate of Incorporation in its entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (the “ Restated Certificate ”).

FOURTH: That the stockholders of the Corporation, pursuant to written consent, approved and adopted the Restated Certificate in accordance with Sections 228,242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

*    *    *    *    *


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the President hereinabove named, for the purpose of restating and integrating and further amending the Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, under penalty of perjury does hereby declare and certify that this is the act and deed of the Corporation and the facts stated herein are true, and accordingly has hereunto signed this Certificate of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation this 22nd day of August, 2007.

 

THERMON HOLDING CORP.
a Delaware corporation
By:   /s/ Steven R. Loose
 

Steven R. Loose

President

 

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EXHIBIT A

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

THERMON HOLDING CORP.

ARTICLE ONE

The name of the corporation is Thermon Holding Corp.

ARTICLE TWO

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

ARTICLE THREE

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

ARTICLE FOUR

The total number of shares of stock which the corporation has authority to issue is 100,000 shares of Common Stock, with a par value of $.01 per share.

ARTICLE FIVE

The corporation is to have perpetual existence.

ARTICLE SIX

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the board of directors of the corporation is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the by-laws of the corporation.

ARTICLE SEVEN

Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the by-laws of the corporation may provide. The books of the corporation may be kept outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the board of directors or in the by-laws of the corporation. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the by-laws of the corporation so provide.

 

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ARTICLE EIGHT

To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of this corporation shall not be liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any repeal or modification of this ARTICLE EIGHT shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

ARTICLE NINE

The corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

ARTICLE TEN

The corporation hereby renounces, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 122(17) of the DGCL, any interest or expectancy of the corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunities that are presented to one or more of its directors or stockholders (other than such directors or stockholders that are officers of the corporation).

ARTICLE ELEVEN

The corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this certificate of incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed herein and by the laws of the State of Delaware, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

 

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EXHIBIT 3.4

BY-LAWS

OF

THERMON HOLDING CORP.

A Delaware corporation

(Adopted as of May 23, 2007)

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1. Registered Office. The registered office of the corporation in the State of Delaware shall be located at 1209 Orange Street, city of Wilmington, Delaware, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of the corporation’s registered agent at such address shall be The Corporation Trust Company. The registered office and/or registered agent of the corporation may be changed from time to time by action of the board of directors.

Section 2. Other Offices. The corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the board of directors may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. Annual Meetings. An annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held each year within one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the immediately preceding fiscal year of the corporation for the purpose of electing directors and conducting such other proper business as may come before the meeting. The date, time and place, if any, and/or the means of remote communication, of the annual meeting shall be determined by the president of the corporation; provided, however, that if the president does not act, the board of directors shall determine the date, time and place, if any, and/or the means of remote communication, of such meeting. No annual meeting of stockholders need be held if not required by the certificate of incorporation or by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of stockholders may be called for any purpose (including, without limitation, the filling of board vacancies and newly created directorships) and may be held at such time and place, within or without the State of Delaware, and/or by means of remote communication, as shall be stated in a notice of meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof. Such meetings may be called at any time by the board of directors or the president and shall be called by the president upon the written request of holders of shares entitled to cast not less than fifty percent of the votes at the meeting, such written request shall state the purpose or purposes of the meeting and shall be delivered to the president. The date, time and place, if any, and/or remote communication, of any special meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the president of the corporation; provided, however, that if the president does not act, the board of directors shall determine the date, time and place, if any,


and/or the means of remote communication, of such meeting. On such written request, the president shall fix a date and time for such meeting within 2 days after receipt of a request for such meeting in such written request.

Section 3. Place of Meetings. The board of directors may designate any place, either within or without the State of Delaware, and/or by means of remote communication, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting called by the board of directors. If no designation is made, or if a special meeting be otherwise called, the place of meeting shall be the principal executive office of the corporation.

Section 4. Notice. Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, written or printed notice stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes, of such meeting, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting. All such notices shall be delivered, either personally, by mail, or by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given, by or at the direction of the board of directors, the president or the secretary, and if mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at his, her or its address as the same appears on the records of the corporation. If given by electronic transmission, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered (a) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (b) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (c) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (1) such posting and (2) the giving of such separate notice; and (3) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if (1) the corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent and (2) such inability becomes known to the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation or to the transfer agent. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Section 5. Stockholders List. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the corporation shall make, at least 10 days before every meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, and/or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. In the event that the corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the corporation. If the meeting

 

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is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

Section 6. Quorum. The holders of a majority of the votes represented by the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock, entitled to vote thereon, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by statute or by the certificate of incorporation. If a quorum is not present, the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, and entitled to vote at the meeting, may adjourn the meeting to another time and/or place. When a quorum is once present to commence a meeting of stockholders, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders or their proxies.

Section 7. Adjourned Meetings. When a meeting is adjourned to another time and place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 8. Vote Required. When a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders, unless the question is one upon which by express provisions of an applicable law or of the certificate of incorporation a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

Section 9. Voting Rights. Expect as otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or by the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or any amendments thereto and subject to Section 3 of Article VI hereof, every stockholder shall at every meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of common stock held by such stockholder.

Section 10. Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. At each meeting of the stockholders, and before any voting commences, all proxies filed at or before the meeting shall be submitted to and examined by the secretary or a person designated by the secretary, and no shares may be represented or voted under a proxy that has been found to be invalid or irregular.

 

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Section 11. Action by Written Consent . Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken and bearing the dates of signature of the stockholders who signed the consent or consents, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the corporation by delivery to its registered office in the state of Delaware, or the corporation’s principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book or books in which proceedings of meetings of the stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested or by reputable overnight courier service. All consents properly delivered in accordance with this section shall be deemed to be recorded when so delivered. No written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within 60 days after the earliest dated consent delivered to the corporation as required by this section, written consents signed by the holders of a sufficient number of shares to take such corporate action are so recorded. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing. Any action taken pursuant to such written consent or consents of the stockholders shall have the same force and effect as if taken by the stockholders at a meeting thereof.

Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used; provided that such copy, facsimile or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing.

Section 12. Action by Telegram, Cablegram or Other Electronic Transmission Consent. A telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this section; provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the corporation can determine (A) that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder and (B) the date on which such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized person or persons transmitted such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission. The date on which such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which such consent was signed. No consent given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such consent is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form shall be delivered to the corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded if, to the extent and in the manner provided by resolution of the board of directors of the corporation.

 

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ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1 . General Powers . The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the board of directors.

Section 2 . Number, Election and Term of Office . The number of directors which shall constitute the first board shall be two (2). Thereafter, the number of directors shall be established from time to time by the board of directors. The directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election of directors. The directors shall be elected in this manner at the annual meeting of the stockholders, except as provided in Section 4 of this Article III. Each director elected shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal as hereinafter provided.

Section 3 . Removal and Resignation . Any director or the entire board of directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. Whenever the holders of any class or series are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the corporation’s certificate of incorporation, the provisions of this section shall apply, in respect to the removal without cause of a director or directors so elected, to the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of that class or series and not to the vote of the outstanding shares as a whole. Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the corporation.

Section 4 . Vacancies . Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation, board vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Each director so chosen shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal as herein provided.

Section 5 . Annual Meetings . The annual meeting of each newly elected board of directors shall be held without notice (other than notice under these by-laws) immediately after, and at the same place, if any, as the annual meeting of stockholders.

Section 6 . Other Meetings and Notice . Regular meetings, other than the annual meeting, of the board of directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place, if any, as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the board of directors and promptly communicated to all directors then in office. Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by or at the request of the president on at least 24 hours notice to each director, either personally, by telephone, by mail, telegraph, and/or by electronic transmission. In like manner and on like notice, the president must call a special meeting on the written request of at least 2 of the directors promptly after receipt of such request.

Section 7 . Quorum, Required Vote and Adjournment . A majority of the total number of authorized directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The vote of a majority of directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act

 

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of the board of directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the board of directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 8. Committees. The board of directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole board, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation, which to the extent provided in such resolution or these by-laws shall have and may exercise the powers of the board of directors in the management and affairs of the corporation, except as otherwise limited by law. The board of directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the board of directors. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the board of directors when required.

Section 9. Committee Rules. Each committee of the board of directors may fix its own rules of procedure and shall hold its meetings as provided by such rules, except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution of the board of directors designating such committee. In the event that a member and that member’s alternate, if alternates are designated by the board of directors as provided in Section 8 of this Article III, of such committee is or are absent or disqualified, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member.

Section 10. Communications Equipment. Members of the board of directors or any committee thereof may participate in and act at any meeting of such board or committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in the meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 11. Waiver of Notice and Presumption of Assent. Any member of the board of directors or any committee thereof who is present at a meeting shall be conclusively presumed to have waived notice of such meeting, except when such member attends for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Such member shall be conclusively presumed to have assented to any action taken unless his or her dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless his or her written dissent to such action shall be filed with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall be forwarded by registered mail to the secretary of the corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to any member who voted in favor of such action.

Section 12. Action by Written Consent. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the board of directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic

 

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transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board, or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 1 . Number . The officers of the corporation shall be elected by the board of directors and shall consist of: a president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary, and such other officers and assistant officers as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the board of directors. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. In its discretion, the board of directors may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem advisable, except that the offices of president and secretary shall be filled as expeditiously as possible.

Section 2 . Election and Term of Office . The officers of the corporation shall be elected annually by the board of directors at its first meeting held after each annual meeting of stockholders or as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Vacancies may be filled or new offices created and filled at any meeting of the board of directors. Each officer shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal as hereinafter provided.

Section 3 . Removal. Any officer or agent elected by the board of directors may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the best interests of the corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.

Section 4. Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the board of directors for the unexpired portion of the term by the board of directors then in office.

Section 5. Compensation. Compensation of all officers shall be fixed by the board of directors, and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such compensation by virtue of his or her also being a director of the corporation.

Section 6. Chairman of the Board. The chairman of the board, if one is elected, shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation, and shall have the powers and perform the duties incident to that position. Subject to the powers of the board of directors, the chairman of the board shall be in the general and active charge of the entire business and affairs of the corporation, and shall be its chief policy making officer. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors and at all meetings of the stockholders and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or provided in these by-laws. Whenever the president is unable to serve, by reason of sickness, absence or otherwise, the chairman of the board shall perform all the duties and responsibilities and exercise all the powers of the president.

Section7. The President . The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation; shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and board of directors at which he

 

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or she is present; subject to the powers of the board of directors, shall have general charge of the business, affairs and property of the corporation, and control over its officers, agents and employees; and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board of directors are carried into effect. The president shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the board of directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation. The president shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or as may be provided in these by-laws.

Section 8. Chief Financial Officer. The chief financial officer of the corporation, if one is elected, shall, under the direction of the chief executive officer, be responsible for all financial and accounting matters and for the direction of the offices of treasurer and controller. The chief financial officer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer or the board of directors or as may be provided in these by-laws.

Section 9. Vice-presidents. The vice-president, or if there shall be more than one, the vice-presidents in the order determined by the board of directors shall, in the absence or disability of the president, act with all of the powers and be subject to all the restrictions of the president. The vice-presidents shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors the president or these by-laws may, from time to time, prescribe.

Section 10. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The secretary shall attend all meetings of the board of directors, all meetings of the committees thereof and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings of the meetings in a book or books to be kept for that purpose. Under the president’s supervision, the secretary shall give, or cause to be given, all notices required to be given by these by-laws or by law; shall have such powers and perform such duties as the board of directors, the president or these by-laws may, from time to time, prescribe; and shall have custody of the corporate seal of the corporation. The secretary, or an assistant secretary, shall have authority to affix the corporate seal to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by his or her signature or by the signature of such assistant secretary. The board of directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature. The assistant secretary, or if there be more than one, the assistant secretaries in the order determined by the board of directors, shall, in the absence or disability of the secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors, the president, or secretary may, from time to time, prescribe.

Section 11. Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. The treasurer, if one is elected, shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities; shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the corporation; shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation as may be ordered by the board of directors; shall cause the funds of the corporation to be disbursed when such disbursements have been duly authorized, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements; and shall render to the president and the board of directors, at its regular meeting or when the board of directors so requires, an account of the corporation; shall have such powers and perform such

 

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duties as the board of directors, the president or these by-laws may, from time to time, prescribe. If required by the board of directors, the treasurer shall give the corporation a bond (which shall be rendered every six years) in such sums and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the board of directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of treasurer and for the restoration to the corporation, in case of death, resignation, retirement, or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money, and other property of whatever kind in the possession or under the control of the treasurer belonging to the corporation. The assistant treasurer, or if there shall be more than one, the assistant treasurers in the order determined by the board of directors, shall in the absence or disability of the treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the treasurer. The assistant treasurers shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors, the president or treasurer may, from time to time, prescribe.

Section 12. Other Officers, Assistant Officers and Agents. Officers, assistant officers and agents, if any, other than those whose duties are provided for in these by-laws, shall have such authority and perform such duties as may from time to time be prescribed by resolution of the board of directors.

Section 13. Absence or Disability of Officers. In the case of the absence or disability of any officer of the corporation and of any person hereby authorized to act in such officer’s place during such officer’s absence or disability, the board of directors may by resolution delegate the powers and duties of such officer to any other officer or to any director, or to any other person whom it may select.

ARTICLE V

INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND OTHERS

Section 1. Nature of Indemnity. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, is or was a director or officer, of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent which it is empowered to do so by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such proceeding); provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 2 hereof, the corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if such proceeding was authorized by the board of directors of the corporation. The corporation may, by action of its board of directors, provide indemnification to employees and agents of the corporation with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

Section 2. Procedure for Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Any indemnification of a director or officer of the corporation provided for under Section 1 of this Article V or advance of expenses provided for under Section 5 of this Article V shall be made promptly, and in any event within 30 days, upon the written request of the director or officer. If

 

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a determination by the corporation that the director or officer is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article V is required, and the corporation fails to respond within 60 days to a written request for indemnity, the corporation shall be deemed to have approved the request. If the corporation wrongfully denies a written request for indemnification or advancing of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not properly made within 30 days, the right to indemnification or advances as granted by this Article V shall be enforceable by the director or officer in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the corporation. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of such defense shall be on the corporation. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

Section 3 . Article Not Exclusive . The rights to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article V shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have of hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

Section 4 . Insurance . The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf and on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the corporation or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this Article V.

Section 5 . Expenses . Expenses incurred by any person described in Section 1 of this Article V in defending a proceeding shall be paid by the corporation in advance of such proceeding’s final disposition upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. Such expenses incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the board of directors deems appropriate.

Section 6 . Employees and Agents . Persons who are not covered by the foregoing provisions of this Article V and who are or were employees or agents of the corporation, or who are or were serving at the request of the corporation as employees or agents of another

 

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corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, may be indemnified, and may be advanced expenses, to the extent authorized at any time or from time to time by the board of directors.

Section 7. Contract Rights. The provisions of this Article V shall be deemed to be a contract right between the corporation and each director or officer who serves in any such capacity at any time while this Article V and the relevant provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or other applicable law are in effect, and any repeal or modification of this Article V or any such law shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or proceedings then existing.

Section 8. Merger or Consolidation. For purposes of this Article V, references to “the corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this Article V with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he or she would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

ARTICLE VI

CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

Section 1. Form Every holder of stock in the corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate, signed by, or in the name of the corporation by the president or a vice-president and the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such holder in the corporation. If such a certificate is countersigned (1) by a transfer agent or an assistant transfer agent other than the corporation or its employee or (2) by a registrar, other than the corporation or its employee, the signature of any such president, vice-president, secretary, or assistant secretary may be facsimiles. In case any officer or officers who have signed, or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used on, any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the corporation whether because of death, resignation or otherwise before such certificate or certificates have been delivered by the corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the corporation. All certificates for shares shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified. The name of the person to whom the shares represented thereby are issued, with the number of shares and date of issue, shall be entered on the books of the corporation. Shares of stock of the corporation shall only be transferred on the books of the corporation by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender to the corporation of the certificate or certificates for such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons, with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement, transfer, authorization, and other matters as the corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. In that event, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to

 

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the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate of certificates, and record the transaction on its books. The board of directors may appoint a bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof to act as its transfer agent or registrar, or both in connection with the transfer of any class or series of securities of the corporation.

Section 2. Lost Certificates. The board of directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates previously issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the board of directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, to give the corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify the corporation against any claim that may be made against the corporation on account of the loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

Section 3. Fixing a Record Date for Stockholder Meetings. In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the board of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be the close of business on the next day preceding the day on which notice is given, or if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 4. Fixing a Record Date for Action by Written Consent. In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors, and which date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors. If no record date has been fixed by the board of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the board of directors is required by statute, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the board of directors and prior action by the board of directors is required by statute, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

12


Section 5. Fixing a Record Date for Other Purposes. In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment or any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purposes of any other lawful action, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

Section 6. Registered Stockholders. Prior to the surrender to the corporation of the certificate or certificates for a share or shares of stock with a request to record the transfer of such share or shares, the corporation may treat the registered owner as the person entitled to receive dividends, to vote, to receive notifications, and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of an owner. The corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share of shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any lender shall be entitled to enforce any interests pledged to it under any financing documentation without any restriction or limitation.

Section 7. Subscriptions for Stock. Unless otherwise provided for in the subscription agreement, subscriptions for shares shall be paid in full at such time, or in such installments and at such times, as shall be determined by the board of directors. Any call made by the board of directors for payment on subscriptions shall be uniform as to all shares of the same class or as to all shares of the same series. In case of default in the payment of any installment or call when such payment is due, the corporation may proceed to collect the amount due in the same manner as any debt due the corporation.

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, if any, may be declared by the board of directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the corporation, or any other purpose and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

Section 2. Checks, Drafts or Orders. All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money by or to the corporation and all notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation, and in such manner, as shall be determined by resolution of the board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof.

 

13


Section 3. Contracts. The board of directors may authorize any officer or officers, or any agent or agents, of the corporation to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver and instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 4. Loans. The corporation may lend money to, or guarantee any obligation of, or otherwise assist any officer or other employee of the corporation or of its subsidiary, including any officer or employee who is a director of the corporation or its subsidiary, whenever, in the judgment of the directors, such loan, guaranty or assistance may reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation. The loan, guaranty or other assistance may be with or without interest, any may be unsecured, or secured in such manner as the board of directors shall approve, including, without limitation, a pledge of shares of stock of the corporation. Nothing in this section contained shall be deemed to deny, limit or restrict the powers of guaranty or warranty of the corporation at common law or under any statute.

Section 5. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the board of directors.

Section 6. Corporate Seal. The board of directors shall provide a corporate seal which shall be in the form of circle and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

Section 7. Voting Securities Owned By Corporation. Voting securities in any other corporation held by the corporation shall be voted by any officer, unless the board of directors specifically confers authority to vote with respect thereto, which authority may be general or confined to specific instances, upon some other person. Any person authorized to vote securities shall have the power to appoint proxies, with general power of substitution.

Section 8. Inspection of Books and Records. Any stockholder of record, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose the corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records, and to make copies or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean any purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder. In every instance where an attorney or other agent shall be the person who seeks the right to inspection, the demand under oath shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or such other writing which authorizes the attorney or other agent to so act on behalf of the stockholder. The demand under oath shall be directed to the corporation at its registered office in the State of Delaware or at its principal place of business.

Section 9. Section Headings. Section headings in these by-laws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be given any substantive effect in limiting or otherwise construing any provision herein.

Section 10. Inconsistent Provisions. In the event that any provision of these by-laws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the certificate of incorporation, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any other applicable law, the provision of these by-laws shall not be given any effect to the extent of such inconsistency but shall otherwise be given full force and effect.

 

14


ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

These by-laws may be amended, altered, or repealed and new by-laws adopted at any meeting of the board of directors by a majority vote. The fact that the power to adopt, amend, alter, or repeal the by-laws has been conferred upon the board of directors shall not divest the stockholders of the same powers.

 

15

EXHIBIT 3.5

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY

We, the undersigned natural persons of the age of twenty-one years or more, at least two of whom are citizens of the State of Texas, acting as incorporators of a corporation under the Texas Business Corporation Act, do hereby adopt the following Articles of Incorporation for such corporation:

ARTICLE ONE

The name of the corporation is THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY.

ARTICLE TWO

The period of the corporation’s duration is perpetual.

ARTICLE THREE

The purposes for which the corporation is organized are:

To conduct a general manufacturing business, and to buy, sell and deal in, at wholesale and retail, all kinds of manufactured and unmanufactured products, including, but not by way of limitation, the manufacture, purchase and sale of heat transfer cements and related products of every class and description.

To manufacture, purchase or otherwise acquire, invest in, own, manage, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, sell, assign, and transfer or otherwise encumber of dispose of, trade, deal in and deal with goods, wares and merchandise and personal property of every class and description.


To acquire, hold, use, sell, assign, lease, grant licenses in respect of, mortgage or otherwise dispose of letters patent of the United States or any foreign country, patent rights, licenses and privileges, inventions, improvements and processes, copyrights, trademarks and trade names, relating to or useful in connection with any business of this corporation.

To act as agent or broker of or for any person, firm, association, partnership or corporation, for such compensation payable in cash or property, or part cash and part property, as it shall from time to time determine; and in connection therewith to furnish management and related services and to enter into any lawful arrangements for sharing profits, union of interest, reciprocal concession or cooperation, with any corporation, association, partnership, syndicate, entity, person or governmental, municipal or public authority, domestic or foreign, in the carrying on of any business which the corporation is authorized to carry on or any business or transaction deemed necessary, convenient or incidental to carrying out any of the purposes of the corporation.

To erect or repair any building or improvement, and to accumulate and borrow money for said purposes, and to purchase, own, hold, sell and subdivide real property in towns, cities, villages and their suburbs not extending more than two (2) miles beyond their limits, and to accumulate and borrow money for that purpose.

To grow, raise, buy, gather and harvest, prepare for market and sell and otherwise deal in agricultural commodities, poultry, dairy products and livestock; to construct, maintain and operate dams, reservoirs, lakes, wells, canals, flumes, laterals, cold storage plants, warehouses, preserving equipment and other appurtenances and facilities as may be

 

-2-


necessary or convenient for the conduct of such business; and to transact all of such business relating to agricultural commodities, poultry, dairy products and livestock.

To acquire and pay for in cash, stocks or bonds, of this corporation or otherwise, the good will, rights, assets and property, and to undertake or assume the whole or any part of the obligations or liabilities of any person, firm, association or corporation.

To have and exercise all of the powers conferred by the laws of Texas upon corporations formed under the Texas Business Corporation Act of the State of Texas, and to do any and all of the things hereinabove set forth to the same extent as natural persons might or could do, provided, however, none of the authorities, powers or purposes hereinabove set out shall be construed to authorize the corporation to operate stockyards and slaughter, refrigerate, can, cure or pack meats or to engage directly in the oil pipeline business in this State.

The objects and purposes specified in the foregoing clauses shall, except where otherwise expressed, be in nowise limited or restricted by reference to, or inference from, the terms of any other clause in these Articles of Incorporation, but the objects and purposes specified in each of the foregoing clauses of this Article shall be regarded as independent objects and purposes.

ARTICLE FOUR

The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have authority to issue is thirty thousand (30,000) divided into ten thousand (10,000) shares of Class A common stock of the par value of Ten Dollars ($10.00) each, and twenty thousand (20,000) shares of Class B common stock of the par value of Ten Dollars ($10.00) each.

 

-3-


The Class A common stock and the Class B common stock shall be identical in all respects except that:

 

  (a) The holders of the Class B common stock shall, to the exclusion of the holders of the Class A common stock have full voting power for all purposes; and

 

  (b) The Board of Directors of the corporation shall have full and complete authority regarding the declaration of dividends, and may declare a dividend in favor of either Class of Stock to the exclusion of the other as in its discretion it may deem desirable.

ARTICLE FIVE

The corporation will not commence business until it has received for the issuance of its shares consideration of the value of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), consisting of money, labor done or property actually received.

ARTICLE SIX

The post office address of its initial registered office is 1017 Rosane, Houston, Texas, and the name of its initial registered agent at such address is Ralph B. Johnson.

ARTICLE SEVEN

The number of Directors constituting the initial Board of Directors is three (3) and the names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as Directors until the first annual meeting of the shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified are:

 

  Ralph B. Johnson   -     

5573 Bordley Drive,

Houston, Texas

  Richard L. Burdick   -     

7834 Santa Elena,

Houston, Texas

  Darryl Johnson   -     

3501 Coronado Court,

Houston, Texas

 

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ARTICLE EIGHT

The names and addresses of the incorporators are:

 

  Robert S. Weatherall     

2200 Gulf Building

Houston 2, Texas

  James A. Baker III     

2200 Gulf Building

Houston 2, Texas

  Bass C. Wallace     

2200 Gulf Building

Houston, Texas

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 22 nd day of July, 1960.

 

/s/ Robert S. Weatherall

ROBERT S. WEATHERALL

/s/ James A. Baker III

JAMES A. BAKER III

/s/ Bass C. Wallace

BASS C. WALLACE

THE STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF HARRIS

I, the undersigned, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that on this 22 nd day of July, 1960, personally appeared before me ROBERT S. WEATHERAIL, JAMES A. BAKER III, and BASS C. WALLACE, who, each being by me first duly sworn, severally declared that they are the persons who signed the foregoing document as incorporators, and that the statements contained therein are true.

 

/s/ Margueritte Burtis

Notary Public in and for
Harris County, Texas

MARGUERITTE BURTIS

 

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EXHIBIT 3.6

 

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY

AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

as of August 30, 2007


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE 1. Offices

  

Section 1.1.

  

Offices

   1

ARTICLE 2. Capital Stock

   1

Section 2.1.

  

Certificates Representing Shares

   1

Section 2.2.

  

Stock Transfer Book and Shareholders of Record

   1

Section 2.3

  

Shareholder’s Change of Name or Address

   2

Section 2.4.

  

Transfer of Stock

   2

Section 2.5.

  

Transfer Agent and Registrar

   2

Section 2.6.

  

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates

   2

Section 2.7.

  

Fractional Shares

   2

ARTICLE 3. The Shareholders

   2

Section 3.1.

  

Annual Meeting

   2

Section 3.2.

  

Special Meetings

   2

Section 3.3.

  

Notice of Meetings - Waiver

   3

Section 3.4.

  

Closing of Transfer Books and Record Date

   3

Section 3.5.

  

Voting List

   4

Section 3.6.

  

Quorum

   4

Section 3.7.

  

Procedure at Meetings

   4

Section 3.8.

  

Voting at Meetings

   4

Section 3.9.

  

Proxies

   4

Section 3.10.

  

Balloting

   5

Section 3.11.

  

Prohibition of Cumulative Voting for Directors

   5

Section 3.12.

  

Action Without Meeting

   5

ARTICLE 4. The Board of Directors

   6

Section 4.1.

  

Number, Qualifications and Term

   6

Section 4.2.

  

Removal

   6

Section 4.3.

  

Vacancies

   7

Section 4.4.

  

Regular Meetings

   7

Section 4.5.

  

Special Meetings

   7

Section 4.6.

  

Quorum

   7

Section 4.7.

  

Procedure at Meetings

   8

Section 4.8.

  

Presumption of Assent

   8

Section 4.9.

  

Action Without a Meeting

   8

Section 4.10.

  

Compensation

   8

Section 4.11.

  

Executive Committee

   8

Section 4.12.

  

Other Committees

   9

 

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ARTICLE 5. Officers

   9

Section 5.1.

  

Number

   9

Section 5.2.

  

Election; Term; Qualification

   9

Section 5.3.

  

Removal

   9

Section 5.4.

  

Vacancies

   9

Section 5.5.

  

Duties

   9

Section 5.6.

  

The President

   9

Section 5.7.

  

The Vice Presidents

   10

Section 5.8.

  

Secretary

   10

Section 5.9.

  

Treasurer

   10

Section 5.10.

  

Assistant Officers

   10

Section 5.11.

  

Salaries

   11

Section 5.12.

  

Bonds of Officers

   11

Section 5.13.

  

Delegation

   11

ARTICLE 6. Miscellaneous

   11

Section 6.1.

  

Distributions

   11

Section 6.2.

  

Share Dividends

   11

Section 6.3.

  

Contracts

   12

Section 6.4.

  

Checks, Drafts, etc.

   12

Section 6.5.

  

Depositories

   12

Section 6.6.

  

Endorsement of Stock Certificates

   12

Section 6.7.

  

Corporate Seal

   12

Section 6.8.

  

Fiscal Year

   12

Section 6.9.

  

Books and Records

   12

Section 6.10.

  

Resignations

   12

Section 6.11.

  

Power to Indemnify and to Purchase Indemnity Insurance; Duty to Indemnify

   13

Section 6.12.

  

Meetings by Telephone

   17

ARTICLE 7. Amendments

   17

Section 7.1.

  

Amendments

   17

Section 7.2.

  

Delegation of Power to Amend

   17

 

ii


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY

(“Company”)

ARTICLE 1. Offices

Section 1.1. Offices . The principal office of the Company shall be located at 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666. The Company may have such other business offices within or without the State of Texas as the board of directors may from time to time establish.

ARTICLE 2. Capital Stock

Section 2.1. Certificates Representing Shares . Shares of the capital stock of the Company shall be represented by certificates in such form or forms as the board of directors may approve, provided that such form or forms shall comply with all applicab1e requirements of law or of the artic1es of incorporation. Such certificates shall be signed by the president or a vice president, and by the secretary or an assistant secretary, of the Company and may be sealed with the seal of the Company or imprinted or otherwise marked with a facsimile of such seal. The signature of any or all of the foregoing officers of the Company may be represented by a printed facsimile thereof. If any officer whose signature, or a facsimile thereof, shall have been set upon any certificate shall cease, prior to the issuance of such certificate, to occupy the position in right of which his signature, or facsimile thereof, was so set upon such certificate, the Company may nevertheless adopt and issue such certificate with the same effect as if such officer occupied such position as of such date of issuance; and issuance and delivery of such certificate by the Company shall constitute adoption thereof by the Company. The certificates shall be consecutively numbered, and as they are issued, a record of such issuance shall be entered in the books of the Company.

Section 2.2. Stock Transfer Book and Shareholders of Record . The secretary of the Company shall maintain, among other records, a stock transfer book containing stock certificates, the stubs in which shall set forth the names and addresses of the holders of all issued shares of the Company, the number of shares of stock held by each such holder, the number of certificates representing such shares, the date of issue of such certificates, and whether or not such shares originate from original issue or transfer. The names and addresses of shareholders as they appear on the stock transfer book shall be the official list of shareholders of record of the Company for all purposes except as otherwise provided herein. The Company shall keep this record of Shareholders at its registered office or principal place of business, or at the office of its transfer agent of registrar. The Company shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any shares as the owner thereof for all purposes, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to, or interest in, such shares or any rights deriving from such shares on the part of any other person, including, but without limitation, a purchaser, assignee, or transferee, unless and until such other person becomes the holder of record of such shares, whether or not the Company shall have either actual or constructive notice of the interest of such other person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any lender shall be entitled to enforce any interests pledged to it under any financing documentation without any restriction or limitation.

 

1


Section 2.3. Shareholder’s Change of Name or Address. Each shareholder shall promptly notify the secretary of the Company, at its principal business office, by written notice sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, of any change in name or address of the shareholder from that as it appears upon the official list of shareholders of record of the Company. The secretary of the Company shall then enter such changes into all affected Company records, including, but not limited to, the official list of shareholders of record.

Section 2.4. Transfer of Stock . The shares represented by any certificate of the Company are transferable only on the books of the Company by the holder of record thereof or by his duly authorized attorney or legal representative upon surrender of the certificate for such shares, properly endorsed or assigned. The board of directors may make such rules and regulations concerning the issue, transfer, registration and replacement of certificates as they deem desirable or necessary.

Section 2.5. Transfer Agent and Registrar . The board of directors may appoint one or more transfer agents or registrars of the shares, or both, and may require all share certificates to bear the signature of a transfer agent or registrar, or both.

Section 2.6. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . The Company may issue a new certificate for shares of stock in the place of any certificate theretofore issued and alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, but the board of directors may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to furnish an affidavit as to such loss, theft, or destruction and to give a bond in such form and substance, and with such surety or sureties, with fixed or open penalty, as the board may direct, in order to indemnify the Company and its transfer agents and registrars, if any, against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate.

Section 2.7. Fractional Shares . Only whole shares of the stock of the Company shall be issued. In case of any transaction by reason of which a fractional share might otherwise be issued, the directors, or the officers in the exercise of powers delegated by the directors, shall take such measures consistent with the law, the articles of incorporation and these bylaws, including (for example, and not by way of limitation) the payment in cash of an amount equal to the fair value of any fractional share, as they may deem proper to avoid the issuance of any fractional share.

ARTICLE 3. The Shareholders

Section 3.1. Annual Meeting . The annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at the principal office of the Company, at 10:00 a.m. local time, on the fourth Monday of April of each year unless such day is a legal holiday, in which case such meeting shall be held at such hour on the first day thereafter which is not a legal holiday or at such other place and time as may be designated by the board of directors. Failure to hold any annual meeting or meetings shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Company.

Section 3.2. Special Meetings . Except as otherwise provided by law or by the articles of incorporation, special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the chairman of

 

2


the board of directors, the president, any one director, or the holders of at least ten percent (10%) of all the shares having voting power at such meeting, unless the articles of incorporation provide for a number of shares greater than or less than ten percent (10%), in which event special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the holders of at least the percentage of shares so specified in the articles of incorporation, and shall be held at the principal office of the Company or at such other place, and at such time, as may be stated in the notice calling such meeting Business transacted at any special meeting of shareholders shall be limited to the purpose stated in the notice of such meeting given in accordance with the terms of Section 3.3.

Section 3.3. Notice of Meetings - Waiver . Written or printed notice of each meeting of shareholders, stating the place, day and hour of any meeting and, in case of a special shareholders’ meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of such meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the president, the secretary, or the persons calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder at his address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid. Such further or earlier notice shall be given as may be required by law. Notice need not be given to a shareholder if (1) notice of two consecutive annual meetings and all notices of meetings held during the period between those annual meetings, if any, or (2) all (but in no event less than two) payments (if sent by first class mail) of distributions or interest on securities during a twelve month period have been mailed to that person, addressed at his address as shown on the records of the Company, and have been returned undeliverable. If such person delivers to the Company a written notice setting forth his then current address, the Company shall give such person proper notice of all future meetings. The signing by a shareholder of a written waiver of notice of any shareholders’ meeting, whether before or after the time stated in such waiver, shall be equivalent to the receiving by him of all notice required to be given with respect to such meeting. Attendance by a shareholder, whether in person or by proxy, at a shareholders’ meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting. No notice of any adjournment of any meeting shall be required.

Section 3.4. Closing of Transfer Books and Record Date . For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or shareholders entitled to receive a distribution by the Company (other than a distribution involving a purchase or redemption by the Company of any of its own shares) or a share dividend or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the board of directors of the Company may provide that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a stated period in no case to exceed sixty (60) days. If the stock transfer books shall be closed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least the ten days immediately preceding such meeting. In lieu of closing the stock transfer books, the board of directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of shareholders, such date in no case to be more than sixty (60) days nor, in the case of a meeting of shareholders, less than ten days prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken. If the stock transfer books are not closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive a distribution (other than a distribution involving a purchase or redemption by

 

3


the Company of any of its own shares) or a share dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the board of directors declaring such distribution or share dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date of such determination of shareholders. When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made, as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof except where the determination has been made through the closing of stock transfer books and the stated period of closing has expired.

Section 3.5. Voting List . The officer or agent having charge of the stock transfer books for shares of the Company shall make, at least ten days before each meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and the number of shares held by each, which list, for a period of ten days prior to such meeting, shall be kept on file at the registered office of the Company and shall be subject to lawful inspection by any shareholder at any time during the usual business hours. Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any shareholder during the whole time of the meeting. Failure to comply with this section shall not affect the validity of any action taken at such meeting.

Section 3.6. Quorum . Except as otherwise provided by law, by the articles of incorporation or by these bylaws, with respect to any matter the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on that matter and represented in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders, but the shareholders present at any meeting, although representing less than a quorum, may from time to time adjourn the meeting to some other day and hour, without notice other than announcement at the meeting. The shareholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum. The vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote and thus represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the shareholders’ meeting, unless the vote of a greater number is required by law.

Section 3.7. Procedure at Meetings . The chairman of the board, if such a position is filled, and otherwise the president, shall preside at, and the secretary shall keep the records of, each meeting of shareholders, and in the absence of either such officer, his duties shall be performed by any other officer authorized by these bylaws or any person appointed by resolution duly adopted at the meeting.

Section 3.8. Voting at Meetings . Each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders expect to the extent that the articles of incorporation or the laws of the State of Texas provide otherwise.

Section 3.9. Proxies . A shareholder entitled to vote may vote either in person or by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder, or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its execution unless otherwise provided in the proxy. A proxy shall be revocable unless the proxy form conspicuously states that the

 

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proxy is irrevocable and the proxy is coupled with an interest. Proxies coupled with an interest include the appointment as proxy of:

A. a pledgee;

B. a person who purchased or agreed to purchase, or owns or holds an option to purchase, the shares;

C. a creditor of the Company who extended it credit under terms requiring the appointment;

D. an employee of the Company whose employment contract requires the appointment; or

E. a party to a voting agreement created under Section B of Article 2.30 of the TEXAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT.

Section 3.10. Balloting . Upon the demand of any shareholder, the vote upon any question before the meeting shall be by ballot. At each meeting inspectors of election may be appointed by the presiding officer of the meeting, and at any meeting for the election of directors, inspectors shall be so appointed on the demand of any shareholder present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote in such election of directors. No directors or candidate for the office of director shall be appointed as such inspector. The number of votes cast by shares in the election of directors shall be recorded in the minutes.

Section 3.11. Prohibition of Cumulative Voting for Directors . As the restated articles of incorporation of the Company so provide, no shareholder shall have the right to cumulate his votes for the election of directors but each share shall be entitled to one vote in the election of each director. In the case of any contested election for any directorship, the candidate for such position receiving a plurality of the votes cast in such election shall be elected to such position.

Section 3.12. Action Without Meeting .

A. Any action required by statute to be taken at any annual or special meeting of shareholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of shareholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall have been signed by the holder or holders of all the shares entitled to vote with respect to the action that is the subject of the consent. If the articles of incorporation of the Company so provide, any action required by statute to be taken at any annual or special meeting of shareholders, for any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of shareholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holder or holders of shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at which the holders of all shares entitled to vote on the action were present and voted.

 

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B. Every written consent signed by holders of less than all the shares entitled to vote with respect to the action that is subject to the consent shall bear the date of signature of each shareholder who signs the consent. No written consent signed by holders of less than all the shares entitled to vote with respect to the action that is subject to the consent shall be effective to take the action that is the subject of the consent unless, within 60 days after the date of the earliest dated consent delivered to the Company in the manner required by this paragraph, a consent or consents signed by the holder or holders of shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take the action that is the subject of the consent are delivered to the Company by delivery to its registered office, registered agent, principal place of business, transfer agent, registrar, exchange agent, or an officer or agent of the Company having custody of the books in which proceedings of meetings of shareholders are recorded. Delivery shall be by hand or certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Delivery to the Company’s principal place of business shall be addressed to the president of principal executive officer of the Company.

C. A telegram, telex, cablegram, or similar transmission by a shareholder, or a photographic, photostatic, facsimile, or similar reproduction of a writing signed by a shareholder, shall be regarded as signed by the shareholder for purposes of this section.

D. Prompt notice of the taking of any action by shareholders without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent (if authorized by the articles of incorporation of the Company) shall be given to those shareholders who did not consent in writing to the action.

E. Any signed consent, or a signed copy thereof, and a copy of any notice of any action taken shall be placed in the minute book of the Company.

ARTICLE 4. The Board of Directors

Section 4.1. Number, Qualifications and Term . The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed and controlled by the board of directors; and, subject to any restrictions imposed by law, by the articles of incorporation, or by these bylaws, the board of directors may exercise all the powers of the Company. The board of directors shall consist of between three (3) and ten (10) members, as may be specified by the board of directors on an annual basis in connection with its call for the annual meeting of the shareholders. Such number may be increased or decreased by amendment of these bylaws, provided that no decrease shall effect a shortening of the term of any incumbent director. Directors need not be residents of Texas or shareholders of the Company absent provision to the contrary in the articles of incorporation or laws of the State of Texas. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.3 of these bylaws, each position on the board of directors shall be filled by election at the annual meeting of shareholders. Any such election shall be conducted in accordance with Section 3.8 of these bylaws. Each person elected a director shall hold office, unless removed in accordance with Section 4.2 of these bylaws, until the next annual meeting of the shareholders and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

Section 4.2. Removal . Any director or the entire board of directors may be removed from office, with or without cause, at any special meeting of shareholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the shareholders present in person or by proxy and

 

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entitled to vote at such meeting, if notice of the intention to act upon such matter shall have been given in the notice calling such meeting. If the notice calling such meeting shall have so provided, the vacancy caused by such removal may be filled at such meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority in number of the shares of the shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.

Section 4.3. Vacancies . Any vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if such remaining directors comprise less than a quorum of the board of directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his predecessor in office. Any position on the board of directors to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors shall be filled by election at an annual meeting of the shareholders, or at a special meeting of shareholders duly called for such purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any class or series of shares are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the articles of incorporation of the Company, any vacancies in such directorships and any newly created directorships of such class or series to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of such directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors elected by such class or series then in office or by a sole remaining director so elected, or by the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of such class or series, and such directorships shall not in any case be filled by the vote of the remaining directors or the holders of the outstanding shares as a whole unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation of the Company.

Section 4.4. Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held immediately following each annual meeting of shareholders, at the place of such meeting, and at such other times and places as the board of directors shall determine. No notice of any kind of such regular meetings needs to be given to either old or new members of the board of directors.

Section 4.5. Special Meetings . Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held at any time by call of the chairman of the board, the president, the secretary or the director. The secretary shall give notice of each special meeting to each director at his usual business or residence address by mail at least three days before the meeting or in person, or alternatively, if notice is by telegraph, personal or courier delivery, facsimile, or telephone at least one day before such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail with postage thereon prepaid. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the articles of incorporation, or by these bylaws, such notice need not specify the business to be transacted at, or the purpose of, such meeting. No notice shall be necessary for any adjournment of any meeting. The signing of a written waiver of notice of any special meeting by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the receiving of such notice. Attendance of a director at a meeting shall also constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express and announced purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Section 4.6. Quorum . A majority of the number of directors fixed by these bylaws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors, unless the act of a different number shall be required by law, by the articles of incorporation or by these bylaws.

 

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Section 4.7. Procedure at Meetings . The board of directors, at each regular meeting held immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders, shall appoint one of their number as chairman of the board of directors. The chairman of the board shall preside at meetings of the board. In his absence at any meeting, any officer authorized by these bylaws or any member of the board selected by the members present shall preside. The secretary of the Company shall act as secretary, at all meetings of the board. In his absence, the presiding officer of the meeting may designate any person to act as secretary. At meetings of the board of directors, the business shall be transacted in such order as the board may from time to time determine.

Section 4.8. Presumption of Assent . Any director of the Company who is present at a meeting of the board of directors at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent to such action with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered mail to the secretary of the Company immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action.

Section 4.9. Action Without a Meeting . Any action required by statute to be taken at a meeting of the directors of the Company, or which may be taken at such meeting, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by each director entitled to vote at such meeting, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the directors.

Such signed consent, or a signed copy thereof, shall be placed in the minute book of the Company.

Section 4.10. Compensation . Directors as such shall not receive any stated salary for their service, but by resolution of the board of directors, a fixed sum and reimbursement for reasonable expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the board of directors or at any meeting of the executive committee of directors, if any, to which such director may be elected in accordance with the following Section 4.11; but nothing herein shall preclude any director from serving the Company in any other capacity or receiving compensation therefor.

Section 4.11. Executive Committee . The board of directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the full board of directors, may designate an executive committee, which committee shall consist of one or more of the directors of the Company. Such executive committee may exercise such authority of the board of directors in the business and affairs of the Company as the board of directors may, by resolution duly adopted, delegate to it except as prohibited by law. The designation of such committee and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the board of directors, or any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed upon it or him by law. Any member of the executive committee may be removed by the board of directors. The executive committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and

 

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report the same to the board of directors when required. The minutes of the proceedings of the executive committee shall be placed in the minute book of the Company. Members of the executive committee shall receive such compensation as may be approved by the board of directors and will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses actually incurred by reason of membership on the executive committee.

Section 4.12. Other Committees . The board of directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the full board of directors, may appoint one or more committees of one or more directors each. Such committees may exercise such authority of the board of directors in the business and affairs of the Company as the board of directors may, by resolution duly adopted, delegate, except as prohibited by law. The designation of any committee and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the board of directors, or any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed on it or him by law. Any member of a committee may be removed at any time by the board of directors. Members of any such committees shall receive such compensation as may be approved by the board of directors and will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses actually incurred by reason of membership on a committee.

ARTICLE 5. Officers

Section 5.1. Number . The officers of the Company shall consist of a president and secretary and, in addition, such other officers and assistant officers and agents as may be deemed necessary or desirable. Officers shall be elected or appointed by the board of directors. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. In its discretion, the board of directors may leave unfilled any office except those of president and secretary.

Section 5.2. Election; Term; Qualification . Officers shall be chosen by the board of directors annually at a meeting of the board of directors following the annual shareholders’ meeting. Each officer shall hold office until his successor has been chosen and qualified, or until his death, resignation, or removal.

Section 5.3. Removal . Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the board of directors may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Company will be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create any contract rights.

Section 5.4. Vacancies . Any vacancy in any office for any cause may be filled by the board of directors at any meeting.

Section 5.5. Duties . The officers of the Company shall have such powers and duties, except as modified by the board of directors, as generally pertain to their offices, respectively, as well as such powers and duties as from time to time shall be conferred by the board of directors and by these bylaws.

Section 5.6. The President . The president shall have general direction of the affairs of the Company and general supervision over its several officers, subject however, to the control of the board of directors. He shall at each annual meeting, and from time to time, report to the shareholders and to the board of directors all matters within his knowledge which, in his

 

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opinion, the interest of the Company may require to be brought to the notice of such persons. He may sign, with the secretary or an assistant secretary, any or all certificates of stock of the Company. He shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders, shall sign and execute in the name of the Company (i) all contracts or other instruments authorized by the board of directors, and (ii) all contracts or instruments in the usual and regular course of business, pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof, except in cases when the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated or permitted by the board or by these bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Company, and, in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of president, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the board of directors or as are prescribed by these bylaws.

Section 5.7. The Vice Presidents . At the request of the president, or in his absence or disability, a vice president, shall perform the duties of the president, and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all restrictions upon, the president. Any action taken by a vice president in the performance of the duties of the president shall be conclusive evidence of the request by the president to so act. The vice presidents shall perform such other duties as may, from time to time, be assigned to them by the board of directors or the president. A vice president may sign, with the secretary or an assistant secretary, certificates of stock of the Company.

Section 5.8. Secretary . The secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the shareholders, of the board of directors, and of the executive committee, if any, of the board of directors, in one or more books provided for such purpose and shall see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law. He shall be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal (if any) of the Company and see, if the Company has a seal, that the seal of the Company is affixed to all documents the execution of which on behalf of the Company under its seal is duly authorized; shall have general charge of the stock certificate books, transfer books and stock ledgers, and such other books and papers of the Company as the board of directors may direct, all of which shall, at all reasonable times, be open to the examination by any director, upon application at the office of the Company during business hours; and in general shall perform all duties and exercise all powers incident to the office of the secretary and such other duties and powers as the board of directors or the president from time to time may assign to or confer on him.

Section 5.9. Treasurer . The treasurer shall keep complete and accurate records of account, showing at all times the financial condition of the Company. He shall be the legal custodian of all money, notes, securities and other valuables which may from time to time come into the possession of the Company. He shall furnish at meetings of the board of directors, or whenever requested, a statement of the financial condition of the Company, and shall perform such other duties as these bylaws may require or the board of directors may prescribe.

Section 5.10. Assistant Officers . Any assistant secretary or assistant treasurer appointed by the board of directors shall have power to perform, and shall perform, all duties incumbent upon the secretary or treasurer of the Company, respectively, subject to the general direction of such respective officers, and shall perform such other duties as these bylaws may require or the board of directors may prescribe.

 

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Section 5.11. Salaries . The salaries or other compensation of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the board of directors. No officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary or other compensation by reason of the fact that he is also a director of the Company.

Section 5.12. Bonds of Officers . The board of directors may secure the fidelity of any officer of the Company by bond or otherwise, on such terms and with such surety or sureties, conditions, penalties or securities as shall be deemed proper by the board of directors.

Section 5.13. Delegation . The board of directors may delegate temporarily the powers and duties of any officer of the Company, in case of his absence or for any other reason, to any other officer, and may authorize the delegation by any officer of the Company of any of his powers and duties to any agent or employee, subject to the general supervision of such officer.

ARTICLE 6. Miscellaneous

Section 6.1. Distributions .

A. The board of directors of the Company may authorize and the Company may make distributions subject to the provisions, of the articles of incorporation, if any, and as otherwise provided by law. Distributions may be made by the Company in money or other property (except the Company’s own shares or rights to acquire its own shares), or issuance of indebtedness by the Company to its shareholders in the form of (i) a dividend on any class or series of the Company’s outstanding shares, (ii) a purchase or redemption by the Company directly or indirectly, of any of its own shares, or (iii) a payment by the Company in liquidation of all or a portion of its assets. Except as otherwise allowed by law, a distribution may not be made by the Company if (i) after giving effect to the distribution, the Company would be insolvent, or (ii) the distribution exceeds the surplus of the Company.

B. Distribution of cash or property (tangible or intangible) made or payable by the Company, whether in liquidation or from earnings, profits, assets, or capital, including all distributions that were payable but not paid to the registered owner of the shares, his heirs, successors, or assigns but that are now being held in suspense by the Company or that were paid or delivered by it into an escrow account or to a trustee or custodian, shall be payable by the Company, escrow agent, trustee or custodian to the person registered as owner of the shares in the Company’s stock transfer books as of the record date determined for that distribution as provided in Section 3.4 of these bylaws, his heirs, successors, or assigns. The person in whose name the shares are were registered in the stock transfer books of the Company as of the record date shall be deemed to be the owner of the shares registered in his name at that time.

Section 6.2. Share Dividends . The board of directors of the Company may authorize and the Company may pay share dividends out of its own authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares subject to the provisions of the articles of incorporation, if any, and as otherwise provided by law. A share dividend payable in authorized but unissued shares may not be paid by the Company if the surplus of the Company is less than the amount required by law to be transferred to stated capital at the time such share dividend is paid.

 

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Section 6.3. Contracts . The president shall have the power and authority to execute, on behalf of the Company, contracts or instruments in the usual and regular course of business, and in addition the board of directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, of the Company to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Company, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the board of directors or by these bylaws, no officers, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Company by any contract or engagement, or to pledge its credit or to render it pecuniarily liable for any purpose or in any amount.

Section 6.4. Checks, Drafts, etc . All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Company shall be signed by such officers or employees of the Company as shall from time to time be authorized pursuant to these bylaws or by resolution of the board of directors.

Section 6.5. Depositories . All funds of the Company shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Company in such banks or other depositories as the board of directors may from time to time designate, and upon such terms and conditions as shall be fixed by the board of directors. The board of directors may from time to time authorize the opening and maintaining within any such depository as it may designate, of general and special accounts, and may make such special rules and regulations with respect thereto as it may deem expedient.

Section 6.6. Endorsement of Stock Certificates . Subject to the specific directions of the board of directors, any share or shares of stock issued by any corporation and owned by the Company, including reacquired shares of the Company’s own stock, may, for sale or transfer, be endorsed in the name of the Company by the president or any vice president; and such endorsement may be attested or witnessed by the secretary or any assistant secretary either with or without the affixing thereto of the corporate seal.

Section 6.7. Corporate Seal . The corporate seal, if any, shall be in such form as the board of directors shall approve, and such seal, or a facsimile thereof, may be impressed on, affixed to, or many manner reproduced upon, instruments of any nature required to be executed by officers of the Company, but absence of the seal or facsimile thereof shall not affect the validity of such instrument.

Section 6.8. Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Company shall begin and end on such dates as the board of directors at any time shall determine.

Section 6.9. Books and Records . The Company shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its shareholders and board of directors.

Section 6.10. Resignations . Any director or officer may resign at any time. Such resignations shall be made in writing and shall take effect at the time specified therein, or, if no time is specified, at the time of its receipt by the president or secretary. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective, unless expressly so provided in the resignation.

 

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Section 6.11. Power to Indemnify and to Purchase Indemnity Insurance; Duty to Indemnify .

A. In this Section:

(1) “Company” includes any domestic or foreign predecessor entity of the Company in a merger, consolidation, or other transaction in which the liabilities of the predecessor are transferred to the Company by operation of law and in any other transaction in which the Company assumes the liabilities of the predecessor but does not specifically exclude liabilities that are the subject matter of this Section.

(2) “Director” means any person who is or was a director of the Company and any person who, while a director of the Company, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent, or similar functionary of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise.

(3) “Expenses” include court costs and attorney fees.

(4) “Official capacity” means

(a) when used with respect to a director, the office of director in the Company; and

(b) when used with respect to a person other than a director, the elective or appointive office in the Company held by the officer or the employment or agency relationship undertaken by the employee or agent in behalf of the Company but in each case does not include service for any other foreign or domestic corporation or any partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.

(5) “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, or investigative, any appeal in such an action, suit, or proceeding, and any inquiry or investigation that could lead to such an action, suit, or proceeding.

B. The Company may indemnify a person who was, is, or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding because the person is or was a director only if it is determined in accordance with Section 6.11F that the person:

(1) conducted himself in good faith;

(2) reasonably believed:

(a) in the case of conduct in his official capacity as a director of the Company, that his conduct was in the Company’s best interests; and

 

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(b) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to the Company’s best interests; and

(3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

C. Except to the extent provided by Section 6.11E, a director may not be indemnified under Section 6.11B in respect of a proceeding:

(1) in which the person is found liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken in the person’s official capacity; or

(2) in Which the person is found liable to the Company.

D. The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction, or on a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is not of itself determinative that the person did not meet the requirements set forth in Section 6.11B. A person shall be deemed to have been found liable in respect of any claim, issue or matter only after the person shall have been so adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom.

E. A person may be indemnified under Section 6.11B against judgments, penalties (including excise and similar taxes), fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding; but if the person is found liable to the corporation or is found liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by this person, the indemnification is (1) limited to reasonable expenses actually incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding and (2) shall not be made in respect of any proceeding in which the person shall have been found liable for willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Company.

F. A determination of indemnification under Section 6.11B must be made:

(1) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who at the time of the vote are not named defendants or respondents in the proceeding;

(2) if such a quorum cannot be obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of the board of directors, designated to act in the matter by a majority vote of all directors, consisting solely of two or more directors who at the time of the vote are not named defendants or respondents in the proceeding;

(3) by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or a committee of the board by vote as set forth in Subsection (1) or (2) of Section 6.11F, or if such a quorum cannot be obtained and such a committee cannot be established, by a majority vote of all directors; or

(4) by the shareholders in a vote that excludes the shares held by directors who are named defendants or respondents in the proceeding.

 

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G. Authorization of indemnification and determination as to reasonableness of expenses must be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible, except that if the determination that indemnification is permissible is made by special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and determination as to reasonableness of expenses must be made in the manner specified by Subsection (3) of Section 6.11F for the selection of special legal counsel. The indemnification permitted under Section 6.11B shall be mandatory.

H. The Company shall indemnify a director against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with a proceeding in which he is a named defendant or respondent because he is or was a director if he has been wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of the proceeding.

I. If, in a suit for the indemnification required by Section 6.11H, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the director is entitled to indemnification under that section, the court shall order indemnification and shall award to the director the expenses incurred in securing the indemnification.

J. If, upon application of a director, a court of competent jurisdiction determines, after giving any notice the court considers necessary, that the director is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not he has met the requirements set forth in Section 6.11B or has been found liable in the circumstances described by Section 6.11C, the court may order the indemnification that the court determines is proper and equitable; but if the person is found liable to the Company or is found liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by the person, the indemnification shall be limited to reasonable expenses actually incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding.

K. Reasonable expenses incurred by a director who was, is or is threatened to be made, a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding may be paid or reimbursed by the Company in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding and without the determination specified in Section 6.11F hereof or the authorization or determination specified in Section 6.11G hereof, after the Company receives a written affirmation by the director of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification under this Section 6.11 and a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it is ultimately determined that he has not met that standard or if it is ultimately determined that indemnification of the director against expenses incurred by him in connection with that proceeding is prohibited by Section E of this article. A provision contained in the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, a resolution of shareholders or directors, or an agreement that makes mandatory the payment or reimbursement permitted under this section shall be deemed to constitute authorization of that payment or reimbursement.

The written undertaking must be an unlimited general obligation of the director but need not be secured. It may be accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.

L. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Company may pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director in connection with his appearance as a witness or other participation in a proceeding at a time when he is not a named defendant or respondent in the proceeding.

 

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M. An officer of the Company shall be indemnified as, and to the same extent, provided by Sections 6.11H, I and J for a director and is entitled to seek indemnification under those sections to the same extent as a director. The Company may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee or agent of the Company to the same extent that it may indemnify and advance expenses to directors under this Section.

N. The Company may indemnify and advance expenses to persons who are not or were not officers, employees or agents of the Company who are or were serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise to the same extent that it may indemnify and advance expenses to directors under this Section.

O. The Company may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, agent, or person identified in Section 6.11N and who is not a director to such further extent, consistent with law, as may be provided by its articles of incorporation, bylaws, general or specific action of its board of directors, or contract or as permitted or required by common law.

P. The Company may purchase and maintain insurance or another arrangement on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, venture, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in such a capacity or arising out of his status as such a person, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify him against that liability under this Section. If the insurance or other arrangement is with a person or entity that is not regularly engaged in the business of providing insurance coverage, the insurance or arrangement may provide for payment of a liability with respect to which the Company would not have the power to indemnify the person only if including coverage for the additional liability has been approved by the shareholders of the Company.

Without limiting the power of the Company to procure or maintain any kind of insurance or other arrangement, the Company may, for the benefit of persons indemnified by the Company (1) create a trust fund; (2) establish any form of self-insurance; (3) secure its indemnity obligation by grant of a security interest or other lien on the assets of the Company; or (4) establish a letter of credit, guaranty, or surety arrangement. The insurance or other arrangement may be procured maintained or established within the Company or with any issuer or other person deemed appropriate by the board of directors regardless of whether all or part of the stock or other securities of the issuer or other person are owned in whole or in part by the Company. In the absence of fraud, the judgment of the board of directors as to the terms and conditions of the insurance or other arrangement and to the identity of the insurer or other person participating in an arrangement shall be conclusive and the insurance or arrangement shall not be voidable and shall not subject the directors approving the insurance or arrangement to liability, on any ground, regardless of whether directors participating in the approval are beneficiaries of the insurance or arrangement.

 

16


Q. Any indemnification of or advance of expenses to a director in accordance with this Section shall be reported in writing to the shareholders with or before the notice or waiver of notice of the next shareholders’ meeting or with or before the next submission to shareholders of a unanimous consent to action without a meeting and, in any case, within the twelve month period immediately following the date of the indemnification or advance.

R. For purposes of this Section, the Company is deemed to have requested a director to serve an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by him of his duties to the Company also imposes duties on or otherwise involves services by him to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan. Excise taxes assessed on a director with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law are deemed fines. Action taken or omitted by him with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of his duties for a purpose reasonably believed by him to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan is deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the Company.

S. Any rights of indemnification granted by this Section 6.11 shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other such right to which any director or officer of the Company may at any time be entitled under the law of the State of Texas; and if any indemnification which would otherwise be granted by this Section 6.11 shall be disallowed by any court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as illegal or against public policy, then any director or officer with respect to whom such adjudication was made, and any other officer or director, shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law and public policy, it being the express intent of the Company to indemnify its officers and directors to- the fullest extent possible in conformity with these bylaws, all applicable laws and public policy.

Section 6.12. Meetings by Telephone . Subject to the provisions required or permitted by these bylaws or the laws of the State of Texas for notice of meetings, shareholders, members of the board of directors, or members of any committee designated by the board of directors may participate in and hold any meeting required or permitted under these bylaws by telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such a meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE 7. Amendments

Section 7.1. Amendments . These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted, by the holders of a majority of the shares represented at any duly held meeting of shareholders; provided that notice of such proposed action shall have been contained in the notice of any such meeting.

Section 7.2. Delegation of Power to Amend . The power to alter, amend or repeal these bylaws or to adopt new bylaws may be delegated by the shareholders to the board of directors by action of the shareholders at any duly held meeting of shareholders; provided that notice of such proposed action shall have been contained in the notice of any such meeting.

 

17


Certificate of Secretary

The undersigned, being the Secretary of THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, hereby certifies that the foregoing Amended and Restated ByLaws were duly adopted by the shareholders of said corporation effective on August 30, 2007.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this certificate on the 30th day of August, 2007.

 

/s/ David Ralph    
David Ralph  
Secretary  

 

18

EXHIBIT 3.7

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

THERMON INTERNATIONAL, INC.

I, the undersigned natural person of the age of eighteen (18) years or more, acting as Incorporator of a Corporation under the Texas Business Corporation Act, do hereby adopt the following Articles of Incorporation for such Corporation:

ARTICLE I

The name of the Corporation is Thermon International, Inc.

ARTICLE II.

The period of its duration is perpetual.

ARTICLE III.

The purposes for which the Corporation is organized are to do any business deemed beneficial and to have and exercise all powers conferred by the laws of the State of Texas upon corporations formed under the Texas Business Corporation Act.

ARTICLE IV.

The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is one hundred thousand (l00,000) shares of $ 1.00 par value common stock.

ARTICLE V.

The Corporation will not commence business until it has received for the issuance of its shares consideration of the value of One Thousand and No/100 ($1,000.00) Dollars consisting of money, labor done or property actually received.

ARTICLE VI.

The post office address of its initial registered office is 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666. The name of its initial registered agent at such address is Richard L. Burdick.

ARTICLE VII.

The number of Directors constituting the initial Board of Directors is Three (3), and the names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as Directors until the first annual meeting of the Shareholders, or until their successors are elected are:

 

Richard L. Burdick  

B Bar B Ranch

Rosanky, Texas 78953

P. Kenneth Pitzer  

Route 2, Box 191 X

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Paul E. Irwin  

116 Oakridge

San Marcos, Texas 78666

 

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ARTICLE VIII.

The name and address of the Incorporator is P. Kenneth Pitzer, 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666.

ARTICLE IX.

The right of cumulative voting for Directors of the Corporation is expressly denied.

ARTICLE X.

The pre-emptive rights of Shareholders to acquire unissued or treasury shares of the Corporation are expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, this 24th day of September, 1982.

 

/s/ P. Kenneth Pitzer

P. KENNETH PITZER

 

THE STATE OF TEXAS   X
COUNTY OF HAYS   X

I, the undersigned, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that on this 24th day of September, 1982, personally appeared before me, P. Kenneth Pitzer, who, being by me duly sworn, declared that he is the person who signed the foregoing document as Incorporator, and that the statements therein contained are true.

 

/s/ Roberta F. Carmichall

Notary Public in and for

Hays County, Texas

/s/ Roberta F. Carmichall

Printed Name

My commission expires: 6-10-85

 

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ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

TO THE

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

THERMON INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 4.04 of the Texas Business Corporation Act, the undersigned Corporation adopts the following articles of amendment to its Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE ONE

The name of the Corporation is THERMON INTERNATIONAL, INC.

ARTICLE TWO

The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation was adopted by the shareholders of the said Corporation on June 1, 1992.

The amendment alters Article I. of the original Articles of Incorporation and the full text of each provision changed is as follows so that the new Article I. shall read as follows:

ARTICLE I.

The name of the Corporation is THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC.

ARTICLE THREE

The number of shares of the Corporation outstanding at the time of such adoption was one thousand (1,000) shares and the number of shares entitled to vote thereon was one thousand (1,000).

The designation and number of outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class were as follows: There is only one class of stock issued and that is common stock and that totals one thousand (1,000) shares.

ARTICLE FOUR

The number of shares which were votes for each amendment was one thousand (1,000) and the vote was unanimous. The holders of all shares of the Corporation outstanding and entitled to vote on each amendment have signed a consent in writing adopting each of said amendments.


DATED June 14 , 1992.

 

THERMON INTERNATIONAL, INC.

BY:

 

/s/ Richard L. Burdick

  PRESIDENT

 

BY:  

/s/ P. Kenneth Pitzer

  SECRETARY

 

- 4 -

EXHIBIT 3.8

AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS

OF

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC.

ARTICLE I — OFFICES

 

1. REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

The registered office of the corporation shall be maintained at 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas, in the State of Texas. The registered office or the registered agent, or both, may be changed by resolution of the board of directors, upon filing the statement required by law.

 

2. PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The principal office of the corporation shall be at 100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas, provided that the board of directors shall have power to change the location of the principal office in its discretion.

 

3. OTHER OFFICES

The corporation may also maintain other offices at such places within or without the State of Texas as the board of directors may from time to time appoint or as the business of the corporation may require.

ARTICLE II — SHAREHOLDERS

 

1. PLACE OF MEETING

All meetings of shareholders, both regular and special, shall be held either at the registered office of the corporation in Texas or at such other places, either within or without the state, as shall be designated in the notice of the meeting.

 

2. ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of shareholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of all other business which may come before the meeting shall be held on the 28 th day of July in each year (if not a legal holiday and, if a legal holiday, then on the next business day following) at the hour specified in the notice of meeting.

If the election of directors shall not be held on the day above designated for the annual meeting, the board of directors shall cause the election to be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be at a special meeting of the shareholders called for the purpose of holding such election.

The annual meeting of shareholders may be held for any other purpose in addition to the election of directors which may be specified in a notice, of such meeting. The meeting may be


called by resolution of the board of directors or by a writing filed with the secretary signed either by a majority of the directors or by shareholders owning a majority in amount of the entire capital stock of the corporation issued and out-standing and entitled to vote at any such meeting.

 

3. NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

A written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the president, secretary or the officer or person calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder at his address as it appears on the share transfer books of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.

 

4. VOTING OF SHARES

Each outstanding share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders, except to the extent that the voting rights of the shares of any class or classes are limited or denied by the Articles of Incorporation or by law.

Treasury shares, shares of its own stock owned by another corporation the majority of the voting stock of which is owned or controlled by this corporation, and shares of its own stock held by this corporation in a fiduciary capacity shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting, and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

A shareholder may vote either in person or by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. Each proxy shall be revocable unless expressly provided therein to be irrevocable.

At each election for directors every shareholder entitled to vote at such election shall have the right to vote, in person or by proxy, the number of shares owned by him for as many persons as there are directors to be elected and for whose election he has a right to vote, or unless prohibited by the articles of incorporation, to cumulate his votes by giving one candidate as many votes as the number of such directors multiplied by the number of his shares shall equal, or by distributing such votes on the same principal among any number of such candidates. Any shareholder who intends to cumulate his votes as herein authorized shall give written notice of such intention to the secretary of the corporation on or before the day preceding the election at which such shareholder intends to cumulate his votes.

 

5. CLOSING TRANSFER BOOKS AND FIXING RECORD DATE

For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the board of directors may provide that the share transfer books shall be closed for a stated period not exceeding fifty (50) days. If the stock transfer books shall be closed for the purpose of

 

2


determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten (10) days immediately preceding such meeting. In lieu of closing the stock transfer books, the by-laws or in the absence of an applicable by-law the board of directors, may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of shareholders, not later than fifty (50) days and, in case of a meeting of shareholders, not earlier than ten (10) days prior to the date on which the particular action, requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken. If the share transfer books are not closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the board of directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of shareholders. When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, except where the determination has been made through the closing of share transfer books and the stated period of closing has expired.

 

6. QUORUM OF SHAREHOLDERS

Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders, but in no event shall a quorum consist of the holders of less than one-third (1/3) of the shares entitled to vote and thus represented at such meeting. The vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote and thus represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the shareholders’ meeting, unless the vote of a greater number is required by law, the articles of incorporation or the by-laws.

 

7. VOTING LISTS

The officer or agent having charge of the share transfer books for the shares of the corporation shall make, at least ten (10) days before each meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and the number of shares held by each, which list, for a period of ten (10) days prior to such meeting, shall be kept on file at the registered office of the corporation and shall be subject to inspection by any shareholder at any time during usual business hours. Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any shareholder during the whole time of the meeting. The original share transfer books shall be prima-facie evidence as to who are the shareholders entitled to examine such list or transfer books or to vote at any meeting of shareholders.

ARTICLE III — DIRECTORS

 

1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by a board of directors. Directors need not be residents of the State of Texas or shareholders in the corporation.

 

3


2. NUMBER AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The number of directors shall be three (3), provided that the number may be increased or decreased from time to time by an amendment to these by-laws, but no decrease shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. At each annual election the shareholders shall elect directors to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting.

 

3. VACANCIES

Any vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum of the board. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his predecessor in office. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors shall be filled by election at an annual meeting or at a special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose.

 

4. QUORUM OF DIRECTORS

A majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors.

 

5. ANNUAL MEETING OF DIRECTORS

Within thirty days after each annual meeting of shareholders the board of directors elected at such meeting shall hold an annual meeting at which they shall elect officers and transact such other business as shall come before the meeting.

 

6. REGULAR MEETING OF DIRECTORS

A regular meeting of the board of directors may be held at such time as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the board of directors.

 

7. SPECIAL MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

The secretary shall call a special meeting of the board of directors whenever requested to do so by the president or by two directors. Such special meeting shall be held at the time specified in the notice of meeting.

 

8. PLACE OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

All meetings of the board of directors (annual, regular or special) shall be held either at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place, either within or without the State of Texas, as shall be specified in the notice of meeting.

 

9. NOTICE OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

All meetings of the board of directors (annual, regular or special) shall be held upon five (5) days’ written notice stating the date, place and hour of meeting delivered to each director either personally or by mail or at the direction of the president or the secretary or the officer or person calling the meeting.

 

4


In any case where all of the directors execute a waiver of notice of the time and place of meeting, no notice thereof shall be required, and any such meeting (whether annual, regular or special) shall be held at the time and at the place (either within or without the State of Texas) specified in the waiver of notice. Attendance of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the directors attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

 

10. COMPENSATION

Directors, as such, shall not receive any stated salary for their services, but by resolution of the board of directors a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each annual, regular or special meeting of the board, provided, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE IV — OFFICERS

 

1. OFFICERS ELECTION

The officers of the corporation, shall consist of a president, one or more vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer. All such officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the board of directors provided for in Article III, Section 5. If any office is not filled at such annual meeting, it may be filled at any subsequent regular or special meeting of the board. The board of directors at such annual meeting, or at any subsequent regular or special meeting may also elect or appoint such other officers and assistant officers and agents as may be deemed necessary. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of president and secretary.

All officers and assistant officers shall be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of directors (following the next annual meeting of shareholders) or until their successors are elected; provided, that any officer or assistant officer elected or appointed by the board of directors may be removed with or without cause at any regular or special meeting of the board whenever in the judgment of the board of directors the best interests of the corporation will be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any agent appointed shall serve for such term, not longer than the next annual meeting of the board of directors, as shall be specified; subject to like right of removal by the board of directors.

 

2. VACANCIES

If any office becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the board of directors.

 

5


3. POWER OF OFFICERS

Each officer shall have, subject to these by-laws, in addition to the duties and powers specifically set forth herein, such powers and duties as are commonly incident to his office and such duties and powers as the board of directors shall from time to time designate. All officers shall perform their duties subject to the directions and under the supervision of the board of directors. The president may secure the fidelity of any and all officers by bond or otherwise.

 

4. PRESIDENT

The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the directors and shareholders. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board are carried out, subject however, to the right of the directors to delegate specific powers, except such as may be by statute exclusively conferred on the president, to any other officers of the corporation.

He or any vice-president shall execute bonds, mortgages and other instruments requiring a seal, in the name of the corporation, and, when authorized by the board, he or any vice-president may affix the seal to any instrument requiring the same, and the seal when so affixed shall be attested by the signature of either the secretary or an assistant secretary. He or any vice-president shall sign certificates of stock.

The President shall be ex-officio a member of all standing committees.

He shall submit a report of the operations of the corporation for the year to the directors at their meeting next preceding the annual meeting of the shareholders and to the shareholders at their annual meeting.

 

5. VICE-PRESIDENTS

The vice-president shall, in the absence or disability of the president, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the president, and they shall perform such other duties as the board of directors shall prescribe.

 

6. THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES

The secretary shall attend all meeting of the board and all meetings of the shareholders and shall record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required. He shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the shareholders and all meetings of the board of directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board. He shall keep in safe custody the seal of the corporation, and when authorized by the board, affix the same to any instrument requiring it, and when so affixed, it shall be attested by his signature or by the signature of an assistant secretary.

The assistant secretary shall, in the absence or disability of the secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary, and they shall perform such other duties as the board of directors shall prescribe.

 

6


In the absence of the secretary or an assistant secretary, the minutes of all meetings of the board and shareholders shall be recorded by such person as shall be designated by the president or by the board of directors.

 

7. THE TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS

The treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the board of directors.

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the board of directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. He shall keep and maintain the corporation’s books of account and shall render to the president and directors an account of all of his transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation and exhibit his books, records and accounts to the president or directors at any time. He shall disburse funds for capital expenditures as authorized by the board of directors and in accordance with the orders of the president, and present to the president for his attention any requests for disbursing funds if in the judgment of the treasurer any such request is not properly authorized. He shall perform such other duties as may be directed by the board of directors or by the president.

If required by the board of directors, he shall give the corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the board for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the corporation.

The assistant treasurers in the order of their seniority shall, in the absence or disability of the treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the treasurer, and they shall perform such other duties as the board of directors shall prescribe.

ARTICLE V — CERTIFICATES OF STOCK: TRANSFER, ETC.

 

1. CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

The certificates for shares of stock of the corporation shall be numbered and shall be entered in the corporation as they are issued. They shall exhibit the holder’s name and number of shares and shall be signed by the president or a vice-president and the secretary or an assistant secretary and shall be sealed with the seal of the corporation or a facsimile thereof. If the corporation has a transfer agent or a registrar, other than the corporation itself or an employee of the corporation, the signatures of any such officer may be facsimile. In case any officer or officers who shall have signed or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used on any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the corporation, whether because of death, resignation or otherwise, before said certificate or certificates shall have been issued, such certificate may nevertheless be issued by the corporation with the same effect as though the person or persons who signed such certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used thereon had been such officer or officers at the date of its issuance. Certificates shall be in such form as shall in conformity to law be prescribed from time to time by the board of directors.

 

7


The corporation may appoint from time to time transfer agents and registrars, who shall perform their duties under the supervision of the secretary.

 

2. TRANSFERS OF SHARES

Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate, and record the transaction upon its books.

 

3. REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS

The corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.

 

4. LOST CERTIFICATE

The board of directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the board of directors in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, may require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate or certificates or his legal representative to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require or to give the corporation a bond with surety and in form satisfactory to the corporation (which bond shall also name the corporation’s transfer agents and registrars, if any, as obligees) in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the corporation or other obligees with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost or destroyed, or to advertise and also give such bond.

ARTICLE VI — DIVIDEND

 

1. DECLARATION

The board of directors may declare at any annual, regular or special meeting of the board and the corporation may pay, dividends on the outstanding shares in cash, property or in the shares of the corporation to the extent permitted by, and subject to the provisions of, the laws of the State of Texas.

 

2. RESERVES

Before payment of any dividend there may be set aside out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time in their absolute discretion think proper as a reserve fund to meet contingencies or for equalizing

 

8


dividends or for repairing or maintaining any property of the corporation or for such other purpose as the directors shall think conducive to the interest of the corporation, and the directors may abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

ARTICLE VII — MISCELLANEOUS

 

1. INFORMAL ACTION

Any action required to be taken or which may be taken at a meeting of the shareholders, directors or members of the executive committee, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by all of the shareholders, directors, or members of the executive committee, as the case may be, entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the shareholders, directors, or members of the executive committee, as the case may be, at a meeting of said body.

 

2. SEAL

The corporate seal shall be circular in form and shall contain the name of the corporation, the year of its incorporation and the words “TEXAS,” and “CORPORATE SEAL” or an image of the Lone Star. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced. The corporate seal may be altered by order of the board of directors at any time.

 

3. CHECKS

All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the board of directors may from time to time designate.

 

4. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the 1 st day of April in each and every year.

 

5. DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL STATEMENT

The board of directors shall present at each annual meeting of shareholders a full and clear statement of the business and condition of the corporation.

 

6. CLOSE CORPORATIONS: MANAGEMENT BY SHAREHOLDERS

If the articles of incorporation of the corporation and each certificate representing its issued and outstanding shares states that the business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by the shareholders of the corporation rather than by a board of directors, then, whenever the context so requires the shareholders of the corporation shall be deemed the directors of the corporation for purposes of applying any provision of these by-laws.

 

9


7. AMENDMENTS

These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed in whole or in part by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote, but such power may be delegated by the shareholders to the board of directors.

 

10

EXHIBIT 3.9

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

HEAT TRACING INCORPORATED

I, the undersigned natural person of the age of eighteen (18) years or more, acting as incorporator of a corporation under the Texas Business Corporation Act, do hereby adopt the following Articles of Incorporation for such corporation:

ARTICLE I.

The name of the corporation is HEAT TRACING INCORPORATED.

ARTICLE II.

The period of its duration is perpetual.

ARTICLE III.

The purposes for which the corporation is organized are to conduct sales and to have and exercise all powers conferred by the laws of the State of Texas upon corporations formed under the Texas Business Corporation Act.

ARTICLE IV.

The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have authority to issue is 100,000 authorized shares of one dollar par value common stock.

ARTICLE V.

The corporation will not commence business until it has received for the issuance of its shares consideration of the value of ONE THOUSAND and 00/100 ($1,000.00) DOLLARS consisting of money, labor done or property actually received.

ARTICLE VI.

The post office address of its initial registered office is 2810 Mowery Road, Houston, Texas 77045. The name of its initial registered agent at such address is Rodney Lynn Bingham.

ARTICLE VII.

The number of Directors constituting the initial Board of Directors is one (1), and the name and address of the


person who is to serve as Director until the first annual meeting of the Shareholders, or until his successors are elected is:

 

          Rodney Lynn Bingham

     Route 1, Village West, #27
     San Marcos, Texas 78666

ARTICLE VIII.

The name and address of the Incorporator is Rodney Lynn Bingham, Route 1, Village West, #27, San Marcos, Texas 78666.

ARTICLE IX.

The right of cumulative voting for Directors of the Corporation is expressly granted.

ARTICLE X.

The pre-emptive rights of shareholders to acquire unissued or treasury shares of the corporation are expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands, this 29th day of July , 1990.

 

 

/s/ Rodney Lynn Bingham

  RODNEY LYNN BINGHAM

THE STATE OF TEXAS

  §

COUNTY OF HAYS

  §

I, the undersigned, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that on this 29th day of July , 1990, personally appeared before me, RODNEY LYNN BINGHAM, who, being by me duly sworn, declaired that he is the person who signed the foregoing document as Incorporator, and that the statements therein contained are true.

 

   

/s/ Linda S. Winn

 

Notary Public in and for

Hays County, TEXAS

   

Linda S. Winn

  Printed Name
  My Commission Expires: 08-23-92


ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

TO THE

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

HEAT TRACING, INC.

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 4.04 of the Texas Business Corporation Act, the undersigned Corporation adopts the following articles of amendment to its Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE ONE

The name of the Corporation is HEAT TRACING, INC.

ARTICLE TWO

The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation was adopted by the shareholders of the said Corporation on June 5, 1992.

The amendment alters Article I. of the original Articles of Incorporation and the full text of each provision changed is as follows so that the new Article I. shall read as follows:

ARTICLE I.

The name of the Corporation is THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC.

ARTICLE THREE

The number of shares of the Corporation outstanding at the time of such adoption was one thousand (1,000) shares and the number of shares entitled to vote thereon was one thousand (1,000).

The designation and number of outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class were as follows: There is only one class of stock issued and that is common stock and that totals one thousand (1,000) shares.


ARTICLE FOUR

The number of shares which were voted for the amendment was one thousand (1,000) and the vote was unanimous. The holders of all shares of the Corporation outstanding and entitled to vote on each amendment have signed a consent in writing adopting the said amendment.

DATED June 8, 1992.

 

HEAT TRACING, INC.  

BY:

 

/s/ Rodney Bingham

 
  RODNEY BINGHAM,   PRESIDENT  

 

BY:

 

/s/ Robert G. Dorsey

 
    SECRETARY  

Thermon\HT.AA

 

- 2 -

EXHIBIT 3.10

AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS

OF

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC.

ARTICLE I — OFFICES

 

1. REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

The registered office of the corporation shall be maintained at 2810 Mowery Road, Houston, Texas 77045, in the State of Texas. The registered office or the registered agent, or both, may be changed by resolution of the board of directors, upon filing the statement required by law.

 

2. PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The principal office of the corporation shall be at 2810 Mowery Road, Houston, Texas 77045, provided that the board of directors shall have power to change the location of the principal office in its discretion.

 

3. OTHER OFFICES

The corporation may also maintain other offices at such places within or without the State of Texas as the board of directors may from time to time appoint or as the business of the corporation may require.

ARTICLE II — SHAREHOLDERS

 

1. PLACE OF MEETING

All meetings of shareholders, both regular and special, shall be held either at the registered office of the corporation in Texas or at such other places, either within or without the state, as shall be designated in the notice of the meeting.

 

2. ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of shareholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of all other business which may come before the meeting shall be held on the 28th day of July in each year (if not a legal holiday and, if a legal holiday, then on the next business day following) at the hour specified in the notice of meeting.

If the election of directors shall not be held on the day above designated for the annual meeting, the board of directors shall cause the election to be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be at a special meeting of the shareholders called for the purpose of holding such election.

The annual meeting of shareholders may be held for any other purpose in addition to the election of directors which may be specified in a notice, of such meeting. The meeting may be called by resolution of the board of directors or by a writing filed with the secretary signed either by a majority of the directors or by shareholders owning a majority in amount of the entire capital stock of the corporation issued and out-standing and entitled to vote at any such meeting.


3. NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

A written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the president, secretary or the officer or person calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder at his address as it appears on the share transfer books of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.

 

4. VOTING OF SHARES

Each outstanding share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders, except to the extent that the voting rights of the shares of any class or classes are limited or denied by the Articles of Incorporation or by law.

Treasury shares, shares of its own stock owned by another corporation the majority of the voting stock of which is owned or controlled by this corporation, and shares of its own stock held by this corporation in a fiduciary capacity shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting, and shall not be counted in determining the total number of out-standing shares at any given time.

A shareholder may vote either in person or by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. Each proxy shall be revocable unless expressly provided therein to be irrevocable.

At each election for directors every shareholder entitled to vote at such election shall have the right to vote, in person or by proxy, the number of shares owned by him for as many persons as there are directors to be elected and for whose election he has a right to vote, or unless prohibited by the articles of incorporation, to cumulate his votes by giving one candidate as many votes as the number of such directors multiplied by the number of his shares shall equal, or by distributing such votes on the same principal among any number of such candidates. Any shareholder who intends to cumulate his votes as herein authorized shall give written notice of such intention to the secretary of the corporation on or before the day preceding the election at which such shareholder intends to cumulate his votes.

 

5. CLOSING TRANSFER BOOKS AND FIXING RECORD DATE

For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the board of directors may provide that the share transfer books shall be closed for a stated period not exceeding fifty (50) days. If the stock transfer books shall be closed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such books

 

2


shall be closed for at least ten (10) days immediately preceding such meeting. In lieu of closing the stock transfer books, the by-laws or in the absence of an applicable by-law the board of directors, may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of shareholders, not later than fifty (50) days and, in case of a meeting of shareholders, not earlier than ten (10) days prior to the date on which the particular action, requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken. If the share transfer books are not closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the board of directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of shareholders. When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, except where the determination has been made through the closing of share transfer books and the stated period of closing has expired.

 

6. QUORUM OF SHAREHOLDERS

Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders, but in no event shall a quorum consist of the holders of less than one-third (1/3) of the shares entitled to vote and thus represented at such meeting. The vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote and thus represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the shareholders’ meeting, unless the vote of a greater number is required by law, the articles of incorporation or the by-laws.

 

7. VOTING LISTS

The officer or agent having charge of the share transfer books for the shares of the corporation shall make, at least ten (10) days before each meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and the number of shares held by each, which list, for a period of ten (10) days prior to such meeting, shall be kept on file at the registered office of the corporation and shall be subject to inspection by any shareholder at any time during usual business hours. Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any shareholder during the whole time of the meeting. The original share transfer books shall be prima-facie evidence as to who are the shareholders entitled to examine such list or transfer books or to vote at any meeting of shareholders.

ARTICLE III — DIRECTORS

 

1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by a board of directors. Directors need not be residents of the State of Texas or shareholders in the corporation.

 

3


2. NUMBER AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The number of directors shall be three (3), provided that the number may be increased or decreased from time to time by an amendment to these by-laws, but no decrease shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. At each annual election the shareholders shall elect directors to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting.

 

3. VACANCIES

Any vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum of the board. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his predecessor in office. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors shall be filled by election at an annual meeting or at a special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose.

 

4. QUORUM OF DIRECTORS

A majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors.

 

5. ANNUAL MEETING OF DIRECTORS

Within thirty days after each annual meeting of shareholders the board of directors elected at such meeting shall hold an annual meeting at which they shall elect officers and transact such other business as shall come before the meeting.

 

6. REGULAR MEETING OF DIRECTORS

A regular meeting of the board of directors may be held at such time as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the board of directors.

 

7. SPECIAL MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

The secretary shall call a special meeting of the board of directors whenever requested to do so by the president or by two directors. Such special meeting shall be held at the time specified in the notice of meeting.

 

8. PLACE OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

All meetings of the board of directors (annual, regular or special) shall be held either at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place, either within or without the State of Texas, as shall be specified in the notice of meeting.

 

9. NOTICE OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

All meetings of the board of directors (annual, regular or special) shall be held upon five (5) days’ written notice stating the date, place and hour of meeting delivered to each director either personally or by mail or at the direction of the president or the secretary or the officer or person calling the meeting.

 

4


In any case where all of the directors execute a waiver of notice of the time and place of meeting, no notice thereof shall be required, and any such meeting (whether annual, regular or special) shall be held at the time and at the place (either within or without the State of Texas) specified in the waiver of notice. Attendance of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the directors attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

 

10. COMPENSATION

Directors, as such, shall not receive any stated salary for their services, but by resolution of the board of directors a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each annual, regular or special meeting of the board, provided, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE IV — OFFICERS

 

1. OFFICERS ELECTION

The officers of the corporation, shall consist of a president, one or more vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer. All such officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the board of directors provided for in Article III, Section 5. If any office is not filled at such annual meeting, it may be filled at any subsequent regular or special meeting of the board. The board of directors at such annual meeting, or at any subsequent regular or special meeting may also elect or appoint such other officers and assistant officers and agents as may be deemed necessary. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of president and secretary.

All officers and assistant officers shill be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of directors (following the next annual meeting of shareholders) or until their successors are elected; provided, that any officer or assistant officer elected or appointed by the board of directors may be removed with or without cause at any regular or special meeting of the board whenever in the judgment of the board of directors the best interests of the corporation will be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any agent appointed shall serve for such term, not longer than the next annual meeting of the board of directors, as shall be specified; subject to like right of removal by the board of directors.

 

2. VACANCIES

If any office becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the board of directors.

 

5


3. POWER OF OFFICERS

Each officer shall have, subject to these by-laws, in addition to the duties and powers specifically set forth herein, such powers and duties as are commonly incident to his office and such duties and powers as the board of directors shall from time to time designate. All officers shall perform their duties subject to the directions and under the supervision of the board of directors. The president may secure the fidelity of any and all officers by bond or otherwise.

 

4. PRESIDENT

The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the directors and shareholders. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board are carried out, subject however, to the right of the directors to delegate specific powers, except such as may be by statute exclusively conferred on the president, to any other officers of the corporation.

He or any vice-president shall execute bonds, mortgages and other instruments requiring a seal, in the name of the corporation, and, when authorized by the board, he or any vice-president may affix the seal to any instrument requiring the same, and the seal when so affixed shall be attested by the signature of either the secretary or an assistant secretary. He or any vice-president shall sign certificates of stock.

The President shall be ex-officio a member of all standing committees.

He shall submit a report of the operations of the corporation for the year to the directors at their meeting next preceding the annual meeting of the shareholders and to the shareholders at their annual meeting.

 

5. VICE-PRESIDENTS

The vice-president shall, in the absence or disability of the president, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the president, and they shall perform such other duties as the board of directors shall prescribe.

 

6. THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES

The secretary shall attend all meeting of the board and all meetings of the shareholders and shall record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required. He shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the shareholders and all meetings of the board of directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board. He shall keep in safe custody the seal of the corporation, and when authorized by the board, affix the same to any instrument requiring it, and when so affixed, it shall be attested by his signature or by the signature of an assistant secretary.

The assistant secretary shall, in the absence or disability of the secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary, and they shall perform such other duties as the board of directors shall prescribe.

 

6


In the absence of the secretary or an assistant secretary, the minutes of all meetings of the board and shareholders shall be recorded by such person as shall be designated by the president or by the board of directors.

 

7. THE TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS

The treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the board of directors.

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the board of directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. He shall keep and maintain the corporation’s books of account and shall render to the president and directors an account of all of his transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation and exhibit his books, records and accounts to the president or directors at any time. He shall disburse funds for capital expenditures as authorized by the board of directors and in accordance with the orders of the president, and present to the president for his attention any requests for disbursing funds if in the judgment of the treasurer any such request is not properly authorized. He shall perform such other duties as may be directed by the board of directors or by the president.

If required by the board of directors, he shall give the corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the board for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the corporation.

The assistant treasurers in the order of their seniority shall, in the absence or disability of the treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the treasurer, and they shall perform such other duties as the board of directors shall prescribe.

ARTICLE V — CERTIFICATES OF STOCK: TRANSFER, ETC.

 

1. CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

The certificates for shares of stock of the corporation shall be numbered and shall be entered in the corporation as they are issued. They shall exhibit the holder’s name and number of shares and shall be signed by the president or a vice-president and the secretary or an assistant secretary and shall be sealed with the seal of the corporation or a facsimile thereof. If the corporation has a transfer agent or a registrar, other than the corporation itself or an employee of the corporation, the signatures of any such officer may be facsimile. In case any officer or officers who shall have signed or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used on any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the corporation, whether because of death, resignation or otherwise, before said certificate or certificates shall have been issued, such certificate may nevertheless be issued by the corporation with the same effect as though the person or persons who signed such certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used thereon had been such officer or officers at the date of its issuance. Certificates shall be in such form as shall in conformity to law be prescribed from time to time by the board of directors.

 

7


The corporation may appoint from time to time transfer agents and registrars, who shall perform their duties under the supervision of the secretary.

 

2. TRANSFERS OF SHARES

Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate, and record the transaction upon its books.

 

3. REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS

The corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.

 

4. LOST CERTIFICATE

The board of directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the board of directors in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, may require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate or certificates or his legal representative to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require or to give the corporation a bond with surety and in form satisfactory to the corporation (which bond shall also name the corporation’s transfer agents and registrars, if any, as obligees) in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the corporation or other obligees with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost or destroyed, or to advertise and also give such bond.

ARTICLE VI — DIVIDEND

 

1. DECLARATION

The board of directors may declare at any annual, regular or special meeting of the board and the corporation may pay, dividends on the outstanding shares in cash, property or in the shares of the corporation to the extent permitted by, and subject to the provisions of, the laws of the State of Texas.

 

2. RESERVES

Before payment of any dividend there may be set aside out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time in their absolute discretion think proper as a reserve fund to meet contingencies or for equalizing

 

8


dividends or for repairing or maintaining any property of the corporation or for such other purpose as the directors shall think conducive to the interest of the corporation, and the directors may abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

ARTICLE VII — MISCELLANEOUS

 

1. INFORMAL ACTION

Any action required to be taken or which may be taken at a meeting of the shareholders, directors or members of the executive committee, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by all of the shareholders, directors, or members of the executive committee, as the case may be, entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the shareholders, directors, or members of the executive committee, as the case may be, at a meeting of said body.

 

2. SEAL

The corporate seal shall be circular in form and shall contain the name of the corporation, the year of its incorporation and the words “TEXAS,” and “CORPORATE SEAL” or an image of the Lone Star. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced. The corporate seal may be altered by order of the board of directors at any time.

 

3. CHECKS

All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the board of directors may from time to time designate.

 

4. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the 1st day of April in each and every year.

 

5. DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL STATEMENT

The board of directors shall present at each annual meeting of shareholders a full and clear statement of the business and condition of the corporation.

 

6. CLOSE CORPORATIONS: MANAGEMENT BY SHAREHOLDERS

If the articles of incorporation of the corporation and each certificate representing its issued and outstanding shares states that the business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by the shareholders of the corporation rather than by a board of directors, then, whenever the context so requires the shareholders of the corporation shall be deemed the directors of the corporation for purposes of applying any provision of these by-laws.

 

9


7. AMENDMENTS

These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed in whole or in part by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote, but such power may be delegated by the shareholders to the board of directors.

 

10

EXHIBIT 3.11

AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC.

To the Secretary of State

State of Louisiana

Pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of the State of Louisiana, the corporation herein named submits the following Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation:

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the “ Corporation ”) is

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC.

ARTICLE II

OBJECTS AND PURPOSES

The objects and purposes of which the Corporation is formed and the nature of the business to be carried on by it are hereby declared to be as follows:

To enter into any lawful business activity in which a corporation organized under LSA-R.S. 12:1 et seq, may engage, either for its own account, or for others as agent, including selling products and services for Heat-tracing Installation.

The foregoing shall be construed both as objects and powers but the enumeration thereof shall not be held in limit or restrict in any manner the powers and privileges conferred on the Corporation by the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana.

ARTICLE III

DURATION

The duration of the Corporation shall be perpetual, or such maximum period as may be authorized by the laws of the State of Louisiana.


ARTICLE IV

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL

The total authorized shares of the Corporation is one hundred thousand (100,000) shares of common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share. Shareholders shall have pre-emptive rights.

ARTICLE V

DIRECTORS

Unless and until otherwise provided in the ByLaws of the Corporation (the “ ByLaws ”), all of the corporate powers of the Corporation shall be vested in, and all of the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors, consisting of not less than two (2) nor more than six (6) members (directors) of the Board of Directors. The number of directors may be increased or decreased within the limits above provided by a majority vote of the directors.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to make and alter the ByLaws, including the right to make and alter the ByLaws fixing their qualifications, classification, or terms of office, or fixing or increasing their compensation, subject to the power of the shareholders to change or repeal the Bylaws so made.

The Board shall further have authority to exercise all such other powers and to do all such other lawful acts and things which the Corporation or its shareholders might do, unless prohibited from doing so by application laws, or by the Articles of Incorporation, or by the ByLaws of the Corporation.

The general annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of the Directors shall be held at the registered office of the Corporation, unless and until otherwise provided in the Bylaws, and shall take place on the 2nd Monday of October in each year, if that day is not a legal holiday; if that day is a legal holiday, the meeting will be held on the first business day thereafter, unless or until otherwise provided in the Bylaws.

The number, classification, term of office, manner of election, time and place of meetings, whether within or outside the State of Louisiana, and the powers and duties of the Directors, may be from time to time fixed, changed, increased or reduced by the ByLaws.

ARTICLE VI

CAPITAL SURPLUS AND DIVIDENDS

The Board of Directors shall have such power and authority with respect to capital, surplus and dividends, including allocation, increases, reduction, utilization, distribution and payment, as is permitted and provided for in Section 61, 62, and 63 of the Business Corporation Law of the State of Louisiana, or other applicable laws.

 

2


ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS TOARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Changes in the rights of holders of shares of any class shall be made by a majority vote or written consent, of the shareholders given voting power by these articles; and in addition, by a majority vote of written consent, of the class or classes of shareholders affected, whether they are otherwise entitled to vote or not.

Any other amendment for which a larger vote is not specifically made mandatory by the Business Corporation Law of the State of Louisiana, may be made upon the majority vote or written consent of the shareholders entitled to vote under these articles, including an increase or reduction of capital stock.

The aforesaid Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation accurately copies the original Articles of Incorporation filed on February 25, 1992, and all amendments thereto in effect as of the date herein, without substantive change except for the exclusion of Article IX of the original Articles of Incorporation, which is no longer contained in this Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. The aforesaid Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation have been effected in conformity with the law of the State of Louisiana by a vote of the sole shareholder, and shall become effective on August 30, 2007, upon the filing of these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.

 

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IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, are executed in the name of the Corporation by the undersigned officers of the Corporation on August 30 th , 2007.

 

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC.
  By:  

/s/ Mark Burdick

  Name:   Mark Burdick
  Title:   Vice President
  By:  

/s/ David P. Ralph

  Name:   David P. Ralph
  Title:   Secretary and Treasurer

STATE OF TEXAS )

                                     ) SS.:

COUNTY OF HAYS )

On this 30 th day of August, 2007, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public duly appointed to take proof and acknowledgment of deeds and other instruments, came Mark Burdick, Vice-President of THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC., to me personally known to be the individual described in and who executed the preceding Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, and who duly acknowledged to me that he executed the same, and being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that he executed said Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as Vice-President of the aforesaid Corporation.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affix my official seal at SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, on the day and year first above written.

 

/s/ Linda S. Alexander

Notary Public

[Seal]

 

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EXHIBIT 3.12

BYLAWS OF CORPORATION

OF

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC.

ARTICLE I

Section 1. The officers of THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC. shall be President and Vice-President/Secretary.

The officers shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at its first meeting following the annual meeting. Officers may be members of the Board of Directors and vice-versa.

The duties of the several officers shall be as follows:

President: The President shall be the chief executive officer of the corportion; he shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and directors; he shall have general and active management of the business of the Corporation, and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. He shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation. He shall have the general powers duties of supervision and management usually vested in the office of President of a corporation.

Vice-President: The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President should the President be unable to perform such duties.

Secretary: The Secretary shall have charge of all funds of the Corporation and of its disbursements under the direction of the Board of Directors. He shall keep a record of all monies received and paid out, making a report of same to the Board of Directors at each regular meeting thereof and whenever requested so to do. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Corporation and of the Board of Directors, and keep minutes of the proceedings thereof. He shall give notice of all meetings of the Corporation, of the Board of Directors and of Committees. He shall further be charged with the performance of such services in behalf of the Corporation as may, from time to time, be determined to the Board of Directors.


The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors, all meetings of the stockholders and record all votes and the minutes of the proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose; and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors under whose supervision he shall be. He shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation, and when authorized by the Board, affix the same to any instrument requiring it, and when so affixed, it shall be attested by his signature. He shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his duty.

Section 2. The compensation of all officers shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. The Board may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary, who shall hold their officers for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board.

Section 4. The officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify in their stead. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors. If the office of any officer or officers becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors.

Section 5. In the case of the absence of any officer of the Corporation, or for any other reason, that the Board may deem sufficient, the Board may delegate, for the time being, the power or duties, or any of them, of such officer to any other officer, or to any director, provided a majority of the entire Board concurs therein.


ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall be composed of two (2) individuals who shall be elected annually as provided in the Charter.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall be charged with the management of all of the affairs of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of its charter and bylaw.

Section 3. For the purpose of transacting the business of this Corporation during the intervals between the meetings of the Board of Directors, the President and the Secretary shall constitute the Executive Committee, with full authority to act.

Section 4. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly at such time and place as the directors may determine. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President on three (3) days’ notice to each director, either personally or by mail or by telegram; special meetings shall be called by the Secretary in like manner and on like notice on the writer request of two directors.

Section 5. Two directors shall constitute a quorum of the Board.

Section 6. In addition to the powers and authorities by these bylaws expressly conferred upon it, the Board of Directors may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the articles of incorporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 7. Indemnity. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each director and officer now or hereafter serving the Corporation from and against any and all claims and liabilities to which he may be or become subject by reason of his now or hereafter being or having heretofore been a director or officer of the Corporation and/or by reason of his alleged acts or omissions as such officer and director at the time when any such claim or liability is asserted, and shall reimburse each such director and officer for all legal and other expenses reasonably


incurred by him in connection with defending any or all such claims or liabilities, including amounts paid or agreed to be paid in connection with reasonable settlements made before final adjudication with the approval of the Board of Directors, whether or not he continues to be provided, however, that no director or officer shall be indemnified against or reimbursed for any expenses incurred in defending any or all such claims or liability or in setting the same unless in the judgment of the directors of the Corporation the director or officer against whom such claim of liability is asserted has not been guilty of negligence or willfill misconduct. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be inclusive of other rights to which any director or officer may be entitled as a matter of law.

ARTICLE III

COMMITTEES

Section 1. The president may appoint such committees as he deems necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Whenever the Board of Directors is not in session, the committee appointed by the President may act subject to ratification at the next meeting of the Board of Directors, at which the appointments made by the President may be either approved or disapproved.

Section 2. The chairman of each committee shall make a written report of the Board of Directors whenever requested by the Board.

ARTICLE IV

STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

Section 1. The annual meeting of the Corporation shall be held as provided in the Charter.

Section 2. Special meetings of the Corporation may be called at any time by the President, of a majority of the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Immediately following the adjournment of the annual meeting of the Corporation, the newly-elected directors shall hold a meeting for the purpose of organization, and the transaction of any other business.


Section 4. Not less than five days prior to any meeting of the Corporation, a notice of such meeting shall be mailed to each shareholder at his last known post office address. The notice for any special meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting. All meetings of the Corporation may, however, be called without notice, by written waiver of the right to such notice, by each person entitled thereto.

Section 5. At any meeting of the stockholders every stockholder having the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person, or by proxy appointed by an instrument in writing subscribed by such stockholder and witnessed by one witness. Each stockholder shall have one vote for each share of stock having voting power, registered in his name on the books of the Corporation, except where the transfer books of the Corporation shall have been closed of a date shall have been fixed as date of record for the determination of its stockholders entitled to vote.

Section 6. Written notice of the annual meeting shall be mailed to each stockholder entitled to vote there at such address as appears on the stock book of the Corporation, at least five days prior to the meeting.

Section 7. A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the ensuing election, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of each, and the number of voting shares held by each, shall be prepared by the Secretary and filed in the office where the election is to be held, at least ten days before every election, and shall at all times, during the usual hours of business, and during the whole time of said election, be open to the examination, of any stockholder.

Section 8. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose, or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by the President and shall be called by the President at the request in writing of a majority of the Board of Directors, or at the request in writing of stockholders owning a majority in amount of the entire capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding, and entitled to vote. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.


Section 9. Business transacted at all special meetings shall be confined to the objects stated in the call.

Section 10. Written notice of a special meeting of stockholders, stating the time and place and object thereof shall be mailed, postage prepaid, at least five days before such meeting, to such stockholder entitled to vote thereat at such address as appears on the books of the Corporation.

Section 11. Order of Business at Stockholders Meeting. At all meetings of stockholders, the order of business shall be as far as applicable and practical, as follows:

(1) Organization;

(2) Proof of notice of meeting or of waivers thereof (the certificate of the Secretary of the Corporation, or the affidavit of any other person who mailed the notice or caused the same to be mailed, being proof of service of mail;

(3) Submission by Secretary, or by Inspectors, if any, shall have been elected or appointed, or list of stockholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy;

(4) In an annual meeting, or a meeting called for that purpose, reading of unapproved minutes of preceding meetings, and action thereon;

(5) Reports;

(6) In an annual meeting, or a meeting called for that purpose, the election of directors;

(7) Unfinished business;

(8) New business;

(9) Adjournment.

ARTICLE V

CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

The certificates of stock of the Corporation shall be numbered and shall be entered into the books of the Corporation as they are issued. They shall exhibit the holder’s name and number of shares and shall be signed by the President and Secretary.


ARTICLE VI

REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS

The corporation shall be entitled to read the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, save as expressly provided by laws of Louisiana.

ARTICLE VII

LOSS OF CERTIFICATE

Any person claiming a certificate of stock to be lost or destroyed, shall make an affidavit or affirmation of that fact, and the Board of Directors may, in it discretion, require the owner of the lost or destroyed certificate or his legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond, in such sum as the Board of Directors of the Corporation may require to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss of any such certificates; a new certificate of the same tenor and for the same number of shares as the one alleged to be lost or destroyed, may be issued without requiring any bond when, in the judgment of the directors, it is proper to do so.

ARTICLE VIII

CHECKS

All checks, drafts and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

ARTICLE IX

DIVIDENDS

Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meetings pursuant to law.


ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be altered or amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, at any regular or special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose, or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board called for that purpose, provided that no change of the time or place for the election of directors shall be made within sixty (60) days preceding the date on which such election is to be held, and that in case of any change of such time or place, notice thereof shall be given to each stockholder in person or by letter mailed to his last known post office address at least twenty (20) days before the election is held.

CERTIFICATE

I, WILLIAM RAYMOND DOYLE, Secretary of THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC. do certify that the foregoing Bylaws were unanimously adopted by the Board of Directors Corporation at a special meeting held by them on the day of the 25th day on February, 1992.

 

/s/ William Raymond Doyle

William Raymond Doyle
Secretary

 

ATTEST:

/s/ Richard Allen Hageman

Richard Allen Hageman
President

 

/s/ William Raymond Doyle

William Raymond Doyle
Vice-President

EXHIBIT 4.1

EXECUTION COPY

 

 

 

Thermon Finance, Inc.

(to be merged with and into Thermon Industries, Inc.),

as the Issuer

and the Guarantors party hereto

$210,000,000

aggregate principal amount of

9.50% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of April 30, 2010

 

 

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

as Trustee and Collateral Agent

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

         Page
  ARTICLE 1   
  Definitions and Incorporation by Reference   

Section 1.01

  Definitions    1

Section 1.02

  Other Definitions    32

Section 1.03

  Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act    32

Section 1.04

  Rules of Construction    32
  ARTICLE 2   
  The Notes   

Section 2.01

  Form and Dating    33

Section 2.02

  Execution and Authentication    35

Section 2.03

  Registrar and Paying Agent    36

Section 2.04

  Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust    36

Section 2.05

  Holder Lists    37

Section 2.06

  Transfer and Exchange    37

Section 2.07

  Replacement Notes    51

Section 2.08

  Outstanding Notes    51

Section 2.09

  Treasury Notes    52

Section 2.10

  Temporary Notes    52

Section 2.11

  Cancellation    52

Section 2.12

  Defaulted Interest    52

Section 2.13

  CUSIP Numbers    53
  ARTICLE 3   
  Redemption and Prepayment   

Section 3.01

  Notices to Trustee    53

Section 3.02

  Selection of Notes to be Redeemed    53

Section 3.03

  Notice of Redemption    54

Section 3.04

  Effect of Notice of Redemption    55

Section 3.05

  Deposit of Redemption Price    55

Section 3.06

  Notes Redeemed in Part    55

Section 3.07

  Optional Redemption    55

Section 3.08

  Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase    56

Section 3.09

  Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds    57

Section 3.10

  Company May Acquire Notes    58
  ARTICLE 4   
  Satisfaction and Discharge   

Section 4.01

  Satisfaction and Discharge    59

Section 4.02

  Application of Trust Money    59
  ARTICLE 5   
  Covenants   

Section 5.01

  Payment of Notes    60


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

 

         Page

Section 5.02

  Maintenance of Office or Agency    60

Section 5.03

  Reports    61

Section 5.04

  Compliance Certificate    62

Section 5.05

  Taxes    62

Section 5.06

  Stay, Extension and Usury Laws    62

Section 5.07

  Restricted Payments    63

Section 5.08

  Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries    67

Section 5.09

  Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock    69

Section 5.10

  Asset Sales    73

Section 5.11

  Transactions with Affiliates    74

Section 5.12

  Liens    76

Section 5.13

  Corporate Existence; Maintenance of Property and Insurance    76

Section 5.14

  Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control    77

Section 5.15

  Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries    79

Section 5.16

  Sale and Leaseback Transactions    79

Section 5.17

  Additional Guarantors    80

Section 5.18

  Business Activities    80

Section 5.19

  Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Equity Interests in Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries    81

Section 5.20

  Payments for Consent    81

Section 5.21

  Mortgages    81

Section 5.22

  Further Assurances    82
  ARTICLE 6   
  Successors   

Section 6.01

  Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets    82

Section 6.02

  Successor Entity Substituted    85
  ARTICLE 7   
  Defaults and Remedies   

Section 7.01

  Events of Default    85

Section 7.02

  Acceleration    88

Section 7.03

  Other Remedies    88

Section 7.04

  Waiver of Past Defaults    89

Section 7.05

  Control by Majority    89

Section 7.06

  Limitation on Suits    89

Section 7.07

  Rights of Holders To Receive Payment    90

Section 7.08

  Collection Suit By Trustee    90

Section 7.09

  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim    90

Section 7.10

  Priorities    91

Section 7.11

  Undertaking For Costs    91

Section 7.12

  Rights and Remedies Cumulative    91

Section 7.13

  Delay or Omission Not Waiver    91

 

  ii  


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

         Page
  ARTICLE 8   
  Trustee   
Section 8.01   Duties of Trustee    92
Section 8.02   Rights of Trustee    93
Section 8.03   Individual Rights of Trustee    94

Section 8.04

  Trustee’s Disclaimer    94

Section 8.05

  Notice of Defaults    95

Section 8.06

  Reports by Trustee to Holders    95

Section 8.07

  Compensation and Indemnity    95

Section 8.08

  Replacement of Trustee    96

Section 8.09

  Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.    97

Section 8.10

  Eligibility, Disqualification    97

Section 8.11

  Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company    97
  ARTICLE 9   
  Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance   

Section 9.01

  Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance    97

Section 9.02

  Legal Defeasance and Discharge    98

Section 9.03

  Covenant Defeasance    98

Section 9.04

  Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance    99

Section 9.05

  Deposited money and U.S. Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions    100

Section 9.06

  Repayment to Company    100

Section 9.07

  Reinstatement    101
  ARTICLE 10   
  Amendment, Supplement and Waiver   

Section 10.01

  Without Consent of Holders    101

Section 10.02

  With Consent of Holders    102

Section 10.03

  Compliance with Trust Indenture Act    104

Section 10.04

  Revocation and Effect of Consents    104

Section 10.05

  Notation On or Exchange of Notes    104

Section 10.06

  Trustee or Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments, Etc.    105
  ARTICLE 11   
  Guarantees   

Section 11.01

  Guarantees    105

Section 11.02

  Additional Guarantors    106

Section 11.03

  Releases of Guarantees    106

Section 11.04

  Limitation on Guarantor Liability    107

Section 11.05

  “Trustee” to Include Paying Agent    108

 

  iii  


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

         Page
    ARTICLE 12     
    Miscellaneous     

Section 12.01

  Trust Indenture Act Controls    108

Section 12.02

  Notices    108

Section 12.03

  Communication by Holders with Other Holders    110

Section 12.04

  Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent    110

Section 12.05

  Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion    110

Section 12.06

  Rules by Trustee and Agents    111

Section 12.07

  No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders    111

Section 12.08

  Governing Law    111

Section 12.09

  No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements    111

Section 12.10

  Successors    112

Section 12.11

  Severability    112

Section 12.12

  Counterpart Originals    112

Section 12.13

  Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.    112

Section 12.14

  Intercreditor Agreement    112

Section 12.15

  Payments Due on Non-Business Days    112

Section 12.16

  Waiver of Jury Trial    112
  ARTICLE 13   
  Collateral and Security   

Section 13.01

  Collateral Documents    113

Section 13.02

  Recording and Opinions    113

Section 13.03

  Release of Collateral    114

Section 13.04

  Specified Releases of Collateral    114

Section 13.05

  Release upon Satisfaction or Defeasance of all Outstanding Obligations    115

Section 13.06

  Form and Sufficiency of Release and Subordination    115

Section 13.07

  Purchaser Protected    116

Section 13.08

  Authorization of Actions to be Taken by the Collateral Agent Under the Collateral Documents    116

Section 13.09

  Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Collateral Documents    117

Section 13.10

  Action by the Collateral Agent    117

Section 13.11

  Compensation and Indemnity    117

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    -    Form of Note
Exhibit B    -    Form of Certificate of Transfer
Exhibit C    -    Form of Certificate of Exchange
Exhibit D    -    Form of Certificate from Acquiring Institutional Accredited Investor
Exhibit E    -    Form of Supplemental Indenture

 

  iv  


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

Trust Indenture Act Section     Indenture Section
310   (a)(1)   8.10
  (a)(2)   8.10
  (a)(3)   N.A.
  (a)(4)   N.A.
  (a)(5)   8.10
  (b)   8.10
  (c)   N.A.
311   (a)   8.11
  (b)   8.11
  (c)   N.A.
312   (a)   2.05; 2.07
  (b)   12.03
  (c)   12.03
313   (a)   8.06
  (b)   13.03
  (b)(1)   8.06
  (b)(2)   8.06; 8.07
  (c)   8.06; 12.02
  (d)   8.06
314   (a)   5.03; 12.02
  (a)(4)   12.05
  (b)   12.02, 13.02
  (c)(1)   12.04
  (c)(2)   12.04
  (c)(3)   N.A.
  (d)   12.03; 12.04, 13.03
  (e)   12.05
  (f)   N.A.
315   (a)   8.01
  (b)   8.05; 12.02
  (c)   8.01
  (d)   8.01
  (e)   7.11
316   (a)(last sentence)   2.10
  (a)(1)(A)   7.05
  (a)(1)(B)   7.04
  (a)(2)   N.A.
  (b)   7.07
  (c)   2.07
317   (a)(1)   7.08
  (a)(2)   7.09
  (b)   2.06
318   (a)   12.01
  (b)   N.A.
  (c)   12.01
N.A.   means not applicable.  

 

 

* This cross-reference table is not part of this Indenture.


INDENTURE dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation, each of the Guarantors (as defined herein) from time to time party hereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent.

The Company (as defined herein), the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “ Notes ”, including the $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes to be issued on the date hereof (the “ Initial Notes ”)), Additional Notes (as defined herein) that may be issued from time to time and the Notes that may be issued in exchange for the Initial Notes or Additional Notes in an Exchange Offer (the “ Exchange Notes ”):

ARTICLE 1

Definitions and Incorporation by Reference

Section 1.01 Definitions .

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

Acquired Debt ” means with respect to any specified Person:

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person was merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person; and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person at the time such asset is acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Additional Notes ” means any Notes issued after the date of this Indenture from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Indenture including the provisions of Sections 2.02 and 5.09 .

Administrative Agent ” means General Electric Capital Corporation, or any successor thereto, as administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.


Agent ” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, any co-Registrar or any additional Paying Agent.

Applicable Premium ” means with respect to a Note at any redemption date, the greater of (i) 1.00% of the then outstanding principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess of (A) the present value at such redemption date of (1) the redemption price of such note on May 1, 2014 (such redemption price being set forth in subsection (a) of Section 3.07 exclusive of any accrued interest or Additional Interest) plus (2) all required remaining scheduled interest payments due on such Note through May 1, 2014 (but excluding accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 0.50%, over (B) the then outstanding principal amount of such Note.

Applicable Procedures ” means, with respect to any tender, payment, transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in a Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream that are applicable to such tender, payment, transfer or exchange.

Asset Sale ” means:

(1) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of any assets (including by way of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction); provided that the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions of Section 5.14 and/or the provisions of Section 6.01 and not by the provisions of Section 5.10 );

(2) the issue or sale by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Capital Stock of any of the Parent’s Restricted Subsidiaries (other than directors’ qualifying Capital Stock or Capital Stock required by applicable law to be owned by another Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary); and

(3) an Event of Loss.

In the case of either clause (1), (2) or (3), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions:

(A) that have a Fair Market Value in excess of $1.0 million; or

(B) for Net Proceeds in excess of $1.0 million.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:

(1) a transfer of Capital Stock of a Foreign Subsidiary to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or a transfer of assets (a) to the Company or any Guarantor or (b) by a Foreign Subsidiary to another Foreign Subsidiary;

 

  2  


(2) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent;

(3) the sale, disposition or lease of (x) inventory, products or services by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business or (y) accounts receivable by Foreign Subsidiaries in connection with factoring arrangements entered into by them in the ordinary course of business;

(4) for purposes of Section 5.10 only, a Restricted Payment that is permitted by Section 5.07 or a Permitted Investment;

(5) the Incurrence of Permitted Liens and the disposition of assets subject to such Liens by or on behalf of the Person holding such Liens;

(6) the sale, transfer or other disposition or discounting, on a non-recourse basis, of overdue and delinquent accounts in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(7) any disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents;

(8) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any property in the ordinary course of business;

(9) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract rights, intangible claims or rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business;

(10) any sale, abandonment or other disposition in the ordinary course of business of intellectual property or other assets determined by the Parent in its good faith judgment to be damaged, worn-out, surplus, obsolete, permanently retired or no longer useful or economically practicable or commercially desirable to maintain in the conduct of the business of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

(11) the license of patents, trademarks, copyrights and know-how to third Persons in the ordinary course of business; and

(12) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code (or comparable or successor provision), any exchange of like property (excluding boot thereon) for use in any Similar Business.

Attributable Debt ” in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined by the Company in accordance with GAAP) of the total obligations of the lessee for net rental payments (excluding any amounts required to be paid by such lessee, whether or not designated as rent or additional rent, on account of maintenance or repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges or any amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of sales or similar contingent amounts) during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction

 

  3  


(including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended); provided , however , if such sale and leaseback transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby will be determined in accordance with the definition of Capital Lease Obligation).

Bankruptcy Law ” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any other bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, arrangement, liquidation, reorganization or similar law of any jurisdiction providing relief from or otherwise affecting the rights of creditors.

Board of Directors ” means:

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

(2) with respect to a partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of the partnership;

(3) with respect to a limited liability company, the board of directors or other governing body, and in the absence of the same, the managing member or members or any controlling committee of managing members thereof; and

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

Borrowing Base ” means, at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (A) 50% of the book value of “inventories, net” of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (B) 75% of the book value of “accounts receivable, net” of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case, as reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent for its most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at such time.

Business Day ” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York or in the city of the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Capital Lease Obligation ” of any Person means the monetary obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of (or other Indebtedness arrangements conveying the right to use) real or personal property which are required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease or a liability on the face of a balance sheet of such Person determined in accordance with GAAP (each such lease and arrangement is hereinafter referred to as a “ Capitalized Lease ”) and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof in accordance with GAAP and the stated maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such Capitalized Lease prior to the first date upon which such Capitalized Lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the immediately preceding sentence, “Capital Lease Obligations” shall not include any such obligations under any Specified Capitalized Lease.

 

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Capital Stock ” means:

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

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

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

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

Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally Guaranteed by, the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition;

(2) certificates of deposit, time deposits, eurodollar time deposits, demand deposits, overnight bank deposits or banker’s acceptances having maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition issued by any lender to the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or by any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof having combined capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000;

(3) commercial paper of an issuer rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, Inc. (“ S&P ”) or P-1 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper issuers generally, and maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition;

(4) repurchase obligations of any financial institution satisfying the requirements of clause (2) of this definition, having a term of not more than 30 days, with respect to securities issued or fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States;

(5) securities with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully Guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States, by any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth or territory or by any foreign government, the securities of which state, commonwealth, territory, political subdivision, taxing authority or foreign government (as the case may be) have the highest rating obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s;

(6) securities with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any financial institution satisfying the requirements of clause (2) of this definition;

 

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(7) money market mutual or similar funds that invest exclusively in assets satisfying the requirements of clauses (1) through (6) of this definition;

(8) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s; and

(9) investments made by Foreign Subsidiaries in local currencies in instruments issued by or with entities in such jurisdictions having correlative and comparable attributes to the foregoing.

Cash Management Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, all obligations of such Person in respect of overdrafts and liabilities owed to any other Person that arise from treasury, depositary or cash management services, including in connection with any automated clearing house transfers of funds, or any similar transactions.

Certificate of Beneficial Ownership ” means a certificate substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E .

CFC ” means a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Code and any entity that wholly-owns the stock of a CFC and which is disregarded for United States federal income tax purposes as an entity that is separate from its owner.

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

(1) the direct or indirect sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition (other than by way of merger, consolidation or amalgamation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than a Permitted Holder;

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

(3) the consummation of any transaction (including any merger, consolidation or amalgamation) the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above) other than a Permitted Holder, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that for purposes of this clause (3) such person shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all shares that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting stock or shares of the Parent;

(4) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Parent are not Continuing Directors; or

(5) the Parent shall cease to own all of the outstanding Capital Stock of the Company.

 

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Clearstream ” means Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, Luxembourg (or any successor thereto).

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Collateral ” means the collateral securing the Indenture Obligations.

Collateral Agent ” means The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., in its capacity as Collateral Agent under the Collateral Documents, together with its successors in such capacity.

Collateral Documents ” means the Security Agreement, the Mortgages and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted by the Company or any Guarantor to secure any Indenture Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to any such Lien are governed.

Company ” means Thermon Finance, Inc., prior to the Merger and Thermon Industries, Inc. after the Merger and any successor thereto.

Consolidated Cash Flow ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period plus :

(1) an amount equal to any extraordinary or non-recurring loss, to the extent that such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(2) an amount equal to any net loss realized in connection with an Asset Sale, the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness by such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries, to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(3) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(4) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period; plus

(5) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(6) write offs, write downs or impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, unrealized mark-to-market losses, and other non-cash charges (excluding any such other non-cash charge to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

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(7) the amount of fees and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Management Agreement to the extent deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(8) the expenses of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are described in note (v) to the table under paragraph (b) of Note 2 to the “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus

(9) all non-cash items to the extent that such non-cash items increased Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding the recognition of deferred revenue or any items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period and any items for which cash was received in a prior period).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes based on income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary of a Person shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the Net Income of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of, without duplication:

(1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges Incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations, and excluding amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs); plus

(2) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period (excluding amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs); plus

(3) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person to the extent that such Indebtedness is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on the assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the immediately preceding sentence “Consolidated Interest Expense” shall not include any interest expense in respect of any Specified Capitalized Lease.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that:

(1) the Net Income of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included, but only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions that have been distributed in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;

 

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(2) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction has been legally waived; and

(3) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded.

Continuing Directors ” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Parent who (1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of this Indenture or (2) was elected to such Board of Directors with the approval, recommendation or endorsement of, or whose nomination for election was approved, recommended or ratified by, a majority of the directors who were members of such Board of Directors on the date of this Indenture or whose nomination or election to the Board of Directors was previously so approved.

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

Default ” means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be an Event of Default.

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

Depositary ” means a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for the Notes until a successor Depositary shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and, thereafter, “Depositary” shall mean or include such successor Depositary. The Depositary initially is DTC.

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder) or upon the happening of any event:

(1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise;

 

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(2) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock (excluding Capital Stock convertible or exchangeable solely at the option of the Parent or a Subsidiary of the Parent; provided that any such conversion or exchange will be deemed an Incurrence of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, as applicable); or

(3) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part,

in the case of each of clauses (1), (2) and (3), on or prior to the 91st day after the Stated Maturity of the Notes; provided that any Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to repurchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or “change of control” occurring on or prior to the 91st day after the Stated Maturity of the Notes will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the “asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are not more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than Sections 5.10 and 5.14 .

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent other than a Foreign Subsidiary.

DTC ” means The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation.

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for Capital Stock).

Equity Offering ” means a sale for cash of either (1) common equity securities or units including or representing common equity securities of the Parent (other than to a Subsidiary of the Parent) or (2) common equity securities or units including or representing common equity securities of a direct or indirect parent entity of the Parent (other than to the Parent or a Subsidiary of the Parent) to the extent that the net proceeds therefrom are contributed to the common equity capital of the Parent.

Euroclear ” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System (or any successor thereto).

Event of Loss ” means, with respect to any (i) loss or destruction of any property or asset or (ii) any actual condemnation, seizure or taking, by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise, of such property or asset, or confiscation of the use of such property or asset, the date on which the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries receives insurance proceeds, or proceeds of a condemnation award or other compensation to replace or repair such property or asset (including improvements), in each case, in excess of $5.0 million with respect to any such event.

Exchange Act ” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

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Exchange Offer ” means the offer that may be made by the Company pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement to exchange the Initial Notes or Additional Notes for Exchange Notes.

Exchange Registration Statement ” means a registration statement relating to an Exchange Offer.

Excluded Collateral ” means:

(1) the voting Capital Stock of any CFC in excess of 65% of all of the outstanding voting Capital Stock of such CFC;

(2) motor vehicles covered by certificates of title or ownership to the extent that a security interest cannot be perfected solely by filing a UCC-1 financing statement (or similar instrument);

(3) leasehold interests in real property with respect to which the Company or any Guarantor is a tenant or subtenant;

(4) rights under any contracts that contain a valid and enforceable prohibition on assignment of such rights (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity), but only for so long as such prohibition exists and is effective and valid;

(5) property and assets owned by the Company or any Guarantor that are the subject of Permitted Liens described in clause (7) of the definition thereof for so long as such Permitted Liens are in effect and the Indebtedness secured thereby otherwise prohibits any other Liens thereon;

(6) deposit accounts of the Company or any Guarantor exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments;

(7) any Capital Stock or other securities of the Parent’s Subsidiaries to the extent that the pledge of such securities results in the Parent being required to file separate financial statements of such Subsidiary with the SEC, but only to the extent necessary for the Parent not to be subject to such requirement and only for so long as such requirement is in existence; provided that neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action in the form of a reorganization, merger or other restructuring a principal purpose of which is to provide for the release of the Lien on any securities pursuant to this clause;

(8) any fee interest in real property that has a purchase price of $1.0 million or less and which a Mortgage is not required in accordance with Section 5.21 ; and

(9) all other assets included in the definition of “Excluded Property” in the Security Agreement.

 

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Existing Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of this Indenture until such Indebtedness is repaid.

Fair Market Value ” means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent; provided , however , that, except in the case of determining the Fair Market Value of assets in connection with an Asset Sale not involving the sale of assets to an Affiliate, the Board of Directors’ determination must be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if the Fair Market Value exceeds $10.0 million.

First Priority Cash Management Obligations ” means any Cash Management Obligations secured by any Collateral under the First Priority Collateral Documents.

First Priority Claims ” means (a) Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement permitted pursuant to clause (i) of paragraph (b) of Section 5.09 and, to the extent the incurrence of such Indebtedness thereunder would not result in the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under the Revolving Credit Agreement to exceed $50.0 million, clause (xvi) of paragraph (b) of Section 5.09 , (b) First Priority Cash Management Obligations and First Priority Hedging Obligations, and (c) all other Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the documents relating to Indebtedness described in clauses (a) and (b) of this definition.

First Priority Collateral Documents ” means the First Priority Security Agreements, the First Priority Mortgages and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any First Priority Claims or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed.

First Priority Hedging Obligations ” means any Hedging Obligations that are permitted to be incurred under clause (vii) of paragraph (b) of Section 5.09 and that are secured by any collateral under the First Priority Collateral Documents.

First Priority Mortgages ” means a collective reference to each mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt and any other document or instrument under which any Lien on real property owned by the Company or any Guarantor is granted to secure any First Priority Claims or under which rights or remedies with respect to any such Liens are governed.

First Priority Security Agreements ” means the Guaranty and Security Agreement, by and among the Company, as a grantor, the domestic subsidiaries of the Company party thereto from time to time as grantors and General Electric Capital Corporation, as U.S. Agent and the Guarantee and Security Agreement, by and among Thermon Canada Inc., as a grantor, the domestic subsidiaries of the Company party thereto from time to time as grantors and GE Canada Finance Holding Company, as Canadian Agent, in each case to be dated as of the date of this Indenture and as amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with their respective terms.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of

 

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such Person for such period. In the event that the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs or redeems any Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings) or issues or redeems Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Calculation Date ”), the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock (including the application of any proceeds therefrom), as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable period. In addition, for purposes of making the computation referred to above:

(1) acquisitions that have been made by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers, consolidations or amalgamations and including any related financing transactions, during such period or subsequent to such period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of such period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated to include the Consolidated Cash Flow of the acquired entities (adjusted to exclude (A) the cost of any compensation, remuneration or other benefit paid or provided to any employee, consultant, Affiliate or equity owner of the acquired entities to the extent such costs are eliminated and not replaced and (B) the amount of any reduction in general, administrative or overhead costs of the acquired entities, in each case, as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of the Parent);

(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded;

(3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date;

(4) any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such period;

(5) any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such period;

(6) if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the Calculation Date in excess of 12 months); and

(7) for purposes of making the computations referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness of the specified Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries under a revolving credit facility (to the extent not excluded from the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio due to the operation of the first parenthetical phrase of this definition) computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based on the weighted average daily balance of such Indebtedness during such period.

 

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Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of, without duplication:

(1) the Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period; plus

(2) the product of (A) all cash dividend payments (and non-cash dividend payments in the case of a Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary) on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, times (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent incorporated or organized in a jurisdiction other than the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia and any Subsidiary of the Parent that wholly-owns the Capital Stock of a CFC and which is disregarded for United States federal income tax purposes as an entity that is separate from its owner.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, which are in effect from time to time, including those set forth in:

(1) the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s FASB Statement No. 168;

(2) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

(3) the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and

(4) such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession.

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

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

 

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Guarantee ” by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person to:

(1) purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment) of such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment of such Indebtedness;

(2) purchase property, securities or services for the purposes of assuring the holder of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness; or

(3) maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness;

provided , however , that the Guarantee by any Person shall not include (x) endorsements by such Person for collection or deposit, in either case, in the ordinary course of business, or (y) a contractual commitment by one Person to invest in another Person for so long as such Investment is reasonably expected to constitute a Permitted Investment under clauses (1), (3) or (4) of the definition of “Permitted Investment.”

Guarantors ” means (i) the Initial Guarantors and (ii) each Domestic Subsidiary and any other Restricted Subsidiary that executes a Note Guarantee after the date of this Indenture in accordance with the provisions thereof, until, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), the Note Guarantee of any such Person is released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

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

Holdings ” means Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

IAI Global Note ” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold to Institutional Accredited Investors .

Incur ” means, with respect to any Indebtedness or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume (pursuant to a merger, consolidation, amalgamation, acquisition or other transaction), Guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any such Indebtedness or other obligation on the balance sheet of such Person (and “Incurrence” and “Incurred” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided , however , that a change in GAAP that results in an obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Indebtedness shall not be deemed an Incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided , further , that the accretion of original issue discount on Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness. Indebtedness otherwise Incurred by a Person before it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent shall be deemed to have been Incurred at the time it becomes such a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

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Indebtedness ” means (without duplication), with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person:

(1) indebtedness for borrowed money;

(2) indebtedness evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments of which such Person is obligated or liable;

(3) every payment obligation of such Person with respect to reimbursement of letters of credit, banker’s acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person, other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations, other than obligations referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (5), entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the 10th day following payment on the letter of credit;

(4) every payment obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade payables, credit on open account, provisional credit, accrued liabilities or similar terms arising in the ordinary course of business which are not overdue or which are being contested in good faith);

(5) every Capital Lease Obligation of such Person;

(6) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of Disqualified Stock of such Person at the time of determination plus accrued but unpaid dividends;

(7) every net payment obligation of such Person under interest rate swap, cap, collar or similar agreements or foreign currency hedge, exchange or similar agreements of such Person (collectively, “ Hedging Obligations ”); and

(8) every payment obligation of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (7) of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has Guaranteed or is liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, to the extent of such Guarantee or other liability.

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

Indenture Documents ” means the Notes, this Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

Indenture Obligations ” means all Obligations in respect of the Notes or arising under the Indenture Documents. Indenture Obligations shall include all interest accrued (or which would, absent the commencement of an insolvency or liquidation proceeding, accrue) after the commencement of an insolvency or liquidation proceeding in accordance with and at the rate specified in the relevant Indenture Document whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim in such insolvency or liquidation proceeding.

 

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

Initial Guarantors ” means the Parent, Thermon Manufacturing Company, a Texas corporation, Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc., a Texas corporation, Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc., a Texas corporation and Thermon Heat Tracing Services II, Inc., a Louisiana corporation.

Initial Purchasers ” means Jefferies & Company, Inc., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and BMO Capital Markets Corp.

Institutional Accredited Investor ” means an institution that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, who are not also QIBs.

Intercreditor Agreement ” means the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, between General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent for the First Lien Creditors (as defined therein), The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as agent for the Second Lien Creditors (as defined therein), and acknowledged by the Company and the Initial Guarantors (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time).

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of direct or indirect loans (including Guarantees of Indebtedness or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commissions, travel, indemnifications and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided that an acquisition of assets, Equity Interests or other securities by the Parent for consideration consisting of common equity securities of the Parent shall not be deemed to be an Investment. If the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent such that after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent, the Parent shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of. For purposes of the definition of “ Unrestricted Subsidiary ” and Section 5.07 :

(1) Investments shall include the portion (proportionate to the Parent’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Parent at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Parent shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Parent’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

 

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(b) the portion (proportionate to the Parent’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such transfer.

“Investment” shall exclude (x) intercompany royalties, commissions, chargebacks and expense reimbursement obligations (including with respect to information technology, insurance and other corporate overhead) between the Parent and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or among Restricted Subsidiaries of the Parent and (y) receivables, advances, extensions of trade credit by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices of the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be.

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Investment.

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

Management Agreement ” means the Management Agreement among the Company, CHS Management V LP, Thompson Street Capital Manager LLC, Crown Investment Series LLC—Series 4 and Star Investment Series LLC—Series 1, dated as of April 30, 2010.

Merger ” means the merger of Thermon Finance, Inc. with and into Thermon Industries, Inc., with Thermon Industries, Inc. as the survivor of such merger, as more fully described under the section “The Transactions” of the Offering Memorandum.

Mortgages ” means a collective reference to each mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt and any other document or instrument under which any Lien on real property owned by the Company or any Guarantor is granted in favor of the Collateral Agent to secure any Indenture Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to any such Liens are governed.

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends, excluding, however, (1) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with (A) any Asset Sale (including dispositions pursuant to Sale and Leaseback Transactions) or (B) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any

 

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Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries and (2) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any gain arising from any payments made under a Specified Insurance Policy (as defined below)) (but not loss (other than any loss to the extent such loss is covered by insurance issued by a reputable and creditworthy insurer that has not disclaimed coverage (a “ Specified Insurance Policy ”))), together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not such loss).

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale and cash proceeds generated from checks or other cash equivalent financial instruments (including Cash Equivalents)) and insurance proceeds received on account of an Event of Loss, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including legal, tax, accounting and investment banking, broker or finder fees and sales commissions) and any relocation expenses Incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP or amount placed in an escrow account or cash reserves for purposes of such an adjustment and escrowed amounts and amounts taken by the Parent or Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve against liabilities associated with such Asset Sale, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with Asset Sale, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Non-Recourse Debt ” means Indebtedness:

(1) as to which neither the Parent nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise; and

(2) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity.

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

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

Note Guarantee ” means, collectively, the Guarantees of the Guarantors set forth in Article 11 .

 

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

Offering Memorandum ” means the Company’s offering memorandum, dated April 23, 2010, relating to the initial offering of the Notes.

Officer ” means, with respect to any Person, the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, president, any executive vice president, senior vice president or vice president, the treasurer, principal accounting officer or the secretary of such Person.

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company, the Parent or another Guarantor, as applicable, by two Officers thereof, one of whom must be the chief executive officer, president, the chief financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of such Person, and delivered to the Trustee.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Parent.

Parent ” means Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation.

Participant ” means, with respect to the Depositary, a Person who has an account with the Depositary.

Permitted Holder ” means Code Hennessey & Simmons LLC and its majority owned and controlled Affiliates.

Permitted Investments ” means:

(1) any Investment in the Company or a Guarantor and any Investment by a Foreign Subsidiary in another Foreign Subsidiary and any transfer of Capital Stock of a Foreign Subsidiary to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent;

(2) any Investment in cash or Cash Equivalents or the Notes (by way of purchase or other acquisition);

(3) any Investment by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (A) such Person becomes a Guarantor or (B) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Guarantor;

(4) any Investment by a Foreign Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (A) such Person becomes a Foreign Subsidiary or (B) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, a Foreign Subsidiary;

 

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(5) any Investment existing on the date of this Indenture or made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the date of this Indenture or an Investment consisting of any extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on the date of this Indenture; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased (x) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the date of this Indenture or (y) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(6) any Restricted Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 5.10 ;

(7) Hedging Obligations (including deposits of cash or other property to secure performance of Hedging Obligations) that are Incurred by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and not for purposes of speculation;

(8) Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers’ compensation, performance and other similar deposits;

(9) loans and advances to employees and directors of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(10) Investments consisting of non-cash consideration received in connection with dispositions of damaged, worn-out, surplus, obsolete, permanently retired or no longer useful or economically practical or commercially desirable to maintain assets permitted pursuant to this Indenture;

(11) Investments received in settlement of bona fide disputes or delinquent accounts or as distributions in bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings;

(12) Investments in any Person to the extent consideration for such Investment consists of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent;

(13) cash or Cash Equivalents or other property deposited in the ordinary course of business to secure (or to secure letters of credit, banker’s acceptances or bank guarantees in connection with) the performance of statutory obligations (including obligations under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation), surety or appeal bonds, customs bonds, leases, bids, agreements or other obligations under arrangements with utilities, insurance agreements, construction agreements, government contracts, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(14) Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries of the Parent arising from (a) Guarantees by the Parent and its Domestic Subsidiaries of products and services provided by, and obligations of, such Foreign Subsidiaries, under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with customers of such Foreign Subsidiaries and (b) the Incurrence of Obligations by the Parent or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries in respect of standby and other letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees, performance, bid and surety bonds, customs bonds, completion guarantees or similar instruments of like nature incurred or issued in connection with

 

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bids or contracts with customers of such Foreign Subsidiaries, in each case incurred or issued in the ordinary course of business; provided that the aggregate amount of all such obligations of the Parent and its Domestic Subsidiaries in respect of the foregoing shall not exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(15) Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries not to exceed $15.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(16) Investments made, in connection with a Specified Restructuring, by Thermon Manufacturing in Thermon Canada to the extent evidenced by the Hybrid Note;

(17) following the consummation of a Specified Restructuring, Investments made by Specified US LLC in Thermon Canada in exchange for common shares of Thermon Canada, pursuant to the Forward Subscription Agreement; provided that (a) such Investments shall be made solely with funds contributed to Specified US LLC by Thermon Manufacturing, pursuant to the Capital Support Agreement; and (b) such contributions shall be made solely with the proceeds of any payments made by Thermon Canada to Thermon Manufacturing, pursuant to the terms of the Hybrid Note; provided further, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this clause (17), the aggregate amount of such Investments made by Specified US LLC in Thermon Canada since the date that a Specified Restructuring is consummated shall not exceed the aggregate amount of such payments made by Thermon Canada to Thermon Manufacturing; and

(18) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (18) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate;

provided, however , that with respect to any Investment, the Company may, in its sole discretion, allocate all or any portion of such Investment to one or more of the above clauses (1) through (18) so that all or a portion of such Investment would be a Permitted Investment.

Permitted Liens ” means:

(1) Liens securing First Priority Claims;

(2) Liens in favor of the Company or a Guarantor;

(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated or amalgamated with the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that such Liens were not created in connection with, or in contemplation of, such merger, consolidation or amalgamation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated or amalgamated with the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(4) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were not created in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition;

 

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(5) Liens, pledges or deposits on cash or Cash Equivalents or other property to secure (or to secure letters of credit, banker’s acceptances or bank guarantees in connection with) the performance of statutory obligations (including obligations under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation), surety or appeal bonds, customs bonds, leases, bids, agreements or other obligations under arrangements with utilities, insurance agreements, construction agreements, government contracts, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(6) Liens arising pursuant to an order of attachment, condemnation, eminent domain, distraint or similar legal process arising in connection with legal proceedings and any Liens that are required to protect or enforce rights in any administrative, arbitration or other court proceedings in the ordinary course of business, in each case, not giving rise to an Event of Default;

(7) Liens securing Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 5.09 covering only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness and directly related assets such as proceeds (including insurance proceeds), products, replacements, substitutions and accessions thereto;

(8) Liens existing on the date of this Indenture and replacement Liens that do not encumber additional assets (other than improvements and accessions to such encumbered assets), unless such encumbrance is otherwise permitted;

(9) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent for more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;

(10) Liens securing Permitted Refinancing Debt, provided that the Parent or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary was permitted to Incur such Liens with respect to the Indebtedness so refinanced under this Indenture and:

(a) the new Lien is limited to all or part of the same property and assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original Lien arose, could secure the original Lien (plus improvements and accessions to, such property or proceeds or distributions thereof); and

(b) the Indebtedness secured by the new Lien is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (x) the outstanding principal amount, or, if greater, committed or accreted amount, of the Indebtedness renewed, refunded, refinanced replaced, defeased or discharged with such Permitted Refinancing Debt; and (y) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums and tender, exchange and defeasance costs related to such renewal, refunding, refinancing, replacement, defeasance or discharge;

(11) statutory and common law Liens of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen or other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business with respect to amounts that are not yet delinquent for more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;

 

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(12) Liens resulting from operation of law with respect to any judgments, awards or orders to the extent that such judgments, awards or orders do not cause or constitute an Event of Default;

(13) survey exceptions, easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions, reservations, covenants, conditions, restrictions, minor imperfections or exceptions in title and other charges or encumbrances in respect of real property or imposed by law not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(14) Liens arising from filings of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements or similar documents regarding leases or otherwise for precautionary purposes relating to arrangements not constituting Indebtedness;

(15) banker’s Liens, Liens that are contractual rights of set-off or similar Liens (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(16) Liens securing Indenture Obligations (including Additional Notes);

(17) Liens securing Hedging Obligations permitted by clause (vii) of paragraph (b) of Section 5.09 ;

(18) Liens on raw materials or on manufactured products as security for any drafts or bills of exchange drawn in connection with the importation of such raw materials or manufactured products;

(19) Liens resulting from leases or subleases granted to others that do not materially interfere with the ordinary course of business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(20) Liens on goods imported by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of such goods;

(21) Liens consisting of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods acquired by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the past practices of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to the date of this Indenture;

 

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(22) Liens securing insurance premium financing arrangements, provided that such Lien is limited to the applicable insurance contracts;

(23) any interest or title of a lessor, licensor or sublicensor solely in the property leased, licensed or sublicensed to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any lease, license or sublicense not constituting Indebtedness;

(24) Liens Incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent with respect to Obligations in an aggregate principal amount that does not exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding and that (A) are not Incurred in connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit (other than trade credit in the ordinary course of business) and (B) do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of the property or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of business by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary; and

(25) Liens securing Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries to the extent such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 5.09 ; provided, that no asset of the Company or any Guarantor shall be subject to any such Lien.

For purposes of this definition, the term “ Indebtedness ” shall be deemed to include interest in connection with or in respect of any referenced Indebtedness.

Permitted Parent Payments ” means (i) for so long as the Parent is a member of a group filing a consolidated or combined tax return with Holdings or any direct parent thereof, payments to Holdings or any direct parent of the Parent in respect of an allocable portion of the tax liabilities of such group that is attributable to the Parent and its Subsidiaries (the “ Tax Payments ”) and (ii) Payments to Holdings or any direct parent of the Parent to pay (a) franchise taxes or other costs of maintaining the corporate existence of such entities, (b) general administrative expenses incurred by such entities when due, not to exceed $250,000 in any fiscal year, and (c) customary salary, bonus, expense reimbursement and other benefits payable to directors, officers and employees of any such entities to the extent such amounts are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries. The Tax Payments shall not exceed the lesser of (x) the amount of the relevant tax (including any penalties and interest) that the Parent would owe if the Parent were filing a separate tax return (or a separate consolidated or combined return with its Subsidiaries that are members of the consolidated or combined group), taking into account any carryovers and carrybacks of tax attributes (such as net operating losses) of the Parent and such Subsidiaries from other taxable years and (y) the net amount of the relevant tax that Holdings actually owes to the appropriate taxing authority.

Permitted Refinancing Debt ” means any Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net cash proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, redeem, replace, repurchase, defease, discharge or refund other Indebtedness (in whole or in part) of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be; provided that:

(1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Debt does not exceed the principal amount and premium, if any, plus accrued

 

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interest (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded ( plus the amount of any fees, expenses and other costs, including premiums and tender, exchange and defeasance costs, Incurred in connection therewith);

(2) such Permitted Refinancing Debt has a final scheduled maturity date later than the final scheduled maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded (or, if shorter, has a final scheduled maturity date later than the final scheduled maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Notes);

(3) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Debt is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded; and

(4) if the Company or a Guarantor is the obligor of the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded, then such Permitted Refinancing Debt shall only be Incurred by the Company or a Guarantor (and not any Restricted Subsidiaries that is not the Company or a Guarantor) and (ii) if a Restricted Subsidiary that is not the Company or a Guarantor is the obligor of the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased, discharged or refunded, then such Permitted Refinancing Debt shall only be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not the Company or a Guarantor.

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

Preferred Stock ” as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

Private Placement Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(1) .

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

refinance ” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease, discharge or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness. “ refinanced ” and “ refinancing ” shall have correlative meanings.

 

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Registration Rights Agreement ” means (i) with respect to the Notes issued on the date of this Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and (ii) with respect to each issuance of Additional Notes issued in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, the registration rights agreement, if any, among the Company, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers under the related purchase agreement, in each case as the same may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

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

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

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

Regulation S Temporary Global Note ” means a temporary Global Note in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and the Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend, each as set forth in Section 2.06(g) , deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903.

Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(3) .

Responsible Officer ” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer or employee within the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject, and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

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

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

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Period ” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S, (i) the termination of which shall be June 9, 2010 with respect to the original

 

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issuance of the Notes on the date of this Indenture and (ii) with respect to any Additional Notes subject to such compliance period, notice of the termination of which shall be given by the Company to the Trustee promptly after the date of original issuance of such Additional Notes.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means the Company and any other Subsidiary of the Parent that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Revolving Credit Agreement ” means the loan agreement, to be dated as of the date of this Indenture, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., Thermon Canada and certain affiliates of Thermon Industries, Inc. designated as credit parties therein, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, and the Administrative Agent, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case, as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, replaced (whether or not upon termination and whether with the original lenders, institutional investors or otherwise), refinanced (including through the issuance of debt securities), restructured or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time.

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

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

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

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

Sale and Leaseback Transaction ” means an arrangement relating to property owned by the Parent or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of this Indenture or thereafter acquired by the Parent or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries whereby the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor agency thereto.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.

Security Agreement ” means the Security Agreement, to be dated as of the date of this Indenture, made by the Company and the Guarantors in favor of the Collateral Agent, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

Shelf Registration Statement ” means a shelf registration statement filed in accordance with the provisions of a Registration Rights Agreement.

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

 

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Similar Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Parent and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of this Indenture or any reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or any business or activity that is similar, reasonably related, incidental, complementary or ancillary thereto.

Specified Capitalized Lease ” means a Capitalized Lease that previously would not have constituted a Capitalized Lease as of the date of this Indenture (regardless of whether such Capitalized Lease was in existence on such date) but constitutes a Capitalized Lease solely due to a change in GAAP subsequent to such date.

Specified Restructuring means a corporate restructuring pursuant to which the following steps shall be taken:

(1) first, the Parent shall contribute the shares of Thermon Canada to the Company solely in exchange for voting stock of the Company, and the Company shall then contribute all such shares of Thermon Canada to Thermon Manufacturing solely in exchange for voting stock of Thermon Manufacturing;

(2) second, Thermon Manufacturing shall form Specified US LLC, which shall be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

(3) third, Thermon Manufacturing shall transfer all or a portion of the shares of one or more of its Foreign Subsidiaries (other than Thermon Canada) to Thermon Canada in exchange for a promissory note (the “ Hybrid Note ”); and

(4) fourth, Specified US LLC shall enter into a forward subscription agreement (the “ Forward Subscription Agreement ”) with Thermon Canada, pursuant to which Specified US LLC shall be obligated to purchase additional common shares in Thermon Canada, and Thermon Manufacturing shall enter into a capital support agreement (a “ Capital Support Agreement ”) with Specified US LLC, pursuant to which Thermon Manufacturing shall guarantee to make capital contributions to Specified US LLC.

Specified US LLC ” means a limited liability company to be newly formed by Thermon Manufacturing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Stated Maturity ” when used with respect to any security or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the principal of such security or such installment of interest is due and payable.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or a combination thereof) and (2) any partnership (A) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (B) the only general partners of which are such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).

 

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Thermon Canada ” means Thermon Canada Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia.

Thermon Manufacturing ” means Thermon Manufacturing Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas.

TIA ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, except as provided in Section 10.03 ; provided , however , that in the event that the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “ TIA ” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.

Treasury Rate ” means, at any redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of constant maturity United States Treasury securities (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H. 15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two business days prior to such redemption date (or, if such statistical release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2014; provided , however , that if no published maturity exactly corresponds with such date, then the Treasury Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated on a straight-line basis from the arithmetic mean of the yields for the next shortest and next longest published maturities; provided further , however , that if the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2014, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

Trustee ” means The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

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

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

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Parent (other than the Company) that is designated by the Board of Directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:

(1) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;

(2) except as permitted by Section 5.11 , is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Parent;

 

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(3) is a Person with respect to which neither the Parent nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

U.S. Government Obligation ” means:

(1) any security which is: a direct obligation of the United States of America the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the full and timely payment of which is unconditionally Guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of the United States of America, which, in either case, is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof; and

(2) any depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depository receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depository receipt.

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

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (A) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (B) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by

(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock of which (other than directors’ qualifying Capital Stock or Capital Stock required by applicable law to be owned by another Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).

 

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Section 1.02 Other Definitions .

 

Term

  Defined in Section

Action

  13.10

Affiliate Transaction

  5.11

Asset Sale Offer

  3.09

Authentication Order

  2.02

Calculation Date

  Definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

Change of Control Offer

  5.14

Change of Control Payment

  5.14

Change of Control Payment Date

  5.14

Company

  Recitals

Covenant Defeasance

  9.03

Custodian

  7.01

Event of Default

  7.01

Excess Proceeds

  5.10

Exchange Notes

  Recitals

Hedging Obligations

  Definition of Indebtedness

Hybrid Note

  Definition of Specified Restructuring

Initial Notes

  Recitals

Legal Defeasance

  9.02

Notes

  Recitals; 2.15

Offer Amount

  3.09

Offer Period

  3.09

Paying Agent

  2.03

Payment Default

  7.01

Permitted Debt

  5.09

Premises

  5.21

Purchase Date

  3.09

Registrar

  2.03

Restricted Payments

  5.07

Senior Secured Notes

  Recitals

Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act . Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by the TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.

Section 1.04 Rules of Construction . Unless the context otherwise requires:

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

 

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

(3) “ or ” is not exclusive;

(4) “ including ” means including without limitation;

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

(6) provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

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

(8) references to any statute, law or regulation shall be deemed to refer to the same as from time to time amended and in effect and to any successor statute, law or regulation;

(9) references to the date the Notes were originally issued shall refer to the date of this Indenture;

(10) whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, principal, interest or any other amount payable under or with respect to any Notes, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Interest, to the extent that, in such context, Additional Interest is, was or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to paragraph 1 of the Notes, provided , however , that the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of the requirement that Additional Interest is due unless the Trustee receives written notice from Company stating that such amounts are due and specifying the dollar amounts thereof;

(11) “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and

(12) all references to Articles, Sections or subdivisions refer to Articles, Sections or subdivisions of this Indenture unless otherwise indicated.

ARTICLE 2

The Notes

Section 2.01 Form and Dating .

(a) General . The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note will be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

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

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

(c) Temporary Global Notes . Global Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S will be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, numbered from TRS-1 upward, which will be deposited on behalf of the Holders represented thereby with the Note Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.

A Participant through which the owner of a beneficial interest in a Temporary Regulation S Global Note holds such beneficial interest may provide to the Trustee (and the Trustee will accept) a duly completed Certificate of Beneficial Ownership at any time after the Restricted Period (it being understood that the Trustee will not accept any such certificate during the Restricted Period). Promptly after acceptance of a Certificate of Beneficial Ownership with respect to such a beneficial interest, the Trustee will cause such beneficial interest to be exchanged for an equivalent beneficial interest in a Permanent Regulation S Global Note, and will (x) permanently reduce the principal amount of such Temporary Regulation S Global Note by the amount of such beneficial interest and (y) increase the principal amount of such Permanent Regulation S Global Note by the amount of such beneficial interest.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, if after the Restricted Period an Initial Purchaser owns a beneficial interest in a Temporary Regulation S Global Note, such Initial Purchaser may, upon written request to the Trustee, exchange such beneficial interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in a Permanent Regulation S Global Note, and the Trustee will comply with such request and will (x) permanently reduce the principal amount of such

 

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Temporary Regulation S Global Note by the amount of such beneficial interest and (y) increase the principal amount of such Permanent Regulation S Global Note by the amount of such beneficial interest. Permanent Regulation S Global Notes will be numbered from RS-1 upward and will be deposited on behalf of the Holders represented thereby with the Note Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any owner of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall not be entitled to receive payment of interest on such beneficial interest or other amounts in respect of such beneficial interest until such beneficial interest is exchanged for an interest in a Regulation S Permanent Global Note or transferred for an interest in another Global Note or Definitive Note.

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

(e) 144A Global Notes and IAI Global Notes . Global Notes offered and sold in reliance on Rule 144A will be issued initially in the form of 144A Global Notes numbered from RA-1 upward, which will be deposited on behalf of the Holders represented thereby with the Note Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of such Holders, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. Global Notes transferred to Institutional Accredited Investors will be issued initially in the form of IAI Global Notes numbered from RIAI-1 upward, which will be deposited on behalf of the Holders represented thereby with the Note Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of such Holders, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.

Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication .

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

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

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

The Trustee will, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by an Officer of the Company (an “ Authentication Order ”), authenticate Notes for original issue up to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes that may be validly issued under this Indenture including (i) Initial Notes for original issuance in an aggregate principal amount of $210,000,000 and (ii) subject to compliance with Section 5.09 , any Additional Notes for original issuance from time to time after the date hereof.

 

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All Notes issued under this Indenture (including Additional Notes and Exchange Notes) shall be treated as a single class of securities under this Indenture, including for purposes of any vote, consent, waiver or other act of Holders.

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

Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent .

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

The Company initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Note Custodian.

Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust .

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

 

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Section 2.05 Holder Lists .

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

Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange .

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

(1) the Depositary (a) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Note or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, the Company fails to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days thereafter;

(2) the Company, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Definitive Notes; provided that in no event shall the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged for Definitive Notes prior to (a) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (b) the receipt of any certificates required under the provisions of Regulation S; or

(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes and the Depositary has requested that Definitive Notes be issued.

Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events described in subparagraphs (1), (2) or (3) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 . Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10 , shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a) ; however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b) , (c)  or (f) .

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

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

 

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

(A) both:

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

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

(B) both:

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

(ii) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (i) above;

provided that in no event shall Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903.

 

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

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

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

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

(C) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the IAI Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

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

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

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

 

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(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to the Exchange Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes . If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events described in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of Section 2.06(a) and receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

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

 

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

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

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

(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;

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

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

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

(2) Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Temporary Global Note to Definitive Notes . Notwithstanding Sections 2.06(c)(1)(A) and (C) , a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior

 

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to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

(3) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only upon the occurrence of any of the events described in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of Section 2.06(a) and only if:

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

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

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to the Exchange Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

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

(4) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note

 

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proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events described in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of Section 2.06(a) and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(2) , the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) , and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(4) will be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest requests through instructions to the Registrar from or through the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee will deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(4) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B)

 

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through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;

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

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

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

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

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

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

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to the Exchange Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) Private Placement Legend .

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

“THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE RE-OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

 

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THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT), OR (B) IT IS A NON-U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, AND (2) AGREES TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) WHICH IS ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHICH NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS IN OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR WITHIN THE MEANING OF SUBPARAGRAPH (a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF RULE 501 OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS ACQUIRING THE SECURITY FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OR (F) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (i) PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (E) OR (F) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (ii) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS SECURITY BE COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.”

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

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

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE

 

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

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

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

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

PRIOR TO EXPIRATION OF THE 40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S (“REGULATION S”) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”)), THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S) OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, A U.S. PERSON (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S), UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

(h) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Notes . At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a

 

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

(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges .

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

(2) No service charge will be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10 , 3.06 , 3.09 , 5.10 , 5.14 and 10.05 ).

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

(9) The Trustee and the Registrar shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depositary participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

Section 2.07 Replacement Notes .

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

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

Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes .

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

 

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

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

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

Section 2.09 Treasury Notes .

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Parent or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Parent, will be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.

Section 2.10 Temporary Notes .

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

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

Section 2.11 Cancellation .

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

Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest .

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it will pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each

 

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case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 5.01 . The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Company will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) will mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

Section 2.13 CUSIP Numbers .

The Company in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP, ISIN or other numbers, if then generally in use, and thereafter the Company and the Trustee may use such numbers in any notice issued pursuant to this Indenture, including any notice of redemption, provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption or other notice and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such notice or notice of redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the CUSIP, ISIN or other numbers.

ARTICLE 3

Redemption and Prepayment

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee . If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 , it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least 45 days (or such shorter period as shall be acceptable to the Trustee) but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the subsection of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price. If the redemption price is not known at the time such notice is to be given, the actual redemption price, calculated as described in this Indenture or the terms of the Notes to be redeemed, will be set forth in an additional Officers’ Certificate of the Company delivered to the Trustee no later than two Business Days prior to the redemption date.

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to be Redeemed . If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of Notes for redemption shall be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed, or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, subject to the Applicable Procedures; provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. In the event of partial redemption by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption.

 

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The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the redemption date, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest and Additional Interest, if any, shall cease to accrue on the principal amount of the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption. Except as provided in this Section 3.02 , provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption . Subject to the provisions of Sections 3.09 and 5.14 , at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date, the Company shall mail or caused to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address.

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

(a) the redemption date;

(b) the redemption price;

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

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

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

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

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

(h) the CUSIP number; provided that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.

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

 

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If any of the Notes to be redeemed are in the form of a Global Note, then the Company may modify such notice to the extent necessary to comply with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary.

Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption . Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 , Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be conditional.

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption Price . Prior to 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price, Additional Interest, if any, and accrued interest on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Company any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price, Additional Interest, if any, and accrued interest on all Notes to be redeemed.

If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption date, interest and Additional Interest, if any, shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is redeemed on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest (including any Additional Interest) shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the Company to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 5.01 .

Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed in Part . If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption sent pursuant to Section 3.03 that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount of that Note to be redeemed. Upon the Company’s written request, the Trustee shall (i) cancel the original Note and (ii) authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Company a new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note in the name of the Holder thereof, or in the case of a Global Note make such notation on the schedule of exchanges to such Global Note.

Section 3.07 Optional Redemption . (a) At any time and from time to time on and after May 1, 2014, the Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1 of each of the years set forth below.

 

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Year

   Percentage  

2014

   104.750

2015

   102.375

2016 and thereafter

   100.000

(b) At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2013, the Company, at its option, may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) originally issued under this Indenture at a redemption price of 109.500% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date) if:

(1) such redemption is made with the proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings;

(2) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) originally issued under this Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries); and

(3) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the closing of such Equity Offering.

(c) At any time and from time to time during any period consisting of 12 consecutive months ending on the day immediately preceding the first, second or third anniversary of the date of this Indenture, the Company, at its option, may redeem a portion of the Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date); provided , that the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes that may be redeemed during any such 12 consecutive month period shall not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under this Indenture.

(d) At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2014, the Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date).

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01 through 3.06 .

Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase . Except as set forth in Sections 5.10 and 5.14 , the Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments or offers to purchase with respect to the Notes.

 

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Section 3.09 Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds . In the event that, pursuant to Section 5.10 , the Company shall be required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”), it shall follow the procedures specified in this Section 3.09 .

The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “ Offer Period ”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “ Purchase Date ”), the Company shall purchase the principal amount of Notes required to be purchased pursuant to Section 5.10 (the “ Offer Amount ”). Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no Additional Interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company shall send, by first class mail, a notice to each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

(a) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 5.10 and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

(b) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;

(c) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any;

(d) that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any, after the Purchase Date;

(e) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may only elect to have Notes in denominations of $2,000, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof (unless such amount represents the entire principal amount of Notes held by such Holder), purchased;

(f) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Note completed, to the Paying Agent or the Depositary, as applicable, at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Purchase Date, subject to the Applicable Procedures;

(g) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent or the Depositary, as applicable, receives, not later than the close of business on

 

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the third Business Day preceding the Purchase Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Note purchased, subject to the Applicable Procedures;

(h) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders exceeds the Offer Amount, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, shall be purchased), subject to the Applicable Procedures; and

(i) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).

If any of the Notes subject to the Asset Sale Offer are in the form of a Global Note, then the Company may modify such notice to the extent necessary to comply with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary.

On or before the Purchase Date, subject to the Applicable Procedures, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof validly tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer (and not withdrawn), or, if less than the Offer Amount has been validly tendered, all Notes tendered (and not withdrawn), and shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09 . The Paying Agent shall promptly (but in any case not later than five Business Days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount received from the Company equal to the purchase price of the Notes validly tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, and the Company shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon written request from the Company shall authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed (or caused to be transferred by book-entry) by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer promptly after the Purchase Date.

Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09 , any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 .

Section  3.10 Company May Acquire Notes . The Company or its Affiliates (or any Person acting on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates) may at any time and from time to time acquire the Notes by means other than redemption, including by tender offer, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise, so long as such acquisition is not prohibited by applicable securities laws or regulations or the terms of this Indenture. In accordance with, and subject to, Section 2.11 , the Company may deliver such acquired Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

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ARTICLE 4

Satisfaction and Discharge

Section 4.01 Satisfaction and Discharge . This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued hereunder (except Sections 2.06 , 2.07 , 2.08 , 8.01 , 8.02 , 8.07 and 13.11 ), and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture if:

(a) either:

(i) the Company shall have paid or shall have caused to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, as and when the same shall have become due and payable;

(ii) all outstanding Notes (other than Notes which have been lost, stolen or destroyed and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07 ) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(iii) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or (ii) (A) shall become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one (1) year or (B) are to be called for redemption within one (1) year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Company or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in trust of cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes to the date of Stated Maturity or such redemption, as the case may be;

(b) the Company and the Guarantors have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by them hereunder and the other Indenture Documents; and

(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ 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 satisfied.

Section 4.02 Application of Trust Money . Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.05 , all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest) for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such funds need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

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ARTICLE 5

Covenants

Section 5.01 Payment of Notes . The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due. The Company shall pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

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

The Company will be responsible for making calculations called for under the Notes, including but not limited to determination of redemption price, premium, if any, and other amounts payable on the Notes, 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. 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.

Section 5.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency . The Company shall maintain an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

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

 

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The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee one such office or agency of the Company.

Section 5.03 Reports . Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any Notes are outstanding, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2010, the Parent will furnish to the holders of Notes and the Trustee within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations:

(1) all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Parent (as a non-accelerated filer) were required to file such reports; and

(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with or furnished to the SEC on Form 8-K if the Parent were required to file or furnish such reports; provided, however , that no such current report will be required to be furnished if the Parent determines in its good faith judgment that such event is not material to holders of Notes or the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

The availability of the foregoing materials on the SEC’s EDGAR service (or any successor thereto) shall be deemed to satisfy the Parent’s delivery obligation.

All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules and regulations applicable to such reports. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report on the Parent’s consolidated financial statements by the Parent’s certified independent accountants. In addition, following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Parent will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the rules and regulations applicable to such reports (unless the SEC will not accept such filing).

If, at any time after consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Parent is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, the Parent will nevertheless continue filing the reports specified in the preceding paragraphs of this covenant with the SEC within the time periods specified above unless the SEC will not accept such filings. The Parent will not take any action for the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the SEC will not accept the Parent’s filings for any reason, the Parent will post the reports referred to in the preceding paragraphs on its website within the time periods that would apply if the Parent (as a non-accelerated filer) were required to file those reports with the SEC.

If the Parent has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraphs will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of the financial condition and results of operations of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Parent.

 

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The Parent will, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, use its commercially reasonable efforts to hold and participate in quarterly conference calls with the Holders, beneficial owners of the Notes and securities analysts to discuss such financial information no later than ten business days after distribution of such financial information.

The Parent will also, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, furnish or cause to be furnished to the Holders, beneficial owners of the Notes, securities analysts and prospective investors upon request the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the Securities Act.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Parent shall not be deemed to have failed to comply, observe or perform its obligations hereunder for purposes of clause (d) of Section 7.01 until 30 days after the date any information, report or other document hereunder is required to be filed or transmitted so long as the Parent is using its reasonable efforts to make such filing.

Section 5.04 Compliance Certificate . (a) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate that need not comply with Section 12.04 or 12.05 , one signer of which shall be the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, or principal accounting officer of the Company and Guarantor, stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the Company and the Guarantors have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled their obligations under the Indenture Documents, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company and each Guarantor during the preceding fiscal year has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in the Indenture Documents and is not in Default at the date of such certificate in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of the Indenture Documents (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Company or Guarantor is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

(b) The Company shall, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 10 Business Days of any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

Section 5.05 Taxes . The Company shall pay, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

Section 5.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws . Each of the Company and the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect

 

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the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and each of the Company and the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

Section 5.07 Restricted Payments . (a) The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(i) declare or pay any dividend on, or make any other payment or distribution in respect of, its Equity Interests (including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger, consolidation or amalgamation involving the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary) or similar payment to the direct or indirect holders thereof in their capacity as such (other than any dividends or distributions payable solely in its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) and dividends or distributions payable to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (and, if such Restricted Subsidiary has stockholders other than the Parent or other Restricted Subsidiaries, to its other stockholders on no more than a pro rata basis));

(ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Parent held by any Person or any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of the Parent (in each case other than held by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary), including in connection with any merger, consolidation or amalgamation and including the exercise of any option to exchange any Equity Interests (other than into Equity Interests of the Parent that are not Disqualified Stock);

(iii) make any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, more than 30 days prior to the scheduled final maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of any Indebtedness (excluding any intercompany Indebtedness between the Parent and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or among Restricted Subsidiaries of the Parent) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Note Guarantee; or

(iv) make any Restricted Investment.

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”),

unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:

(A) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(B) the Parent would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 5.09(a) ; and

 

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(C) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate of all other Restricted Payments made by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of this Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (ii) through (xiv) of subsection (b) below), is, at the time of determination, less than the sum of:

(1) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent for the period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first full fiscal quarter occurring immediately following the date of this Indenture to the end of the Parent’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus

(2) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Parent from the issuance or sale of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) subsequent to the date of this Indenture (other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of the Parent) and 100% of any cash capital contribution received by the Parent from its stockholders subsequent to the date of this Indenture, plus

(3) the amount by which the principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary is reduced upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary) subsequent to the date of this Indenture of any Indebtedness of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary convertible or exchangeable for Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent (less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of any other property, distributed by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary upon such conversion or exchange); provided , however , that the foregoing amount shall not exceed the net cash proceeds received by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary from the sale of such Indebtedness (excluding net cash proceeds from sales to a Restricted Subsidiary); plus

(4) the amount equal to the sum of (x) the net reduction in the Restricted Investments made by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Person resulting from repurchases, repayments or redemptions of such Investments by such Person, proceeds realized on the sale or other disposition of such Investment and proceeds representing the return of capital (excluding dividends and distributions to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income), in each case realized by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, and (y) in the event that any Unrestricted Subsidiary is re-designated as a Restricted Subsidiary, the portion (proportionate to the Parent’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such Unrestricted Subsidiary is re-designated a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that the foregoing sum shall not exceed, in the case of

 

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any such Person, the amount of Restricted Investments previously made (and treated as a Restricted Payment) by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person or Unrestricted Subsidiary; plus

(5) 50% of any dividends or distributions received by the Company or a Guarantor after the date of this Indenture from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Parent, to the extent that such dividends or distributions were not otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income of the Parent for such period.

(b) The foregoing provisions shall not prohibit:

(i) the payment by the Parent, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of the dividend or distribution or giving of the redemption notice, as the case may be, if at the date of declaration or notice, the dividend, distribution or redemption payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

(ii) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, any Restricted Payment made in exchange for, or with the net cash proceeds from, the substantially concurrent sale of Equity Interests of the Parent (other than any Disqualified Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to a Subsidiary of the Parent) or a substantially concurrent cash capital contribution received by the Parent from its shareholders; provided that the net cash proceeds from such sale or such cash capital contribution (to the extent so used for such Restricted Payment) shall be excluded from clause (C)(2) of subsection (a) above;

(iii) the making of any payment on or with respect to, or the defeasance, redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee with, in exchange for, or with the net cash proceeds from, an Incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Debt;

(iv) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, providing cash to any direct or indirect parent of the Parent to fund the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value of any Equity Interests of such Person, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary held by employees, former employees, directors, former directors, consultants or former consultants (or their respective permitted transferees) of such Person or the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of such redemptions, repurchases, retirements and other acquisitions (excluding amounts representing cancellation of Indebtedness, but including, for the avoidance of doubt, the aggregate principal amount of all Permitted Debt described in clause (xiii) of Section 5.09(b) issued as consideration for any such redemptions, repurchases, retirements or other acquisitions) shall not exceed $5.0 million in any fiscal year and $7.5 million in the aggregate (in each case plus the amount of net cash proceeds received by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) in respect of “key-man” life insurance and (b) from the issuance of Equity Interests by the Parent to members of management of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, to the extent that those amounts did not provide the basis for any previous Restricted Payment);

 

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(v) payments of dividends on Disqualified Stock issued pursuant to Section 5.09 ;

(vi) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price thereof and repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon the withholding of a portion of the Capital Stock granted or awarded to an employee of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to pay for the taxes payable by such employee upon such grant or award, provided that all such repurchases shall not be included in the calculation of Restricted Payments and no proceeds in respect of the issuance of Capital Stock shall be deemed to have been received for the purposes of clause (C)(2) of subsection (a) above;

(vii) cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of the Parent; provided , however , that any such cash payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitation of this Section 5.07 (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent);

(viii) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, payments of intercompany subordinated Indebtedness, the Incurrence of which was permitted under clause (v) of Section 5.09(b) ;

(ix) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Disqualified Stock or Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee pursuant to provisions similar to Section 5.14 ; provided that all Notes tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

(x) payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders of Capital Stock of the Parent pursuant to applicable law, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer of assets that complies with the provisions of this Indenture applicable to mergers, consolidations, amalgamations and transfers of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(xi) Permitted Parent Payments;

(xii) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, payment of fees not in excess of $2.0 million per annum pursuant to the Management Agreement as in effect on the date of this Indenture;

(xiii) the application of the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes and the equity investment by the equity investors on the date of this Indenture and the related transactions, all as described under “Use of Proceeds” in the Offering Memorandum; or

 

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(xiv) Restricted Payments in an amount which, when taken together with all Restricted Payments previously made pursuant to this clause (xiv) and then outstanding, does not exceed $7.5 million.

The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets proposed to be transferred or issued by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment.

Section 5.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries . (a) The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

(i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to its Capital Stock or any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits;

(ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(iii) make any loans or advances to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(iv) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

(b) However, the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(i) any agreements in effect or entered into on the date of this Indenture, including agreements governing Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the date of this Indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are not (as determined in good faith by the Company) materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the agreements governing such Indebtedness as in effect on the date of this Indenture;

(ii) the Revolving Credit Agreement as in effect as of the date of this Indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements, refinancings or additional facilities are not (as determined in good faith by the Company) materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement as in effect on the date of this Indenture;

 

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(iii) the Indenture Documents;

(iv) applicable law and any applicable rule, regulation, order, approval, license, permit or similar restriction;

(v) customary non-assignment , non-subletting or non-sublicensing provisions in leases, licenses or other agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(vi) purchase money obligations that impose restrictions of the nature described in clause (iv) of subsection (a) above on the property so acquired;

(vii) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of (x) all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or (y) any other assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that restricts distributions, loans or transfers by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition thereof;

(viii) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired, and any amendment, modification, renewal, replacement or refinancing thereof; provided , that such amendments, modifications, renewals, replacements or refinancings are not (as determined in good faith by the Company) materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Holders than such encumbrances or restrictions prior to such amendment, modification, renewal, replacement or refinancing;

(ix) Liens that limit the right of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to dispose of the asset or assets subject to such Lien;

(x) customary provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in partnership, joint venture, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements, limited liability company organizational documents, sale-leaseback agreements, stockholder agreements and other similar agreements, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such agreements;

(xi) any such encumbrance or restriction with respect to any Foreign Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement governing Indebtedness incurred by such Foreign Subsidiary, (A) if the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such agreement or instrument taken as a whole are not materially more restrictive to the Holders than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 5.08(b) (as determined in good faith by the Company), or (B) if such encumbrance or restriction is not materially more restrictive to the Holders than is customary in comparable financings (as determined in good faith by the Company) and either (x) the Company determines in good faith that such encumbrance or restriction shall not materially affect the Company’s ability to make the principal or interest payments on the Notes or (y) such encumbrance or restriction applies only if a default occurs in respect of a payment or financial covenant relating to such Indebtedness;

 

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(xii) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

(xiii) other Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted to be Incurred subsequent to the date of this Indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.09 ; provided that the restrictions therein are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in this Indenture.

Nothing contained in this Section 5.08 shall prevent the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from creating, incurring or suffering to exist any Permitted Lien.

Section 5.09 Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock . (a) The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and the Parent shall not issue any Disqualified Stock and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided , however , that the Company and any Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and the Parent may issue shares of Disqualified Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Parent’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom, including the effect of acquisitions or repayments or redemptions of Indebtedness to be funded by such proceeds), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

(b) The foregoing provisions will not prohibit the Incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “ Permitted Debt ”):

(i) the Incurrence by the Company, Thermon Canada Inc. or any Guarantor (including any Guarantees thereof) of Indebtedness pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the sum of (A) the greater of (x) $40.0 million and (y) the Borrowing Base, plus (B) in the event of any refinancing of any such Indebtedness, the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing, less the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied to permanently repay any such Indebtedness pursuant to Section 5.10 ;

(ii) the Incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the Notes (other than any Additional Notes) and the related Note Guarantees and the Exchange Notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

(iii) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations) Incurred for the purpose of financing (or refunding, refinancing or replacing) all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of

 

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property (real or personal), plant or equipment used in any Similar Business (including through the direct acquisition of such property, plant or equipment or the acquisition of Equity Interests of the Person owning such property, plant or equipment) that, added to all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (iii) and then outstanding, will not exceed $5.0 million;

(iv) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Debt in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease, discharge or refund, Indebtedness that was Incurred pursuant to subsection (a) above or pursuant to clauses (ii), (iv) or (viii) of this paragraph (b);

(v) the Incurrence of (a) intercompany Indebtedness of the Company, a Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary for so long as such Indebtedness is held by the Company or a Guarantor; provided that (i) such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and if owing by the Company or any Guarantor, contractually subordinated in all respects (other than with respect to the maturity thereof) to the Obligations of the Company under the Notes or such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and (ii) if as of any date any Person other than the Company or a Guarantor owns or holds any such Indebtedness or holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens of the type described in clause (1) or (16) of the definition thereof), such date shall be deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not permitted under this clause (v) by the issuer of such Indebtedness and (b) intercompany Indebtedness of the Company, any Guarantor or any Foreign Subsidiary for so long as such Indebtedness is held by a Foreign Subsidiary; provided that (i) if such Indebtedness is owing by the Company or any Guarantor, such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and contractually subordinated in all respects (other than with respect to the maturity thereof) to the Obligations of the Company under the Notes or such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and (ii) if as of any date any Person other than such other Foreign Subsidiary owns or holds any such Indebtedness or holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens of the type described in clause (25) of the definition thereof), such date shall be deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not constituting Indebtedness permitted under this clause (v) by the issuer of such Indebtedness;

(vi) Guarantees by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent that the guaranteed Indebtedness was permitted to be Incurred by another provision of this Section 5.09 ; provided that if the Indebtedness being guaranteed (x) is subordinated to the Notes or a Note Guarantee, then the Guarantee must be subordinated to the same extent as the Indebtedness being guaranteed or (y) is owed by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Notes in the case of the Company or the Note Guarantees in the case of a Guarantor;

(vii) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations in the ordinary course of business and not for purposes of speculation;

 

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(viii) the Incurrence of Existing Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness described in clause (i), (ii) or (v) of this paragraph (b);

(ix) the Incurrence of Obligations by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of standby and other letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees, performance, bid and surety bonds, customs bonds, completion guarantees or similar instruments issued in the ordinary course of business and not supporting obligations for borrowed money, including in respect of workers’ compensation claims and self-insurance obligations and bids or contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with any customer of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(x) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its Incurrence;

(xi) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries (including refinancings thereof) that, when added together with any other Indebtedness incurred under this clause (xi) and then outstanding, will not exceed $5.0 million;

(xii) Indebtedness of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business;

(xiii) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes or similar Indebtedness issued by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to current, future or former officers, directors and employees thereof, or to their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent of the Parent, the Parent, or the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent described in clause (iv) of paragraph (b) of Section 5.07 ;

(xiv) the Incurrence by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness to the extent that the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited with the Trustee to redeem the Notes in full or to defease or to satisfy and discharge the Notes;

(xv) the Incurrence of Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn outs or similar obligations, in each case, incurred in connection with the disposition or acquisition of any business, assets or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, other than Indebtedness or Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; and

(xvi) the Incurrence by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness, or issuance of Disqualified Stock by the Parent (in addition to Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock permitted by any other clause of this paragraph (b)) in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) that, when added to all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xvi) and then outstanding, shall not exceed $20.0 million.

 

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(c) The Parent will not incur, and will not permit the Company or any other Guarantor to incur, any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and the applicable Note Guarantee on substantially identical terms; provided, however , that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness solely by virtue of being unsecured or by virtue of being secured on junior Lien or priority basis.

(d) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 5.09 , in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in clauses (i) through (xvi) of paragraph (b) above or under paragraph (a) above, the Parent shall, in its sole discretion, divide and classify such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this Section 5.09 and shall only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of such clauses or pursuant to paragraph (a) above, and may re-classify any such item of Indebtedness from time to time among such clauses or paragraph (a) above, so long as such item meets the applicable criteria for such category. For the avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness may be classified as Incurred in part pursuant to one of the clauses (i) through (xvi) above, and in part under one or more other clauses or under paragraph (a) above. Indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Indenture under the Revolving Credit Agreement shall be treated as Incurred pursuant to clause (i) above.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Accrual of interest and dividends, accretion of accreted value, amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock, and changes to amounts outstanding in respect of Hedging Obligations solely as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation payable thereunder shall not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness.

 

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Section 5.10 Asset Sales . (a) The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any Asset Sale (except with respect to an Event of Loss) unless:

(i) the Parent (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(ii) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents;

provided that the amount of:

(1) any liabilities (as shown on the Parent’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet) of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation or assignment and assumption agreement releasing the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary from further liability; and

(2) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received in that conversion) within 120 days following the consummation of such Asset Sale,

will be deemed to be cash for purposes of this Section 5.10 .

(b) Within 360 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary may apply such Net Proceeds at its option:

(i) to permanently reduce Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto);

(ii) with respect to Asset Sales of assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, to permanently reduce Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent or another Subsidiary of the Parent;

(iii) to acquire the Capital Stock of a Person engaged in a Similar Business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent;

 

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(iv) to acquire other assets that are not classified as current assets under GAAP and that are used or useful in a Similar Business and/or to make expenditures for maintenance, repair or improvement of existing properties and assets; or

(v) any combination of the foregoing.

(c) Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.

(d) Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested (by election or as a result of the passage of time) as provided in subsection (b) above shall be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $5.0 million, within 10 Business Days thereof, the Company shall make an Asset Sale Offer to all Holders to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price for such Asset Sale Offer shall be an amount in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the date of purchase). To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of the Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis based upon principal balance of Notes surrendered, subject to the Applicable Procedures; provided , that in connection with any such proration, the Trustee may make such adjustments upward or downward and not exceeding $1,000 principal amount such that the unpurchased portion of any Note shall equal $2,000 principal amount or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Upon completion of such offer to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of, and Rule 14e-1 under, the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture (including Section 3.09 ), the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

Section 5.11 Transactions with Affiliates . The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any payment to, or sell, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or Guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), unless:

(a) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction at the time in an arm’s-length transaction with a Person who was not an Affiliate; and

 

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(b) if such Affiliate Transaction involves an amount in excess of $5.0 million, the terms of the Affiliate Transaction are set forth in writing and a majority of the non-employee directors of the Parent disinterested with respect to such Affiliate Transaction has determined in good faith that the criteria set forth in clause (a) of this Section 5.11 are satisfied and has approved the relevant Affiliate Transaction as evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Parent set forth in an Officers’ Certificate; and

(c) if such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involves an amount in excess of $10.0 million, the Parent obtains an opinion issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing as to the fairness to the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view or that such transaction is no more restrictive to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries than could reasonably be expected to be obtained at the time in an arm’s-length transaction with a person who was not an Affiliate.

The foregoing provisions shall not apply to the following:

(i) any employment agreement or compensation plan or arrangement entered into by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business of the Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary;

(ii) the payment of compensation (including awards or grants in cash, securities or other payments) for the personal services of, and expense reimbursement and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to clause (i) above or otherwise as determined in good faith by the Parent Board of Directors;

(iii) payments or issuances of securities pursuant to employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, employee benefit plans, or arrangements for employees, officers or directors, including vacation plans, health and life insurance plans, deferred compensation plans, directors’ and officers’ indemnification agreements and retirement or savings plans, stock option, stock ownership and similar plans so long as the Parent Board of Directors in good faith shall have approved the terms thereof and deemed the services theretofore or thereafter to be performed for such compensation to be fair consideration therefore;

(iv) transactions exclusively between or among the Parent and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that such transactions are not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture;

 

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(v) transactions under any agreement or arrangement existing on the date of this Indenture, as in effect on the date of this Indenture, or as modified, amended or amended and restated so long as such agreement or arrangement as so modified, amended or amended and restated, taken as a whole, is not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Holders than the original agreement or arrangement in existence on the date of this Indenture;

(vi) the issuance or sale of any Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock), or any contribution of capital to, the Parent;

(vii) Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 5.07 and Permitted Investments of the type described in clause (9) of the definition thereof; and

(viii) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services or joint venture partners, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture which are fair to the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries or are on terms no less favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party; provided that such transactions are approved by a majority of the Parent Board of Directors in good faith (including a majority of disinterested directors of the Parent Board of Directors, or if there is only one disinterested director, such director).

Section 5.12 Liens . The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any kind on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, except Permitted Liens.

Section 5.13 Corporate Existence; Maintenance of Property and Insurance . Subject to Section 5.10 , Article 6 and Article 11 , the Parent shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the material rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided , however , that the Parent shall not be required to preserve any such material right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Company), if the Board of Directors of the Parent or the Company shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

The Parent shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, keep all property material to the operation of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in good working order and condition in all material respects, ordinary wear and tear and casualty loss excepted; provided , that the Parent shall not be obligated to comply with this paragraph to the extent that the failure to do so is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

 

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The Parent will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, maintain with one or more insurance companies of national standing insurance on all property material to the operation of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in at least such amounts and against at least such risks as are determined by the Parent in good faith to be reasonable and prudent, taking into account the risks that are usually insured against in the same general area by companies engaged in the same or a similar business (in each case, after giving effect to any self-insurance determined by the Parent to be reasonable and prudent, taking into account the practices of similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries).

Section 5.14 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control . (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Company has mailed a redemption notice with respect to all of the outstanding Notes as provided by Section 3.07 at any time prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, each Holder shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase (the “ Change of Control Payment ”). The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of, and Rule 14e-1 under, the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regulations. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, unless the Company has mailed a redemption notice with respect to all of the outstanding Notes as provided by Section 3.07 at any time prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) stating:

(i) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the Change of Control Payment Date);

(ii) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control;

(iii) the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed);

(iv) that any Notes not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any;

(v) that, unless the Company defaults in making the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any, after the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

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(vi) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer shall be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Notes completed, to the Paying Agent or Depositary, as applicable, at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, subject to the Applicable Procedures;

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

(viii) that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer), which unpurchased portion must be equal to $2,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof; and

(ix) the instructions, as determined by the Company, consistent with this Section 5.14 , that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.

(b) On a date that is, subject to any contrary requirement of applicable law, at least 30 but no more than 60 days from the date on which the Company mails notice of the Change of Control (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”), the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (i) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered and not withdrawn and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each Holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

(c) The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (i) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (ii) a notice with respect to the redemption of all Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 has been given pursuant to Section 3.03 at any time prior to the Change of Control Payment Date and the Notes are redeemed in accordance with such notice.

 

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A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, and conditioned upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making the Change of Control Offer.

Section 5.15 Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries . The Board of Directors of the Parent may designate any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Company) (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or Person becoming a Subsidiary through merger, consolidation or amalgamation or Investment therein) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default. If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding Investments owned by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of the designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 5.07 or under one or more clauses of the definition of Permitted Investments, as determined by the Parent. That designation will only be permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that time and if the Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Parent may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if that redesignation would not cause a Default.

Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Parent as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Parent giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 5.07 . If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it will thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under Section 5.09 , the Parent will be in default of such covenant. The Board of Directors of the Parent may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent; provided that such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, and such designation will only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 5.09 , calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period; and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

Section 5.16 Sale and Leaseback Transactions . The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any property unless:

(a) the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to (A) Incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to Section 5.09 and (B) Incur a Lien on such property securing such Attributable Debt pursuant to Section 5.12 ; and

 

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(b) the transfer of assets in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is permitted by, and the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary applies the Net Proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, Section 5.10 .

The foregoing provisions will not apply if (i) the lease is for a period, including renewal rights, of not in excess of three years or (ii) the transaction is among the Company, the Parent and/or any of the other Guarantors, among the Guarantors or among Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

Section 5.17 Additional Guarantors . If (i) the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall acquire or create another Domestic Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture or (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantees (or otherwise becomes liable for) Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor, then the Parent shall cause such Subsidiary, to become a Guarantor and:

(1) execute a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall unconditionally Guarantee all of the Company’s Obligations under the Indenture Documents on the terms set forth in this Indenture;

(2) execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such amendments or supplements to the Collateral Documents necessary in order to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Holders, a security interest in the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, subject to Permitted Liens and the Intercreditor Agreement, which are owned by the Company or a Guarantor and are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents;

(3) take such actions as are necessary to grant to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Holders a perfected second-priority security interest, subject to Permitted Liens and the Intercreditor Agreement, in the assets of such Subsidiary, other than Excluded Collateral, including the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be required by the Collateral Documents or by law or as may reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent;

(4) take such further action and execute and deliver such other documents specified in the Indenture Documents or otherwise reasonably requested by the Trustee or Collateral Agent to give effect to the foregoing; and

(5) deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel that such supplemental indenture and any other documents required to be delivered have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Subsidiary and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Subsidiary and the Collateral Documents to which such Restricted Subsidiary is a party create a valid perfected Lien on the Collateral covered thereby.

Section 5.18 Business Activities . The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to engage in any business other than Similar Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

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Section 5.19 Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Equity Interests in Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries . The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, transfer, convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests in any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent to any Person (other than the Parent or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent), unless:

(1) such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition is of all the Equity Interests in such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; and

(2) the Net Proceeds from such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition are applied in accordance with Section 5.10 .

The Parent shall not permit any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent to issue any of its Equity Interests (other than, if necessary, shares of its Capital Stock constituting directors’ qualifying shares or Capital Stock required by applicable law to be owned by another Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) to any Person other than to the Parent or another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent.

Section 5.20 Payments for Consent . The Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Notes or any other Indenture Document unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

Section 5.21 Mortgages . With respect to any fee interest in real property that is acquired by the Company or any Guarantor that has a purchase price that is greater than $1.0 million (such real property referred to individually and collectively as the “ Premises ”), within 120 days after the acquisition thereof, the Company or such Guarantor shall:

(1) deliver to the Collateral Agent, as mortgagee, for the benefit of the Holders, fully executed counterparts of Mortgages (in substantially the form of the First Priority Mortgages), duly executed by the Company or the applicable Guarantor, as the case may be, together with evidence of the completion (or reasonably satisfactory arrangements for the completion), of all recordings and filings of such Mortgage as may be necessary to create a valid, perfected Lien, subject to Permitted Liens, against the Premises purported to be covered thereby;

(2) deliver to the Collateral Agent, a mortgagee’s title insurance policy in favor of the Collateral Agent in an amount equal to 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Premises covered by the related Mortgage, insuring that title to such property is marketable and that the interests created by the Mortgage constitute valid Liens thereon free and clear of all Liens, defects and encumbrances other than Permitted Liens and any other exceptions disclosed in such policy, and such policies shall also include, to the extent available and issued at ordinary rates, customary endorsements and shall be accompanied by evidence of the payment in full (or reasonably satisfactory arrangements for the payment in full) of all premiums thereon;

 

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(3) deliver to the Collateral Agent the most recent survey of such Premises, together with such other survey updates, affidavits or other documents in form sufficient for the title insurer issuing the title policy to remove the standard survey exception from such policy and issue a survey endorsement to such policy, including, without limitation, (i) an updated survey certification in favor of the Collateral Agent from the applicable surveyor stating that, based on a visual inspection of the property and the knowledge of the surveyor, there has been no change in the facts depicted in the survey or (ii) an affidavit and/or indemnity from the Company or the applicable Guarantor, as the case may be, stating that to its knowledge there has been no change in the facts depicted in the survey, other than, in each case, changes that do not materially adversely affect the use by the Company or Guarantor, as applicable, of such Premises for the Company or such Guarantor’s business as so conducted, or intended to be conducted, at such Premises; and

(4) deliver an Opinion of Counsel to the Collateral Agent that such Mortgage has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company or such Guarantor, constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Company or such Guarantor and has been properly recorded.

Section 5.22 Further Assurances . The Company and the Guarantors shall, upon the request of the Trustee, execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the provisions of this Indenture.

Neither the Parent nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries will take or knowingly omit to take any action that would materially impair the Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself, the Trustee and the Holders, with respect to any material portion of the Collateral. The Company and the Parent shall, and shall cause each other Guarantor to, at their sole cost and expense, (i) execute and deliver all such agreements and instruments as the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request to more fully or accurately describe the property intended to be Collateral or the Obligations intended to be secured by the Collateral Documents and (ii) file any such notice filings or other agreements or instruments as may be reasonably necessary under applicable law to perfect (and maintain the perfection and priority) the Liens created by the Collateral Documents, subject to Permitted Liens, at such times and at such places as may be required by law or as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, in each case subject to the terms of the Collateral Documents.

ARTICLE 6

Successors

Section 6.01 Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets .

(a) The Parent and the Company . Neither the Parent nor the Company shall, in any transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not the Parent or the Company, as the case may be, survives), or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent to sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of) all or substantially all of the

 

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property and assets of, in the case of the Parent, the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and, in the case of the Company, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, to any Person, unless

(i) either:

(A) if the transaction or series of transactions is a consolidation of the Parent or the Company with or a merger of the Parent or the Company with or into any other Person, the Parent or the Company, as the case may be, shall be the surviving Person of such consolidation or merger; or

(B) the Person formed by any consolidation or merger with or into the Parent or the Company (if other than the Parent or the Company, as the case may be), or to which all or substantially all of such properties and assets are sold, assigned, conveyed, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and such Person shall expressly assume by (i) a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the obligations of (x) the Parent under its Note Guarantee and this Indenture or (y) the Company under the Notes and this Indenture, as the case may be, and in each case, this Indenture, as so supplemented, shall remain in full force and effect and (ii) by amendment, supplement or other instrument (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent), executed and delivered to the Trustee, all obligations of the Parent or the Company, as applicable, under the Collateral Documents, and in connection therewith shall cause such instruments to be filed and recorded in such jurisdictions and take such other actions as may be required by applicable law to perfect or continue the perfection of the Lien created under the Collateral Documents (and which are required to be perfected under the Collateral Documents) on the Collateral owned by or transferred to the surviving entity; and

(ii) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (including any Indebtedness Incurred or anticipated to be Incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(iii) at the time of such transaction and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable period (but without giving effect to the costs and expenses of such transaction), (x) the Parent or the successor entity to the Parent, as the case may be, would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 5.09(a) or (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent, or the successor entity to the Parent, as the case may be, shall immediately after such transaction be no less than such ratio immediately prior to such transaction.

 

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The foregoing requirements shall not apply to any transaction or series of transactions involving the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of any properties or assets by any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries to the Company or any Guarantor, or the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of any Subsidiary of the Parent with or into the Company or any Guarantor. Clauses (ii) and (iii) of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to (1) the Merger, (2) a merger of the Parent or the Company with an Affiliate solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Parent or the Company in another jurisdiction, (3) a merger transaction among any of the Parent, the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or (4) a merger, consolidation or amalgamation of a Foreign Subsidiary with another Foreign Subsidiary or the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of any properties or assets of a Foreign Subsidiary to another Foreign Subsidiary.

In connection with any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition contemplated by the foregoing provisions, the Parent shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition and the supplemental indenture in respect thereof comply with the requirements of this Indenture and an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect. Each such Officers’ Certificate shall set forth the manner of determination of the Company’s compliance with clause (iii) of the first paragraph of this subsection (a).

(b) The Guarantors . Subject to Section 11.03 , each Guarantor (other than the Parent) shall not, in any transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate with or merge into (whether or not such Guarantor survives), or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and assets to, any Person, unless either:

(i) either:

(A) if the transaction or series of transactions is a consolidation of such Guarantor with or a merger of such Guarantor with or into any other Person, such Guarantor shall be the surviving Person of such consolidation or merger; or

(B) the Person formed by any consolidation or merger with or into such Guarantor (if other than the Guarantor), or to which all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are sold, assigned, conveyed, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume by (i) a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee and this Indenture and, in each case, this Indenture, as so supplemented, shall remain in full force and effect and (ii) by amendment, supplement or other instrument (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent), executed and delivered to the Trustee, all obligations of such Guarantor under the Collateral Documents, and in connection therewith shall cause such instruments to be filed and recorded in such jurisdictions and take such other actions as may be required by applicable law to perfect or continue the perfection of the Lien created under the Collateral Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to the surviving entity; or

 

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(ii) the transaction is made in compliance with (or is not prohibited by) Section 5.10 .

The foregoing requirements shall not apply to any Specified Restructuring or any transaction or series of transactions involving the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of any properties or assets by any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries to the Company or any Guarantor, or the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of any Subsidiary of the Parent with or into the Company or any Guarantor.

In connection with any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition contemplated by Section 6.01(b)(i) , such Guarantor shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition and the supplemental indenture in respect thereof comply with the requirements of this Indenture and an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect.

Section 6.02 Successor Entity Substituted . Upon any consolidation, combination or merger of the Company or any Guarantor (including the Parent), or any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or such Guarantor in accordance with the foregoing, in which the Company or such Guarantor is not the continuing obligor under the Notes or its Note Guarantee, the surviving entity formed by such consolidation or combination or into which the Company or such Guarantor is merged or to which the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company or such Guarantor under the Indenture Documents with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named herein and therein as the Company or such Guarantor and, except in the case of a lease, the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be released from the obligation to pay the principal of, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes or in respect of its Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and all of the Company’s or such Guarantor’s other obligations and covenants under the Indenture Documents, if applicable.

ARTICLE 7

Defaults and Remedies

Section 7.01 Events of Default . Each of the following shall be an “ Event of Default ”:

(a) default in the payment when due of interest on, or Additional Interest, if any, with respect to, the Notes and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

(b) default in payment when due of the principal, or premium, if any, of any Note (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise);

 

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(c) default in the payment of principal and interest on Notes required to be repurchased by Section 5.10 or 5.14 , or the failure by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described under Section 6.01 ;

(d) the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries fails to perform any other covenant or agreement of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the Indenture Documents and such failure continues for a period of 60 days after written notice (specifying the Default, demanding the Default be cured and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default”) to the Parent or the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes;

(e) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of this Indenture (but excluding Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), which default (A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of such Indebtedness when due and payable after the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a “ Payment Default ”) or (B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity (which acceleration is not rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured within 20 days of receipt by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary of notice of any such acceleration) and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent);

(f) failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments which are non-appealable in an aggregate amount (net of any amount covered by indemnities or insurance issued by a reputable and creditworthy insurer that has not disclaimed coverage) in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 consecutive days following such judgment becoming final and non-appealable;

(g) (i) any security interest created by any Collateral Document ceases to be in full force and effect (except as permitted by the terms of this Indenture or the Collateral Documents) or (ii) the breach or repudiation by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any of their obligations under any Collateral Document (other than by reason of a release of such obligation or Lien related thereto in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or the Collateral Documents); provided that, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), such cessation, breach or repudiation, individually or in the aggregate, results in Collateral having a Fair Market Value in excess of $5.0 million not being subject to a valid, perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent under any applicable law (other than the law of any foreign jurisdiction) (to the extent required under the Collateral Documents);

 

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(h) except as expressly permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee from Parent or a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Note Guarantee (other than by reason of a release of such Guarantor under such Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents);

(i) the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

(i) commences a voluntary case,

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

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

(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

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

(i) is for relief against the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;

(ii) appoints a Custodian of the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or

(iii) orders the liquidation of the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;

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

The term “ Custodian ” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

In the event of any Event of Default specified under subsection (e) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (including any acceleration of the Notes but excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall

 

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be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee stating that both:

(a) either (x) the default giving rise to such Event of Default pursuant to clause (e) shall be remedied or cured pursuant to the terms of, or waived by the holders of, such Indebtedness or any consequent acceleration of such Indebtedness shall be rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured or (y) such Indebtedness shall have been discharged in full; and

(b) (x) the rescission and annulment of such acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction and (y) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes that became due solely because of such acceleration of the Notes, have been cured or waived.

Section 7.02 Acceleration . If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in subsection (i) or (j) of Section 7.01 with respect to the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) occurs and is continuing and has not been waived by the Holders, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Upon any such declaration, the Notes shall become due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in subsection (i) or (j) of Section 7.01 occurs with respect to the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes shall be due and payable immediately without further action or notice. The Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by written notice to the Company and the Trustee may on behalf of all of the Holders rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived and all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements, and advances of the Trustee and its agents and counsel have been paid or deposited with the Trustee.

Section 7.03 Other Remedies . If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Indenture Documents, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

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

 

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Section 7.04 Waiver of Past Defaults . The Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Company and the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive (including in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under this Indenture (including any acceleration of the Notes), except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase); provided , however , that the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived. 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 7.05 Control by Majority . Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture, that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders (it being understood that the Trustee shall have no duty to ascertain whether such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such other Holders) or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability. The Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

Section 7.06 Limitation on Suits . A Holder may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes only if:

(a) the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;

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

(c) such Holder or Holders offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(d) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer and, if requested, the provision of indemnity; and

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

 

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A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any uses are unduly prejudicial to 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 7.06 .

Section 7.07 Rights of Holders To Receive Payment . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in any such Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

Section 7.08 Collection Suit By Trustee . If an Event of Default specified in Section 7.01(a) or (b)  occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

Section 7.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim . The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company or any of the Guarantors (or any other obligor upon the Notes) or their respective creditors or property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 8.07 . 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 8.07 out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors’ or other similar committee.

 

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Section 7.10 Priorities . Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article 7 or by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Collateral Documents, or any money or other property distributable in respect of the Company’s or the Guarantors’ obligations under the Indenture Documents after an Event of Default, shall be applied in the following order:

First : to the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and their respective agents and attorneys for amounts due or reasonably anticipated to become due under Section 8.07 , including payment of all reasonable compensation, expense and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and the costs and expenses of collection;

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

Third : to the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct; provided that the application of such proceeds of Collateral shall be subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 7.10 .

Section 7.11 Undertaking For Costs . In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 7.07 or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

Section 7.12 Rights and Remedies Cumulative . No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy are, to the extent permitted by law, 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 7.13 Delay or Omission Not Waiver . No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

 

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ARTICLE 8

Trustee

Section 8.01 Duties of Trustee . (a) The duties of the Trustee shall be governed by the TIA and as set forth herein. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

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

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

(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

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

(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of subsection (b) of this Section;

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

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 7.05 , or a direction from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes concerning the exercise of any right, trust or power conferred upon the Trustee; and

(iv) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability.

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

 

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(e) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any Holders, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

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

(g) The Trustee is hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver each Indenture Document or Collateral Document to which it is a party.

Section 8.02 Rights of Trustee . (a) In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

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

(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the acts or omissions of any agent or attorney appointed with due care, and the Trustee shall not be responsible for the supervision of officers and employees of such agents or attorneys.

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

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

(f) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, its right to be compensated, reimbursed, and indemnified, and its right to resign, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder or in any Indenture Document or Collateral Document, including but not limited to its capacities as Collateral Agent, Note Custodian, Paying Agent and Registrar, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder or in any Indenture Document or Collateral Document.

(g) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or

 

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indirectly, forces beyond its control, including strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

(h) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee with responsibility over matters concerning the Notes and this Indenture has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default or Event of Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.

(i) The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in any document delivered to it, 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 in good faith to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled upon reasonable notice during normal business hours to examine the books, records and premises of the Company and the Guarantors, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Company and the Guarantors and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(j) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

(k) The Trustee may request that the Company and the Guarantors deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to the Indenture Documents, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any Person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any Person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

Section 8.03 Individual Rights of Trustee . The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest as defined by the TIA it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as Trustee or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 8.10 and 8.11 .

Section 8.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer . The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of any of the Indenture Documents or the Collateral. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by

 

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any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

Section 8.05 Notice of Defaults . If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders, with a copy to the Company, a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs, unless such Default or Event of Default shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders.

Section 8.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders . Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning May 15, 2011, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).

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

Section 8.07 Compensation and Indemnity . The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as the Trustee and the Company shall have agreed in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it in connection with the Trustee’s duties under this Indenture, including the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel, except any disbursement, advance or expenses as may be attributable to the Trustee’s willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence.

The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trustee against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company (including this Section 8.07 ) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company or any Holder or any other person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent the Company is materially prejudiced thereby. The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. In the event a conflict of interest exists, the Trustee may have one separate counsel reasonably

 

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satisfactory to the Company and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company need not reimburse the Trustee for any cost or expense or indemnify it against any loss or liability incurred by the Trustee through its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

The obligations of the Company under this Section 8.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 7.01(i) or (j)  occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

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

Section 8.08 Replacement of Trustee . A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section.

The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company in writing no later than 45 days prior to the date of the proposed resignation. The Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

(a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 8.10 or Section 310 of the TIA;

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

(c) a Custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

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

 

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

If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 8.10 , such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided that all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 8.07 . Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 8.08 , the Company’s obligations under Section 8.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

Section 8.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc . If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee; provided such successor corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article 8 .

Section 8.10 Eligibility, Disqualification . There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

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

Section 8.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company . The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

ARTICLE 9

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Section 9.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance . The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have either Section 9.02 or 9.03 be applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 9 .

 

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Section 9.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge . Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 9.01 of the option applicable to this Section 9.02 , the Company and the Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 , be deemed to have been discharged from their respective obligations under the Indenture Documents with respect to all outstanding Notes on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Legal Defeasance ”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 9.05 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in subsections (a) and (b) below, and the Company and the Guarantors to have satisfied all their other obligations under such Notes and the Indenture Documents (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

(a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive solely from the trust fund described in Section 9.04 , and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on such Notes when such payments are due;

(b) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Article 2 ;

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

(d) this Article 9 .

Subject to compliance with this Article 9 , the Company may exercise its option under this Section 9.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 9.03 .

Section 9.03 Covenant Defeasance . Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 9.01 of the option applicable to this Section 9.03 , the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 , be released from the obligations under the covenants contained in Sections   5.03, 5.04 , 5.07 , 5.08 , 5.09 , 5.10 , 5.11 , 5.12 , 5.13 (but only with respect to the second and third paragraph thereof) 5.14 , 5.15 , 5.16 , 5.17 , 5.18 , 5.19 , 5.21 , 5.22 , 6.01(a)(iii) with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Covenant Defeasance ”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 7.01 , but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby. In

 

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addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 9.01 of the option applicable to this Section 9.03 , subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 , Sections 7.01(c) through Section 7.01(g) shall not constitute Events of Default.

Section 9.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance . The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 9.02 or 9.03 to the outstanding Notes:

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

(a) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in United States dollars, non-callable U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as shall be sufficient, in the opinion of an independent, nationally recognized (a) investment bank, (b) appraisal firm or (c) firm of certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the outstanding Notes on the Stated Maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to Stated Maturity or to a particular redemption date;

(b) in the case of an election under Section 9.02 , the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(c) in the case of an election under Section 9.03 , the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(d) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit or the granting of any Liens in respect thereof);

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

(f) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit and the 91st day following the date of deposit and assuming that no Holder is an insider of the

 

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Company, after the 91st day following the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally;

(g) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company or others;

(h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with; and

(i) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be (which instructions may be contained in the Officers’ Certificate referred to in clause (h) above).

Section 9.05 Deposited money and U.S. Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions . Subject to Section 9.06 , all money and non-callable U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 9.05 , the “ Trustee ”) pursuant to Section 9.04 in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 9.04 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

Anything in this Article 9 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 9.04 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 9.04(a) ), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

Section 9.06 Repayment to Company . Subject to Section 8.07 , any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, if any, interest or

 

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Additional Interest, if any, has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured 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 the New York Times or The Wall Street Journal (national edition), 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 notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall be repaid to the Company or as required by applicable abandoned property law.

Section 9.07 Reinstatement . If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States dollars or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 9.02 or 9.03 , as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 9.02 or 9.03 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 9.02 or 9.03 , as the case may be; provided , however , that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 10

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Section 10.01 Without Consent of Holders . Notwithstanding Section 10.02 , the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend, supplement or waive any provision of the Indenture Documents without the consent of any Holder to:

(a) cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or to make a modification of a formal, minor or technical nature or to correct a manifest error;

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

(c) comply with Article 6;

(d) provide for the assumption of the Company’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to Holders in the case of a merger, consolidations, amalgamations or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such Person pursuant to Article 6 ;

(e) add Guarantees with respect to the Notes or to secure the Notes or to release a Guarantor from its Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

 

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(f) add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor;

(g) make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect (as determined by the Company in good faith) the legal rights under the Indenture Documents of any Holder;

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

(i) (i) enter into additional or supplemental Collateral Documents or (ii) release Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents;

(j) evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture of a successor trustee pursuant to the requirements hereof;

(k) make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository; provided , however , that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes;

(l) provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

(m) to conform the text of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” section in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision of the “Description of the Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document, as evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate of the Company.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 10.01 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of the amendment, supplement or waiver.

Section 10.02 With Consent of Holders . Except as provided below in this Section 10.02 , the Indenture Documents may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture Documents may be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), in each case without notice to any other Holder, but subject to Section 5.20.

 

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It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 10.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 10.02 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 7.04 and 7.07 , the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Parent and its Subsidiaries with any provision of any Indenture Document. However, without the consent (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

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

(b) reduce the principal of, premium, if any, or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (other than the provisions of Sections 3.09 , 5.10 , and 5.14 prior to the time that any obligation to make an offer to purchase Notes thereunder has arisen);

(c) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default interest, or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note;

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

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

(f) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders to receive payments of principal, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes when due and payable;

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

(h) after the Company’s obligation to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer arises under this Indenture, amend, change or otherwise modify in any material respect (A) such obligation or (B) the provisions or definitions with respect thereto; or

(i) make any change to Sections 10.01 or 10.02 .

 

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No amendment, supplement or waiver, shall without the consent of Holders of not less than 66  2 / 3 % in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes issued under this Indenture release all or substantially all of the Collateral otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents.

Section 10.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act . Every amendment or supplement to the Indenture Documents shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

Section 10.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents . Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee and the Company receives written notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver, which record date shall be, at the Company’s election, either (a) at least 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or (b) the date of the most recent list furnished to the Trustee under Section 2.05 . If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the second to last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date.

A consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver under any Indenture Document by any Holder given in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, such Holder’s Notes shall not be rendered invalid by such purchase, tender or exchange.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder unless it makes a change described in Section 10.02 which cannot be made without the consent of each Holder affected, in which case, the amendment, supplement or waiver shall bind only each Holder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note; provided that any such waiver shall not impair or affect the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on a Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates without the consent of such Holder.

Section 10.05 Notation On or Exchange of Notes . The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall authenticate new Notes that reflect any amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

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

Section 10.06 Trustee or Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments, Etc . The Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 10 if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be. The Company and the Guarantors may not sign an amendment or supplemental indenture until their respective Board of Directors approves it. In executing any amendment, supplement or waiver, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 8.01 ) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

ARTICLE 11

Guarantees

Section 11.01 Guarantees . Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.04, the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, unconditionally Guarantee to each Holder authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and their respective successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that: (a) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, including Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes shall be promptly paid in full when due, subject to any applicable grace period, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, redemption, required purchase or repurchase or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on premium, if any, and interest, including Additional Interest, if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder shall be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same shall be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, subject to any applicable grace period, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, redemption, required purchase or repurchase or otherwise. Failing payment when due, subject to any applicable grace period, of any amount so Guaranteed or any performance so Guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company or any Guarantor, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company or another Guarantor, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that the Note Guarantees shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Indenture Documents. If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company or any of the

 

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Guarantors, or any Custodian or other similar official acting in relation to either the Company or any of the Guarantors, any amount paid either to the Trustee or to such Holder, the Note Guarantees, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect. Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations Guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations Guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations Guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 7 for the purposes of the Note Guarantees, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations Guaranteed hereby and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 7 , such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of the Note Guarantees. The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Trustee or the Holders under the Note Guarantees.

Section 11.02 Additional Guarantors . To the extent not a party to this Indenture on the date hereof, each Guarantor shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto, pursuant to which it shall become a Guarantor under this Article 11 and shall Guarantee the obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Notes. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, such Guarantor shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel that the foregoing have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Guarantor and that such Guarantor’s Guarantee is a valid and legally binding obligation of such Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms, subject to customary limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions.

The Note Guarantee of any Guarantor shall be evidenced solely by its execution and delivery of this Indenture (or, in the case of any Guarantor that is not party to this Indenture on the date hereof, a supplemental indenture thereto) and not by an endorsement on, or attachment to, any Note of any Note Guarantee or notation thereof.

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 shall be and remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on any Note a notation of such Note Guarantee.

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

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

Section 11.03 Releases of Guarantees . In the event of:

(a) If the Company exercises its Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance option with respect to the Notes in accordance with Article 9 or this Indenture is satisfied and discharged in accordance with Section   4.01 ;

 

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(b) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise, to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Company or a Guarantor, if the sale or other disposition complies with (or is not prohibited by) Section 5.10 ;

(c) a sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of a Guarantor, including by way of merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise, to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent, if the sale or other disposition complies with (or is not prohibited by) Section 5.10 ;

(d) the designation of any Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

(e) in the event that such Guarantor was required to become a Guarantor under Section 5.17 by virtue of clause (ii) thereof, at such time as such Guarantor shall cease to Guarantee any Indebtedness of the Company or any other Guarantor;

such Guarantor (and any of its Subsidiaries that are Guarantors) shall be automatically and unconditionally released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee and the Indenture Documents. Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such defeasance or discharge or such sale or other disposition or dissolution was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, including Section 5.10 , as applicable, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee and the Indenture Documents.

Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under the Indenture Documents as provided in this Article 11 .

Section 11.04 Limitation on Guarantor Liability . For purposes hereof, each Guarantor’s liability shall be that amount from time to time equal to the aggregate liability of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee, but shall be limited to the lesser of (a) the aggregate amount of the obligations of the Company under the Indenture Documents and (b) the amount, if any, which would not have (A) rendered such Guarantor “insolvent” (as such term is defined in the federal Bankruptcy Law and in the Debtor and Creditor Law of the State of New York), (B) left it with unreasonably small capital at the time its Note Guarantee was entered into, or at the time such Guarantor Incurred liability thereunder, after giving effect to the Incurrence of Existing Indebtedness immediately prior to such time or (C) left such Guarantor with debts beyond such Guarantor’s ability to pay as such debts mature; provided that, it shall be a presumption in any lawsuit or other proceeding in which such Guarantor is a party that the

 

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amount Guaranteed pursuant to its Note Guarantee is the amount set forth in subsection (a) above unless any creditor, or representative of creditors of such Guarantor, or debtor in possession or trustee in bankruptcy of such Guarantor, otherwise proves in such a lawsuit or other proceeding that the aggregate liability of such Guarantor is limited to the amount set forth in subsection (b). In making any determination as to the solvency or sufficiency of capital of a Guarantor in accordance with the previous sentence, the right of such Guarantor to contribution from other Guarantors and any other rights such Guarantor may have, contractual or otherwise, shall be taken into account.

Section 11.05 “Trustee” to Include Paying Agent . In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term “ Trustee ” as used in this Article 11 shall in such case (unless the context shall otherwise require) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully and for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article 11 in place of the Trustee.

ARTICLE 12

Miscellaneous

Section 12.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls . If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA § 318(c), the imposed duties shall control. If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which is required to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, the required provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the TIA that may be so modified or excluded, the provision of the TIA shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or shall be excluded, as the case may be. Any provision of the TIA which is required to be included in a qualified Indenture, but not expressly included herein, shall be deemed to be included by this reference. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph, the Company will not be required to comply with all or any portion of TIA Section 314(b) or 314(d) if it determines, in good faith based on an Opinion of Counsel (which opinion may be a reasoned opinion and which opinion shall also be delivered to the Trustee), that under the terms of TIA Section 314(b) or Section 314(d), as applicable, or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its staff, including “no action” letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of TIA Section 314(b) or Section 314(d) is inapplicable.

Section 12.02 Notices . Any notice or communication by the Company, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ addresses:

If to the Company:

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Attention: General Counsel

 

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With a copy to:

Sidley Austin LLP

One South Dearborn Street

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Attention: Kevin F. Blatchford

If to the Trustee:

601 Travis Street

16th Floor

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

If to the Collateral Agent:

601 Travis Street

16th Floor

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

The Company, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

Any notice to any Guarantor may be sent to the Guarantor in care of the Company as set forth above.

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

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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 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.

Where this Indenture provides for notice of any event to a Holder of a Global Note, such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary for such Note (or its designee), pursuant to its Applicable Procedures, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice.

Section 12.03 Communication by Holders with Other Holders . Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Company, the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

Section 12.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent . Upon any request or application by the Company or any Guarantor to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, to take any action under the Indenture Documents, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

(a) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 ) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

(b) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 ) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been complied with.

Section 12.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion . Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:

(a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

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(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

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 so 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 any Person 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, or representation by, counsel or any Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon certificates of public officials or upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company or any Guarantor (including an Officers’ Certificate) stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company or such Guarantor 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.

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 12.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents . The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

Section 12.07 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders . No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture Documents or the Registration Rights Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the United States federal securities laws or other corporate laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Section 12.08 Governing Law . THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE.

Section 12.09 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements . This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Parent, the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture and the Note Guarantees.

 

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Section 12.10 Successors . All agreements of the Company and each Guarantor in the Indenture Documents shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in this Indenture shall bind their respective successors.

Section 12.11 Severability . In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 12.12 Counterpart Originals . The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture (including by electronic transmission). Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

Section 12.13 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc . The table of contents, cross-reference table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

Section 12.14 Intercreditor Agreement . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the lien and security interest granted pursuant to the Indenture Documents and the exercise of any right or remedy thereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and the Indenture Documents, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

If any conflict or inconsistency exists between this Indenture and any Collateral Document (other than the Intercreditor Agreement), this Indenture shall govern.

Section 12.15 Payments Due on Non-Business Days . In any case where any interest payment date, redemption date, Purchase Date, Stated Maturity of the Notes or any other date upon which any payment is due on the Notes shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the 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 with the same force and effect as if made on the interest payment date, redemption date, Purchase Date, at the Stated Maturity or any other date upon which any payment is due on the Notes, provided that no interest or Additional Interest, if any, will accrue for the period from and after such interest payment date, redemption date, Purchase Date, Stated Maturity or other payment date, as the case may be.

Section 12.16 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE COMPANY, EACH GUARANTOR, THE TRUSTEE AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, ANY OTHER INDENTURE DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

 

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ARTICLE 13

Collateral and Security

Section 13.01 Collateral Documents .

The due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes and amounts due hereunder and under the Note Guarantees when and as the same shall be due and payable, subject to any applicable grace period, whether on an interest payment date, by acceleration, purchase, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, (to the extent permitted by law), if any, on the Notes and the performance of all other Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors to the Holders, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee under the Indenture Documents shall be secured by the Collateral Documents. The Collateral Documents shall provide for the grant by the Company and the Guarantors party thereto to the Collateral Agent of security interests in the Collateral subject to Permitted Liens and the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

Section 13.02 Recording and Opinions .

(a) The Company shall, and shall cause each of the Guarantors to, at its sole cost and expense, take or cause to be taken such actions as may be required by the Collateral Documents, to perfect, maintain (with the priority required under the Collateral Documents and Intercreditor Agreement), preserve and protect the valid and enforceable, perfected (except as expressly provided herein or therein) security interests in and on all the Collateral granted by the Collateral Documents in favor of the Collateral Agent as security for the Obligations contained in this Indenture, the Notes, any Note Guarantees and the Collateral Documents, superior to and prior to the rights of all third Persons (other than third Persons holding Permitted Prior Liens and as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement), and subject to no other Liens (other than Permitted Liens), including, (i) the filing of financing statements, continuation statements, collateral assignments and any instruments of further assurance, in such manner and in such places as may be required by law to preserve and protect fully the rights of the Holders, the Collateral Agent, and the Trustee under this Indenture and the Collateral Documents to all property comprising the Collateral, and (ii) subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the delivery of the certificates evidencing the securities pledged under the Security Agreement, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by undated stock powers or other instruments of transfer executed in blank, it being understood that concurrently with the execution of this Indenture the Company and the Guarantors have submitted financing statements to a reputable filing service for prompt filing in the appropriate filing offices. The Company shall from time to time promptly pay all financing and continuation statement recording and/or filing fees, charges and recording and similar taxes relating to this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and any amendments hereto or thereto and any other instruments of further assurance required pursuant hereto or thereto.

(b) The Company shall furnish to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent (if other than the Trustee), upon or promptly after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, an Opinion of Counsel in compliance with TIA §314(b)(1), and on or within one month following May 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 2011, an Opinion of Counsel in compliance with TIA §314(b)(2).

 

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Section 13.03 Release of Collateral .

(a) Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall not at any time release the Collateral from the Liens created by the Collateral Documents unless such release is in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the applicable Collateral Documents.

(b) The release of any Collateral from the Liens created by the Collateral Documents shall not be deemed to impair the security under this Indenture in contravention of the provisions hereof if and to the extent the Collateral is released pursuant to this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. To the extent applicable, the Company shall cause §313(b) of the TIA, relating to reports, and §314(d) of the TIA, relating to the release of property (other than the release of current assets in the ordinary course of business) from the Liens created by this Indenture and the Collateral Documents to be complied with; provided , that any certificate or opinion required by §314(d) of the TIA may be made solely by an Officer of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the automatic release of any current assets constituting Collateral in connection with the sale, lease or other similar disposition of such inventory of the Company and the Guarantors in the ordinary course of business shall not require delivery of any reports, certificates, opinions or other formal documentation.

Section 13.04 Specified Releases of Collateral .

(a) Collateral shall be released from the Liens created by the Collateral Documents at any time or from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement or as provided in this Indenture. The Liens securing the Collateral shall be automatically released without the need for any further action by any Person under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(i) in connection with asset dispositions permitted or not prohibited under Section 5.10 ;

(ii) if any Guarantor is released from its Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture (including by virtue of such Guarantor ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary), that Guarantor’s assets shall be released from the Liens securing its Guarantee and the other Indenture Obligations;

(iii) if required in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document;

(iv) as described under Section 13.05 ; or

(v) with the consent of Holders in accordance with Section 10.02 .

(b) Upon the request of the Company pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel confirming that all conditions precedent hereunder and under the Collateral

 

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Documents and Intercreditor Agreement have been met, and any necessary or proper instruments of termination, satisfaction or release prepared by the Company or the Guarantors, as the case may be, the Collateral Agent, without the consent of any Holder or the Trustee and at the expense of the Company or the Guarantors, shall execute, deliver or acknowledge such instruments or releases to evidence the release from the Liens created by the Collateral Documents of any Collateral permitted to be released pursuant to this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.

Section 13.05 Release upon Satisfaction or Defeasance of all Outstanding Obligations .

(a) The Liens on all Collateral that secure the Notes and the Note Guarantees shall be automatically terminated and released without the need for further action by any Person:

(i) if the Company exercises Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance as described under Article 9 ;

(ii) upon satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as described under Section 4.01 ; or

(iii) upon payment in full in immediately available funds of the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes and all other Obligations under this Indenture and the Collateral Documents that are then due and payable (other than contingent indemnification obligations for which no claim has been asserted).

(b) Upon the request of the Company pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel confirming that all conditions precedent hereunder and under the Collateral Documents and Intercreditor Agreement have been met, any necessary or proper instruments of termination, satisfaction or release prepared by the Company or the Guarantors, as the case may be, the Collateral Agent, without the consent of any Holder or the Trustee and at the expense of the Company or the Guarantors, shall execute, deliver or acknowledge such instruments or releases to evidence the release from the Liens created by the Collateral Documents of any Collateral permitted to be released pursuant to this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Collateral Documents, any such release to be made without any recourse, representation or warranty of the Collateral Agent and to be in a form reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent.

Section 13.06 Form and Sufficiency of Release and Subordination .

In the event that the Company or any Guarantor has sold, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of or proposes to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any portion of the Collateral that may be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of by the Company or such Guarantor to any Person other than the Company or a Guarantor, and the Company or such Guarantor requests that the Trustee or Collateral Agent furnish a written disclaimer, release or quit-claim of any interest in such property under this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, or, to the extent applicable to such Collateral, take all action that is necessary or reasonably requested by the Company (in each case at the expense of the Company) to release and reconvey to the Company or such

 

  115  


Guarantor, without recourse, such Collateral or deliver such Collateral in its possession to the Company or such Guarantor, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall execute, acknowledge (without any recourse, representation and warranty) and deliver to the Company or such Guarantor (in the form prepared by the Company at the Company’s sole expense) such an instrument promptly or take such other action so requested after satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein for delivery of any such release. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, all purchasers and grantees of any property or rights purporting to be released herefrom shall be entitled to rely upon any release executed by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, as sufficient for the purpose of this Indenture and as constituting a good and valid release of the property therein described from the Lien of this Indenture or of the Collateral Documents. In addition to the foregoing, in the event that the Company or any Guarantor has any Collateral or intends to have any Collateral subject to a Permitted Lien of the type described in clause (7) of the definition thereof, and the Company or such Guarantor requests that the Trustee or Collateral Agent enter into a subordination agreement with the holder of such Permitted Lien in order to subordinate the Lien of the Collateral Agent in such Collateral to the Lien of such holder in such Collateral, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company or such Guarantor or the holder of such Permitted Lien such an instrument (in the form prepared by the Company, or the holder of such Permitted Lien, at the Company’s sole expense) promptly after such request.

Section 13.07 Purchaser Protected .

No purchaser or grantee of any property or rights purported to have been released from the Lien of this Indenture or of the Collateral Documents shall be bound to ascertain the authority of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, to execute the release or to inquire as to the existence of any conditions herein prescribed for the exercise of such authority; nor shall any purchaser or grantee of any property or rights permitted by this Indenture to be sold or otherwise disposed of by the Company be under any obligation to ascertain or inquire into the authority of the Company to make such sale or other disposition.

Section 13.08 Authorization of Actions to be Taken by the Collateral Agent Under the Collateral Documents .

(a) Subject to the provisions of the applicable Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, each Holder, by acceptance of the Notes, consents to the terms of and agrees that the Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents to which it is a party and all agreements, documents and instruments incidental thereto, and act in accordance with the terms thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, the Collateral Agent shall have no discretion under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Collateral Documents and shall not be required to make or give any determination, consent, approval, request or direction without the written direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, the Trustee or the Company, as applicable.

(b) So long as an Event of Default is not continuing, the Company may direct the Collateral Agent in connection with any action required or permitted by this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement. During the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee may direct the Collateral Agent in connection with any action required or permitted by this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

  116  


Section 13.09 Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Collateral Documents .

The Collateral Agent is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the Holders distributed under the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement and, to the extent not prohibited under the Intercreditor Agreement, to make further distributions of such funds to itself, the Trustee and the Holders in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.10 and the other provisions of this Indenture. Such funds shall be held on deposit by the Trustee without investment, and the Trustee shall have no liability for interest or other compensation thereon.

Section 13.10 Action by the Collateral Agent .

In each case that the Collateral Agent may or is required hereunder or under any Collateral Document to take any action (an “ Action ”), including to make any determination, to give consents, to exercise rights, powers or remedies, to release or sell Collateral or otherwise to act hereunder or under any Collateral Document, the Collateral Agent may seek direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes; provided that all Actions so taken shall, at all times, be in compliance with the requirements of the Intercreditor Agreement. The Collateral Agent shall not be liable with respect to any Action taken or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with the direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes. If the Collateral Agent shall request direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes with respect to any Action, the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such Action unless and until the Collateral Agent shall have received direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes and an indemnification satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, and the Collateral Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or any Collateral Document, in no event shall the Collateral Agent be responsible for, or have any duty or obligation with respect to, the recording, filing, registering, perfection, protection or maintenance of the security interests or Liens intended to be created by this Indenture or the Collateral Documents (including the filing or continuation of any Uniform Commercial Code financing or continuation statements or similar documents or instruments), nor shall the Collateral Agent be responsible for, and the Collateral Agent makes no representation regarding, the validity, effectiveness or priority of any of the Collateral Documents or the security interests or Liens intended to be created thereby.

Section 13.11 Compensation and Indemnity .

(a) The Company shall pay to the Collateral Agent from time to time compensation as shall be agreed to in writing by the Company and the Collateral Agent for its acceptance of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral Documents and services

 

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hereunder. The Company shall reimburse the Collateral Agent promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it in connection with Collateral Agent’s duties under the Indenture Documents, including the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Collateral Agent’s agents and counsel, except any disbursement, advance or expense as may be attributable to the Collateral Agent’s willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence.

(b) The Company and the Guarantors shall, jointly and severally, indemnify the Collateral Agent against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents, including (i) any claim relating to the grant to the Collateral Agent of any Lien in any property or assets of the Company or the Guarantors and (ii) the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents against the Company and the Guarantors (including this Section 13.11 ) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, the Guarantors, any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder or thereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Collateral Agent shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Collateral Agent to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company or the Guarantors of their obligations hereunder, except to the extent the Company is materially prejudiced thereby. The Company or such Guarantor shall defend such claim and the Collateral Agent shall cooperate in the defense. In the event of a conflict, the Collateral Agent may have one separate counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor need pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company need not reimburse the Collateral Agent for any cost or expense or indemnify it against any loss or liability incurred by the Collateral Agent through its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

(c) The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 13.11 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation, removal or replacement of the Collateral Agent.

[Signatures on following pages]

 

  118  


Dated as of the first date first above written

 

THERMON FINANCE, INC.
By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

    Name:   Marcus J. George
    Title:   Secretary


Dated as of the first date above written

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT
By:  

/s/ Marcella Burgess

    Name:   Marcella Burgess
    Title:   Vice President


EXHIBIT A

[Form of Face of Note]

[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Insert the Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

  A-1  


CUSIP [                      ]

ISIN [                      ]

THERMON FINANCE, INC.

9.50% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2017

 

No. [RA][TRS][RS][RIAI]-[              ]    $[              ]

Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ,” which term includes any successor entity), for value received promises to pay to                                          or its registered assigns, the principal sum of                                          (or such principal amount as may be set forth in the records of the Trustee hereinafter referred to in accordance with the Indenture) on May 1, 2017, and to pay interest thereon as hereinafter set forth.

Interest Payment Dates: May 1 and November 1

Record Dates: April 15 and October 15

Dated: [                      ], 20[      ]

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained on the reverse side of this Note, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

  A-2  


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

THERMON FINANCE, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

  A-3  


T RUSTEE C ERTIFICATE OF A UTHENTICATION

This Note is one of the 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Dated: [                      ], 20[      ]

 

  A-4  


[Form of Back of Note]

9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

1. Interest . Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 9.50% per annum from [                      ], 20[      ] until maturity and shall pay Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company will pay interest semi-annually in arrears every May 1 and November 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “ Interest Payment Date ”). Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided , further , that the first Interest Payment Date shall be [                      ], 20[      ]. The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

[Until this Regulation S Temporary Global Note is exchanged for one or more Regulation S Permanent Global Notes, the Holder hereof shall not be entitled to receive payments of interest hereon; until so exchanged in full, this Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall in all other respects be entitled to the same benefits as other Notes under the Indenture.]

2. Method of Payment . The Company shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on April 15 or October 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are cancelled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes shall be payable as to principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose, or, at the option of the Company, by check mailed to the Holders at their respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest, premium, and Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

 

  A-5  


3. Paying Agent and Registrar . Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. Indenture . The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”), among the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Company designated as its 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “ TIA ”). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.

5. Optional Redemption .

(a) At any time and from time to time on and after May 1, 2014, the Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1 of each of the years set forth below.

 

Year

   Percentage  

2014

   104.750

2015

   102.375

2016 and thereafter

   100.000

(b) At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2013, the Company, at its option, may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) originally issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 109.500% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date) if:

(1) such redemption is made with the proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings;

(2) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) originally issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries); and

 

  A-6  


(3) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the closing of such Equity Offering.

(c) At any time and from time to time during any period consisting of 12 consecutive months ending on the day immediately preceding the first, second or third anniversary of the date of the Indenture, the Company, at its option, may redeem a portion of the Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date); provided , that the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes that may be redeemed during any such 12 consecutive month period shall not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture.

(d) At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2014, the Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date).

(e) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

6. Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase . Except as set forth in Sections 5.10 and 5.14 of the Indenture, the Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

7. Notice of Redemption . Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. Notices of redemption may not be conditional. On and after the redemption date, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest and Additional Interest, if any, will cease to accrue on the principal amount of the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

8. Offer to Purchase . Sections 5.10 and 5.14 of the Indenture provide that after certain Asset Sales and upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Company will make an offer to purchase Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.

9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange . The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer

 

  A-7  


or exchange any Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of the Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

[This Regulation S Temporary Global Note is exchangeable in whole or in part for one or more Global Notes only (i) on or after the Restricted Period and (ii) upon presentation of certificates (accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel, if applicable) required by Article 2 of the Indenture. Upon exchange of this Regulation S Temporary Global Note for one or more Global Notes, the Trustee shall cancel this Regulation S Temporary Global Note.]

10. Persons Deemed Owners . The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

11. Unclaimed Money . If any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent will pay the money back to the Company at its request or, if then held by the Company, will be discharged from such trust. After any such payment, any Holder of a Note entitled to the money must look, as an unsecured creditor, only to the Company and not the Trustee or Paying Agent for payment, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, will thereupon cease.

12. Discharge and Defeasance . Subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Company and the Guarantors at any time shall be entitled to terminate some or all of their obligations under the Indenture and the Notes or the Note Guarantees, as applicable, if the Company deposits with the Trustee cash in U.S. dollars or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes to redemption or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

13. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver . Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture Documents may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture Documents may be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with the purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes). Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder): (1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; (2) reduce the principal of, premium, if any, or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (other than provisions of Sections 3.09, 5.10 and 5.14 of the Indenture prior to the time at which an obligation to make an offer to purchase Notes thereunder has arisen); (3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest and Additional Interest, if any, on any Note; (4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes and the

 

  A-8  


consequences thereof by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration); (5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes; (6) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes when due and payable; (7) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Notes Guarantee or the Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; (8) after the Company’s obligation to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer arises under the Indenture, amend, change or otherwise modify in any material respect (A) such obligation or (B) the provisions or definitions with respect thereto; or (9) make any change in the foregoing or succeeding amendment, supplement and waiver provisions. In addition, any amendment to, supplement or waiver of, the provisions of the Indenture Documents that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens securing the Notes shall require the consent of the Holders of not less than 66  2 / 3 % in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend, supplement or waive any provision of the Indenture Documents to: (1) cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or to make a modification of a formal, minor or technical nature or correct a manifest error, (2) provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, (3) comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations, amalgamations and sales of assets; (4) provide for the assumption of the Company’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to Holders in the case of a merger, consolidation, amalgamation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such Person, (5) add Guarantees with respect to the Notes or to secure the Notes or to release a Guarantor from its Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, (6) add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor, (7) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect (as determined by the Company in good faith) the legal rights under the Indenture Documents of any such Holder, (8) comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, (9) (i) enter into additional or supplemental Collateral Documents or (ii) release Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents, (10) evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor trustee pursuant to the requirements thereof, (11) make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by the Indenture, including to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository; provided , however , that (i) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes, (12) provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, or (13) conform the text of the Indenture or any other Indenture Document to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture or any other Indenture Document, as evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate of the Company. The consent of Holders in not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment, supplement or waiver under

 

  A-9  


the Indenture becomes effective, the Company is required to mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment, supplement or waiver. However, the failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of the amendment, supplement or waiver.

14. Defaults and Remedies .

(a) Under the Indenture, Events of Default include: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Additional Interest, if any, with respect to the Notes; (ii) default in payment when due of the principal, or premium, if any, of any Note (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise); (iii) default in the payment of principal and interest on Notes required to be repurchased by Section 5.10 or 5.14 of the Indenture or the failure by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described under Section 6.01 of the Indenture; (iv) failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to perform any other covenant or agreement of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the Indenture Documents and such failure continues for 60 days after written notice (specifying the Default, demanding the Default be cured and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default”) to the Parent or the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; (v) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of the Indenture (but excluding Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), which default (A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of such Indebtedness when due and payable after the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a “ Payment Default ”) or (B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity (which acceleration is not rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured within 20 days of receipt by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary of notice of any such acceleration) and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent); (vi) failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments which are non-appealable in an aggregate amount (net of any amount covered by indemnities or insurance issued by a reputable and creditworthy insurer that has not disclaimed coverage) in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 consecutive days following such judgment becoming final and non-appealable; (vii) (A) any security interest created by any Collateral Document ceases to be in full force and effect (except as permitted by the terms of the Indenture or the Collateral Documents) or (B) the breach or repudiation by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any of their obligations under any Collateral Document (other than by reason of a release of such obligation or Lien related thereto in accordance with the terms of the Indenture or the Collateral Documents); provided that, in the case of clauses (A) and (B), such cessation, breach or repudiation, individually or in the aggregate, results in Collateral having a Fair Market Value in excess of $5.0 million not being subject to a valid, perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent under any applicable law (other than the law of any foreign jurisdiction) (to the extent required under the Collateral Documents); (viii) except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee from Parent or a Significant

 

  A-10  


Subsidiary (or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Note Guarantee (other than by reason of a release of such Guarantor under such Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents); and (ix) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary.

(b) If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing and has not been waived by the Holders, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes shall become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest or Additional Interest, if any) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.

(c) The Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Company and the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive (including in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture (including any acceleration of the Notes), except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration).

(d) In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (a)(v) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (including any acceleration of the Notes but excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee stating that, both:

(i) either (x) the default giving rise to such Event of Default pursuant to clause (a)(v) shall be remedied or cured pursuant to the terms of, or waived by the holders of, such Indebtedness or any consequent acceleration of such Indebtedness shall be rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured or (y) such Indebtedness shall have been discharged in full; and

 

  A-11  


(ii) (x) the rescission and annulment of such acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction and (y) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes that became due solely because of such acceleration of the Notes, have been cured or waived.

(e) The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture and the other Indenture Documents and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

15. No Recourse Against Others . No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture Documents or the Registration Rights Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.

16. Authentication . This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

17. Trustee Dealings with Company . The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.

18. Governing Law . THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE.

19. Abbreviations . Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

20. Additional Rights of Holders of Registrable Notes . In addition to the rights provided to Holders under the Indenture, Holders of Registrable Notes (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date of the Indenture (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

21. CUSIP Numbers . Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

  A-12  


22. Guarantees . The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes, is unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Guarantors to the extent set forth in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture.

23. Security . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the Notes and the Note Guarantees are secured by Liens on the Collateral pursuant to the terms of the Collateral Documents. The actions of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders and the application of proceeds from the enforcement of any remedies with respect to such Collateral are limited pursuant to the terms of the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to the Company at the following address:

Thermon Finance, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Attention: General Counsel

 

  A-13  


A SSIGNMENT F ORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:  

 

  (Insert assignee’s legal name)

 

 

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

 

and irrevocably appoint  

 

to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for it.

 

Date:  

 

 

Your Signature:  

 

  (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

Signature Guarantee*:  

 

 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

  A-14  


O PTION OF H OLDER TO E LECT P URCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 5.10 or 5.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

¨ Section 5.10                     ¨ Section 5.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 5.10 or 5.14 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

 

$             

 

Date:  

 

 

Your Signature:  

 

  (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

Tax Identification No.:  

 

 

Signature Guarantee*:  

 

 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

  A-15  


S CHEDULE OF E XCHANGES OF I NTERESTS

IN THE G LOBAL N OTE *

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $              . The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of

Exchange

  

Amount of

Decrease in

Principal

Amount of this

Global Note

  

Amount of

Increase in

Principal

Amount of this

Global Note

  

Principal

Amount of this

Global Note

Following such

Decrease or

Increase

  

Signature of

Authorized

Signatory of

Trustee or

Custodian

           
           
           
           
           

 

* This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form.

 

  A-16  


EXHIBIT B

F ORM OF C ERTIFICATE OF T RANSFER

Thermon Finance, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Attention: General Counsel

[Registrar address block]

 

  Re: 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “ Indenture ”), among Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee and as Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

                     (the “ Transferor ”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $              in such Note[s] or interests (the “ Transfer ”), to                                          (the “ Transferee ”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

1. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A . The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

2. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S . The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a Person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy

 

  B-1  


order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed Transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

3. ¨ Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the IAI Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S . The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

(a) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

or

(b) ¨ such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a Subsidiary thereof;

or

(c) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;

or

(d) ¨ such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which

 

  B-2  


certification is supported by (1) a certificate executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the Indenture and (2) an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the IAI Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

4. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note .

(a) ¨ Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144 . (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

(b) ¨ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S . (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

(c) ¨ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption . (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

 

  B-3  


This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

  Dated:  

 

 

  B-4  


A NNEX A TO C ERTIFICATE OF T RANSFER

 

1.    The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:
   [CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]
   (a)    ¨ a beneficial interest in the:
      (i)    ¨ 144A Global Note (CUSIP              ), or
      (ii)    ¨ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP              ), or
      (iii)    ¨ IAI Global Note (CUSIP              ); or
   (b)    ¨ a Restricted Definitive Note.
2.    After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:
   [CHECK ONE]
   (a)    ¨ a beneficial interest in the:
      (i)    ¨ 144A Global Note (CUSIP              ), or
      (ii)    ¨ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP              ), or
      (iii)    ¨ IAI Global Note (CUSIP              ), or
      (iv)    ¨ Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP              ); or
   (b)    ¨ a Restricted Definitive Note; or
   (c)    ¨ an Unrestricted Definitive Note,
   in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.


EXHIBIT C

F ORM OF C ERTIFICATE OF E XCHANGE

Thermon Finance, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Attention: General Counsel

[Registrar address block]

Re: 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

(CUSIP              )

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “ Indenture ”), among Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust, N.A., as Trustee and as Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

                     (the “ Owner ”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $              in such Note[s] or interests (the “ Exchange ”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

(a) ¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note . In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

(b) ¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note . In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

  C-1  


(c) ¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note . In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

(d) ¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note . In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes

(a) ¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note . In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

(b) ¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note . In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] ¨ 144A Global Note, ¨ Regulation S Global Note, ¨ IAI Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the

 

  C-2  


proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

  Dated:  

 

 

  C-3  


EXHIBIT D

F ORM OF C ERTIFICATE F ROM

A CQUIRING I NSTITUTIONAL A CCREDITED I NVESTOR

Thermon Finance, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Attention: General Counsel

[Registrar address block]

Re: 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “ Indenture ”), among Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee and as Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

In connection with our proposed purchase of $              aggregate principal amount of:

(a) ¨ a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or

(b) ¨ a Definitive Note,

we confirm that:

1. We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes or any interest therein is subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the undersigned agrees to be bound by, and not to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes or any interest therein except in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”).

2. We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and that the Notes and any interest therein may not be offered or sold except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell the Notes or any interest therein, we will do so only (A) to the Company or any subsidiary thereof, (B) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined therein), (C) to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to the Company a signed letter substantially in the form of this letter and an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, (D) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (E) pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act or (F) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree

 

  D-1  


to provide to any Person purchasing the Definitive Note or beneficial interest in a Global Note from us in a transaction meeting the requirements of clauses (A) through (E) of this paragraph a notice advising such purchaser that resales thereof are restricted as stated herein.

3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or beneficial interest therein, we will be required to furnish to you and the Company such certifications, legal opinions and other information as you and the Company may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale complies with the foregoing restrictions. We further understand that the Notes purchased by us will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.

4. We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of our or its investment.

5. We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein purchased by us for our own account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional “accredited investor”) as to each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.

You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

[Insert Name of Accredited Investor]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Dated:  

 

 

  D-2  


EXHIBIT E

[F ORM OF S UPPLEMENTAL I NDENTURE ]

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “ supplemental indenture ”), dated as of [                      ], between (the “ Guarantor ”), a direct or indirect subsidiary of Thermon Holding Corp. (or its successor), a Delaware corporation (the “ Parent ”), in favor of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the indenture referred to below (the “ Trustee ”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, Thermon Finance, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and the Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture) have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “ Indenture ”), dated as of April 30, 2010, providing for the issuance of 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “ Notes ”).

WHEREAS, Section 5.17 of the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Parent is required to cause the Guarantor to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s obligations under the Indenture Documents pursuant to a Notes Guarantee on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, Section 10.01(e) of the Indenture provides, among other things, that the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture Documents without the consent of any Holder of a Note to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes; and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guarantor and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

1. CAPITALIZED TERMS. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

2. AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE. The Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally with all other Guarantors, to guarantee the Company’s obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article 11 of the Indenture and to be bound by all other applicable provisions of the Indenture.

3. EFFECTIVENESS. This supplemental indenture shall be effective upon execution by the parties hereto.

4. RECITALS. The recitals contained herein shall be taken as the statements of the Company and the Guarantors and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity of this supplemental indenture.

 

  E-1  


5. NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE.

6. COUNTERPARTS. The parties may sign any number of copies of this supplemental indenture (including by telecopier transmission). Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

7. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

[Signature pages follow]

 

  E-2  


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

THERMON FINANCE, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
[Insert Name of Guarantor]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

  E-3  


THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

  E-4  

EXHIBIT 4.2

EXECUTION COPY

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (“ First Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent (as defined below) (the “ Successor ”), and Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Parent ”), Thermon Manufacturing Company, a Texas corporation (“ TMC ”), Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ THT ”), Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ THT-I ”) and Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc., a Louisiana corporation ( and together with the Parent, TMC, THT and THT-I, the “ Guarantors ”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent under the indenture referred to below (the “ Trustee ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”) and the Trustee have entered into an indenture, dated of even date herewith (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”), providing for the issuance of 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “ Notes ”).

WHEREAS, the Company and the Successor have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated of even date herewith (the “ Merger Agreement ”), which contemplates the filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas providing for the merger (the “ Merger ”) of the Company with and into the Successor, with the Successor continuing its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Texas;

WHEREAS, Section 6.01 of the Indenture provides, among other things, that the Company may merge with or into another Person; provided that, among other things, (i) the Person formed by any merger with or into the Company (if other than the Company) expressly assumes by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee all of the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture and (ii) the Indenture, as so supplemented, remains in full force and effect;

WHEREAS, Section 10.01(d) of the Indenture provides, among other things, that the Indenture Documents may be amended or supplemented without the consent of any Holder to provide for the assumption of the Company’s obligations to Holders in the case of a merger consummated pursuant to Article Six of the Indenture;

WHEREAS, the Successor desires and has requested that the Trustee join in the execution of this First Supplemental Indenture for the purpose of evidencing such assumption by the Successor;

WHEREAS, Section 11.02 of the Indenture further provides that, to the extent not a party to the Indenture upon the original execution thereof, each Guarantor


shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture, pursuant to which it shall become a Guarantor under Article 11 of the Indenture and shall Guarantee the Obligations of the Company (as defined in the Indenture) under the Indenture and the Notes.

WHEREAS, Section 10.01(e) of the Indenture provides, among other things, that the Indenture Documents may be amended or supplemented without the consent of any Holder to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes;

WHEREAS, the Guarantors named herein desire to execute this First Supplemental Indenture in order to evidence the Guarantors’ Note Guarantees under Article 11 of the Indenture;

WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture has been authorized by resolutions of the boards of directors of the Successor and the Guarantors; and

WHEREAS, all conditions precedent and requirements necessary to make this First Supplemental Indenture a valid and legally binding instrument in accordance with its terms have been complied with, performed and fulfilled, and the execution and delivery hereof has been in all respects duly authorized.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Successor, the Guarantors and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS OF THE SUCCESSOR

The Successor represents, warrants and agrees with the Trustee as follows:

SECTION 1.1.  It is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective state of incorporation as set forth in the preamble hereto.

SECTION 1.2.  The execution, delivery and performance by it of this First Supplemental Indenture has been authorized and approved by all necessary corporate action on its part.

SECTION 1.3.  The Merger will become effective in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement and the laws of the State of Texas when the certificate of merger, with respect to the Merger is accepted by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas (the time the Merger becomes effective being the “ Effective Time ”). Notice of the Effective Time shall be promptly provided by the Successor to the Trustee.

 

  2  


SECTION 1.4.  The Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, shall remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE TWO

ASSUMPTION AND AGREEMENTS

SECTION 2.1.  As of the Effective Time, the Successor hereby assumes the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all other covenants, conditions and other obligations contained in the Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed.

SECTION 2.2.  Notes authenticated and delivered after the execution of this First Supplemental Indenture may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in this First Supplemental Indenture.

SECTION 2.3.  The Successor shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture Documents, with the same effect as if the Successor had been named as the Company therein.

ARTICLE THREE

NOTE GUARANTEES

SECTION 3.1. As of the Effective Time, the Guarantors named herein hereby agree, jointly and severally with all other Guarantors, to guarantee the Successor’s obligations under the Indenture Documents on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article 11 of the Indenture and to be bound by all other applicable provisions of the Indenture.

ARTICLE FOUR

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 4.1. Effectiveness . This supplemental indenture shall be effective upon execution by the parties hereto.

SECTION 4.2. Recitals . The recitals contained herein shall be taken as the statements of the Successor and the Guarantors, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity of this First Supplemental Indenture.

SECTION 4.3. Governing Law . THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE.

 

  3  


SECTION 4.4. Counterparts . The parties may sign any number of copies of this First Supplemental Indenture (including by electronic transmission). Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

SECTION 4.5. Effect of Headings . The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

[ Signature pages follow ]

 

  4  


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC., as the Successor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
THERMON HOLDING CORP., as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC., as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President

 

  5  


THERMON HEAT TRACING

SERVICES-I, INC., as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President

THERMON HEAT TRACING

SERVICES-II, INC., as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President

 

  6  


THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

as Trustee

By:  

/s/ Marcella Burgess

  Name:   Marcella Burgess
  Title:   Vice President

 

  7  

EXHIBIT 4.3

[Face of Note]

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

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


CUSIP 88362R AC1

ISIN US88362RAC16

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

9.50% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2017

 

No. RA-1   $[                               ]

Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ,” which term includes any successor entity), for value received promises to pay to Cede & Co. or its registered assigns, the principal sum of [                                                                           ] DOLLARS ($[                          ]) (or such principal amount as may be set forth in the records of the Trustee hereinafter referred to in accordance with the Indenture) on May 1, 2017, and to pay interest thereon as hereinafter set forth.

Interest Payment Dates: May 1 and November 1

Record Dates: April 15 and October 15

Dated: [                      ], 2010

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained on the reverse side of this Note, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:


T RUSTEE C ERTIFICATE OF A UTHENTICATION

This Note is one of the 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST

      COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Dated: [                      ], 2010


[Back of Note]

9.50% Senior Secured Note due 2017

Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

1.     Interest . Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 9.50% per annum from April 30, 2010 until maturity. The Company will pay interest semi-annually in arrears every May 1 and November 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “ Interest Payment Date ”). Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided , further , that the first Interest Payment Date shall be November 1, 2010. The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

2.     Method of Payment . The Company shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on April 15 or October 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are cancelled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes shall be payable as to principal, premium, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose, or, at the option of the Company, by check mailed to the Holders at their respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest and premium on all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

3.     Paying Agent and Registrar . Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4.     Indenture . The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”), among the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Company designated as its 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the


Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “ TIA ”). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.

5.     Optional Redemption .

(a)    At any time and from time to time on and after May 1, 2014, the Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1 of each of the years set forth below.

 

   Year

     Percentage   

2014

   104.750%

2015

   102.375%

2016 and thereafter

   100.000%

(b)    At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2013, the Company, at its option, may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) originally issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 109.500% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date) if:

(1)    such redemption is made with the proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings;

(2)    at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) originally issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries); and

(3)    the redemption occurs within 90 days of the closing of such Equity Offering.

(c)    At any time and from time to time during any period consisting of 12 consecutive months ending on the day immediately preceding the first, second or third anniversary of the date of the Indenture, the Company, at its option, may redeem a portion of the Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date); provided , that the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes that may be redeemed


during any such 12 consecutive month period shall not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture.

(d)    At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2014, the Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the redemption date).

(e)    Any redemption pursuant to this Section 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

6.     Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase . Except as set forth in Sections 5.10 and 5.14 of the Indenture, the Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

7.     Notice of Redemption . Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. Notices of redemption may not be conditional. On and after the redemption date, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price and interest will cease to accrue on the principal amount of the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

8.     Offer to Purchase . Sections 5.10 and 5.14 of the Indenture provide that after certain Asset Sales and upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Company will make an offer to purchase Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.

9.     Denominations, Transfer, Exchange . The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of the Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

10.     Persons Deemed Owners . The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

11.     Unclaimed Money . If any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent will pay the money back to the Company at its request or, if then held by the Company, will be discharged from such trust. After any such payment, any Holder of a Note entitled to the money must look, as an unsecured creditor, only to the Company and not the Trustee or Paying Agent


for payment, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, will thereupon cease.

12.     Discharge and Defeasance . Subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Company and the Guarantors at any time shall be entitled to terminate some or all of their obligations under the Indenture and the Notes or the Note Guarantees, as applicable, if the Company deposits with the Trustee cash in U.S. dollars or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest on the Notes to redemption or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

13.     Amendment, Supplement and Waiver . Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture Documents may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture Documents may be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with the purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes). Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder): (1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; (2) reduce the principal of, premium, if any, or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (other than provisions of Sections 3.09, 5.10 and 5.14 of the Indenture prior to the time at which an obligation to make an offer to purchase Notes thereunder has arisen); (3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note; (4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes and the consequences thereof by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration); (5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes; (6) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes when due and payable; (7) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Notes Guarantee or the Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; (8) after the Company’s obligation to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer arises under the Indenture, amend, change or otherwise modify in any material respect (A) such obligation or (B) the provisions or definitions with respect thereto; or (9) make any change in the foregoing or succeeding amendment, supplement and waiver provisions. In addition, any amendment to, supplement or waiver of, the provisions of the Indenture Documents that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens securing the Notes shall require the consent of the Holders of not less than 66 2 / 3 % in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend, supplement or waive any provision of the Indenture Documents to: (1) cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or to make a modification of a formal, minor or technical nature or correct a manifest error, (2) provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, (3) comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations, amalgamations and sales of assets; (4) provide for the assumption of the Company’s or any


Guarantor’s obligations to Holders in the case of a merger, consolidation, amalgamation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such Person, (5) add Guarantees with respect to the Notes or to secure the Notes or to release a Guarantor from its Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, (6) add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor, (7) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect (as determined by the Company in good faith) the legal rights under the Indenture Documents of any such Holder, (8) comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, (9) (i) enter into additional or supplemental Collateral Documents or (ii) release Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents, (10) evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor trustee pursuant to the requirements thereof, (11) make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by the Indenture, including to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository; provided , however , that (i) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes, (12) provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, or (13) conform the text of the Indenture or any other Indenture Document to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture or any other Indenture Document, as evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate of the Company. The consent of Holders in not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment, supplement or waiver under the Indenture becomes effective, the Company is required to mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment, supplement or waiver. However, the failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of the amendment, supplement or waiver.

14.     Defaults and Remedies .

(a)    Under the Indenture, Events of Default include: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the Notes; (ii) default in payment when due of the principal, or premium, if any, of any Note (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise); (iii) default in the payment of principal and interest on Notes required to be repurchased by Section 5.10 or 5.14 of the Indenture or the failure by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described under Section 6.01 of the Indenture; (iv) failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to perform any other covenant or agreement of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the Indenture Documents and such failure continues for 60 days after written notice (specifying the Default, demanding the Default be cured and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default”) to the Parent or the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; (v) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of


the Indenture (but excluding Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), which default (A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of such Indebtedness when due and payable after the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a “ Payment Default ”) or (B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity (which acceleration is not rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured within 20 days of receipt by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary of notice of any such acceleration) and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent); (vi) failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments which are non-appealable in an aggregate amount (net of any amount covered by indemnities or insurance issued by a reputable and creditworthy insurer that has not disclaimed coverage) in excess of $10.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 consecutive days following such judgment becoming final and non-appealable; (vii) (A) any security interest created by any Collateral Document ceases to be in full force and effect (except as permitted by the terms of the Indenture or the Collateral Documents) or (B) the breach or repudiation by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any of their obligations under any Collateral Document (other than by reason of a release of such obligation or Lien related thereto in accordance with the terms of the Indenture or the Collateral Documents); provided that, in the case of clauses (A) and (B), such cessation, breach or repudiation, individually or in the aggregate, results in Collateral having a Fair Market Value in excess of $5.0 million not being subject to a valid, perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent under any applicable law (other than the law of any foreign jurisdiction) (to the extent required under the Collateral Documents); (viii) except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee from Parent or a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Note Guarantee (other than by reason of a release of such Guarantor under such Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents); and (ix) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary.

(b)    If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing and has not been waived by the Holders, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to the Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes shall become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.


(c)    The Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Company and the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive (including in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture (including any acceleration of the Notes), except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration).

(d)    In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (a)(v) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (including any acceleration of the Notes but excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee stating that, both:

(i) either (x) the default giving rise to such Event of Default pursuant to clause (a)(v) shall be remedied or cured pursuant to the terms of, or waived by the holders of, such Indebtedness or any consequent acceleration of such Indebtedness shall be rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured or (y) such Indebtedness shall have been discharged in full; and

(ii) (x) the rescission and annulment of such acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction and (y) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the Notes that became due solely because of such acceleration of the Notes, have been cured or waived.

(e)    The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture and the other Indenture Documents and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

15.     No Recourse Against Others . No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture Documents or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.

16.     Authentication . This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

17.     Trustee Dealings with Company . The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.


18.     Governing Law . THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE.

19.     Abbreviations . Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

20.     CUSIP Numbers . Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

21.     Guarantees . The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, is unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Guarantors to the extent set forth in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture.

22.     Security . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the Notes and the Note Guarantees are secured by Liens on the Collateral pursuant to the terms of the Collateral Documents. The actions of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders and the application of proceeds from the enforcement of any remedies with respect to such Collateral are limited pursuant to the terms of the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and the Collateral Documents. Requests may be made to the Company at the following address:

Thermon Industries, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Attention: General Counsel


A SSIGNMENT F ORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:                                                                                                                          

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint                                                                                                                                                            
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for it.
Date:                                                           

Your Signature:                                                                                           

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the

face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee*:                                  

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature

guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


O PTION OF H OLDER TO E LECT P URCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 5.10

or 5.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

 

¨ Section 5.10                         ¨ Section 5.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 5.10 or 5.14 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

$                              

Date:                                     

Your Signature:                                                                      

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the

face of this Note)

Tax Identification No.:                                                              

Signature Guarantee*:                                 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature

guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).


S CHEDULE OF E XCHANGES OF I NTERESTS

IN THE G LOBAL N OTE

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $            . The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of

    Exchange    

 

Amount of

Decrease in

Principal

Amount of this

Global Note

 

Amount of

Increase in

Principal

Amount of this

Global Note

   Principal
Amount of this
Global Note
Following such
Decrease or
Increase
   Signature of
Authorized
Signatory of

Trustee or
Custodian

EXHIBIT 4.4

EXECUTION COPY

Thermon Industries, Inc.

$210,000,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

April 30, 2010

JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.

KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS INC.

BMO CAPITAL MARKETS CORP.

c/o Jefferies & Company, Inc.

520 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Thermon Finance ”), is issuing and selling to the several initial purchasers listed in Schedule I hereto (the “ Initial Purchasers ”) upon the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement dated April 23, 2010, by and between Thermon Finance and the Initial Purchasers (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (each, a “ Note ” and collectively, the “ Notes ”). Thermon Finance is issuing the Notes in connection with the acquisition of Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, by Thermon Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the sole stockholder of Thermon Finance. In connection therewith, Thermon Finance is being merged with and into Thermon Industries, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Texas corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermon Holding Corp., with the Company being the surviving corporation in such merger and becoming the obligor of the Notes by operation of law and pursuant to a supplemental indenture to the Indenture (as defined below). As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company and the guarantors listed in the signature pages hereto agree with the Initial Purchasers, for the benefit of the Holders (as defined below) of the Notes (including, without limitation, the Initial Purchasers), as follows:

 

1. Definitions

Capitalized terms that are used herein without definition and are defined in the Purchase Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional Interest : See Section 4(a).

Advice : See Section 6(w).

Affiliate : Shall have the meaning specified in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and for purposes of this definition, the terms “control” and “controlling” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

Agreement : This Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.

Applicable Period : See Section 2(e).


Business Day : A day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to be closed.

Closing Date : April 30, 2010.

Collateral Documents : Shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture.

Company : See the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Day : Unless otherwise expressly provided, a calendar day.

Effectiveness Date : The 210 th day after the Closing Date.

Effectiveness Period : See Section 3(a).

Event Date : See Section 4(b).

Exchange Act : The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Notes : Senior Secured Notes due 2017 of the Company, identical in all material respects to the Notes, except for references to series, restrictive legends and Additional Interest.

Exchange Offer : See Section 2(a).

Exchange Registration Statement : See Section 2(a).

Filing Date : The 120 th day after the Closing Date.

FINRA : Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Guarantor : The Parent and each subsidiary of the Parent that guarantees the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture.

Holder : Any beneficial holder of Registrable Notes.

Indemnified Party : See Section 8(c).

Indemnifying Party : See Section 8(c).

Indenture : The Indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, between Thermon Finance and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent, pursuant to which the Notes are being issued, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent, and as further amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Initial Purchasers : See the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Initial Shelf Registration : See Section 3(a).

Inspectors : See Section 6(o).

Lien : Shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture.

 

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Losses: See Section 8(a).

Maximum Contribution Amount : See Section 8(d).

Notes : See the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Parent : Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation.

Participating Broker-Dealer : See Section 2(e).

Person : An individual, trustee, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, union, business association, firm, government or agency or political subdivision thereof, or other legal entity.

Private Exchange : See Section 2(f).

Private Exchange Notes : See Section 2(f).

Prospectus : The prospectus included in any Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Purchase Agreement : See the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Records : See Section 6(o).

Registrable Notes : each:

(1) Note, until the earliest to occur of:

 

  (a) the date on which such Note is exchanged in the Exchange Offer for an Exchange Note which is entitled to be resold to the public by the Holder thereof without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act,

 

  (b) the date on which such Note has been disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration, or

 

  (c) the date on which such Note is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and

(2) Exchange Note held by a Participating Broker-Dealer until the date on which such Exchange Note is disposed of by a Participating Broker-Dealer pursuant to the “Plan of Distribution” contemplated by the Exchange Registration Statement (including the delivery of the prospectus contained therein).

Registration Statement : Any registration statement of the Company and the Guarantors filed with the SEC under the Securities Act (including, but not limited to, the Exchange Registration Statement, the Initial Shelf Registration and any Subsequent Shelf Registration) that covers any of the Registrable Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

- 3 -


Rule 144 : Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule 144A) or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC providing for offers and sales of securities made in compliance therewith resulting in offers and sales by subsequent holders that are not Affiliates of an issuer or such securities being free of the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

Rule 144A : Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule 144) or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.

Rule 415 : Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.

Rule 430A : Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.

SEC : The Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities : The Notes, the Exchange Notes and the Private Exchange Notes.

Securities Act : The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Shelf Notice : See Section 2(j).

Shelf Registration : See Section 3(b).

Subsequent Shelf Registration : See Section 3(b).

Thermon Finance : See the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

TIA : The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Trustee : The trustee under the Indenture and, if existent, the trustee under any indenture governing the Exchange Notes and Private Exchange Notes (if any).

Underwritten Registration or Underwritten Offering : A registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

Valid Business Reason : A good faith determination by the board of directors of the Company that the disclosure of an event, occurrence or other information at such time (that would not otherwise be required to be disclosed) required to be disclosed in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or Shelf Registration (or any amendment or supplement thereto) to permit the use thereof (i) would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and the Guarantors, taken as a whole or (ii) relates to a corporate development or other business transaction (that is material to the Company and the Guarantors, taken as a whole), involving Parent, the Company or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries, which has not been publicly disclosed (and is not otherwise required to be disclosed) and that disclosure of which would jeopardize the success of the transaction or that disclosure of the transaction is prohibited by the terms thereof.

 

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2. Exchange Offer

 

  (a) Unless the Exchange Offer would not be permitted by applicable laws or a policy or interpretation of the SEC, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) (i) prepare and file with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after completion of the audit of the Parent’s and the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (including any audit of the financial statements of any subsidiary of the Company organized under any foreign law for such fiscal year) and the issuance of the report of the auditor(s) thereon, but in no event later than the Filing Date, a registration statement (the “ Exchange Registration Statement ”) on an appropriate form under the Securities Act with respect to an offer (the “ Exchange Offer ”) to the Holders of Notes to issue and deliver to such Holders, in exchange for the Notes, a like principal amount of Exchange Notes, (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Registration Statement to become effective no later than the Effectiveness Date, (iii) use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Registration Statement effective until the consummation of the Exchange Offer in accordance with its terms, and (iv) commence the Exchange Offer and use its reasonable best efforts to issue on or prior to 30 Business Days after the date on which the Exchange Registration Statement is declared effective, Exchange Notes in exchange for all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer shall not be subject to any conditions, other than that the Exchange Offer does not violate applicable law or any applicable policy or interpretation of the staff of the SEC.

 

  (b) The Exchange Notes shall be issued under, and entitled to the benefits of, (i) the Indenture or a trust indenture that is identical to the Indenture (other than such changes as are necessary to comply with any requirements of the SEC to effect or maintain the qualifications thereof under the TIA) and (ii) the Collateral Documents.

 

  (c) Interest on the Exchange Notes and Private Exchange Notes will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Registrable Notes surrendered in exchange therefor (or if a Registrable Note is exchanged for an Exchange Note or Private Exchange Note after the record date for an interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange, such interest payment date) or, if no interest has been paid on the Registrable Notes, from the date of original issue of the Notes. Each Exchange Note and Private Exchange Note shall bear interest at the rate set forth thereon; provided , that interest with respect to the period prior to the issuance thereof shall accrue at the rate or rates borne by the Notes from time to time during such period.

 

  (d) The Company may require each Holder as a condition to participation in the Exchange Offer to represent (i) that any Exchange Notes received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) that at the time of the commencement and consummation of the Exchange Offer such Holder has not entered into any arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (iii) that if such Holder is an Affiliate of the Company, it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable to it, (iv) if such Holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of the Exchange Notes and (v) if such Holder is a Participating Broker-Dealer, that it will deliver a Prospectus in connection with any resale of the Exchange Notes.

 

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  (e) The Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) include within the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Registration Statement a section entitled “Plan of Distribution” reasonably acceptable to the Initial Purchasers which shall contain a summary statement of the positions taken or policies made by the staff of the SEC with respect to the potential “underwriter” status of any broker-dealer that is the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of Exchange Notes received by such broker-dealer in the Exchange Offer for its own account in exchange for Notes that were acquired by it as a result of market-making or other trading activity (a “ Participating Broker-Dealer ”), whether such positions or policies have been publicly disseminated by the staff of the SEC or such positions or policies, in the judgment of the Initial Purchasers, represent the prevailing views of the staff of the SEC. Such “Plan of Distribution” section shall also allow, to the extent permitted by applicable policies and regulations of the SEC, the use of the Prospectus by all Persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, including, to the extent so permitted, all Participating Broker-Dealers, and include a statement describing the manner in which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Exchange Notes. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Registration Statement effective and to amend and supplement the Prospectus contained therein, in order to permit such Prospectus to be lawfully delivered by all Persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act for such period of time as such Persons must comply with such requirements in order to resell the Exchange Notes (the “ Applicable Period ”).

 

  (f) If, upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, any Initial Purchaser holds any Notes acquired by it and having the status of an unsold allotment in the initial distribution, the Company (upon the written request from the Initial Purchaser) shall, simultaneously with the delivery of the Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer, issue and deliver to the Initial Purchaser, in exchange (the “ Private Exchange ”) for the Notes held by the Initial Purchaser, a like principal amount of senior secured notes that are identical to the Exchange Notes except for the existence of restrictions on transfer thereof under the Securities Act and securities laws of the several states of the United States (the “ Private Exchange Notes ”) (and which are issued pursuant to the same indenture as the Exchange Notes). The Private Exchange Notes shall bear the same CUSIP number as the Exchange Notes.

 

  (g) In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to):

 

  (i) mail to each Holder a copy of the Prospectus forming part of the Exchange Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal that is an exhibit to the Exchange Registration Statement, and any related documents;

 

  (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 Business Days after the date notice thereof is mailed to the Holders (or longer if required by applicable law)

 

  (iii) utilize the services of a depository for the Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, which may be the Trustee or an Affiliate thereof;

 

  (iv) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Registrable Notes at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last Business Day on which the Exchange Offer shall remain open; and

 

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  (v) otherwise comply with all applicable laws.

 

  (h) Promptly after the close of the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange, as the case may be, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to):

 

  (i) accept for exchange all Registrable Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange, as the case may be, and not withdrawn;

 

  (ii) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Notes so accepted for exchange; and

 

  (iii) cause the Trustee to authenticate and deliver promptly to each Holder tendering such Registrable Notes, Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, equal in principal amount to the Registrable Notes of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

 

  (i) The Exchange Notes and the Private Exchange Notes may be issued under (i) the Indenture or (ii) an indenture identical to the Indenture (other than such changes as are necessary to comply with any requirements of the SEC to effect or maintain the qualification thereof under the TIA), which in either event will provide that the Exchange Notes will not be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indenture, that the Private Exchange Notes will be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indenture, and that the Exchange Notes, the Private Exchange Notes and the Notes, if any, will be deemed one class of security (subject to the provisions of the Indenture) and entitled to participate in all the security granted by the Company pursuant to the Collateral Documents and in any Note Guarantee (as such term is defined in the Indenture) on an equal and ratable basis.

 

  (j) If: (i) prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Registrable Notes determine in their reasonable judgment that the Exchange Notes would not, upon receipt, be tradeable by the Holders thereof without restriction under the Securities Act (ii) any change in law or applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC would not permit the consummation of the Exchange Offer prior to the Effectiveness Date; (iii) subsequent to the consummation of the Private Exchange, any Holder of Private Exchange Notes so requests; (iv) the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 30 Business Days from the date on which the Exchange Registration is declared effective; or (v) in the case of (A) any Holder not permitted by applicable law or SEC policy to participate in the Exchange Offer, (B) any Holder participating in the Exchange Offer that receives Exchange Notes that may not be sold without restriction under state and federal securities laws (other than due solely to the status of such Holder as an Affiliate of the Company) or (C) any broker-dealer that holds Notes acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates and, in each such case contemplated by this clause (v), such Holder notifies the Company within six months of consummation of the Exchange Offer, then the Company shall promptly (and in any event within five Business Days) deliver to the Holders (or in the case of an occurrence of any event described in clause (v) of this Section 2(j), to any such Holder) and the Trustee written notice thereof (the “ Shelf Notice ”) and shall, as promptly as practicable thereafter, file an Initial Shelf Registration pursuant to Section 3.

 

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3. Shelf Registration

If a Shelf Notice is delivered pursuant to Section 2(j), then this Section 3 shall apply to all Registrable Notes. Otherwise, upon consummation of the Exchange Offer in accordance with Section 2, the provisions of Section 3 shall apply solely with respect to (i) Notes held by any Holder thereof not permitted to participate in the Exchange Offer, (ii) Notes held by any broker-dealer that acquired such Notes directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates and (iii) Exchange Notes that are not freely tradable as contemplated by Section 2(j)(v), provided in each case that the relevant Holder has duly notified the Company within six months of the Exchange Offer as required by Section 2(j)(v).

 

  (a) Initial Shelf Registration . The Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to), as promptly as practicable, file with the SEC a Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Notes (the “ Initial Shelf Registration ”). If the Company (and any Guarantor) has not yet filed an Exchange Registration Statement, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) file with the SEC the Initial Shelf Registration on or prior to the Filing Date and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Initial Shelf Registration to be declared effective under the Securities Act on or prior to the Effectiveness Date. Otherwise, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) use its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC the Initial Shelf Registration within 30 days of the delivery of the Shelf Notice and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable thereafter (but in no event more than 90 days after delivery of the Shelf Notice). The Initial Shelf Registration shall be on Form S-1 or another appropriate form permitting registration of such Registrable Notes for resale by Holders in the manner or manners reasonably designated by them (including, without limitation, one or more Underwritten Offerings). The Company and Guarantors shall not permit any securities other than the Registrable Notes to be included in any Shelf Registration. The Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Initial Shelf Registration continuously effective under the Securities Act until the date which is one year from the date it is declared effective (subject to extension pursuant to Section 6(w) (the “ Effectiveness Period ”), or such shorter period ending when (i) all Registrable Notes covered by the Initial Shelf Registration have been sold in the manner set forth and as contemplated in the Initial Shelf Registration, (ii) a Subsequent Shelf Registration covering all of the Registrable Notes covered by and not sold under the Initial Shelf Registration or an earlier Subsequent Shelf Registration has been declared effective under the Securities Act or (iii) there cease to be any outstanding Registrable Notes.

 

  (b)

Subsequent Shelf Registrations . If the Initial Shelf Registration or any Subsequent Shelf Registration (as defined below) ceases to be effective for any reason at any time during the Effectiveness Period (other than because of the sale of all of the securities registered thereunder), the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness thereof, and in any event shall within 30 days of such cessation of effectiveness amend such Shelf Registration in a manner to obtain the withdrawal of the order suspending the effectiveness thereof, or file (and cause each Guarantor to file) an additional “shelf” Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Notes (a “ Subsequent Shelf Registration ”). If a Subsequent Shelf Registration is filed, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Subsequent Shelf Registration to be declared effective as soon as practicable after such filing and to keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration continuously effective for a period equal to the number of days in the Effectiveness Period less the aggregate number of days during which the

 

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Initial Shelf Registration or any Subsequent Shelf Registration was previously continuously effective. As used herein the term “Shelf Registration” means the Initial Shelf Registration and any Subsequent Shelf Registrations

 

  (c) Supplements and Amendments . The Company shall promptly supplement and amend any Shelf Registration if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used for such Shelf Registration, if required by the Securities Act, or if reasonably requested in writing by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such Shelf Registration or by any underwriter of such Registrable Notes.

 

  (d) Provision of Information. No Holder of Registrable Notes shall be entitled to include any of its Registrable Notes in any Shelf Registration pursuant to this Agreement unless such Holder furnishes to the Company and the Trustee in writing, within 20 days after receipt of a written request therefor, such information as the Company and the Trustee after conferring with counsel with regard to information relating to Holders that would be required by the SEC to be included in such Shelf Registration or Prospectus included therein, may reasonably request for inclusion in any Shelf Registration or Prospectus included therein, and no such Holder shall be entitled to Additional Interest pursuant to Section 4 unless and until such Holder shall have provided such information.

 

4. Additional Interest

 

  (a) The Company and each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that the Holders of Registrable Notes will suffer damages if the Company or any Guarantor fails to fulfill its material obligations under Section 2 or Section 3 and that it would not be feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages with precision. Accordingly, the Company and the Guarantors agree to pay additional cash interest on the Notes (“ Additional Interest ”) under the circumstances and to the extent set forth below (each of which shall be given independent effect):

 

  (i) if (A) neither the Exchange Registration Statement nor the Initial Shelf Registration has been filed on or prior to the Filing Date or (B) notwithstanding that the Company has consummated or will consummate an Exchange Offer, the Company is required to file a Shelf Registration and such Shelf Registration is not filed on or prior to the date required by this Agreement, then, commencing on the day after either such required filing date, Additional Interest shall accrue on the Notes over and above any stated interest at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of such Notes for the first 90 days immediately following such required filing date, such Additional Interest rate increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day period;

 

  (ii) if (A) neither the Exchange Registration Statement nor the Initial Shelf Registration is declared effective on or prior to the Effectiveness Date or (B) notwithstanding that the Company has consummated or will consummate an Exchange Offer, the Company is required to file a Shelf Registration and such Shelf Registration is not declared effective on or prior to the date required by this Agreement, then, commencing on the day after either such required effectiveness date, Additional Interest shall accrue on the Notes over and above any stated interest at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of such Notes for the first 90 days immediately following such required effectiveness date, such Additional Interest rate increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day period;

 

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  (iii) if (A) the Company (and any Guarantor) has not exchanged Exchange Notes for all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer on or prior to the date that is 30 Business Days after the Effectiveness Date, (B) the Exchange Registration Statement ceases to be effective at any time prior to the time that the Exchange Offer is consummated, (C) if applicable, a Shelf Registration has been declared effective and such Shelf Registration ceases to be effective at any time during the Effectiveness Period (other than such time as all Notes have been disposed of thereunder) and is not declared effective again within 30 days, or (D) the Company issues a written notice pursuant to Section 6(e)(v) or (vi) that a Shelf Registration (or the Prospectus included therein) or Exchange Registration Statement (or the Prospectus included therein) is unusable due to a Valid Business Reason and the aggregate number of days in any 365-day period for which all such notices issued or required to be issued, have been, or were required to be, in effect exceeds 120 days in the aggregate or 60 days consecutively, in the case of a Shelf Registration (or the Prospectus included therein), or 15 days in the aggregate in the case of an Exchange Registration Statement (or the Prospectus included therein), then Additional Interest shall accrue on the Notes, over and above any stated interest, at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of such Notes commencing on (w) the 31st Business Day after the Effectiveness Date, in the case of (A) above, or (x) the date the Exchange Registration Statement ceases to be effective without being declared effective again within 30 days, in the case of clause (B) above, or (y) the day such Shelf Registration ceases to be effective in the case of (C) above, or (z) the day the Exchange Registration Statement (or the Prospectus included therein) or Shelf Registration (or the Prospectus included therein) ceases to be usable for a period in excess of the number of days set forth in Clause (D) above in case of clause (D) above, such Additional Interest rate increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum at the beginning of each such subsequent 90-day period;

provided, however , that the maximum Additional Interest rate on the Notes may not exceed at any one time in the aggregate 1.00% per annum; and provided further , that (1) upon the filing of the Exchange Registration Statement or Initial Shelf Registration (in the case of (i) above), (2) upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Registration Statement or Initial Shelf Registration (in the case of (ii) above), or (3) upon the exchange of Exchange Notes for all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn (in the case of (iii)(A) above), or upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Registration Statement that had ceased to remain effective (in the case of clause (iii)(B) above), or upon the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration which had ceased to remain effective (in the case of (iii)(C) above), Additional Interest on the Notes as a result of such clause (or the relevant subclause thereof) or upon the day the Shelf Registration (or the Prospectus included therein) or Exchange Registration Statement (or the Prospectus included therein), the use of which was previously suspended for a period in excess of the permitted periods in clause (iii)(D) above, may be used again (in the case of clause (iii)(D) above), as the case may be, shall cease to accrue. Additional Interest will not accrue at any particular time with respect to more than one default.

 

  (b)

The Company shall notify the Trustee within three Business Days after each and every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Additional Interest is required to be paid (an “ Event Date ”). Any amounts of Additional Interest due pursuant to clause (a)(i), (a)(ii) or (a)(iii) of this Section 4 will be payable in cash , on the dates and in the manner provided in

 

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the Indenture and whether or not any cash interest would then be payable on such date, commencing with the first such semi-annual date occurring after any such Additional Interest commences to accrue. The amount of Additional Interest will be determined by multiplying the applicable Additional Interest rate by the principal amount of the Notes, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days such Additional Interest rate was applicable during such period (determined on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of a partial month, the actual number of days elapsed), and the denominator of which is 360.

 

5. Hold-Back Agreements

The Company agrees that it will not effect any public or private sale or distribution (including a sale pursuant to Regulation D under the Securities Act) of any securities the same as or similar to those covered by a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 or 3 (other than Additional Notes (as defined in the Indenture) issued under the Indenture), or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the 10 days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any Registration Statement filed pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 unless the Holders of a majority in the aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes to be included in such Registration Statement consent, if the managing underwriter thereof so requests in writing.

 

6. Registration Procedures

In connection with the filing of any Registration Statement pursuant to Sections 2 or 3, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) effect such registrations to permit the sale of such securities covered thereby in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto and in connection with any Registration Statement filed by the Company hereunder, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to):

 

  (a)

Prepare and file with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after completion of the audit of the Parent’s and the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (including any audit of the financial statements of any subsidiary of the Company organized under any foreign law for such fiscal year) and the issuance of the report of the auditor(s) thereon, but in any event on or prior to the Filing Date, the Exchange Registration Statement or if the Exchange Registration Statement is not filed because of the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(j), a Shelf Registration as prescribed by Section 3, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause each such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective as provided herein; provided that, if (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 or (2) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period relating thereto, before filing any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to), if requested, furnish to and afford the Holders of the Registrable Notes to be registered pursuant to such Shelf Registration, each Participating Broker-Dealer, the managing underwriters, if any, and each of their respective counsel, a reasonable opportunity to review copies of all such documents (including copies of any documents to be incorporated by reference therein and all exhibits thereto) proposed to be filed (in each case at least five Business Days prior to such filing; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company or any Guarantor be required to provide to any such Person or their counsel any report, document or material required to be filed by the Company or any Guarantor pursuant to the Exchange Act (except with respect to annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which shall be furnished at least three Business Days prior

 

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to such filing). The Company and each Guarantor shall not file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto in respect of which the Holders must provide information for the inclusion therein without the Holders being afforded a reasonable opportunity to review such documentation if the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement, or any such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, the managing underwriters, if any, or any of their respective counsel shall reasonably object in writing on a timely basis. A Holder shall be deemed to have reasonably objected to such filing if such Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or fails to comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act.

 

  (b) Provide an indenture trustee for the Registrable Notes, the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and cause the Indenture (or other indenture relating to the Registrable Notes) to be qualified under the TIA not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement; and in connection therewith, to effect such changes to such indenture as may be required for such indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the TIA; and execute, and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes, and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable such indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner.

 

  (c) Prepare and file with the SEC such pre-effective amendments and post-effective amendments to each Shelf Registration or Exchange Registration Statement, as the case may be, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective for the Effectiveness Period or the Applicable Period, as the case may be; cause the related Prospectus to be supplemented by any Prospectus supplement required by applicable law, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (or any similar provisions then in force) promulgated under the Securities Act; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act applicable to them with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement as so amended or in such Prospectus as so supplemented and with respect to the subsequent resale of any securities being sold by a Participating Broker-Dealer covered by any such Prospectus. The Company and each Guarantor shall not, during the Applicable Period, voluntarily take any action that would result in selling Holders of the Registrable Notes covered by a Registration Statement or Participating Broker-Dealers seeking to sell Exchange Notes not being able to sell such Registrable Notes or such Exchange Notes during that period, unless such action is required by applicable law, rule or regulation or permitted by this Agreement.

 

  (d)

Furnish to such selling Holders and Participating Broker-Dealers who so request in writing (i) upon the Company’s receipt, a copy of the order of the SEC declaring such Registration Statement and any post effective amendment thereto effective, (ii) such reasonable number of copies of such Registration Statement and of each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including any documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits), (iii) such reasonable number of copies of the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus) and each amendment and supplement thereto, and such reasonable number of copies of the final Prospectus as filed by the Company and each Guarantor pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and each amendment and supplement thereto, and (iv) such other documents (including any amendments required to be filed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section), as any such Person may reasonably request in writing. The Company and

 

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the Guarantors hereby consent to the use of the Prospectus by each of the selling Holders of Registrable Notes or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, and the underwriters or agents, if any, and dealers, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Notes covered by, or the sale by Participating Broker-Dealers of the Exchange Notes pursuant to, such Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto.

 

  (e) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period relating thereto, the Company shall notify in writing the selling Holders of Registrable Notes, or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, the managing underwriters, if any, and each of their respective counsel promptly (but in any event within two Business Days) (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective (including in such notice a written statement that any Holder may, upon request, obtain, without charge, one conformed copy of such Registration Statement or post-effective amendment including financial statements and schedules, documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference and exhibits), (ii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Prospectus or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iii) if at any time when a Prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Registrable Notes the representations and warranties of the Company and any Guarantor contained in any agreement (including any underwriting agreement) contemplated by Section 6(n) cease to be true and correct, (iv) of the receipt by the Company or any Guarantor of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of a Registration Statement or any of the Registrable Notes or the Exchange Notes to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer for offer or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, (v) of the happening of any event, the existence of any condition or any information becoming known that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in, or amendments or supplements to, such Registration Statement, Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (vi) of any reasonable determination by the Company or any Guarantor that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate and (vii) of any request by the SEC for amendments to the Registration Statement or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto.

 

  (f) Use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of a Prospectus or suspending the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Notes or the Exchange Notes to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer, for sale in any jurisdiction, and, if any such order is issued, to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible date.

 

  (g)

If (A) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, (B) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered

 

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under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period or (C) reasonably requested in writing by the managing underwriters, if any, or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold in connection with an Underwritten Offering, (i) promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information or revisions to information therein relating to such underwriters or selling Holders as the managing underwriters, if any, or such Holders or any of their respective counsel reasonably request in writing to be included or made therein and (ii) make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Company has received notification of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplements or post-effective amendment.

 

  (h) Prior to any public offering of Registrable Notes or any delivery of a Prospectus contained in the Exchange Registration Statement by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, and to cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Notes or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, the underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from such registration or qualification) of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions within the United States as any selling Holder, Participating Broker-Dealer or any managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, reasonably request in writing; provided that where Exchange Notes held by Participating Broker-Dealers or Registrable Notes are offered other than through an Underwritten Offering, the Company and each Guarantor agree to cause its counsel to perform Blue Sky investigations and file any registrations and qualifications required to be filed pursuant to this Section 6(h), keep each such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective during the period such Registration Statement is required to be kept effective and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Exchange Notes held by Participating Broker-Dealers or the Registrable Notes covered by the applicable Registration Statement; provided that neither the Company nor any Guarantor shall be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified, (B) take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject or (C) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject.

 

  (i) If (A) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 or (B) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 is requested to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Notes and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Notes to be sold, which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends and shall be in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company, and enable such Registrable Notes to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or Holders may reasonably request in writing.

 

  (j)

Use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Notes covered by any Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter, if any, to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Notes, except as may be required solely as a consequence of the nature of such selling Holder’s business, in which case the Company

 

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shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) cooperate in all reasonable respects with the filing of such Registration Statement and the granting of such approvals; provided that neither the Company nor any Guarantor shall be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified, (B) take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject or (C) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject.

 

  (k) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by paragraph 6(e)(v) or 6(e)(vi), as promptly as practicable, prepare and file with the SEC, at the expense of the Company and the Guarantors, a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable Notes being sold thereunder or to the purchasers of the Exchange Notes to whom such Prospectus will be delivered by a Participating Broker-Dealer, such Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and, if SEC review is required, use its reasonable best efforts to cause such post-effective amendment to be declared effective as soon as possible.

 

  (l) Use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Notes covered by a Registration Statement to be rated with such appropriate rating agencies, if so requested in writing by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement or the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any.

 

  (m) Prior to the initial issuance of the Exchange Notes, (i) provide the Trustee with one or more certificates for the Registrable Notes in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and (ii) provide a CUSIP number for the Exchange Notes.

 

  (n)

If a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement in form, scope and substance as is customary in Underwritten Offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes, as may be appropriate in the circumstances) and take all such other actions in connection therewith (including those reasonably requested in writing by the managing underwriters, if any, or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold) in order to expedite or facilitate the registration or the disposition of such Registrable Notes, and in such connection, whether or not an underwriting agreement is entered into and whether or not the registration is an Underwritten Registration, (i) make such representations and warranties to the Holders and the underwriters, if any, with respect to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as then conducted, and the Registration Statement, Prospectus and documents, if any, incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, in each case, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in Underwritten Offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes, as may be appropriate in the circumstances, and confirm the same if and when reasonably required; (ii) obtain an opinion of counsel to the Company and the Guarantors and updates thereof (which counsel and opinions (in form, scope and substance) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriters, if any, and the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold), addressed to each selling Holder and each of the underwriters, if any, covering

 

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the matters customarily covered in opinions of counsel to the Company and the Guarantors requested in Underwritten Offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes, as may be appropriate in the circumstances; (iii) obtain “cold comfort” letters and updates thereof (which letters and updates (in form, scope and substance) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriters) from the independent certified public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public accountants of any subsidiary of the Company or of any business acquired by the Company for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included in the Registration Statement), addressed to each of the underwriters, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “cold comfort” letters in connection with Underwritten Offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes, as may be appropriate in the circumstances, and such other matters as reasonably requested in writing by the underwriters; and (iv) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested in writing by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold and the managing underwriters, if any, to evidence the continued validity of the representations and warranties of the Company and its subsidiaries made pursuant to clause (i) above and to evidence compliance with any conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other similar agreement entered into by the Company or any Guarantor.

 

  (o) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, make available for inspection by any selling Holder of such Registrable Notes being sold, or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, any underwriter participating in any such disposition of Registrable Notes, if any, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such selling Holder or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, or underwriter (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), at the offices where normally kept, during reasonable business hours, all financial and other records and pertinent corporate documents of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise any applicable due diligence responsibilities, and cause the officers, directors and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to supply all information reasonably requested in writing by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement. Each Inspector shall agree in writing that it will keep the Records confidential and not disclose any of the Records unless (i) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in such Registration Statement, (ii) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, (iii) the information in such Records is public or has been made generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure or failure to safeguard by such Inspector or (iv) disclosure of such information is, in the reasonable written opinion of counsel for any Inspector, necessary or advisable in connection with any action, claim, suit or proceeding, directly or indirectly, involving or potentially involving such Inspector and arising out of, based upon, related to, or involving this Agreement, or any transaction contemplated hereby or arising hereunder. Each selling Holder of such Registrable Notes and each such Participating Broker-Dealer will be required to agree that information obtained by it as a result of such inspections shall be deemed confidential and shall not be used by it as the basis for any market transactions in the securities of the Company unless and until such is made generally available to the public. Each Inspector, each selling Holder of such Registrable Notes and each such Participating Broker-Dealer will be required to further agree that it will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and, to the extent practicable, use its reasonable best efforts to allow the Company, at its expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential at its expense.

 

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  (p) Use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally available to the security holders of the Company with regard to any applicable Registration Statement earning statements satisfying the provisions of section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any similar rule promulgated under the Securities Act) no later than 45 days after the end of any 12-month period (or 90 days after the end of any 12-month period if such period is a fiscal year) (i) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Registrable Notes are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts Underwritten Offering and (ii) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, commencing on the first day of the first fiscal quarter of the Company after the effective date of a Registration Statement, which statements shall cover said 12-month periods.

 

  (q) Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer or Private Exchange, obtain an opinion of counsel to the Company and the Guarantors (in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers), addressed to the Trustee for the benefit of all Holders participating in the Exchange Offer or Private Exchange, as the case may be, to the effect that (i) the Company has duly authorized, executed and delivered the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and the Company and the Guarantors have duly authorized, executed and delivered the Indenture, (ii) the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and the Indenture constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable against the Company and the Guarantors in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforcement may be subject to customary United States and foreign exceptions and (iii) all obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and the Indenture are secured by Liens on the assets securing the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the Notes, Indenture and Collateral Documents to the extent and as discussed in the Registration Statement, in each case, subject to customary assumptions, limitations, exceptions and qualifications.

 

  (r) If the Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange is to be consummated, upon delivery of the Registrable Notes by the Holders to the Company and the Guarantors (or to such other Person as directed by the Company and the Guarantors) in exchange for the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, the Company and the Guarantors shall mark, or caused to be marked, on such Registrable Notes that the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, are being issued as substitute evidence of the indebtedness originally evidenced by the Registrable Notes; provided that in no event shall such Registrable Notes be marked as paid or otherwise satisfied.

 

  (s) Cooperate with each seller of Registrable Notes covered by any Registration Statement and each underwriter, if any, participating in the disposition of such Registrable Notes and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA.

 

  (t) Use its reasonable best efforts to cause all Securities covered by a Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange, if any, on which similar debt securities issued by the Company are then listed.

 

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  (u) Use its reasonable best efforts to take all other steps reasonably necessary to effect the registration of the Registrable Notes covered by a Registration Statement contemplated hereby.

 

  (v) The Company may require each seller of Registrable Notes or Participating Broker-Dealer as to which any registration is being effected to furnish to the Company such information regarding such seller or Participating Broker-Dealer and the distribution of such Registrable Notes as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably request in writing. The Company may exclude from such registration the Registrable Notes of any seller who fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time (which time in no event shall exceed 20 days, subject to Section 3(d)) after receiving such request. Each seller of Registrable Notes or Participating Broker-Dealer as to which any registration is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company in writing all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished by such seller not materially misleading.

 

  (w) Each Holder of Registrable Notes and each Participating Broker-Dealer agrees by acquisition of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold by such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 6(e)(ii), 6(e)(iv), 6(e)(v), or 6(e)(vi), such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Notes covered by a Registration Statement and such Participating Broker-Dealer will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Exchange Notes pursuant to any Prospectus and, in each case, forthwith discontinue dissemination of such Prospectus until such Holder’s or Participating Broker-Dealer’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(k), or until it is advised in writing (the “ Advice ”) by the Company and the Guarantors that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any amendments or supplements thereto and, if so directed by the Company and the Guarantors, such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, will deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Holder’s or Participating Broker-Dealer’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Notes current at the time of the receipt of such notice. In the event the Company and the Guarantors shall give any such notice, the Applicable Period shall be extended by the number of days during such periods from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when each Participating Broker-Dealer shall have received (x) the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(k) or (y) the Advice.

Each Holder and Participating Broker-Dealer agrees with the Company that it will not prepare or have prepared on its behalf or use or refer to, any “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act), and will not distribute any written materials in connection with the offer or sale of the Registrable Notes or the Exchange Notes without the prior express written consent of the Company and, in connection with any underwritten offering, the underwriters.

 

7. Registration Expenses

 

  (a)

All fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company and the Guarantors shall be borne by the Company and the Guarantors, whether or not the Exchange Offer or a Shelf Registration is filed or becomes effective, including, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees, including, without limitation, (A) fees with respect to filings required to be made with FINRA in connection with any Underwritten Offering and (B) fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or Blue

 

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Sky laws as provided in Section 6(h) (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with Blue Sky qualifications of the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes and determination of the eligibility of the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions (x) where the Holders are located, in the case of the Exchange Notes, or (y) as provided in Section 6(h), in the case of Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold by a Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period)), (ii) printing expenses, including, without limitation, expenses of printing Prospectuses if the printing of Prospectuses is requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes included in any Registration Statement or by any Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period, as the case may be, (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their obligations hereunder, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, the Guarantors and, subject to 7(b), the Holders, (v) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants referred to in Section 6 (including, without limitation, the expenses of any special audit and “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance), (vi) rating agency fees and the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Securities to be registered on any securities exchange, (vii) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Company and the Guarantors desire such insurance, (viii) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Company and the Guarantors, (ix) fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” or other independent appraiser participating in an offering pursuant to Section 3 of Schedule E to the By-laws of FINRA, but only where the need for such a “qualified independent underwriter” arises due to a relationship with the Company and the Guarantors, (x) internal expenses of the Company and the Guarantors (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of officers and employees of the Company or the Guarantors performing legal or accounting duties), (xi) the expense of any annual audit, (xii) the fees and expenses of the Trustee and the exchange agent and (xiii) the expenses relating to printing, word processing and distributing all Registration Statements, underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements, indentures and any other documents necessary in order to comply with this Agreement.

 

  (b) The Company and the Guarantors shall reimburse the Holders for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel chosen by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes to be included in any Registration Statement. The Company and the Guarantors shall pay all documentary, stamp, transfer or other transactional taxes attributable to the issuance or delivery of the Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes in exchange for the Notes; provided that the Company shall not be required to pay taxes payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of any Exchange Note or Private Exchange Note in a name other than that of the Holder of the Note in respect of which such Exchange Note or Private Exchange Note is being issued. The Company and the Guarantors shall reimburse the Holders for fees and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of not more than one counsel chosen by the Holders) relating to any enforcement of any rights of the Holders under this Agreement.

 

8. Indemnification

 

  (a)

Indemnification by the Company and the Guarantors . The Company and the Guarantors jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of Registrable Notes, Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes and each Participating Broker-Dealer selling Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, each Person, if any, who controls each such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) and the officers, directors and partners of each such Holder, Participating

 

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Broker-Dealer and controlling person, to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, reasonable costs of preparation and reasonable attorneys’ fees as provided in this Section 8) and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending against any of the foregoing) (collectively, “ Losses ”), directly or indirectly caused by, related to, based upon, arising out of or in connection with any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or form of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as such Losses are solely based upon information relating to such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer and furnished in writing to the Company and the Guarantors (or reviewed and approved in writing) by such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer or their counsel expressly for use therein; provided , however , that the Company and the Guarantors will not be liable to any Indemnified Party (as defined below) under this Section 8 to the extent Losses were solely caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission that was contained or made in any preliminary prospectus and corrected in the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto if (i) the Prospectus does not contain any other untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission of a material fact that was the subject matter of the related proceeding, (ii) any such Losses resulted from an action, claim or suit by any Person who purchased Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes which are the subject thereof from such Indemnified Party and (iii) it is established in the related proceeding that such Indemnified Party failed to deliver or provide a copy of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) to such Person with or prior to the confirmation of the sale of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes sold to such Person if required by applicable law, unless such failure to deliver or provide a copy of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) was a result of noncompliance by the Company with Section 6 of this Agreement. The Company and the Guarantors also agree to indemnify underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the distribution, their officers, directors, agents and employees and each Person who controls such Persons (within the meaning of Section 5 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders or the Participating Broker-Dealer.

 

  (b)

Indemnification by Holder . In connection with any Registration Statement, Prospectus or form of prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus in which a Holder is participating, such Holder shall furnish to the Company and the Guarantors in writing such information as the Company and the Guarantors reasonably request for use in connection with any Registration Statement, Prospectus or form of prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Guarantors, their respective directors and officers and each Person, if any, who controls the Company and the Guarantors (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers and partners of such controlling persons, to the fullest extent lawful, from and against all Losses directly or indirectly caused by, related to, based upon, arising out of or in connection with any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading to the extent, but only to the extent, that such losses are finally judicially determined by a court of

 

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competent jurisdiction in a final, unappealable order to have resulted solely from an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission of a material fact contained in or omitted from any information so furnished in writing by such Holder to the Company and the Guarantors expressly for use therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the liability of any selling Holder be greater in amount than such Holder’s Maximum Contribution Amount (as defined below).

 

  (c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . If any proceeding shall be brought or asserted against any Person entitled to indemnity hereunder (an “ Indemnified Party ”), such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the party or parties from which such indemnity is sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ” or “ Indemnifying Parties ”, as applicable) in writing; provided , provided, that the failure to so notify the Indemnifying Parties shall not (i) relieve such Indemnifying Party from any obligation or liability unless and only to the extent it is materially prejudiced as a result thereof and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligations to any Indemnified Party other than the indemnification obligation provided in Section 8(a) and (b) above.

The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, exercisable by giving written notice to an Indemnified Party, within 20 Business Days after receipt of written notice from such Indemnified Party of such proceeding, to assume, at its expense, the defense of any such proceeding, provided , that an Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party or parties unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party has agreed to pay such fees and expenses; or (2) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such proceeding or shall have failed to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; or (3) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party or any of its Affiliates or controlling persons, and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that there may be one or more defenses available to such Indemnified Party that are in addition to, or in conflict with, those defenses available to the Indemnifying Party or such Affiliate or controlling person (in which case, if such Indemnified Party notifies the Indemnifying Parties in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Indemnifying Parties, the Indemnifying Parties shall not have the right to assume the defense and the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnifying Party; it being understood, however, that, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (together with appropriate local counsel) at any time for such Indemnified Party).

No Indemnifying Party shall be liable for any settlement of any such proceeding effected without its written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, but if settled with its written consent, or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such proceeding, each Indemnifying Party jointly and severally agrees, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth above, to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party from and against any and all Losses by reason of such settlement or judgment. The Indemnifying Party shall not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement unless such judgment or settlement (i) includes as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to each Indemnified Party of a release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect of such proceeding for which such Indemnified Party would be entitled to indemnification hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Party is a party thereto) and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.

 

  (d)

Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or is insufficient to hold such Indemnified Party harmless for any Losses

 

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in respect of which this Section 8 would otherwise apply by its terms (other than by reason of exceptions provided in this Section 8), then each applicable Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall have a joint and several obligation to contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and Indemnified Party, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent any such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any proceeding, to the extent such party would have been indemnified for such fees or expenses if the indemnification provided for in Section 8(a) or 8(b) was available to such party.

The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8(d), a selling Holder shall not be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of such Holder’s Maximum Contribution Amount. A selling Holder’s “ Maximum Contribution Amount ” shall equal the excess of (i) the aggregate proceeds received by such Holder pursuant to the sale of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes over (ii) the aggregate amount of damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8(d) are several in proportion to the respective principal amount of the Registrable Securities held by each Holder hereunder and not joint. The Company’s and Guarantors’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8(d) are joint and several.

The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 8 are in addition to any liability that the Indemnifying Parties may have to the Indemnified Parties.

 

9. Rules 144 and 144A

The Company covenants that it shall (a) file the reports required to be filed by it (if so required) under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act in a timely manner and, if at any time the Company is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the written request of any Holder of Registrable Notes, make publicly available other information necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144 and 144A and (b) take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request in writing, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Notes without registration under the Securities Act pursuant to the exemptions provided by Rule 144 and Rule 144A. Upon the request of any Holder, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such information and requirements.

 

10. Underwritten Registrations of Registrable Notes

If any of the Registrable Notes covered by any Shelf Registration is to be sold in an Underwritten Offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that will manage the

 

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offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Registrable Notes included in such offering; provided , however , that such investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers must be reasonably acceptable to the Company.

No Holder of Registrable Notes may participate in any Underwritten Registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Notes on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

11. Miscellaneous

 

  (a) Remedies . In the event of a breach by either the Company or any of the Guarantors of any of their respective obligations under this Agreement, each Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein, in the Indenture or, in the case of the Initial Purchasers, in the Purchase Agreement, or granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company and the Guarantors agree that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by either the Company or any of the Guarantors of any of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby further agree that, in the event of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach, the Company shall (and shall cause each Guarantor to) waive the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

  (b) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company and each of the Guarantors have not entered, as of the date hereof, and the Company and each of the Guarantors shall not enter, after the date of this Agreement, into any agreement with respect to any of its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The Company and each of the Guarantors have not entered and will not enter into any agreement with respect to any of its securities that will grant to any Person piggy-back rights with respect to a Registration Statement.

 

  (c) Adjustments Affecting Registrable Notes . The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, take any action with respect to the Registrable Notes as a class that would adversely affect the ability of the Holders to include such Registrable Notes in a registration undertaken pursuant to this Agreement.

 

  (d) Amendments and Waivers . The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, otherwise than with the prior written consent of (i) the Company and the Guarantors and (ii) the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Registrable Notes in circumstances that would adversely affect any Holders of Registrable Notes; provided , however , that Section 8 and this Section 11(d) may not be amended, modified or supplemented without the prior written consent of each Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders of Registrable Notes whose securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer or sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect, impair, limit or compromise the rights of other Holders of Registrable Notes may be given by Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being tendered or being sold by such Holders pursuant to such Registration Statement.

 

- 23 -


  (e) Notices . All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand delivery, registered first-class mail, next-day air courier or telecopier:

 

  (i) if to a Holder of Securities or to any Participating Broker-Dealer, at the most current address of such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, set forth on the records of the registrar of the Notes, with a copy in like manner to the Initial Purchasers as follows:

Jefferies & Company, Inc.

520 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Attention: General Counsel

with a copy to:

White & Case LLP

1155 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Jin Kim, Esq.

 

  (ii) if to the Initial Purchaser, at the address specified in Section 11(e)(1);

 

  (iii) if to the Company or any Guarantor, as follows:

Thermon Industries, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666-5947

Attention: Rodney Bingham

with a copy to:

Sidley Austin LLP

One South Dearborn Street

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Attention: Jeffrey Smith

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five business days after being deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; one business day after being timely delivered to a next-day air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery; and when receipt is acknowledged by the addressee, if telecopied.

Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee under the Indenture at the address specified in such Indenture.

 

  (f) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders of Securities.

 

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

 

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  (h) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

  (i) Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAW. THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, AND IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITS AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. THE COMPANY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY AND ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. THE COMPANY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO THE COMPANY AT ITS SAID ADDRESS, SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE 30 DAYS AFTER SUCH MAILING. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY HOLDER TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST THE COMPANY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

  (j) Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

 

  (k) Securities Held by the Company or Its Affiliates . Whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Securities is required hereunder, Securities held by the Company or its Affiliates shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.

 

  (l) Third Party Beneficiaries . Holders and Participating Broker-Dealers are intended third party beneficiaries of this Agreement and this Agreement may be enforced by such Persons.

 

  (m)

Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Purchase Agreement, the Indenture and the Collateral Documents, is intended by the parties as a final and exclusive statement of

 

- 25 -


 

the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein and any and all prior oral or written agreements, representations, or warranties, contracts, understanding, correspondence, conversations and memoranda between the Initial Purchasers on the one hand and the Company and the Guarantors on the other, or between or among any agents, representatives, parents, subsidiaries, Affiliates, predecessors in interest or successors in interest with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof are merged herein and replaced hereby.

 

- 26 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
THERMON HOLDING CORP., as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC., as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President
THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC., as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President


THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES II, INC., as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

  Name:   Rodney Bingham
  Title:   President


Accepted and Agreed to:
JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael Leder

Name:   Michael Leder
Title:   Managing Director
KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS INC.
By:  

/s/ Eric N. Peiffer

Name:   Eric N. Peiffer
Title:   Managing Director
BMO CAPITAL MARKETS CORP.
By:  

/s/ James J. Goll

Name:   James J. Goll
Title:   Managing Director


SCHEDULE I

INITIAL PURCHASERS

 

  Jefferies & Company, Inc  
  KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.  
  BMO Capital Markets Corp.  

EXHIBIT 5.1

 

 

LOGO

  

 

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP

ONE SOUTH DEARBORN STREET

CHICAGO, IL 60603

(312) 853 7000

(312) 853 7036 FAX

         

 

BEIJING

BRUSSELS

CHICAGO

DALLAS

FRANKFURT

GENEVA

HONG KONG

LONDON

LOS ANGELES

 

FOUNDED 1866

  

 

NEW YORK

PALO ALTO

SAN FRANCISCO

SHANGHAI

SINGAPORE

SYDNEY

TOKYO

WASHINGTON, D.C.

August 18, 2010                          

Thermon Industries, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

                        Re: Thermon Industries, Inc.

                                9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “ Registration Statement ”) being filed by Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “ Company ”), and certain other subsidiaries of Parent (together with Parent, the “ Guarantors ”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), relating to the registration, as more fully described in the Registration Statement, of $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “ New Notes ”), which are to be offered in exchange for an equivalent aggregate principal amount of the Company’s outstanding 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “ Old Notes ”). The Old Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantors (the “ Old Note Guarantees ”), and the New Notes will be guaranteed by the Guarantors (the “ New Note Guarantees ”). Old Notes that are accepted for exchange for New Notes will be cancelled and retired.

The Old Notes and the Old Note Guarantees were, and the New Notes and the New Note Guarantees will be, issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “ Original Indenture ”), between the Company, as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (the “ Trustee ”), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “ Supplemental Indenture ,” and, together with the Original Indenture, the “ Indenture ”), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee.

This letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 21 of Form S-4 and Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K, each under the Securities Act.

In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied upon copies of the Registration Statement, the exhibits filed therewith, the Indenture and the form of New

Sidley Austin LLP is a limited liability partnership practicing in affiliation with other Sidley Austin partnerships


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Thermon Industries, Inc.

August 18, 2010

Page 2

 

Notes. We have also examined originals, or copies of originals certified to our satisfaction, of such agreements, documents, certificates and other statements of government officials and other instruments, and have examined such questions of law and have satisfied ourselves as to such matters of fact, as we have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this letter. We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all persons and the conformity with the original documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for our examination.

Based on and subject to the foregoing and the other limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1.        Parent is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The New Note Guarantee of Parent set forth in the Indenture has been duly authorized by Parent.

2.        The New Notes will be legally issued and valid and binding obligations of the Company, and the New Note Guarantees set forth in the Indenture will be legally issued and valid and binding obligations of the Guarantors, in each case when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments, if any), shall have become effective under the Securities Act and the Indenture shall have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and (ii) the New Notes shall have been duly executed and issued by the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee as provided in the Indenture and shall have been duly delivered against surrender and cancellation of like principal amount of the Old Notes in the manner described in the Registration Statement.

The foregoing opinions are subject to the following qualifications, exceptions, assumptions and limitations:

 

  A. The foregoing opinions are limited to the laws of the State of New York and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We express no opinion and make no statement as to the laws, rules or regulations of any other jurisdiction, including, without limitation, the State of Texas.

 

  B.

With respect to each instrument or agreement referred to in or otherwise relevant to the opinions set forth herein (each, an “Instrument ”), we have assumed, to the extent relevant to the opinions set forth herein, that (i) each party to such Instrument (if not a natural person) was duly organized or formed, as the case may be, and was at all relevant times and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may be, and had at all relevant times and has full right, power and authority to execute,


LOGO

Thermon Industries, Inc.

August 18, 2010

Page 3

 

  deliver and perform its obligations under such Instrument, (ii) such Instrument has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each party thereto, and (iii) such Instrument was at all relevant times and is a valid, binding and enforceable agreement or obligation, as the case may be, of, each party thereto; provided that (1) we make no such assumption insofar as any of the foregoing matters relate to Parent and is expressly covered by our opinion set forth in paragraph 1 above; and (2) that we make no such assumption in clause (iii) insofar as it relates to the Company or any Guarantor and is expressly covered by our opinion set forth in paragraph 2 above.

 

  C. The foregoing opinions are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including concepts of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief.

We assume no obligation to update or supplement this letter to reflect any facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention with respect to the opinions set forth in this letter, including any changes in applicable law which may hereafter occur.

We hereby consent to the filing of this letter as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons for whom consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act or the related rules or regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ Sidley Austin LLP

 

 

EXHIBIT 5.2

Fulbright & Jaworski l.l.p.

A Registered Limited Liability Partnership

Fulbright Tower

1301 McKinney, Suite 5100

Houston, Texas 77010-3095

www.fulbright.com

 

telephone:   (713) 651-5151      facsimile:    (713) 651-5246

August 18, 2010

Thermon Industries, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as local counsel to Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Issuer ”), Thermon Manufacturing Company, a Texas corporation (“ TMC ”), Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ THTS ”), and Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ THTSI ”, and collectively with TMC and THTS, the “ Texas Subsidiaries ”; and the Texas Subsidiaries together with the Issuer, collectively the “ Texas Entities ”), in connection with certain limited matters related to the proposed issuance by (a) Issuer of up to $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “ New Notes ”) and (b) the Texas Subsidiaries of their related guarantees of the New Notes (the “ Guarantees ”). The New Notes and the Guarantees will be issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “ Base Indenture ”), between Issuer, as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity, the “ Trustee ”) and collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”), as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Indenture.

In connection with rendering the opinions expressed herein, our engagement has been limited in scope solely to our review of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture provided to us by Sidley Austin LLP and the Texas Constituent Documents, which have been provided to us by Sidley Austin LLP or obtained from relevant government officials, in each case solely for the purpose of the opinions expressed herein. Except for advising the Texas Entities with respect to indemnification and insurance provisions of the Texas Business Organizations Code, we have not participated in any other matters related to the offering, issuance or sale of the New Notes and Guarantees, including, without limitation, the development or preparation of any offering memorandum or circular, registration statement, prospectus, prospectus supplement or other disclosure document, or any agreement, instrument or document related to any of the foregoing. We have not reviewed any documents other than the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture and the Texas Constituent Documents and, in particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Texas Constituent Documents) that is referred to in or incorporated by reference into the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture or any Texas Constituent Document. In addition, we have assumed that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is inconsistent with the opinions set forth herein. Further, in connection with the opinions expressed herein, we have not communicated directly with the Texas Entities, but only with their counsel, Sidley Austin LLP.

Thermon Industries, Inc.

Houston New York Washington DC Austin Dallas Denver Los Angeles Minneapolis San Antonio St. Louis

Beijing Dubai Hong Kong London Munich Riyadh

 


Thermon Industries, Inc.

August 18, 2010

Page 2

 

In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have (i) examined (a) the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Texas Constituent Documents, and (b) certificates of representatives of the Texas Entities and certificates of public officials, and (ii) as to questions of fact material to the opinions expressed herein, and as to factual matters arising in connection with our examination of the aforesaid materials, relied, to the extent we deemed appropriate, upon the factual representations and warranties contained in the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Texas Constituent Documents, in certificates, communications, instruments, agreements and documents delivered in connection therewith and upon certain facts stated elsewhere herein. Except for the foregoing examinations, we have conducted no independent factual investigation but rather have relied upon the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Texas Constituent Documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the additional factual or informational matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true, complete and accurate.

In making such examination and in such reliance, we have assumed (i) the authenticity and completeness of all records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents submitted to us as originals, (ii) the conformity to authentic original records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents of all copies submitted to us as copies, (iii) the legal capacity of each natural person identified in, or indicated as having executed, any of those records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents, (iv) the genuineness of all signatures on all such records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents, (v) copies of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture presented to us prior to delivery of this letter as the final and complete executed copies of such documents are the final and complete executed copies of such document, (vi) the due execution and delivery by all parties thereto (except to the extent set forth in paragraph 3 below) of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture, and (vii) the enforceability of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture against all parties thereto.

Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, and subject to and qualified by the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, and having due regard for such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:

1. Each Texas Entity is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas.

2. The execution and delivery by each Texas Subsidiary of the Supplemental Indenture and its Guarantee, and the performance by each Texas Subsidiary of its obligations pursuant to the Supplemental Indenture and its Guarantee, are within such Texas Subsidiary’s corporate power and authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part.

3. The execution and delivery by the Issuer of the Supplemental Indenture and the New Notes, and the performance by the Issuer of its obligations pursuant to the Supplemental Indenture and the New Notes, are within the Issuer’s corporate power and authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part.

4. The Supplemental Indenture has been duly executed and delivered by each Texas Entity.

 

Thermon Industries, Inc.


Thermon Industries, Inc.

August 18, 2010

Page 3

 

The foregoing opinions expressed herein are further subject to, and qualified by, the following assumptions, exceptions, qualifications and limitations:

A. The opinions expressed herein are limited exclusively to the internal laws of the State of Texas. References herein to such laws, statutory laws, rules and regulations, in addition to other limitations set forth herein, are (i) limited to laws that are normally applicable to the transactions of the type contemplated by the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture and the opinions expressed herein, without our having made any special investigation as to the applicability of any specific law, rule or regulation, and which are not the subject of a specific opinion herein referring expressly to a particular law or laws, and (ii) exclusive of, and without regard to antitrust, taxation and securities laws.

B. In rendering the opinions expressed in paragraph 1 above relating to existence and good standing of the Texas Entities, we have relied solely upon a review of certificates of public officials as follows: (i) Certificates of State of Texas, Secretary of State dated August 11, 2010 (Texas existence) with respect to each of the Texas Entities; and (ii) Certificates of the Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas dated (a) August 13, 2010 (Texas good standing) regarding each of Issuer, THTSI, and TMC, and (b) August 16, 2010 for THTS.

This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein and is given solely in connection with your registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “ Registration Statement ”). The opinions expressed herein may be relied upon by your counsel, Sidley Austin LLP in connection with its opinion filed as an exhibit to your Registration Statement regarding the validity of the securities being registered. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name in the prospectus contained therein under the caption “Legal Matters”. The opinions expressed herein are as of the date hereof or, to the extent a reference to a certificate or other document dated another date is made herein, to such date, and we make no undertaking to amend or supplement such opinions as facts and circumstances come to our attention or changes in the law occur which could affect such opinions.

                Very truly yours,

                /s/ Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

                Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

 

Thermon Industries, Inc.


ANNEX A

T O O PINION L ETTER OF F ULBRIGHT  & J AWORSKI L.L.P. DATED A UGUST  18, 2010

Listing of Documents

1. The Base Indenture.

2. The First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “ Supplemental Indenture ”), executed by Issuer, the Trustee, Thermon Holdings Corp. and the Texas Subsidiaries.

3. The Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of Issuer certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas pursuant to its certificate dated April 9, 2010, and the Officer’s Certificate of Issuer, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that such Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is a true and complete copy of the Articles of Incorporation of Issuer, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

4. The Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of THTSI certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas pursuant to its certificate dated April 12, 2010, and the Officer’s Certificate of THTSI, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that such Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is a true and complete copy of the Articles of Incorporation of THTSI, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

5. The Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of TMC certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas pursuant to its certificate dated April 12, 2010, and the Officer’s Certificate of TMC, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that such Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is a true and complete copy of the Articles of Incorporation of TMC, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

6. The Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of THTS certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas pursuant to its certificate dated April 12, 2010, and the Officer’s Certificate of THTS, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that such Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is a true and complete copy of the Articles of Incorporation of THTS, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

7. The Bylaws of Issuer, and the Officer’s Certificate of Issuer, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that the copy of the Bylaws attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the Bylaws of Issuer, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

8. The Bylaws of THTSI, and the Officer’s Certificate of THTSI, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that the copy of the Bylaws attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the Bylaws of THTSI, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

9. The Bylaws of TMC, and the Officer’s Certificate of TMC, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that the copy of the Bylaws attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the Bylaws of TMC, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

 

   1    Thermon Industries, Inc.


10. The Bylaws of THTS, and the Officer’s Certificate of THTS, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that the copy of the Bylaws attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the Bylaws of THTS, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

11. Resolutions of the Board of Directors of Issuer, and the Officer’s Certificate of Issuer, dated as of August 18, 2010 certifying that the Resolutions attached thereto have been duly and properly passed by the Board of Directors of Issuer, have not been amended and are in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

12. Resolutions of the Board of Directors of THTSI, and the Officer’s Certificate of THTSI, dated as of August 18, 2010 certifying that the Resolutions attached thereto have been duly and properly passed by the Board of Directors of THTSI, have not been amended and are in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

13. Resolutions of the Board of Directors of TMC, and the Officer’s Certificate of TMC, dated as of August 18, 2010 certifying that the Resolutions attached thereto have been duly and properly passed by the Board of Directors of TMC, have not been amended and are in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

14. Resolutions of the Board of Directors of THTS, and the Officer’s Certificate of THTS, dated as of August 18, 2010 certifying that the Resolutions attached thereto have been duly and properly passed by the Board of Directors of THTS, have not been amended and are in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

15. Officer’s Certificate of Issuer dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying as to the incumbency and specimen signatures of the officers of Issuer executing the documents to which it is a party, as of August 18, 2010.

16. Officer’s Certificate of THTSI dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying as to the incumbency and specimen signatures of the officers of THTSI executing the documents to which it is a party, as of August 18, 2010

17. Officer’s Certificate of TMC dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying as to the incumbency and specimen signatures of the officers of TMC executing the documents to which it is a party, as of August 18, 2010.

18. Officer’s Certificate of THTS dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying as to the incumbency and specimen signatures of the officers of THTS executing the documents to which it is a party, as of August 18, 2010.

Certain Additional Defined Terms

Texas Constituent Documents ” means, collectively, the documents identified in paragraphs 3 through 18 above.

 

   2    Thermon Industries, Inc.

EXHIBIT 5.3

LOGO

 

One Shell Square
701 Poydras Street, Suite 5000
New Orleans, LA 70139
(504) 581-7979 Main
(504) 556-4108 Fax
  822 Harding Street
Post Office Box 52008
Lafayette, LA 70505
(337) 232-7424 Main
(337) 267-2399 Fax
  First City Tower
1001 Fannin Street, Suite 1800
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 651-2900 Main
(713) 651-2908 Fax
www.Liskow.com    
August 18, 2010   Thomas Beron   Direct: (504) 556-4155
    tberon@Liskow.com

Thermon Industries, Inc.

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as local counsel to Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc., a Louisiana corporation (the Louisiana Subsidiary ”) in connection with certain limited matters related to the proposed issuance by (a) Thermon Industries, Inc. (“Issuer”) of up to $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the New Notes ”) and (b) the Louisiana Subsidiary of its related guaranty of the New Notes (the Guaranty ”). The New Notes and the Guaranty will be issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of April 30, 2010 (the Base Indenture ”), between Issuer, as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., a Texas corporation) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity, the Trustee ”) and collateral agent (in such capacity, the Collateral Agent ”), as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture. Terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture.

In connection with rendering the opinions expressed herein, our engagement has been limited in scope solely to our review of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture provided to us by Sidley Austin LLP and the Louisiana Constituent Documents (as hereinafter defined), which have been provided to us by Sidley Austin LLP or obtained from relevant government officials, in each case solely for the purpose of the opinions expressed herein. Except for advising the Louisiana Subsidiary with respect to indemnification and insurance provisions of the Louisiana Corporations Code (La. R.S. 12:1, et seq.), we have not participated in any other matters related to the offering, issuance or sale of the New Notes and Guaranty, including, without limitation, the development or preparation of any offering memorandum or circular, registration statement, prospectus, prospectus supplement or other disclosure document, or any agreement, instrument or document related to any of the foregoing. We have not reviewed any documents other than the New Notes, the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture and the Louisiana Constituent Documents and, in particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the New Notes, the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Louisiana Constituent Documents) that is referred to in or incorporated by reference into the New Notes, the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture or any Louisiana Constituent Document. In addition, we have assumed that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is inconsistent with the opinions set forth herein. Further, in connection with the opinions expressed herein, we have not communicated directly with the Louisiana Subsidiary, but only with their counsel, Sidley Austin LLP.

LOGO


Thermon Industries, Inc.

August 18, 2010

Page 2

 

In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have (i) examined (a) the New Notes, the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Louisiana Constituent Documents, and (b) certificates of representatives of the Louisiana Subsidiary and certificates of public officials of the State of Louisiana, and (ii) as to questions of fact material to the opinions expressed herein, and as to factual matters arising in connection with our examination of the aforesaid materials, relied, to the extent we deemed appropriate, upon the factual representations and warranties contained in the New Notes, the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Louisiana Constituent Documents, in certificates, communications, instruments, agreements and documents delivered in connection therewith and upon certain facts stated elsewhere herein. Except for the foregoing examinations, we have conducted no independent factual investigation but rather have relied upon the New Notes Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Louisiana Constituent Documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the additional factual or informational matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true, complete and accurate.

In making such examination and in such reliance, we have assumed (i) the authenticity and completeness of all records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents submitted to us as originals, (ii) the conformity to authentic original records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents of all copies submitted to us as copies, (iii) the legal capacity of each natural person identified in, or indicated as having executed, any of those records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents, (iv) the genuineness of all signatures on all such records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents, (v) copies of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture presented to us prior to delivery of this letter as the final and complete executed copies of such documents are the final and complete executed copies of such document, (vi) the due execution and delivery by all parties thereto (except to the extent set forth in paragraph 3 below) of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture, and (vii) the enforceability of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture against all parties thereto.

Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, and subject to and qualified by the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, and having due regard for such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:

1. The Louisiana Subsidiary is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Louisiana.

2. The execution and delivery by the Louisiana Subsidiary of the Supplemental Indenture and its Guaranty, and the performance by the Louisiana Subsidiary of its obligations pursuant to the Supplemental Indenture and its Guaranty, are within the Louisiana Subsidiary’s corporate power and authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part.

3. The Supplemental Indenture has been duly executed and delivered by the Louisiana Subsidiary.

The foregoing opinions expressed herein are further subject to, and qualified by, the following assumptions, exceptions, qualifications and limitations:

A. The opinions expressed herein are limited exclusively to the internal laws of the State of Louisiana. References herein to such laws, statutory laws, rules and regulations, in addition to other limitations set forth herein, are (i) limited to laws that are normally applicable to the transactions of the type contemplated by the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture and the opinions expressed


Thermon Industries, Inc.

August 18, 2010

Page 3

 

herein, without our having made any special investigation as to the applicability of any specific law, rule or regulation, and which are not the subject of a specific opinion herein referring expressly to a particular law or laws, and (ii) exclusive of, and without regard to antitrust, taxation and securities laws.

B. In rendering the opinions expressed in paragraph 1 above relating to existence and good standing of the Louisiana Subsidiary, we have relied solely upon a review of the Certificate of State of Louisiana, Secretary of State, dated August 9, 2010.

This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein and is given solely in connection with your registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (the Registration Statement ”). The opinions expressed herein may be relied upon by your counsel, Sidley Austin LLP in connection with its opinion filed as an exhibit to your Registration Statement regarding the validity of the securities being registered. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name in the prospectus contained therein under the caption “Legal Matters”. The opinions expressed herein are as of the date hereof or, to the extent a reference to a certificate or other document dated another date is made herein, to such date, and we make no undertaking to amend or supplement such opinions as facts and circumstances come to our attention or changes in the law occur which could affect such opinions.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ Liskow & Lewis
Liskow & Lewis


ANNEX A

To O PINION L ETTER OF LISKOW  & LEWIS DATED A UGUST  18, 2010

Listing of Documents

1. The Base Indenture.

2. The First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 30, 2010 (the “Supplemental Indenture”), executed by Issuer, the Trustee, Thermon Holdings Corp. and the Louisiana Subsidiary.

3. The Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of the Louisiana Subsidiary certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Louisiana pursuant to its certificate dated August 9, 2010, and the Officer’s Certificate of the Louisiana Subsidiary, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that such Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is a true and complete copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the Louisiana Subsidiary, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

4. The Bylaws of the Louisiana Subsidiary, and the Officer’s Certificate of the Louisiana Subsidiary, dated as of August 18, 2010, certifying that the copy of the Bylaws attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the Bylaws of the Louisiana Subsidiary, has not been amended and is in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

5. Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Subsidiary, and the Officer’s Certificate of the Louisiana Subsidiary, dated as of August 18, 2010 certifying that the Resolutions attached thereto have been duly and properly passed by the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Subsidiary, have not been amended and are in full force and effect, in each case as of August 18, 2010.

Certain Additional Defined Terms

“Louisiana Constituent Documents” means, collectively, the documents identified in paragraphs 3 through 5 above.

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of April 30, 2010

by and among

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC., as the US Borrower,

THERMON CANADA INC., as the Canadian Borrower,

THE OTHER PERSONS PARTY HERETO THAT ARE

DESIGNATED AS CREDIT PARTIES,

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

for itself, as a US Lender and US Swingline Lender and as US Agent for all US Lenders,

GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, for itself

as a Canadian Lender and as Canadian Agent for all Canadian Lenders,

BANK OF MONTREAL, for itself, as a Lender, and as

Documentation Agent for all Lenders,

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

for itself as a Lender, and as Syndication Agent for all Lenders

THE OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTY HERETO

as Lenders,

and

GE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.,

as Sole Lead Arranger and Bookrunner

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I - THE CREDITS    2
1.1      Amounts and Terms of Commitments    2
1.2      Notes    15
1.3      Interest    15
1.4      Loan Accounts    17
1.5      Procedure for Revolving Credit Borrowing    18
1.6      Conversion and Continuation Elections    20
1.7      Optional Prepayments    21
1.8      Mandatory Prepayments of Loans and Commitment Reductions    22
1.9      Fees    24
1.10    Payments by the Borrowers    25
1.11    Payments by the Lenders to Appropriate Agent; Settlement    28
ARTICLE II - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT    32
2.1      Conditions of Initial Loans    32
2.2      Conditions to All Borrowings    33
ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    35
3.1      Corporate Existence and Power    35
3.2      Corporate Authorization; No Contravention    35
3.3      Governmental Authorization    35
3.4      Binding Effect    36
3.5      Litigation    36
3.6      No Default    36
3.7      ERISA and Related Canadian Compliance    36
3.8      Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations    37
3.9      Title to Properties    37
3.10    Taxes    37
3.11    Financial Condition    38
3.12    Environmental Matters    39
3.13    Regulated Entities    39
3.14    Solvency    39
3.15    Labor Relations    40
3.16    Intellectual Property    40
3.17    Brokers’ Fees; Transaction Fees    40
3.18    Insurance    40
3.19    Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock    40
3.20    Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office    41
3.21    Deposit Accounts and Other Accounts    41
3.22    Bonding; Licenses    41
3.23    Purchase Agreement    41
3.24    Status of Holdings    41
3.25    Second Lien Debt    42

 

i


3.26    Full Disclosure    42
3.27    Foreign Assets Control Regulations and Anti-Money Laundering    42
3.28    Patriot Act    43
ARTICLE IV - AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS    43
4.1      Financial Statements    43
4.2      Certificates; Other Information    44
4.3      Notices    46
4.4      Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc    48
4.5      Maintenance of Property    48
4.6      Insurance    48
4.7      Payment of Obligations    49
4.8      Compliance with Laws    50
4.9      Inspection of Property and Books and Records    50
4.10    Use of Proceeds    51
4.11    Cash Management Systems    51
4.12    Landlord Agreements    52
4.13    Further Assurances    52
4.14    Environmental Matters    54
4.15    Post-Closing Obligations    54
ARTICLE V - NEGATIVE COVENANTS    55
5.1      Limitation on Liens    55
5.2      Disposition of Assets    58
5.3      Consolidations and Mergers    60
5.4      Loans and Investments    60
5.5      Limitation on Indebtedness    63
5.6      Transactions with Affiliates    65
5.7      Management Fees and Compensation    66
5.8      Use of Proceeds    66
5.9      Contingent Obligations    67
5.10    Compliance with ERISA, Etc    68
5.11    Restricted Payments    68
5.12    Change in Business    70
5.13    Change in Structure    70
5.14    Changes in Accounting, Name and Jurisdiction of Organization    70
5.15    Amendments to Related Agreements and Subordinated Indebtedness    71
5.16    No Negative Pledges    71
5.17    OFAC; Patriot Act    71
5.18    Sale-Leasebacks    72
5.19    Hazardous Materials    72
ARTICLE VI - FINANCIAL COVENANTS    72
6.1      Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio    72
ARTICLE VII - EVENTS OF DEFAULT    72
7.1      Event of Default    72

 

ii


7.2      Remedies    75
7.3      Rights Not Exclusive    75
7.4      Cash Collateral for Letters of Credit    75
ARTICLE VIII - AGENT    76
8.1      Appointment and Duties    76
8.2      Binding Effect    79
8.3      Use of Discretion    79
8.4      Delegation of Rights and Duties    80
8.5      Reliance and Liability    80
8.6      Agent Individually    81
8.7      Lender Credit Decision    81
8.8      Expenses; Indemnities    82
8.9      Resignation of Agent or L/C Issuer    83
8.10    Release of Collateral or Guarantors    84
8.11    Additional Secured Parties    84
8.12    Documentation Agent and Syndication Agent    85
ARTICLE IX - MISCELLANEOUS    86
9.1      Amendments and Waivers    86
9.2      Notices    88
9.3      Electronic Transmissions    89
9.4      No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies    90
9.5      Costs and Expenses    90
9.6      Indemnity    91
9.7      Marshaling; Payments Set Aside    92
9.8      Successors and Assigns    92
9.9      Assignments and Participations; Binding Effect    92
9.10    Non-Public Information; Confidentiality    95
9.11    Set-off; Sharing of Payments    97
9.12    Counterparts; Facsimile Signature    98
9.13    Severability    98
9.14    Captions    98
9.15    Independence of Provisions    98
9.16    Interpretation    98
9.17    No Third Parties Benefited    99
9.18    Governing Law and Jurisdiction    99
9.19    Waiver of Jury Trial    99
9.20    Entire Agreement; Release; Survival    100
9.21    Patriot Act    100
9.22    Replacement of Lender    101
9.23    Joint and Several    101
9.24    Creditor-Debtor Relationship    101
9.25    Risk Participation    102
ARTICLE X - TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY    103
10.1      Taxes    103

 

iii


10.2    Illegality    106
10.3    Increased Costs and Reduction of Return    106
10.4    Funding Losses    107
10.5    Inability to Determine Rates    108
10.6    Reserves on LIBOR Rate Loans    108
10.7    Certificates of Lenders    108
ARTICLE XI - DEFINITIONS    109
11.1    Defined Terms    109
11.2    Other Interpretive Provisions    140
11.3    Accounting Terms and Principles    141
11.4    Payments    141
11.5    Judgment Currency    142

 

iv


SCHEDULES

 

Schedule 1.1(b)   Revolving Loan Commitments
Schedule 3.5   Litigation
Schedule 3.7   ERISA
Schedule 3.9   Real Estate
Schedule 3.10   Taxes
Schedule 3.12   Environmental
Schedule 3.15   Labor Relations
Schedule 3.17   Brokers’ and Transaction Fees
Schedule 3.19   Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock
Schedule 3.20   Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office
Schedule 3.21   Deposit Accounts and Other Accounts
Schedule 3.22   Bonding; Licenses
Schedule 4.15   Post-Closing Obligations
Schedule 5.1   Liens
Schedule 5.4   Investments
Schedule 5.5   Indebtedness
Schedule 5.5(p)   Foreign Subsidiary Letter of Credit Indebtedness
Schedule 5.5(q)   Foreign Subsidiary Indebtedness
Schedule 5.6   Transactions with Affiliates
Schedule 5.9   Contingent Obligations
Schedule 11.1   Prior Indebtedness

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1.1(c)   Form of L/C Request
Exhibit 1.1(d)   Form of Swing Loan Request
Exhibit 1.6   Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation
Exhibit 2.1   Closing Checklist
Exhibit 4.2(b)   Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit 11.1(a)   Form of Assignment
Exhibit 11.1(b)   Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit 11.1(c)   Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit 11.1(d)   Form of Revolving Note
Exhibit 11.1(e)   Form of Swingline Note

 

v


CREDIT AGREEMENT

This CREDIT AGREEMENT (including all exhibits and schedules hereto, as the same may be amended, modified and/or restated from time to time, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “US Borrower”), Thermon Canada Inc., a Nova Scotia company (the “Canadian Borrower” and, together with the US Borrower, the “Borrowers” and each individually, a “Borrower”), the other Persons party hereto that are designated as a “Credit Party”, General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation (in its individual capacity, “GE Capital”), as US Agent for the several financial institutions from time to time party to this Agreement with a US Revolving Loan Commitment (collectively, the “US Lenders” and individually each a “US Lender”) and for itself as a US Lender (including as US Swingline Lender), GE Canada Holding Finance Company, a Nova Scotia unlimited liability company (in its individual capacity, “GE Canada”) as Canadian Agent for the several financial institutions from time to time party to this Agreement with a Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment (collectively, the “Canadian Lenders”, individually, a “Canadian Lender” and collectively with the US Lenders, the “Lenders”), Bank of Montreal, as documentation agent for the Lenders and for itself as a Lender, and KeyBank National Association, as syndication agent for the Lenders and for itself as a Lender, and such other Lenders.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Borrowers have requested, and the US Lenders have agreed to make available to the US Borrower and the Canadian Lenders have agreed to make available to the Canadian Borrower, a revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit subfacility) to (a) refinance Prior Indebtedness, (b) provide for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes of the Borrowers and (c) fund certain fees and expenses associated with the funding of the Loans and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;

WHEREAS, the US Borrower desires to secure all of the Obligations under the Loan Documents by granting to US Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in and lien upon substantially all of its Property;

WHEREAS, the Canadian Borrower desires to secure all of the Canadian Obligations by granting to Canadian Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Secured Parties, a security interest in and lien upon substantially all of its Property;

WHEREAS, Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation that directly owns all of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of the Borrowers (“Holdings”), is, subject to the terms hereof, willing to guaranty all of the Obligations and to pledge to US Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, all of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of the Borrowers and substantially all of its other Property to secure the Obligations (but only to the extent no 956 Impact exists);

WHEREAS, US Borrower is willing to guaranty the Canadian Obligations and, subject to the terms hereof, each Subsidiary of (a) US Borrower is willing to guarantee all of the Obligations of the Borrowers and to grant to US Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a

 

1


security interest in and lien upon substantially all of its Property to secure the Obligations (but only to the extent no 956 Impact exists) and (b) Canadian Borrower is willing to guarantee all of the Canadian Obligations and to grant to Canadian Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Secured Parties, a security interest in and lien on substantially all of its Property to secure the Canadian Obligations;

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

ARTICLE I -

THE CREDITS

1.1 Amounts and Terms of Commitments.

(a) Reserved .

(b) The Revolving Credits . (i) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained herein, each US Lender severally and not jointly agrees to make Loans denominated in Dollars to the US Borrower (each such Loan, a “US Revolving Loan”) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date through the Final Availability Date, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name in Schedule 1.1(b) under the heading “US Revolving Loan Commitments” (such amount as the same may be reduced or increased from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, being referred to herein as such Lender’s “US Revolving Loan Commitment”); provided, however, that, after giving effect to any Borrowing of US Revolving Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding US Revolving Loans shall not exceed the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance. Subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, amounts borrowed under this subsection 1.1(b)(i) may be repaid and reborrowed from time to time. The “Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance” from time to time will be the lesser of:

(x) the “US Borrowing Base” (as calculated pursuant to the US Borrowing Base Certificate) in effect from time to time, or

(y) the Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitment then in effect;

less , in either case, the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of US Letter of Credit Obligations, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding US Swing Loans, (iii) the US Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Swing Loans, (iv) the US Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate amount of Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations and Reserves established by Canadian Agent and (v) such Reserves as may be imposed by US Agent in its reasonable credit judgment. If at any time the then outstanding principal balance of US Revolving Loans exceeds the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance, then the US Borrower shall prepay, or cause to be prepaid, outstanding Revolving Loans in an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess, within five (5) Business Days after the occurrence thereof; provided, no such prepayment shall be required provided such excess (i) does not exceed three percent (3%)

 

2


of the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance, (ii) is solely attributable to a change in the exchange rate between Dollars and Canadian Dollars, (iii) in no event causes or results in any US Revolving Loans held by Lender to exceed such Lender’s US Revolving Loan Commitment and (iv) shall be reduced to zero ($0) in connection with the recalculation of the US Borrowing Base pursuant to and concurrently with the delivery of the next Borrowing Base Certificate as required by subsection 4.2(d) hereof (provided, for purposes of clarity, if such excess is not reduced to zero ($0) as a result of the such recalculation, such excess shall be repaid within five (5) Business Days after the required delivery of such Borrowing Base Certificate).

(ii) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained herein, each Canadian Lender severally and not jointly agrees to make Loans denominated in either Dollars or Canadian Dollars to the Canadian Borrower (each such Loan, a “Canadian Revolving Loan”) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date through the Final Availability Date, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the US Dollar Equivalent of the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name in Schedule 1.1(b) under the heading “Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments” (such amount as the same may be reduced or increased from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, being referred to herein as such Lender’s “Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment”); provided, however, that, after giving effect to any Borrowing of Canadian Revolving Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans shall not exceed the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance. Subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, amounts borrowed under this subsection 1.1(b)(ii) may be repaid and reborrowed from time to time. The “Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance” from time to time will be the lesser of:

(x) the “Canadian Borrowing Base” (as calculated pursuant to the Canadian Borrowing Base Certificate) in effect from time to time, or

(y) the Aggregate Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment then in effect;

less , in either case, the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of the US Dollar Equivalent of all Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Canadian Swing Loans, (iii) the amount by which the sum of (x) the aggregate principal amount of US Revolving Loans and US Swing Loans, (y) aggregate amount of US Letter of Credit Obligations and (z) Reserves imposed by US Agent, exceeds $20,000,000 and (iv) such Reserves as may be imposed by Canadian Agent in its reasonable credit judgment. If at any time the then outstanding principal balance of Canadian Revolving Loans exceeds the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance, then the Canadian Borrower shall prepay outstanding Canadian Loans in an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess, within five (5) Business Days after the occurrence thereof; provided, no such prepayment shall be required provided such excess (i) does not exceed three percent (3%) of the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance, (ii) is solely attributable to a change in the exchange rate between Dollars and Canadian Dollars, (iii) in no event causes or results in any Canadian Revolving Loans held by Lender to exceed such Lender’s Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment and (iv) shall be reduced to zero ($0) in

 

3


connection with the recalculation of the Canadian Borrowing Base pursuant to and concurrently with the delivery of the next Borrowing Base Certificate as required by subsection 4.2(d) hereof (provided, for purposes of clarity, if such excess is not reduced to zero ($0) as a result of the such recalculation, such excess shall be repaid within five (5) Business Days after the required delivery of such Borrowing Base Certificate).

(c) US Letters of Credit . (i)  Conditions . On the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the US Borrower may request that one or more US L/C Issuers Issue, in accordance with such US L/C Issuers’ usual and customary business practices, and for the account of the US Credit Parties, US Letters of Credit (denominated in Dollars) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date through the earlier of (x) the Final Availability Date and (y) seven (7) days prior to the date specified in clause (a) of the definition of Revolving Termination Date; provided, however, that no US L/C Issuer shall Issue any US Letter of Credit during the continuance of any of the following or, if after giving effect to such Issuance:

(A)(i) US Availability would be less than zero, or (ii) the US Dollar Equivalent of all Letter of Credit Obligations for all Letters of Credit would exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $15,000,000 (the “L/C Sublimit”);

(B) the expiration date of such US Letter of Credit (i) is not a Business Day, (ii) is more than one year after the date of issuance thereof or (iii) is later than seven (7) days prior to the date specified in clause (a) of the definition of Revolving Termination Date; provided, however, that any US Letter of Credit with a term not exceeding one year may provide for its renewal for additional periods not exceeding one year as long as (x) each of the US Borrower and such US L/C Issuer have the option to prevent such renewal before the expiration of such term or any such period and (y) neither such US L/C Issuer nor the US Borrower shall permit any such renewal to extend such expiration date beyond the date set forth in clause (iii) above; or

(C)(i) any fee due in connection with, and on or prior to, such Issuance has not been paid, (ii) such US Letter of Credit is requested to be issued in a form that is not acceptable to such US L/C Issuer or (iii) such US L/C Issuer shall not have received, each in form and substance reasonably acceptable to it and duly executed by the US Borrower, the documents that such US L/C Issuer generally uses in the Ordinary Course of Business for the Issuance of letters of credit of the type of such US Letter of Credit (collectively, the “US L/C Reimbursement Agreement”).

Furthermore, GE Capital as a US L/C Issuer may elect only to issue US Letters of Credit in its own name and may only issue US Letters of Credit to the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, and such US Letters of Credit may not be accepted by certain beneficiaries such as insurance companies. For each Issuance, the applicable US L/C Issuer may, but shall not be required to, determine that, or take notice whether, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 have been satisfied or waived in connection with the Issuance of any US Letter of Credit; provided, however, that no US Letters of Credit shall be Issued during the period starting on the first Business Day after the receipt by such US L/C Issuer of notice from US Agent or the Required Lenders that any condition precedent contained in Section 2.2 is not satisfied and ending on the date all such conditions are satisfied or duly waived.

 

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Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, if any US Lender is a Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender, no US L/C Issuer shall be obligated to Issue any US Letter of Credit unless (w) the Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender has been replaced in accordance with Section 9.9 or 9.22, (x) the Letter of Credit Obligations of such Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender have been cash collateralized, (y) the US Revolving Loan Commitments of the other US Lenders have been increased by an amount sufficient to satisfy US Agent that all future US Letter of Credit Obligations will be covered by all US Lenders that are not Non-Funding Lenders or Impacted Lenders, or (z) the Letter of Credit Obligations of such Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender have been reallocated to other Lenders in a manner consistent with subsection 1.11(e)(ii).

(ii) Notice of Issuance . The US Borrower shall give the relevant US L/C Issuer and US Agent a notice of any requested Issuance of any US Letter of Credit, which shall be effective only if received by such US L/C Issuer and US Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of such requested Issuance. Such notice shall be made in a writing or Electronic Transmission substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(c) duly completed or in a writing in any other form reasonably acceptable to the L/C Issuer (an “L/C Request”) or by telephone if confirmed promptly in writing or Electronic Transmission.

(iii) Reporting Obligations of US L/C Issuers . Each US L/C Issuer agrees to provide US Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to US Agent, each of the following on the following dates: (A) (i) on or prior to any Issuance of any US Letter of Credit by such US L/C Issuer, (ii) immediately after any drawing under any such US Letter of Credit or (iii) immediately after any payment (or failure to pay when due) by the US Borrower of any related US L/C Reimbursement Obligation, notice thereof, which shall contain a reasonably detailed description of such Issuance, drawing or payment and US Agent shall provide copies of such notices to each US Lender reasonably promptly after receipt thereof; (B) upon the request of US Agent (or any US Lender through US Agent), copies of any US Letter of Credit Issued by such US L/C Issuer and any related US L/C Reimbursement Agreement and such other documents and information as may reasonably be requested by US Agent; and (C) on the first Business Day of each calendar week, a schedule of the US Letters of Credit Issued by such US L/C Issuer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to US Agent, setting forth the US Letter of Credit Obligations for such US Letters of Credit outstanding on the last Business Day of the previous calendar week.

(iv) Acquisition of Participations . Upon any Issuance of a US Letter of Credit in accordance with the terms of this Agreement resulting in any increase in the US Letter of Credit Obligations, each US Lender shall be deemed to have acquired, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such US Letter of Credit and the related US Letter of Credit Obligations in an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of such US Letter of Credit Obligations.

 

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(v) Reimbursement Obligations of the US Borrower . The US Borrower agrees to pay to the US L/C Issuer of any US Letter of Credit each US L/C Reimbursement Obligation owing with respect to such US Letter of Credit no later than the first Business Day after the US Borrower receives notice from such US L/C Issuer that payment has been made under such US Letter of Credit or that such US L/C Reimbursement Obligation is otherwise due (the “US L/C Reimbursement Date”) with interest thereon computed as set forth in clause (A) below. In the event that any US L/C Reimbursement Obligation is not repaid by the US Borrower as provided in this clause (v) (or any such payment by the US Borrower is rescinded or set aside for any reason), such US L/C Issuer shall promptly notify US Agent of such failure (and, upon receipt of such notice, US Agent shall notify each US Lender) and, irrespective of whether such notice is given, such US L/C Reimbursement Obligation shall be payable on demand by the US Borrower with interest thereon computed (A) from the date on which such US L/C Reimbursement Obligation arose to the US L/C Reimbursement Date, at the interest rate applicable during such period to US Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans and (B) thereafter until payment in full, at the interest rate specified in subsection 1.3(c) to past due US Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans (regardless of whether or not an election is made under such subsection).

(vi) Reimbursement Obligations of the US Revolving Credit Lenders .

(1) Upon receipt of the notice described in clause (v) above from US Agent, each US Lender shall pay to US Agent for the account of such US L/C Issuer its Commitment Percentage of such US Letter of Credit Obligations (as such amount may be increased pursuant to subsection 1.11(e)(ii)).

(2) By making any payment described in clause (1) above (other than during the continuation of an Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g)), such US Lender shall be deemed to have made a US Revolving Loan to the US Borrower, which, upon receipt thereof by such US L/C Issuer, the US Borrower shall be deemed to have used in whole to repay such US L/C Reimbursement Obligation. Any such payment that is not deemed a US Revolving Loan shall be deemed a funding by such US Lender of its participation in the applicable US Letter of Credit and the US Letter of Credit Obligation in respect of the related US L/C Reimbursement Obligations. Such participation shall not otherwise be required to be funded. Following receipt by any US L/C Issuer of any payment from any US Lender pursuant to this clause (vi) with respect to any portion of any US L/C Reimbursement Obligation, such US L/C Issuer shall promptly pay over to such US Lender all duplicate payments received from Persons other than Lenders making payment on behalf of a Credit Party by such US L/C Issuer with respect to such portion of such US L/C Reimbursement Obligation.

 

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(vii) Obligations Absolute . The obligations of the US Borrower and the US Lenders pursuant to clauses (iv), (v) and (vi) above shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement irrespective of (A) (i) the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision in any US Letter of Credit, any document transferring or purporting to transfer a US Letter of Credit, any Loan Document (including the sufficiency of any such instrument), or any modification to any provision of any of the foregoing, (ii) any document presented under a US Letter of Credit being forged, fraudulent, invalid, insufficient or inaccurate in any respect or failing to comply with the terms of such US Letter of Credit or (iii) any loss or delay, including in the transmission of any document, (B) the existence of any setoff, claim, abatement, recoupment, defense or other right that any Person (including any Credit Party) may have against the beneficiary of any US Letter of Credit or any other Person, whether in connection with any Loan Document or any other Contractual Obligation or transaction, or the existence of any other withholding, abatement or reduction, (C) in the case of the obligations of any US Lender, (i) the failure of any condition precedent set forth in Section 2.2 to be satisfied (each of which conditions precedent the US Lenders hereby irrevocably waive) or (ii) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of any Credit Party and (D) any other act or omission to act or delay of any kind of either Agent, any Lender or any other Person or any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this clause (vii), constitute a legal or equitable discharge of any obligation of the US Borrower or any US Lender hereunder. No provision hereof shall be deemed to waive or limit the US Borrower’s right to assert claims against, or seek repayment of any payment of any US L/C Reimbursement Obligations from, the US L/C Issuer under the terms of the applicable US L/C Reimbursement Agreement, any other documentation entered into with respect to the relevant Letters of Credit or applicable law.

(d) US Swing Loans . (i)  Availability . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained herein, the US Swingline Lender may, in its sole discretion, make Loans denominated in Dollars (each a “US Swing Loan”) available to the US Borrower under the US Revolving Loan Commitments from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date through the Final Availability Date in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed its US Swingline Commitment; provided, however, that the US Swingline Lender may not make any US Swing Loan (x) to the extent that after giving effect to such US Swing Loan, the aggregate principal amount of all US Revolving Loans would exceed the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance and (y) during the period commencing on the first Business Day after it receives notice from US Agent or the Required Lenders that one or more of the conditions precedent contained in Section 2.2 are not satisfied and ending when such conditions are satisfied or duly waived. In connection with the making of any US Swing Loan, the US Swingline Lender may but shall not be required to determine that, or take notice whether, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 have been satisfied or waived. Each US Swing Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan and must be repaid as provided herein, but in any event must be repaid in full on the Revolving Termination Date. Within the limits set forth in the first sentence of this clause (i), amounts of US Swing Loans repaid may be reborrowed under this clause (i).

 

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(ii) Borrowing Procedures . In order to request a US Swing Loan, the US Borrower shall give to US Agent a notice to be received not later than 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the day of the proposed Borrowing, which shall be made in a writing or in an Electronic Transmission substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(d) or in a writing in any other form reasonably acceptable to the Appropriate Agent duly completed (a “Swingline Request”) or by telephone if confirmed promptly in writing or Electronic Transmission. In addition, if any Notice of Borrowing of US Revolving Loans requests a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, the US Swingline Lender may, notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, make a US Swing Loan to the US Borrower in an aggregate amount not to exceed such proposed Borrowing, and the aggregate amount of the corresponding proposed Borrowing shall be reduced accordingly by the principal amount of such US Swing Loan. US Agent shall promptly notify the US Swingline Lender of the details of the requested US Swing Loan. Upon receipt of such notice and subject to the terms of this Agreement, the US Swingline Lender may make a US Swing Loan available to the US Borrower by making the proceeds thereof available to US Agent and, in turn, US Agent shall make such proceeds available to the US Borrower on the date set forth in the relevant Swingline Request or Notice of Borrowing.

(iii) Refinancing US Swing Loans .

(1) The US Swingline Lender may at any time (and shall no less frequently than once each week) forward a demand to US Agent (which US Agent shall, upon receipt, forward to each US Lender) that each US Lender pay to US Agent, for the account of the US Swingline Lender, such US Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the outstanding US Swing Loans (as such amount may be increased pursuant to subsection 1.11(e)(ii)).

(2) Each US Lender shall pay the amount owing by it to US Agent for the account of the US Swingline Lender on the Business Day following receipt of the notice or demand therefor. Payments received by US Agent after 12:00 noon Chicago time may, in US Agent’s discretion, be deemed to be received on the next Business Day. Upon receipt by US Agent of such payment (other than during the continuation of any Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g)), such US Lender shall be deemed to have made a US Revolving Loan to the US Borrower, which, upon receipt of such payment by the US Swingline Lender from US Agent, the US Borrower shall be deemed to have used in whole to refinance such US Swing Loan. In addition, regardless of whether any such demand is made, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g), each US Lender shall be deemed to have acquired, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in each US Swing Loan in an amount equal to such US Lender’s Commitment Percentage of such US Swing Loan. If any payment made by any US Lender as a result of any such demand is not deemed a US Revolving Loan, such payment shall be deemed a funding by such US Lender of such participation. Such participation shall not be otherwise required to be funded. Upon receipt by the US Swingline Lender of any payment from any US Lender pursuant to this clause (iii) with respect to any portion of any US Swing Loan, the US Swingline Lender

 

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shall promptly pay over to such US Lender all payments of principal (to the extent received after such payment by such US Lender) and interest (to the extent accrued with respect to periods after such payment) on account of such US Swing Loan received by the US Swingline Lender with respect to such portion.

(iv) Obligation to Fund Absolute . Each US Lender’s obligations pursuant to clause (iii) above shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever, including (A) the existence of any setoff, claim, abatement, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender, any Affiliate thereof or any other Person may have against the US Swingline Lender, either Agent, any other Lender or L/C Issuer or any other Person, (B) the failure of any condition precedent set forth in Section 2.2 to be satisfied or the failure of the US Borrower to deliver a Notice of Borrowing (each of which requirements the US Lenders hereby irrevocably waive) and (C) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of any Credit Party.

(e) Canadian Letters of Credit . (i)  Conditions . On the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Canadian Borrower may request that one or more Canadian L/C Issuers Issue, in accordance with such Canadian L/C Issuers’ usual and customary business practices, and for the account of the Canadian Credit Parties, Canadian Letters of Credit (denominated in either Dollars or Canadian Dollars) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date through the earlier of (x) the Final Availability Date and (y) seven (7) days prior to the date specified in clause (a) of the definition of Revolving Termination Date; provided, however, that no Canadian L/C Issuer shall Issue any Canadian Letter of Credit during the continuance of any of the following or, if after giving effect to such Issuance:

(A)(i) US Availability or Canadian Availability would be less than zero, or (ii) the US Dollar Equivalent of all Letter of Credit Obligations for all Letters of Credit would exceed the L/C Sublimit;

(B) the expiration date of such Canadian Letter of Credit (i) is not a Business Day, (ii) is more than one year after the date of issuance thereof or (iii) is later than seven (7) days prior to the date specified in clause (a) of the definition of Revolving Termination Date; provided, however, that any Canadian Letter of Credit with a term not exceeding one year may provide for its renewal for additional periods not exceeding one year as long as (x) each of the Canadian Borrower and such Canadian L/C Issuer have the option to prevent such renewal before the expiration of such term or any such period and (y) neither such Canadian L/C Issuer nor the Canadian Borrower shall permit any such renewal to extend such expiration date beyond the date set forth in clause (iii) above; or

(C)(i) any fee due in connection with, and on or prior to, such Issuance has not been paid, (ii) such Canadian Letter of Credit is requested to be issued in a form that is not acceptable to such Canadian L/C Issuer or (iii) such Canadian L/C Issuer shall not have received, each in form and substance

 

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reasonably acceptable to it and duly executed by the Canadian Borrower, the documents that such Canadian L/C Issuer generally uses in the Ordinary Course of Business for the Issuance of letters of credit of the type of such Canadian Letter of Credit (collectively, the “Canadian L/C Reimbursement Agreement”).

Furthermore, GE Canada as a Canadian L/C Issuer may elect only to issue Canadian Letters of Credit in its own name and may only issue Canadian Letters of Credit to the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, and such Canadian Letters of Credit may not be accepted by certain beneficiaries such as insurance companies. For each Issuance, the applicable Canadian L/C Issuer may, but shall not be required to, determine that, or take notice whether, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 have been satisfied or waived in connection with the Issuance of any Canadian Letter of Credit; provided, however, that no Canadian Letters of Credit shall be Issued during the period starting on the first Business Day after the receipt by such Canadian L/C Issuer of notice from Canadian Agent or the Required Lenders that any condition precedent contained in Section 2.2 is not satisfied and ending on the date all such conditions are satisfied or duly waived.

Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, if any Canadian Lender is a Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender, no Canadian L/C Issuer shall be obligated to Issue any Canadian Letter of Credit unless (w) the Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender has been replaced in accordance with Section 9.9 or 9.22, (x) the Letter of Credit Obligations of such Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender have been cash collateralized, (y) the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments of the other Canadian Lenders have been increased by an amount sufficient to satisfy Canadian Agent that all future Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations will be covered by all Canadian Lenders that are not Non-Funding Lenders or Impacted Lenders, or (z) the Letter of Credit Obligations of such Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender have been reallocated to other Lenders in a manner consistent with subsection 1.11(e)(ii).

(ii) Notice of Issuance . The Canadian Borrower shall give the relevant Canadian L/C Issuer and Canadian Agent a notice of any requested Issuance of any Canadian Letter of Credit, which shall be effective only if received by such Canadian L/C Issuer and Canadian Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of such requested Issuance. Such notice shall be made in a writing or Electronic Transmission substantially in the form of an L/C Request or by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing or Electronic Transmission.

(iii) Reporting Obligations of Canadian L/C Issuers . Each Canadian L/C Issuer agrees to provide Canadian Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to Canadian Agent, each of the following on the following dates: (A) (i) on or prior to any Issuance of any Canadian Letter of Credit by such Canadian L/C Issuer, (ii) immediately after any drawing under any such Canadian Letter of Credit or (iii) immediately after any payment (or failure to pay when due) by the Canadian Borrower of any related Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation, notice thereof, which shall contain a reasonably detailed description of such Issuance, drawing or payment and Canadian Agent shall provide copies of such notices to each Canadian Lender reasonably promptly after receipt thereof; (B)

 

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upon the request of Canadian Agent (or any Canadian Lender through Canadian Agent), copies of any Canadian Letter of Credit Issued by such Canadian L/C Issuer and any related Canadian L/C Reimbursement Agreement and such other documents and information as may reasonably be requested by Canadian Agent; and (C) on the first Business Day of each calendar week, a schedule of the Canadian Letters of Credit Issued by such Canadian L/C Issuer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Canadian Agent, setting forth the Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations for such Canadian Letters of Credit outstanding on the last Business Day of the previous calendar week and including the currency in which each such Canadian Letter of Credit is denominated.

(iv) Acquisition of Participations . Upon any Issuance of a Canadian Letter of Credit in accordance with the terms of this Agreement resulting in any increase in the Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations, each Canadian Lender shall be deemed to have acquired, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Canadian Letter of Credit and the related Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations in an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of such Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations.

(v) Reimbursement Obligations of the Canadian Borrower . The Canadian Borrower agrees to pay to the Canadian L/C Issuer of any Canadian Letter of Credit each Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation owing with respect to such Canadian Letter of Credit, in the currency in which such Canadian Letter of Credit is denominated, no later than the first Business Day after the Canadian Borrower receives notice from such Canadian L/C Issuer that payment has been made under such Canadian Letter of Credit or that such Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation is otherwise due (the “Canadian L/C Reimbursement Date”) with interest thereon computed as set forth in clause (A) below. In the event that any Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation is not repaid by the Canadian Borrower as provided in this clause (v) (or any such payment by the Canadian Borrower is rescinded or set aside for any reason), such Canadian L/C Issuer shall promptly notify Canadian Agent of such failure (and, upon receipt of such notice, Canadian Agent shall notify each Canadian Lender) and, irrespective of whether such notice is given, such Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation shall be payable on demand by the Canadian Borrower with interest thereon computed (A) from the date on which such Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation arose to the Canadian L/C Reimbursement Date, at the interest rate applicable during such period to Canadian Revolving Loans that are Canadian Prime Rate Loans and (B) thereafter until payment in full, at the interest rate specified in subsection 1.3(c) to past due (y) Canadian Revolving Loans that are Canadian Prime Rate Loans, for Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations denominated in Canadian Dollars and (z) Canadian Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, for Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations denominated in Dollars (in either case, regardless of whether or not an election is made under such subsection).

 

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(vi) Reimbursement Obligations of the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders .

(1) Upon receipt of the notice described in clause (v) above from Canadian Agent, each Canadian Lender shall pay to Canadian Agent for the account of such Canadian L/C Issuer its Commitment Percentage of such Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations (as such amount may be increased pursuant to subsection 1.11(e)(ii)) in the currency in which such Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations are denominated.

(2) By making any payment described in clause (1) above (other than during the continuation of an Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g)), such Canadian Lender shall be deemed to have made a Canadian Revolving Loan to the Canadian Borrower, in the currency in which the applicable Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation is denominated, which, upon receipt thereof by such Canadian L/C Issuer, the Canadian Borrower shall be deemed to have used in whole to repay such Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation. Any such payment that is not deemed a Canadian Revolving Loan shall be deemed a funding by such Canadian Lender of its participation in the applicable Canadian Letter of Credit and the Canadian Letter of Credit Obligation in respect of the related Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations. Such participation shall not otherwise be required to be funded. Following receipt by any Canadian L/C Issuer of any payment from any Canadian Lender pursuant to this clause (vi) with respect to any portion of any Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation, such Canadian L/C Issuer shall promptly pay over to such Canadian Lender all duplicate payments received from Persons other than Lenders making payment on behalf of a Credit Party by such Canadian L/C Issuer with respect to such portion of such Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation.

(vii) Obligations Absolute . The obligations of the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Lenders pursuant to clauses (iv), (v) and (vi) above shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement irrespective of (A) (i) the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision in any Canadian Letter of Credit, any document transferring or purporting to transfer a Canadian Letter of Credit, any Loan Document (including the sufficiency of any such instrument), or any modification to any provision of any of the foregoing, (ii) any document presented under a Canadian Letter of Credit being forged, fraudulent, invalid, insufficient or inaccurate in any respect or failing to comply with the terms of such Canadian Letter of Credit or (iii) any loss or delay, including in the transmission of any document, (B) the existence of any setoff, claim, abatement, recoupment, defense or other right that any Person (including any Credit Party) may have against the beneficiary of any Canadian Letter of Credit or any other Person, whether in connection with any Loan Document or any other Contractual Obligation or transaction, or the existence of any other withholding, abatement or reduction, (C) in the case of the obligations of any Canadian Lender, (i) the failure of any condition precedent set forth in Section 2.2 to be satisfied (each of which conditions precedent the Canadian Lenders hereby irrevocably waive), (ii) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of any Credit Party or (iii) the currency in which the applicable Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation and the related Canadian Revolving Loan are denominated, and (D)

 

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any other act or omission to act or delay of any kind of either Agent, any Lender or any other Person or any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this clause (vii), constitute a legal or equitable discharge of any obligation of the Canadian Borrower or any Canadian Lender hereunder. No provision hereof shall be deemed to waive or limit the Canadian Borrower’s right to assert claims, or seek repayment of any payment of any Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations from, the Canadian L/C Issuer under the terms of the applicable Canadian L/C Reimbursement Agreement, any other documentation entered into with respect to the relevant Letters of Credit or applicable law.

(f) Canadian Swing Loans . (i)  Availability . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained herein, the Canadian Swingline Lender may, in its sole discretion, make Loans denominated in Dollars or Canadian Dollars (each a “Canadian Swing Loan”) available to the Canadian Borrower under the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date through the Final Availability Date in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed its Canadian Swingline Commitment; provided, however, that the Canadian Swingline Lender may not make any Canadian Swing Loan (x) to the extent that after giving effect to such Canadian Swing Loan, the aggregate principal amount of the US Dollar Equivalent of all Canadian Revolving Loans would exceed the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance and (y) during the period commencing on the first Business Day after it receives notice from Canadian Agent or the Required Lenders that one or more of the conditions precedent contained in Section 2.2 are not satisfied and ending when such conditions are satisfied or duly waived. In connection with the making of any Canadian Swing Loan, the Canadian Swingline Lender may but shall not be required to determine that, or take notice whether, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.2 have been satisfied or waived. Each Canadian Swing Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan for Canadian Swing Loans denominated in Dollars and a Canadian Prime Rate Loan for Canadian Swing Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars and must, in either case, be repaid as provided herein, but in any event must be repaid in full on the Revolving Termination Date. Within the limits set forth in the first sentence of this clause (i), amounts of Canadian Swing Loans repaid may be reborrowed under this clause (i).

(ii) Borrowing Procedures . In order to request a Canadian Swing Loan, the Canadian Borrower shall give to Canadian Agent a notice to be received not later than 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the day of the proposed Borrowing, which shall be made in a Swingline Request or by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing or Electronic Transmission. In addition, if any Notice of Borrowing of Canadian Revolving Loans requests a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, the Canadian Swingline Lender may, notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, make a Canadian Swing Loan, in the applicable currency, to the Canadian Borrower in an aggregate amount not to exceed such proposed Borrowing, and the aggregate amount of the corresponding proposed Borrowing shall be reduced accordingly by the principal amount of such Canadian Swing Loan. Canadian Agent shall promptly notify the Canadian Swingline Lender of the details of the requested Canadian Swing Loan,

 

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including the currency in which such Loan is denominated. Upon receipt of such notice and subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Canadian Swingline Lender may make a Canadian Swing Loan, in the applicable currency, available to the Canadian Borrower by making the proceeds thereof available to Canadian Agent and, in turn, Canadian Agent shall make such proceeds available to the Canadian Borrower, in the applicable currency, on the date set forth in the relevant Swingline Request or Notice of Borrowing.

(iii) Refinancing Canadian Swing Loans .

(1) The Canadian Swingline Lender may at any time (and shall no less frequently than once each week) forward a demand to Canadian Agent (which Canadian Agent shall, upon receipt, forward to each Canadian Lender) that each Canadian Lender pay to Canadian Agent, for the account of the Canadian Swingline Lender, such Canadian Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the outstanding Canadian Swing Loans (as such amount may be increased pursuant to subsection 1.11(e)(ii)).

(2) Each Canadian Lender shall pay the amount owing by it to Canadian Agent for the account of the Canadian Swingline Lender on the Business Day following receipt of the notice or demand therefor. Payments received by Canadian Agent after 12:00 noon Chicago time may, in Canadian Agent’s discretion, be deemed to be received on the next Business Day. Upon receipt by Canadian Agent of such payment (other than during the continuation of any Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g)), such Canadian Lender shall be deemed to have made a Canadian Revolving Loan (denominated in the same currency as the applicable Canadian Swing Loan) to the Canadian Borrower, which, upon receipt of such payment by the Canadian Swingline Lender from Canadian Agent, the Canadian Borrower shall be deemed to have used in whole to refinance such Canadian Swing Loan. In addition, regardless of whether any such demand is made, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g), each Canadian Lender shall be deemed to have acquired, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in each Canadian Swing Loan in an amount equal to such Canadian Lender’s Commitment Percentage of such Canadian Swing Loan. If any payment made by any Canadian Lender as a result of any such demand is not deemed a Canadian Revolving Loan, such payment shall be deemed a funding by such Canadian Lender of such participation. Such participation shall not be otherwise required to be funded. Upon receipt by the Canadian Swingline Lender of any payment from any Canadian Lender pursuant to this clause (iii) with respect to any portion of any Canadian Swing Loan, the Canadian Swingline Lender shall promptly pay over to such Canadian Lender all payments of principal (to the extent received after such payment by such Lender) and interest (to the extent accrued with respect to periods after such payment) on account of such Canadian Swing Loan received by the Canadian Swingline Lender with respect to such portion and in the currency in which such payment was received.

(iv) Obligation to Fund Absolute . Each Canadian Lender’s obligations pursuant to clause (iii) above shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under

 

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any and all circumstances whatsoever, including (A) the existence of any setoff, claim, abatement, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender, any Affiliate thereof or any other Person may have against the Canadian Swingline Lender, either Agent, any other Lender or L/C Issuer or any other Person, (B) the failure of any condition precedent set forth in Section 2.2 to be satisfied or the failure of the Canadian Borrower to deliver a Notice of Borrowing (each of which requirements the Canadian Lenders hereby irrevocably waive) and (C) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of any Credit Party.

1.2 Notes .

(a) The US Revolving Loans made by each US Lender shall be evidenced by this Agreement and, if requested by such Lender, a Revolving Note payable to such Lender in an amount equal to such Lender’s US Revolving Loan Commitment.

(b) The Canadian Revolving Loans made by each Canadian Lender shall be evidenced by this Agreement and, if requested by such Lender, a Revolving Note payable to such Lender in an amount equal to such Lender’s Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment.

(c) US Swing Loans made by the US Swingline Lender shall be evidenced by this Agreement and, if requested by such Lender, a US Swingline Note payable to such Lender in an amount equal to the US Swingline Commitment.

(d) Canadian Swing Loans made by the Canadian Swingline Lender shall be evidenced by this Agreement and, if requested by such Lender, a Canadian Swingline Note payable to such Lender in an amount equal to the Canadian Swingline Commitment.

1.3 Interest .

(a) Subject to subsections 1.3(c) and 1.3(d), each Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the date when made at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR, the Base Rate, the BA Rate or Canadian Prime Rate, as the case may be, plus the Applicable Margin; provided Swing Loans may not be BA Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans; provided, for purposes of clarity, CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans shall bear interest at the BA Rate or Canadian Prime Rate, as applicable, plus the appropriate Applicable Margin and Dollar Denominated Canadian Loans shall bear interest at the Base Rate or LIBOR, as applicable, plus the appropriate Applicable Margin. Each determination of an interest rate by the Appropriate Agent shall be conclusive and binding on Borrowers and the Lenders in the absence of manifest error. All computations of fees and interest (other than interest on Base Rate Loans and CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans) payable under this Agreement shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed. All computations of interest on Base Rate Loans and CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans payable under this Agreement shall be made on the basis of a 365-366 day year and actual days elapsed. Interest and fees shall accrue during each period during which interest or such fees are computed from the first day thereof to, but excluding, the last day thereof.

 

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(b) Interest on each Loan shall be paid in arrears on each Interest Payment Date. Interest shall also be paid on the date of any payment or prepayment of Loans in full.

(c) At the election of Required US Lenders with respect to US Loans or the Required Canadian Lenders with respect to Canadian Loans (with written notice thereof to be provided to the applicable Borrower) while any Specified Event of Default exists and is continuing (or automatically while any Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g) exists), the applicable Borrower (subject to the Interest Act (Canada)) shall pay interest (after as well as before entry of judgment thereon to the extent permitted by law) on the US Loans and/or Canadian Loans, as applicable, from and after the date of such written notice (or automatically from and after the date of an Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g) until such Specified Event of Default shall have been cured or waived in accordance with the terms of this Agreement), at a rate per annum which is determined by adding two percent (2.0%) per annum to the Applicable Margin then in effect for such Loans (plus the LIBOR, Base Rate, BA Rate or Canadian Prime Rate, as the case may be). All such interest shall be payable on written demand of the Required US Lenders or Required Canadian Lenders, as applicable.

(d)(i) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of each Borrower hereunder shall be subject to the limitation that payments of interest shall not be required, for any period for which interest is computed hereunder, to the extent (but only to the extent) that contracting for or receiving such payment by the respective Lender would be contrary to the provisions of any law applicable to such Lender limiting the highest rate of interest which may be lawfully contracted for, charged or received by such Lender, and in such event such Borrower shall pay such Lender interest at the highest rate permitted by applicable law (“Maximum Lawful Rate”); provided , however , that if at any time thereafter the rate of interest payable hereunder is less than the Maximum Lawful Rate, such Borrower shall continue to pay interest hereunder at the Maximum Lawful Rate until such time as the total interest received by the Appropriate Agent, on behalf of the applicable Lenders, is equal to the total interest that would have been received had the interest payable hereunder been (but for the operation of this paragraph) the interest rate payable since the Closing Date as otherwise provided in this Agreement.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of clause (i) above, if any provision of this Agreement or of any of the other Loan Documents would obligate Canadian Borrower or any other Credit Party to make any payment of interest or other amount payable to any Canadian Lender in an amount or calculated at a rate which would be prohibited by law or would result in a receipt by such Canadian Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate” (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)) then, notwithstanding such provisions, such amount or rate shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by law or so result in a receipt by such Canadian Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate,” such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary, as follows: (1) firstly, by reducing the amount or rate of interest required to be paid to such Lender under this section 1.3(d), and (2) thereafter, by reducing any fees, commissions, premiums and other amounts required to be paid to such Canadian Lender which would constitute “interest” for purposes of Section 347 of the

 

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Criminal Code (Canada). Any amount or rate of interest referred to in this subsection 1.3(d) shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices and principles as an effective annual rate of interest over the term that the applicable Loan remains outstanding on the assumption that any charges, fees or expenses that fall within the meaning of “interest” (as defined in the Criminal Code (Canada)) shall, if they relate to a specific period of time, be pro-rated over that period of time and otherwise be pro-rated over the period from the Closing Date to the Revolving Termination Date and, in the event of a dispute, a certificate of a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries appointed by Canadian Agent shall be conclusive for the purposes of such determination.

(iii) For purposes of disclosure pursuant to the Interest Act (Canada), the annual rates of interest or fees to which the rates of interest or fees provided in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (and stated herein or therein, as applicable, to be computed on the basis of a 360 or 365 day year or any other period of time less than a calendar year) are equivalent are the rates so determined multiplied by the actual number of days in the applicable calendar year and divided by 360 or 365 or such other period of time, as the case may be.

1.4 Loan Accounts .

(a) The Appropriate Agent, on behalf of the applicable Lenders, shall record on its books and records the amount of each Loan made, the interest rate applicable, all payments of principal and interest thereon and the principal balance thereof from time to time outstanding. The Appropriate Agent shall deliver to the applicable Borrower on a monthly basis a loan statement setting forth such record for the immediately preceding calendar month. Such record shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount of the Loans made by the Lenders to the Borrowers and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so, or any failure to deliver such loan statement shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder (and under any Note) to pay any amount owing with respect to the Loans or provide the basis for any claim against Agents.

(b) US Agent, acting as a non-fiduciary agent of the US Borrower solely for tax purposes and solely with respect to the actions described in this subsection 1.4(b), shall establish and maintain at its address referred to in Section 9.2 (or at such other address as US Agent may give written notice to the US Borrower) (A) a record of ownership (the “Register”) in which US Agent agrees to register by book entry the interests (including any rights to receive payment hereunder) of US Agent, each Lender and each US L/C Issuer in the US Revolving Loans, US Swing Loans, US L/C Reimbursement Obligations and US Letter of Credit Obligations, each of their obligations under this Agreement to participate in each US Loan, US Letter of Credit, US Letter of Credit Obligations and US L/C Reimbursement Obligations, and any assignment of any such interest, obligation or right and (B) accounts in the Register in accordance with its usual practice in which it shall record (1) the names and addresses of the US Lenders and the US L/C Issuers (and each change thereto pursuant to Sections 9.9 and 9.22), (2) the Commitments of each US Lender, (3) the amount of each US Loan (and whether it is a Base Rate or a LIBOR Rate Loan) and each funding of any participation described in clause (A) above, and for LIBOR Rate Loans, the Interest Period applicable thereto, (4) the amount of any

 

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principal or interest due and payable or paid, (5) the amount of the US L/C Reimbursement Obligations due and payable or paid in respect of US Letters of Credit and (6) any other payment received by US Agent from US Borrower and its application to the Obligations.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the US Loans (including any Notes evidencing such Loans and, the corresponding obligations to participate in US Letter of Credit Obligations and US Swing Loans) and the US L/C Reimbursement Obligations are registered obligations, the right, title and interest of the US Lenders and the US L/C Issuers and their assignees in and to such US Loans or US L/C Reimbursement Obligations, as the case may be, shall be transferable only pursuant to the terms of this Agreement only upon notation of such transfer in the Register and no assignment thereof shall be effective until recorded therein. This Section 1.4 and Section 9.9 shall be construed so that the US Loans and US L/C Reimbursement Obligations are at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code.

(d) The Credit Parties, US Agent, the US Lenders and the US L/C Issuers shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a US Lender or US L/C Issuer, as applicable, for all purposes of this Agreement. Information contained in the Register with respect to any US Lender or any US L/C Issuer shall be available for access by the US Borrower, US Agent, such US Lender or such US L/C Issuer during normal business hours and from time to time upon at least one Business Day’s prior notice. No US Lender or US L/C Issuer shall, in such capacity, have access to or be otherwise permitted to review any information in the Register other than information with respect to such US Lender or US L/C Issuer unless otherwise agreed by the US Agent.

1.5 Procedure for Revolving Credit Borrowing .

(a)(i) Each Borrowing of a US Revolving Loan shall be made upon the US Borrower’s irrevocable (subject to Section 10.5) written notice delivered to US Agent substantially in the form of a Notice of Borrowing or in a writing in any other form reasonably acceptable to US Agent, which notice must be received by US Agent prior to 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) (1) on the date which is one (1) Business Day prior to the requested Borrowing date of each Base Rate Loan, and (2) on the date which is three (3) Business Days prior to the requested Borrowing date in each case of each LIBOR Rate Loan. Such Notice of Borrowing shall specify:

(w) the amount of the Borrowing (which shall be in an aggregate minimum principal amount of $100,000);

(x) the requested Borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day;

(y) whether the Borrowing is to be comprised of LIBOR Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans; and

(z) if the Borrowing is to be LIBOR Rate Loans, the Interest Period applicable to such Loans.

 

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(ii) Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, US Agent will promptly notify each US Lender of such Notice of Borrowing and of the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Borrowing.

(iii) Unless US Agent is otherwise directed in writing by the US Borrower, the proceeds of each requested Borrowing after the Closing Date will be made available to the US Borrower by US Agent by wire transfer of such amount to the US Borrower pursuant to the wire transfer instructions specified on the signature page hereto, as such wire instructions may be updated from time to time by written notice from such Borrower to such Agent and acknowledged by such Agent.

(b)(i) Each Borrowing of a Canadian Revolving Loan shall be made upon the Canadian Borrower’s irrevocable (subject to Section 10.5) written notice delivered to Canadian Agent substantially in the form of a Notice of Borrowing or in a writing in any other form reasonably acceptable to Canadian Agent, which notice must be received by Canadian Agent prior to 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) (1) on the date which is one (1) Business Day prior to the requested Borrowing date of each Canadian Prime Rate Loan, and (2) on the date which is three (3) Business Days prior to the requested Borrowing date in the case of each BA Rate Loan. Such Notice of Borrowing shall specify:

(v) the amount of the Borrowing (which shall be in an aggregate minimum principal amount of $100,000 or CDN $100,000, as applicable);

(x) the requested Borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day;

(x) whether the Borrowing is to be comprised of BA Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, in the case of CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans, in the case of Dollar Denominated Canadian Loans;

(y) whether the Borrowing is to be denominated in Dollars or Canadian Dollars; and

(z) if the Borrowing is to be (A) BA Rate Loans, the BA Period applicable to such Loans or (B) LIBOR Rate Loans, the Interest Period applicable to such Loans.

(ii) Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, Canadian Agent will promptly notify each Canadian Lender of such Notice of Borrowing and of the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Borrowing.

(iii) Unless Canadian Agent is otherwise directed in writing by the Canadian Borrower, the proceeds of each requested Borrowing after the Closing Date will be made available to the Canadian Borrower by Canadian Agent by wire transfer of such amount to the Canadian Borrower pursuant to the wire transfer instructions specified on the signature page hereto, as such wire instructions may be updated from time to time by written notice from such Borrower to such Agent and acknowledged by such Agent.

 

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1.6 Conversion and Continuation Elections .

(a)(i) The US Borrower shall have the option to (w) request that any US Revolving Loan be made as a LIBOR Rate Loan, (x) convert at any time all or any part of outstanding US Revolving Loans (other than US Swing Loans) from Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Rate Loans, (y) convert any LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan, subject to Section 10.4 if such conversion is made prior to the expiration of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (z) continue all or any portion of any US Revolving Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan upon the expiration of the applicable Interest Period. Any Loan or group of Loans having the same proposed Interest Period to be made or continued as, or converted into, a LIBOR Rate Loan must be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000. Any such election must be made by the US Borrower by 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the 3rd Business Day prior to (1) the date of any proposed US Revolving Loan which is to bear interest at LIBOR, (2) the end of each Interest Period with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loans to be continued as such, or (3) the date on which the US Borrower wishes to convert any Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan for an Interest Period designated by the US Borrower in such election. If no election is received with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan by 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the 3rd Business Day prior to the end of the Interest Period with respect thereto, that LIBOR Rate Loan shall be converted to a Base Rate Loan at the end of its Interest Period. The US Borrower must make such election by notice to US Agent in writing, including by Electronic Transmission (or by telephone, to be confirmed in writing or Electronic Transmission on such day). In the case of any conversion or continuation, such election must be made pursuant to a written notice (a “Notice of Conversion/Continuation”) substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.6 or in a writing in any other form reasonably acceptable to the Appropriate Agent. No Loan shall be made, converted into or continued as a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period longer than one month, if a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and Required US Lenders have provided notice to the US Borrower (directly or by or through the US Agent) indicating that the Required US Lenders have determined not to make or continue any Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan as a result thereof.

(ii) Upon receipt of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, US Agent will promptly notify each US Lender thereof. In addition, US Agent will, with reasonable promptness, notify the US Borrower and the US Lenders of each determination of LIBOR; provided that any failure to do so shall not relieve the US Borrower of any liability hereunder or provide the basis for any claim against US Agent. All conversions and continuations shall be made pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the US Revolving Loans held by each US Lender with respect to which the notice was given.

(iii) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, after giving effect to any Borrowing, or to any continuation or conversion of any Loans, there shall not be more than seven (7) different Interest Periods in effect at any one time.

(b)(i) The Canadian Borrower shall have the option to (w) request that any CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loan be made as a BA Rate Loan and any Dollar Denominated Canadian Loan be made as a LIBOR Rate Loan, (x) convert at any time all or any part of outstanding CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans (other than Canadian Swing Loans) from Canadian Prime Rate Loans to BA Rate Loans and any Dollar Denominated Canadian Loans

 

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(other than Canadian Swing Loans) from Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Rate Loans, (y) convert any BA Rate Loan to a Canadian Prime Rate Loan and any LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan, subject to Section 10.4 if such conversion is made prior to the expiration of the BA Period or Interest Period applicable thereto, or (z) continue all or any portion of any CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loan as a BA Rate Loan upon the expiration of the applicable BA Period and any Dollar Denominated Canadian Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan upon the expiration of the applicable Interest Period. Any Loan or group of Loans having the same proposed BA Period or Interest Period, as applicable, to be made or continued as, or converted into, a BA Rate Loan or LIBOR Rate Loan, as applicable, must, in each instance, be in a minimum amount of CDN $1,000,000 for CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans and $1,000,000 for Dollar Denominated Canadian Loans. Any such election must be made by the Canadian Borrower by 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the 3rd Business Day prior to (1) the date of any proposed Canadian Revolving Loan which is to bear interest at BA Rate or LIBOR, (2) the end of each BA Period or Interest Period with respect to any BA Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans, as applicable, to be continued as such, or (3) the date on which the Canadian Borrower wishes to convert any Canadian Prime Rate Loans to a BA Rate Loan for an BA Period designated by the Canadian Borrower in such election or any Base Rate Loans to a LIBOR Rate Loan for an Interest Period designated by the Canadian Borrower in such election. If no election is received with respect to a BA Rate Loan by 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the 3rd Business Day prior to the end of the respective BA Period or Interest Period, as applicable, that BA Rate Loan or LIBOR Rate Loan shall be converted to a Canadian Prime Rate Loan or Base Rate Loan, as applicable, at the end of its BA Period or Interest Period, as applicable. The Canadian Borrower must make such election by notice to Canadian Agent in writing, including by Electronic Transmission. In the case of any conversion or continuation, such election must be made pursuant to a Notice of Conversion/Continuation. No Loan shall be made, converted into or continued as a BA Rate Loan with an BA Period or a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period, in either case, longer than one month, if a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and Required Canadian Lenders have provided notice to the Canadian Borrower (directly or by or through the Canadian Agent) indicating that the Required Canadian Lenders have determined not to make or continue any Loan as a BA Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate Loan, as applicable, as a result thereof.

(ii) Upon receipt of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, Canadian Agent will promptly notify each Canadian Lender thereof. In addition, Canadian Agent will, with reasonable promptness, notify the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Lenders of each determination of the BA Rate or LIBOR, as applicable; provided that any failure to do so shall not relieve the Canadian Borrower of any liability hereunder or provide the basis for any claim against Canadian Agent. All conversions and continuations shall be made pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Canadian Revolving Loans held by each Canadian Lender with respect to which the notice was given.

(iii) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, after giving effect to any Borrowing, or to any continuation or conversion of any Loans, there shall not be more than seven (7) different BA Periods or Interest Periods, in aggregate, in effect at any one time.

1.7 Optional Prepayments . The Borrowers may prepay the Loans in whole or in part, in each instance, without penalty or premium except as provided in Section 10.4; provided, all prepayments of Canadian Revolving Loans shall be in the currency in which the applicable Canadian Revolving Loan is denominated.

 

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1.8 Mandatory Prepayments of Loans and Commitment Reductions .

(a) Reserved .

(b) Revolving Loan . (i) The US Borrower shall repay to the US Lenders in full on the date specified in clause (a) of the definition of “Revolving Termination Date” the aggregate principal amount of the US Revolving Loans and US Swing Loans outstanding on the Revolving Termination Date.

(ii) The Canadian Borrower shall repay to the Canadian Lenders in full on the date specified in clause (a) of the definition of “Revolving Termination Date” the aggregate principal amount of the Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Swing Loans outstanding on the Revolving Termination Date.

(c) Asset Dispositions . Subject to subsection 1.8(e), if a Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party shall at any time or from time to time:

(i) make or agree to make a Disposition; or

(ii) suffer an Event of Loss;

and the aggregate amount of the Net Proceeds received by the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries in connection with such Disposition or Event of Loss and all other Dispositions and Events of Loss occurring during the Fiscal Year exceeds the US Dollar Equivalent of $2,000,000, then (A) Holdings shall promptly notify the Agents of such proposed Disposition or Event of Loss (including the amount of the estimated Net Proceeds to be received by a Credit Party and/or such Subsidiary in respect thereof) and (B) promptly upon receipt by a Credit Party and/or such Subsidiary of the Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Event of Loss, such Credit Party shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, such excess Net Proceeds to the Appropriate Agent for distribution to the applicable Lenders as a prepayment of the Loans, which prepayment shall be applied in accordance with subsection 1.8(e) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing and provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing but subject to the last sentence of this subsection, such prepayment shall not be required to the extent a Credit Party or such Subsidiary reinvests the Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Event of Loss to reinvest in productive or replacement assets (other than Inventory, except to the extent of Inventory damaged or destroyed in an Event of Loss) of a kind then used or usable in the business of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary, within two hundred seventy (270) days after the date of such Disposition or Event of Loss or enters into a binding commitment thereof within said two hundred seventy (270) day period and subsequently makes such reinvestment; provided that Holdings notifies the Appropriate Agent of such Credit Party’s or such Subsidiary’s intent to reinvest and of the completion of such reinvestment at the time such proceeds are received and when such reinvestment occurs, respectively. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if as a result of any sale, assignment, disposition or other transfer by any Credit Party of any Property or if as a result of an Event of Loss, the outstanding principal balance of US

 

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Revolving Loans exceeds the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance and/or the US Dollar Equivalent of the outstanding principal balance of Canadian Revolving Loans exceeds the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance, Borrowers shall immediately pay or cause to be paid outstanding Loans in an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess.

(d) Issuance of Securities . Promptly upon the receipt by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party of the Net Issuance Proceeds of the issuance of Stock or Stock Equivalents (including any capital contribution) or incurrence of Indebtedness or issuance of debt securities (other than Net Issuance Proceeds from the issuance of (i) debt securities in respect of Indebtedness permitted hereunder, and (ii) Excluded Equity Issuances), Holdings shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Appropriate Agent an amount equal to such Net Issuance Proceeds, for application to the Loans in accordance with subsection 1.8(e).

(e) Application of Prepayments . (i) Provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and, subject to the provisions of the last sentence of subsection 1.8(c), no prepayments shall be required to be made pursuant to subsections 1.8(c) or (d) if the Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements and a Compliance Certificate have been delivered, is less than 3.50 to 1.00.

(ii) Subject to subsection 1.10(c), any prepayments pursuant to subsection 1.8(c) or 1.8(d) by a US Credit Party or a Subsidiary of a US Credit Party (other than Canadian Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof) shall be applied first to prepay outstanding US Swing Loans, second to prepay outstanding US Revolving Loans, third to prepay outstanding Canadian Swing Loans and fourth to prepay outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans. Any prepayments pursuant to subsection 1.8(c) or 1.8(d) by a Canadian Credit Party (other than Holdings, US Borrower or any Subsidiary of US Borrower) shall be applied first to prepay outstanding Canadian Swing Loans and second to prepay outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans.

(iii) Amounts prepaid shall be applied first to any Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable, then outstanding and then to outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans with the shortest Interest Periods or BA Loans with the shortest BA Periods remaining, as applicable. Together with each prepayment under this Section 1.8, the Applicable Borrower shall pay any amounts required pursuant to Section 10.4 hereof. Prepayments of Canadian Revolving Loans shall be made in the currency in which the applicable Canadian Revolving Loan is denominated.

(f) No Implied Consent . Provisions contained in this Section 1.8 for the application of proceeds of certain transactions shall not be deemed to constitute consent of the Lenders to transactions that are not otherwise permitted by the terms hereof or the other Loan Documents.

 

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1.9 Fees .

(a) Fees . The US Borrower shall pay to US Agent, for US Agent’s own account, fees in the amounts and at the times set forth in a letter agreement between the US Borrower and US Agent dated of even date herewith (as amended from time to time, the “Fee Letter”).

(b) Unused Commitment Fee . The US Borrower shall pay to US Agent a fee (the “Unused Commitment Fee”) for the account of each Lender in an amount equal to

(x) the average daily balance of the US Revolving Loan Commitment of such US Lender during the preceding calendar month, less

(y) the sum of (1) the average daily balance of all outstanding US Revolving Loans held by such US Lender, plus without duplication, (2) the average daily amount of US Letter of Credit Obligations held by such US Lender, plus (3) in the case of the US Swing Line Lender, the average daily balance of all outstanding US Swing Loans held by such US Swing Line Lender, plus (iv) the US Dollar Equivalent of the average daily balance of outstanding Canadian Revolving Loans, Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations held by such Lender and its Affiliates and Approved Funds and, in the case of Canadian Swing Line Lender, Canadian Swing Loans, in each case, during the preceding calendar month; provided, in no event shall the amount computed pursuant to clauses (x) and (y) with respect to the a Swing Line Lender be less than zero,

(z) multiplied by three quarters of one percent (0.75%) per annum.

The total fee paid by the US Borrower will be equal to the sum of all of the fees due to the Lenders, subject to subsection 1.11(e)(vi). Such fee shall be payable monthly in arrears on the first day of the calendar month following the date hereof and the first day of each calendar month thereafter. The Unused Commitment Fee provided in this subsection 1.9(b) shall accrue at all times from and after the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

(c) Letter of Credit Fees . (i) The US Borrower agrees to pay to US Agent for the ratable benefit of the US Lenders, as compensation to such Lenders for US Letter of Credit Obligations incurred hereunder, (i) without duplication of costs and expenses otherwise payable to US Agent or US Lenders hereunder or fees otherwise paid by the US Borrower, all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by US Agent or any US Lender on account of such US Letter of Credit Obligations, and (ii) for each calendar month during which any US Letter of Credit Obligation shall remain outstanding, a fee (the “US Letter of Credit Fee”) in an amount equal to the product of the average daily undrawn face amount of all US Letters of Credit issued, guaranteed or supported by risk participation agreements multiplied by a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin with respect to US Revolving Loans which are LIBOR Rate Loans; provided, however, at Required US Lenders’ option, while a Specified Event of Default exists (or automatically while an Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g) exists), such rate shall be increased by two percent (2.00%) per annum. Such fee shall be paid to US Agent for the benefit of the US Lenders in arrears, on the first day of each calendar month and on the date on which all US L/C Reimbursement Obligations have been discharged. In addition, the US

 

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Borrower shall pay to US Agent, any US L/C Issuer or any prospective US L/C Issuer, as appropriate, on demand, such US L/C Issuer’s or prospective US L/C Issuer’s customary fees at then prevailing rates, without duplication of fees otherwise payable hereunder (including all per annum fees), charges and expenses of such US L/C Issuer or prospective US L/C Issuer in respect of the application for, and the issuance, negotiation, acceptance, amendment, transfer and payment of, each US Letter of Credit or otherwise payable pursuant to the application and related documentation under which such US Letter of Credit is issued.

(ii) The Canadian Borrower agrees to pay to Canadian Agent for the ratable benefit of the Canadian Lenders, as compensation to such Lenders for Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations incurred hereunder, (i) without duplication of costs and expenses otherwise payable to Canadian Agent or Canadian Lenders hereunder or fees otherwise paid by the Canadian Borrower, all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Canadian Agent or any Canadian Lender on account of such Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations, and (ii) for each calendar month during which any Canadian Letter of Credit Obligation shall remain outstanding, a fee (the “Canadian Letter of Credit Fee” and, together with the US Letter of Credit the “Letter of Credit Fee”), denominated in Canadian Dollars, in an amount equal to the product of the US Dollar Equivalent of the average daily undrawn face amount of all Canadian Letters of Credit issued, guaranteed or supported by risk participation agreements multiplied by a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin with respect to Canadian Revolving Loans which are BA Rate Loans; provided, however, at Required Canadian Lenders’ option, while a Specified Event of Default exists (or automatically while an Event of Default under subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g) exists), such rate shall be increased by two percent (2.00%) per annum. Such fee shall be paid, in Dollars, to Canadian Agent for the benefit of the Canadian Lenders in arrears, on the first day of each calendar month and on the date on which all Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations have been discharged. In addition, the Canadian Borrower shall pay to Canadian Agent, any Canadian L/C Issuer or any prospective Canadian L/C Issuer, as appropriate, on demand, in the currency in which the applicable Canadian Letter of Credit has been or is to be issued, such Canadian L/C Issuer’s or prospective Canadian L/C Issuer’s customary fees at then prevailing rates, without duplication of fees otherwise payable hereunder (including all per annum fees), charges and expenses of such Canadian L/C Issuer or prospective Canadian Issuer in respect of the application for, and the issuance, negotiation, acceptance, amendment, transfer and payment of, each Canadian Letter of Credit or otherwise payable pursuant to the application and related documentation under which such Canadian Letter of Credit is issued.

1.10 Payments by the Borrowers .

(a) All payments (including prepayments) to be made by each Credit Party on account of principal, interest, fees and other amounts required hereunder shall be made without set-off, recoupment, counterclaim or deduction of any kind, shall, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, be made to the Appropriate Agent (for the ratable account of the Persons entitled thereto) at the address for payment specified in the signature page hereof in relation to

 

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such Agent (or such other address as such the Appropriate Agent may from time to time specify in accordance with Section 9.2), including payments utilizing the ACH system, and shall be made in Dollars with respect to US Obligations and CDN $ or Dollars with respect to Canadian Obligations, based on the currency in which any particular Canadian Obligation is denominated, and by wire transfer or ACH transfer in immediately available funds, no later than noon (Chicago time) on the date due. Any payment which is received by an Agent later than noon (Chicago time) may in such Agent’s discretion be deemed to have been received on the immediately succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. Each Borrower and each other Credit Party hereby irrevocably waives the right to direct the application during the continuance of an Event of Default of any and all payments in respect of the Obligations of such Borrower and any proceeds of Collateral with respect thereto. US Borrower hereby authorizes US Agent and each US Lender to make a US Revolving Loan (which shall be a Base Rate Loan and which may be a US Swing Loan) to pay (i) interest, principal (including Swing Loans), L/C Reimbursement Obligations, agent fees, Unused Commitment Fees and Letter of Credit Fees, in each instance, on the date due, or (ii) after five (5) days’ prior written notice to the US Borrower, other fees, costs or expenses payable by a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries hereunder or under the other Loan Documents. Canadian Borrower hereby authorizes Canadian Agent and each Canadian Lender to make a Canadian Revolving Loan (which shall be a Base Rate Loan and which may be a Canadian Swing Loan) to pay (i) interest, principal of Canadian Loans, Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations, and Canadian Letter of Credit Fees, in each instance, on the date due, or (ii) after five (5) days’ prior written notice to the Canadian Borrower, other fees, costs or expenses payable by the Canadian Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries hereunder or under the other Loan Documents; provided, nothing in this subsection 1.10(a) shall be deemed to limit or impair Borrowers’ rights to dispute any Credit Party’s obligation to pay fees, costs or expenses pursuant to and in accordance with this Agreement.

(b) Subject to the provisions set forth in the definitions of “BA Period” and “Interest Period” herein, if 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 interest or fees, as the case may be.

(c)(i) During the continuance of an Event of Default, US Agent may, and shall upon the direction of Required Lenders apply any and all payments received by US Agent in respect of any Obligation in accordance with clauses first through ninth below. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, all amounts collected or received by US Agent after any or all of the Obligations have been accelerated (so long as such acceleration has not been rescinded), including proceeds of Collateral, shall be applied as follows:

first , to payment of costs and expenses, including Attorney Costs, of the Agents payable or reimbursable by the Credit Parties under the Loan Documents;

second , to payment of Attorney Costs of Lenders payable or reimbursable by the Borrowers under this Agreement;

 

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third , to payment of all accrued unpaid interest on the US Obligations and fees owed to US Agent, US Lenders and US L/C Issuers in respect of the US Obligations ;

fourth , to payment of principal of the US Obligations including, without limitation, US L/C Reimbursement Obligations then due and payable, any Obligations under any Secured Rate Contract and cash collateralization of unmatured US L/C Reimbursement Obligations to the extent not then due and payable;

fifth , to payment of any other amounts owing constituting US Obligations;

sixth , to payment of all accrued unpaid interest on the Canadian Obligations and fees owed to Canadian Agent, Canadian Lenders and Canadian L/C Issuers in respect of the Canadian Obligations;

seventh , to payment of principal of the Canadian Obligations including, without limitation, Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations then due and payable, and cash collateralization of unmatured Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations to the extent not then due and payable;

eighth , to payment of any other amounts owing constituting Canadian Obligations; and

ninth , any remainder shall be for the account of and paid to whoever may be lawfully entitled thereto.

In carrying out the foregoing, (x) amounts received shall be applied in the numerical order provided until exhausted prior to the application to the next succeeding category and (y) each of the Lenders or other Persons entitled to payment shall receive an amount equal to its pro rata share of amounts available to be applied pursuant to clauses third through eighth above.

(ii) During the continuance of an Event of Default, Canadian Agent may, and shall upon the direction of Required Lenders apply any and all payments received by Canadian Agent in respect of any Canadian Obligation in accordance with clauses first through sixth below. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, all amounts collected or received by Canadian Agent after any or all of the Canadian Obligations have been accelerated (so long as such acceleration has not been rescinded)(it being agreed that if the Canadian Agent receives any amounts from a US Credit Party prior to the time all US Obligations are paid in full, Canadian Agent shall pay such amounts to US Agent for application in accordance with subsection 1.10(c)(i)), including proceeds of Collateral, shall be applied as follows:

first , to payment of costs and expenses, including Attorney Costs, of the Canadian Agent payable or reimbursable by the Credit Parties under the Loan Documents;

second , to payment of Attorney Costs of Canadian Lenders payable or reimbursable by the Borrowers under this Agreement;

 

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third , to payment of all accrued unpaid interest on the Canadian Obligations and fees owed to Canadian Agent, Canadian Lenders and Canadian L/C Issuers in respect of the Canadian Obligations;

fourth , to payment of principal of the Canadian Obligations including, without limitation, Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations then due and payable, and cash collateralization of unmatured Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations to the extent not then due and payable;

fifth , to payment of any other amounts constituting Canadian Obligations.

sixth , any remainder shall be for the account of and paid to whoever may be lawfully entitled thereto.

In carrying out the foregoing, (x) amounts received shall be applied in the numerical order provided until exhausted prior to the application to the next succeeding category and (y) each of the Lenders or other Persons entitled to payment shall receive an amount equal to its pro rata share of amounts available to be applied pursuant to clauses third, fourth and fifth above.

1.11 Payments by the Lenders to Appropriate Agent; Settlement .

(a) The Appropriate Agent may, on behalf of Lenders, disburse funds to the applicable Borrower for Loans requested. Each Lender shall reimburse the Appropriate Agent on demand for all funds disbursed on its behalf by such Agent, in the currency in which such funds were disbursed, or if the Appropriate Agent so requests, each Lender will remit to the Appropriate Agent its Commitment Percentage of any Loan before the Appropriate Agent disburses same to the applicable Borrower. If the Appropriate Agent elects to require that each Lender make funds available to the Appropriate Agent prior to disbursement by the Appropriate Agent to the applicable Borrower, the Appropriate Agent shall advise each Lender by telephone or fax of the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Loan requested by the applicable Borrower, and the applicable currency thereof, no later than the Business Day prior to the scheduled Borrowing date applicable thereto, and each such Lender shall pay the Appropriate Agent such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of such requested Loan, in same day funds, in the applicable currency, by wire transfer to the Appropriate Agent’s account, as set forth on Appropriate Agent’s signature page hereto, no later than noon (Chicago time) on such scheduled Borrowing date. Nothing in this subsection 1.11(a) or elsewhere in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, including the remaining provisions of Section 1.11, shall be deemed to require an Agent to advance funds on behalf of any Lender or to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitments hereunder or to prejudice any rights that the Appropriate Agent, any Lender or the applicable Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.

(b) At least once each calendar week or more frequently the Appropriate Agent’s election (each, a “Settlement Date”), Appropriate Agent shall advise each Lender by telephone or fax of the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of principal, interest, applicable currency and Fees paid for the benefit of Lenders with respect to each applicable

 

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Loan. Appropriate Agent shall pay to each Lender such Lender’s Commitment Percentage (except as otherwise provided in subsection 1.1(c) (vi) and subsection 1.11(e)(iv)) of principal, interest and fees paid by the applicable Borrower since the previous Settlement Date for the benefit of such Lender on the Loans held by it. Such payments shall be made by wire transfer to such Lender not later than 1:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on the next Business Day following each Settlement Date.

(c) Availability of Lender’s Commitment Percentage . Appropriate Agent may assume that each Lender will make its Commitment Percentage of each Revolving Loan available to Appropriate Agent on each Borrowing date. If such Commitment Percentage is not, in fact, paid to Appropriate Agent by such Lender when due, Appropriate Agent will be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind. If any Lender fails to pay the amount of its Commitment Percentage forthwith upon the Appropriate Agent’s demand, Appropriate Agent shall promptly notify the applicable Borrower and the applicable Borrower shall immediately repay such amount to the Appropriate Agent in the currency in which such amount was disbursed. Nothing in this subsection 1.11(c) or elsewhere in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be deemed to require Appropriate Agent to advance funds on behalf of any Lender or to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitments hereunder or to prejudice any rights that the applicable Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder. Without limiting the provisions of subsection 1.11(b), to the extent that Appropriate Agent advances funds to the applicable Borrower on behalf of any Lender and is not reimbursed therefor on the same Business Day as such advance is made, Appropriate Agent shall be entitled to retain for its account all interest accrued on such advance from the date such advance was made until reimbursed by the applicable Lender.

(d) Return of Payments .

(i) If an Agent pays an amount to a Lender under this Agreement in the belief or expectation that a related payment has been or will be received by such Agent from the applicable Borrower and such related payment is not received by such Agent, then such Agent will be entitled to recover such amount from such Lender on demand without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.

(ii) If an Agent determines at any time that any amount received by such Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document must be returned to any Credit Party or paid to any other Person pursuant to any insolvency law or otherwise, then, notwithstanding any other term or condition of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, such Agent will not be required to distribute any portion thereof to any Lender. In addition, each Lender will repay to Appropriate Agent on demand any portion of such amount that such Agent has distributed to such Lender, in the applicable currency, together with interest at such rate, if any, as such Agent is required to pay to the applicable Borrower or such other Person, without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind, and Appropriate Agent will be entitled to set-off against future distributions to such Lender any such amounts (with interest) that are not repaid on demand.

 

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(e) Non-Funding Lenders .

(i) Responsibility . The failure of any Non-Funding Lender to make any Loan, to fund any purchase of any participation to be made or funded by it, or to make any payment required by it hereunder on the date specified therefor shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations to make such loan, fund the purchase of any such participation, or make any other payment required hereunder on such date, and none of the Agents or, other than as expressly set forth herein, any other Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any Non-Funding Lender to make a loan, fund the purchase of a participation or make any other payment required hereunder.

(ii) Reallocation . If any Lender is a Non-Funding Lender, all or a portion of such Non-Funding Lender’s Letter of Credit Obligations (unless such Lender is the L/C Issuer that issued such Letter of Credit) and reimbursement obligations with respect to Swing Loans shall, at the Appropriate Agent’s election at any time or upon any L/C Issuer’s or Swingline Lender’s, as applicable, written request delivered to Agents (whether before or after the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default), be reallocated to and assumed by the US Lenders or Canadian Lenders, as applicable, that are not Non-Funding Lenders or Impacted Lenders pro rata in accordance with their Commitment Percentages of the US Loans or Canadian Loans, as applicable, (calculated as if the Non-Funding Lender’s Commitment Percentage was reduced to zero and each other Lender’s Commitment Percentage had been increased proportionately), provided that no Lender shall be reallocated any such amounts or be required to fund any amounts that would cause the sum of its applicable outstanding Loans, outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, amounts of its participations in Swing Loans and its pro rata share of unparticipated amounts in Swing Loans to exceed its US Revolving Loan Commitment or Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment, as applicable.

(iii) Voting Rights . Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, including Section 9.1, a Non-Funding Lender shall not have any voting or consent rights under or with respect to any Loan Document or constitute a “Lender” (or be, or have its Loans and Commitments, included in the determination of “Required Lenders”, “Required US Lenders”, “Required Canadian Lenders” or “Lenders directly affected” pursuant to Section 9.1) for any voting or consent rights under or with respect to any Loan Document, provided that (A) the Commitment of a Non-Funding Lender may not be increased, extended or reinstated, (B) the principal of a Non-Funding Lender’s Loans may not be reduced or forgiven, and (C) the interest rate applicable to Obligations owing to a Non-Funding Lender may not be reduced. Moreover, for the purposes of determining Required Lenders, Required US Lenders and Required Canadian Lenders, the Loans, Letter of Credit Obligations, and Commitments held by Non-Funding Lenders shall be excluded from the total Loans and Commitments outstanding.

 

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(iv) Borrower Payments to a Non-Funding Lender . The Appropriate Agent shall be entitled to hold, in a non-interest bearing account, all portions of any payments received by such Agent for the benefit of any Non-Funding Lender pursuant to this Agreement as cash collateral. The Appropriate Agent is hereby authorized to use such cash collateral to pay in full the Aggregate Excess Funding Amount to the appropriate Secured Parties thereof, and then, to hold as cash collateral the amount of such Non-Funding Lender’s pro rata share, without giving effect to any reallocation pursuant to subsection 1.11(e)(ii), of all funding obligations until the Obligations are paid in full in cash, all Letter of Credit Obligations have been discharged or cash collateralized and all Commitments have been terminated. Upon any such unfunded obligations owing by a Non-Funding Lender becoming due and payable, the Appropriate Agent shall be authorized to use such cash collateral to make such payment on behalf of such Non-Funding Lender. With respect to such Non-Funding Lender’s failure to fund Loans or purchase participations in Letters of Credit or Letter of Credit Obligations, any amounts applied by the Appropriate Agent to satisfy such funding shortfalls shall be deemed to constitute a Revolving Loan or amount of the participation required to be funded and, if necessary to effectuate the foregoing, the other Lenders shall be deemed to have sold, and such Non-Funding Lender shall be deemed to have purchased, Revolving Loans or Letter of Credit participation interests from the other Lenders until such time as the aggregate amount of the Revolving Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Letter of Credit Obligations are held by the Lenders in accordance with their Commitment Percentages. Any amounts owing by a Non-Funding Lender to an Agent which are not paid when due shall accrue interest at the interest rate applicable during such period to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable. In the event that an Agent is holding cash collateral of a Non-Funding Lender that cures pursuant to clause (v) below or ceases to be a Non-Funding Lender pursuant to definition of Non-Funding Lender, such Agent shall return the unused portion of such cash collateral to such Lender. The “Aggregate Excess Funding Amount” of a Non-Funding Lender shall be the aggregate amount of (A) all unpaid obligations owing by such Lender to the Appropriate Agent, L/C Issuers, Swing Line Lender, and other Lenders under the Loan Documents, including such Lender’s pro rata share of all Revolving Loans, Letter of Credit Obligations, Swing Line Loans, plus, without duplication, (B) all amounts of such Non-Funding Lender reallocated to other Lenders pursuant to subsection 1.11(e)(ii).

(v) Cure . A Lender may cure its status as a Non-Funding Lender under clause (a) of the definition of Non-Funding Lender if such Lender fully pays to the Appropriate Agent, on behalf of the applicable Secured Parties, the Aggregate Excess Funding Amount, plus all interest due thereon, in each case, in the applicable currency. Any such cure shall not relieve any Lender from liability for breaching its contractual obligations hereunder.

 

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(vi) Fees . A Lender that is a Non-Funding Lender pursuant to clause (a) of the definition of Non-Funding Lender shall not earn and shall not be entitled to receive, and no Borrowers shall be required to pay, such Lender’s portion of the Unused Commitment Fee during the time such Lender is a Non-Funding Lender pursuant to clause (a) thereof. In the event that any reallocation of Letter of Credit Obligations occurs pursuant to subsection 1.11(e)(ii), during the period of time that such reallocation remains in effect, the Letter of Credit Fee payable with respect to such reallocated portion shall be payable to (A) all Lenders based on their pro rata share of such reallocation or (B) to the applicable L/C Issuer for any remaining portion not reallocated to any other Lenders.

(f) Procedures . Each Agent is hereby authorized by each Credit Party and each other Secured Party to establish reasonable procedures (and to amend such procedures from time to time) to facilitate administration and servicing of the Loans and other matters incidental thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Agent is hereby authorized to establish reasonable procedures to make available or deliver, or to accept, notices, documents and similar items on, by posting to or submitting and/or completion, on E-Systems.

ARTICLE II -

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

2.1 Conditions of Initial Loans . The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Loans and of each L/C Issuer to Issue, or cause to be Issued, the initial Letters of Credit hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions (unless otherwise waived by Lenders):

(a) Loan Documents . US Agent shall have received on or before the Closing Date all of the agreements, documents, instruments and other items set forth on the closing checklist attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 , each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agents, Documentation Agent and Syndication Agent ;

(b) Availability . Not more than the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000 in Revolving Loans shall be advanced on the Closing Date, and after giving effect to the consummation of the Related Transactions, payment of all costs and expenses in connection therewith, funding of the initial Loans and issuance of the initial Letters of Credit, Aggregate Availability shall be not less than US Dollar Equivalent of $10,000,000; provided, in no event shall proceeds from Canadian Loans be used to pay the fees, costs or expenses incurred in connection with the Related Transactions;

(c) Related Transactions . The Related Transactions shall have closed in the manner contemplated by the Related Agreements. US Agent shall have received evidence that (i) Thermon Group, Inc. shall have received not less than $127,000,000 in cash proceeds from the issuance of Stock and Stock Equivalents to Sponsor and other Persons, and (ii) Thermon Group, Inc. shall have received gross proceeds of $210,000,000 pursuant to the Second Lien Indebtedness Documents;

 

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(d) EBITDA and Leverage . Holdings shall have delivered evidence demonstrating that: (i) EBITDA of the Borrowers for the twelve month period ended February 28, 2010 shall be not less than $46,000,000; and (ii) the ratio of (x) total Funded Indebtedness of the Credit Parties as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the consummation of the Related Transactions, payment of all costs and expenses in connection therewith, funding of the initial Loans and issuance of the initial Letters of Credit but net of unrestricted cash of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000, to (y) EBITDA of the Borrowers for the twelve (12) month period ending February 28, 2010 shall be not greater than 4.50 to 1.00.

(e) Repayment of Prior Lender Obligations; Satisfaction of Outstanding L/Cs . (i) US Agent shall have received a fully executed pay-off letter reasonably satisfactory to US Agent confirming that all obligations owing by any Credit Party to Prior Lenders will be repaid in full from the proceeds of the initial Loans and Second Lien Notes and all Liens upon any of the Property of the Credit Parties or any of their Subsidiaries in favor of Prior Lenders shall be terminated by Prior Lenders immediately upon such payment; and (ii) all letters of credit issued or guaranteed by Prior Lenders shall have been cash collateralized, or supported by a Letter of Credit issued pursuant hereto;

(f) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties (i) of the Borrowers and the other Credit Parties contained in Sections 3.1(a), 3.1(b) (solely as it relates to the Loan Documents), 3.2 (solely as it relates to the Loan Documents), 3.3 (solely as it relates to the Loan Documents), 3.4 (solely as it relates to the Loan Documents), 3.8, 3.11(b), 3.11(d), 3.13, 3.14, 3.17, 3.22, 3.27 and 3.28 of this Agreement and Section 4.2 of each Guaranty and Security Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) and (iii) set forth in Articles III and IV of the Purchase Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders but only to the extent that Thermon Group, Inc. (or its Affiliates) has the right (determined without regard to any notice required) to terminate its obligations under the Purchase Agreement as a result of the breach of such representations and warranties, shall be true and correct in all respects;

(g) Material Adverse Change . Since March 31, 2009, there shall not have been any “Material Adverse Effect” (as defined in the Purchase Agreement); and

(h) No Default . No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise after giving effect to any such Loan or Letter of Credit.

The funding by each Lender of its initial Loans hereunder and the Issuance by each L/C Issuer of the initial Letters of Credit to be Issued hereunder shall evidence such Lender’s and/or such L/C Issuer’s satisfaction that the conditions set forth in this Section 2.1 have been satisfied.

2.2 Conditions to All Borrowings . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no Lender or L/C Issuer shall be obligated to fund any Loan or incur any Letter of Credit Obligation after the Closing Date, if, as of the date thereof:

(a) any representation or warranty by any Credit Party contained herein or in any other Loan Document is untrue or incorrect in any material respect (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) as of such date, except to the extent that such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date (in which event such representations and warranties were untrue or incorrect in any material respect (without

 

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duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) as of such earlier date), and (i) US Agent or Required US Lenders have determined not to make such US Revolving Loan or incur such US Letter of Credit Obligation as a result of the fact that such warranty or representation is untrue or incorrect in any material respect (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) and have so notified the applicable Borrower or (ii) Canadian Agent or Required Canadian Lenders have determined not to make such Canadian Revolving Loan or incur such Canadian Letter of Credit Obligation as a result of the fact that such warranty or representation is untrue or incorrect in any material respect (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) and have so notified the applicable Borrower;

(b) any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would reasonably be expected to result after giving effect to any Loan (or the incurrence of any Letter of Credit Obligation), and (i) US Agent or Required US Lenders shall have determined not to make any US Revolving Loan or incur any US Letter of Credit Obligation as a result of that Default or Event of Default and have so notified such Borrower or (ii) Canadian Agent or Required Canadian Lenders shall have determined not to make any Canadian Revolving Loan or incur any Canadian Letter of Credit Obligation as a result of that Default or Event of Default and have so notified such Borrower; and

(c) after giving effect to any Loan (or the incurrence of any Letter of Credit Obligations), the aggregate outstanding amount of the US Revolving Loans would exceed the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance or the US Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate outstanding amount of Canadian Revolving Loans would exceed the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance.

The request by a Borrower and acceptance by a Borrower of the proceeds of any Loan or the incurrence of any Letter of Credit Obligations shall be deemed to constitute, as of the date thereof, (i) a representation and warranty by such Borrower that the conditions in this Section 2.2 have been satisfied (except, in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above, where the Agent has received written notification from the applicable Borrower of such Borrower’s inability to satisfy such conditions and the Lenders have continued to fund Loans (or the applicable L/C Issuer has continued to incur Letter of Credit Obligations) notwithstanding such failure to satisfy such conditions) and (ii) a reaffirmation by each Credit Party of the granting and continuance of the Appropriate Agent’s Liens, on behalf of itself and the applicable Secured Parties, pursuant to the Collateral Documents.

 

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ARTICLE III -

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Credit Parties, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to Agent and each Lender that the following are, and after giving effect to the Related Transactions will be, true, correct and complete:

3.1 Corporate Existence and Power . Each Credit Party and each of their respective Subsidiaries:

(a) is a corporation, company, limited liability company or limited partnership, as applicable, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, organization or formation, as applicable;

(b) has the power and authority and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, Permits, consents and approvals to own its assets, carry on its business and execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under, (i) the Loan Documents and (ii) the Related Agreements, in each case, to which it is a party;

(c) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, as applicable, and licensed and in good standing (to the extent applicable with respect to the subject jurisdiction), under the laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of Property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; and

(d) is in compliance with all Requirements of Law;

except, in each case referred to in clauses (b)(ii), (c) or (d), to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

3.2 Corporate Authorization; No Contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by each of the Credit Parties of this Agreement and by each Credit Party and each of their respective Subsidiaries of any other Loan Document and Related Agreement to which such Person is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not and will not:

(a) contravene the terms of any of that Person’s Organization Documents;

(b) conflict with or result in any material breach or contravention of, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) under, any document evidencing any material Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or any material order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority to which such Person or its Property is subject; or

(c) violate any material Requirement of Law in any material respect.

3.3 Governmental Authorization . No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Credit Party of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or Related Agreement except (a) for recordings and filings in connection with the Liens granted to the Appropriate Agent under the Collateral Documents, (b) those obtained or made on or prior to the Closing Date or in the Ordinary Course of Business and (c) as may be required in connection with the disposition of any portion of the Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement) by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities (including, but not limited to, membership interests in a limited liability company) generally and (d) in the case of any Related Agreement, those which, if not obtained or made, would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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3.4 Binding Effect . This Agreement and each other Loan Document and Related Agreement to which any Credit Party is a party constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of each such Person which is a party thereto, enforceable against such Person in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.

3.5 Litigation . There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending, or to the best knowledge of each Credit Party, threatened or contemplated in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, against any Credit Party, any Subsidiary of any Credit Party or any of their respective Properties which:

(a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or Related Agreement, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; or

(b) would reasonably be expected to have or result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

No injunction, writ, temporary restraining order or any order of any nature has been issued by any court or other Governmental Authority purporting to enjoin or restrain the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Related Agreement, or directing that the transactions provided for herein or therein not be consummated as herein or therein provided. Except as specifically disclosed on Schedule 3.5 , as of the Closing Date, no Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party is the subject of an audit or, to each Credit Party’s knowledge, any review or investigation by any Governmental Authority (excluding the IRS and other taxing authorities) concerning the violation or possible violation of any Requirement of Law.

3.6 No Default . No Default or Event of Default exists or would result from the incurring of any Obligations by any Credit Party or the grant or perfection of the Appropriate Agent’s Liens on the Collateral or the consummation of the Related Transactions.

3.7 ERISA and Related Canadian Compliance . (a) Schedule 3.7 sets forth, as of the Closing Date, a complete and correct list of, and that separately identifies, (a) all Title IV Plans, (b) all Multiemployer Plans and (c) all Benefit Plans subject to the qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code. Each Benefit Plan, and each trust thereunder, intended to qualify for tax exempt status under Section 401 or 501 of the Code or other Requirements of Law so qualifies except for such failures to so qualify that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for those that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (x) each Benefit Plan is in compliance with applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Requirements of Law, (y) there are no existing or pending (or to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened) claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the normal course), sanctions, actions, lawsuits or other proceedings or investigation involving any Benefit Plan to which any Credit Party incurs or

 

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otherwise has or could have an obligation or any Liability and (z) no ERISA Event is reasonably expected to occur. On the Closing Date, no ERISA Event has occurred in connection with which obligations and liabilities (contingent or otherwise) remain outstanding.

(b) As of the Closing Date, Schedule 3.7 lists all Canadian Benefit Plans and Canadian Pension Plans maintained or contributed to by each Credit Party. The Canadian Pension Plans are duly registered under the ITA and all other applicable laws which require registration. Each Credit Party has complied with and performed all of its obligations in all material respects under and in respect of the Canadian Pension Plans and Canadian Benefit Plans under the terms thereof, any funding agreements and all applicable laws (including any fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations). All employer and employee payments, contributions or premiums to be remitted, paid to or in respect of each Canadian Pension Plan or Canadian Benefit Plan have been paid in a timely fashion in accordance with the terms thereof, any funding agreement and all applicable laws. There have been no improper withdrawals or applications of the assets of the Canadian Pension Plans or the Canadian Benefit Plans. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 , as of the Closing Date, there are no outstanding disputes concerning the assets of the Canadian Pension Plans or the Canadian Benefit Plans. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 , each of the Canadian Pension Plans is fully funded on a solvency basis (using actuarial methods and assumptions which are consistent with the valuations last filed with the applicable Governmental Authorities and which are consistent with generally accepted actuarial principles).

3.8 Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations . The proceeds of the Loans are intended to be and shall be used solely for the purposes set forth in and permitted by Section 4.10, and are intended to be and shall be used in compliance with Section 5.8. No Credit Party and no Subsidiary of any Credit Party is engaged in the business of purchasing or selling Margin Stock or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. Proceeds of the Loans shall not be used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock.

3.9 Title to Properties . As of the Closing Date, the Real Estate listed in Schedule 3.9 constitutes all of the Real Estate of each Credit Party and each of their respective Subsidiaries. Each of the Credit Parties and each of their respective Subsidiaries has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, all Real Estate, and good and valid title to all owned personal property and valid leasehold interests in all leased personal property, in each instance, material to the ordinary conduct of their respective businesses or where the failure to so own or possess would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Property of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party is subject to any Liens other than Permitted Liens. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 3.9 also describes any purchase options, rights of first refusal or other similar contractual rights pertaining to any Real Estate. All material permits required to have been issued or appropriate to enable the Real Estate to be lawfully occupied and used for all of the purposes for which it is currently occupied and used have been lawfully issued and are in full force and effect.

3.10 Taxes . All material federal, Canadian, provincial, territorial, state, local and other material tax returns, reports and statements (collectively, the “Tax Returns”) required to be filed by any Tax Affiliate have been filed with the appropriate Governmental Authorities, all such Tax Returns are true and correct in all material respects, and all taxes, assessments and

 

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other governmental charges and impositions reflected therein or otherwise due and payable have been paid prior to the date on which any Liability may be added thereto for non-payment thereof except for those contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves are maintained on the books of the appropriate Tax Affiliate in accordance with GAAP. As of the Closing Date, except as set forth on Schedule 3.10 , no Tax Return is under audit or examination by any Governmental Authority and no notice of any audit or examination or any assertion of any claim for Taxes has been given or made by any Governmental Authority.

3.11 Financial Condition .

(a) Each of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries dated March 31, 2009, and the related audited consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the Fiscal Year ended on that date and (ii) the unaudited interim consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries dated February 28, 2010 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the eleven fiscal months then ended:

(x) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the respective periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, subject to, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements, normal year-end adjustments and the lack of footnote disclosures; and

(y) present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and results of operations for the periods covered thereby.

(b) The pro forma unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries dated February 28, 2010 delivered on the Closing Date was prepared by Holdings giving pro forma effect to the funding of the Loans and Related Transactions, was based on the unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries dated February 28 , 2010, and was prepared in accordance with GAAP, with only such adjustments thereto as would be required in a manner consistent with GAAP.

(c) Since March 31, 2009 , there has been no Material Adverse Effect (it being agreed to and understood that the representation and warranty set forth in this subsection 3.11(c) shall not be made on the Closing Date, but shall be made and remade by the Credit Parties in accordance with the terms of this Agreement at all times after the Closing Date.

(d) All financial performance projections delivered to Agents, including the financial performance projections delivered on or prior to the Closing Date, represent the Borrowers’ best good faith estimate of future financial performance and are based on assumptions believed by the Borrowers to be fair and reasonable in light of current market conditions, it being acknowledged and agreed by Agents and Lenders that projections as to future events are inherently uncertain and are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections may materially differ from the projected results.

 

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3.12 Environmental Matters . The representations and warranties in this Section 3.12 are the sole and exclusive representations and warranties in this Agreement concerning environmental matters, including, without limitation, matters arising under Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.12 and except where any failures to comply would not reasonably be expected to have or result in, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect to the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries, (a) the operations of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary of each Credit Party are and have been in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, including obtaining, maintaining and complying with all Permits required by any applicable Environmental Law, (b) no Credit Party and no Subsidiary of any Credit Party is party to, and no Credit Party and no Subsidiary of any Credit Party and no Real Estate currently (or to the knowledge of any Credit Party previously) owned, leased, subleased, operated or otherwise occupied by or for any such Person is subject to or the subject of, any Contractual Obligation or any pending (or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened in writing) order, action, investigation, suit, proceeding, audit, claim, demand, dispute or notice of violation or of potential liability or similar notice relating in any manner to any Environmental Law, (c) no Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority securing, in whole or in part, Environmental Liabilities has attached to any property of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party and, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, no facts, circumstances or conditions exist that could reasonably be expected to result in any such Lien attaching to any such property, (d) no Credit Party and no Subsidiary of any Credit Party has caused or suffered to occur a Release of Hazardous Materials at, to or from any Real Estate, (e) all Real Estate currently (or to the knowledge of any Credit Party previously) owned, leased, subleased, operated or otherwise occupied by or for any such Credit Party and each Subsidiary of each Credit Party is free of contamination by any Hazardous Materials and (f) no Credit Party and no Subsidiary of any Credit Party (i) is or has been engaged in, or has permitted any current or former tenant to engage in, operations in violation of any Environmental Law or (ii) knows of any facts, circumstances or conditions reasonably constituting notice of a violation of any Environmental Law, including receipt of any information request or notice of potential responsibility under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq.) or similar Environmental Laws.

3.13 Regulated Entities . None of any Credit Party, any Person controlling any Credit Party, or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, is (a) required to be registered as an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, any state public utilities code, or any other Federal, Canadian, state, provincial or territorial statute, rule or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness, pledge its assets or perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents.

3.14 Solvency . Both before and after giving effect to (a) the Loans made and Letters of Credit Issued on or prior to the date this representation and warranty is made or remade, (b) the disbursement of the proceeds of such Loans to or as directed by the applicable Borrower, (c) the consummation of the Related Transactions and (d) the payment and accrual of all transaction costs in connection with the foregoing, the Credit Parties taken as a whole are Solvent.

 

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3.15 Labor Relations . There are no strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns or lockouts existing, pending (or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened in writing) against or involving any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, except for those that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.15 , as of the Closing Date, (a) there is no collective bargaining or similar agreement with any union, labor organization, works council or similar representative covering any employee of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, (b) to the knowledge of any Credit Party, no petition for certification or election of any such representative is existing or pending with respect to any employee of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party and (c) to the knowledge of any Credit Party, no such representative has sought certification or recognition with respect to any employee of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party.

3.16 Intellectual Property . Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary of each Credit Party owns, or is licensed to use, all Intellectual Property necessary to conduct its business as currently conducted except for such Intellectual Property the failure of which to own or license would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of each Credit Party, (a) the conduct and operations of the businesses of each Credit Party and each Subsidiary of each Credit Party does not infringe, misappropriate, dilute, violate or otherwise impair any Intellectual Property owned by any other Person and (b) no other Person has contested any right, title or interest of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party in, or relating to, any Intellectual Property, other than, in each case with respect to clauses (a) and (b), as cannot reasonably be expected to affect the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated therein and would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.17 Brokers’ Fees; Transaction Fees . Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.17 and except for fees payable to Agents and Lenders, none of the Credit Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries has any obligation to any Person in respect of any finder’s, broker’s or investment banker’s fee in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.18 Insurance . Each of the Credit Parties and each of their respective Subsidiaries and their respective Properties are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies which are not Affiliates of the Borrower, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar Properties in localities where such Person operates. As of the Closing Date, a true and complete listing of such insurance, including issuers, coverages and deductibles, has been provided to US Agent.

3.19 Ventures, Subsidiaries and Affiliates; Outstanding Stock . Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19 , as of the Closing Date, no Credit Party and no Subsidiary of any Credit Party has any Subsidiaries, is engaged in any joint venture or partnership with any other Person. All issued and outstanding Stock and Stock Equivalents of each of the Credit Parties and each of their respective Subsidiaries are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable, and free and clear of all Liens other than, with respect to the Stock and Stock Equivalents of the Borrowers and Subsidiaries of the Borrower, those in favor of the Appropriate Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and the Subordinated Second Lien. All such securities were

 

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issued in compliance with all applicable state, provincial and federal laws concerning the issuance of securities. All of the issued and outstanding Stock of each Credit Party (other than Holdings), each Subsidiary of each Credit Party and, as of the Closing Date, Holdings is owned by each of the Persons and in the amounts set forth in Schedule 3.19 . Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19 , there are no pre-emptive or other outstanding rights to purchase, options, warrants or similar rights or agreements pursuant to which any Credit Party may be required to issue, sell, repurchase or redeem any of its Stock or Stock Equivalents or any Stock or Stock Equivalents of its Subsidiaries. Set forth in Schedule 3.19 is a true and complete organizational chart of Holdings and all of its Subsidiaries, which the Credit Parties shall update upon notice to Agents promptly following the completion of any Permitted Acquisition and promptly following the incorporation, organization or formation of any Subsidiary.

3.20 Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office . Schedule 3.20 lists each Credit Party’s jurisdiction of organization, legal name and organizational identification number, if any, and the location of such Credit Party’s chief executive office or sole place of business, in each case as of the date hereof, and such Schedule 3.20 also lists all jurisdictions of organization and legal names of such Credit Party for the five years preceding the Closing Date.

3.21 Deposit Accounts and Other Accounts . Schedule 3.21 lists all banks and other financial institutions at which any Credit Party maintains deposit or other accounts as of the Closing Date, and such Schedule correctly identifies the name, address and telephone number of each depository, the name in which the account is held, a description of the purpose of the account, and the complete account number therefor.

3.22 Bonding; Licenses . Except as set forth in Schedule 3.22 , as of the Closing Date, no Credit Party is a party to or bound by any surety bond agreement, indemnification agreement therefor or bonding requirement with respect to products or services sold by it.

3.23 Purchase Agreement . As of the Closing Date, the Borrowers have delivered to Agents a complete and correct copy of the Purchase Agreement (including all schedules, exhibits, amendments, supplements, modifications, assignments and all other material documents delivered pursuant thereto or in connection therewith). No Credit Party and, to the best of each Credit Party’s knowledge, no other Person party thereto is in default in the performance or compliance with any provisions thereof. The Purchase Agreement complies in all material respects with, and the Closing Date Acquisition has been consummated in all material respects in accordance with, all applicable Requirements of Law. The Purchase Agreement is in full force and effect as of the Closing Date and has not been terminated, rescinded or withdrawn. To the best of each Credit Party’s knowledge, the Seller’s representations or warranties in the Purchase Agreement are true and correct in all material respects. Each of the representations and warranties given by each applicable Credit Party in the Purchase Agreement is true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein).

3.24 Status of Holdings . Holdings has not engaged in any business activities and does not own any Property other than (i) ownership of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of the Borrowers and activities incidental thereto (ii) activities and contractual rights incidental to maintenance of its corporate existence (including the incurrence of corporate overhead), (iii) the

 

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hiring and employment of the management of the Borrower’s and activities reasonably related thereto, (iv) performance of its obligations under the Loan Documents and Related Agreements to which it is a party, (v) finding potential Targets for Acquisitions, negotiating the acquisition thereof and being a party to the applicable acquisition agreement (and performing its obligations thereunder), and (vi) activities of Holdings expressly permitted hereunder.

3.25 Second Lien Debt . As of the Closing Date, the Borrowers have delivered to Agents a complete and correct copy of the Second Lien Indebtedness Documents (including all schedules, exhibits, amendments, supplements, modifications, assignments and all other documents delivered pursuant thereto or in connection therewith).

3.26 Full Disclosure . None of the representations or warranties made by any Credit Party or any of their Subsidiaries in the Loan Documents as of the date such representations and warranties are made or deemed made, and none of the written statements contained in each exhibit, report, statement or certificate (other than any statement which constitutes projections, forward looking statements, budgets, estimates or general market data) required to be furnished by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any of their Subsidiaries in connection with the Loan Documents (including the offering and disclosure materials, if any, delivered by or on behalf of any Credit Party to an Agent or the Lenders prior to the Closing Date, and, in such case, as supplemented prior to the Closing Date, excluding the Purchase Agreement and information of a general or industry specific nature), when taken as a whole as of the date furnished, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein taken as a whole, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not materially misleading as of the time when made or delivered, it being acknowledged and agreed by the Agents and Lenders that, to the extent included in any of the foregoing, projections, budgets, forward looking statements or estimates as to future events are inherently uncertain and are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections, budgets, forward looking statements or estimates may materially differ from the projected results.

3.27 Foreign Assets Control Regulations and Anti-Money Laundering . Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary of each Credit Party is and will remain in compliance in all material respects with all U.S. and Canadian economic sanctions laws, Executive Orders and implementing regulations as promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), the Criminal Code (Canada), the United Nations Act (Canada) and all applicable anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act and all regulations issued pursuant to any of the foregoing. No Credit Party and no Subsidiary or Affiliate of a Credit Party (i) is a Person designated by the U.S. government on the list of the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the “SDN List”) with which a U.S. Person cannot deal with or otherwise engage in business transactions, (ii) is a Person who is otherwise the target of U.S. economic sanctions laws such that a U.S. Person cannot deal or otherwise engage in business transactions with such Person or (iii) is controlled by (including without limitation by virtue of such person being a director or owning voting shares or interests), or acts, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of, any person or entity on the SDN List or a foreign government that is the target of U.S. economic sanctions prohibitions such that the entry into, or performance under, this Agreement or any other Loan Document would be prohibited under U.S. law.

 

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3.28 Patriot Act . To the extent applicable, the Credit Parties, each of their Subsidiaries and each of their Affiliates are in compliance with (a) the Trading with the Enemy Act, and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B Chapter V, as amended) and any other enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto, (b) the Patriot Act and (c) other US federal, state, Canadian, provincial and territorial laws relating to “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used directly or indirectly for any payments to any government official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.

ARTICLE IV -

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Each Credit Party covenants and agrees that, so long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or other Obligation (other than (i) contingent indemnification Obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted and (ii) Letter of Credit Obligations collateralized in the manner set forth in Section 7.4) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, unless Required Lenders waive compliance in writing:

4.1 Financial Statements . Each Credit Party shall maintain, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with sound business practices to permit the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP (provided that monthly financial statements shall not be required to have footnote disclosures and are subject to normal year-end adjustments) (or the applicable foreign equivalent in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries). The Borrowers shall deliver to US Agent by Electronic Transmission and in detail reasonably satisfactory to Agents and the Required Lenders:

(a) as soon as available, but not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2010, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheets of Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Year and the related consolidated and consolidating statements of income or operations and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, and accompanied by the report of any “Big Four” or other independent public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Agent which report shall (i) contain an unqualified opinion, stating that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position for the periods indicated in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior years and (ii) not include any explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt as to going concern status; and

 

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(b) as soon as available, but not later than (i) seventy-five (75) days after March 31, 2010, (ii) forty-five (45) days after the end of each March thereafter and (iii) thirty (30) days after the end of each other fiscal month of each year, (including the last fiscal month of each Fiscal Year) thereafter, a copy of the unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries, and the related consolidated and consolidating statements of income and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of such fiscal month and for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, all certified on behalf of the Borrowers by an appropriate Responsible Officer of Holdings as being complete and correct and fairly presenting, in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP, the financial position and the results of operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, subject to normal year-end adjustments and absence of footnote disclosures.

4.2 Certificates; Other Information . The Borrowers shall furnish to US Agent by Electronic Transmission:

(a) together with each delivery of financial statements pursuant to subsections 4.1(a) and 4.1(b), (i) a management discussion and analysis report, in reasonable detail, signed by the chief financial officer of Holdings, describing the operations and financial condition of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries for the fiscal month and the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended (or for the Fiscal Year then ended in the case of annual financial statements), and (ii) a report setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding periods of the previous Fiscal Year and the corresponding figures from the most recent projections for the current Fiscal Year delivered pursuant to subsection 4.2(f) and discussing the reasons for any significant variations; provided, the management discussion and analysis report required to be delivered pursuant to clause (i) above shall be provided in connection with the delivery of the financial statements pursuant to subsection 4.1(b) only for fiscal months corresponding to the end of a Fiscal Quarter;

(b) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections 4.1(a) and 4.1(b) above, a fully and properly completed Compliance Certificate in the form of Exhibit 4.2(b) , certified on behalf of the Credit Parties by a Responsible Officer of Holdings (it being understood that, with respect to the Compliance Certificate delivered with the financial statements referred to in subsection 4.1(b), Exhibits A and B to the Compliance Certificate need only be completed to the extent the Borrowers are required to evidence compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Article VI hereof);

(c) promptly after the same are filed, copies of all financial statements and regular, periodic or special reports which such Person may make to, or file with, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor or similar Governmental Authority;

(d) as soon as available and in any event within fifteen (15) days after the end of each calendar month, and at such other times as either Agent may reasonably require, a Borrowing Base Certificate, certified on behalf of the applicable Borrower by a Responsible Officer of Borrowers and Holdings, setting forth the Borrowing Base of each Borrower as at the end of the most-recently ended fiscal month or as at such other date as Agent may reasonably require;

 

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(e) within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date and thereafter upon the request of an Agent if a Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrowers will obtain and deliver to Agents and Lenders a report of an independent collateral auditor satisfactory to Agents with respect to the Accounts, Inventory, Equipment and owned Real Estate of the Credit Parties;

(f) as soon as available and in any event no later than forty-five (45) days after the beginning of each Fiscal Year of the Borrowers, projections of the Credit Parties (and their Subsidiaries’) consolidated and consolidating financial performance for such Fiscal Year on a month by month basis;

(g) promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of any significant reports submitted by the certified public accountants in connection with each annual, interim or special audit or review of any type of the financial statements or internal control systems of any Credit Party made by such accountants, including any final comment letters submitted by such accountants to management of any Credit Party in connection with their services;

(h) from time to time, if an Agent determines in good faith that obtaining appraisals is necessary in order for such Agent or any Lender to comply with applicable laws or regulations (including any appraisals required to comply with FIRREA), and at any time if a Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, either Agent may, or may require the Borrowers to, in either case at the Borrowers’ expense, obtain appraisals in form and substance and from appraisers reasonably satisfactory to Agents stating the then current fair market value of all or any portion of the personal property of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party and the fair market value or such other value as determined by an Agent (for example, replacement cost for purposes of Flood Insurance) of any Real Estate of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party;

(i) to US Agent, at the time of delivery of each of the monthly financial statements delivered pursuant to subsection 4.1(b) :

(i) a reconciliation of the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate, general ledger and month-end accounts receivable aging of each Borrower to such Borrower’s general ledger and monthly financial statements delivered pursuant to subsection 4.1(b), in each case, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be reasonably requested by US Agent in its reasonable discretion;

(ii) a reconciliation of the perpetual inventory by location to each Borrower’s most recent Borrowing Base Certificate, general ledger and monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to subsection 4.1(b), in each case, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be reasonably requested by US Agent in its reasonable discretion;

(iii) a reconciliation of the accounts payable aging to each Borrower’s general ledger and monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to subsection 4.1(b), in each case, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be reasonably requested by US Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

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(iv) a reconciliation of the accounts receivable aging to each Borrower’s general ledger and monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to subsection 4.1(b), in each case, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be reasonably requested by US Agent in its reasonable discretion;

(v) a reconciliation of the outstanding Loans as set forth in the monthly loan account statement provided by the applicable Agent to each Borrower’s general ledger and monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to subsection 4.1(b), in each case, accompanied by such supporting detail and documentation as shall be reasonably requested by US Agent in its reasonable discretion; and

(j) promptly, such additional business, financial, corporate affairs, perfection certificates and other information as either Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

4.3 Notices . The Borrowers shall notify promptly US Agent of each of the following (and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after a Responsible Officer becoming aware thereof):

(a) the occurrence or existence of any Default or Event of Default;

(b) any breach or non-performance of, or any default under, any Contractual Obligation of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, or any violation of, or non-compliance with, any Requirement of Law, which would reasonably be expected to result, either individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect, including a description of such breach, non-performance, default, violation or non-compliance and the steps, if any, such Person has taken, is taking or proposes to take in respect thereof;

(c) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension which may exist at any time between any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party and any Governmental Authority which would reasonably be expected to result, either individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect;

(d) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding against or directly involving any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party (i) in which the amount of damages claimed is the US Dollar Equivalent of $2,000,000 (or its equivalent in another currency or currencies) or more, (ii) in which injunctive or similar relief is sought and which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) in which the relief sought is an injunction or other stay of the performance of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Related Agreement;

(e) except which would not reasonably be expected to have or result in, either individually or in the aggregate, Material Environmental Liabilities: (i) the receipt by any Credit Party of any notice of violation of or potential liability or similar notice under Environmental Law, (ii)(A) unpermitted Releases, (B) the existence of any condition that could reasonably be expected to result in violations of or Liabilities under, any Environmental Law or (C) the commencement of, or any material change to, any action, investigation, suit, proceeding, audit, claim, demand, dispute alleging a violation of or Liability under any Environmental Law, (iii) the receipt by any Credit Party of notification that any property of any Credit Party is subject to any Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority securing, in whole or in part, Environmental Liabilities and (iv) any proposed acquisition or lease of Real Estate;

 

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(f)(i) on or prior to any filing by any ERISA Affiliate of any notice of any reportable event under Section 4043 of ERISA or intent to terminate any Title IV Plan, a copy of such notice, (ii) promptly, and in any event within ten (10) days, after any officer of any ERISA Affiliate knows or has reason to know that a request for a minimum funding waiver under Section 412 of the Code has been filed with respect to any Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan, a notice (which may be made by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing) describing such waiver request and any action that any ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto, together with a copy of any notice filed with the PBGC or the IRS pertaining thereto, and (iii) promptly, and in any event within ten (10) days after any officer of any ERISA Affiliate knows or has reason to know that an ERISA Event will or has occurred, a notice describing such ERISA Event, and any action that any ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto, together with a copy of any notices received from or filed with the PBGC, IRS, Multiemployer Plan or other Benefit Plan pertaining thereto;

(g) any Material Adverse Effect subsequent to the date of the most recent audited financial statements delivered to Agents and Lenders pursuant to this Agreement;

(h) any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party;

(i) any labor controversy resulting in or threatening to result in any strike, work stoppage, boycott, shutdown or other labor disruption against or involving any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party if the same would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;

(j) the creation, establishment or acquisition of any Subsidiary or the issuance by or to any Credit Party of any Stock or Stock Equivalent (other than issuances by Holdings of Stock or Stock Equivalents not requiring a mandatory prepayment hereunder); and

(k) the date upon which the Global Reorganization is reasonably anticipated to be effectuated; provided such notice shall be delivered to US Agent not less than ten (10) Business Days prior to such anticipated date of effectiveness.

Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be in electronic form accompanied by a statement by a Responsible Officer of the Borrowers, setting forth reasonable details of the occurrence referred to therein, and stating what action the Borrowers or other Person propose to take with respect thereto and at what time. Each notice under subsection 4.3(a) shall describe with particularity any and all clauses or provisions of this Agreement or other Loan Document that have been breached or violated.

 

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4.4 Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

(a) preserve and maintain in full force and effect its organizational existence and good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation, as applicable, except in connection with transactions permitted by Section 5.3;

(b) preserve and maintain in full force and effect all rights, privileges, qualifications, permits, licenses and franchises necessary in the normal conduct of its business except in connection with transactions permitted by Section 5.3 and sales of assets permitted by Section 5.2 and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) preserve or renew all of its registered trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and

(d) conduct its business and affairs without infringement of or interference with any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any respect and shall comply in all respects with the terms of its IP Licenses except in each instance as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

4.5 Maintenance of Property . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to (a) maintain, and preserve all its tangible Property which is used or useful in its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear, casualty and condemnation (subject to the applicable Credit Party’s obligation to repair or restore the asset if it has elected to do so pursuant to subsection 1.8(c)) excepted and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except, in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

4.6 Insurance .

(a) Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) maintain or cause to be maintained in full force and effect all policies of insurance of any kind with respect to the property and businesses of the Credit Parties and such Subsidiaries (including policies of life, fire, theft, product liability, public liability, Flood Insurance, property damage, other casualty, employee fidelity, workers’ compensation, business interruption and employee health and welfare insurance or, with respect to Persons who are not US Credit Parties or their Domestic Subsidiaries, the substantive equivalent thereof applicable to the relevant foreign jurisdiction) with financially sound and reputable insurance companies or associations (in each case that are not Affiliates of the Borrowers) of a nature and providing such coverage as is sufficient and as is customarily carried by businesses of the size and character of the business of the Credit Parties as reasonably determined by the Borrowers and (ii) cause all such insurance relating to any property or business of any Credit Party to name the Appropriate Agent as additional insured or loss payee, as appropriate. All policies of insurance on real and personal property of the Credit Parties will contain an endorsement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to US Agent, showing loss payable to Appropriate Agent (Form CP 1218 or equivalent) and extra expense and business interruption endorsements. Such endorsement, or an independent instrument furnished to US Agent, will provide that the insurance companies will

 

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give US Agent at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice before any such policy or policies of insurance shall be altered or canceled and that no act or default of the Credit Parties or any other Person shall affect the right of either Agent to recover under such policy or policies of insurance in case of loss or damage. Each Credit Party shall direct all present and future insurers under its “All Risk” policies of property insurance to pay all proceeds payable thereunder directly to the Appropriate Agent. If any insurance proceeds are paid by check, draft or other instrument payable to any Credit Party and an Agent jointly, such Agent may endorse such Credit Party’s name thereon and do such other things as Agent may deem advisable to reduce the same to cash. Notwithstanding the requirement in subsection (i) above, Federal Flood Insurance shall not be required for (x) Real Estate not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, or (y) Real Estate located in a Special Flood Hazard Area in a community that does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

(b) Unless the Credit Parties provide Agents with evidence of the insurance coverage required by this Agreement, Agents may, upon one (1) Business Day’s prior notice to the Borrowers, purchase insurance at the Credit Parties’ expense to protect Agents’ and Lenders’ interests, including interests in the Credit Parties’ and their Subsidiaries’ properties. This insurance may, but need not, protect the Credit Parties’ and their Subsidiaries’ interests. The coverage that Agents purchase may not pay any claim that any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party makes or any claim that is made against such Credit Party or any Subsidiary in connection with said Property. The Borrowers may later cancel any insurance purchased by Agents, but only after providing Agents with evidence that there has been obtained insurance as required by this Agreement (and, to the extent the Borrowers have complied with the provisions of this sentence and are entitled to cancel any such insurance obtained by Agent, Agent agrees, to the extent necessary, to promptly cancel such insurance at the written direction of the Borrowers). If an Agent purchases insurance, the Credit Parties will be responsible for the actual costs of that insurance until the effective date of the cancellation or expiration of the insurance. The costs of the insurance shall be added to the Obligations. The costs of the insurance may be more than the cost of insurance the Borrower may be able to obtain on its own.

4.7 Payment of Obligations . Such Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay, discharge and perform as the same shall become due and payable or required to be performed, all their respective obligations and liabilities, including:

(a) all material tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its Property, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently prosecuted which stay the enforcement of any Lien and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by such Person;

(b) all material lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon its Property unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently prosecuted which stay the imposition or enforcement of any Lien and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by such Person;

 

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(c) the performance of all obligations under any Contractual Obligation to such Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries is bound, or to which it or any of its Property is subject, including the Related Agreements, except where the failure to perform would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and

(d) payments to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of a Lien with respect to, or the involuntary termination of any underfunded Benefit Plan.

4.8 Compliance with Laws . (a) Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all Requirements of Law of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it or its business, except where the failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) For each existing, or hereafter adopted, Canadian Pension Plan and Canadian Benefit Plan, each Credit Party shall in a timely fashion comply with and perform in all material respects all of its obligations under and in respect of such Canadian Pension Plan or Canadian Benefit Plan, including under any funding agreements and all applicable laws (including any fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations), except where the failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) All employer or employee payments, contributions or premiums required to be remitted, paid to or in respect of each Canadian Pension Plan or Canadian Benefit Plan shall be paid or remitted by each Credit Party in a timely fashion in accordance with the terms thereof, any funding agreements and all applicable laws.

(d) Canadian Borrowers shall deliver to Canadian Agent (i) if requested by Canadian Agent, copies of each annual and other return, report or valuation with respect to each Canadian Pension Plan as filed with any applicable Governmental Authority; (ii) promptly after receipt thereof, a copy of any direction, order, notice, ruling or opinion that any Credit Party may receive from any applicable Governmental Authority with respect to any Canadian Pension Plan; (iii) notification within 30 days of any increases having a cost to one or more of the Credit Parties in excess of CDN $500,000 per annum in the aggregate, in the benefits of any existing Canadian Pension Plan or Canadian Benefit Plan, or the establishment of any new Canadian Pension Plan or Canadian Benefit Plan, or the commencement of contributions to any such plan to which any Credit Party was not previously contributing; and (iv) on or prior to any filing by any Credit Party of any notice to terminate or partially terminate any Canadian Pension Plan, a copy of such notice and promptly, any in any event within 10 days, after any officer of a Credit Party knows or has reason to know that a request for a funding waiver under any Canadian Pension Plan has been filed, a notice (which may be made by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing) describing such waiver request and any action that such Credit Party proposes to take with respect thereto, together with a copy of any notice filed with any Governmental Authority pertaining thereto.

4.9 Inspection of Property and Books and Records . Each Credit Party shall maintain and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP (or the applicable foreign

 

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equivalent in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries) consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of such Person. Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, with respect to each owned, leased, or controlled property, during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice (unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in which event no notice shall be required and each Agent shall have access at any and all times during the continuance thereof): (a) provide access to such property to each Agent and any of its Related Persons, as frequently as such Agent determines to be appropriate; and (b) permit each Agent and any of its Related Persons to conduct field examinations, audit, inspect, and make extracts and copies (or take originals if reasonably necessary) from all of such Credit Party’s books and records, and evaluate and make physical verifications and appraisals of the Inventory and other Collateral in any manner and through any medium that such Agent considers advisable, in each instance, at the Credit Parties’ expense; provided the Credit Parties shall only be obligated to reimburse Agents for the expenses of one such field examination, audit and inspection per calendar year per Agent or more frequently if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Any Lender may accompany an Agent or its Related Persons in connection with any inspection at such Lender’s expense. Each Credit Party which keeps records relating to Collateral in the Province of Quebec shall at all times keep a duplicate copy thereof at a location outside the Province of Quebec, as listed in Schedule 3.21 .

4.10 Use of Proceeds . The Borrowers shall use the proceeds of the Loans solely as follows: (a) to refinance on the Closing Date, Prior Indebtedness, (b) to pay costs and expenses of the Related Transactions and costs and expenses required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.1; provided, in no event shall proceeds from Canadian Loans be used to pay the costs or expenses incurred in connection with the Related Transactions, and (c) for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes not in contravention of any Requirement of Law and not in violation of this Agreement .

4.11 Cash Management Systems . Each Credit Party shall enter into, and cause each depository, securities intermediary or commodities intermediary to enter into, Control Agreements with respect to each deposit, securities, commodity or similar account maintained by such Person (other than (i) any payroll account so long as amounts on deposit therein do not exceed the reasonably estimated payroll obligations of such Person and such amounts are deposited therein immediately prior to any required payroll date, (ii) any withholding tax, benefits, escrow, customs, trust or any other fiduciary account, (iii) zero balance deposit account provided the amount on deposit therein does not exceed the amount necessary to cover outstanding checks, amounts necessary to maintain minimum deposit requirements and amounts necessary to pay the depositary institution’s fees and expenses, (iv) any deposit account maintained with a foreign bank (other than a foreign bank located in Canada) and (v) any petty cash deposit accounts maintained at a financial institution for which a Control Agreement has not otherwise been obtained, so long as, with respect to this clause (v), the aggregate amount on deposit in each such petty cash account does not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $250,000 at any one time and the aggregate amount on deposit in all such petty cash accounts does not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $700,000 at any one time) as of or after the Closing Date.

 

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4.12 Landlord Agreements . Each Credit Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a landlord agreement or bailee waivers, as applicable, from the lessor of (i) leased property functioning as the corporate headquarters of the Credit Parties or otherwise containing a Credit Party’s material books and records and (ii) each leased property containing, and each bailee in possession of, Collateral with a fair market value in excess of the US Dollar Equivalent of $500,000 for any one (1) such location, which agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to US Agent.

4.13 Further Assurances .

(a) Each Credit Party shall ensure that all written information, exhibits and reports furnished to Agent or the Lenders (excluding the Purchase Agreement and information of a general or industry specific nature) do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (provided, to the extent any such information, exhibits or reports contain projections, budgets, forward looking statements or estimates Agents and the Lenders acknowledge and agree that projections, budgets, forward looking statements or estimates as to future events are inherently uncertain and are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections, budgets, forward looking statements or estimates may materially differ from the projected results) do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact and do not and will not omit to state any material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, taken as a whole, not materially misleading in light of the circumstances in which made, and will promptly disclose to Agents and the Lenders and correct any defect or error that may be discovered therein or in any Loan Document or in the execution, acknowledgement or recordation thereof.

(b) Promptly upon written request by the Appropriate Agent, the Credit Parties shall (and, subject to the limitations hereinafter set forth, shall cause each of their Subsidiaries to) take such additional actions and execute such documents as the Appropriate Agent may reasonably require from time to time in order (i) to carry out more effectively the purposes of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) to subject to the Liens created by any of the Collateral Documents any of the Properties, rights or interests covered by any of the Collateral Documents, (iii) to perfect and maintain the validity, effectiveness and priority of any of the Collateral Documents and the Liens intended to be created thereby, and (iv) to better assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm to the Secured Parties the rights granted or now or hereafter intended to be granted to the Secured Parties under any Loan Document. To the extent a 956 Impact exists with respect to a Foreign Subsidiary, (1) such Foreign Subsidiary shall not be required to guaranty the US Obligations and (2) Stock and Stock Equivalents of such Foreign Subsidiary in excess of sixty-five percent (65%) of the outstanding voting Stock and Stock Equivalents thereof shall not be required to be pledged to secure the US Obligations; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary set forth in any Loan Document, in no event shall (i) a Foreign Subsidiary that is not (y) a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary of a domestic US Credit Party (i.e., a US Credit Party that is incorporated, organized or otherwise formed under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia) or (z) a Canadian Subsidiary be required to guaranty the Obligations or (ii) the Stock or Stock Equivalents of a Foreign Subsidiary that is not a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary or a Canadian Subsidiary be pledged as security for the Obligations (provided, further, First Tier Foreign Subsidiaries of Credit Parties that are not US Credit Parties shall not be pledged as security for the US Obligations).

 

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(c) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and except as otherwise approved in writing by Required Lenders, the US Credit Parties shall cause each of their Domestic Subsidiaries and, to the extent no 956 Impact exists, Canadian Subsidiaries and Domestic Subsidiaries owned indirectly through a Canadian Subsidiary to guaranty the Obligations and to cause each such Subsidiary to grant to US Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in, subject to the limitations hereinafter set forth, all of such Subsidiary’s Property to secure such guaranty. Furthermore and except as otherwise approved in writing by Required Lenders, each US Credit Party shall, and shall cause (x) each of its Domestic Subsidiaries to, pledge all of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of each of its Domestic Subsidiaries and First Tier Foreign Subsidiaries which are Canadian Subsidiaries (provided that with respect to any such First Tier Foreign Subsidiary, if a 956 Impact exists such pledge shall be limited to sixty-five percent (65%) of such Canadian Subsidiary’s outstanding voting Stock and Stock Equivalents and one hundred percent (100%) of such Canadian Subsidiary’s outstanding non-voting Stock and Stock Equivalents) and (y) to the extent no 956 Impact exists, each of its Canadian Subsidiaries to, pledge all of the Stock and Stock Equivalent of each of its Subsidiaries, in each instance, to US Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure the Obligations. In connection with each pledge of Stock and Stock Equivalents, the Credit Parties shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to US Agent, irrevocable proxies and stock powers and/or assignments, as applicable, duly executed in blank. In the event any US Credit Party or any Domestic Subsidiary or, to the extent no 956 Impact exists, any Canadian Subsidiary or any Domestic Subsidiary owned indirectly through a Canadian Subsidiary, of any Credit Party acquires any Real Estate with a fair market value or purchase price in excess of $1,000,000, simultaneously with such acquisition, such Person shall execute and/or deliver, or cause to be executed and/or delivered, to US Agent, (v) an appraisal complying with FIRREA, (w) within forty-five (45) days of receipt of notice from US Agent that Real Estate is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, Federal Flood Insurance as required by subsection 4.6(a), (x) a fully executed Mortgage, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to US Agent together with an A.L.T.A. lender’s title insurance policy issued by a title insurer reasonably satisfactory to US Agent, in form and substance and in an amount reasonably satisfactory to US Agent insuring that the Mortgage is a valid and enforceable first priority Lien on the respective property, free and clear of all defects, encumbrances and Liens other than Permitted Liens, (y) then current A.L.T.A. surveys, certified to the US Agent by a licensed surveyor sufficient to allow the issuer of the lender’s title insurance policy to issue such policy without a survey exception and (z) an environmental site assessment prepared by a qualified firm reasonably acceptable to US Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to US Agent. A “956 Impact” will be deemed to exist to the extent the issuance of a guaranty by, grant of a Lien by, or pledge of greater than two-thirds of the voting Stock and Stock Equivalents of, a Foreign Subsidiary, would result in material incremental income tax liability as a result of the application of Section 956 of the Code, taking into account actual anticipated repatriation of funds, foreign tax credits and other relevant factors. In addition to the obligations set forth in subsections 4.6(a) and 4.13(c)(w), within forty-five (45) days after written notice from Agents to the Credit Parties that any Real Estate is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the Credit Parties shall satisfy the Federal Flood Insurance requirements of subsection 4.6(a).

(d) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and except as otherwise approved in writing by Required Lenders, the Credit Parties shall cause each of their Canadian Subsidiaries to guaranty the Canadian Obligations and to cause each such Subsidiary to grant to

 

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Canadian Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Secured Parties, a security interest in, subject to the limitations hereinafter set forth, all of such Subsidiary’s Property to secure such guaranty. Furthermore and except as otherwise approved in writing by Required Lenders, each Canadian Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Canadian Subsidiaries to, pledge all of the Stock and Stock Equivalent of each of its Subsidiaries, in each instance, to Canadian Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Secured Parties, to secure the Canadian Obligations. In connection with each pledge of Stock and Stock Equivalents, the Credit Parties shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Canadian Agent, irrevocable proxies and stock powers and/or assignments, as applicable, duly executed in blank. In the event any Canadian Credit Party or any Canadian Subsidiary acquires any Real Estate with a fair market value or purchase price in excess of the US Dollar Equivalent of $1,000,000, simultaneously with such acquisition, such Person shall execute and/or deliver, or cause to be executed and/or delivered, to Canadian Agent, (v) an appraisal complying with applicable law, (w) a fully executed Mortgage, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Canadian Agent together with an A.L.T.A. (or equivalent) lender’s title insurance policy issued by a title insurer reasonably satisfactory to Canadian Agent, in form and substance and in an amount reasonably satisfactory to Canadian Agent insuring that the Mortgage is a valid and enforceable first priority Lien on the respective property, free and clear of all defects, encumbrances and Liens other than Permitted Liens, (x) then current A.L.T.A. (or equivalent) surveys, certified to the Canadian Agent by a licensed surveyor sufficient to allow the issuer of the lender’s title insurance policy to issue such policy without a survey exception and (z) an environmental site assessment prepared by a qualified firm reasonably acceptable to Canadian Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to Canadian Agent.

4.14 Environmental Matters . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with, and maintain its Real Estate, whether owned, leased, subleased or otherwise operated or occupied, in compliance with, all applicable Environmental Laws (including by implementing any Remedial Action necessary to achieve such compliance) or that is required by orders and directives of any Governmental Authority except where the failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Environmental Liability. Without limiting the foregoing, if an Event of Default is continuing or if an Agent at any time has a reasonable basis to believe that there exist violations of Environmental Laws by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party or that there exist any Environmental Liabilities, except where the failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Environmental Liability, then each Credit Party shall, promptly upon receipt of request from such Agent, cause the performance of, and allow such Agent and its Related Persons access to such Real Estate for the purpose of conducting, such environmental audits and assessments, including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater, and cause the preparation of such reports, in each case as such Agent may from time to time reasonably request. Such audits, assessments and reports, to the extent not conducted by an Agent or any of its Related Persons, shall be conducted and prepared by reputable environmental consulting firms reasonably acceptable to such Agent and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such Agent.

4.15 Post-Closing Obligations . Notwithstanding the conditions precedent set forth in Article II above, the Borrowers have informed Agents and the Lenders that certain of such items required to be delivered to US Agent or otherwise satisfied as conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement will not be delivered to US Agent as of the date hereof.

 

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Therefore, with respect to the items set forth on Schedule 4.15 (collectively, the “Outstanding Items”), and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the Borrowers shall deliver or otherwise satisfy each Outstanding Item to US Agent in the form, manner and time set forth thereon for such Outstanding Item or within such other time as US Agent may reasonably agree; provided, each Borrower and each other Credit Party hereby expressly consent, acknowledge and agree, irrespective of the Borrowers’ satisfaction or completion of any or all of the conditions to funding any Loan or issuing any Letter of Credit set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to make or fund any Loans or issue any Letters of Credit hereunder until such time as the Credit Parties have complied in full with the requirements regarding, and otherwise delivered, the Outstanding Items set forth in part 2 of Schedule 4.15.

ARTICLE V -

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Each Credit Party covenants and agrees that, so long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or other Obligation (other than (i) contingent indemnification Obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted and (ii) Letter of Credit Obligations collateralized in the manner set forth in Section 7.4) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, unless the Required Lenders waive compliance in writing:

5.1 Limitation on Liens . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any part of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following (“Permitted Liens”):

(a) any Lien existing on the Property of a Credit Party or a Subsidiary of a Credit Party on the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 5.1 securing Indebtedness outstanding on such date and permitted by subsection 5.5(c), including replacement Liens on the Property currently subject to such Liens securing Indebtedness permitted by subsection 5.5(c);

(b) any Lien created under any Loan Document;

(c) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental charges (i) which are not past due or remain payable without penalty, or (ii) the non-payment of which is permitted by Section 4.7;

(d) carriers’, warehousemen’s, suppliers’, mechanics’, landlords’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or other similar Liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business which are not delinquent for more than ninety (90) days or remain payable without penalty or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently prosecuted, which proceedings have the effect of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the Property subject thereto and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained;

 

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(e) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) consisting of pledges or deposits or bonds required in the Ordinary Course of Business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty obligations, surety bonds, stay, customs and appeals bonds, bids, leases, governmental contract, trade contracts, performance and return of money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money) or to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(f) Liens consisting of judgment or judicial attachment liens (other than for payment of taxes, assessments or other governmental charges), the existence of which do not constitute an Event of Default provided that the enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed;

(g) easements, rights-of-way, reservations, conditions, title exceptions, zoning and other restrictions, building codes, land use laws, minor defects or other irregularities in title, and other similar encumbrances incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business or imposed by law which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not in any case materially detract from the value of the Property subject thereto or interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the businesses of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party;

(h) Liens on any Property acquired or held by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party securing Indebtedness incurred or assumed for the purpose of financing (or refinancing) all or any part of the cost of acquiring such Property and permitted under subsection 5.5(d); provided that (i) any such Lien attaches to such Property concurrently with or within ninety (90) days after the acquisition thereof, (ii) such Lien attaches solely to the Property so acquired in such transaction and the proceeds thereof, and (iii) the principal amount of the debt secured thereby does not exceed 100% of the cost (including any out-of-pocket expenses associated with the acquisition of such Property) of such Property;

(i) Liens securing Capital Lease Obligations permitted under subsection 5.5(d);

(j) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under any lease or license not prohibited by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

(k) Liens arising from precautionary uniform commercial code and PPSA financing statements filed under any lease permitted by this Agreement;

(l) non-exclusive licenses and sublicenses granted by a Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party and leases and subleases (by a Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party as lessor or sublessor) to third parties in the Ordinary Course of Business not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Credit Parties or any of their Subsidiaries;

(m) Liens in favor of collecting banks arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code or, with respect to collecting banks located in the State of New York, under Section 4-208 of the Uniform Commercial Code;

(n) Liens (i) in favor of a banking or other depositary institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary to the banking industry, (ii) in favor of a financial institution

 

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arising as a matter of law encumbering financial assets on deposit in securities accounts (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary to the securities industry and (iii) that are contractual rights of set-off relating to the establishment of depository and cash management relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness for borrowed money and which are within the general parameters customary to the banking industry;

(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into by a Borrower or any Subsidiary of a Borrower in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(p) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law which secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(q) Liens arising by operation of law or contract on insurance policies and proceeds thereof to secure premiums payable thereunder;

(r) Subordinated Second Liens;

(s) Liens attaching solely to cash earnest money deposits in connection with Investments permitted under Section 5.4;

(t) Liens on Property, and only such Property, which is the subject of an unconsummated asset purchase agreement in connection with an asset disposition permitted hereunder, which Liens secure the obligation of a Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party under such agreement;

(u) Liens arising under Section 2-507 of the UCC;

(v) Liens consisting of prepayments and security deposits in connection with leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, use and occupancy agreements, utility services and similar transactions entered into by the applicable Credit Party or Subsidiary of a Credit Party in the Ordinary Course of Business and not required as a result of any breach of any agreement or default in payment of any obligation;

(w) Liens granted by Foreign Subsidiaries (i) encumbering cash collateral provided by such Foreign Subsidiaries to issuers of letters of credit as security for letters of credit permitted pursuant to subsection 5.5(p), (ii) encumbering cash collateral provided by Foreign Subsidiaries as security for their obligations under performance and surety bonds permitted pursuant to subsection 5.5(r) and (iii) as security for Indebtedness permitted pursuant to subsection 5.5(q);

(x) Liens encumbering the assets of a Target to the extent securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to subsection 5.5(o)(ii), solely to the extent such Liens encumber no assets other than the assets of the Target encumbered by such Liens immediately prior to the Acquisition of such Target;

 

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(y) to the extent not included above, Prior Claims that are unregistered and secure amounts that are not yet due and payable;

(z) with respect to Canadian Borrower or any Canadian Subsidiary, reservations in any original grants from the Crown of any land or interest therein, statutory exceptions to title, and reservations of mineral rights (including coal, oil and natural gas) in any grants from the Crown or from any other predecessor in title; and

(aa) other Liens not described above securing obligations other than Indebtedness for borrowed money, provided the aggregate outstanding amount of the obligations secured thereby does not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000.

5.2 Disposition of Assets . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, sell, assign, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether in one or a series of transactions) any Property (including the Stock of any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, whether in a public or private offering or otherwise, and accounts and notes receivable, with or without recourse), except:

(a) dispositions of inventory, or used, worn-out uneconomical, obsolete, or surplus equipment, all in the Ordinary Course of Business; provided the mandatory prepayment, if any, required pursuant to subsection 1.8(c) is made;

(b) dispositions not otherwise permitted hereunder which are made for fair market value and the mandatory prepayment in the amount of the Net Proceeds of such disposition is made if and to the extent required by Section 1.8; provided , that (i) at the time of any disposition, no Specified Event of Default shall be continuing or shall result from such disposition, (ii) not less than 75% of the aggregate sales price from such disposition shall be paid in cash, and (iii) the aggregate fair market value of all assets so sold by the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries, together, shall not exceed in any Fiscal Year the US Dollar Equivalent of $3,000,000;

(c) dispositions of Cash Equivalents;

(d) transactions permitted under subsection 5.1(k);

(e) sales or discounting, on a non-recourse basis and in the Ordinary Course of Business, past due Accounts in connection with the collection or compromise thereof, provided the mandatory prepayment, if any, required pursuant to subsection 1.8(c) is made;

(f) transactions permitted by Section 5.3, issuances of Stock and Stock Equivalents by Holdings pursuant to transactions permitted by Section 5.6(d) and Investments permitted by Section 5.4;

(g) sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions by (i) any US Credit Party to any other US Credit Party (other than Holdings), (ii) any US Credit Party to a Canadian Credit Party (other than a US Credit Party) of property and assets (other than the Stock and Stock Equivalents of any US Credit Party or any Domestic Subsidiary thereof) with a fair market value not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $2,000,000 during the term of this Agreement, (iii)

 

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any Canadian Credit Party to a US Credit Party of property and assets with a fair market value not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $2,000,000 during the term of this Agreement, and (iv) by a Canadian Credit Party (other than a US Credit Party) to any other Canadian Credit Party (other than a US Credit Party), provided, in no event, shall any Borrower transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any other Person;

(h) dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Credit Party provided the proceeds thereof are applied in accordance with subsection 1.8(c);

(i) the abandonment or other disposition of Intellectual Property that is, in the reasonable good faith judgment of a Credit Party, no longer economically practicable or commercially desirable to maintain or useful in the conduct of the business of such Credit Party;

(j) Liens permitted under Section 5.1 (to the extent constituting a transfer of Property);

(k) terminations of leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses or similar use and occupancy agreements by the applicable Credit Party or Subsidiary of a Credit Party in the Ordinary Course of Business that do not interfere in any material respect with the business of the Credit Parties or their Subsidiaries;

(l) trade-ins and exchanges of equipment with third parties conducted in the Ordinary Course of Business to the extent substantially comparable (or better) equipment useful in the operation of the business of any Credit Party is obtained in exchange therefor; provided the mandatory prepayment if any, required pursuant to subsection 1.8(c) is made;

(m) dispositions of non-core assets (“non-core assets” to be determined by Holdings in the exercise of its reasonable good faith business judgment and to consist only of those assets designated as “non-core assets” pursuant to written notification by Holdings delivered to US Agent prior to the time the Permitted Acquisition pursuant to which such assets are acquired is consummated) acquired in connection with any Permitted Acquisition, provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied (unless otherwise agreed to by US Agent in writing): (i) in the event an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such disposition or, to the extent the purchase price therefor was paid with proceeds of Loans, the sales price from such disposition shall be paid in cash, (ii) the mandatory prepayment in the amount of the Net Proceeds of such disposition is made if and to the extent required by Section 1.8 and (iii) the EBITDA generated by such non-core assets shall not have been included in the calculation of EBITDA (as defined in Exhibit 4.2(b)) in respect of the applicable Permitted Acquisition;

(n) sales, assignments or other transfers by US Borrower or any Subsidiary of US Borrower of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of Foreign Subsidiaries to Canadian Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof; and

(o) transfers of Stock and Stock Equivalents pursuant to and in connection with the Global Reorganization.

 

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5.3 Consolidations and Mergers . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, amalgamate, merge, consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except Permitted Acquisitions and except upon not less than five (5) Business Days prior written notice to Agents, (a) any Subsidiary (other than, upon and after the consummation of the Global Reorganization, the Canadian Borrower) of the US Borrower may amalgamate or merge with, or dissolve or liquidate into, the US Borrower or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the US Borrower, provided that such Borrower or such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving entity; provided further that if a Credit Party is party to any such merger, dissolution or liquidation, a Credit Party shall be the surviving or continuing entity and all actions reasonably required by US Agent, including actions required to maintain perfected Liens on the Stock of the surviving entity and other Collateral in favor of US Agent, shall have been completed, (b) any Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower may amalgamate or merge with, or dissolve or liquidate into, the Canadian Borrower or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower, provided that such Borrower or such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving entity; provided further that if a Credit Party is party to any such amalgamation or merger, dissolution or liquidation, a Credit Party shall be the surviving or continuing entity and all actions reasonably required by Canadian Agent, including actions required to maintain perfected Liens on the Stock of the surviving entity and other Collateral in favor of Canadian Agent, shall have been completed, and (c) any Foreign Subsidiary (other than Canadian Borrower) may amalgamate or merge with or dissolve or liquidate into another Foreign Subsidiary provided if a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary or Canadian Subsidiary is a constituent entity in such amalgamation, merger, dissolution or liquidation, such First Tier Foreign Subsidiary or Canadian Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving entity.

5.4 Loans and Investments . No Credit Party shall and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to (i) purchase or acquire, or make any commitment to purchase or acquire any Stock or Stock Equivalents, or any obligations or other securities of, or any interest in, any Person, including the establishment or creation of a Subsidiary, or (ii) make or commit to make any Acquisitions, or any other acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of another Person, or of any business or division of any Person, including without limitation, by way of amalgamation, merger, consolidation or other combination or (iii) make or purchase or commit to make or purchase, any advance, loan, extension of credit or capital contribution to or any other investment in, any Person including a Borrower, any Affiliate of a Borrower or any Subsidiary of a Borrower (the items described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are referred to as “Investments”), except for:

(a) Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

(b) extensions of credit by (i) any US Credit Party (other than Holdings) to any other US Credit Party (other than Holdings) or by any Canadian Credit Party (other than a US Credit Party) to any other Canadian Credit Party (other than a US Credit Party), (ii) the US Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary of the US Borrower to Foreign Subsidiaries of the US Borrower other than Canadian Subsidiaries not to exceed, when combined with outstanding extensions of credit permitted pursuant to subsection 5.4(b)(v) below and outstanding Contingent Obligations permitted pursuant to subsection 5.9(j), the US Dollar Equivalent of $7,500,000 in

 

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the aggregate at any time outstanding for all such extensions of credit, (iii) Canadian Borrower to a US Credit Party (other than Holdings), (iv) a US Credit Party (other than Holdings) to Canadian Borrower provided at the time of such extension of credit, Canadian Availability is zero and in no event in excess of the US Dollar Equivalent of $2,000,000 at any time outstanding for all such extensions of credit, (v) the Canadian Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower which is a Canadian Credit Party to Subsidiaries of the Canadian Borrower which are not a Canadian Credit Party not to exceed, when combined with outstanding extensions of credit permitted pursuant to subsection 5.4(b)(ii) above and outstanding Contingent Obligations permitted pursuant to subsection 5.9(j), the US Dollar Equivalent of $7,500,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding for all such extensions of credit; provided, if the extensions of credit described in foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) are evidenced by notes, such notes shall be pledged to the Appropriate Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (vi) a Foreign Subsidiary (other than a Canadian Credit Party) of the US Borrower to another Foreign Subsidiary (other than a Canadian Credit Party) of the US Borrower; (vii) a Foreign Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower (which is not a Canadian Credit Party) to another Foreign Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower (which is not a Canadian Credit Party); and (viii) a Foreign Subsidiary of Holdings (other than a Canadian Credit Party) to a Credit Party provided such Indebtedness is unsecured and subordinated to the Obligations in a manner satisfactory to US Agent;

(c) loans and advances to employees, officers and directors in the Ordinary Course of Business not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $1,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding;

(d) Investments received as the non-cash portion of consideration received in connection with transactions permitted pursuant to subsection 5.2;

(e) Investments acquired in connection with the settlement of delinquent Accounts in the Ordinary Course of Business or in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers or customers;

(f) Investments consisting of non-cash loans made by Holdings to officers, directors and employees of a Credit Party which are used by such Persons to purchase simultaneously Stock or Stock Equivalents of Holdings;

(g) Investments existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 5.4 ;

(h)(i) capital contributions by Holdings to each of US Borrower and Canadian Borrower, (ii) creation of, and capital contributions to, Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of (x) the US Borrower which are US Credit Parties and (y) the Canadian Borrower which are Canadian Credit Parties, (iii) upon and after the consummation of the Global Reorganization, capital contributions by the US Credit Parties to the Canadian Borrower to the extent such contributions are funded with the proceeds of Excluded Equity issuances, (iv) creation of and capital contributions to, (x) Foreign Subsidiaries (other than the Canadian Foreign Subsidiaries) that are Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of the US Credit Parties, by the US Credit Parties (y) Foreign Subsidiaries that are Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of the Canadian Credit Parties, by the Canadian Credit Parties, provided, in either case, such capital contributions are funded with the proceeds of Excluded Equity Issuances, and (v) creation of and capital contributions to Foreign Subsidiaries (other than Canadian Foreign Subsidiaries) that are Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of other Foreign Subsidiaries of the Credit Parties, by such other Foreign Subsidiaries;

 

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(i) to the extent constituting an Investment, Capital Expenditures and Contingent Obligations permitted hereunder;

(j) extensions of trade credit in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(k) to the extent constituting Investments, pledges and deposits in the Ordinary Course of Business to the extent permitted by subsection 5.1(e) or subsection 5.1(v);

(l) the consummation of the Closing Date Acquisition;

(m) Investments in deposit accounts and securities accounts opened in the Ordinary Course of Business and in compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, in each case to the extent subject to a Control Agreement as required pursuant to Section 4.11;

(n) to the extent constituting an Investment, the capitalization or forgiveness by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness owed to it by another Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (provided no Credit Party shall forgive any such Indebtedness while a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing without the consent of US Agent);

(o) the holding of accounts receivable owing to such Person if created in the Ordinary Course of Business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary terms;

(p) to the extent constituting an Investment, prepayments and deposits to suppliers made in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(q) Permitted Acquisitions (including, in each case, earnest money deposits in connection therewith);

(r) Investments made in connection with the Global Restructuring, including, but not limited to, in connection with and pursuant to the Capital Contribution Agreement, the Forward Subscription Agreement and the Hybrid Note; and

(s) other Investments (valued at cost at the time of each Investment) made after the Closing Date not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding (it being agreed that upon a return of all or any portion of such Investment, such Investment shall no longer be considered outstanding to the extent so returned).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, (i) the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries may hold Investments to the extent such Investments reflect an increase in the value of Investments otherwise permitted under this Section 5.4 and (ii) the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries may make any Investments with the Net Issuance Proceeds of an Excluded Equity Issuance so long as (x) after giving effect to any such Investment, a Default or Event of Default would not otherwise exist, (y) such Investment does not constitute an Acquisition unless (I) Target has EBITDA, subject to pro forma adjustments acceptable to the US Agent for the most recent four quarters prior to the acquisition date for which financial statements are available, greater than zero and (II) the Target’s line of business would not violate the provisions of Section 5.12 and (z) such Investment does not constitute a joint venture.

 

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5.5 Limitation on Indebtedness . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume, permit to exist, or otherwise become or remain directly or indirectly liable with respect to, any Indebtedness, except:

(a) the Obligations;

(b) Indebtedness consisting of Contingent Obligations described in clause (a) of the definition thereof and permitted pursuant to Section 5.9;

(c) Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 5.5 including Permitted Refinancings thereof;

(d) Indebtedness not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $3,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding, consisting of Capital Lease Obligations or secured by Liens permitted by subsection 5.1(h) and Permitted Refinancings thereof;

(e) unsecured intercompany Indebtedness permitted pursuant to subsection 5.4(b);

(f) Second Lien Indebtedness not to exceed $210,000,000 in the aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding issued pursuant to the Second Lien Indebtedness Documents, as such amount may be increased pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and, subject to the provisions of Section 5.11 hereof, Permitted Refinancings thereof;

(g) Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(h) Indebtedness for bank overdrafts or returned items incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business that are promptly repaid;

(i) Indebtedness of Holdings incurred pursuant to Holdings Loans;

(j) upon and after the consummation of the Global Reorganization, Indebtedness evidenced by the Hybrid Note;

(k) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 5.7 hereof;

(l) unsecured Indebtedness of Holdings evidencing the purchase price of Stock of Holdings or options or warrants thereof purchased by Holdings from current or former officers, directors and employees, provided such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Obligations on terms acceptable to US Agent;

 

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(m) unsecured Subordinated Indebtedness issued to sellers to satisfy a portion of the purchase price of a Permitted Acquisition so long as such Subordinated Indebtedness provides for no cash payment during the term of the Credit Agreement on account of principal, interest, fees or other amounts owing in respect thereof, such Subordinated Indebtedness has a maturity date no earlier than six (6) months after the Revolving Termination Date and such Subordinated Indebtedness is otherwise subject to subordination terms in favor of Agents, Lenders and L/C Issuers on terms and conditions acceptable to US Agent;

(n) unsecured earnouts not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding incurred in connection with a Permitted Acquisition; provided, for purposes of this clause (n) earnouts shall be measured at the maximum amount thereof.

(o)(i) unsecured Indebtedness of a Target existing at the time the Target becomes a Subsidiary of a Borrower (or is amalgamated, merged into or consolidated with a Credit Party (other than Holdings)) pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition or Indebtedness assumed by a Borrower or its Subsidiaries in respect of assets acquired by such Person pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition, but only to the extent that such Indebtedness was not incurred in connection with, as a result of, or in contemplation of, such Permitted Acquisition; provided, however, that in no event shall the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness outstanding at any time under this clause (o)(i) exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000 and (ii) secured Indebtedness of a Target existing at the time the Target becomes a Subsidiary of a Borrower (or is amalgamated, merged into or consolidated with a Credit Party (other than Holdings)) pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition or Indebtedness assumed by a Borrower or its Subsidiaries in respect of assets acquired by such Person pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition; provided, such Indebtedness (A) was not incurred in connection with, as a result of, or in contemplation of, such Permitted Acquisition, (B) is secured solely by assets of the Target so acquired and not by any assets of any Credit Party, (C) is not guaranteed by any Credit Party and (D) the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness outstanding at any time under this clause (o)(ii) does not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000;

(p) Indebtedness consisting of (i) letter of credit and/or revolving credit facilities (other than the ABN LC Facility) of Foreign Subsidiaries (other than Canadian Credit Parties) existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 5.5(p) , (ii) one or more letter of credit and/or revolving credit facilities of Foreign Subsidiaries organized under the laws of the Republic of Korea obtained after the Closing Date provided the aggregate commitments of all such letter of credit facilities do not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $500,000, (iii) one or more letter of credit and/or revolving credit facilities of Foreign Subsidiaries organized under the laws of Japan obtained after the Closing Date provided the aggregate commitments of all such letter of credit and revolving credit facilities do not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $500,000, (iv) the ABN LC Facility and increases thereto representing additional Indebtedness thereunder not in excess of the US Dollar Equivalent of $1,500,000, (v) increases to any of the foregoing letter of credit and/or revolving credit facilities or new letter of credit and/or revolving credit facilities, in either case, made available to such Foreign Subsidiaries representing additional Indebtedness thereof not in excess of the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000 in aggregate, and (vi) Permitted Refinancings thereof;

 

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(q) Indebtedness (not otherwise described in subsection 5.5(p)) of Foreign Subsidiaries (other than Canadian Credit Parties) (i) existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 5.5(q) , (ii) increases to such Indebtedness in an aggregate amount not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $1,500,000, (iii) incurred after the Closing Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $2,000,000, and (iv) Permitted Refinancings of the foregoing; provided, in no event shall any such Indebtedness be guaranteed by any Credit Party or shall any Credit Party have any obligation in respect thereof or grant any security therefor (except, solely with respect to guarantees by Credit Parties of such Indebtedness, to the extent expressly permitted pursuant to subsection 5.9(j));

(r) Indebtedness consisting of performance and surety bonds in favor of Indian tax and port authorities with respect to the importation of goods into India in the Ordinary Course of Business by the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries, to the extent required by such tax and port authorities; and

(s) other unsecured Indebtedness not exceeding in the aggregate at any time outstanding the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000.

5.6 Transactions with Affiliates . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower or of any such Subsidiary, except:

(a) as expressly permitted by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; or

(b) pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the business of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary upon fair and reasonable terms materially no less favorable to such Credit Party or such Subsidiary than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate of the Borrower or such Subsidiary and if a Responsible Officer of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries has actual knowledge that such Person is an Affiliate and the value or consideration payable in such transaction exceeds the US Dollar Equivalent of $500,000 in the aggregate, which are disclosed in writing to Agent; provided, further, that in no event shall a Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party perform or provide any management, consulting, administrative or similar services to or for any Person other than another Credit Party, a Subsidiary of a Credit Party or a customer who is not an Affiliate in the Ordinary Course of Business.

(c) as set forth in Schedule 5.6 ; and

(d) any issuances by Holdings of awards or grants of equity securities, employments agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by Holdings’ or any Credit Party’s board of directors, board of managers or similar governing body, as applicable.

 

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5.7 Management Fees and Compensation . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, pay any management, consulting or similar fees to any Affiliate of any Credit Party or to any officer, director or employee of any Credit Party or any Affiliate of any Credit Party except:

(a) for the items referred to in Section 5.6(d) above, compensation and any employee benefit allowance paid or provided to officers, directors and employees for actual services rendered to the Credit Parties (including severance) and their Subsidiaries, including the maintenance of benefit programs or arrangements for employees, officers or directors, including, without limitation, vacation plans, health and life insurance plans, deferred compensation plans, and retirement or savings plans and similar plans and indemnification of officers and employees, in each case, in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(b) payment of directors’ fees and reimbursement of actual out-of-pocket expenses and indemnities incurred by Persons in their capacities as directors and in connection with attending board of director meetings not to exceed in the aggregate, with respect to all such items, $100,000 in any Fiscal Year of the Borrower;

(c) payment of a management advisory fee to Sponsor Management Affiliate and the Additional Management Advisors pursuant to Section 3(a) of the Management Agreement as in effect on the date hereof not to exceed the amounts and on the terms set forth in the Management Agreement; provided, however, that the fees described in this clause (c) shall not be paid (but shall continue to accrue) during any period while a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise as a result of such payment (to the extent an Agent has provided the Borrowers written notice of such Specified Event of Default and that such payments are prohibited); provided, further, any fees not paid due to the existence of a Specified Event of Default shall be deferred and may be paid when no Specified Event of Default exists (whether upon the waiver or cure thereof in accordance with the terms of this Agreement);

(d) reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses and indemnities required to be paid pursuant to the Management Agreement as in effect on the date hereof, so long as, solely with respect to reimbursement for indemnities, (i) no Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would arise as a result of such reimbursement, (ii) Aggregate Availability shall not be less than $2,000,000 after giving effect to such reimbursement and (iii) in no event shall any Credit Party reimburse any costs or expenses of or indemnify Sponsor Management Affiliate, an Additional Management Advisor or, to the extent otherwise required by the Management Agreement, any of their respective Affiliates (each such Person, a “Management Advisor”), if and to the extent such costs or expenses were incurred or such indemnification obligations arose as a result of the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the Management Advisor seeking such reimbursement or indemnification;

(e) reserved; and

(f) payment to Sponsor and/or Sponsor Management Affiliate of fees in connection with Permitted Acquisitions; provided, such fees are payable solely from proceeds of an Excluded Equity Issuance by Holdings with respect to which such fees are payable.

5.8 Use of Proceeds . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, use any portion of the Loan proceeds, directly or indirectly, to purchase or carry Margin Stock or repay or otherwise refinance Indebtedness of any Credit Party or others incurred to purchase or carry Margin Stock, or otherwise in any manner which is in contravention of any Requirement of Law or in violation of this Agreement.

 

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5.9 Contingent Obligations . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Contingent Obligations except in respect of the Obligations and except:

(a) endorsements for collection or deposit in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(b) Rate Contracts and Commodity Hedge Contracts, in each case, entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business for bona fide hedging purposes and not for speculation, with prior written notice to US Agent;

(c) Contingent Obligations of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries existing as of the Closing Date and listed in Schedule 5.9 , including extension and renewals thereof which do not increase the amount of such Contingent Obligations or impose materially more restrictive or adverse terms on the Credit Parties or their Subsidiaries as compared to the terms of the Contingent Obligation being renewed or extended;

(d) Contingent Obligations arising under indemnity agreements to title insurers to cause such title insurers to issue to Agent title insurance policies;

(e) Contingent Obligations arising with respect to customary indemnification obligations in favor of (i) sellers in connection with the Related Transactions and Permitted Acquisitions and (ii) purchasers in connection with dispositions permitted under subsection 5.2;

(f) Contingent Obligations arising under Letters of Credit;

(g) Contingent Obligations arising under guarantees made in the Ordinary Course of Business of obligations of any Credit Party (other than Holdings), which obligations are otherwise permitted hereunder; provided that if such obligation is subordinated to the Obligations, such guarantee shall be subordinated to the same extent;

(h) Contingent Obligations incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business with respect to surety and appeals bonds, performance bonds, performance guarantees and other similar obligations;

(i) product warranties provided by a Credit Party or Subsidiary of a Credit Party in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(j) guarantees by US Credit Parties of Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries (other than Canadian Foreign Subsidiaries) of the US Borrower in an aggregate amount not to exceed, when combined with the US Dollar Equivalent of the intercompany extensions of credit permitted pursuant to subsections 5.4(b)(ii) and 5.4(b)(v) outstanding at such time, the US Dollar Equivalent of $7,500,000;

(k) upon and after the consummation of the Global Reorganization, Contingent Obligations incurred pursuant to the Capital Contribution Agreement and the Forward Subscription Agreement; and

 

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(l) other Contingent Obligations not exceeding the US Dollar Equivalent of $1,500,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding.

5.10 Compliance with ERISA, Etc . (a) No Credit Party shall permit its unfunded pension fund and other employee benefit plan obligation and liabilities to remain unfunded other than in accordance with applicable law and (b) no ERISA Affiliate shall cause or suffer to exist (a) any event that could result in the imposition of a Lien on any asset of a Credit Party or a Subsidiary of a Credit Party with respect to any Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan or (b) any other ERISA Event, that would, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. No Credit Party shall cause or suffer to exist any event that could result in the imposition of a Lien with respect to any Benefit Plan.

5.11 Restricted Payments . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) declare or make any dividend payment or other distribution of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities on account of any Stock or Stock Equivalent, (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any Stock or Stock Equivalent now or hereafter outstanding or (iii) make any payment or prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, interest, fees, redemption, exchange, purchase, retirement, defeasance, sinking fund or similar payment with respect to, Subordinated Indebtedness or (iv) make any cash prepayment, redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance, sinking fund or similar payment, of principal of the Second Lien Indebtedness (the items described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above are referred to as “Restricted Payments”); except that any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of a Borrower may declare and pay dividends to a Borrower or any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of a Borrower, and except that:

(a) Holdings may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in its Stock or Stock Equivalents; and

(b) the Borrowers may make distributions to Holdings which are promptly used by Holdings to redeem or repurchase, or to make distributions to Parent which are promptly used by Parent to redeem or repurchase, from current or former officers, directors and employees (or their current or former spouses, their estates, their estate planning vehicles or their family members) Stock and Stock Equivalents provided all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) no Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise as a result of such Restricted Payment;

(ii) the aggregate Restricted Payments permitted during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $3,000,000; provided the foregoing limits shall not apply to the extent of any redemption or repurchase funded with the proceeds of any Excluded Equity Issuance; and

(iii) after giving effect to such Restricted Payments, US Availability is not less than $5,000,000 and Canadian Availability is not less than the US Dollar Equivalent of $2,500,000; provided the foregoing limits shall not apply to the extent of any redemption or repurchase funded with the proceeds of any Excluded Equity Issuance; and

 

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(iv) such Restricted Payments and redemption is permitted under the Second Lien Indebtedness Documents;

(c) in the event US Borrower files a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar type income tax return with Holdings, the US Borrower may make distributions to Holdings to permit Holdings to pay federal and state income taxes then due and payable, franchise taxes and other similar licensing expenses incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business provided, that the amount of such distribution shall not be greater than the amount of such taxes or expenses that would have been due and payable by the US Borrower and its relevant Subsidiaries had the US Borrower not filed a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar type return with Holdings;

(d) the Credit Parties may make distributions to Holdings which are promptly used by Holdings to pay, or to make distributions to Parent which are promptly used by Parent to pay, overhead expenses, professional fees and expenses and directors fees and expenses, in any case, incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(e) Holdings may repurchase shares of Stock or Stock Equivalents issued by Holdings to current or former officers, directors and employees of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (or its current or former spouses, their estates, their estate planning vehicles or their family members) by cancellation of notes permitted pursuant to subsection 5.4(f) and/or by issuance of notes permitted pursuant to subsection 5.5(l);

(f) the Credit Parties may make distributions to Holdings which are promptly used by Holdings to pay (or distributed by Holdings to Thermon Group, Inc. to pay) post-closing purchase price adjustments under, and costs and expenses related to, the Purchase Agreement and the Closing Date Acquisition, to the extent required by and pursuant to the terms thereof;

(g) the Credit Parties may make distributions to Holdings to allow (i) Holdings to make cash payments of compensation and other items described in Section 5.7(a) owing to or in respect of members of management employed by Holdings or (ii) Holdings to make distributions to Parent to allow Parent promptly to make cash payments of compensation and other items described in Section 5.7(a) owing to or in respect of members of management employed by Parent to the extent such amounts are attributable to the ownership and operation of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;

(h) Holdings may make distributions to Parent which are promptly used by Parent to repurchase fractional shares of its respective Stock and Stock Equivalents from officers, directors and employees of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or Parent not to exceed $100,000 in the aggregate during the duration of this Agreement;

(i) the Credit Parties may make distributions to Holdings which are promptly distributed by Holdings to Thermon Group, Inc. to permit Thermon Group, Inc. to pay to Sponsor Management Affiliate the closing fee described in Section 2 of the Closing Fee Agreement on the Closing Date;

 

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(j) the Credit Parties may pay, as and when due and payable, regularly scheduled non-accelerated payments of principal and interest on account of Subordinated Indebtedness subject to the terms hereof and the subordination provisions with respect thereto;

(k) US Credit Parties may make Restricted Payments of Second Lien Indebtedness to the extent constituting (i) mandatory prepayments (including offers to redeem) under Sections 5.10 and 5.14 of the Second Lien Indenture, in each case, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Second Lien Indenture as in effect on the date hereof or in any corresponding provision in connection with a Permitted Refinancing thereof; provided, such mandatory prepayments shall be made only so long as any corresponding mandatory prepayment of the Loans required pursuant to Section 1.8 hereof has been made, to the extent required by such section or any prepayment required as a result of an Event of Default under Section 7.1(l), and (ii) voluntary prepayments thereof so long as before and after giving effect to such voluntary prepayment, (1) no Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or arise as a result of such prepayment and (2) the sum of (y) Aggregate Availability and (z) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash of the US Credit Parties and the Canadian Credit Parties, in each instance, maintained in deposit accounts which are subject to a deposit account control agreement in favor of the Applicable Agent, equals an amount not less than $10,000,000; and

(l) Holdings may make Restricted Payments of the kind described in items (i) and (ii) of the definition thereof set forth in the lead in to this Section 5.11 and not otherwise described in clauses (a) through (k) above with the Net Issuance Proceeds of an Excluded Equity Issuance by Holdings so long as, after giving effect to any such Restricted Payment, no Event of Default otherwise would exist.

5.12 Change in Business . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business carried on by it on the date hereof or related, complementary or ancillary thereto. Holdings shall not engage in any business activities or own any Property other than (i) ownership of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of the Borrowers and activities ancillary thereto, (ii) activities and contractual rights incidental to maintenance of its corporate existence, (including the incurrence of any corporate overhead), (iii) the hiring and employment of members of the management of Borrower and activities reasonably related thereto, (iv) performance of Holding’s obligations under the Related Agreements to which it is a party, (v) finding potential Targets for Acquisitions, negotiating the acquisition thereof and being a party to the applicable acquisition agreement (and performing its obligations thereunder); and (vi) activities of Holdings expressly permitted hereunder.

5.13 Change in Structure . Except as expressly permitted under Section 5.3, no Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to amend any of its Organization Documents in any respect materially adverse to an Agent (in its capacity as such) or Lenders (in their capacities as such).

5.14 Changes in Accounting, Name and Jurisdiction of Organization . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) make any significant change in accounting treatment or reporting practices, except as required by

 

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GAAP, (ii) change the Fiscal Year or method for determining Fiscal Quarters of any Credit Party or of any consolidated Subsidiary of any Credit Party; provided, the fiscal year of a Target of a Permitted Acquisition may be changed so as to conform such fiscal year with that of the Credit Parties, (iii) change its name as it appears in official filings in its jurisdiction of organization or (iv) change its jurisdiction of organization or domicile (within the meaning of the Civil Code of Quebec), in the case of clauses (iii) and (iv), without at least twenty (20) days’ prior written notice to Agents and the acknowledgement of Agents that all actions required by the Appropriate Agent, including those to continue the perfection of its Liens, have been completed.

5.15 Amendments to Related Agreements and Subordinated Indebtedness .

(a) No Credit Party shall and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries, to amend, supplement, waive or otherwise modify any provision of (i) any Subordinated Indebtedness except to the extent permitted by the subordination terms with respect thereto, (ii) any Second Lien Indebtedness Document except to the extent permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement, or (iii) the Purchase Agreement.

5.16 No Negative Pledges .

(a) No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual restriction or encumbrance of any kind on the ability of any Credit Party or Subsidiary to pay dividends or make any other distribution on any of such Credit Party’s or Subsidiary’s Stock or Stock Equivalents or to pay fees, including management fees, or make other payments and distributions to the Borrower or any other Credit Party, other than as set forth in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents and except for customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale of any Property permitted under Section 5.2 pending the consummation of such sale. No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into, assume or become subject to any Contractual Obligation prohibiting or otherwise restricting the existence of any Lien upon any of its assets in favor of an Agent, whether now owned or hereafter acquired except (a) in connection with any document or instrument governing Liens permitted pursuant to subsections 5.1(h), 5.1(i) and 5.1(w) provided that any such restriction contained therein relates only to the asset or assets subject to such permitted Liens, (b) with respect to operating leases and other third-party contracts, customary limitations on the ability of a party thereto to assign its interests in the underlying contract without the consent of the other party thereto (provided nothing therein limits the ability of a party thereto to assign its interests in and to all proceeds derived from or in connection with such contract) and (c) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale of any Property permitted under Section 5.2 pending the consummation of such sale.

5.17 OFAC; Patriot Act . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to fail to comply with the laws, regulations and executive orders referred to in Section 3.27 and Section 3.28.

 

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5.18 Sale-Leasebacks . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in a sale leaseback, synthetic lease or similar transaction involving any of its assets.

5.19 Hazardous Materials . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, cause or suffer to exist any Release of any Hazardous Material at, to or from any Real Estate in violation of Environmental Law which would reasonably be expected to give rise to Environmental Liabilities or otherwise adversely affect the value or marketability of any Real Estate (whether or not owned by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party), other than such violations, Environmental Liabilities and effects that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

ARTICLE VI -

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

Each Credit Party covenants and agrees that, so long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or other Obligation (other than (i) contingent indemnification Obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted and (ii) Letter of Credit Obligations collateralized in the manner set forth in Section 7.4) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, unless the Required Lenders waive compliance in writing:

6.1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio . As of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30, 2010 and any Fiscal Quarter thereafter, for which, in any case, average daily Aggregate Availability for the thirty (30) day period ending on such date is less than the Applicable Minimum Availability Threshold, the Credit Parties shall not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the twelve fiscal month period ending on such date to be less 1.10 to 1.00. “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” shall be calculated in the manner set forth in Exhibit 4.2(b) .

ARTICLE VII -

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

7.1 Event of Default . Any of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default”:

(a) Non-Payment . Any Credit Party fails (i) to pay when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, including after maturity of the Loans, or to pay any L/C Reimbursement Obligation or (ii) to pay within three (3) Business Days after the same shall become due, interest on any Loan, any fee or any other amount payable hereunder or pursuant to any other Loan Document; or

(b) Representation or Warranty . Any representation, warranty or certification by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries made or deemed made herein, in any other Loan Document, or which is contained in any certificate, document or financial or

 

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other written statement by any such Person, or their respective Responsible Officers, furnished at any time under this Agreement, or in or under any other Loan Document, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (without duplication of other materiality qualifiers contained therein) on or as of the date made or deemed made; or

(c) Specific Defaults . Any Credit Party fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of (i) subsection 4.3(a) or 9.10(d), Sections 4.6, 4.9, Article V or Article VI hereof or (ii) Section 4.1, 4.2(a), 4.2(b) or 4.2(d) and, solely with respect to this clause (ii), such failure shall not have been cured within five (5) Business Days; or

(d) Other Defaults . Any Credit Party or Subsidiary of any Credit Party fails to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (i) the date upon which a Responsible Officer of any Credit Party becomes aware of such default and (ii) the date upon which written notice thereof is given to the Borrower by an Agent or Required Lenders; or

(e) Cross-Default . Any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party (i) fails to make any payment in respect of any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) or Contingent Obligation having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than $5,000,000 when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) and such failure continues after the applicable grace or notice period, if any, specified in the document relating thereto on the date of such failure; or (ii) fails to perform or observe any other condition or covenant (after all applicable grace periods), or any other event shall occur or condition exist (after all applicable grace periods), under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness or Contingent Obligation, if the effect of such failure, event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, after giving effect to any cure or waiver of such failure, event or condition actually made or obtained, such Indebtedness to be declared to be due and payable prior to its stated maturity (without regard to any subordination terms with respect thereto), or such Contingent Obligation to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or

(f) Insolvency; Voluntary Proceedings . Any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party: (i) generally fails to pay, or admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due, subject to applicable grace periods, if any, whether at stated maturity or otherwise; (ii) except as expressly permitted pursuant to Section 5.3, voluntarily ceases to conduct its business in the ordinary course; (iii) commences any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to itself; or (iv) takes any action to effectuate or authorize any of the foregoing; or

(g) Involuntary Proceedings . (i) Any involuntary Insolvency Proceeding is commenced or filed against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, or any writ, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar process, is issued or levied against a substantial part of any such Person’s Properties, and any such proceeding or petition shall not be dismissed, or such writ, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar process shall not

 

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be released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after commencement, filing or levy; (ii) any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party admits the material allegations of a petition against it in any Insolvency Proceeding, or an order for relief (or similar order under non-U.S. law) is ordered in any Insolvency Proceeding; or (iii) any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party acquiesces in the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, mortgagee in possession (or agent therefor), or other similar Person for itself or a substantial portion of its Property or business; or

(h) Monetary Judgments . One or more judgments, non-interlocutory orders, decrees or arbitration awards shall be entered against any one or more of the Credit Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries involving in the aggregate a liability of $5,000,000 or more (excluding amounts covered by insurance to the extent the relevant independent third-party insurer has not denied coverage therefor or amounts covered by third party indemnification obligations of a third person acceptable to US Agent), and the same shall remain unsatisfied, unvacated and unstayed pending appeal for a period of forty-five (45) days after the entry thereof; or

(i) Non-Monetary Judgments . One or more non-monetary judgments, orders or decrees shall be rendered against any one or more of the Credit Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries which has or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and there shall be any period of ten (10) 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; or

(j) Collateral . Any material provision of any Loan Document shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on or enforceable against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party thereto or any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party shall so state in writing or bring an action to limit its obligations or liabilities thereunder; or any Collateral Document shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms thereof) cease to create a valid security interest in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby or such security interest shall for any reason (other than the failure of Agent to take any action within its control) cease to be a perfected and first priority security interest subject only to Permitted Liens; or

(k) Ownership . (i) Sponsor and its Controlled Investment Affiliates at any time ceases to own, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the issued and outstanding Stock of Holdings; (ii) Sponsor at any time fails to own beneficially, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding voting Stock of the Holdings or, in any event, Stock representing voting control of Holdings; or (iii) Holdings ceases to own one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding Stock and Stock Equivalents of each Borrower , in each instance in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), free and clear of all Liens, rights, options, warrants or other similar agreements or understandings, other than Liens in favor of Agents, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, Subordinated Second Liens and other Permitted Liens; or (iv) “Change of Control” (as defined in the Second Lien Indebtedness Documents) shall occur; or

 

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(l) Invalidity of Subordination Provisions . The lien subordination provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement or the subordination provisions of any agreement or instrument governing any Subordinated Indebtedness shall for any reason be revoked or invalidated, or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect, or any Credit Parties shall contest in any manner the validity or enforceability thereof or deny that it has any further liability or obligation thereunder, or the Obligations, for any reason shall not have the priority contemplated by this Agreement or such subordination provisions.

7.2 Remedies . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Agents may, and shall at the request of the Required Lenders:

(a) declare all or any portion of the Commitment of each Lender to make Loans or of the L/C Issuer to issue Letters of Credit to be suspended or terminated, whereupon such Commitments shall forthwith be suspended or terminated;

(b) declare all or any portion of the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable; without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Credit Party; and/or

(c) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable law;

provided , however , that upon the occurrence of any event specified in subsection 7.1(f) or 7.1(g) above (in the case of clause (i) of subsection 7.1(g) upon the expiration of the sixty (60) day period mentioned therein), the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to issue Letters of Credit shall automatically terminate and the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable without further act of either Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer.

7.3 Rights Not Exclusive . The rights provided for in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights, powers, privileges or remedies provided by law or in equity, or under any other instrument, document or agreement now existing or hereafter arising.

7.4 Cash Collateral for Letters of Credit . If a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, this Agreement (or the Revolving Loan Commitment) shall be terminated for any reason or if otherwise required by the terms hereof, either Agent may, and upon request of Required US Lenders or Required Canadian Lenders, shall, demand (which demand shall be deemed to have been delivered automatically upon any acceleration of the Loans and other obligations hereunder pursuant to Section 7.2), and the applicable Borrowers shall thereupon deliver to the Appropriate Agent, to be held for the benefit of the L/C Issuer, Agent and the Lenders entitled thereto, an amount of cash equal to 102% of the amount of Letter of Credit Obligations, or a letter of credit on terms and conditions, in form and substance and issued by an issuer reasonably acceptable to the Appropriate Agent, in either instance, as additional collateral security for Obligations in respect of any outstanding Letter of Credit. The Appropriate Agent may at any time apply any or all of such cash and cash collateral to the

 

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payment of any or all of the Credit Parties’ Obligations in respect of any Letters of Credit in respect thereof. Pending such application, the Appropriate Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) invest the same in an interest bearing account in such Agent’s name, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer, Agent and the Lenders entitled thereto, under which deposits are available for immediate withdrawal, at such bank or financial institution as the L/C Issuer and Agent may, in their discretion, select. If the Specified Event of Default for which cash collateral or a backstop letter of credit was required hereunder is cured or waived, and no other Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then the Appropriate Agent shall promptly return to the applicable Borrower such cash collateral or backstop letter of credit upon such Borrower’s written request and instruction.

ARTICLE VIII -

AGENT

8.1 Appointment and Duties .

(a) Appointment of Agent . (i) Each Lender and each L/C Issuer hereby appoints GE Capital (together with any successor US Agent pursuant to Section 8.9) as US Agent hereunder and authorizes US Agent to (x) execute and deliver the Loan Documents and accept delivery thereof on its behalf from any Credit Party, (y) take such action on its behalf and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies and perform the duties as are expressly delegated to US Agent under such Loan Documents and (z) exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Lender acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Intercreditor Agreement, consents to and authorizes the Agents’ execution thereof on behalf of such Lender and agrees to be bound by the terms and provisions thereof.

(ii) Each Lender and each L/C Issuer hereby appoints GE Canada (together with any successor Canadian Agent pursuant to Section 8.9) as Canadian Agent hereunder and authorizes Canadian Agent to (x) execute and deliver the Loan Documents and accept delivery thereof on its behalf from any Credit Party, (y) take such action on its behalf and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies and perform the duties as are expressly delegated to Canadian Agent under such Loan Documents and (z) exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

(b) Duties as Collateral and Disbursing Agent . (i) Without limiting the generality of clause (a) above, US Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority (to the exclusion of the Lenders and L/C Issuers), and is hereby authorized, to (i) act as the disbursing and collecting agent for the US Lenders and the US L/C Issuers with respect to all payments and collections arising in connection with the Loan Documents (including in any proceeding described in subsection 7.1(g) or any other bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding), and each Person making any payment in connection with any Loan Document to any Secured Party is hereby authorized to make such payment to Agents, (ii) file and prove claims and file other documents necessary or desirable to allow the claims of the Secured Parties

 

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with respect to any Obligation in any proceeding described in subsection 7.1(f) or (g) or any other bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding (but not to vote, consent or otherwise act on behalf of such Person), (iii) act as collateral agent for each Secured Party for purposes of the perfection of all Liens created by such agreements and all other purposes stated therein, (iv) manage, supervise and otherwise deal with the Collateral, (v) take such other action as is necessary or desirable to maintain the perfection and priority of the Liens created or purported to be created by the Loan Documents, (vi) except as may be otherwise specified in any Loan Document, exercise all remedies given to US Agent and the other Secured Parties with respect to the Credit Parties and/or the Collateral, whether under the Loan Documents, applicable Requirements of Law or otherwise and (vii) execute any amendment, consent or waiver under the Loan Documents on behalf of any Lender that has consented in writing to such amendment, consent or waiver; provided, however, that US Agent hereby appoints, authorizes and directs each Lender and L/C Issuer to act as collateral sub-agent for Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers for purposes of the perfection of all Liens with respect to the Collateral, including any deposit account maintained by a Credit Party with, and cash and Cash Equivalents held by, such Lender or L/C Issuer, and may further authorize and direct the Lenders and the L/C Issuers to take further actions as collateral sub-agents for purposes of enforcing such Liens or otherwise to transfer the Collateral subject thereto to Agent, and each Lender and L/C Issuer hereby agrees to take such further actions to the extent, and only to the extent, so authorized and directed.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of clause (a) above, Canadian Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority (to the exclusion of the Lenders and L/C Issuers), and is hereby authorized, to (i) act as the disbursing and collecting agent for the Canadian Lenders and the Canadian L/C Issuers with respect to all payments and collections arising in connection with the Loan Documents (including in any proceeding described in subsection 7.1(g) or any other bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding), and each Person making any payment in connection with any Loan Document to any Secured Party is hereby authorized to make such payment to Agent, (ii) file and prove claims and file other documents necessary or desirable to allow the claims of the Secured Parties with respect to any Obligation in any proceeding described in subsection 7.1(f) or (g) or any other bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding (but not to vote, consent or otherwise act on behalf of such Person), (iii) act as collateral agent for each Secured Party for purposes of the perfection of all Liens created by such agreements and all other purposes stated therein, (iv) manage, supervise and otherwise deal with the Collateral, (v) take such other action as is necessary or desirable to maintain the perfection and priority of the Liens created or purported to be created by the Loan Documents, (vi) except as may be otherwise specified in any Loan Document, exercise all remedies given to Canadian Agent and the other Secured Parties with respect to the Credit Parties and/or the Collateral, whether under the Loan Documents, applicable Requirements of Law or otherwise and (vii) execute any amendment, consent or waiver under the Loan Documents on behalf of any Lender that has consented in writing to such amendment, consent or waiver; provided, however, that Canadian Agent hereby appoints, authorizes and directs each Lender and L/C Issuer to act as collateral sub-agent for Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers for purposes of the perfection of all Liens with respect to the Collateral, including any deposit

 

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account maintained by a Credit Party with, and cash and Cash Equivalents held by, such Lender or L/C Issuer, and may further authorize and direct the Lenders and the L/C Issuers to take further actions as collateral sub-agents for purposes of enforcing such Liens or otherwise to transfer the Collateral subject thereto to Agent, and each Lender and L/C Issuer hereby agrees to take such further actions to the extent, and only to the extent, so authorized and directed.

(c) Limited Duties . Under the Loan Documents, Agents (i) are acting solely on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuers (except to the limited extent provided in subsection 1.4(b) with respect to the Register), with duties that are entirely administrative in nature, notwithstanding the use of the defined term “Agent”, “US Agent” or “Canadian Agent” the terms “agent”, “Agent”, “US Agent”, “Canadian Agent” and “collateral agent” and similar terms in any Loan Document to refer to the Appropriate Agent, which terms are used for title purposes only, (ii) is not assuming any obligation under any Loan Document other than as expressly set forth therein or any role as agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, L/C Issuer or any other Person and (iii) shall have no implied functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or other liabilities under any Loan Document, and each Secured Party, by accepting the benefits of the Loan Documents, hereby waives and agrees not to assert any claim against any Agent based on the roles, duties and legal relationships expressly disclaimed in clauses (i) through (iii) above.

(d) Quebec Collateral . (i) For greater certainty, and without limiting the powers of Canadian Agent, each of the Secured Parties (and each subsequent maker of any Loan by its making thereof) hereby irrevocably constitutes GE Canada as the holder of an irrevocable power of attorney (fondé de pouvoir within the meaning of Article 2692 of the Civil Code of Québec) in order to hold hypothecs and security granted by any Credit Party on property pursuant to the laws of the Province of Québec in order to secure obligations of any Credit Party under any bond, debenture or similar title of indebtedness, issued by any Credit Party, and hereby agrees that GE Canada, as Canadian Agent, may act as the bondholder and mandatary (i.e. agent) with respect to any shares, capital stock or other securities or any bond, debenture or similar title of indebtedness that may be issued by any Credit Party and pledged in favour of GE Canada, as Canadian Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties. The execution by GE Canada, acting as fondé de pouvoir and mandatary, prior to the Agreement of any deeds of hypothec or other security documents is hereby ratified and confirmed.

(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 32 of An Act respecting the special powers of legal persons (Québec), GE Canada may acquire and be the holder of any bond or debenture issued by any Credit Party (i.e. the fondé de pouvoir may acquire and hold the first bond issued under any deed of hypothec by any Credit Party).

(iii) The constitution of GE Canada as fondé de pouvoir and as bondholder and mandatary with respect to any bond, debenture, shares, capital stock or other securities that may be issued and pledged from time to time to Canadian Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, shall be deemed to have been ratified and confirmed by each Person accepting an assignment of, a participation in or an arrangement in respect of, all or any portion of any Secured Parties’ rights and obligations under the Agreement by the execution of an

 

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assignment, including an Assignment or other agreement pursuant to which it becomes such assignee or participant, and by each successor Canadian Agent by the execution of an Assignment or other agreement, or by the compliance with other formalities, as the case may be, pursuant to which it becomes a successor Agent under the Agreement.

(iv) GE Canada acting as fondé de pouvoir shall have the same rights, powers, immunities, indemnities and exclusions from liability as are prescribed in favour of Canadian Agent in the Agreement, which shall apply mutatis mutandis to GE Canada acting as fondé de pouvoir.

(v) The parties hereto confirm that it is their wish that this Agreement and any other document executed in connection with the transactions contemplated herein be drawn up in the English language only and that all other documents contemplated thereunder or relating thereto, including notices, may also be drawn up in the English language only. Les parties aux présentes confirment que c’est leur volonté que cette convention et les autres documents de crédit soient rédigés en langue anglaise seulement et que tous les documents, y compris tous avis, envisagés par cette convention et les autres documents peuvent être rédigés en langue anglaise seulement.

8.2 Binding Effect . Each Secured Party, by accepting the benefits of the Loan Documents, agrees that (i) any action taken by an Agent, Required US Lenders, Required Canadian Lenders or the Required Lenders (or, if expressly required hereby, a greater proportion of the Lenders) in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, (ii) any action taken by an Agent in reliance upon the instructions of Required US Lenders, Required Canadian Lenders or Required Lenders (or, where so required, such greater proportion) and (iii) the exercise by an Agent, Required US Lenders, Required Canadian Lenders or the Required Lenders (or, where so required, such greater proportion) of the powers set forth herein or therein, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized and binding upon all of the Secured Parties.

8.3 Use of Discretion .

(a) No Action without Instructions . No Agent shall be required to exercise any discretion or take, or to omit to take, any action, including with respect to enforcement or collection, except any action it is required to take or omit to take (i) under any Loan Document or (ii) pursuant to instructions from the Required Lenders, Required US Lenders or Required Canadian Lenders (or, where expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, a greater proportion of the Lenders).

(b) Right Not to Follow Certain Instructions . Notwithstanding clause (a) above, no Agent shall be required to take, or to omit to take, any action (i) unless, upon demand, such Agent receives an indemnification satisfactory to it from the Lenders (or, to the extent applicable and acceptable to such Agent, any other Person) against all Liabilities that, by reason of such action or omission, may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent or any Related Person thereof or (ii) that is, in the opinion of such Agent or its counsel, contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Requirement of Law.

 

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8.4 Delegation of Rights and Duties . Each Agent may, upon any term or condition it specifies, delegate or exercise any of its rights, powers and remedies under, and delegate or perform any of its duties or any other action with respect to, any Loan Document by or through any trustee, co-agent, employee, attorney-in-fact and any other Person (including any Secured Party). Any such Person shall benefit from this Article VIII to the extent provided by such Agent.

8.5 Reliance and Liability .

(a) Each Agent may, without incurring any liability hereunder, (i) treat the payee of any Note as its holder until such Note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.9, (ii) rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 1.4, (iii) consult with any of its Related Persons and, whether or not selected by it, any other advisors, accountants and other experts (including advisors to, and accountants and experts engaged by, any Credit Party) and (iv) rely and act upon any document and information (including those transmitted by Electronic Transmission) and any telephone message or conversation, in each case believed by it to be genuine and transmitted, signed or otherwise authenticated by the appropriate parties.

(b) None of the Agents or its Related Persons shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with any Loan Document, and each Secured Party, Holdings, the Borrower and each other Credit Party hereby waive and shall not assert (and each of Holdings and the Borrower shall cause each other Credit Party to waive and agree not to assert) any right, claim or cause of action based thereon, except to the extent of liabilities resulting from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Agent or, as the case may be, such Related Person (each as determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction) in connection with the duties expressly set forth herein. Without limiting the foregoing, no Agent:

(i) shall be responsible or otherwise incur liability for any action or omission taken in reliance upon the instructions of the Required Lenders, Required US Lenders or Required Canadian Lenders or for the actions or omissions of any of its Related Persons selected with reasonable care (other than employees, officers and directors of such Agent, when acting on behalf of such Agent);

(ii) shall be responsible to any Lender, L/C Issuer or other Person for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, effectiveness, genuineness, sufficiency or value of, or the attachment, perfection or priority of any Lien created or purported to be created under or in connection with, any Loan Document;

(iii) makes any warranty or representation, and shall not be responsible, to any Lender, L/C Issuer or other Person for any statement, document, information, representation or warranty made or furnished by or on behalf of any

 

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Credit Party or any Related Person of any Credit Party in connection with any Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein or any other document or information with respect to any Credit Party, whether or not transmitted or (except for documents expressly required under any Loan Document to be transmitted to the Lenders) omitted to be transmitted by such Agent, including as to completeness, accuracy, scope or adequacy thereof, or for the scope, nature or results of any due diligence performed by such Agent in connection with the Loan Documents; and

(iv) shall have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any provision of any Loan Document, whether any condition set forth in any Loan Document is satisfied or waived, as to the financial condition of any Credit Party or as to the existence or continuation or possible occurrence or continuation of any Default or Event of Default and shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of such occurrence or continuation unless it has received a notice from the Borrower, any Lender or L/C Issuer describing such Default or Event of Default clearly labeled “notice of default” (in which case such Agent shall promptly give notice of such receipt to the other Agent and all Lenders);

and, for each of the items set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above, each Lender, L/C Issuer, Holdings and the Borrower hereby waives and agrees not to assert (and each of Holdings and the Borrower shall cause each other Credit Party to waive and agree not to assert) any right, claim or cause of action it might have against Agents based thereon.

8.6 Agent Individually . Each Agent and its Affiliates may make loans and other extensions of credit to, acquire Stock and Stock Equivalents of, engage in any kind of business with, any Credit Party or Affiliate thereof as though it were not acting as an Agent and may receive separate fees and other payments therefor. To the extent either Agent or any of its Affiliates makes any Loan or otherwise becomes a Lender hereunder, it shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and shall be subject to the same obligations and liabilities as any other Lender and the terms “Lender”, “Required Lender”, “Required US Lender”, “Required Canadian Lender” and any similar terms shall, except where otherwise expressly provided in any Loan Document, include, without limitation, such Agent or such Affiliate, as the case may be, in its individual capacity as Lender, or as one of the Required US Lenders or Required Canadian Lenders, respectively.

8.7 Lender Credit Decision .

(a) Each Lender and each L/C Issuer acknowledges that it shall, independently and without reliance upon either Agent, any Lender or L/C Issuer or any of their Related Persons or upon any document (including any offering and disclosure materials in connection with the syndication of the Loans) solely or in part because such document was transmitted by an Agent or any of its Related Persons, conduct its own independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of each Credit Party and make and continue to make its own credit decisions in connection with entering into, and taking or not taking any action under, any Loan Document or with respect to any transaction contemplated in any Loan Document, in each case based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate. Except for

 

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documents expressly required by any Loan Document to be transmitted by an Agent to the Lenders or L/C Issuers, no Agent shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender or L/C Issuer with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any Credit Party or any Affiliate of any Credit Party that may come in to the possession of such Agent or any of its Related Persons.

(b) If any Lender or L/C Issuer has elected to abstain from receiving MNPI concerning the Credit Parties or their Affiliates, such Lender or L/C Issuer acknowledges that, notwithstanding such election, Agents and/or the Credit Parties will, from time to time, make available syndicate-information (which may contain MNPI) as required by the terms of, or in the course of administering the Loans to the credit contact(s) identified for receipt of such information on the Lender’s administrative questionnaire who are able to receive and use all syndicate-level information (which may contain MNPI) in accordance with such Lender’s compliance policies and contractual obligations and applicable law, including federal and state securities laws; provided, that if such contact is not so identified in such questionnaire, the relevant Lender or L/C Issuer hereby agrees to promptly (and in any event within one (1) Business Day) provide such a contact to an Agent and the Credit Parties upon request therefor by Agents or the Credit Parties. Notwithstanding such Lender’s or L/C Issuer’s election to abstain from receiving MNPI, such Lender or L/C Issuer acknowledges that if such Lender or L/C Issuer chooses to communicate with an Agent, it assumes the risk of receiving MNPI concerning the Credit Parties or their Affiliates.

8.8 Expenses; Indemnities .

(a) Each Lender agrees to reimburse each Agent and each of its Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by any Credit Party) promptly upon demand, severally and ratably, for any costs and expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of financial, legal and other advisors and Other Taxes paid in the name of, or on behalf of, any Credit Party) that may be incurred by such Agent or any of its Related Persons in connection with the preparation, syndication, execution, delivery, administration, modification, consent, waiver or enforcement (whether through negotiations, through any work-out, bankruptcy, restructuring or other legal or other proceeding or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of its rights or responsibilities under, any Loan Document.

(b) Each Lender further agrees to indemnify each Agent and each of its Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by any Credit Party), severally and ratably, from and against Liabilities (including taxes, interests and penalties imposed for not properly withholding or backup withholding on payments made to or for the account of any Lender) that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent or any of its Related Persons in any matter relating to or arising out of, in connection with or as a result of any Loan Document, any Related Document or any other act, event or transaction related, contemplated in or attendant to any such document, or, in each case, any action taken or omitted to be taken by such Agent or any of its Related Persons under or with respect to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable to an Agent or any of its Related Persons to the extent such liability has resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Agent or, as the case may be, such Related Person, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment or order.

 

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(c) To the extent required by any applicable law, each Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender under a Loan Document an amount equal to any applicable withholding tax. If the Internal Revenue Service or any other Governmental Authority asserts a claim that an Agent did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender (because the appropriate certification form was not delivered, was not properly executed, or fails to establish an exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax with respect to a particular type of payment, or because such Lender failed to notify an Agent or any other Person of a change in circumstances which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax ineffective, or for any other reason), or such Agent reasonably determines that it was required to withhold taxes from a prior payment but failed to do so, such Lender shall promptly indemnify such Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by such Agent as tax or otherwise, including penalties and interest, and together with all expenses incurred by such Agent, including legal expenses, allocated internal costs and out-of-pocket expenses. Each Agent may offset against any payment to any Lender under a Loan Document, any applicable withholding tax that was required to be withheld from any prior payment to such Lender but which was not so withheld, as well as any other amounts for which such Agent is entitled to indemnification from such Lender under this Section 8.8(c).

8.9 Resignation of Agent or L/C Issuer .

(a) Either Agent may resign at any time by delivering notice of such resignation to the other Agent, Lenders and the Borrowers, effective on the date set forth in such notice or, if no such date is set forth therein, upon the date such notice shall be effective. If an Agent delivers any such notice, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent. If, within 30 days after the retiring Agent having given notice of resignation, no successor Agent has been appointed by the Required Lenders that has accepted such appointment, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent from among the Lenders. Each appointment under this clause (a) shall be subject to the prior consent of Holdings, which may not be unreasonably withheld but shall not be required during the continuance of a Specified Event of Default. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, each Agent may resign concurrently with, and effective upon, the consummation by the Second Lien Lenders of the purchase option set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.

(b) Effective immediately upon its resignation, (i) the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents, (ii) the Lenders shall assume and perform all of the duties of the retiring Agent until a successor Agent shall have accepted a valid appointment hereunder, (iii) the retiring Agent and its Related Persons shall no longer have the benefit of any provision of any Loan Document other than with respect to any actions taken or omitted to be taken while such retiring Agent was, or because such Agent had been, validly acting as Agent under the Loan Documents and (iv) subject to its rights under Section 8.3, the retiring Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Agent its rights as Agent under the Loan Documents. Effective immediately upon its acceptance of a valid appointment as Agent, a successor Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, obligations, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent under the Loan Documents.

 

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(c) Any L/C Issuer may resign at any time by delivering notice of such resignation to Agents, effective on the date set forth in such notice or, if no such date is set forth therein, on the date such notice shall be effective. Upon such resignation, the L/C Issuer shall remain an L/C Issuer and shall retain its rights and obligations in its capacity as such (other than any obligation to Issue Letters of Credit but including the right to receive fees or to have Lenders participate in any L/C Reimbursement Obligation thereof) with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such L/C Issuer prior to the date of such resignation and shall otherwise be discharged from all other duties and obligations under the Loan Documents.

8.10 Release of Collateral or Guarantors . Each Lender and L/C Issuer hereby consents to the release and hereby directs the Appropriate Agent to release (or, in the case of clause (b)(ii) below, release or subordinate) the following:

(a) any Subsidiary of a Borrower from its guaranty of any Obligation if all of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of such Subsidiary owned by any Credit Party are sold or transferred in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents (including pursuant to a waiver or consent), to the extent that, after giving effect to such transaction, such Subsidiary would not be required to guaranty any Obligations pursuant to Section 4.13; and

(b) any Lien held by the Appropriate Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties against (i) any Collateral that is sold, transferred, conveyed or otherwise disposed of by a Credit Party in a transaction permitted by the Loan Documents (including pursuant to a valid waiver or consent), to the extent all Liens required to be granted in such Collateral pursuant to Section 4.13 after giving effect to such transaction have been granted, (ii) any property subject to a Lien permitted hereunder in reliance upon subsection 5.1(h) or (i) and (iii) all of the Collateral and all Credit Parties, upon (A) termination of the Revolving Loan Commitments, (B) payment and satisfaction in full of all Loans, all L/C Reimbursement Obligations and all other Obligations (other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations) under the Loan Documents and all Obligations arising under Secured Rate Contracts, that the Appropriate Agent has theretofore been notified in writing by the holder of such Obligation are then due and payable, (C) deposit of cash collateral with respect to all contingent Obligations (or, as an alternative to cash collateral, in the case of any Letter of Credit Obligation, receipt by the Appropriate Agent of a back-up letter of credit) in amounts and on terms and conditions and with parties satisfactory to such Agent and each Indemnitee that is, or may be, owed such Obligations (excluding contingent Obligations (other than L/C Reimbursement Obligations) as to which no claim has been asserted) and (D) to the extent requested by an Agent, receipt by such Agent and the Secured Parties of liability releases from the Credit Parties each in form and substance acceptable to such Agent.

Each Lender and L/C Issuer hereby directs each Agent, and each Agent hereby agrees, upon receipt of reasonable advance notice from the Appropriate Borrower, to execute and deliver or file such documents and to perform other actions reasonably necessary to release the guaranties and Liens when and as directed in this Section 8.10.

8.11 Additional Secured Parties . The benefit of the provisions of the Loan Documents directly relating to the Collateral or any Lien granted thereunder shall extend to and be available to any Secured Party that is not a Lender or L/C Issuer party hereto as long as, by accepting such benefits, such Secured Party agrees, as among Agents and all other Secured

 

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Parties, that such Secured Party is bound by (and, if requested by an Agent, shall confirm such agreement in a writing in form and substance acceptable to such Agent) this Article VIII, Section 9.3, Section 9.9, Section 9.10, Section 9.11, Section 9.17, Section 9.24 and Section 10.1 (and, solely with respect to L/C Issuers, subsection 1.1(c)) and the decisions and actions of Agents, the Required Lenders, the Required US Lenders or the Required Canadian Lenders (or, where expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, a greater proportion of the Lenders or other parties hereto as required herein) to the same extent a Lender is bound; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) such Secured Party shall be bound by Section 8.8 only to the extent of Liabilities, costs and expenses with respect to or otherwise relating to the Collateral held for the benefit of such Secured Party, in which case the obligations of such Secured Party thereunder shall not be limited by any concept of pro rata share or similar concept, (b) each of Agents, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers party hereto shall be entitled to act at its sole discretion, without regard to the interest of such Secured Party, regardless of whether any Obligation to such Secured Party thereafter remains outstanding, is deprived of the benefit of the Collateral, becomes unsecured or is otherwise affected or put in jeopardy thereby, and without any duty or liability to such Secured Party or any such Obligation and (c) except as otherwise set forth herein, such Secured Party shall not have any right to be notified of, consent to, direct, require or be heard with respect to, any action taken or omitted in respect of the Collateral or under any Loan Document.

8.12 Documentation Agent and Syndication Agent . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the Documentation Agent and Syndication Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, nor shall the Documentation Agent and Syndication Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Documentation Agent and Syndication Agent. At any time that any Lender serving (or whose Affiliate is serving) as Documentation Agent and/or Syndication Agent shall have transferred to any other Person (other than any Affiliates) all of its interests in the Loans and the Revolving Loan Commitment, such Lender (or an Affiliate of such Lender acting as Documentation Agent or Syndication Agent) shall be deemed to have concurrently resigned as such Documentation Agent and/or Syndication Agent.

 

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ARTICLE IX -

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 Amendments and Waivers.

(a) No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent with respect to any departure by any Credit Party therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Agent, the Required Lenders (or by Agents with the consent of the Required Lenders), and the Borrowers and then such waiver shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such waiver, amendment, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders directly affected thereby (or by Agents with the consent of all the Lenders directly affected thereby), in addition to Agents, the Required Lenders (or by Agents with the consent of the Required Lenders) and the Borrowers, do any of the following:

(i) increase or extend the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to subsection 7.2(a));

(ii) postpone or delay any date fixed for, or reduce or waive, any payment of principal on the Revolving Termination Date or any payment of interest, fees or other amounts (other than principal) due to the Lenders (or any of them) or L/C Issuer hereunder or under any other Loan Document (for the avoidance of doubt, mandatory prepayments pursuant to Section 1.8 (other than under subsection 1.8(b)) may be postponed, delayed, reduced, waived or modified with the consent of Required Lenders);

(iii) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein (it being agreed that waiver of the default interest margin shall only require the consent of Required Lenders) or the amount of interest payable in cash specified herein on any Loan, or of any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document, including L/C Reimbursement Obligations;

(iv) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans which shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder;

(v) amend this Section 9.1 or the definition of Required Lenders or any provision providing for consent or other action by all Lenders; or

(vi) discharge any Credit Party from its respective payment Obligations under the Loan Documents, or release all or substantially all of the Collateral, except as otherwise may be provided in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

it being agreed that all Lenders shall be deemed to be directly affected by an amendment or waiver of the type described in the preceding clauses (iv), (v) and (vi).

 

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(b) No amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Appropriate Agent, the applicable Swingline Lender or the applicable L/C Issuer, as the case may be, in addition to the Required Lenders or all Lenders directly affected thereby, as the case may be (or by Agents with the consent of the Required Lenders or all the Lenders directly affected thereby, as the case may be), affect the rights or duties of such Agent, such Swingline Lender or such L/C Issuer, as applicable, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document. No amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement or any Loan Document altering the ratable treatment of Obligations arising under Secured Rate Contracts resulting in such Obligations being junior in right of payment to principal on the Loans or resulting in Obligations owing to any Secured Swap Provider becoming unsecured (other than releases of Liens permitted in accordance with the terms hereof), in each case in a manner adverse to any Secured Swap Provider, shall be effective without the written consent of such Secured Swap Provider or, in the case of a Secured Rate Contract provided or arranged by GE Capital or an Affiliate of GE Capital, GE Capital.

(c) No amendment or waiver shall, unless signed by US Agent and Required US Lenders (or by US Agent with the consent of Required US Lenders) in addition to the Required Lenders (or by US Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders): (i) amend or waive compliance with the conditions precedent to the obligations of Lenders to make any US Revolving Loan (or of any US L/C Issuer to issue any Letter of Credit) in Section 2.2; (ii) waive any Default or Event of Default for the purpose of satisfying the conditions precedent to the obligations of US Lenders to make any US Revolving Loan (or of any US L/C Issuer to issue any Letter of Credit) in Section 2.2; (iii) amend or waive this subsection 9.1(c) or the definitions of the terms used in this subsection 9.1(c) insofar as the definitions affect the substance of this subsection 9.1(c); and (iv) change the definition of the term Required US Lenders.

(d) No amendment or waiver shall, unless signed by Canadian Agent and Required Canadian Lenders (or by Canadian Agent with the consent of Required Canadian Lenders) in addition to the Required Lenders (or by Canadian Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders): (i) amend or waive compliance with the conditions precedent to the obligations of Lenders to make any Canadian Revolving Loan (or of any Canadian L/C Issuer to issue any Letter of Credit) in Section 2.2; (ii) waive any Default or Event of Default for the purpose of satisfying the conditions precedent to the obligations of Canadian Lenders to make any Canadian Revolving Loan (or of any Canadian L/C Issuer to issue any Letter of Credit) in Section 2.2; (iii) amend or waive this subsection 9.1(d) or the definitions of the terms used in this subsection 9.1(d) insofar as the definitions affect the substance of this subsection 9.1(d); and (iv) change the definition of the term Required Canadian Lenders.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 9.1, (x) the Borrower may amend Schedules 3.19 and 3.21 upon notice to Agents, (y) each Agent may amend Schedule 1.1(b) to reflect Sales entered into pursuant to Section 9.9, and (z) Agents and the Borrowers may amend or modify this Agreement and any other Loan Document to (1) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency therein, or (2) grant a new Lien for the benefit of the Secured Parties, extend an existing Lien over additional property for the benefit of the Secured Parties or join additional Persons as Credit Parties.

 

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9.2 Notices.

(a) Addresses . All notices and other communications required or expressly authorized to be made by this Agreement shall be given in writing, unless otherwise expressly specified herein, and (i) addressed to the address set forth on the applicable signature page hereto, (ii) posted to Intralinks® (to the extent such system is available and set up by or at the direction of Agents prior to posting) in an appropriate location by uploading such notice, demand, request, direction or other communication to www.intralinks.com , faxing it to 866-545-6600 with an appropriate bar-code fax coversheet or using such other means of posting to Intralinks® as may be available and reasonably acceptable to Agents prior to such posting, (iii) posted to any other E-System approved by or set up by or at the direction of an Agent or (iv) addressed to such other address as shall be notified in writing (A) in the case of the Borrowers, Agents and the Swingline Lenders, to the other parties hereto and (B) in the case of all other parties, to the Borrowers and Agents; provided, notices sent to the Borrowers of the existence of an Event of Default, the imposition of default interest, the election of Agents and/or Required Lenders to suspend the making of Revolving Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit in accordance with Section 2.2 and the exercise by either Agent and/or Required Lenders of their respective enforcement rights and remedies hereunder shall not be provided solely via Intralinks®. Transmissions made by electronic mail or E-Fax to an Agent shall be effective only (x) for notices where such transmission is specifically authorized by this Agreement, (y) if such transmission is delivered in compliance with procedures of such Agent applicable at the time and previously communicated to Borrowers, and (z) if receipt of such transmission is acknowledged by such Agent.

(b) Effectiveness . (i) All communications described in clause (a)  above and all other notices, demands, requests and other communications made in connection with this Agreement shall be effective and be deemed to have been received (i) if delivered by hand, upon personal delivery, (ii) if delivered by overnight courier service, one (1) Business Day after delivery to such courier service, (iii) if delivered by mail, when deposited in the mail, (iv) if delivered by facsimile (other than to post to an E-System pursuant to clause (a)(ii) or (a)(iii) above), upon sender’s receipt of confirmation of proper transmission, and (v) if delivered by posting to any E-System, on the later of the Business Day of such posting and the Business Day access to such posting is given to the recipient thereof in accordance with the standard procedures applicable to such E-System; provided , however , that no communications to an Agent pursuant to Article I shall be effective until received by such Agent.

(ii) The posting, completion and/or submission by any Credit Party of any communication pursuant to an E-System shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Credit Parties that any representation, warranty, certification or other similar statement required by the Loan Documents to be provided, given or made by a Credit Party in connection with any such communication is true, correct and complete except as expressly noted in such communication or E-System.

(c) Each Lender shall notify Agents in writing of any changes in the address to which notices to such Lender should be directed, of addresses of its Lending Office, of payment instructions in respect of all payments to be made to it hereunder and of such other administrative information as an Agent shall reasonably request.

 

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9.3 Electronic Transmissions .

(a) Authorization . Subject to the provisions of subsection 9.2(a), each of Agents, Lenders, each Credit Party and each of their Related Persons, is authorized (but not required) to transmit, post or otherwise make or communicate, in its sole discretion, Electronic Transmissions in connection with any Loan Document and the transactions contemplated therein. Each Credit Party and each Secured Party hereto acknowledges and agrees that the use of Electronic Transmissions is not necessarily secure and that there are risks associated with such use, including risks of interception, disclosure and abuse and each indicates it assumes and accepts such risks by hereby authorizing the transmission of Electronic Transmissions.

(b) Signatures . Subject to the provisions of subsection 9.2(a), (i)(A) no posting to any E-System shall be denied legal effect merely because it is made electronically, (B) each E-Signature on any such posting shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy any requirement for a “signature” and (C) each such posting shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy any requirement for a “writing”, in each case including pursuant to any Loan Document, any applicable provision of any UCC, the PPSA, the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 (Ontario), the federal Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and any substantive or procedural Requirement of Law governing such subject matter, (ii) each such posting that is not readily capable of bearing either a signature or a reproduction of a signature may be signed, and shall be deemed signed, by attaching to, or logically associating with such posting, an E-Signature, upon which each Agent, each other Secured Party and each Credit Party may rely and assume the authenticity thereof, (iii) each such posting containing a signature, a reproduction of a signature or an E-Signature shall, for all intents and purposes, have the same effect and weight as a signed paper original and (iv) each party hereto or beneficiary hereto agrees not to contest the validity or enforceability of any posting on any E-System or E-Signature on any such posting under the provisions of any applicable Requirement of Law requiring certain documents to be in writing or signed; provided , however , that nothing herein shall limit such party’s or beneficiary’s right to contest whether any posting to any E-System or E-Signature has been altered after transmission.

(c) Separate Agreements . All uses of an E-System shall be governed by and subject to, in addition to Section 9.2 and this Section 9.3, the separate terms, conditions and privacy policy posted or referenced in such E-System (or such terms, conditions and privacy policy as may be updated from time to time, including on such E-System) and related Contractual Obligations executed by an Agent and Credit Parties in connection with the use of such E-System.

(d) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY . ALL E-SYSTEMS AND ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS SHALL BE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. NONE OF AGENTS, ANY LENDER OR ANY OF THEIR RELATED PERSONS WARRANTS THE ACCURACY, ADEQUACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY E-SYSTEMS OR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS THEREIN. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE BY AGENTS, ANY LENDER OR ANY OF THEIR RELATED PERSONS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY E-SYSTEMS OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS. Each of the Borrowers, each other Credit Party executing this Agreement and each

 

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Secured Party agrees that no Agent has responsibility for maintaining or providing any equipment, software, services or any testing required in connection with any Electronic Transmission or otherwise required for any E-System.

9.4 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies . No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of an Agent or any Lender, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder, shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. No course of dealing between any Credit Party, any Affiliate of any Credit Party, an Agent or any Lender shall be effective to amend, modify or discharge any provision of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

9.5 Costs and Expenses . Any action taken by any Credit Party under or with respect to any Loan Document, even if required under any Loan Document or at the request of an Agent, Required Lenders, Required US Lenders or Required Canadian Lenders shall be at the expense of such Credit Party, and neither an Agent nor any other Secured Party shall be required under any Loan Document to reimburse any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party therefor except as expressly provided therein. In addition, the Borrowers agree to pay or reimburse upon demand (a) each Agent for all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by it or any of its Related Persons, in connection with the investigation, development, preparation, negotiation, syndication, execution or administration of, any modification of any term of or termination of, any Loan Document, any commitment or proposal letter therefor, any other document prepared in connection therewith or the consummation and administration of any transaction contemplated therein, in each case including Attorney Costs of Agents, the cost of environmental audits, Collateral audits and appraisals, background checks and similar expenses, to the extent permitted hereunder, (b) each Agent for all reasonable costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it or any of its Related Persons in connection with internal audit reviews, field examinations and Collateral examinations (which shall be reimbursed, in addition to the reasonable, documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of such examiners, at the per diem rate per individual charged by such Agent for its examiners) to the extent required by the terms hereof, (c) each of each Agent, its Related Persons, and L/C Issuer for all reasonable, documented costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with (i) any refinancing or restructuring of the credit arrangements provided hereunder in the nature of a “work-out”, (ii) the enforcement or preservation of any right or remedy under any Loan Document, any Obligation, with respect to the Collateral or any other related right or remedy or (iii) the commencement, defense, conduct of, intervention in, or the taking of any other action with respect to, any proceeding (including any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding) related to any Credit Party, any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, Loan Document, Obligation or Related Transaction (or the response to and preparation for any subpoena or request for document production relating thereto), including Attorney Costs and (d) fees and disbursements of Attorney Costs of one law firm on behalf of all Lenders (other than Agent) incurred in connection with any of the matters referred to in clause (c) above.

 

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9.6 Indemnity .

(a) Each Credit Party agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend each Agent, each Lender, each L/C Issuer and each of their respective Related Persons (each such Person being an “Indemnitee”) from and against all Liabilities (including brokerage commissions, fees and other compensation) that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any matter relating to or arising out of, in connection with or as a result of (i) any Loan Document, any Related Agreement, any Obligation (or the repayment thereof), any Letter of Credit, the use or intended use of the proceeds of any Loan or the use of any Letter of Credit or any securities filing of, or with respect to, any Credit Party, (ii) any commitment letter, proposal letter or term sheet with any Person or any Contractual Obligation, arrangement or understanding with any broker, finder or consultant, in each case entered into by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any Affiliate of any of them in connection with any of the foregoing and any Contractual Obligation entered into in connection with any E-Systems or other Electronic Transmissions, (iii) any actual or prospective investigation, litigation or other proceeding, whether or not brought by any such Indemnitee or any of its Related Persons, any holders of securities or creditors (and including attorneys’ fees in any case), whether or not any such Indemnitee, Related Person, holder or creditor is a party thereto, and whether or not based on any securities or commercial law or regulation or any other Requirement of Law or theory thereof, including common law, equity, contract, tort or otherwise or (iv) any other act, event or transaction related, contemplated in or attendant to any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Indemnified Matters”); provided, however, that no Credit Party shall have any liability under this Section 9.6 to any Indemnitee with respect to any Indemnified Matter, and no Indemnitee shall have any liability with respect to any Indemnified Matter other than (to the extent otherwise liable), to the extent such liability has resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment or order. Furthermore, each of the Borrowers and each other Credit Party executing this Agreement waives and agrees not to assert against any Indemnitee, and shall cause each other Credit Party to waive and not assert against any Indemnitee, any right of contribution with respect to any Liabilities that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any Related Person, to the extent such liability has resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment or order.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing, “Indemnified Matters” includes all Environmental Liabilities, including those arising from, or otherwise involving, any property of any Credit Party or any Related Person of any Credit Party or any actual, alleged or prospective damage to property or natural resources or harm or injury alleged to have resulted from any Release of Hazardous Materials on, upon or into such property or natural resource or any property on or contiguous to any Real Estate of any Credit Party or any Related Person of any Credit Party, whether or not, with respect to any such Environmental Liabilities, any Indemnitee is a mortgagee pursuant to any leasehold mortgage, a mortgagee in possession, the successor-in-interest to any Credit Party or any Related Person of any Credit Party or the owner, lessee or operator of any property of any Related Person through any foreclosure action, in each case except to the extent such Environmental Liabilities (i) are incurred solely following foreclosure by Agent or following Agent or any Lender having become the successor-in-interest to any Credit Party or any Related Person of any Credit Party and (ii) are attributable solely to acts of such Indemnitee.

 

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9.7 Marshaling; Payments Set Aside . No Secured Party shall be under any obligation to marshal any property in favor of any Credit Party or any other Person or against or in payment of any Obligation. To the extent that any Secured Party receives a payment from Borrower, from any other Credit Party, from the proceeds of the Collateral, from the exercise of its rights of setoff, any enforcement action or otherwise, and such payment is subsequently, in whole or in part, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, then to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies therefor, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not occurred.

9.8 Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided that any assignment by any Lender shall be subject to the provisions of Section 9.9, and provided further that no Borrower may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of each Agent and each Lender.

9.9 Assignments and Participations; Binding Effect .

(a) Binding Effect . This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by Holdings, the Borrowers, the other Credit Parties signatory hereto and Agents and when US Agent shall have been notified by each Lender that such Lender has executed it. Thereafter, it shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of, but only to the benefit of, Holdings, the Borrowers, the other Credit Parties hereto (in each case except for Article VIII), each Agent, each Lender and each L/C Issuer party hereto and, to the extent provided in Section 8.11, each other Secured Party and, in each case, their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided in any Loan Document (including in Section 8.9), none of Holdings, the Borrowers, any other Credit Party, any L/C Issuer or Agents shall have the right to assign any rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein.

(b) Right to Assign . Each Lender may sell, transfer, negotiate or assign (a “Sale”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations hereunder (including all or a portion of its Commitments and its rights and obligations with respect to Loans and Letters of Credit) to (i) any existing Lender (other than a Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender), (ii) any Affiliate or Approved Fund of any existing Lender (other than a Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender)or (iii) any other Person acceptable (which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to Agents and each L/C Issuer that is a Lender and, as long as no Specified Event of Default is continuing, the Borrowers (which acceptances of L/C Issuer and the Borrowers shall be deemed to have been given unless an objection is delivered to US Agent within five (5) Business Days after notice of a proposed Sale is delivered to the Borrowers); provided , however , that (v) such Sales must be ratable among the obligations owing to and owed by such Lender (and its Affiliates and Approved Funds) with respect to US Revolving Loans and Canadian Revolving Loans (and the Commitments with respect thereto), (w) for each Loan, the aggregate outstanding principal amount (determined as of the effective date of the applicable Assignment) of the Loans, Commitments and Letter of Credit Obligations subject to any such Sale shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 with respect to each of the US Revolving Loan Commitment and the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment, unless such Sale is made to an existing Lender or an Affiliate or Approved Fund of any existing Lender, is of the assignor’s (together with its

 

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Affiliates and Approved Funds) entire interest in such facility or is made with the prior consent of the Borrowers (to the extent Borrowers’ consent is otherwise required) and Agents, (x) interest accrued prior to and through the date of any such Sale may not be assigned, (y) such Sales by Lenders who are Non-Funding Lenders due to clause (a) of the definition of Non-Funding Lenders shall be subject to Agents’ prior written consent in all instances, unless in connection with such sale, such Non-Funding Lender cures, or causes the cure of, its Non-Funding Lender status as contemplated in subsection 1.11(e)(v) and (z) the Borrowers’ consent shall be required (and may be withheld in the Borrowers’ discretion notwithstanding the foregoing) with respect to an assignment to (I) any Person identified on the List of Identified Financial Institutions prepared by Borrowers and delivered to US Agent prior to the Closing Date (as such list is in effect on the Closing Date without any revision or update thereto not consented to in writing by US Agent in its sole discretion), which List of Identified Financial Institutions shall be provided to any Lender (or prospective Lender) upon such Lender’s (or prospective Lender’s) request and (II) a Person (A) who is set forth on the List of Competitors (which List of Competitors shall be provided to any Lender (or prospective Lender) upon such Lender’s (or prospective Lender’s) request) prepared by Borrowers and delivered to US Agent prior to the Closing Date (as such list may be updated not more than two (2) times during any twelve (12) consecutive month period; provided any new Person added to such list shall be reasonably determined by US Agent and Borrowers to be in direct competition with the business of the Borrowers as conducted on the date hereof) (each Person included on such List of Competitors, a “Competitor”), (B) a Person who owns, directly or indirectly, a majority of the equity securities of a Competitor (such Person, a “Competitor Owner”), (C) a Person who is controlled by a Competitor Owner (for the purposes hereof, “control” being the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of a person, whether by contract or otherwise) or (D) a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Competitor; provided, further, that the List of Identified Financial Institutions shall not be permitted to be updated more than one (1) time during any twelve (12) consecutive month period or, in any event, without the consent of US Agent. Neither any Agent nor any assigning Lender shall have any duty to inquire as to whether any prospective Lender is a Person described in the preceding clauses (I) or (II), nor shall any Agent or any assigning Lender incur any liability to any Credit Party or any other Person for consummating a Sale to a Person described in the preceding clauses (I) or (II), it being agreed to and understood that the applicable Assignment shall contain representations and warranties by the assignee Lender that it is not a Person described in the preceding clauses (I) or (II) and such assignee Lender shall be solely liable for any breach of such representation and warranty. An Agent’s refusal to accept a Sale to a Credit Party, an Affiliate of a Credit Party, a holder of Subordinated Indebtedness or an Affiliate of such a holder, or to a Person that would be a Non-Funding or an Impacted Lender, or the imposition of conditions or limitations (including limitations on voting) upon Sales to such Persons, shall not be deemed to be unreasonable .

(c) Procedure . The parties to each Sale made in reliance on clause (b) above (other than those described in clause (e) or (f) below) shall execute and deliver to the Appropriate Agent an Assignment via an electronic settlement system designated by Agents (or, if previously agreed with Agents, via a manual execution and delivery of the Assignment) evidencing such Sale, together with any existing Note subject to such Sale (or any affidavit of loss therefor acceptable to Agents), any tax forms required to be delivered pursuant to Section 10.1 and payment of an assignment fee in the amount of $3,500 to the Appropriate Agent, unless waived or reduced by such Agent; provided that (i) if a Sale by a Lender is made

 

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to an Affiliate or an Approved Fund of such assigning Lender, then no assignment fee shall be due in connection with such Sale, and (ii) if a Sale by a Lender is made to an assignee that is not an Affiliate or Approved Fund of such assignor Lender, and concurrently to one or more Affiliates or Approved Funds of such Assignee, then only one assignment fee of $3,500 shall be due in connection with such Sale (unless waived or reduced by Agent). Upon receipt of all the foregoing, and conditioned upon such receipt and, if such Assignment is made in accordance with clause (iii) of subsection 9.9(b), upon Agents (and the Borrowers, if applicable) consenting to such Assignment, from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment, Agent shall record or cause to be recorded in the Register the information contained in such Assignment to the extent applicable.

(d) Effectiveness . Subject to the recording of an Assignment by US Agent in the Register pursuant to subsection 1.4(b) to the extent applicable, (i) the assignee thereunder shall become a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations under the Loan Documents have been assigned to such assignee pursuant to such Assignment, shall have the rights and obligations of a Lender, (ii) any applicable Note shall be transferred to such assignee through such entry and (iii) the assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations under this Agreement have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment, relinquish its rights (except for those surviving the termination of the Commitments and the payment in full of the Obligations) and be released from its obligations under the Loan Documents, other than those relating to events or circumstances occurring prior to such assignment (and, in the case of an Assignment covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

(e) Grant of Security Interests . In addition to the other rights provided in this Section 9.9, each Lender may grant a security interest in, or otherwise assign as collateral, any of its rights under this Agreement, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (including rights to payments of principal or interest on the Loans), to (A) any federal reserve bank (pursuant to Regulation A of the Federal Reserve Board), without notice to Agent or (B) any holder of, or trustee for the benefit of the holders of, such Lender’s Indebtedness or equity securities, by notice to Agents; provided , however , that no such holder or trustee, whether because of such grant or assignment or any foreclosure thereon (unless such foreclosure is made through an assignment in accordance with clause (b) above), shall be entitled to any rights of such Lender hereunder and no such Lender shall be relieved of any of its obligations hereunder.

(f) Participants and SPVs . In addition to the other rights provided in this Section 9.9, each Lender may, (x) with notice to Agents, grant to an SPV the option to make all or any part of any Loan that such Lender would otherwise be required to make hereunder (and the exercise of such option by such SPV and the making of Loans pursuant thereto shall satisfy the obligation of such Lender to make such Loans hereunder) and such SPV may assign to such Lender the right to receive payment with respect to any Obligation and (y) without notice to or consent from Agents or the Borrowers, sell participations to one or more Persons in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including all its rights and obligations with respect to the Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit); provided , however , that, whether as a result of any term of any Loan Document or of such grant or participation, (i) no such SPV or participant shall have a commitment, or be deemed to have made an offer to commit, to make Loans hereunder, and, except as provided in the applicable option agreement,

 

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none shall be liable for any obligation of such Lender hereunder, (ii) such Lender’s rights and obligations, and the rights and obligations of the Credit Parties and the Secured Parties towards such Lender, under any Loan Document shall remain unchanged and each other party hereto shall continue to deal solely with such Lender, which shall remain the holder of the Obligations in the Register, except that (A) each such participant and SPV shall be entitled to the benefit of Article X, but, with respect to Section 10.1, only to the extent such participant or SPV delivers the tax forms such Lender is required to collect pursuant to subsection 10.1(f) and then only to the extent of any amount to which such Lender would be entitled in the absence of any such grant or participation and (B) each such SPV may receive other payments that would otherwise be made to such Lender with respect to Loans funded by such SPV to the extent provided in the applicable option agreement and set forth in a notice provided to Agent by such SPV and such Lender, provided , however , that in no case (including pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above) shall an SPV or participant have the right to enforce any of the terms of any Loan Document, and (iii) the consent of such SPV or participant shall not be required (either directly, as a restraint on such Lender’s ability to consent hereunder or otherwise) for any amendments, waivers or consents with respect to any Loan Document or to exercise or refrain from exercising any powers or rights such Lender may have under or in respect of the Loan Documents (including the right to enforce or direct enforcement of the Obligations), except for those described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection 9.1(a) with respect to amounts, or dates fixed for payment of amounts, to which such participant or SPV would otherwise be entitled and, in the case of participants, except for those described in clause (vi) of subsection 9.1(a). No party hereto shall institute (and the Borrowers and Holdings shall cause each other Credit Party not to institute) against any SPV grantee of an option pursuant to this clause (f) any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper of such SPV; provided, however, that each Lender having designated an SPV as such agrees to indemnify each Indemnitee against any Liability that may be incurred by, or asserted against, such Indemnitee as a result of failing to institute such proceeding (including a failure to get reimbursed by such SPV for any such Liability). The agreement in the preceding sentence shall survive the termination of the Commitments and the payment in full of the Obligations.

9.10 Non-Public Information; Confidentiality .

(a) Non-Public Information . Each Agent, each Lender and each L/C Issuer acknowledges and agrees that it may receive material non-public information (“MNPI”) hereunder concerning the Credit Parties and their Affiliates and agrees to use such information in compliance with all relevant policies, procedures and applicable Requirements of Laws (including United States federal and state securities laws and regulations).

(b) Confidential Information . Each Lender, each L/C Issuer and each Agent agrees to use all reasonable efforts to maintain, in accordance with its customary practices, the confidentiality of information obtained by it pursuant to any Loan Document and designated in writing by any Credit Party as confidential, except that such information may be disclosed (i) with the Borrowers’ consent, (ii) to Related Persons of such Lender, L/C Issuer or Agent, as the case may be, or to any Person that any L/C Issuer causes to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, that are advised of the confidential nature of such information and are instructed to keep such information confidential in accordance with the terms hereof, (iii) to the extent such information

 

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presently is or hereafter becomes (A) publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 9.10 or (B) available to such Lender, L/C Issuer or Agent or any of their Related Persons, as the case may be, from a source (other than any Credit Party) not known by them to be subject to disclosure restrictions, (iv) to the extent disclosure is required by applicable Requirements of Law or other legal process or requested or demanded by any Governmental Authority, (v) to the extent necessary or customary for inclusion in league table measurements, (vi) (A) to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any similar organization, any examiner or any nationally recognized rating agency or (B) otherwise to the extent consisting of general portfolio information that does not identify Credit Parties, (vii) to current or prospective assignees, SPVs (including the investors or prospective investors therein) or participants, direct or contractual counterparties to any Secured Rate Contracts and to their respective Related Persons, in each case to the extent such assignees, investors, participants, counterparties or Related Persons agree to be bound by provisions substantially similar to the provisions of this Section 9.10 (and such Person may disclose information to their respective Related Persons in accordance with clause (ii) above), (viii) to any other party hereto, and (ix) in connection with the exercise or enforcement of any right or remedy under any Loan Document, in connection with any litigation or other proceeding to which such Lender, L/C Issuer or Agent or any of their Related Persons is a party or bound, or to the extent necessary to respond to public statements or disclosures by Credit Parties or their Related Persons referring to a Lender, L/C Issuer or Agent or any of their Related Persons. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Section 9.10 and those of any other Contractual Obligation entered into with any Credit Party (whether or not a Loan Document), the terms of this Section 9.10 shall govern.

(c) Tombstones . Each Credit Party consents to the publication by Agents or any Lender of advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement using a Borrower’s or any other Credit Party’s name, product photographs, logo or trademark. An Agent or such Lender shall provide a draft of any advertising material to Borrowers within a reasonable period of time prior to publication for review and consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) prior to the publication thereof.

(d) Press Release and Related Matters . No Credit Party shall, and no Credit Party shall permit any of its Affiliates to, issue any press release or other public disclosure (other than any document filed with any Governmental Authority relating to a public offering of securities of any Credit Party) using the name, logo or otherwise referring to GE Capital, GE Canada or of any of their Affiliates, the Loan Documents or any transaction contemplated therein to which Agent is party without the prior consent of GE Capital or GE Canada, as applicable, except to the extent required to do so under applicable Requirements of Law and then, only after consulting with GE Capital or GE Canada, as applicable.

(e) Distribution of Materials to Lenders and L/C Issuers . The Credit Parties acknowledge and agree that the Loan Documents and all reports, notices, communications and other information or materials provided or delivered by, or on behalf of, the Credit Parties hereunder (collectively, the “Borrower Materials”) may be disseminated by, or on behalf of, Agents, and made available, to the Lenders and the L/C Issuers by posting such Borrower Materials on an E-System. The Credit Parties authorize Agents to download copies of their logos from its website and post copies thereof on an E-System.

 

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(f) Material Non-Public Information . The Credit Parties hereby agree that if either they, any parent company or any Subsidiary of the Credit Parties has publicly traded equity or debt securities in the United States, they shall (and shall cause such parent company or Subsidiary, as the case may be, to) (i) identify in writing, and (ii) to the extent reasonably practicable, clearly and conspicuously mark such Borrower Materials that contain only information that is publicly available or that is not material for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws as “PUBLIC”. The Credit Parties agree that by identifying such Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC” or publicly filing such Borrower Materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission, then Agents, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers shall be entitled to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any MNPI for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws. The Credit Parties further represent, warrant, acknowledge and agree that the following documents and materials shall be deemed to be PUBLIC, whether or not so marked, and do not contain any MNPI: (A) the Loan Documents, including the schedules and exhibits attached thereto, and (B) administrative materials of a customary nature prepared by the Credit Parties or Agents (including, Notices of Borrowing, Notices of Conversion/Continuation, L/C Requests, Swingline requests and any similar requests or notices posted on or through an E-System). Before distribution of any Borrower Materials, the Credit Parties agree to execute and deliver to Agent a letter authorizing distribution of the evaluation materials to prospective Lenders and their employees willing to receive MNPI, and a separate letter authorizing distribution of evaluation materials that do not contain MNPI and represent that no MNPI is contained therein.

9.11 Set-off; Sharing of Payments .

(a) Right of Setoff . Each of each Agent, each Lender, each L/C Issuer and each Affiliate (including each branch office thereof) of any of them is hereby authorized, without notice or demand (each of which is hereby waived by each Credit Party), at any time and from time to time during the continuance of any Event of Default and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Requirements of Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (whether general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other Indebtedness, claims or other obligations at any time owing by such Agent, such Lender, such L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates to or for the credit or the account of a Borrower or any other Credit Party against any Obligation of any Credit Party now or hereafter existing, whether or not any demand was made under any Loan Document with respect to such Obligation and even though such Obligation may be unmatured. No Lender or L/C Issuer shall exercise any such right of setoff without the prior consent of Agents or Required Lenders. Each of each Agent, each Lender and each L/C Issuer agrees promptly to notify the Borrowers and Agents after any such setoff and application made by such Lender or its Affiliates; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights under this Section 9.11 are in addition to any other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that Agents, the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, their Affiliates and the other Secured Parties, may have.

(b) Sharing of Payments, Etc . If any Lender, directly or through an Affiliate or branch office thereof, obtains any payment of any Obligation of any Credit Party (whether voluntary, involuntary or through the exercise of any right of setoff or the receipt of any Collateral or “proceeds” (as defined under the applicable UCC) of Collateral) other than pursuant to Section 9.9 or Article X and such payment exceeds the amount such Lender would have been

 

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entitled to receive if all payments had gone to, and been distributed by, Agents in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, such Lender shall purchase for cash from other Lenders such participations in their Obligations as necessary for such Lender to share such excess payment with such Lenders to ensure such payment is applied as though it had been received by Agents and applied in accordance with this Agreement (or, if such application would then be at the discretion of the Borrowers, applied to repay the Obligations in accordance herewith); provided, however, that (a) if such payment is rescinded or otherwise recovered from such Lender or L/C Issuer in whole or in part, such purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price therefor shall be returned to such Lender or L/C Issuer without interest and (b) such Lender shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Requirements of Law, be able to exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the applicable Credit Party in the amount of such participation. If a Non-Funding Lender receives any such payment as described in the previous sentence, such Lender shall turn over such payments to the Appropriate Agent in an amount that would satisfy the cash collateral requirements set forth in subsection 1.11(e).

9.12 Counterparts; Facsimile Signature . This Agreement 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 one and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or Electronic Transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

9.13 Severability . The illegality or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder shall not in any way affect or impair the legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder.

9.14 Captions . The captions and headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

9.15 Independence of Provisions . The parties hereto acknowledge that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may use several different limitations, tests or measurements to regulate the same or similar matters, and that such limitations, tests and measurements are cumulative and must each be performed, except as expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement.

9.16 Interpretation . This Agreement is the result of negotiations among and has been reviewed by counsel to Credit Parties, Agents, each Lender and other parties hereto, and is the product of all parties hereto. Accordingly, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be construed against the Lenders or Agents merely because of Agents’ or Lenders’ involvement in the preparation of such documents and agreements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the parties hereto has had the advice of counsel with respect to Sections 9.18 and 9.19.

 

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9.17 No Third Parties Benefited . This Agreement is made and entered into for the sole protection and legal benefit of the Borrowers, the Lenders, the L/C Issuers party hereto , Agents and, subject to the provisions of Section 8.11, each other Secured Party, and their permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person shall be a direct or indirect legal beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. None of the Agents or any Lender shall have any obligation to any Person not a party to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

9.18 Governing Law and Jurisdiction .

(a) Governing Law . The laws of the State of Illinois shall govern all matters arising out of, in connection with or relating to this Agreement, including, without limitation, its validity, interpretation, construction, performance and enforcement.

(b) Submission to Jurisdiction . Any legal action or proceeding with respect to any Loan Document shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Illinois, or of the United States of America sitting in Chicago, Illinois and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Borrowers and each other Credit Party executing this Agreement hereby accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall limit the right of Agents to commence any proceeding in the federal or state courts of any other jurisdiction to the extent an Agent determines that such action is necessary or appropriate to exercise its rights or remedies under the Loan Documents. The parties hereto (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Credit Party) hereby irrevocably waive any objection, including any objection to the laying of venue or based on the grounds of forum non conveniens, that any of them may now or hereafter have to the bringing of any such action or proceeding in such jurisdictions.

(c) Service of Process . Each Credit Party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of any and all legal process, summons, notices and other documents and other service of process of any kind and consents to such service in any suit, action or proceeding brought in the United States of America with respect to or otherwise arising out of or in connection with any Loan Document by any means permitted by applicable Requirements of Law, including by the mailing thereof (by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid) to the address of the Borrowers specified herein (and shall be effective when such mailing shall be effective, as provided therein). Each Credit Party agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

(d) Non-Exclusive Jurisdiction . Nothing contained in this Section 9.18 shall affect the right of an Agent or any Lender to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Requirements of Law or commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any Credit Party in any other jurisdiction.

9.19 Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTIES HERETO, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATING TO, THIS

 

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AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY OTHER TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY. THIS WAIVER APPLIES TO ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE.

9.20 Entire Agreement; Release; Survival .

(a) THE LOAN DOCUMENTS EMBODY THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES AND SUPERSEDE ALL PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREOF AND ANY PRIOR LETTER OF INTEREST, COMMITMENT LETTER, CONFIDENTIALITY AND SIMILAR AGREEMENTS INVOLVING ANY CREDIT PARTY AND ANY LENDER OR ANY L/C ISSUER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES RELATING TO A FINANCING OF SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR FORM, PURPOSE OR EFFECT OTHER THAN THE FEE LETTER. IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN (UNLESS SUCH TERMS OF SUCH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW, IN WHICH CASE SUCH TERMS SHALL GOVERN TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO COMPLY THEREWITH).

(b) Execution of this Agreement by the Credit Parties constitutes a full, complete and irrevocable release of any and all claims which each Credit Party may have at law or in equity in respect of all prior discussions and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In no event shall any Indemnitee be liable on any theory of liability for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (including any loss of profits, business or anticipated savings). Each of the Borrowers and each other Credit Party signatory hereto hereby waives, releases and agrees (and shall cause each other Credit Party to waive, release and agree) not to sue upon any such claim for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.

(c)(i) Any indemnification or other protection provided to any Indemnitee pursuant to this Section 9.20, Sections 9.5 (Costs and Expenses), and 9.6 (Indemnity), and Articles (VIII) Agent and X (Taxes, Yield Protection and Illegality), and (ii) the provisions of Section 8.1 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, in each case, shall (x) survive the termination of the Commitments and the payment in full of all other Obligations and (y) with respect to clause (i) above, inure to the benefit of any Person that at any time held a right thereunder (as an Indemnitee or otherwise) and, thereafter, its successors and permitted assigns.

9.21 Patriot Act . Each Lender that is subject to the Patriot Act and Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada) hereby notifies the Credit Parties that pursuant to the requirements of such laws, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of each Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify each Credit Party in accordance with each such Act.

 

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9.22 Replacement of Lender . Within forty-five days after: (i) receipt by the a Borrower of written notice and demand from any Lender (an “Affected Lender”) for payment of additional costs as provided in Sections 10.1, 10.3 and/or 10.6; or (ii) any failure by any Lender (other than an Agent or an Affiliate of an Agent) to consent to a requested amendment, waiver or modification to any Loan Document in which Required Lenders have already consented to such amendment, waiver or modification but the consent of each Lender (or each Lender directly affected thereby, as applicable) is required with respect thereto, such Borrower may, at its option, notify Agents and such Affected Lender (or such non-consenting Lender) of such Borrower’s intention to obtain, at such Borrower’s expense, a replacement Lender (“Replacement Lender”) for such Affected Lender (or such non-consenting Lender), which Replacement Lender shall be reasonably satisfactory to Agents. In the event such Borrower obtains a Replacement Lender within forty-five (45) days following notice of its intention to do so, the Affected Lender (or such non-consenting Lender) shall sell and assign its Loans and Commitments to such Replacement Lender, at par, provided that such Borrower has reimbursed such Affected Lender for its increased costs for which it is entitled to reimbursement under this Agreement through the date of such sale and assignment. In the event that a replaced Lender does not execute an Assignment pursuant to Section 9.9 within five (5) Business Days after receipt by such replaced Lender of notice of replacement pursuant to this Section 9.22 and presentation to such replaced Lender of an Assignment evidencing an assignment pursuant to this Section 9.22, such Borrower shall be entitled (but not obligated) to execute such an Assignment on behalf of such replaced Lender, and any such Assignment so executed by such Borrower, the Replacement Lender and the Appropriate Agent, shall be effective for purposes of this Section 9.22 and Section 9.9. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to a Lender that is a Non-Funding Lender or an Impacted Lender, an Agent or a Borrower may, but shall not be obligated to, obtain a Replacement Lender and execute an Assignment on behalf of such Non-Funding Lender or Impacted Lender at any time with three (3) Business’ Days prior notice to such Lender or an Impacted Lender (unless notice is not practicable under the circumstances) and cause such Lender’s Loans and Commitments to be sold and assigned, in whole or in part, at par; provided, such Replacement Lender identified by a Borrower shall be reasonably acceptable to the Agents. Upon any such assignment and payment and compliance with the other provisions of Section 9.9, such replaced Lender shall no longer constitute a “Lender” for purposes hereof; provided, any rights of such replaced Lender to indemnification hereunder shall survive.

9.23 Joint and Several . The obligations of (a) the Credit Parties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are joint and several with respect to such Credit Parties in accordance and to the extent set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and (b) the Canadian Credit Parties are joint and several with respect to such Credit Parties in accordance and to the extent set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, reference is hereby made to Article II of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, to which the obligations of Borrower and the other Credit Parties are subject.

9.24 Creditor-Debtor Relationship . The relationship between each Agent, each Lender and the L/C Issuer, on the one hand, and the Credit Parties, on the other hand, is solely that of creditor and debtor. No Secured Party has any fiduciary relationship or duty to any Credit Party arising out of or in connection with, and there is no agency, tenancy or joint venture relationship between the Secured Parties and the Credit Parties by virtue of, any Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein.

 

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9.25 Risk Participation .

(a) Prior to the occurrence of a Reallocation Event, all payments of principal, accrued interest and fees, including all optional and mandatory prepayments of principal made pursuant to Section 1.7 and 1.8 of this Agreement, shall be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (other than this Section 9.25).

(b) On the date of a Reallocation Event, the Lenders shall automatically be deemed to have purchased and sold (without any obligation to advance funds), effective as of the date of such Reallocation Event, sufficient participations in the other Loans so that, as a result of such purchases and sales, all of the Lenders of each Loan will hold an interest in each of the Revolving Loans in proportion to their respective Reallocation Percentages.

(c) After the occurrence of a Reallocation Event, subject to subsection 1.10(c), all payments made with respect to the Loans and proceeds of Collateral securing the Loans shall be applied by the Agents to each Loan and distributed by the Agents to all of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Reallocation Percentages (it being understood that neither payments made by the Canadian Borrower nor proceeds of the Canadian Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiary’s shall be applied to the US Loans; it being understood and agreed, however, that in the case of any such Foreign Subsidiary all of the outstanding voting equity interest of which are owned by a Credit Party that is incorporated or otherwise organized under the laws of a State of the United States of America, payments with respect to or proceeds of 65% of such Subsidiary’s outstanding voting equity interest and 100% of such Foreign Subsidiary’s outstanding non-voting equity interest may be applied to the US Loans).

(d) Each Lender holding a participation acquired pursuant to this Section 9.25 shall be deemed to be a holder of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement.

(e) Each Lender’s obligations to purchase participations or to make post-Reallocation Event advances under this Agreement are, subject to all applicable laws, absolute and unconditional, shall be made without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind, and shall not be subject to the defense of commercial frustration or failure of performance by any Credit Party or any so-called suretyship or similar equitable or legal discharges or defenses, including, without limitation, (i) the financial condition of any Credit Party at any time, (ii) the insolvency or bankruptcy of any Credit Party or the inability of any Credit Party to pay its debts as they accrue, (iii) the discharge of any obligations of any Credit Party in any bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding, (iv) the invalidity of any documents evidencing or securing any obligations of any Credit Party under any of the Loan Documents, (v) any action or inaction of any Agent or any other Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, including the release or other disposition of Collateral or lack of diligence in collection or realization for any obligations of any Credit Party, (vi) the dissolution or non-existence of any Credit Party as a legal entity, (vii) any amendment, renewal or extension in respect of any of the Loan Documents, (viii) the adequacy of the Collateral to satisfy all or any of the Obligations, (ix) the loss or non-existence of any subrogation rights on behalf of any Lender, or (x) any fraud or misappropriation of funds or property by or on behalf of any Credit Party.

 

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(f) All purchases of participations pursuant to this Section 9.25 shall be without recourse or warranty of any kind or nature to the Lenders selling such participations, other than warranties of title and non-encumbrance with respect to the participations being purchased and sold. For the avoidance of doubt in respect of any participation transferred under this Section 9.25, subject to clause (d) of this Section 9.25, the transferor of such participation shall, for purposes of this Agreement, remain the Lender of record.

(g) The Credit Parties shall have no obligations under this Section 9.25.

ARTICLE X -

TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

10.1 Taxes .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.1, each payment by any Credit Party under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings and all liabilities with respect thereto (and without deduction for any of them) (collectively, but excluding the taxes set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) below, the “Taxes”) other than for (i) taxes measured by net income (including branch profits taxes) and franchise taxes imposed in lieu of net income taxes, in each case imposed on any Secured Party as a result of a present or former connection between such Secured Party and the jurisdiction of the Governmental Authority imposing such tax or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (other than such connection arising solely from any Secured Party having executed, delivered or performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, any Loan Document), (ii) taxes that are directly attributable to the failure (other than, as a result of a change in any Requirement of Law) by any Secured Party to deliver the documentation required to be delivered pursuant to clause (f) below, or (iii) any taxes imposed as a result of the failure (other than, as a result of a change in any Requirement of Law) of any Non-U.S. Lender Party to satisfy the information gathering and reporting requirements as set forth in sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code.

(b) If any Taxes shall be required by law to be deducted from or in respect of any amount payable under any Loan Document to any Secured Party (i) such amount shall be increased as necessary to ensure that, after all required deductions for Taxes are made (including deductions applicable to any increases to any amount under this Section 10.1), such Secured Party receives the amount it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the relevant Credit Party shall make such deductions, (iii) the relevant Credit Party shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxing authority or other authority in accordance with applicable Requirements of Law and (iv) within 30 days after such payment is made, the relevant Credit Party shall deliver to the Appropriate Agent an original or certified copy of a receipt evidencing such payment; provided, however, that no such increase shall be made with respect to, and no Credit Party shall be required to indemnify any Secured Party pursuant to clause (d) below for, withholding taxes to the extent that the obligation to withhold amounts existed on the date that such Person became a “Secured Party” under this Agreement in the capacity under which such Person makes a claim under this clause (b), except in each case to the extent such

 

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Person is a direct or indirect assignee (other than pursuant to Section 9.22) of any other Secured Party and to the extent such Secured Party was entitled, at the time the assignment to such Person became effective, to receive additional amounts under this clause (b).

(c) In addition, the Borrowers agree to pay, and authorize each Agent to pay in their name, any stamp, documentary, excise or property tax, charges or similar levies imposed by any applicable Requirement of Law or Governmental Authority and all Liabilities with respect thereto (including by reason of any delay in payment thereof), in each case arising from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein (collectively, “Other Taxes”). The Swingline Lenders may, without any need for notice, demand or consent from the Borrowers, by making funds available to the Appropriate Agent in the amount equal to any such payment, make a Swing Loan to the applicable Borrower in such amount, the proceeds of which shall be used by such Agent in whole to make such payment. Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes or Other Taxes by any Credit Party, the Borrowers shall furnish to Agents, at its address referred to in Section 9.2, the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

(d) The Borrowers shall reimburse and indemnify, within 30 days after receipt of demand therefor (with copy to Agents), each Secured Party for all Taxes and Other Taxes (including any Taxes and Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 10.1) paid by such Secured Party and any Liabilities arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. A certificate of the Secured Party (or of an Agent on behalf of such Secured Party) claiming any compensation under this clause (d), setting forth the amounts to be paid thereunder and delivered to the Borrowers with copy to Agents, shall be conclusive, binding and final for all purposes, absent manifest error. In determining such amount, such Agent and such Secured Party may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

(e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 10.1 shall use its reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policies and Requirements of Law) to change the jurisdiction of its lending office if such a change would reduce any such additional amounts (or any similar amount that may thereafter accrue) and would not, in the sole determination of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

(f)(i) Each Non-U.S. Lender Party that, at any of the following times, is entitled to an exemption from United States withholding tax or, after a change in any Requirement of Law, is subject to such withholding tax at a reduced rate under an applicable tax treaty, shall (w) on or prior to the date such Non-U.S. Lender Party becomes a “Non-U.S. Lender Party” hereunder, (x) on or prior to the date on which any such form or certification expires or becomes obsolete, (y) after the occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form or certification previously delivered by it pursuant to this clause (i) and (z) from time to time if requested by the US Borrower or US Agent (or, in the case of a participant or SPV, the relevant Lender), provide US Agent and the US Borrower (or, in the case of a participant or SPV, the relevant Lender) with two completed originals of each of the following, as applicable: (A) Forms W-8ECI (claiming exemption from U.S. withholding tax because the income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business), W-8BEN (claiming exemption from, or a

 

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reduction of, U.S. withholding tax under an income tax treaty) and/or W-8IMY or any successor forms, (B) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender Party claiming exemption under Sections 871(h) or 881(c) of the Code, Form W-8BEN (claiming exemption from U.S. withholding tax under the portfolio interest exemption) or any successor form and a certificate in form and substance acceptable to US Agent that such Non-U.S. Lender Party is not (1) a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (2) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code or (3) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code or (C) any other applicable document prescribed by the IRS certifying as to the entitlement of such Non-U.S. Lender Party to such exemption from United States withholding tax or reduced rate with respect to all payments to be made to such Non-U.S. Lender Party under the Loan Documents. Unless the Borrowers and Agents have received forms or other documents satisfactory to them indicating that payments under any Loan Document to or for a Non-U.S. Lender Party are not subject to United States withholding tax or are subject to such tax at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty, the Credit Parties and Agents shall withhold amounts required to be withheld by applicable Requirements of Law from such payments at the applicable statutory rate.

(ii) Each U.S. Lender Party shall (A) on or prior to the date such U.S. Lender Party becomes a “U.S. Lender Party” hereunder, (B) on or prior to the date on which any such form or certification expires or becomes obsolete, (C) after the occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form or certification previously delivered by it pursuant to this clause (f) and (D) from time to time if requested by the US Borrower or an Agent (or, in the case of a participant or SPV, the relevant Lender), provide Agents and the Borrowers (or, in the case of a participant or SPV, the relevant Lender) with two completed originals of Form W-9 (certifying that such U.S. Lender Party is entitled to an exemption from U.S. backup withholding tax) or any successor form.

(iii) Each Lender having sold a participation in any of its Obligations or identified an SPV as such to the Appropriate Agent shall collect from such participant or SPV the documents described in this clause (f) and provide them to Appropriate Agent.

(g) If an Agent or any Lender receives a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrowers or with respect to which the Borrowers have paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 10.1 and provided no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, such Agent or such Lender, as applicable, shall pay to the applicable Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrowers under this section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental authority with respect to such refund); provided , the Borrowers, upon the request of an Agent or such Lender, shall repay the amount paid over to the Borrowers (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Appropriate Agent or such Lender in the event such Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This paragraph shall not be construed to require the Agents or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes which it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.

 

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10.2 Illegality . If after the date hereof any Lender shall determine that the introduction of any Requirement of Law, or any change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation or administration thereof, has made it unlawful, or that any central bank or other Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its Lending Office to make LIBOR Rate Loans, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the US Borrower through US Agent, the obligation of that Lender to make LIBOR Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender shall have notified US Agent and the US Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exists.

(a) Subject to clause (c) below, if any Lender shall determine that it is unlawful to maintain any LIBOR Rate Loan, the US Borrower shall prepay in full all LIBOR Rate Loans of such Lender then outstanding, together with interest accrued thereon, either on the last day of the Interest Period thereof if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Rate Loans, together with any amounts required to be paid in connection therewith pursuant to Section 10.4.

(b) If the obligation of any Lender to make or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans has been terminated, the US Borrower may elect, by giving notice to such Lender through US Agent that all Loans which would otherwise be made by any such Lender as LIBOR Rate Loans shall be instead Base Rate Loans.

(c) Before giving any notice to US Agent pursuant to this Section 10.2, the affected Lender shall designate a different Lending Office with respect to its LIBOR Rate Loans if such designation will avoid the need for giving such notice or making such demand and will not, in the judgment of the Lender, be illegal or otherwise disadvantageous to the Lender.

10.3 Increased Costs and Reduction of Return .

(a) If any Lender or L/C Issuer shall determine that, due to either (i) the introduction of, or any change in, or in 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), in the case of either clause (i) or (ii) subsequent to the date hereof, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender or L/C Issuer of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any LIBOR Rate Loans or of issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit, then the Borrowers shall be liable for, and shall from time to time, within thirty (30) days of demand therefor by such Lender or L/C Issuer (with a copy of such demand to Agents), pay to the Appropriate Agent for the account of such Lender or L/C Issuer, additional amounts as are sufficient to compensate such Lender or L/C Issuer for such increased costs; provided, that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate any Lender or L/C Issuer pursuant to this subsection 10.3(a) for any increased costs incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or L/C Issuer notifies the Borrowers, in writing of the increased costs and of such Lender’s or L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation thereof; provided, further, that if the circumstance giving rise to such increased costs is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

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(b) If any Lender or L/C Issuer shall have determined that:

(i) the introduction of any Capital Adequacy Regulation;

(ii) any change in any Capital Adequacy Regulation;

(iii) any change in the interpretation or administration of any Capital Adequacy Regulation by any central bank or other Governmental Authority charged with the interpretation or administration thereof; or

(iv) compliance by such Lender or L/C Issuer (or its Lending Office) or any entity controlling the Lender or L/C Issuer, with any Capital Adequacy Regulation;

affects the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender or L/C Issuer or any entity controlling such Lender or L/C Issuer and (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such entities’ policies with respect to capital adequacy and such Lender’s or L/C Issuer’s desired return on capital) determines that the amount of such capital is increased as a consequence of its Commitment(s), loans, credits or obligations under this Agreement, then, within thirty (30) days of demand of such Lender or L/C Issuer (with a copy to Agents), the Borrowers shall pay to such Lender or L/C Issuer, from time to time as specified by such Lender or L/C Issuer, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or L/C Issuer (or the entity controlling the Lender or L/C Issuer) for such increase; provided, that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate any Lender or L/C Issuer pursuant to this subsection 10.3(b) for any amounts incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or L/C Issuer notifies the Borrowers, in writing of the amounts and of such Lender’s or L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation thereof; provided, further, that if the event giving rise to such increase is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

10.4 Funding Losses . The Borrowers agree to reimburse each Lender and to hold each Lender harmless from any loss or expense which such Lender may sustain or incur as a consequence of:

(a) the failure of a Borrower to make any payment or mandatory prepayment of principal of any LIBOR Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan (including payments made after any acceleration thereof);

(b) the failure of a Borrower to borrow, continue or convert a Loan after a Borrower has given (or is deemed to have given) a Notice of Borrowing or a Notice of Conversion/Continuation;

(c) the failure of the Borrower to make any prepayment after the Borrower has given a notice in accordance with Section 1.7;

(d) the prepayment (including pursuant to Section 1.8) of a LIBOR Rate Loan on a day which is not the last day of the Interest Period with respect thereto, or a BA Rate Loan on a day which is not the last day of the BA Period with respect thereto; or

 

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(e) the conversion pursuant to Section 1.6 of any LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan, or of any BA Rate Loan to a Canadian Prime Rate Loan, on a day that is not the last day of the applicable Interest Period or BA Period, as applicable;

including any such loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain its LIBOR Rate Loans hereunder or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained; provided that, with respect to the expenses described in clauses (d) and (e) above, such Lender shall have notified Agent of any such expense within two (2) Business Days of the date on which such expense was incurred. Solely for purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 10.4 and under subsection 10.3(a): each LIBOR Rate Loan made by a Lender (and each related reserve, special deposit or similar requirement) shall be conclusively deemed to have been funded at the LIBOR used in determining the interest rate for such LIBOR Rate Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the interbank Eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such LIBOR Rate Loan is in fact so funded.

10.5 Inability to Determine Rates . If US Agent shall have determined in good faith that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the LIBOR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Rate Loan or that the LIBOR applicable pursuant to subsection 1.3(a) for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lenders of funding or maintaining such Loan, US Agent will forthwith give notice of such determination to the US Borrower and each US Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans hereunder shall be suspended until US Agent revokes such notice in writing. Upon receipt of such notice, the US Borrower may revoke any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation then submitted by it. If the US Borrower does not revoke such notice, the Lenders shall make, convert or continue the Loans, as proposed by the US Borrower, in the amount specified in the applicable notice submitted by the US Borrower, but such Loans shall be made, converted or continued as Base Rate Loans.

10.6 Reserves on LIBOR Rate Loans . The Borrowers shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required under regulations of the Federal Reserve Board to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known as “Eurocurrency liabilities”), additional costs on the unpaid principal amount of each LIBOR Rate Loan equal to actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan provided the Borrower shall have received at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice (with a copy to US Agent) of such additional interest from the Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.

10.7 Certificates of Lenders . Any Lender claiming reimbursement or compensation pursuant to this Article X shall deliver to the applicable Borrower (with a copy to the Appropriate Agent) a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the amount payable to such Lender hereunder and such certificate shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers in the absence of manifest error.

 

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ARTICLE XI -

DEFINITIONS

11.1 Defined Terms . The following terms are defined in the Sections or subsections referenced opposite such terms:

 

“Affected Lender”

   9.22

“Aggregate Excess Funding Amount”

   1.1(c)

“Borrower”

   Preamble

“Borrower Materials”

   9.10(d)

“Borrowing Base”

   Exhibit 11.1(b)

“Canadian Borrower”

   Preamble

“Canadian Borrowing Base”

   1.1(b)

“Canadian L/C Reimbursement Agreement”

   1.1(e)

“Canadian L/C Reimbursement Date”

   1.1(e)

“Canadian Lender”

   Preamble

“Canadian Revolving Loan”

   1.1(b)

“Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment”

   1.1(b)

“Canadian Swing Loan”

   1.1(f)

“Capital Expenditures”

   Exhibit 4.2(b)

“EBITDA”

   Exhibit 4.2(b)

“Event of Default”

   7.1

“Fee Letter”

   1.9(a)

“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”

   Exhibit 4.2(b

“Holdings”

   Recitals

“Indemnified Matters”

   9.6

“Indemnitee”

   9.6

“Interest Coverage Ratio”

   Exhibit 4.2(b)

“Interest Expense”

   Exhibit 4.2(b)

“Investments”

   5.4

“L/C Request”

   1.1(c)

“L/C Sublimit”

   1.1(c)

“Lender”

   Preamble

“Letter of Credit Fee”

   1.9(c)

“Leverage Ratio”

   Exhibit 4.2(b)

“Management Advisor”

   5.7(d)

“Maximum Lawful Rate”

   1.3(d)

“Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance”

   1.1(b)

“Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance

   1.1(b)

“MNPI”

   9.10(a)

“Notice of Conversion/Continuation”

   1.6(a)

“Other Taxes”

   10.1(b)

“Permitted Liens”

   5.1

“Register”

   1.4(b)

“Restricted Payments”

   5.11

 

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“Replacement Lender”

   9.22

“Revolving Loan Commitment”

   1.1(b)

“Revolving Loan”

   1.1(b)

“Sale”

   9.9(a)

“Settlement Date”

   1.11(b)

“Swingline Request”

   1.1(c)

“Taxes”

   10.1(a)

“Unused Commitment Fee”

   1.9(b)

“US Borrower”

   Preamble

“US Borrowing Base”

   1.1(b)

“US L/C Reimbursement Agreement”

   1.1(c)

“US L/C Reimbursement Date”

   1.1(c)

“US Lender”

   Preamble

“US Revolving Loan”

   1.1(b)

“US Revolving Loan Commitment”

   1.1(b)

“US Swing Loan”

   1.1(d)

In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

“ABN LC Facility” means that certain Credit Agreement Letter dated as of December 15, 2005 by and among Thermon Europe B.V., Thermon Benelux B.V. and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (including its successor, New HBU II N.V.), as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent not prohibited hereunder.

“Account” means, as at any date of determination, all “accounts” (as such term is defined in the UCC or PPSA) of a Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the unpaid portion of the obligation of a customer of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of Inventory purchased by and shipped to such customer and/or the rendition of services by such Borrower or such Subsidiary, as stated on the respective invoice of such Borrower or such Subsidiary, net of any credits, rebates or offsets owed to such customer.

“Account Debtor” means the customer of a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries who is obligated on or under an Account.

“Acquisition” means any transaction or series of related transactions for the purpose of or resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Person, or of any business or division of a Person, (b) the acquisition of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of any Person or otherwise causing any Person to become a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or (c) a merger, amalgamation or consolidation or any other combination with another Person.

“Additional Management Advisors” means, collectively, Thompson Street Capital Manager LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Crown Investment Series LLC – Series 4, a Delaware series limited liability company, and Star Investment Series LLC – Series 1, a Delaware series limited liability company.

 

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“Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if the controlling Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limitation, any director, executive officer or beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of the Stock (either directly or through ownership of Stock Equivalents) of a Person shall for the purposes of this Agreement, be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither any Agent nor any Lender shall be deemed an “Affiliate” of any Credit Party or of any Subsidiary of any Credit Party solely by reason of the provisions of the Loan Documents.

“Agent” means the US Agent or the Canadian Agent.

“Aggregate Availability” means, as of any date of determination, the amount by which (a) the lesser of (i) the Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitment and (ii) the sum of, without duplication, the US Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate Borrowing Bases of the Borrowers, exceeds (b) the sum of the US Dollar Equivalent of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal of all Loans, (ii) the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Obligations, plus (iii) aggregate Reserves as established by the Agents.

“Aggregate Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment” means the combined Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments of the Canadian Lenders, which shall initially be in the amount of $20,000,000, as such amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to this Agreement.

“Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitment” means the combined US Revolving Loan Commitments of the US Lenders, which shall initially be in the amount of $40,000,000, as such amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to this Agreement.

“Applicable Margin” means:

(a) with respect to US Revolving Loans, US Swing Loans, Dollar Denominated Canadian Loans and Canadian Swing Loans: (i) if a Base Rate Loan, two and one-half percent (2.50%) per annum and (ii) if a LIBOR Rate Loan, three and one-half percent (3.50%) per annum; and

(b) with respect to CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans: (i) if a Canadian Prime Rate Loan, two and one-half percent (2.50%) per annum and (ii) if a BA Rate Loan, three and one-half percent (3.50%) per annum.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Swing Loans may not be LIBOR Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans.

 

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“Applicable Minimum Availability Threshold” means the minimum Aggregate Availability set forth opposite the aggregate Borrowing Bases (expressed as the US Dollar Equivalent thereof) of the Credit Parties as of the most recent fiscal month for which a Borrowing Base Certificate has been provided pursuant to Section 4.2(d) in the table below:

 

Aggregate Borrowing Bases of the Credit Parties

   Minimum Aggregate
Availability

Less than $30,000,000

   $ 5,000,000

Greater than or equal to $30,000,000 but less than $35,000,000

   $ 7,500,000

Greater than or equal to $35,000,000

   $ 10,000,000

“Appropriate Agent” means (a) the US Agent with respect to advances, payments, enforcement and administration of US Revolving Loans, US Swing Loans, US Revolving Loan Commitments, US Letters of Credit and any Collateral Documents in favor of US Agent and any communications with US Lenders and US Borrower, and (b) the Canadian Agent with respect to advances, payments, enforcement and administration of Canadian Revolving Loans, Canadian Swing Loans, Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments, Canadian Letters of Credit and any Collateral Documents in favor of Canadian Agent and any communications with Canadian Borrowers and Canadian Lenders.

“Approved Fund” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person (other than a natural Person) that (a) (i) is or will be engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the Ordinary Course of Business or (ii) temporarily warehouses loans for any Lender or any Person described in clause (i) above and (b) is advised or managed by (i) such Lender, (ii) any Affiliate of such Lender or (iii) any Person (other than an individual) or any Affiliate of any Person (other than an individual) that administers or manages such Lender.

“Assignment” means an assignment agreement entered into by a Lender, as assignor, and any Person, as assignee, pursuant to the terms and provisions of Section 9.9 (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.9) and accepted by the Appropriate Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit 11.1(a) or any other form approved by Agents.

“Attorney Costs” means and includes all reasonable fees and disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel.

 

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“BA Period” means with respect to any BA Rate Loan, the period commencing on the Business Day such Loan is disbursed or continued or on the Conversion Date on which a Canadian Prime Rate Loan is converted to a BA Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three, or, if available to all applicable Lenders, six, nine or twelve months thereafter, as selected by the Canadian Borrower in its Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation; provided that:

(a) if any BA Period pertaining to a BA Rate Loan would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, that BA Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to carry such BA Period into another calendar month, in which event such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day; and

(b) any BA Period pertaining to a BA Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such BA Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such BA Period.

“BA Rate” means, in respect of any BA Period applicable to a BA Rate Loan, the highest of (a) 1.50% per annum, (b) the rate per annum determined by Canadian Agent by reference to the average rate quoted on the Reuters Monitor Screen (Page CDOR, or such other Page as may replace such Page on such Screen for the purpose of displaying Canadian interbank bid rates for Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances) applicable to Canadian Dollars bankers’ acceptances with a term comparable to such BA Period as of 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) two (2) Business Days before the first day of such BA Period, or (c) the rate per annum determined by Canadian Agent by reference to the average rate quoted on the Reuters Monitor Screen (Page CDOR, or such other Page as may replace such Page on such Screen for the purpose of displaying Canadian interbank bid rates for Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances) applicable to Canadian Dollars bankers’ acceptances with a BA Period of three months as of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) two (2) Business Days before the first day of such BA Period. If for any reason the Reuters Monitor Screen rates are unavailable, BA Rate means the rate of interest determined by Canadian Agent that is equal to the arithmetic mean (rounded upwards to the nearest basis point) of the rates quoted by The Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in respect of Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances with a term comparable to such BA Period. No adjustment shall be made to account for the difference between the number of days in a year on which the rates referred to in this definition are based and the number of days in a year on the basis of which interest is calculated in the Agreement.

“BA Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the BA Rate.

“Bankruptcy Code” means the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 (11 U.S.C. §101, et seq. ).

“Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the rate last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the

 

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“bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by US Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by US Agent), (b) the sum of 0.50% per annum and the Federal Funds Rate, and (c) the sum of (x) LIBOR calculated for each such day based on an Interest Period of three months determined two (2) Business Days prior to such day (but for the avoidance of doubt, not less than one and one-half percent (1.50%) per annum), plus (y) the excess of the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Rate Loans over the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans, in each instance, as of such day. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in any of the foregoing shall be effective on the effective date of such change in the “bank prime loan” rate, the Federal Funds Rate or LIBOR for an Interest Period of three months.

“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

“Benefit Plan” means any employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether governed by the laws of the United States or otherwise) to which any Credit Party incurs or otherwise has any obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise.

“Borrowing” means a borrowing hereunder consisting of Loans made to or for the benefit of a Borrower on the same day by the Lenders pursuant to Article I.

“Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate of Holdings and the Borrowers, on behalf of the Credit Parties, in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.1(b) hereto, duly completed.

“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which federal reserve banks or banks in the City of Toronto, Canada are authorized or required by law to close and , if the applicable Business Day relates to any LIBOR Rate Loan, a day on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

“Canadian Agent” means GE Canada in its capacity as administrative agent for the Canadian Lenders hereunder, and any successor administrative agent.

“Canadian Availability” means, as of any date of determination, the amount by which (a) the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance, exceeds (b) the US Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of all Canadian Revolving Loans.

“Canadian Benefit Plans” means any plan, fund, program, or policy, whether oral or written, formal or informal, funded or unfunded, insured or uninsured, providing material employee benefits, including medical, hospital care, dental, sickness, accident, disability, life insurance, pension, retirement or savings benefits, under which any Credit Party has any liability with respect to any employee or former employee, but excluding any Canadian Pension Plans.

“Canadian Credit Parties” means Holdings, the Borrowers and each other Person (other than a US Credit Party) (i) which executes a guaranty of the Canadian Obligations, (ii) which grants a Lien on all or substantially all of its assets to secure payment of the Canadian Obligations and (iii) all of the Stock of which is pledged to Canadian Agent for the benefit of the Canadian Secured Parties.

“Canadian Dollars” or “CDN $” means lawful currency of Canada.

 

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“Canadian L/C Issuer” means any Canadian Lender or an Affiliate thereof or a bank or other legally authorized Person, in each case, reasonably acceptable to Canadian Agent, in such Person’s capacity as an issuer of Canadian Letters of Credit hereunder.

“Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligations” means, for any Canadian Letter of Credit, the obligation of the Canadian Borrower to the Canadian L/C Issuer thereof or to Canadian Agent, as and when matured, to pay all amounts drawn under such Canadian Letter of Credit.

“Canadian Letter of Credit” means documentary or standby letters of credit issued for the account of the Canadian Borrower by Canadian L/C Issuers, and bankers’ acceptances issued by Canadian Borrower, for which Canadian Agent and Lenders have incurred Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations.

“Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations” means all outstanding obligations incurred by Canadian Agent and Canadian Lenders at the request of the Canadian Borrower, whether direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, due or not due, in connection with the issuance of Canadian Letters of Credit by Canadian L/C Issuers or the purchase of a participation as set forth in subsection 1.1(e) with respect to any Canadian Letter of Credit. The amount of such Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations shall equal the maximum amount that may be payable by Canadian Agent and Canadian Lenders thereupon or pursuant thereto.

“Canadian Loans” means Canadian Revolving Loans and Canadian Swing Loans.

“Canadian Obligations” means all Canadian Loans, and other Indebtedness, advances, debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties owing by any Credit Party to any Canadian Lender, Canadian Agent, any Canadian L/C Issuer or any other Person required to be indemnified, that arises under any Loan Document, whether or not for the payment of money, whether arising by reason of an extension of credit, loan, guaranty, indemnification or in any other manner, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assignment), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and however acquired.

“Canadian Pension Plans” means each pension plan required to be registered under Canadian federal or provincial law that is maintained or contributed to by a Credit Party for its employees or former employees, but does not include the Canada Pension Plan or the Quebec Pension Plan as maintained by the Government of Canada or the Province of Quebec, respectively.

“Canadian Prime Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the annual rate of interest last quoted in the “Report on Business” section of The Globe and Mail as being Canadian “prime”, “chartered bank prime rate” or words of similar description or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by Agent), (b) the BA Rate existing on such day in respect of a BA Period of 30 days plus 1.35% per annum, or (c) the sum of (x) the BA Rate calculated for each such day based on a BA Period of 90 days determined two (2) Business Days (but for the avoidance of doubt, not less than one and one-half percent (1.50%) per annum, prior to such day, plus (y) the excess of the Applicable Margin for BA Rate Loans over the Applicable Margin for Canadian Prime Rate Loans, in each instance, as of such day. Any change in any interest rate provided for in the Agreement based

 

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upon the Canadian Prime Rate shall take effect at the time of such change in the Canadian Prime Rate. No adjustments shall be made to account for the difference between the number of days in a year on which the rates referred to in this definition are based and the number of days in a year on the basis of which interest is calculated in the Agreement.

“Canadian Prime Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Canadian Prime Rate.

“Canadian Revolving Note” means a promissory note of the Canadian Borrower payable to a Canadian Lender in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.1(d) hereto, evidencing Indebtedness of the Canadian Borrower under the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender.

“Canadian Secured Parties” means Canadian Agent, each Canadian Lender, each Canadian L/C Issuer and each other holder of a Canadian Obligation.

“Canadian Subsidiaries” means Canadian Borrower (as the context may require) and any Subsidiary incorporated, organized or otherwise formed under the laws of Canada or any province or territory thereof.

“Canadian Swingline Commitment” means $5,000,000.

“Canadian Swingline Lender” means, each in its capacity as Canadian Swingline Lender hereunder, GE Canada or, upon the resignation of GE Canada as Canadian Agent hereunder, any Lender (or Affiliate or Approved Fund of any Lender) that agrees, with the approval of Canadian Agent (or, if there is no such successor Canadian Agent, the Required Canadian Lenders) and the Canadian Borrower, to act as the Canadian Swingline Lender hereunder.

“Canadian Swingline Note” means a promissory note of the Canadian Borrower payable to the Canadian Swingline Lender, in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.1(e) hereto, evidencing the Indebtedness of the Canadian Borrower to the Canadian Swingline Lender resulting from the Swing Loans made to the Canadian Borrower by the Canadian Swingline Lender.

“Capital Adequacy Regulation” means any guideline, request or directive of any central bank or other Governmental Authority, or any other law, rule or regulation, whether or not having the force of law, in each case, regarding capital adequacy of any Lender or of any corporation controlling a Lender.

“Capital Lease” means any leasing or similar arrangement which, in accordance with GAAP, is classified as a capital lease; provided, for purposes of clarity, such classification shall be in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date hereof unless and to the extent the requisite parties hereto agree otherwise pursuant to and in accordance with Section 11.3.

“Capital Lease Obligations” means the capitalized amount of all monetary obligations of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party under any Capital Leases.

“Cash Equivalents” means (a) any readily-marketable securities (i) issued by, or directly, unconditionally and fully guaranteed or insured by the Canadian or US federal government or (ii) issued by any agency of the Canadian or US federal government the obligations of which are

 

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fully backed by the full faith and credit of the Canadian federal government or the US federal government, as applicable, (b) any readily-marketable direct obligations issued by any other agency of the Canadian or US federal government, any province, territory or state thereof or any political subdivision of any such province, territory or state or any public instrumentality thereof, in each case having a rating of at least “A-1” from S&P or at least “P-1” from Moody’s, (c) any commercial paper rated at least “ A-1 ” by S&P or “ P-1 ” by Moody’s and issued by any Person organized under the laws of Canada or any province or territory thereof or any state of the United States, (d) any Dollar- or Canadian Dollar-denominated time deposit, insured certificate of deposit, overnight bank deposit or bankers’ acceptance issued or accepted by (i) any Lender or (ii) any commercial bank that is (A) organized under the laws of Canada, the United States, any province or state thereof or the District of Columbia and (B) having combined capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $250,000,000, and (e) shares of any Canadian or United States money market fund that (i) has substantially all of its assets invested continuously in the types of investments referred to in clause (a) , (b) , (c)  or (d)  above with maturities as set forth in the proviso below, (ii) has net assets in excess of $500,000,000 and (iii) has obtained from either S&P or Moody’s the highest rating obtainable for money market funds in Canada or the United States; provided, however, that the maturities of all obligations specified in any of clauses (a) , (b) , (c)  or (d)  above shall not exceed 365 days.

“CDN $ Denominated Canadian Loans” means Canadian Revolving Loans denominated in CDN $.

“Closing Date” means April 30, 2010.

“Closing Date Acquisition” means the acquisition by Thermon Group, Inc. of all of the issued and outstanding Stock and Stock Equivalents of Holdings pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and, thereafter, the merger of Thermon Group, Inc. with and into US Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with all Requirements of Law.

“Closing Fee Agreement” means the Closing Fee Agreement by and between Thermon Group, Inc. and Sponsor Management Affiliate dated as of April 30, 2010, as in effect on the Closing Date.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

“Collateral” means all Property and interests in Property and proceeds thereof now owned or hereafter acquired by any Credit Party, any of their respective Subsidiaries and any other Person who has granted a Lien to an Agent, in or upon which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted now or hereafter exists in favor of any Lender or an Agent for the benefit of Agents, Lenders and other Secured Parties, whether under this Agreement or under any other documents executed by any such Persons and delivered to the Appropriate Agent in connection with the Loan Documents.

“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Guaranty and Security Agreements, the Mortgages, each Control Agreement and all other security agreements, pledge agreements, patent and trademark security agreements, lease assignments, guarantees and other similar agreements, and all amendments, restatements, modifications or supplements thereof or thereto, by or

 

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between any one or more of any Credit Party, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any other Person pledging or granting a lien on Collateral or guaranteeing the payment and performance of the Obligations, and any Lender or an Agent for the benefit of Agents, the Lenders and other Secured Parties now or hereafter delivered to the Lenders or an Agent pursuant to or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and all financing statements (or comparable documents now or hereafter filed in accordance with the UCC, the PPSA or comparable law) against any such Person as debtor in favor of any Lender or an Agent for the benefit of Agents, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, as secured party, as any of the foregoing may be amended, restated and/or modified from time to time.

“Commitment” means, for each Lender, the sum of its US Revolving Loan Commitment and Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment provided in no event shall the sum of all Commitments exceed $40,000,000.

“Commitment Percentage” means, as to any Lender, the percentage equivalent of such Lender’s US Revolving Loan Commitment or Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment, as applicable, divided by the Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitment or Aggregate Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment, as applicable; provided, that following acceleration of the Loans, such term means, as to any Lender, the percentage equivalent of the US Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of the Loans held by such Lender, divided by the US Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of the Loans held by all Lenders.

“Commodity Hedge Contract” means any futures or forward purchase contracts for raw materials such as copper.

“Contingent Obligation” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person: (a) with respect to any Indebtedness, lease, dividend or other obligation of another Person if the primary purpose or intent of the Person incurring such liability, or the primary effect thereof, is to provide assurance to the obligee of such liability that such liability will be paid or discharged, or that any agreements relating thereto will be complied with, or that the holders of such liability will be protected (in whole or in part) against loss with respect thereto; (b) with respect to any letter of credit issued for the account of that Person or as to which that Person is otherwise liable for reimbursement of drawings; (c) under any Rate Contracts or under any Commodity Hedge Contract; (d) to make take-or-pay or similar payments if required regardless of nonperformance by any other party or parties to an agreement; or (e) for the obligations of another Person through any agreement to purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire such obligation or any Property constituting security therefor, to provide funds for the payment or discharge of such obligation or to maintain the solvency, financial condition or any balance sheet item or level of income of another Person. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be equal to the amount of the obligation so guaranteed or otherwise supported or, if not a fixed and determined amount, the maximum amount so guaranteed or supported.

“Contractual Obligations” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, undertaking, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument, document or agreement to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its Property is bound.

 

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“Control Agreement” means a deposit account, securities account or commodities account control agreement by and among the applicable Credit Party, the Appropriate Agent, the agent/trustee under the Second Lien Indenture and the depository, securities intermediary or commodities intermediary, and each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Appropriate Agent and in any event providing to the Appropriate Agent “control” of such deposit account, securities or commodities account within the meaning of Articles 8 and 9 of the UCC and the Securities Transfer Act, 2006 (Ontario) or the comparable statutes in provinces and territories of Canada other than Ontario for such accounts located in those jurisdictions. For certainty, for a Canadian bank account, such term shall also refer to a “blocked account” agreement with respect to such bank account, notwithstanding that the execution and delivery of such agreement is not a perfection requirement.

“Controlled Investment Affiliates” means, with respect to the Sponsor, any fund or investment vehicle that (i) is organized by the Sponsor for the purpose of making equity or debt investments in one or more companies and (ii) is controlled by Sponsor. For purposes of this definition “control” means the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of a Person, whether by contract or otherwise.

“Conversion Date” means any date on which a Borrower converts (a) a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan or (b) a Canadian Prime Rate Loan to a BA Rate Loan or a BA Rate Loan to a Canadian Prime Rate Loan.

“Copyrights” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to copyrights and all mask work, database and design rights, whether or not registered or published, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.

“CRA” means the Canada Revenue Agency.

“Credit Parties” means the US Credit Parties and the Canadian Credit Parties.

“Default” means any event or circumstance which, with the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, would (if not cured or otherwise remedied during such time) constitute an Event of Default.

“Disposition” means (a) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of Property, other than sales or other dispositions expressly permitted under Section 5.2 other than subsections 5.2(b), 5.2(h) and 5.2(m), and (b) the sale or transfer by a Borrower or any Subsidiary of a Borrower of any Stock or Stock Equivalent issued by a Subsidiary of such Borrower and held by such transferor Person.

“Dollar Denominated Canadian Loans” means Canadian Revolving Loans denominated in Dollars.

“Dollars”, “dollars” and “$” each mean lawful money of the United States of America.

“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary incorporated, organized or otherwise formed under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

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“Electronic Transmission” means each document, instruction, authorization, file, information and any other communication transmitted, posted or otherwise made or communicated by e-mail or E-Fax, or otherwise to or from an E-System or other equivalent service.

“Environmental Laws” means all Requirements of Law and Permits imposing liability or standards of conduct for or relating to the regulation and protection of human health, safety, the workplace, the environment and natural resources, and including public notification requirements and environmental transfer of ownership, notification or approval provisions relating thereto.

“Environmental Liabilities” means all Liabilities (including costs of Remedial Actions, natural resource damages and costs and expenses of investigation and feasibility studies) that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party as a result of, or related to, any claim, suit, action, investigation, proceeding or demand by any Person, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law or otherwise, arising under any Environmental Law or in connection with any environmental, health or safety condition or with any Release and resulting from the ownership, lease, sublease or other operation or occupation of property by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, whether on, prior or after the date hereof.

“Equipment” means all “equipment” (as defined in the UCC or PPSA), now owned or hereafter acquired by a Credit Party, wherever located.

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

“ERISA Affiliate” means, collectively, any Credit Party and any Person under common control or treated as a single employer with, any Credit Party, within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

“ERISA Event” means any of the following: (a) a reportable event described in Section 4043(b) of ERISA (or, unless the 30-day notice requirement has been duly waived under the applicable regulations, Section 4043(c) of ERISA) with respect to a Title IV Plan; (b) the withdrawal of any ERISA Affiliate from a Title IV Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (c) the complete or partial withdrawal of any ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan; (d) with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the filing of a notice of reorganization, insolvency or termination (or treatment of a plan amendment as termination) under Section 4041A of ERISA; (e) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Title IV Plan (or treatment of a plan amendment as termination) under Section 4041 of ERISA; (f) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan by the PBGC; (g) the failure to make any required contribution to any Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan when due; (h) the imposition of a lien under Section 412 or 430(k) of the Code or Section 303 or 4068 of ERISA on any property (or rights to property, whether real or personal) of any ERISA Affiliate; (i) the failure of a Benefit Plan or any trust thereunder intended to qualify for tax exempt status under Section 401 or 501 of the Code or other Requirements of Law to qualify thereunder; (j) a Title IV plan is in “at risk” status within the meaning of Code Section 430(i); (k) a Multiemployer Plan is in “endangered status” or “critical status” within the meaning of Section 432(b) of the Code; and (l)

 

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any other event or condition that might reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan or for the imposition of any material liability upon any ERISA Affiliate under Title IV of ERISA other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent.

“Event of Loss” means, with respect to any Property, any of the following: (a) any loss, destruction or damage of such Property; or (b) any actual condemnation, seizure or taking, by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise, of such Property, or confiscation of such Property or the requisition of the use of such Property.

“Excluded Equity Issuance” means Net Issuance Proceeds resulting from the issuance of (a) Stock or Stock Equivalents by Holdings to directors, management or employees of a Credit Party, (b) Stock or Stock Equivalents by a Subsidiary of a Borrower to such Borrower or another Subsidiary of such Borrower constituting an Investment permitted hereunder, (c) Stock or Stock Equivalents by a Borrower to Holdings constituting an Investment permitted hereunder, (d) Stock or Stock Equivalents by Holdings directly or indirectly to Sponsor any of its Controlled Investment Affiliates or any other then existing equityholder of Holdings, (e) Stock or Stock Equivalents by a Foreign Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary to qualify directors where required pursuant to a Requirement of Law or to satisfy other requirements of applicable law, in each instance, with respect to the ownership of Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries and (f) Stock or Stock Equivalents of Holdings, to the extent the proceeds thereof are used to finance Capital Expenditures or Permitted Acquisitions.

“E-Fax” means any system used to receive or transmit faxes electronically.

“E-Signature” means the process of attaching to or logically associating with an Electronic Transmission an electronic symbol, encryption, digital signature or process (including the name or an abbreviation of the name of the party transmitting the Electronic Transmission) with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such Electronic Transmission.

“E-System” means any electronic system approved by an Agent, including Intralinks® and ClearPar® and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by an Agent, any of its Related Persons or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

“Federal Flood Insurance” means Federally backed Flood Insurance available under the National Flood Insurance Program to owners of real property improvements located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in a community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day, provided that if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to US Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by US Agent in a commercially reasonable manner.

 

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“Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any entity succeeding to any of its principal functions.

“FEMA” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers the National Flood Insurance Program.

“Final Availability Date” means the earlier of the Revolving Termination Date and one (1) Business Day prior to the date specified in clause (a) of the definition of Revolving Termination Date.

“FIRREA” means the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.

“First Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means a Foreign Subsidiary held by a Credit Party (i) directly or (ii) indirectly through a Foreign Subsidiary that is a disregarded entity for purposes of the Code.

“Fiscal Quarter” means any of the quarterly accounting periods of the Credit Parties ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each calendar year.

“Fiscal Year” means any of the annual accounting periods of the Credit Parties ending on March 31 of each calendar year.

“Flood Insurance” means, for any Real Estate located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, Federal Flood Insurance or private insurance that meets the requirements set forth by FEMA in its Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines . Flood Insurance shall be in an amount equal to the full, unpaid balance of the Loans and any prior liens on the Real Estate up to the maximum policy limits set under the National Flood Insurance Program, or as otherwise required by Agent, with deductibles not to exceed $50,000.

“Foreign Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, a Subsidiary of such Person, which Subsidiary is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

“Funded Indebtedness” means, as of any date of measurement, all Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the date of measurement (other than Indebtedness of the type described in clauses (c) (except with respect to amounts drawn on letters of credit not constituting Letters of Credit to the extent (y) such letters of credit are not supported by cash collateral and (z) Holdings and its Subsidiaries have not reimbursed the issuer thereof for such drawn amount), (e), (g), (h), (i) and (j) (other than with respect to clause (j), guarantees of Indebtedness of others of the type not described in clauses (e), (g), (h) and (i) of the definition of Indebtedness) of the definition of Indebtedness).

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth from time to time in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or agencies with similar functions of comparable stature and authority within the accounting profession), including, without limitation, the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, subject to Section 11.3 hereof.

 

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“Global Reorganization” means a restructuring of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries occurring through the series of transactions described, and in the approximate chronological order set forth, below, in each case, with such modifications consented to by US Agent, in its sole discretion:

Step 1: (i) Holdings contributes one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding Stock and Stock Equivalents of Canadian Borrower to US Borrower in exchange solely for Stock of US Borrower, whereupon (ii) US Borrower contributes such Stock and Stock Equivalents of Canadian Borrower to Manufacturing in exchange solely for Stock of Manufacturing;

Step 2: Manufacturing forms a new domestic limited liability company (“New LLC”);

Step 3: Manufacturing contributes, sells or otherwise conveys one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding Stock and Stock Equivalents of each of its Foreign Subsidiaries to Canadian Borrower in exchange for the Hybrid Note;

Step 4: (i) New LLC enters into a forward subscription agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to US Agent, with Canadian Borrower for the purchase of additional Stock of Canadian Borrower (the “Forward Subscription Agreement”) and (ii) Manufacturing enters into a capital support agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to US Agent, with New LLC pursuant to which Manufacturing agrees to make additional capital contributions to New LLC (the “Capital Contribution Agreement”; and

Step 5: thereafter, (i) Canadian Borrower makes payments to Manufacturing pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Hybrid Note, (ii) upon receipt of each such payment, Manufacturing contributes capital an amount equal to each such payment to New LLC pursuant to the Capital Support Agreement and (iii) upon receipt of each such capital contribution, New LLC purchases additional Stock from Canadian Borrower in an amount equal to each such capital contribution pursuant to the Forward Subscription Agreement;

provided, with respect to each of the foregoing steps and the actions and arrangements contemplated thereby, the Credit Parties shall comply with the requirements of, and take such additional actions and execute such additional documents as the Appropriate Agent may reasonably require in accordance with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, Section 4.13 hereof, and the other Loan Documents, in each case, in order to (i) preserve, perfect and maintain the validity, effectiveness and priority of any of the Collateral Documents and the Liens created or intended to be created thereby, and (ii) better assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm to the Secured Parties the rights granted or now or hereafter intended to be granted to the Secured Parties under any Loan Document.

“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state, provincial or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary or regulatory authority) thereof, any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.

 

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“Guaranty and Security Agreement” means (a) that certain Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to US Agent and the US Borrower, made by the US Credit Parties in favor of US Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, restated and/or modified from time to time and (b) that certain Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Canadian Agent and the Canadian Borrower, made by the Canadian Credit Parties in favor of Canadian Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, restated and/or modified from time to time.

“Hazardous Materials” means any substance, material or waste that is regulated or otherwise gives rise to liability under any Environmental Law, including but not limited to any “Hazardous Waste” as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq. (1976)), any “Hazardous Substance” as defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq. (1980)), any contaminant, pollutant, petroleum or any fraction thereof, asbestos, asbestos containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, mold, and radioactive substances or any other substance that is toxic, ignitable, reactive, corrosive, caustic, or dangerous.

“Holdings Loans” means intercompany loans made by a Borrower to Holdings to the extent that, at the time such loan is made, a Restricted Payment from such Borrower to Holdings would be permitted under Section 5.11 and provided that (i) the proceeds of such loans are used for the purposes specified in Section 5.11, (ii) at the request of the Appropriate Agent, such loans are evidenced by promissory notes, the sole originally executed copy of which shall be pledged to the Appropriate Agent, for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties, as security for the Obligations and (iii) such Holdings Loan shall be treated as a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation, determining compliance with Section 5.11.

“Hybrid Note” means a note issued by Canadian Borrower to and in favor of Manufacturing which is structured and qualifies as an equity Investment for purposes of applicable U.S. law and Indebtedness for purposes of applicable Canadian law.

“Impacted Lender” means any Lender that fails to provide Agents, within three (3) Business Days following an Agent’s written request, satisfactory assurance that such Lender will not become a Non-Funding Lender, or any Lender that has a Person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender and such Person (a) becomes subject to a voluntary or involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code, any Insolvency Law or any similar bankruptcy laws, (b) has appointed a custodian, conservator, receiver or similar official for such Person or any substantial part of such Person’s assets, or (c) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, is liquidated, or is otherwise adjudicated as, or determined by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Person or its assets to be, insolvent or bankrupt, and for each of clauses (a) through (c), the Appropriate Agent has determined that such Lender is reasonably likely to become a Non-Funding Lender. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall have the same meaning as in the second sentence of the definition of Affiliate.

“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication: (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of Property or services, including earnouts (other than trade payables entered into in the

 

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Ordinary Course of Business); (c) the face amount of all letters of credit issued for the account of such Person and without duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder and all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments issued by such Person; (d) all payment obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of Property, assets or businesses; (e) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to Property acquired by the Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such Property); (f) all Capital Lease Obligations; (g) the principal balance outstanding under any synthetic lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off balance sheet financing product; (h) all obligations, whether or not contingent, to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value any of its own Stock or Stock Equivalents (or any Stock or Stock Equivalent of a direct or indirect parent entity thereof) prior to the date that is 180 days after the final scheduled installment payment date for the Second Lien Indebtedness, valued at, in the case of redeemable preferred Stock, the greater of the voluntary liquidation preference and the involuntary liquidation preference of such Stock plus accrued and unpaid dividends; (i) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (a) through (h) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in Property (including accounts and contracts rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness; and (j) all Contingent Obligations described in clause (a) of the definition thereof in respect of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) through (i) above.

“Insolvency Law” means any of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the Winding-Up and Restructuring Act (Canada), each as now and hereafter in effect, any successors to such statutes and any other applicable insolvency or other similar law of any jurisdiction, including any law of any jurisdiction permitting a debtor to obtain a stay or a compromise of the claims of its creditors against it.

“Insolvency Proceeding” means (a) any case, action or proceeding before any court or other Governmental Authority relating to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, receivership, dissolution, winding-up or relief of debtors, or (b) any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, composition, marshaling of assets for creditors, or other, similar arrangement in respect of its creditors generally or any substantial portion of its creditors; in each case in (a) and (b) above, undertaken under U.S. Federal, state or foreign law, including the Bankruptcy Code and any Insolvency Law.

“Intellectual Property” means all rights, title and interests in or relating to intellectual property and industrial property arising under any Requirement of Law and all IP Ancillary Rights relating thereto, including all Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, Internet Domain Names, Trade Secrets and IP Licenses.

“Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of even date herewith by and among Agents, the Credit Parties and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as the same may be amended, restated and/or modified from time to time subject to the terms thereof.

 

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“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan (other than a LIBOR Rate Loan or a BA Rate Loan having an Interest Period or BA Period, as applicable, of six (6) months or more) the last day of each Interest Period or BA Period, as applicable, applicable to such Loan, (b) with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan having an Interest Period or BA Period, as applicable, of six (6) months or more, the last day of each three (3) month interval and, without duplication, the last day of such Interest Period or BA Period, as applicable, and (c) with respect to Base Rate Loans and Canadian Prime Rate Loans (including Swing Loans) the first day of each calendar month.

“Interest Period” means, with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan, the period commencing on the Business Day such Loan is disbursed or continued or on the Conversion Date on which a Base Rate Loan is converted to the LIBOR Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three, six , or, if available to all applicable Lenders, nine or twelve months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation; provided that:

(a) if any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Rate Loan would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, that Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to carry such Interest Period into another calendar month, in which event such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day; and

(b) any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period.

“Internet Domain Name” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to internet domain names.

“Inventory” means all of the “inventory” (as such term is defined in the UCC or PPSA) of a Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, all merchandise, raw materials, parts, supplies, work-in-process and finished goods intended for sale, together with all the containers, packing, packaging, shipping and similar materials related thereto, and including such inventory as is temporarily out of such Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s custody or possession, including inventory on the premises of others and items in transit.

“IP Ancillary Rights” means, with respect to any other Intellectual Property, as applicable, all foreign counterparts to, and all divisionals, reversions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, renewals and extensions of, such Intellectual Property and all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under or with respect to any of the foregoing or otherwise with respect to such Intellectual Property, including all rights to sue or recover at law or in equity for any past, present or future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof, and, in each case, all rights to obtain any other IP Ancillary Right.

 

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“IP License” means all Contractual Obligations (and all related IP Ancillary Rights), whether written or oral, granting any right, title and interest in or relating to any Intellectual Property.

“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service of the United States and any successor thereto.

“Issue” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, to issue, extend the expiration date of, renew (including by failure to object to any automatic renewal on the last day such objection is permitted), increase the face amount of, or reduce or eliminate any scheduled decrease in the face amount of, such Letter of Credit, or to cause any Person to do any of the foregoing. The terms “Issued” and “Issuance” have correlative meanings.

“ITA” means the Income Tax Act (Canada).

“L/C Issuer” means a US L/C Issuer or Canadian L/C Issuer.

“L/C Reimbursement Obligation” means a US L/C Reimbursement Obligation or a Canadian L/C Reimbursement Obligation.

“Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender specified as its “Lending Office” beneath its name on the applicable signature page hereto, or such other office or offices of such Lender as it may from time to time notify the Borrower and Agent.

“Letter of Credit” means a US Letter of Credit or Canadian Letter of Credit.

“Letter of Credit Obligations” means US Letter of Credit Obligations and Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations.

“Liabilities” means all claims, actions, suits, judgments, damages, losses, liability, obligations, responsibilities, fines, penalties, sanctions, costs, fees, taxes, commissions, charges, disbursements and expenses, in each case of any kind or nature (including interest accrued thereon or as a result thereto and fees, charges and disbursements of financial, legal and other advisors and consultants), whether joint or several, whether or not indirect, contingent, consequential, actual, punitive, treble or otherwise.

“LIBOR” means, for each Interest Period, the highest of (a) 1.50% per annum, (b) the offered rate per annum for deposits of Dollars for the applicable Interest Period that appears on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page as of 11:00 A.M. (London, England time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day in such Interest Period, and (c) the offered rate per annum for deposits of Dollars for an Interest Period of three (3) months that appears on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page as of 11:00 A.M. (London, England time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period. If no such offered rate exists, such rate will be the rate of interest per annum, as determined by US Agent at which deposits of Dollars in immediately available funds are offered at 11:00 A.M. (London, England time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day in such Interest Period by major financial institutions reasonably satisfactory to US Agent in the London interbank market for such Interest Period for the applicable principal amount on such date of determination.

 

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“LIBOR Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on LIBOR.

“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, charge or deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or otherwise) or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including those created by, arising under or evidenced by any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, the interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease, any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, or the filing of any financing statement naming the owner of the asset to which such lien relates as debtor, under the UCC, the PPSA or any comparable law) and any contingent or other agreement to provide any of the foregoing, but not including the interest of a lessor under a lease which is not a Capital Lease.

“Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to a Borrower pursuant to Article I, and may be a Base Rate Loan, a LIBOR Rate Loan, a BA Rate Loan or a Canadian Prime Rate Loan.

“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Notes, the Fee Letter, the Collateral Documents, the Master Agreement for Standby Letters of Credit, the Master Agreement for Documentary Letters of Credit, the Intercreditor Agreement and all documents delivered to Agent and/or any Lender in connection with any of the foregoing.

“Management Agreement” means that certain Management Services Agreement dated as of April 30, 2010 by and among US Borrower, Sponsor Management Affiliate and the Additional Management Advisors.

“Margin Stock” means “margin stock” as such term is defined in Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

“Material Adverse Effect” means: (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, Properties, or financial condition of the Credit Parties taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Credit Party, any Subsidiary of any Credit Party or any other Person (other than Agents or Lenders) to perform in any material respect its obligations under any Loan Document; or (c) a material adverse effect upon (i) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of any Loan Document, or (ii) the perfection or priority of any Lien granted to the Lenders or to an Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties or any material portion of the Collateral under any of the Collateral Documents.

“Material Environmental Liabilities” means Environmental Liabilities exceeding the US Dollar Equivalent of $5,000,000 in the aggregate.

“Minor Acquisition” means an Acquisition in respect of which the total consideration paid or payable (including without limitation, all transaction costs, assumed Indebtedness and Liabilities incurred, assumed or reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries after giving effect to such Acquisition and the maximum amount of all deferred payments, including earnouts) does not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $3,000,000.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Services Inc.

 

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“Mortgage” means any deed of trust, leasehold deed of trust, mortgage, leasehold mortgage, deed to secure debt, leasehold deed to secure debt or other document creating a Lien on Real Estate or any interest in Real Estate.

“Multiemployer Plan” means any multiemployer plan, subject to Title IV of ERISA, as defined in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, as to which any ERISA Affiliate incurs or otherwise has any obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise.

“National Flood Insurance Program” means the program created by the U.S. Congress pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as revised by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, that mandates the purchase of flood insurance to cover real property improvements located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in participating communities and provides protection to property owners through a Federal insurance program.

“Net Issuance Proceeds” means, in respect of any issuance of debt or equity, cash proceeds (including cash proceeds as and when received in respect of non-cash proceeds received or receivable in connection with such issuance), net of underwriting discounts, transaction taxes paid or payable as a result thereof and reasonable out-of-pocket costs, fees and expenses (including commissions, professional and transaction fees) paid or incurred in connection therewith in favor of any Person not an Affiliate of a Borrower.

“Net Proceeds” means proceeds in cash (including cash proceeds as and when received in respect of non-cash proceeds received or receivable in connection with such Disposition, including, without limitation, cash proceeds generated from checks or other cash equivalent financial instruments (including Cash Equivalents)) as and when received by the Person making a Disposition and insurance proceeds received on account of an Event of Loss, net of: (a) in the event of a Disposition (i) the direct costs relating to such Disposition excluding amounts payable to the Credit Parties or their Subsidiaries, (ii) sale, gain, use or other transaction taxes paid or payable as a result thereof, (iii) amounts required to be applied to repay principal, interest and prepayment premiums and penalties on Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset which is the subject of such Disposition and (iv) the amount of cash reserves or escrows established in connection with purchase price adjustments and retained liabilities; provided however, when such cash or escrow is released to a Credit Party or one of its Subsidiaries, the amount so released shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds hereunder at such time and (b) in the event of an Event of Loss, (i) all money actually applied to repair, reconstruct or replace the damaged Property or Property affected by the condemnation or taking, (ii) all of the costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the collection of such proceeds, award or other payments, (iii) any amounts retained by or paid to parties having superior rights to such proceeds, awards or other payments and (iv) the amount of cash reserves established to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable; provided however, when such cash, if any, as may remain after the satisfaction of such contingent liability is released from such reserve, it shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds hereunder at such time. After netting out the items in clauses (a) and (b) of the foregoing definition, as applicable, if the amount of Net Proceeds would be less than zero, such amount shall be deemed to equal zero.

 

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“Non-Funding Lender” means any Lender that has (a) failed to fund any payments required to be made by it under the Loan Documents within two (2) Business Days after any such payment is due (excluding expense and similar reimbursements that are subject to good faith disputes), (b) given written notice (and Agents have not received a revocation in writing), to a Borrower, an Agent, any Lender, or the L/C Issuer or has otherwise publicly announced (and Agents have not received notice of a public retraction) that such Lender believes it will fail to fund payments or purchases of participations required to be funded by it under the Loan Documents or one or more other syndicated credit facilities, (c) failed to fund, and not cured, loans, participations, advances, or reimbursement obligations under one or more other syndicated credit facilities, unless subject to a good faith dispute, or (d) any Lender that has (i) become subject to a voluntary or involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code, any Insolvency Law or any similar bankruptcy laws, (ii) a custodian, conservator, receiver or similar official appointed for it or any substantial part of such Person’s assets, or (iii) made a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, been liquidated, or otherwise been adjudicated as, or determined by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Person or its assets to be, insolvent or bankrupt, and for clause (d), and an Agent has determined that such Lender is reasonably likely to fail to fund any payments required to be made by it under the Loan Documents. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall have the same meaning as in the second sentence of the definition of Affiliate.

“Non-U.S. Lender Party” means each of US Agent, each US Lender, each US L/C Issuer, each SPV and each participant, in each case that is not a United States person as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

“Note” means any Revolving Note or Swingline Note and “Notes” means all such Notes.

“Notice of Borrowing” means a notice given by a Borrower to the Appropriate Agent pursuant to Section 1.5, in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.1(c) hereto.

“Obligations” means US Obligations and Canadian Obligations.

“Ordinary Course of Business” means, in respect of any transaction involving any Person, the ordinary course of such Person’s business, as conducted by any such Person in accordance with past practice and undertaken by such Person in good faith and not for purposes of evading any covenant or restriction in any Loan Document.

“Organization Documents” means, (a) for any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation, the bylaws, any certificate of determination or instrument relating to the rights of preferred shareholders of such corporation, and any shareholder rights agreement, (b) for any partnership, the partnership agreement and, if applicable, certificate of limited partnership, (c) for any limited liability company, the operating agreement and articles or certificate of formation or (d) any other document setting forth the manner of election or duties of the officers, directors, managers or other similar persons, or the designation, amount or relative rights, limitations and preference of the Stock of a Person.

“Parent” means Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

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“Patents” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to letters patent and applications therefor.

“Patriot Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, P.L. 107-56, as amended.

“PBGC” means the United States Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation any successor thereto.

“Permits” means, with respect to any Person, any permit, approval, authorization, license, registration, certificate, concession, grant, franchise, variance or permission from, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law and applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

“Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by (i) a US Credit Party (other than Holdings) of substantially all of the assets or line or division of a Target, other than a Target whose assets are located in Canada, (ii) Canadian Borrower or a Canadian Subsidiary of Canadian Borrower of substantially all of the assets of a Target, other than a Target whose assets are located in the United States, (iii) a US Credit Party (other than Holdings) or a Subsidiary of a US Credit Party of 100% of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of a Target other than a target organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof, or (iv) Canadian Borrower or a Subsidiary of Canadian Borrower of 100% of the Stock and Stock Equivalents of a Target other than a target organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, in each case, to the extent that each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

(a) the US Borrowers shall have furnished to the Agents and Lenders at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the consummation of such Acquisition (or such shorter period to which US Agent may consent) (1) an executed term sheet and/or commitment letter (setting forth in reasonable detail the terms and conditions of such Acquisition) and, at the request of the US Agent and to the extent available, such other information and documents that the US Agent may reasonably request, including, without limitation, executed counterparts of the respective agreements, documents or instruments pursuant to which such Acquisition is to be consummated (including, without limitation, any related management, non-compete, employment, option or other material agreements), any schedules to such agreements, documents or instruments and all other material ancillary agreements, instruments and documents to be executed or delivered in connection therewith, (2) to the extent available, copies of the Target’s three (3) most recent annual income statements and balance sheets, audited by the Target’s independent accountants, if available, together with the most recent interim financial statements then available, (3) pro forma financial statements of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries after giving effect to the consummation of such Acquisition, (4) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrowers demonstrating that the Leverage Ratio of the Credit Parties as in effect on the date of consummation of such Permitted Acquisition after giving effect thereto and using Adjusted EBITDA computed for the twelve month period ending on the last day of the most recent month for which financial statements have been delivered to Agents) after giving effect to the consummation of such Acquisition is less than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00, and (5) to the extent available, copies of such other agreements, instruments and other documents (including, without limitation, the Loan Documents required by Section 4.13) as the US Agent reasonably shall request; provided, the deliveries set forth in clauses (3) and (4) above shall not be required for Minor Acquisitions;

 

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(b) the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries (including any new Subsidiary) shall execute and deliver the agreements, instruments and other documents as and to the extent required by Section 4.13;

(c) such Acquisition shall not be hostile and shall have been approved by the board of directors (or other similar body) and/or the stockholders or other equityholders of the Target;

(d) no Default or Event of Default shall then exist or would exist after giving effect thereto;

(e) after giving effect to such Acquisition, the sum of (y) Aggregate Availability and (z) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash of the US Credit Parties and the Canadian Credit Parties, in each instance, maintained in deposit accounts which are subject to a deposit account control agreement in favor of the Applicable Agent, equals an amount not less than $7,500,000;

(f) the total consideration paid or payable (including without limitation, all transaction costs, assumed Indebtedness and Liabilities incurred, assumed or reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries after giving effect to such Acquisition and the maximum amount of all deferred payments, including earnouts, but excluding any such amounts paid or funded with the Net Issuance Proceeds of an Excluded Equity Issuance) for all Acquisitions consummated during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed the US Dollar Equivalent of $75,000,000 in the aggregate for all such Acquisitions; and

(g) the Target has EBITDA, subject to pro forma adjustments acceptable to US Agent, for the most recent four quarters prior to the acquisition date for which financial statements are available, greater than zero.

“Permitted Refinancing” means Indebtedness constituting a refinancing or extension of Indebtedness permitted under subsection 5.5(c), 5.5(d), 5.5(p) or 5.5(q) that (a) has an aggregate outstanding principal amount not greater than the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness being refinanced or extended, (b) has a weighted average maturity (measured as of the date of such refinancing or extension) and maturity no shorter than that of the Indebtedness being refinanced or extended, (c) is not entered into as part of a sale leaseback transaction, (d) is not secured by a Lien on any assets other than the collateral securing the Indebtedness being refinanced or extended, (e) the obligors of which are the same as the obligors of the Indebtedness being refinanced or extended and (f) is otherwise on terms no less favorable to the Credit Parties or their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, than those of the Indebtedness being refinanced or extended.

“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or Governmental Authority.

 

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“Pledged Collateral” has the meaning specified in the Guaranty and Security Agreement and shall include any other Collateral required to be delivered to an Agent pursuant to the terms of any Collateral Document.

“PPSA” means the Personal Property Security Act (Ontario) and the Regulations thereunder, as from time to time in effect, provided, however, if attachment, perfection or priority of Canadian Agent’s security interests in any Collateral are governed by the personal property security laws of any jurisdiction other than Ontario, PPSA shall mean those personal property security laws in such other jurisdiction for the purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such attachment, perfection or priority and for the definitions related to such provisions.

“Prior Claims” means all Liens created by applicable law (in contrast with Liens voluntarily granted) which rank or are capable of ranking prior or pari passu with Canadian Agent’s security interests (or interests similar thereto under applicable law) against all or part of the Collateral, including for amounts owing for employee source deductions, goods and services taxes, sales taxes, harmonized sales taxes, municipal taxes, workers’ compensation, Quebec corporate taxes, pension fund obligations, Wage Earner Protection Program Act obligations and overdue rents.

“Prior Indebtedness” means the Indebtedness and obligations specified on Schedule 11.1 hereto.

“Prior Lender” means, collectively, CIT Financial Ltd. and CIT Lending Services Corporation.

“Property” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

“Purchase Agreement” means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 26, 2010 among Seller, Holdings and Thermon Group, Inc.

“Rate Contracts” means swap agreements (as such term is defined in Section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code) and any other agreements or arrangements designed to provide protection against fluctuations in interest or currency exchange rates.

“Real Estate” means any real property owned, leased, subleased or otherwise operated or occupied by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party.

“Reallocation Event” means the acceleration of all or part of the Obligations.

“Reallocation Percentage” means, as to each Lender in connection with a given Reallocation Event, a fraction, expressed as a decimal, the numerator of which shall be the principal amount of all Loans held by such Lender immediately prior to such Reallocation Event and the denominator shall be the aggregate principal amount of all Loans held by all Lenders. For purposes of computing each Lender’s Reallocation Percentage, all Obligations shall be expressed in US Dollar Equivalents based on currency exchange rates as in effect on the Closing Date. Agents’ determination of each Lender’s Reallocation Percentage shall be conclusive on all parties absent manifest error.

 

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“Related Agreements” means the Purchase Agreement and the Second Lien Indebtedness Documents.

“Related Persons” means, with respect to any Person, each Affiliate of such Person and each director, officer, employee, agent, trustee, representative, attorney, accountant and each insurance, environmental, legal, financial and other advisor (including those retained in connection with the satisfaction or attempted satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article II) and other consultants and agents of or to such Person or any of its Affiliates.

“Related Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by the Related Agreements and includes, without limitation, the Closing Date Acquisition and funding of the Second Lien Indebtedness.

“Releases” means any release, threatened release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, escape, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, dumping, leaching or migration of Hazardous Material into or through the environment.

“Remedial Action” means all actions required to (a) clean up, remove, treat or in any other way address any Hazardous Material in the indoor or outdoor environment, (b) prevent or minimize any Release so that a Hazardous Material does not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment or (c) perform pre remedial studies and investigations and post-remedial monitoring and care with respect to any Hazardous Material.

“Required Canadian Lenders” means at any time (a) Canadian Lenders then holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the Aggregate Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments then in effect, or (b) if the Aggregate Canadian Revolving Loan Commitments have terminated, Canadian Lenders then holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the US Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate outstanding amount of Canadian Revolving Loans, the US Dollar Equivalent of outstanding Canadian Letter of Credit Obligations, the US Dollar Equivalent of amounts of participations in Canadian Swing Loans and the US Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of unparticipated portions of Canadian Swing Loans.

“Required Lenders” means at any time (a) Lenders then holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the US Dollar Equivalent of the sum of the Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitment then in effect, or (b) if the Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitments have terminated, Lenders then holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the US Dollar Equivalent of sum of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Loans (other than Swing Loans) then outstanding, outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, amounts of participations in Swing Loans and the principal amount of unparticipated portions of Swing Loans.

“Required US Lenders” means at any time (a) US Lenders then holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitments then in effect, or (b) if the Aggregate US Revolving Loan Commitments have terminated, US Lenders then holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the aggregate outstanding amount of US Revolving Loans, outstanding US Letter of Credit Obligations, amounts of participations in US Swing Loans and the principal amount of unparticipated portions of US Swing Loans.

 

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“Requirement of Law” means, as to any Person, any law (statutory or common), ordinance, treaty, rule, regulation, order, policy, other legal requirement or determination of an arbitrator or of a Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its Property or to which such Person or any of its Property is subject.

“Reserves” means, with respect to the Borrowing Base (a) reserves established by an Agent from time to time against eligible Accounts, eligible Inventory, eligible Equipment and eligible Real Estate pursuant to Exhibit 11.1(b ), and (b) such other reserves against eligible Accounts, eligible Inventory eligible Equipment and eligible Real Estate or Availability that the Appropriate Agent may, in its reasonable credit judgment, establish from time to time. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Reserves established to ensure the payment of accrued interest expenses, Indebtedness or real property lease obligations shall be deemed to be a reasonable exercise of an Agent’s credit judgment.

“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, corporate controller or the president of a Borrower or any other officer having substantially the same authority and responsibility; or, with respect to compliance with financial covenants or delivery of financial information, the chief financial officer or the treasurer of a Borrower or any other officer having substantially the same authority and responsibility.

“Revolving Loans” mean US Revolving Loans and Canadian Revolving Loans.

“Revolving Termination Date” means the earlier to occur of: (a) April 30, 2015; and (b) the date on which the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment shall terminate in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Corporation.

“Second Lien Collateral Agent” means The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., in its capacity as the collateral agent for the Second Lien Lenders.

“Second Lien Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of US Borrower, as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., evidenced by the Second Lien Notes issued pursuant to the Second Lien Indenture.

“Second Lien Indebtedness Documents” means (i) the Second Lien Indenture, (ii) the Second Lien Notes, (iii) the “Collateral Documents” as defined in the Second Lien Indenture, (iv) that certain Purchase Agreement dated as of April 23, 2010 by and among Thermon Finance, Inc., Jefferies & Company, Inc., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Purchase Agreement dated as of April 30, 2010 by and among US Borrower, as the successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., certain of US Borrower’s affiliates party thereto as guarantors and Jeffereis & Company, Inc., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and BMO Capital Markets Corp. and (v) that certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 30, 2010 by and among the US Credit Parties, Jefferies & Company, Inc., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., and BMO Capital Markets Corp.

 

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“Second Lien Indenture” means that certain Indenture dated as of April 30, 2010 by and between Thermon Finance, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee for the benefit of the Second Lien Lenders and as Second Lien Collateral Agent, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among US Borrower, as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., certain of US Borrower’s affiliates party thereto as guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee for the benefit of the Second Lien Lenders and as Second Lien Collateral Agent, pursuant to which US Borrower issued the Second Lien Notes.

“Second Lien Lenders” means holders and/or lenders from time to time of (or in respect of) the Second Lien Notes.

“Second Lien Notes” means those certain 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 issued by US Borrower, as successor by merger to Thermon Finance, Inc., to the holders thereof on the Closing Date, together with all other notes, loans, advances or other extension of credit outstanding from time to time under the Second Lien Indebtedness Documents, including any notes issued in exchange therefor pursuant to the Second Lien Indenture.

“Secured Party” means each Agent, each Lender, each L/C Issuer, each other Indemnitee and each other holder of any Obligation of a Credit Party including each Secured Swap Provider.

“Secured Rate Contract” means any Rate Contract (a) between a Borrower and a Secured Swap Provider or (b) between a Borrower and the counterparty thereto, which has been provided or arranged by GE Capital or an Affiliate of GE Capital.

“Secured Swap Provider” means (i) a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender (or a Person who was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time of execution and delivery of a Rate Contract) who has entered into a Rate Contract with a Borrower, or (ii) a Person with whom a Borrower has entered into a Rate Contract provided or arranged by GE Capital or an Affiliate of GE Capital, and any assignee thereof.

“Seller” means Thermon Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

“Software” means (a) all computer programs, including source code and object code versions, (b) all data, databases and compilations of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, and (c) all documentation, training materials and configurations related to any of the foregoing.

“Solvent” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, that, as of such date, (a) the value of the assets of such Person (both at fair value and present fair saleable value) is greater than the total amount of liabilities (including contingent and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person, (b) such Person is able to pay all liabilities of such Person as such liabilities mature in the normal course of business and (c) such Person does not have unreasonably small capital. In computing the amount of contingent or unliquidated liabilities at any time, such liabilities shall be computed at the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

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“Special Flood Hazard Area” means an area that FEMA’s current flood maps indicate has at least a one percent (1%) chance of a flood equal to or exceeding the base flood elevation (a 100-year flood) in any given year.

“Specified Event of Default” means an Event of Default under subsections 7.1(a) (other than a Credit Party’s failure to reimburse the costs and expenses of an Agent or any Lender as required by this Agreement that are the subject of a bona fide dispute), 7.1(c) (as a result of a failure to perform or comply with any covenant contained in subsection 4.1, 4.2(b), 4.2(d), 4.3(a), 5.11 or Article VI), 7.1(e) (as it relates to the Second Lien Indebtedness), 7.1(f), 7.1(g), 7.1(j) or 7.l(k).

“Sponsor” means CHS Private Equity V LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

“Sponsor Management Affiliate” means CHS Management V LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

“SPV” means any special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in a writing by any Lender to Agent.

“Stock” means all shares of capital stock (whether denominated as common stock or preferred stock), equity interests, beneficial, partnership or membership interests, joint venture interests, participations or other ownership or profit interests in or equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a Person (other than an individual), whether voting or non-voting.

“Stock Equivalents” means all securities convertible into or exchangeable for Stock or any other Stock Equivalent and all warrants, options or other rights to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any Stock or any other Stock Equivalent, whether or not presently convertible, exchangeable or exercisable.

“Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party which is subordinated to all or any portion of the Obligations as to right and time of payment and as to other rights and remedies thereunder and having such other terms as are, in each case, reasonably satisfactory to Agents.

“Subordinated Second Lien” means Liens in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent second in priority to the Liens granted to the US Agent under the Loan Documents (but in any event subject to Permitted Liens), for the benefit of the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Lenders on the assets and Stock of the US Credit Parties (other than the Stock of Holdings) and their Subsidiaries with respect to which US Agent shall have a prior perfected Lien as security for the US Obligations.

“Subsidiary” of a Person means any corporation, association, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or other business entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting Stock is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the Person, or one or more of the Subsidiaries of the Person, or a combination thereof.

“Swing Loan” means a US Swing Loan or a Canadian Swing Loan.

 

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“Swingline Request” has the meaning specified in clause (ii) of subsection 1.1(d).

“Target” means any other Person or business unit or asset group of any other Person acquired or proposed to be acquired in an Acquisition.

“Tax Affiliate” means, (a) each Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (b) any Affiliate of a Borrower with which such Borrower files or is required to file tax returns on a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group basis.

“Title IV Plan” means a pension plan subject to Title IV of ERISA, other than a Multiemployer Plan, to which any ERISA Affiliate incurs or otherwise has any obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise.

“Trade Secrets” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to trade secrets.

“Trademark” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service marks, logos and other source or business identifiers and, in each case, all goodwill associated therewith, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.

“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of Illinois.

“United States” and “U.S.” each means the United States of America.

“US Agent” means GE Capital in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder, and any successor administrative agent.

“US Availability” means, as of any date of determination, the amount by which (a) the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance, exceeds (b) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of US Revolving Loans.

“US Credit Parties” means Holdings, the US Borrower and each other Person (i) which executes a guaranty of the Obligations, (ii) which grants a Lien on all or substantially all of its assets to secure payment of the Obligations and (iii) all of the Stock of which is pledged to US Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

“US Dollar Equivalent” means, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount of Dollars, and with respect to any amount denominated in a currency other than Dollars, the amount of US Dollars, as of any date of determination, into which such other currency can be converted in accordance with prevailing exchange rates, as determined in accordance with Section 11.4.

“U.S. Lender Party” means each of Agent, each Lender, each L/C Issuer, each SPV and each participant, in each case that is a United States person as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

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“US L/C Issuer” means any US Lender or an Affiliate thereof or a bank or other legally authorized Person, in each case, reasonably acceptable to US Agent, in such Person’s capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

“US L/C Reimbursement Obligation” means, for any US Letter of Credit, the obligation of the US Borrower to the US L/C Issuer thereof or to US Agent, as and when matured, to pay all amounts drawn under such US Letter of Credit.

“US Letter of Credit” means documentary or standby letters of credit issued for the account of the US Borrower by US L/C Issuers, and bankers’ acceptances issued by US Borrower, for which US Agent and Lenders have incurred US Letter of Credit Obligations.

“US Letter of Credit Obligations” means all outstanding obligations incurred by US Agent and US Lenders at the request of the US Borrower, whether direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, due or not due, in connection with the issuance of US Letters of Credit by US L/C Issuers or the purchase of a participation as set forth in subsection 1.1(c) with respect to any US Letter of Credit. The amount of such US Letter of Credit Obligations shall equal the maximum amount that may be payable by US Agent and US Lenders thereupon or pursuant thereto.

“US Loans” means US Revolving Loans and US Swing Loans.

“US Obligations” means all US Loans, and other Indebtedness, advances, debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties owing by any Credit Party to any US Lender, US Agent, any US L/C Issuer, any Secured Swap Provider or any other Person required to be indemnified, that arises under any Loan Document or any Secured Rate Contract, whether or not for the payment of money, whether arising by reason of an extension of credit, loan, guaranty, indemnification or in any other manner, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assignment), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and however acquired.

“US Revolving Note” means a promissory note of the US Borrower payable to a US Lender in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.1(d) hereto, evidencing Indebtedness of the US Borrower under the US Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender.

“US Secured Parties” means the US Agent, each US Lender, each US L/C Issuer and each other holder of a US Obligation.

“US Swingline Commitment” means $5,000,000.

“US Swingline Lender” means, each in its capacity as US Swingline Lender hereunder, GE Capital or, upon the resignation of GE Capital as US Agent hereunder, any Lender (or Affiliate or Approved Fund of any Lender) that agrees, with the approval of US Agent (or, if there is no such successor US Agent, the Required US Lenders) and the US Borrower, to act as the US Swingline Lender hereunder.

 

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“US Swingline Note” means a promissory note of the US Borrower payable to the US Swingline Lender, in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.1(e) hereto, evidencing the Indebtedness of the US Borrower to the US Swingline Lender resulting from the Swing Loans made to the US Borrower by the US Swingline Lender.

“Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary in which (other than directors’ qualifying shares required by law) one hundred percent (100%) of the Stock and Stock Equivalents, at the time as of which any determination is being made, is owned, beneficially and of record, by any Credit Party, or by one or more of the other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, or both.

11.2 Other Interpretive Provisions .

(a) Defined Terms . Unless otherwise specified herein or therein, all terms defined in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto. The meanings of defined terms shall be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms. Terms (including uncapitalized terms) not otherwise defined herein and that are defined in the UCC or PPSA, as applicable shall have the meanings therein described.

(b) The Agreement . The words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall refer to this Agreement or such other Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other Loan Document; and subsection, section, schedule and exhibit references are to this Agreement or such other Loan Documents unless otherwise specified.

(c) Certain Common Terms . The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, indentures, notices and other writings, however evidenced. The term “including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation.”

(d) Performance; Time . Whenever any performance obligation hereunder or under any other Loan Document (other than a payment obligation) shall be stated to be due or required to be satisfied on a day other than a Business Day, such performance shall be made or satisfied on the next succeeding Business Day. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”, and the word “through” means “to and including.” If any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document refers to any action taken or to be taken by any Person, or which such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be interpreted to encompass any and all means, direct or indirect, of taking, or not taking, such action.

(e) Contracts . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or in any other Loan Document, references to agreements and other contractual instruments, including this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, thereto, restatements and substitutions thereof and other modifications and supplements thereto which are in effect from time to time, but only to the extent such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by the terms of any Loan Document.

 

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(f) Laws . References to any statute or regulation are to be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions related thereto or consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting the statute or regulation.

11.3 Accounting Terms and Principles . All accounting determinations required to be made pursuant hereto shall, unless expressly otherwise provided herein, be made in accordance with GAAP. No change in the accounting principles used in the preparation of any financial statement hereafter adopted by Holdings shall be given effect for purposes of measuring compliance with any provision of Article V or VI unless the Borrowers, Agents and the Required Lenders agree to modify such provisions to reflect such changes in GAAP and, unless such provisions are modified, all financial statements, Compliance Certificates and similar documents provided hereunder shall be provided together with a reconciliation between the calculations and amounts set forth therein before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to in Article V and Article VI shall be made, without giving effect to any election under Accounting Standards Codification 825-10 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of any Credit Party at “fair value.” A breach of a financial covenant contained in Article VI shall be deemed to have occurred as of any date of determination by Agent or as of the last day of any specified measurement period, regardless of when the financial statements reflecting such breach are delivered to Agent. For purposes of determining (i) the US Dollar Equivalent of any Loan and any other amount used in connection with the calculation of the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance and the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance in connection with (y) any proposed Borrowing (or upon any request for conversion or continuation of any Loan), shall be based upon the US Dollar Equivalent as in effect two (2) Business Days prior to such Borrowing, conversion or continuation or (z) the delivery of a duly completed Borrowing Base Certificate as required by subsection 4.2(d) (including the calculation of Aggregate Availability set forth therein), shall be based upon the US Dollar Equivalent as in effect on the date as of which the Borrowing Bases are calculated pursuant to such Borrowing Base Certificate, (ii) the US Dollar Equivalent of any Loan and any other amount used in connection with the calculation of the Maximum US Revolving Loan Balance and the Maximum Canadian Revolving Loan Balance in connection with any proposed issuance of a Letter of Credit (or upon any request for the amendment, renewal or extension thereof), shall be based upon the US Dollar Equivalent as in effect on the date of such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, and (iii) compliance under each of Articles IV, V and VI, any amount in a currency other than US Dollars will be converted, on the last Business Day of each Fiscal Quarter or, more frequently as US Agent may require upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.

11.4 Payments . (a) Agents may set up standards and procedures to determine or redetermine, in their reasonable discretion, the equivalent in Dollars of any amount expressed in any currency other than Dollars and otherwise may, but shall not be obligated to, rely on any determination made by any Credit Party or any L/C Issuer. Any such determination or redetermination by Agents shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. No determination or redetermination by any Secured Party or any Credit Party and no other currency conversion shall change or release any obligation of any Credit Party or of any

 

141


Secured Party (other than Agents and their Related Persons) under any Loan Document, each of which agrees to pay separately for any shortfall remaining after any conversion and payment of the amount as converted. Agents may round up or down, and may set up appropriate mechanisms to round up or down, any amount hereunder to nearest higher or lower amounts and may determine reasonable de minimis payment thresholds.

(b) Interest and principal on all Loans funded in a particular currency will be paid or repaid in that same currency; provided that all expense reimbursements hereunder shall be paid in Dollars. For purposes of preparing financial statements, amounts in any currency other than Dollars will be converted to Dollars based on GAAP, consistently applied, for the purposes of preparing cash flow statements and income statements. If the Appropriate Agent receives any payment from or on behalf of any Credit Party in a currency other than the currency in which the relevant Obligation is denominated, the Appropriate Agent may convert the payment (including the monetary proceeds of realization upon any Collateral and any Funds held in a cash collateral account) into the currency in which the relevant Obligation is payable at the exchange rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the Business Day closest in time to the date on which such payment was due (or if such reference is not available, by such other method reasonably determined by Appropriate Agent). The relevant Obligations shall be satisfied only to the extent of the amount actually received by the Appropriate Agent upon such conversion. Unless otherwise specified herein, all determinations of US Dollar Equivalents (calculating financial covenants and determining compliance with covenants expressed in Dollars) shall be determined by reference to the Wall Street Journal published on the Business Day closest in time to the relevant date of determination or for the relevant period of determination or by such other method reasonably determined by the Appropriate Agent in accordance with such Appropriate Agent’s customary practice for commercial loans being administered by it.

11.5 Judgment Currency .

(a) If, for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing judgment against any Credit Party in any court in any jurisdiction, it becomes necessary to convert into any other currency (such other currency being hereinafter in this Section 11.5 referred to as the “Judgment Currency”) an amount due under any Loan Document in any currency (the “Obligation Currency”) other than the Judgment Currency, the conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of actual payment of the amount due, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of the Province of Ontario or in the courts of any other jurisdiction that will give effect to such conversion being made on such date, or the date on which the judgment is given, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of any other jurisdiction (the applicable date as of which such conversion is made pursuant to this Section 11.5 being hereinafter in this Section 11.5 referred to as the “Judgment Conversion Date”).

(b) If, in the case of any proceeding in the court of any jurisdiction referred to in Section 11.5(a), there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Judgment Conversion Date and the date of actual receipt for value of the amount due, the applicable Credit Party or Credit Parties shall pay such additional amount (if any, but in any event not a lesser amount) as may be necessary to ensure that the amount actually received in the Judgment Currency, when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of payment, will

 

142


produce the amount of the Obligation Currency which could have been purchased with the amount of the Judgment Currency stipulated in the judgment or judicial order at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Judgment Conversion Date. Any amount due from any Credit Party under this Section 11.5(b) shall be due as a separate debt and shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other amounts due under or in respect of any of the Loan Documents.

(c) The term “rate of exchange” in this Section 11.5 means the rate of exchange at which the Appropriate Agent, on the relevant date at or about 12:00 noon (Toronto time), would be prepared to sell, in accordance with Agent’s normal course foreign currency exchange practices, the Obligation Currency against the Judgment Currency.

[Signature Pages Follow.]

 

143


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWERS :
THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President
FEIN:  

 

Address for notices:
100 Thermon Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Attn:  

 

Facsimile:  

 

Address for wire transfers:

 

 

 

THERMON CANADA INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President
FEIN:  

 

Address for notices:

333 28 Street NE

Calgary, Alberta

Canada T2A 7P4

Attn:  

 

Facsimile:  

 

Address for wire transfers:

 

 

 

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

OTHER CREDIT PARTIES :
THERMON HOLDING CORP.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President
FEIN:  

 

Address for notices:

 

 

 

Attn:  

 

Facsimile:  

 

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President
FEIN:  

 

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President
FEIN:  

 

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President
FEIN:  

 

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President
FEIN:  

 

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,

as Agent, Swingline Lender and as a Lender

By:  

/s/ Mark Birkett

Name:   Mark Birkett
Title:   Its Duly Authorized Signatory
Address for Notices:
General Electric Capital Corporation
500 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661
Attn: Thermon Account Officer
Facsimile: (312) 441-7211
With a copy to:
General Electric Capital Corporation
201 Merritt 7
P.O. Box 5201
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
Attn: General Counsel-Global Sponsor Finance
Facsimile: (203) 956-4216
and
General Electric Capital Corporation
500 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661
Attn: Corporate Counsel-Global Sponsor Finance
Facsimile: (312) 441-6876
Address for payments:
ABA No. 021-001-033
Account Number 50279791
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
New York, New York
Account Name: GECC/CAF DEPOSITORY
Reference: CFK1341/Thermon

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written

 

GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY,

as Agent, Swingline Lender and as a Lender

By:  

/s/ Richard Zeni

Name:   Richard Zeni
Title:   Its Duly Authorized Signatory

 

Address for notices:
GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY
123 Front Street West, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON M5J 2M2
Attention: Thermon Account Manager
Telecopier No.: (416) 202-6226
Telephone No.: (416) 202-6216
With a copy to:
General Electric Capital Corporation
10 Riverview Drive
Danbury, CT 06810
Attention: Corporate Counsel –

Corporate Finance

Telecopier No.:  

 

Telephone No.:  

 

Address for payments:
Dollar Fundings
Bank Number: 0003
Branch Number: 00002
Account Number: 4033494
Bank: Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
Account Name: GE Canada Finance - GSF
Reference: CUD1127/Thermon Canada Inc.
(continued below)

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


Canadian Dollar Fundings
Bank Number: 0003
Branch Number: 00002
Account Number: 1069962
Bank: Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
Account Name: GE Canada Finance - GSF
Reference: CND1253/Thermon

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written

 

BANK OF MONTREAL
as a US Lender
By:  

/s/ Thad D. Rasche

Name:   Thad D. Rasche
Title:   Director
Address for notices:

111 West Monroe Street

20 th Floor - West

Chicago, IL
60603
Lending office:
111 West Monroe Street
17 th Floor
Chicago, IL
60603

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written

 

BANK OF MONTREAL
as a Canadian Lender
By:  

/s/ Sean P. Gallaway

Name:   Sean P. Gallaway
Title:   Vice President
Address for notices:
235 Simcoe Street, 3 rd Floor
Toronto, ON
M5T 1T4
Lending office:
235 Simcoe Street, 3 rd Floor
Toronto, ON
M5T 1T4

Signature Page of Credit Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender, and as Syndication Agent
By:  

/s/ Kenneth A. Horner

Name:   Kenneth A. Horner
Title:   Director – Leveraged Finance Group
Address for notices:
127 Public Square, 6 th Floor
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306
Attn: David W. Eaton
Director – Leveraged Finance Group
Lending office:
KeyBank National Association
127 Public Square
Mail Locator: OH-01-27-1207
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Attn: Loan Operations Group

Signature Page of Credit Agreement

EXHIBIT 10.2

 

 

 

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Dated as of April 30, 2010

among

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.,

and

Each Other Grantor

From Time to Time Party Hereto

and

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,

as US Agent

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

            Page

ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS

   1

Section 1.1

     Definitions    1

Section 1.2

     Certain Other Terms    5

ARTICLE II GUARANTY

   6

Section 2.1

     Guaranty    6

Section 2.2

     Limitation of Guaranty    7

Section 2.3

     Contribution    7

Section 2.4

     Authorization; Other Agreements    7

Section 2.5

     Guaranty Absolute and Unconditional    8

Section 2.6

     Waivers    9

Section 2.7

     Reliance    9

ARTICLE III GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

   10

Section 3.1

     Collateral    10

Section 3.2

     Grant of Security Interest in Collateral    10

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   11

Section 4.1

     Title; No Other Liens    11

Section 4.2

     Perfection and Priority    11

Section 4.3

     Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office    12

Section 4.4

     Locations of Inventory, Equipment and Books and Records    12

Section 4.5

     Pledged Collateral    12

Section 4.6

     Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts    13

Section 4.7

     Intellectual Property    13

Section 4.8

     Commercial Tort Claims    14

Section 4.9

     Specific Collateral    14

Section 4.10

     Enforcement    14

ARTICLE V COVENANTS

   15

Section 5.1

     Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation and Consents    15

Section 5.2

     Changes in Locations, Name, Etc    16

Section 5.3

     Pledged Collateral    17

Section 5.4

     Accounts    17

Section 5.5

     Commodity Contracts    17

Section 5.6

    

Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper and Control of Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper

   18

Section 5.7

     Intellectual Property    18

Section 5.8

     Notices    20

Section 5.9

     Notice of Commercial Tort Claims    20

Section 5.10

     Controlled Securities Account    20

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page

ARTICLE VI REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

   20

Section 6.1

     Code and Other Remedies    20

Section 6.2

     Accounts and Payments in Respect of General Intangibles    24

Section 6.3

     Pledged Collateral    25

Section 6.4

     Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by US Agent    26

Section 6.5

     Sale of Pledged Collateral    26

Section 6.6

     Deficiency    27
ARTICLE VII THE US AGENT    27

Section 7.1

     US Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact    27

Section 7.2

     Authorization to File Financing Statements    29

Section 7.3

     Authority of US Agent    29

Section 7.4

     Duty; Obligations and Liabilities    29
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS    30

Section 8.1

     Reinstatement    30

Section 8.2

     Release of Collateral    31

Section 8.3

     Independent Obligations    31

Section 8.4

     No Waiver by Course of Conduct    31

Section 8.5

     Amendments in Writing    32

Section 8.6

     Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral    32

Section 8.7

     Notices    32

Section 8.8

     Successors and Assigns    32

Section 8.9

     Counterparts    32

Section 8.10

     Severability    33

Section 8.11

     Governing Law    33

Section 8.12

     Waiver of Jury Trial    33

 

ii


ANNEXES AND SCHEDULES

 

Annex 1    Form of Pledge Amendment
Annex 2    Form of Joinder Agreement
Annex 3    Form of Intellectual Property Security Agreement
Schedule 1    Commercial Tort Claims
Schedule 2    Filings
Schedule 3    Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office
Schedule 4    Location of Inventory and Equipment
Schedule 5    Pledged Collateral
Schedule 6    Intellectual Property

 

iii


GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ US Borrower ”), and each of the other entities listed on the signature pages hereof or that becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.6 (collectively with the US Borrower, the “Grantors”), in favor of General Electric Capital Corporation (“ GE Capital ”), as administrative agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “US Agent”) for the US Lenders, the US L/C Issuers and each other US Secured Party (each as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 2010 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among the US Borrower, Thermon Canada Inc., a Nova Scotia company (the “ Canadian Borrower ” and together with US Borrower, the “ Borrowers ”), the other Credit Parties party thereto, the Lenders, the L/C Issuers from time to time party thereto, US Agent, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company, as Canadian Agent for the Canadian Lenders and the Canadian L/C Issuers and each other Canadian Secured Party, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrowers upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, each Grantor has agreed to guaranty the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement, and including, but not limited to, the Canadian Obligations) of the Borrowers;

WHEREAS, each Grantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the making of the extensions of credit under the Credit Agreement; and

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligation of the Lenders and the L/C Issuers to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrowers under the Credit Agreement that the Grantors shall have executed and delivered this Agreement to the US Agent;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuers, the Canadian Agent and the US Agent to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders and the L/C Issuers to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrowers thereunder, each Grantor hereby agrees with the US Agent as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.1 Definitions . (a) Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Credit Agreement.


(b) The following terms have the meanings given to them in the UCC and terms used herein without definition that are defined in the UCC have the meanings given to them in the UCC (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined): “ account ”, “ account debtor ”, “ as-extracted collateral ”, “ certificated security ”, “ chattel paper ”, “ commercial tort claim ”, “ commodity contract ”, “ deposit account ”, “ electronic chattel paper ”, “ equipment ”, “ farm products ”, “ fixture ”, “ general intangible ”, “ goods ”, “ health-care-insurance receivable ”, “ instruments ”, “ inventory ”, “ investment property ”, “ letter-of-credit right ”, “ proceeds ”, “ record ”, “ securities account ”, “ security ”, “ supporting obligation ” and “ tangible chattel paper ”.

(c) The following terms shall have the following meanings:

Agreement ” means this Guaranty and Security Agreement.

Applicable IP Office ” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any similar office or agency within or outside the United States, as applicable.

Cash Collateral Account ” means a deposit account or securities account subject, in each instance, to a Control Agreement, other than accounts established to cash collateralize L/C Reimbursement Obligations.

Collateral ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1 .

Controlled Securities Account ” means each securities account (including all financial assets held therein and all certificates and instruments, if any, representing or evidencing such financial assets) that is the subject of an effective Control Agreement.

Excluded Accounts ” means (i) any payroll account so long as amounts on deposit therein do not exceed the reasonably estimated payroll obligations of the Person who maintains the account and such amounts are deposited therein immediately prior to any required payroll date, (ii) any withholding tax, benefits, escrow, trust, customs or any other fiduciary account, (iii) any zero balance deposit account provided the amount on deposit therein does not exceed the amount necessary to cover outstanding checks, amounts necessary to maintain minimum deposit requirements and amounts necessary to pay the depositary institution’s fees and expenses, (iv) any deposit account maintained with a foreign bank (other than a foreign bank located in Canada) and (v) any petty cash deposit accounts maintained at a financial institution for which a Control Agreement has not otherwise been obtained, so long as, with respect to this clause (v), the aggregate amount on deposit in each such petty cash account does not exceed $250,000 at any one time and the aggregate amount on deposit in all such petty cash accounts does not exceed $700,000 at any one time as of or after the Closing Date.

 

2


Excluded Equity ” means (i) any voting Stock in excess of 65% of the outstanding voting Stock of any First Tier Foreign Subsidiary if a 956 Impact would result from the pledge of such excess, and (ii) any voting Stock of any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary; provided, however, that voting stock of the Canadian Borrower or any other Foreign Subsidiary owned by a Grantor shall not constitute, or be deemed or construed to constitute, “Excluded Equity” for purposes of securing any Grantor’s Guaranty of Canadian Obligations (as defined in Section 2.1 below). For the purposes of this definition, “ voting stock ” means, with respect to any issuer, the issued and outstanding shares of each class of Stock of such issuer entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.956-2(c)(2)).

Excluded Property ” means, collectively, (i) Excluded Equity, (ii) any permit or license, any Contractual Obligation, healthcare insurance receivable or other general intangible, Intellectual Property or franchise in connection with which any Grantor has any right, title to or interest (A) that prohibits or requires the consent of any Person other than a Grantor or any of its Subsidiaries which has not been obtained as a condition to the creation by such Grantor of a Lien on any right, title or interest in such permit, license, Contractual Obligation, healthcare insurance receivable or other general intangible, Intellectual Property or franchise or any Stock or Stock Equivalent related thereto, (B) to the extent that any Requirement of Law applicable thereto prohibits the creation of a Lien thereon, but only, with respect to the prohibition in (A) and (B), to the extent, and for as long as, such prohibition is not terminated or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other Requirement of Law or (C) the grant of a security interest in such permit, license, Contractual Obligation, general intangible, Intellectual Property or franchise would reasonably be expected to result in the loss of rights thereon or create a default thereunder, (iii) Property owned by any Grantor that is subject to a purchase money Lien or a Capital Lease permitted under the Credit Agreement if the Contractual Obligation pursuant to which such Lien is granted (or in the document providing for such Capital Lease) prohibits or requires the consent of any Person other than a Borrower and its Affiliates which has not been obtained as a condition to the creation of any other Lien on such equipment, (iv) any “intent to use” Trademark applications for which a statement of use has not been filed (but only until such statement is filed), (v) Excluded Accounts, and (vi) leasehold interests in real property with respect to which a Grantor is a tenant or subtenant; provided , however , “ Excluded Property ” shall not include any proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements of Excluded Property (unless such proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Property).

Fraudulent Transfer Laws ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 .

Guaranteed Obligations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .

Guarantor ” means each Grantor.

Guaranty ” means the guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations made by the Guarantors as set forth in this Agreement.

 

3


Internet Domain Name ” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to Internet domain names.

In-Transit Collateral ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4 .

Material Intellectual Property ” means Intellectual Property that is owned by or licensed to a Grantor and material to the conduct of any Grantor’s business.

Pledge Amendment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6(b) .

Pledged Certificated Stock ” means all certificated securities and any other Stock or Stock Equivalent of any Person evidenced by a certificate, instrument or other similar document (as defined in the UCC), in each case owned by any Grantor, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including all Stock and Stock Equivalents listed on Schedule 5 . Pledged Certificated Stock excludes any Excluded Property and any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 5.10 hereof.

Pledged Collateral ” means, collectively, the Pledged Stock and the Pledged Debt Instruments.

Pledged Debt Instruments ” means all right, title and interest of any Grantor in instruments evidencing any Indebtedness owed to such Grantor or other obligations, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including all Indebtedness described on Schedule 5 , issued by the obligors named therein. Pledged Debt Instruments excludes any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 5.10 hereof.

Pledged Investment Property ” means any investment property of any Grantor, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, other than any Pledged Stock or Pledged Debt Instruments. Pledged Investment Property excludes Excluded Equity and any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 5.10 hereof.

Pledged Stock ” means all Pledged Certificated Stock and all Pledged Uncertificated Stock.

Pledged Uncertificated Stock ” means any Stock or Stock Equivalent of any Person that is not Pledged Certificated Stock, including all right, title and interest of any Grantor as a limited or general partner in any partnership not constituting Pledged Certificated Stock or as a member of any limited liability company, all right, title and interest of any Grantor in, to and under any Organization Document of any partnership or limited liability company to which it is a party, and any distribution of property made on,

 

4


in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including in each case those interests set forth on Schedule 5 , to the extent such interests are not certificated. Pledged Uncertificated Stock excludes any Excluded Property and any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 5.10 hereof.

Remaining Canadian Pledged Stock ” means all Pledged Stock of the Canadian Borrower and any other First Tier Foreign Subsidiary owned by a Grantor in excess of 65% of the outstanding voting stock of any such Foreign Subsidiary, which is not required to guaranty the US Obligations.

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .

Software ” means (a) all computer programs, including source code and object code versions, (b) all data, databases and compilations of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, and (c) all documentation, training materials and configurations related to any of the foregoing.

transferable records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(d) .

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of Illinois; provided , however , that, in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of any applicable Requirement of Law, any of the attachment, perfection or priority of the US Agent’s or any other Secured Party’s security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code of a jurisdiction other than the State of Illinois, “ UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such attachment, perfection or priority and for purposes of the definitions related to or otherwise used in such provisions.

Vehicles ” means all vehicles covered by a certificate of title law of any state.

Section 1.2 Certain Other Terms .

(a) The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms. The terms “herein”, “hereof” and similar terms refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or clause in this Agreement. References herein to an Annex, Schedule, Article, Section or clause refer to the appropriate Annex or Schedule to, or Article, Section or clause in this Agreement. Where the context requires, provisions relating to any Collateral when used in relation to a Grantor shall refer to such Grantor’s Collateral or any relevant part thereof.

 

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(b) Other Interpretive Provisions .

(i) Defined Terms . Unless otherwise specified herein or therein, all terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto.

(ii) The Agreement . The words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(iii) Certain Common Terms . The term “including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation.”

(iv) Performance; Time . Whenever any performance obligation hereunder (other than a payment obligation) shall be stated to be due or required to be satisfied on a day other than a Business Day, such performance shall be made or satisfied on the next succeeding Business Day. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”, and the word “through” means “to and including.” If any provision of this Agreement refers to any action taken or to be taken by any Person, or which such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be interpreted to encompass any and all means, direct or indirect, of taking, or not taking, such action.

(v) Contracts . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, references to agreements and other contractual instruments, including this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, thereto, restatements and substitutions thereof and other modifications and supplements thereto which are in effect from time to time, but only to the extent such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by the terms of any Loan Document.

(vi) Laws . References to any statute or regulation are to be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions related thereto or consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting the statute or regulation.

ARTICLE II

GUARANTY

Section 2.1 Guaranty . To induce the Lenders to make the Loans and the L/C Issuers to Issue Letters of Credit and each other Secured Party to make credit available to or for the benefit of one or more Grantors, each Guarantor hereby, jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and

 

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not merely as surety, the full and punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity or earlier, by reason of acceleration, mandatory prepayment or otherwise in accordance with any Loan Document, of all the Obligations including, but not limited to, all Canadian Obligations, in any case, whether existing on the date hereof or hereinafter incurred or created (such guaranty of the Canadian Obligations, the “ Guaranty of Canadian Obligations ” and all Obligations, generally, the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). This Guaranty by each Guarantor hereunder constitutes a guaranty of payment and not of collection.

Section 2.2 Limitation of Guaranty . Any term or provision of this Guaranty or any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount for which any Guarantor shall be liable hereunder shall not exceed the maximum amount for which such Guarantor can be liable without rendering this Guaranty or any other Loan Document, as it relates to such Guarantor, subject to avoidance under applicable Requirements of Law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer (including the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act and Section 548 of Title 11 of the United States Code or any applicable provisions of comparable Requirements of Law) (collectively, “Fraudulent Transfer Laws”). Any analysis of the provisions of this Guaranty for purposes of Fraudulent Transfer Laws shall take into account the right of contribution established in Section 2.3 and, for purposes of such analysis, give effect to any discharge of intercompany debt as a result of any payment made under the Guaranty.

Section 2.3 Contribution . To the extent that any Guarantor shall be required hereunder to pay any portion of any Guaranteed Obligation exceeding the greater of (a) the amount of the value actually received by such Guarantor and its Subsidiaries from the Loans and other Obligations and (b) the amount such Guarantor would otherwise have paid if such Guarantor had paid the aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding the amount thereof repaid by a Borrower and Holdings) in the same proportion as such Guarantor’s net worth on the date enforcement is sought hereunder bears to the aggregate net worth of all the Guarantors on such date, then such Guarantor shall be reimbursed by such other Guarantors for the amount of such excess, pro rata, based on the respective net worth of such other Guarantors on such date.

Section 2.4 Authorization; Other Agreements . The Secured Parties are hereby authorized, without notice to or demand upon any Guarantor and without discharging or otherwise affecting the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder and without incurring any liability hereunder, from time to time, to do each of the following:

(a) (i) modify, amend, supplement or otherwise change, (ii) accelerate or otherwise change the time of payment or (iii) waive or otherwise consent to noncompliance with, any Guaranteed Obligation or any Loan Document in accordance with the applicable provision of such Loan Document;

 

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(b) apply to the Guaranteed Obligations any sums by whomever paid or however realized to any Guaranteed Obligation in such order as provided in the Loan Documents;

(c) refund at any time any payment received by any Secured Party in respect of any Guaranteed Obligation;

(d) (i) sell, exchange, enforce, waive, substitute, liquidate, terminate, release, abandon, fail to perfect, subordinate, accept, substitute, surrender, exchange, affect, impair or otherwise alter or release any Collateral for any Guaranteed Obligation or any other guaranty therefor in any manner, (ii) receive, take and hold additional Collateral to secure any Guaranteed Obligation, (iii) add, release or substitute any one or more other Guarantors, makers or endorsers of any Guaranteed Obligation or any part thereof and (iv) otherwise deal in any manner with each Borrower and any other Guarantor, maker or endorser of any Guaranteed Obligation or any part thereof; and

(e) settle, release, compromise, collect or otherwise liquidate the Guaranteed Obligations.

Section 2.5 Guaranty Absolute and Unconditional . Each Guarantor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and agrees not to assert, any defense (other than a defense of payment), whether arising in connection with or in respect of any of the following or otherwise, and hereby agrees that its obligations under this Guaranty are irrevocable, absolute and unconditional and shall not be discharged as a result of or otherwise affected by any of the following (which may not be pleaded and evidence of which may not be introduced in any proceeding with respect to this Guaranty, in each case except as otherwise agreed in writing by the US Agent):

(a) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation of either Borrower or any other Guarantor or Credit Party under any Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto (including any amendment, consent or waiver thereto), or any security for, or other guaranty of, any Guaranteed Obligation or any part thereof, or the lack of perfection or continuing perfection or failure of priority of any security for the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof;

(b) the absence of (i) any attempt to collect any Guaranteed Obligation or any part thereof from either Borrower or any other Guarantor or Credit Party or other action to enforce the same or (ii) any action to enforce any Loan Document or any Lien thereunder;

(c) the failure by any Person to take any steps to perfect and maintain any Lien on, or to preserve any rights with respect to, any Collateral;

(d) any workout, insolvency, bankruptcy proceeding, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or dissolution by or against either Borrower, any other Guarantor or Credit Party or any other Subsidiaries or a Borrower or any procedure,

 

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agreement, order, stipulation, election, action or omission thereunder, including any discharge or disallowance of, or bar or stay against collecting, any Guaranteed Obligation (or any interest thereon) in or as a result of any such proceeding;

(e) any foreclosure, whether or not through judicial sale, and any other sale or other disposition of any Collateral or any election following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default by any Secured Party to proceed separately against any Collateral in accordance with such Secured Party’s rights under any applicable Requirement of Law; or

(f) any other defense (other than payment), setoff, counterclaim or any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of either Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of a Borrower, in each case other than the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted and Letter of Credit Obligations collateralized in the manner set forth in Section 7.4 of the Credit Agreement).

Section 2.6 Waivers . Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and agrees not to assert, any claim, defense, setoff or counterclaim based on diligence, promptness, presentment, requirements for any demand or notice hereunder including any of the following: (a) any demand for payment or performance and protest and notice of protest; (b) any notice of acceptance; (c) any presentment, demand, protest or further notice or other requirements of any kind with respect to any Guaranteed Obligation (including any accrued but unpaid interest thereon) becoming immediately due and payable; and (d) any other notice in respect of any Guaranteed Obligation or any part thereof, and any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of either Borrower or any other Guarantor. Each Guarantor further unconditionally and irrevocably agrees, so long as any Commitment or Obligations remain outstanding not to (x) enforce or otherwise exercise any right of subrogation or any right of reimbursement or contribution or similar right against either Borrower or any other Guarantor by reason of any Loan Document or any payment made thereunder or (y) assert any claim, defense, setoff or counterclaim it may have against any other Credit Party or set off any of its obligations to such other Credit Party against obligations of such Credit Party to such Guarantor. No obligation of any Guarantor hereunder shall be discharged in full other than by complete performance.

Section 2.7 Reliance . Each Guarantor hereby assumes responsibility for keeping itself informed of the financial condition of the Borrowers, each other Guarantor and any other guarantor, maker or endorser of any Guaranteed Obligation or any part thereof, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of any Guaranteed Obligation or any part thereof that diligent inquiry would reveal, and each Guarantor hereby agrees that no Secured Party shall have any duty to advise any Guarantor of information known to it regarding such condition or any such circumstances. In the event any Secured Party, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any Guarantor, such

 

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Secured Party shall be under no obligation to (a) undertake any investigation not a part of its regular business routine, (b) disclose any information that such Secured Party, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance or banking practices, wishes to maintain confidential or (c) make any future disclosures of such information or any other information to any Guarantor.

ARTICLE III

GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

Section 3.1 Collateral . For the purposes of this Agreement, all of the following property now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by a Grantor or in which a Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interests is collectively referred to as the “ Collateral ”:

(a) all accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, documents, equipment, general intangibles, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter of credit rights and any supporting obligations (in each case, as defined in the UCC) related to any of the foregoing;

(b) the commercial tort claims described on Schedule 1 and on any supplement thereto received by the US Agent pursuant to Section 5.9;

(c) all books and records pertaining to the other property described in this Section 3.1;

(d) all property of such Grantor held by any Secured Party, including all property of every description, in the custody of or in transit to such Secured Party for any purpose, including safekeeping, collection or pledge, for the account of such Grantor or as to which such Grantor may have any right or power, including but not limited to cash;

(e) all other goods (including but not limited to fixtures) and personal property of such Grantor, whether tangible or intangible and wherever located; and

(f) to the extent not otherwise included, all proceeds of the foregoing;

Section 3.2 Grant of Security Interest in Collateral . Each Grantor, as collateral security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations of such Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, the Guaranty of Canadian Obligations (the “ Secured Obligations ”), hereby mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to the US Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and grants to the US Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a Lien on and security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral of such Grantor;

 

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provided , however , notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lien or security interest is hereby mortgaged, pledged, hypothecated or granted on any Excluded Property; provided , further , that if and when any property shall cease to be Excluded Property, a Lien on and security in such property shall be deemed granted therein; provided , further , the foregoing grant of security interest in Collateral is expressly intended to include, and does include, a grant of security interest in, pledge of and lien on all Remaining Canadian Pledged Stock but only to secure the Grantors’ Guaranty of Canadian Obligations. In the interest of certainty, all Remaining Canadian Pledged Stock shall be and hereby is pledged solely to secure the Guaranty of Canadian Obligations and shall not in any event secure or be deemed to secure any US Obligation or any other Obligation of a US Credit Party.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

On the Closing Date, solely with respect to Sections 4.1 and 4.2 , and after the Closing Date, with respect to all representations and warranties in this Article IV, to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuers and the US Agent to enter into the Loan Documents, each Grantor hereby represents and warrants each of the following to the US Agent, the Lenders, the L/C Issuers and the other Secured Parties:

Section 4.1 Title; No Other Liens . Except for the Lien granted to the US Agent pursuant to this Agreement and any other Permitted Liens, such Grantor owns each item of the Collateral free and clear of any and all Liens. Such Grantor (a) is the record and beneficial owner of the Collateral pledged by it hereunder constituting instruments or certificates and (b) has rights in or the power to grant a security interest in such rights in each other item of Collateral in which a Lien is granted by it hereunder, free and clear of any other Lien (except for the Lien granted to the US Agent pursuant to this Agreement and any other Permitted Liens.

Section 4.2 Perfection and Priority . The security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement, to the extent a security interest can be granted by a security agreement governed by Illinois law, constitutes a valid and continuing perfected security interest in favor of the US Agent in all Collateral subject, for the following Collateral, to the occurrence of the following: (i) in the case of all Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing a financing statement under the UCC, the completion of the filings and other actions specified on Schedule 2 (which, in the case of all filings and other documents referred to on such schedule, have been delivered to the US Agent in completed and duly authorized form), (ii) with respect to any deposit account, the execution of Control Agreements, (iii) in the case of all U.S. registered Copyrights, U.S. registered Trademarks and U.S. issued Patents owned by a Grantor for which UCC filings are insufficient, all appropriate filings having been made with the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as applicable, (iv) in the case of letter-of-credit rights that are not supporting obligations of Collateral, the

 

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execution of a Contractual Obligation granting control to the US Agent over such letter-of-credit rights to the extent required under Section 5.6 , and (v) in the case of electronic chattel paper, the completion of all steps necessary to grant control to the US Agent over such electronic chattel paper to the extent required under Section 5.6 . Such security interest shall be prior to all other Liens on the Collateral except for Permitted Liens having priority over the US Agent’s Lien by operation of law or with the express written agreement of US Agent upon (i) in the case of all Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property, the delivery thereof to the US Agent of such Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property to the extent required under Section 5.3 consisting of instruments and certificates, in each case properly endorsed for transfer to the US Agent or in blank, (ii) in the case of all Pledged Investment Property not in certificated form, the execution of Control Agreements with respect to such investment property to the extent required under Section 5.3 and (iii) in the case of all other instruments and tangible chattel paper that are not Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments or Pledged Investment Property, the delivery thereof to the US Agent of such instruments and tangible chattel paper. Except as set forth in this Section 4.2, all actions by each Grantor necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the Lien granted hereunder on the Collateral have been duly taken.

Section 4.3 Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office . Such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization, legal name and organizational identification number, if any, and the location of such Grantor’s chief executive office or sole place of business, in each case as of the date hereof, is specified on Schedule 3 and such Schedule 3 also lists all jurisdictions of incorporation, legal names and locations of such Grantor’s chief executive office or sole place of business for the five years preceding the date hereof.

Section 4.4 Locations of Inventory, Equipment and Books and Records . On the date hereof, such Grantor’s inventory and equipment (other than inventory or equipment in transit in the Ordinary Course of Business (including, without limitation, Vehicles being used in the Ordinary Course of Business), items out for repair, equipment in the possession of an employee or a processor in the Ordinary Course of Business and equipment in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 (collectively, the “ In-Transit Collateral ”) and books and records concerning the Collateral are kept at the locations listed on Schedule 4.

Section 4.5 Pledged Collateral . (a) The Pledged Stock pledged by such Grantor hereunder (a) is listed on Schedule 5 (as such Schedule is deemed updated by each Pledge Amendment delivered hereunder) and constitutes that percentage of the issued and outstanding equity of all classes of each issuer thereof as set forth on Schedule 5, (b) has been duly authorized, validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable (other than Pledged Stock in limited liability companies, partnerships and, if such concepts are not applicable in the jurisdiction of organization of such Person, Foreign Subsidiaries).

 

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(b) As of the Closing Date, all Pledged Collateral (other than Pledged Uncertificated Stock) and all Pledged Investment Property consisting of instruments and certificates has been delivered to the US Agent to the extent required by and in accordance with Section 5.3(a).

(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the US Agent shall be entitled to exercise all of the rights of the Grantor granting the security interest in any Pledged Stock, and a transferee or assignee of such Pledged Stock shall become a holder of such Pledged Stock to the same extent as such Grantor and be entitled to participate in the management of the issuer of such Pledged Stock and, upon the transfer of the entire interest of such Grantor, such Grantor shall, by operation of law, cease to be a holder of such Pledged Stock; provided that the US Agent may elect at its sole and absolute discretion to permit such Grantor to continue voting such Pledged Stock.

(d) After all Events of Default have been cured or waived, each Grantor will have the right to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers that it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to the terms of paragraph (c) above.

Section 4.6 Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts . No amount payable to such Grantor under or in connection with any account is evidenced by any instrument or tangible chattel paper that has not been delivered to the US Agent, properly endorsed for transfer, to the extent delivery is required by Section 5.6(a).

Section 4.7 Intellectual Property .

(a) Schedule 6, as updated from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, sets forth a true and complete list of the following Intellectual Property such Grantor owns: (i) Intellectual Property that is registered or subject to applications for registration, (ii) Internet Domain Names and (iii) Material Intellectual Property and material Software, including for each of the foregoing items (1) the owner, (2) the title, (3) the jurisdiction in which such item has been registered or otherwise arises or in which an application for registration has been filed, (4) as applicable, the registration or application number and registration or application date and (5) any IP Licenses or other rights (including franchises) granted by the Grantor with respect thereto and (iv) all material IP Licenses pursuant to which a Grantor has licensed Intellectual Property from a third party, other than licenses for commercially available off the shelf software which has not been substantially customized (other than non-exclusive licenses or sublicenses granted via non stand-alone license agreements in the ordinary course of business in a manner not inconsistent with industry practice).

(b) On the Closing Date, all registered Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor is valid, in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired and enforceable (subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights, generally, and general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in

 

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equity or at law)), and no such Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor has been abandoned, except to the extent the failure to be valid, in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired or enforceable or such abandonment will not and would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents shall not cause any breach or default of any material IP License or limit or impair the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of, or any rights of such Grantor in, any Material Intellectual Property, except to the extent that such limitation or impairment would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. There are no pending (or, to the knowledge of such Grantor, threatened in writing) actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judicial orders or disputes challenging the ownership, use, validity, enforceability of, or such Grantor’s rights in, any Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor. To such Grantor’s knowledge, no Person has been or is infringing, misappropriating, diluting, violating or otherwise materially impairing any Intellectual Property of such Grantor. Such Grantor, and to such Grantor’s knowledge each other party thereto, is not in material breach or default of any material IP License, except to the extent that such breach or default would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.8 Commercial Tort Claims . The only commercial tort claims of any Grantor existing on the date hereof (regardless of whether the amount, defendant or other material facts can be determined and regardless of whether such commercial tort claim has been asserted or threatened or whether litigation has been commenced for such claims) are those listed on Schedule 1, which sets forth such information separately for each Grantor.

Section 4.9 Specific Collateral . None of the Collateral is or is proceeds or products of farm products, as-extracted collateral, health-care-insurance receivables or timber to be cut.

Section 4.10 Enforcement . No Permit, notice to or filing with any Governmental Authority or any notice to or consent from any other Person is required (except for Permits or consents which have been obtained and notices or filings which have been made) for the exercise by the US Agent of its rights (including voting rights) provided for in this Agreement or the enforcement of remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, including the transfer of any Collateral, except as may be required in connection with the disposition of any portion of the Pledged Collateral by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities (including, but not limited to, membership interests in a limited liability company) generally or any approvals that may be required to be obtained from any bailees or landlords to collect the Collateral.

 

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ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

Each Grantor agrees with the US Agent to the following, as long as any Obligation or Commitment remains outstanding (other than contingent indemnification obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted and Letter of Credit Obligations collateralized in the manner set forth in Section 7.4 of the Credit Agreement):

Section 5.1 Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation and Consents . (a)  Generally . Such Grantor shall (i) not use or permit any Collateral to be used unlawfully or in violation of any provision of any Loan Document, any Related Agreement, any Requirement of Law or any policy of insurance covering the Collateral and (ii) except as otherwise expressly permitted by the Credit Agreement, not enter into any Contractual Obligation or undertaking restricting the right or ability of such Grantor or the US Agent to sell, assign, convey or transfer any Collateral, except in each case if such unlawful use, violation or restriction would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as otherwise permitted in the Loan Documents, such Grantor shall maintain the security interest created by this Agreement as a perfected security interest having at least the priority described in Section 4.2 and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to defend such security interest and such priority against the material claims and demands of all Persons.

(c) In addition to any statements, schedules or reports the US Agent may request from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement, each Grantor shall, upon the reasonable request by the US Agent, at any time if a Specified Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing but otherwise not more than once a year, furnish to the US Agent from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other documents in connection with the Collateral as the US Agent may reasonably request in order to maintain and protect its interest hereunder, all in reasonable detail and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the US Agent.

(d) At any time and from time to time, upon the reasonable written request of the US Agent, such Grantor shall, for the purpose of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of this Agreement and of the rights and powers herein granted, (i) promptly and duly execute and deliver, and have recorded, such further documents, including an authorization to file (or, as applicable, the filing) of any financing statement or amendment under the UCC (or other filings under similar Requirements of Law) in effect in any jurisdiction with respect to the security interest created hereby and (ii) take such further action as the US Agent may reasonably request, including (A) using its commercially reasonable efforts to secure all approvals necessary or appropriate for the collateral assignment to or for the benefit of the US Agent of any Contractual

 

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Obligation, including any IP License, held by such Grantor and to enforce the security interests granted hereunder; provided, that, if despite such Grantor’s commercially reasonable efforts such approvals are not secured or obtained, such Contractual Obligations will be deemed to constitute Excluded Property and (B) executing and delivering any Control Agreements with respect to deposit accounts and securities accounts to the extent required hereby or under any other Loan Document. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 5.1(d), each Grantor shall promptly deliver notice to US Agent upon the opening of a new deposit account which, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, is required to be subject to a Control Agreement.

(e) Intentionally Omitted.

(f) To ensure that a Lien and security interest is granted on any of the Excluded Property set forth in clause (ii) of the definition of “ Excluded Property ”, such Grantor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any required consents from any Person other than a Borrower and its Affiliates with respect to any permit or license or any Contractual Obligation with such Person entered into by such Grantor that requires such consent as a condition to the creation by such Grantor of a Lien on any right, title or interest in such permit, license or Contractual Obligation or any Stock or Stock Equivalent related thereto; provided, that, if despite such Grantor’s commercially reasonable efforts such required consents are not obtained, such permit, license or Contractual Obligation related thereto will be deemed to constitute Excluded Property.

Section 5.2 Changes in Locations, Name, Etc . Except upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the US Agent and delivery to the US Agent of (a) all documents reasonably requested by the US Agent to maintain the validity, perfection and priority of the security interests provided for herein and (b) if applicable, a written supplement to Schedule 4 showing any additional locations at which inventory or equipment shall be kept, such Grantor shall not do any of the following:

(i) permit any inventory or equipment to be kept at a location other than those listed on Schedule 4, except for the In-Transit Collateral;

(ii) change its jurisdiction of organization or its location (as defined in Section 9-307 of the UCC), in each case from that referred to in Section 4.3; or

(iii) change its legal name or organizational identification number, if any, or corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other organizational structure to such an extent that any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement would become misleading.

 

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Section 5.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Closing Date Delivery of Pledged Collateral . On the Closing Date, such Grantor shall (i) deliver to the US Agent, in suitable form for transfer and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the US Agent, (A) all Pledged Certificated Stock, (B) all Pledged Debt Instruments and (C) all certificates and instruments evidencing Pledged Investment Property and (ii) maintain all other Pledged Investment Property in a Controlled Securities Account to the extent required under Section 5.10 .

(b) Event of Default . During the continuance of an Event of Default, the US Agent shall have the right, at any time in its discretion and without notice to the Grantor, to (i) transfer to or to register in its name or in the name of its nominees any Pledged Collateral or any Pledged Investment Property and (ii) exchange any certificate or instrument representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral or any Pledged Investment Property for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations.

(c) Cash Distributions with respect to Pledged Collateral . Except as provided in Article VI and subject to the limitations set forth in the Credit Agreement, such Grantor shall be entitled to receive all cash distributions paid in respect of the Pledged Collateral.

(d) Voting Rights . Except as provided in Article VI, such Grantor shall be entitled to exercise all voting, consent and corporate, partnership, limited liability company and similar rights with respect to the Pledged Collateral; provided , however , that no vote shall be cast, consent given or right exercised or other action taken by such Grantor that would materially impair the Collateral or be inconsistent with or result in any violation of any provision of any Loan Document.

Section 5.4 Accounts .

(a) Such Grantor shall not, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, (i) grant any extension of the time of payment of any account, (ii) compromise or settle any account for less than the full amount thereof, (iii) release, wholly or partially, any Person liable for the payment of any account, (iv) allow any credit or discount on any account or (v) amend, supplement or modify any account in any manner that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the value thereof.

(b) So long as an Event of Default is continuing, the US Agent shall have the right to make test verifications of the Accounts in any manner and through any medium that it reasonably considers advisable, and such Grantor shall furnish all such assistance and information as the US Agent may reasonably require in connection therewith. At any time and from time to time, upon the US Agent’s reasonable request, such Grantor shall cause independent public accountants or others satisfactory to the US Agent to furnish to the US Agent reports showing reconciliations, aging, and trial balances for, the accounts.

Section 5.5 Commodity Contracts . Such Grantor shall not have any commodity contract unless subject to a Control Agreement.

 

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Section 5.6 Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper and Control of Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper . (a) If any amount in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate payable under or in connection with any Collateral owned by such Grantor shall be or become evidenced by an instrument or tangible chattel paper other than such instrument delivered in accordance with Section 5.3(a) and in the possession of the US Agent, such Grantor shall mark all such instruments and tangible chattel paper with the following legend: “This writing and the obligations evidenced or secured hereby are subject to the security interest of General Electric Capital Corporation, as US Agent” and, at the request of the US Agent, shall immediately deliver such instrument or tangible chattel paper to the US Agent, duly indorsed in a manner satisfactory to the US Agent.

(b) Such Grantor shall not grant “ control ” (within the meaning of such term under Article 9-106 of the UCC) over any investment property to any Person other than the US Agent.

(c) If such Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter of credit that is (i) not a supporting obligation of any Collateral and (ii) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, such Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after becoming a beneficiary, notify the US Agent thereof and use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into a Contractual Obligation with the US Agent, the issuer of such letter of credit or any nominated person with respect to the letter-of-credit rights under such letter of credit. Such Contractual Obligation shall collaterally assign such letter-of-credit rights to the US Agent and such collateral assignment shall be sufficient to grant control for the purposes of Section 9-107 of the UCC (or any similar section under any equivalent UCC). Such Contractual Obligation shall also direct all payments thereunder to a Cash Collateral Account. The provisions of the Contractual Obligation shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the US Agent and the Borrower.

(d) If any amount in excess of $300,000 individually or $750,000 in the aggregate payable under or in connection with any Collateral owned by such Grantor shall be or become evidenced by electronic chattel paper, such Grantor shall, at the request of US Agent, take all steps necessary to grant the US Agent control of all such electronic chattel paper for the purposes of Section 9-105 of the UCC (or any similar section under any equivalent UCC) and all “ transferable records ” as defined in each of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

Section 5.7 Intellectual Property . (a) Not less frequently than quarterly (as of the last day of each calendar quarter), each Grantor shall provide the US Agent written notification of any change to Schedule 6 and the short-form intellectual property agreements as described in this Section 5.7 and other documents that the US Agent reasonably requests with respect thereto.

 

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(b) Such Grantor shall (and shall cause all its licensees to), in its reasonable business judgment, (i) (A) continue to use each Trademark included in the Material Intellectual Property which is material to such Grantor’s business in order to maintain such Trademark in full force and effect with respect to each class of goods for which such Trademark is currently used, free from any claim of abandonment for non-use, (B) maintain at least the same standards of quality of products and services offered under such Trademark as are currently maintained, (C) use such Trademark with the appropriate notice of registration and all other notices and legends required by applicable Requirements of Law, (D) not adopt or use any other Trademark that is confusingly similar or a colorable imitation of such Trademark unless the US Agent shall obtain a perfected security interest in such other Trademark pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) not do any act or omit to do any act whereby (w) such Trademark (or any goodwill associated therewith) may become destroyed, invalidated, impaired or harmed in any way, (x) any Patent included in the Material Intellectual Property which is material to such Grantor’s business may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, (y) any portion of the Copyrights included in the Material Intellectual Property may become invalidated, otherwise impaired or fall into the public domain or (z) any Trade Secret that is Material Intellectual Property may become publicly available or otherwise unprotectable.

(c) Such Grantor shall notify the US Agent promptly if it knows that any application or registration relating to any Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any material adverse determination or development regarding the validity or enforceability or such Grantor’s ownership of, interest in, right to use, register, own or maintain any Material Intellectual Property (including the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding relating to the foregoing in any Applicable IP Office). Unless no longer deemed Material Intellectual Property in such Grantor’s reasonable business judgment, such Grantor shall take all actions that are necessary or reasonably requested by the US Agent to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration or recordation) and to maintain each registration and recordation for Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor.

(d) Such Grantor shall not knowingly do any act or omit to do any act to infringe, misappropriate, dilute, violate or otherwise impair the Intellectual Property of any other Person to the extent such act could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. In the event that any Material Intellectual Property of such Grantor is or has been infringed, misappropriated, violated, diluted or otherwise impaired by a third party, such Grantor shall take such action as it reasonably deems appropriate under the circumstances in response thereto, including promptly bringing suit and recovering all damages therefor.

(e) Such Grantor shall execute and deliver to the US Agent in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the US Agent and suitable for filing in the Applicable IP Office the short-form intellectual property security agreements in the form attached hereto as Annex 3 for all U.S. registered Copyrights, U.S. registered Trademarks, and U.S. issued Patents of such Grantor.

 

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Section 5.8 Notices . Such Grantor shall promptly notify the US Agent in writing of its acquisition of any interest hereafter in property that is of a type where a security interest or Lien must be or may be registered, recorded or filed under, or notice thereof given under, any federal statute or regulation.

Section 5.9 Notice of Commercial Tort Claims . Such Grantor agrees that, if it shall acquire any interest in any commercial tort claim where such Grantor’s claim is in excess of $300,000 or its recovery thereunder could reasonably be expected to be greater than $300,000 (whether from another Person or because such commercial tort claim shall have come into existence) and upon a Responsible Officer becoming aware thereof, (i) such Grantor shall, promptly upon such acquisition, deliver to the US Agent, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the US Agent, a notice of the existence and nature of such commercial tort claim and a supplement to Schedule 1 containing a specific description of such commercial tort claim, (ii) Section 3.1 shall apply to such commercial tort claim and (iii) such Grantor shall execute and deliver to the US Agent, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the US Agent, any document, and take all other action, deemed by the US Agent to be reasonably necessary to create, perfect and protect US Agent’s Lien, on behalf of the Secured Parties, a perfected security interest having at least the priority set forth in Section 4.2 in all such commercial tort claims. Such Grantor shall do all of the foregoing at any time if requested by US Agent in writing with respect to any commercial tort claim in which a Grantor maintains any interest, regardless of the amount of the claim in respect thereof or potential recovery thereunder. Any supplement Schedule 1 delivered pursuant to this Section 5.9 shall, after the receipt thereof by the US Agent, become part of Schedule 1 for all purposes hereunder other than in respect of representations and warranties made prior to the date of such receipt.

Section 5.10 Controlled Securities Account . Each Grantor shall deposit all of its Cash Equivalents, if any, in securities accounts that are Controlled Securities Accounts except for Cash Equivalents the aggregate value of which does at any time not exceed $250,000 individually and $700,000 in the aggregate.

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

Section 6.1 Code and Other Remedies . (a)  UCC Remedies . During the continuance of an Event of Default, the US Agent may exercise, in addition to all other rights and remedies granted to it in this Agreement and in any other instrument or agreement securing, evidencing or relating to any Secured Obligation, all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or any other applicable law.

 

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(b) Disposition of Collateral . Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the US Agent may, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred to below) to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived), during the continuance of any Event of Default (personally or through its agents or attorneys), (i) enter upon the premises where any Collateral is located, without any obligation to pay rent, through self-help, without judicial process, without first obtaining a final judgment or giving any Grantor or any other Person notice or opportunity for a hearing on the US Agent’s claim or action, (ii) collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon any Collateral and (iii) sell, assign, convey, transfer, grant option or options to purchase and deliver any Collateral (enter into Contractual Obligations to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of any Secured Party or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. The US Agent shall have the right, upon any such public sale or sales and, to the extent permitted by the UCC and other applicable Requirements of Law, upon any such private sale, to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption of any Grantor, which right or equity is hereby waived and released.

(c) Management of the Collateral . Each Grantor further agrees, that, during the continuance of any Event of Default, (i) at the US Agent’s request, it shall assemble the Collateral and make it available to the US Agent at places that the US Agent shall reasonably select, whether at such Grantor’s premises or elsewhere, (ii) without limiting the foregoing, the US Agent also has the right to require that each Grantor store and keep any Collateral pending further action by the US Agent and, while any such Collateral is so stored or kept, provide such guards and maintenance services as shall be necessary to protect the same and to preserve and maintain such Collateral in good condition, (iii) until the US Agent is able to sell, assign, convey or transfer any Collateral, the US Agent shall have the right to hold or use such Collateral to the extent that it deems appropriate for the purpose of preserving the Collateral or its value or for any other purpose deemed appropriate by the US Agent and (iv) the US Agent may, if it so elects, seek the appointment of a receiver or keeper to take possession of any Collateral and to enforce any of the US Agent’s remedies (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), with respect to such appointment without prior notice or hearing as to such appointment. The US Agent shall not have any obligation to any Grantor to maintain or preserve the rights of any Grantor as against third parties with respect to any Collateral while such Collateral is in the possession of the US Agent.

(d) Application of Proceeds . The US Agent shall apply the cash proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Section 6.1 in such order as specified in Section 1.10(c) of the Credit Agreement to the payment in whole or in part of the Secured Obligations, as set forth in the Credit Agreement, and only after such application and after the payment by the US Agent of any other amount required by any Requirement of Law, need the US Agent account for the surplus, if any, to any Grantor.

 

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(e) Direct Obligation . Neither the US Agent nor any other Secured Party shall be required to make any demand upon, or pursue or exhaust any right or remedy against, any Grantor, any other Credit Party or any other Person with respect to the payment of the Obligations or to pursue or exhaust any right or remedy with respect to any Collateral therefor or any direct or indirect guaranty thereof. All of the rights and remedies of the US Agent and any other Secured Party under any Loan Document shall be cumulative, may be exercised individually or concurrently and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by any Requirement of Law. To the extent it may lawfully do so, each Grantor absolutely and irrevocably waives and relinquishes the benefit and advantage of, and covenants not to assert against the US Agent or any Lender, any valuation, stay, appraisement, extension, redemption or similar laws and any and all rights or defenses it may have as a surety, now or hereafter existing, arising out of the exercise by them of any rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of any Collateral shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if given at least 10 days before such sale or other disposition.

(f) Commercially Reasonable . To the extent that applicable Requirements of Law impose duties on the US Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it is not commercially unreasonable for the US Agent to do any of the following:

(i) fail to incur significant costs, expenses or other Liabilities reasonably deemed as such by the US Agent to prepare any Collateral for disposition or otherwise to complete raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition;

(ii) unless required by Requirements of Law, fail to obtain Permits, or other consents for (A) access to any Collateral to sell, (B) the collection or sale of any Collateral, or (C) the collection or disposition of any Collateral;

(iii) fail to exercise remedies against account debtors or other Persons obligated on any Collateral or to remove Liens on any Collateral or to remove any adverse claims against any Collateral;

(iv) advertise dispositions of any Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not such Collateral is of a specialized nature, or to contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as any Grantor, for expressions of interest in acquiring any such Collateral;

 

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(v) exercise collection remedies against account debtors and other Persons obligated on any Collateral, directly or through the use of collection agencies or other collection specialists, hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of any Collateral, whether or not such Collateral is of a specialized nature, or, to the extent deemed appropriate by the US Agent, obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist the US Agent in the collection or disposition of any Collateral, or utilize Internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets to dispose of any Collateral;

(vi) dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets;

(vii) disclaim disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment; or

(viii) purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure the US Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of any Collateral or to provide to the US Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or disposition of any Collateral.

Each Grantor acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 6.1 is to provide a non-exhaustive list of actions or omissions that are commercially reasonable when exercising remedies against any Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the Secured Parties shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 6.1 . Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 6.1 shall be construed to grant any rights to any Grantor or to impose any duties on the US Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Agreement or by applicable Requirements of Law in the absence of this Section 6.1 .

(g) IP Licenses . For the purpose of enabling the US Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Section 6.1 (including in order to take possession of, collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, remove, realize upon, sell, assign, convey, transfer or grant options to purchase any Collateral) at such time as the US Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Grantor hereby grants to the US Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (i) subject to the rights of the applicable third party, an irrevocable (except as otherwise set forth in Section 8.2), nonexclusive, worldwide license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to such Grantor), including in such license the right to sublicense, use and practice any Intellectual Property not constituting Excluded Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor and access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all Software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof and (ii) an irrevocable license (without payment of rent or other compensation to such Grantor) to use, operate and occupy all real Property owned, operated, leased, subleased or otherwise occupied by such Grantor.

 

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Section 6.2 Accounts and Payments in Respect of General Intangibles . (a) In addition to, and not in substitution for, any similar requirement in the Credit Agreement, if required by the US Agent at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, any payment of accounts or payment in respect of general intangibles, when collected by any Grantor, shall be promptly (and, in any event, within two (2) Business Days) deposited by such Grantor in the exact form received, duly indorsed by such Grantor to the US Agent, in a Cash Collateral Account, subject to withdrawal by the US Agent as provided in Section 6.4. Until so turned over, such payment shall be held by such Grantor in trust for the US Agent, segregated from other funds of such Grantor. Each such deposit of proceeds of accounts and payments in respect of general intangibles shall be accompanied by a report identifying in reasonable detail the nature and source of the payments included in the deposit.

(b) At any time during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(i) each Grantor shall, upon the US Agent’s request, deliver to the US Agent all original and other documents evidencing, and relating to, the Contractual Obligations and transactions that gave rise to any account or any payment in respect of general intangibles, including all original orders, invoices and shipping receipts and notify account debtors that the accounts or general intangibles have been collaterally assigned to the US Agent and that payments in respect thereof shall be made directly to the US Agent;

(ii) the US Agent may, without notice, at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, limit or terminate the authority of a Grantor to collect its accounts or amounts due under general intangibles or any thereof and, in its own name or in the name of others, communicate with account debtors to verify with them to the US Agent’s satisfaction the existence, amount and terms of any account or amounts due under any general intangible. In addition, the US Agent may at any time enforce such Grantor’s rights against such account debtors and obligors of general intangibles; and

(iii) each Grantor shall take all actions, deliver all documents and provide all information necessary or reasonably requested by the US Agent to ensure any Internet Domain Name is registered.

(c) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, each Grantor shall remain liable under each account and each payment in respect of general intangibles to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it thereunder, all in accordance with the terms of any agreement giving rise thereto. No Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any agreement giving rise to an account or a payment in respect of a general intangible by reason of or arising out of any Loan Document or the receipt by any Secured Party of any payment relating thereto, nor shall any Secured Party be obligated in any manner to perform any obligation of any Grantor under or pursuant to any agreement giving rise to an account or a payment in respect of a general intangible, to make any payment, to make any inquiry as to the nature or the sufficiency of any payment received by it or as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party thereunder, to present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any performance or to collect the payment of any amounts that may have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled at any time or times.

 

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Section 6.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Voting Rights . During the continuance of an Event of Default, upon notice by the US Agent to the relevant Grantor or Grantors, the US Agent or its nominee may exercise (A) any voting, consent, corporate and other right pertaining to the Pledged Collateral at any meeting of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be, of the relevant issuer or issuers of Pledged Collateral or otherwise and (B) any right of conversion, exchange and subscription and any other right, privilege or option pertaining to the Pledged Collateral as if it were the absolute owner thereof (including the right to exchange at its discretion any Pledged Collateral upon the merger, amalgamation, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other fundamental change in the corporate or equivalent structure of any issuer of Pledged Stock, the right to deposit and deliver any Pledged Collateral with any committee, depositary, transfer agent, registrar or other designated agency upon such terms and conditions as the US Agent may determine), all without liability except to account for property actually received by it and except for any act constituting gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided , however , that the US Agent shall have no duty to any Grantor to exercise any such right, privilege or option and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or delay in so doing; provided , further , that if and when any such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived, (i) such voting rights shall automatically revert to the applicable Grantor and (ii) the US Agent, at the expense of the Grantors, shall execute such documents reasonably requested by Grantors to allow the owner of any equity interest to exercise any rights associated with such equity interest.

(b) Proxies . In order to permit the US Agent to exercise the voting and other consensual rights that it may be entitled to exercise pursuant hereto and to receive all dividends and other distributions that it may be entitled to receive hereunder, (i) each Grantor shall promptly execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to the US Agent all such proxies, dividend payment orders and other instruments as the US Agent may from time to time reasonably request and (ii) without limiting the effect of clause (i) above, such Grantor hereby grants to the US Agent an irrevocable proxy to vote all or any part of the Pledged Collateral and to exercise all other rights, powers, privileges and remedies to which a holder of the Pledged Collateral would be entitled (including giving or withholding written consents of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be, calling special meetings of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be, and voting at such meetings), which proxy shall be effective, automatically and without the necessity of any action (including any transfer of any Pledged Collateral on the record books of the issuer thereof) by any other person (including the issuer of such Pledged Collateral or any officer or agent thereof) during the continuance of an Event of Default and which proxy shall only terminate upon the payment in full of the Secured Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted and Letter of Credit Obligations collateralized in the manner set forth in Section 7.4 of the Credit Agreement).

 

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(c) Authorization of Issuers . Each Grantor hereby expressly irrevocably authorizes and instructs, without any further instructions from such Grantor, each issuer of any Pledged Collateral pledged hereunder by such Grantor to (i) comply with any instruction received by it from the US Agent in writing that states that an Event of Default is continuing and is otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and each Grantor agrees that such issuer shall be fully protected from Liabilities to such Grantor in so complying and (ii) unless otherwise expressly permitted hereby or the Credit Agreement, pay any dividend or make any other payment with respect to the Pledged Collateral directly to the US Agent. The US Agent hereby agrees that it shall not give any such instructions unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 6.4 Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by US Agent . To the extent required in the Credit Agreement or this Agreement, all proceeds of any Collateral received by any Grantor hereunder in cash or Cash Equivalents shall be held by such Grantor in trust for the US Agent and the other Secured Parties, segregated from other funds of such Grantor, and to the extent required by the Credit Agreement or this Agreement shall, promptly upon receipt by any Grantor, be turned over to the US Agent in the exact form received (with any necessary endorsement). All such proceeds of Collateral and any other proceeds of any Collateral received by the US Agent in cash or Cash Equivalents shall be held by the US Agent in a Cash Collateral Account. All proceeds being held by the US Agent in a Cash Collateral Account (or by such Grantor in trust for the US Agent) shall continue to be held as collateral security for the Secured Obligations and shall not constitute payment thereof until applied as provided in the Credit Agreement.

Section 6.5 Sale of Pledged Collateral . (a) Each Grantor recognizes that the US Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of any Pledged Collateral by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act and applicable state or foreign securities laws or otherwise or may determine that a public sale is impracticable, not desirable or not commercially reasonable and, accordingly, may resort to one or more private sales thereof to a restricted group of purchasers that shall be obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such securities for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that any such private sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable than if such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner. The US Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any Pledged Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer thereof to register such securities for public sale under the Securities Act or under applicable state securities laws even if such issuer would agree to do so.

 

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(b) Each Grantor agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be necessary to make such sale or sales of any portion of the Pledged Collateral pursuant to Section 6.1 and this Section 6.5 valid and binding and in compliance with all applicable Requirements of Law. Each Grantor further agrees that a breach of any covenant contained herein will cause irreparable injury to the US Agent and other Secured Parties, that the US Agent and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that each and every covenant contained herein shall be specifically enforceable against such Grantor, and such Grantor hereby waives and agrees not to assert any defense against an action for specific performance of such covenants except for a defense that no Event of Default has occurred under the Credit Agreement or a defense of payment. Each Grantor waives any and all rights of contribution or subrogation upon the sale or disposition of all or any portion of the Pledged Collateral by US Agent.

Section 6.6 Deficiency . Each Grantor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of any Collateral are insufficient to pay the Secured Obligations and the fees and disbursements of any attorney employed by the US Agent or any other Secured Party to collect such deficiency.

ARTICLE VII

THE US AGENT

Section 7.1 US Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact . (a) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the US Agent and any Related Person thereof, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor or in its own name, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of the Loan Documents, to take any appropriate action and to execute any document or instrument that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of the Loan Documents, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor hereby gives the US Agent and its Related Persons the power and right, on behalf of such Grantor, without notice to or assent by such Grantor, to do any of the following when an Event of Default shall be continuing:

(i) in the name of such Grantor, in its own name or otherwise, take possession of and indorse and collect any check, draft, note, acceptance or other instrument for the payment of moneys due under any account or general intangible or with respect to any other Collateral and file any claim or take any other action or proceeding in any court of law or equity or otherwise deemed appropriate by the US Agent for the purpose of collecting any such moneys due under any account or general intangible or with respect to any other Collateral whenever payable;

 

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(ii) in the case of any Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to the Grantors, execute, deliver and have recorded any document that the US Agent may request to evidence, effect, publicize or record the US Agent’s security interest in such Intellectual Property and the goodwill and general intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby, to the extent that such Intellectual Property is not Excluded Property;

(iii) pay or discharge taxes and Liens levied or placed on or threatened against any Collateral, effect any repair or pay any insurance called for by the terms of the Credit Agreement (including all or any part of the premiums therefor and the costs thereof);

(iv) execute, in connection with any sale provided for in Section 6.1 or Section 6.5, any document to effect or otherwise necessary or appropriate in relation to evidence the sale of any Collateral; or

(v) (A) direct any party liable for any payment under any Collateral to make payment of any moneys due or to become due thereunder directly to the US Agent or as the US Agent shall direct, (B) ask or demand for, and collect and receive payment of and receipt for, any moneys, claims and other amounts due or to become due at any time in respect of or arising out of any Collateral, (C) sign and indorse any invoice, freight or express bill, bill of lading, storage or warehouse receipt, draft against debtors, assignment, verification, notice and other document in connection with any Collateral, (D) commence and prosecute any suit, action or proceeding at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect any Collateral and to enforce any other right in respect of any Collateral, (E) defend any actions, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, orders or disputes brought against such Grantor with respect to any Collateral, (F) settle, compromise or adjust any such actions, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, orders or disputes and, in connection therewith, give such discharges or releases as the US Agent may deem appropriate, (G) assign any Intellectual Property owned by the Grantors or any IP Licenses of the Grantors throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the US Agent shall in its sole discretion determine, including the execution and filing of any document necessary to effectuate or record such assignment and (H) generally, sell, assign, convey, transfer or grant a Lien on, make any Contractual Obligation with respect to and otherwise deal with, any Collateral as fully and completely as though the US Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes and do, at the US Agent’s option, at any time or from time to time, all acts and things that the US Agent deems necessary to protect, preserve or realize upon any Collateral and the Secured Parties’ security interests therein and to effect the intent of the Loan Documents, all as fully and effectively as such Grantor might do.

(vi) If any Grantor fails to perform or comply with any Contractual Obligation contained herein, the US Agent, at its option, but without any obligation so to do, may perform or comply, or otherwise cause performance or compliance, with such Contractual Obligation.

 

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(b) The expenses of the US Agent incurred in connection with actions undertaken as provided in this Section 7.1, together with interest thereon at a rate set forth in subsection 1.3(c) of the Credit Agreement, from the date of payment by the US Agent to the date reimbursed by the relevant Grantor, shall be payable by such Grantor to the US Agent within five (5) Business Days after demand.

(c) Each Grantor hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Section 7.1 and in accordance with the terms herein. All powers, authorizations and agencies contained in this Agreement are coupled with an interest and are irrevocable until this Agreement is terminated and the security interests created hereby are released.

Section 7.2 Authorization to File Financing Statements . Each Grantor authorizes the US Agent and its Related Persons, at any time and from time to time, to file or record financing statements, amendments thereto, and other filing or recording documents or instruments with respect to any Collateral in such form and in such offices as the US Agent reasonably determines appropriate to perfect the security interests of the US Agent under this Agreement, and such financing statements and amendments may describe the Collateral covered thereby as “ all assets of the debtor, whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired, including all proceeds thereof ”. A photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement shall be sufficient as a financing statement or other filing or recording document or instrument for filing or recording in any jurisdiction. Such Grantor also hereby ratifies its authorization for the US Agent to have filed any initial financing statement or amendment thereto under the UCC (or other similar laws) in effect in any jurisdiction if filed prior to the date hereof.

Section 7.3 Authority of US Agent . Each Grantor acknowledges that the rights and responsibilities of the US Agent under this Agreement with respect to any action taken by the US Agent or the exercise or non-exercise by the US Agent of any option, voting right, request, judgment or other right or remedy provided for herein or resulting or arising out of this Agreement shall, as between the US Agent and the other Secured Parties, be governed by the Credit Agreement and by such other agreements with respect thereto as may exist from time to time among them, but, as between the US Agent and the Grantors, the US Agent shall be conclusively presumed to be acting as agent for the Secured Parties with full and valid authority so to act or refrain from acting, and no Grantor shall be under any obligation or entitlement to make any inquiry respecting such authority.

Section 7.4 Duty; Obligations and Liabilities . (a) Duty of US Agent. The US Agent’s sole duty with respect to the custody, safekeeping and physical preservation of the Collateral in its possession shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the US Agent deals with similar property for its own account. The powers conferred on the US Agent hereunder are solely to protect the US Agent’s interest in the Collateral and shall

 

29


not impose any duty upon the US Agent to exercise any such powers. The US Agent shall be accountable only for amounts that it receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither it nor any of its Related Persons shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. In addition, the US Agent shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage to any Collateral, or for any diminution in the value thereof, by reason of the act or omission of any warehousemen, carrier, forwarding agency, consignee or other bailee if such Person has been selected by the US Agent in good faith.

(b) Obligations and Liabilities with respect to Collateral. No Secured Party and no Related Person thereof shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any Grantor or any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to any Collateral. The powers conferred on the US Agent hereunder shall not impose any duty upon any other Secured Party to exercise any such powers. The other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts that they actually receive as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither they nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Reinstatement . Each Grantor agrees that, if any payment made by any Credit Party or other Person and applied to the Secured Obligations is at any time annulled, avoided, set aside, rescinded, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential or otherwise required to be refunded or repaid, or the proceeds of any Collateral are required to be returned by any Secured Party to such Credit Party, its estate, trustee, receiver or any other party, including any Grantor, under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or repayment, any Lien or other Collateral securing such liability shall be and remain in full force and effect, as fully as if such payment had never been made. If, prior to any of the foregoing, (a) any Lien or other Collateral securing such Grantor’s liability hereunder shall have been released or terminated by virtue of the foregoing or (b) any provision of the Guaranty hereunder shall have been terminated, cancelled or surrendered, such Lien, other Collateral or provision shall be reinstated in full force and effect and such prior release, termination, cancellation or surrender shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of any such Grantor in respect of any Lien or other Collateral securing such obligation or the amount of such payment.

 

30


Section 8.2 Release of Collateral . (a) At the time provided in Section 8.10(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, the Collateral shall automatically be released from the Lien created hereby and this Agreement and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of the US Agent and each Grantor hereunder shall terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to the Grantors. Each Grantor(or such Grantor’s designee) is hereby authorized to file UCC-3 amendments, termination statements and other documents, such as releases of security interest with the Applicable IP Office, at such time evidencing the termination of the Liens so released; provided, however, that in no event is any Grantor authorized to execute any instrument, agreement or document on behalf of US Agent or any Lender to evidence such release pursuant to this Section 8.2. At the request of any Grantor following any such termination, the US Agent shall deliver to such Grantor any Collateral of such Grantor held by the US Agent hereunder and execute and deliver to such Grantor such documents as such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

(b) If the US Agent shall be directed or permitted pursuant to subsection 8.10(b) of the Credit Agreement to release any Lien or any Collateral, such Collateral shall be released from the Lien created hereby to the extent provided under, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in, such subsection. In connection therewith, the US Agent, at the request of any Grantor, shall execute and deliver to such Grantor such documents as such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such release.

(c) At the time provided in subsection 8.10(b) of the Credit Agreement and at the request of the US Borrower, unless as a condition to the consent of US Agent and Lenders to such sale, if applicable, such Grantor is required to remain subject to this Agreement, a Grantor shall be released from its obligations hereunder in the event that all the Stock and Stock Equivalents of such Grantor shall be sold to any Person that is not a Credit Party, the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries of the Borrowers in a transaction permitted by the Loan Documents.

Section 8.3 Independent Obligations . The obligations of each Grantor hereunder are independent of and separate from the Secured Obligations and the Guaranteed Obligations. If any Secured Obligation or Guaranteed Obligation is not paid when due, or during the continuance of any Event of Default, the US Agent may, at its sole election, proceed directly and at once, without notice, against any Grantor and any Collateral to collect and recover the full amount of any Secured Obligation or Guaranteed Obligation then due, without first proceeding against any other Grantor, any other Credit Party or any other Collateral and without first joining any other Grantor or any other Credit Party in any proceeding.

Section 8.4 No Waiver by Course of Conduct . No Secured Party shall by any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to Section 8.5), delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default. No failure to exercise, nor any delay in

 

31


exercising, on the part of any Secured Party, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. A waiver by any Secured Party of any right or remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy that such Secured Party would otherwise have on any future occasion.

Section 8.5 Amendments in Writing . None of the terms or provisions of this Agreement may be waived, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified except in accordance with Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement; provided , however , that annexes to this Agreement may be supplemented (but no existing provisions may be modified and no Collateral may be released) through Pledge Amendments and Joinder Agreements, in substantially the form of Annex 1 and Annex 2, respectively, in each case duly executed by the US Agent and each Grantor directly affected thereby.

Section 8.6 Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral . (a) Joinder Agreements. If, at the option of the US Borrower or as required pursuant to Section 4.13 of the Credit Agreement, the US Borrower shall cause any Subsidiary that is not a Grantor to become a Grantor hereunder, such Subsidiary shall promptly execute and deliver to the US Agent a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Annex 2 and shall thereafter for all purposes be a party hereto and have the same rights, benefits and obligations as a Grantor party hereto on the Closing Date.

(b) Pledge Amendments . To the extent any Pledged Collateral which is otherwise required to be delivered hereunder and has not been delivered as of the Closing Date, such Grantor shall deliver a pledge amendment duly executed by the Grantor in substantially the form of Annex 1 (each, a “ Pledge Amendment ”). Such Grantor authorizes the US Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement.

Section 8.7 Notices . All notices, requests and demands to or upon the US Agent or any Grantor hereunder shall be effected in the manner provided for in Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement; provided , however , that any such notice, request or demand to or upon any Grantor shall be addressed to the US Borrower’s notice address set forth in Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 8.8 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of each Grantor and shall inure to the benefit of each Secured Party and their permitted successors and assigns; provided , however , that no Grantor may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the US Agent.

Section 8.9 Counterparts . This Agreement 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 one and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or by Electronic Transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

32


Section 8.10 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement being held illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not affect any part of such provision not held illegal, invalid or unenforceable, any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 8.11 Governing Law . This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of Illinois.

Section 8.12 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO, OR DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN OR RELATED THERETO (WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO OTHER PARTY AND NO RELATED PERSON OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 8.12.

EACH GRANTOR AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION 9.18(b) AND (c) OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

33


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Guaranty and Security Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC. a Texas corporation, as Grantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY,

a Texas corporation, as Grantor

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC.,

a Texas corporation, as Grantor

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC.,

a Texas corporation, as Grantor

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC.,

a Texas corporation, as Grantor

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Guaranty and Security Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

THERMON HOLDING CORP.,

a Delaware corporation, as Grantor

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President


ACCEPTED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

 

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL

CORPORATION, as US Agent

By:  

/s/ Mark Birkett

Name:   Mark Birkett
Title:   Its Duly Authorized Signatory


ANNEX 1

TO

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT 1

FORM OF PLEDGE AMENDMENT

This Pledge Amendment, dated as of               , 20      , is delivered pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ US Borrower ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the US Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors in favor of General Electric Capital Corporation, as US Agent for the US Secured Parties referred to therein (as the same may be modified from time to time, the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

The undersigned hereby agrees that this Pledge Amendment may be attached to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and that the Pledged Collateral listed on Annex 1-A to this Pledge Amendment shall be and become part of the Collateral referred to in the Guaranty and Security Agreement and shall secure all Obligations of the undersigned.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that, with respect to the Pledged Collateral listed on Annex 1-A to this Pledge Amendment, each of the representations and warranties contained in Sections 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.5 and 4.10 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement is true and correct and as of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

 

[GRANTOR]
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

 

 

To be used for pledge of Additional Pledged Collateral by existing Grantor.

 

A1-1


Annex 1-A

PLEDGED STOCK

 

ISSUER

 

CLASS

 

CERTIFICATE

NO(S).

 

PAR

VALUE

 

NUMBER

OF

SHARES,

UNITS OR

INTERESTS

       
       
       

PLEDGED DEBT INSTRUMENTS

 

ISSUER

 

DESCRIPTION OF

DEBT

 

CERTIFICATE

NO(S).

 

FINAL

MATURITY

 

PRINCIPAL

AMOUNT

       
       
       

 

A1-2

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

[NAME OF BORROWER]


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

        as US Agent

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

A1-3

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

[NAME OF BORROWER]


ANNEX 2

TO

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of               , 20      , is delivered pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ US Borrower ”), and the Affiliates of the US Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors in favor of the General Electric Capital Corporation, as US Agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

By executing and delivering this Joinder Agreement, the undersigned, as provided in Section 8.6 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, hereby becomes a party to the Guaranty and Security Agreement as a Grantor thereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor therein and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as collateral security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Secured Obligations of the undersigned, hereby mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to the US Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and grants to the US Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a lien on and security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral of the undersigned and expressly assumes all obligations and liabilities of a Grantor thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound as a Grantor for the purposes of the Guaranty and Security Agreement. During the effectiveness of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, each Grantor authorizes the US Agent and its Related Persons, at any time and from time to time, to file or record financing statements, amendments, thereto, and other filing or recording documents or instruments with respect to any Collateral in such form and in such offices as the US Agent reasonably determines appropriate to perfect the security interests of the US Agent under the Guaranty and Security Agreement, and such financing statements and amendments may describe the Collateral covered thereby as “all assets of the debtor, whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired, including all proceeds thereof”.

The information set forth in Annex 1-A is hereby added to the information set forth in Schedules 1 through 6 to the Guaranty and Security Agreement. By acknowledging and agreeing to this Joinder Agreement, the undersigned hereby agree that this Joinder Agreement may be attached to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and that the Collateral listed on Annex 1-A to this Joinder Amendment shall be and become part of the Collateral referred to in the Guaranty and Security Agreement and shall secure all Secured Obligations of the undersigned.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that each of the representations and warranties contained in Article IV of the Guaranty and Security Agreement applicable to it is true and correct on and as the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

 

A2-1

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

[NAME OF BORROWER]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS CAUSED THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT TO BE DULY EXECUTED AND DELIVERED AS OF THE DATE FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN.

 

[Additional Grantor]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

A2-2

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

[NAME OF BORROWER]


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

 

[EACH GRANTOR PLEDGING

ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL]

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

    as US Agent

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

A2-3

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

[NAME OF BORROWER]


ANNEX 3

TO

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT 1

THIS [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of               , 20      , is made by                              , [“                      ”],                              [“                      ”] and                              [“                      ”] (this “ Agreement ”), is made by each of the entities listed on the signature pages hereof (each a “ Grantor ” and, collectively, the “ Grantors ”), in favor of General Electric Capital Corporation (“ GE Capital ”), as administrative agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ US Agent ”) for the US Lenders and the US L/C Issuers (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) and the other Secured Parties.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ US Borrower ”), Thermon Canada Inc., a Nova Scotia company (the “ Canadian Borrower ” and together with US Borrower, the “ Borrowers ”), Holdings, the other Credit Parties party thereto, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers from time to time party thereto, US Agent, and GE Canada Finance Holding Company, as Canadian Agent for the Canadian Lenders and the Canadian L/C Issuers, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrowers upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, each Grantor has agreed, pursuant to a Guaranty and Security Agreement of even date herewith in favor of the US Agent (the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”), to guarantee the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement, and including, but not limited to the Canadian Obligations) of the Borrowers; and

WHEREAS, all of the Grantors are party to the Guaranty and Security Agreement pursuant to which the Grantors are required to execute and deliver this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuers, the US Agent and the Canadian Agent to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders and the L/C Issuers to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrowers thereunder, each Grantor hereby agrees with the US Agent as follows:

Section 1. Defined Terms . Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

 

1

Separate agreements should be executed relating to each Grantor’s respective Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks.

 

A3-1


Section 2. Grant of Security Interest in [Copyright] [Trademark] [Patent] Collateral . Each Grantor, as collateral security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Secured Obligations of such Grantor, hereby mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to the US Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and grants to the US Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a Lien on and security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the following Collateral of such Grantor (other than any Excluded Property, but only during such time that such Collateral actually constitutes Excluded Property) (the “ [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Collateral ”):

(a) [all of its U.S. registered Copyrights, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all renewals, reversions and extensions of the foregoing; and

(c) all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under and with respect to any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, all rights to sue and recover at law or in equity for any past, present and future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof.]

or

(a) [all of its U.S. issued Patents, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(a) all reissues, reexaminations, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, renewals and extensions of the foregoing; and

(b) all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under and with respect to any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, all rights to sue and recover at law or in equity for any past, present and future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof.]

or

(a) [all of its U.S. registered Trademarks, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(c) all renewals and extensions of the foregoing;

(d) all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each such Trademark; and

(e) all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under and with respect to any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, all rights to sue and recover at law or in equity for any past, present and future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof.]

 

A3-2


Section 3. Guaranty and Security Agreement . The security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the US Agent pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and each Grantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights and remedies of the US Agent with respect to the security interest in the [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.

Section 4. Grantor Remains Liable . Each Grantor hereby agrees that, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, such Grantor shall assume full and complete responsibility for the prosecution, defense, enforcement or any other necessary or desirable actions in connection with their [Copyrights] [Patents] [Trademarks] subject to a security interest hereunder.

Section 5. Counterparts . This Agreement 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 one and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or Electronic Transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

Section 6. Termination . This Agreement shall terminate concurrently with the termination of the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

Section 7. Governing Law . This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of Illinois.

Section 8. Conflict with Other Agreements . In the event of any conflict between this Agreement (or any portion thereof) and the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the Guaranty and Security Agreement shall prevail.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

A3-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Grantor has caused this [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.

 

Very truly yours,

[GRANTOR]

        as Grantor

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

 

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

        as US Agent

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 

A3-4


SCHEDULE I

TO

[COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT

[Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Registrations

 

1. REGISTERED [COPYRIGHTS] [PATENTS] [TRADEMARKS]

[Include Registration Number and Date]

 

2. [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] APPLICATIONS

[Include Application Number and Date]

 

3. IP LICENSES

[Include complete legal description of agreement (name of agreement, parties and date)]

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

 

SECURITY AGREEMENT

Dated as of April 30, 2010

among

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.,

and

Each Other Grantor

From Time to Time Party Hereto

and

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

as Collateral Agent

 

 

 


     TABLE OF CONTENTS   
              Page
ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS    1
  Section 1.1    Definitions    1
  Section 1.2    Certain Other Terms    8
ARTICLE II GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST    10
  Section 2.1    Collateral    10
  Section 2.2    Grant of Security Interest in Collateral    10
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    11
  Section 3.1    Title; No Other Liens    11
  Section 3.2    Perfection and Priority    11
  Section 3.3    Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office    12
  Section 3.4    Locations of Inventory, Equipment and Books and Records    12
  Section 3.5    Pledged Collateral    12
  Section 3.6    Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts    13
  Section 3.7    Intellectual Property    13
  Section 3.8    Commercial Tort Claims    14
  Section 3.9    Specific Collateral    14
  Section 3.10    Enforcement    14
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS    14
  Section 4.1    Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation and Consents    14
  Section 4.2    Changes in Locations, Name, Etc.    16
  Section 4.3    Pledged Collateral    16
  Section 4.4    Accounts    17
  Section 4.5    Commodity Contracts    17
  Section 4.6    Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper and Control of Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper    17
  Section 4.7    Intellectual Property    18
  Section 4.8    Notices    19
  Section 4.9    Notice of Commercial Tort Claims    19
  Section 4.10    Controlled Securities Account    20
ARTICLE V REMEDIAL PROVISIONS    20
  Section 5.1    Code and Other Remedies    20
  Section 5.2    Accounts and Payments in Respect of General Intangibles    23
  Section 5.3    Pledged Collateral    24
  Section 5.4    Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by Collateral Agent    26
  Section 5.5    Sale of Pledged Collateral    26
  Section 5.6    Deficiency    27

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page
ARTICLE VI THE COLLATERAL AGENT    27
  Section 6.1    Collateral Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact    27
  Section 6.2    Authorization to File Financing Statements    29
  Section 6.3    Authority of Collateral Agent    29
  Section 6.4    Duty; Obligations and Liabilities    29
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS    30
  Section 7.1    Reinstatement    30
  Section 7.2    Release of Collateral    30
  Section 7.3    Independent Obligations    31
  Section 7.4    No Waiver by Course of Conduct    31
  Section 7.5    Amendments in Writing    32
  Section 7.6    Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral    32
  Section 7.7    Notices    32
  Section 7.8    Successors and Assigns    32
  Section 7.9    Counterparts    32
  Section 7.10    Severability    32
  Section 7.11    Governing Law    33
  Section 7.12    Waiver of Jury Trial    33
  Section 7.13    Intercreditor Agreement    33

 

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ANNEXES AND SCHEDULES

Annex 1

   Form of Pledge Amendment

Annex 2

   Form of Joinder Agreement

Annex 3

   Form of Intellectual Property Security Agreement

Schedule 1

   Commercial Tort Claims

Schedule 2

   Filings

Schedule 3

   Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office

Schedule 4

   Location of Inventory and Equipment

Schedule 5

   Pledged Collateral

Schedule 6

   Intellectual Property

 

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SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), and each of the other entities listed on the signature pages hereof or that becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 7.6 (collectively with the Company, the “ Grantors ”), in favor of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as collateral agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the Secured Parties (as hereinafter defined).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Thermon Finance, Inc. (to be merged with and into the Company on the date hereof) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “ Trustee ”), have entered into an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, among the Company, the other Grantors party therto and the Trustee, and as further amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Indenture, (i) the Company has issued its 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (such notes, together with any other notes from time to time issued pursuant to the Indenture, the “ Notes ”) and (ii) each other Grantor has unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, all Indenture Obligations of the Company;

WHEREAS, each Grantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the issuance of the Notes; and

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the sale of the Notes under the Purchase Agreement, dated April 23, 2010, by and among Thermon Finance, Inc. (to be merged with and into the Company on the date hereof) and the initial purchasers set forth therein that the Grantors shall have executed and delivered this Agreement to the Collateral Agent;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Trustee to enter into the Indenture and to induce the Holders to purchase the Notes, each Grantor hereby agrees with the Collateral Agent as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.1 Definitions . (a) Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Indenture.


(b) The following terms have the meanings given to them in the UCC and terms used herein without definition that are defined in the UCC have the meanings given to them in the UCC (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined): “ account debtor ”, “ as-extracted collateral ”, “ certificated security ”, “ chattel paper ”, “ commercial tort claim ”, “ commodity contract ”, “ deposit account ”, “ electronic chattel paper ”, “ equipment ”, “ farm products ”, “ fixture ”, “ general intangible ”, “ goods ”, “ health-care-insurance receivable ”, “ instruments ”, “ investment property ”, “ letter-of-credit right ”, “ proceeds ”, “ record ”, “ securities account ”, “ security ”, “ supporting obligation ” and “ tangible chattel paper ”.

(c) The following terms shall have the following meanings:

Account ” means, as at any date of determination, all “accounts” (as such term is defined in the UCC) of the Grantors, including, without limitation, the unpaid portion of the obligation of a customer of any Grantor in respect of Inventory purchased by and shipped to such customer and/or the rendition of services by such Grantor, as stated on the respective invoice of such Grantor, net of any credits, rebates or offsets owed to such customer.

Affiliate ” means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if the controlling Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limitation, any director, executive officer or beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of the Stock (either directly or through ownership of Stock Equivalents) of a Person shall for the purposes of this Agreement, be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Collateral Agent, the Trustee or any Holder shall be deemed an “Affiliate” of any Grantor or of any Subsidiary of any Grantor solely by reason of the provisions of the Indenture Documents.

Agreement ” means this Security Agreement.

Applicable IP Office ” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any similar office or agency within or outside the United States, as applicable.

Cash Collateral Account ” means a deposit account or securities account subject, in each instance, to a Control Agreement.

Collateral ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1 .

Contractual Obligations ” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, undertaking, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument, document or agreement to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its Property is bound.

 

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Control Agreement ” means a deposit account, securities account or commodities account control agreement by and among the applicable Grantor, the First Lien Agent, the Collateral Agent and the depository, securities intermediary or commodities intermediary, and each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and in any event providing to the Collateral Agent (or, to the extent required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Agent as bailee for the Secured Parties) “control” of such deposit account, securities or commodities account within the meaning of Articles 8 and 9 of the UCC and the Securities Transfer Act, 2006 (Ontario) or the comparable statutes in provinces and territories of Canada other than Ontario for such accounts located in those jurisdictions. For certainty, for a Canadian bank account, such term shall also refer to a “blocked account” agreement with respect to such bank account, notwithstanding that the execution and delivery of such agreement is not a perfection requirement.

Controlled Securities Account ” means each securities account (including all financial assets held therein and all certificates and instruments, if any, representing or evidencing such financial assets) that is the subject of an effective Control Agreement.

Copyrights ” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to copyrights and all mask work, database and design rights, whether or not registered or published, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.

Electronic Transmission ” means each document, instruction, authorization, file, information and any other communication transmitted, posted or otherwise made or communicated by e-mail or E-Fax, or otherwise to or from an E-System or other equivalent service.

Excluded Accounts ” means (i) any payroll account so long as amounts on deposit therein do not exceed the reasonably estimated payroll obligations of the Person who maintains the account and such amounts are deposited therein immediately prior to any required payroll date, (ii) any withholding tax, benefits, escrow, trust, customs or any other fiduciary account, (iii) any zero balance deposit account provided the amount on deposit therein does not exceed the amount necessary to cover outstanding checks, amounts necessary to maintain minimum deposit requirements and amounts necessary to pay the depositary institution’s fees and expenses, (iv) any deposit account maintained with a foreign bank (other than a foreign bank located in Canada) and (v) any petty cash deposit accounts maintained at a financial institution for which a Control Agreement has not otherwise been obtained, so long as, with respect to this clause (v), the aggregate amount on deposit in each such petty cash account does not exceed $250,000 at any one time and the aggregate amount on deposit in all such petty cash accounts does not exceed $700,000 at any one time as of or after the date hereof.

 

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Excluded Equity ” means the voting Capital Stock directly owned by a Grantor of any CFC in excess of 65% of all of the outstanding voting Capital Stock of such CFC.

Excluded Property ” means:

(1) Excluded Equity;

(2) leasehold interests in real property with respect to which the Company or any Grantor is a tenant or subtenant;

(3) any permit or license, any Contractual Obligation, healthcare insurance receivable or other general intangible, Intellectual Property or franchise in connection with which any Grantor has any right, title to or interest (A) that prohibits or requires the consent of any Person other than a Grantor or any of its Subsidiaries which has not been obtained as a condition to the creation by such Grantor of a Lien on any right, title or interest in such permit, license, Contractual Obligation, healthcare insurance receivable or other general intangible, Intellectual Property or franchise or any Stock or Stock Equivalent related thereto, (B) to the extent that any Requirement of Law applicable thereto prohibits the creation of a Lien thereon, but only, with respect to the prohibition in (A) and (B), to the extent, and for as long as, such prohibition is not terminated or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other Requirement of Law or (C) the grant of a security interest in such permit, license, Contractual Obligation, general intangible, Intellectual Property or franchise would reasonably be expected to result in the loss of rights thereon or create a default thereunder;

(4) property and assets owned by the Company or any other Grantor that are the subject of Permitted Liens described in clause (7) of the definition thereof set forth in the Indenture for so long as such Permitted Liens are in effect and the Indebtedness secured thereby otherwise prohibits any other Liens thereon;

(5) Excluded Accounts; and

(6) any Capital Stock or other securities of the Parent’s Subsidiaries to the extent that the pledge of such securities results in the Parent being required to file separate financial statements of such Subsidiary with the SEC, but only to the extent necessary for the Parent not to be subject to such requirement and only for so long as such requirement is in existence; provided that neither the Parent nor any Subsidiary shall take any action in the form of a reorganization, merger or other restructuring a principal purpose of which is to provide for the release of the Lien on any securities pursuant to this clause.

E-Fax ” means any system used to receive or transmit faxes electronically.

 

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E-System ” means any electronic system, including Intralinks® and ClearPar® and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the First Lien Agent, any of its Related Persons or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

First Lien Agent ” has the meaning specified in the Intercreditor Agreement.

First Lien Creditors ” has the meaning specified in the Intercreditor Agreement.

First Lien Document ” has the meaning specified in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Governmental Authority ” means any nation or government, any state, provincial or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary or regulatory authority) thereof, any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.

Intellectual Property ” means all rights, title and interests in or relating to intellectual property and industrial property arising under any Requirement of Law and all IP Ancillary Rights relating thereto, including all Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, Internet Domain Names, Trade Secrets and IP Licenses.

Internet Domain Name ” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to Internet domain names.

In-Transit Collateral ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4 .

Inventory ” means all of the “inventory” (as such term is defined in the UCC) of the Grantors, including, but not limited to, all merchandise, raw materials, parts, supplies, work-in-process and finished goods intended for sale, together with all the containers, packing, packaging, shipping and similar materials related thereto, and including such inventory as is temporarily out of a Grantor’s custody or possession, including inventory on the premises of others and items in transit.

IP Ancillary Rights ” means, with respect to any other Intellectual Property, as applicable, all foreign counterparts to, and all divisionals, reversions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, renewals and extensions of, such Intellectual Property and all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under or with respect to any of the foregoing or otherwise with respect to such Intellectual Property, including all rights to sue or recover at law or

 

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in equity for any past, present or future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof, and, in each case, all rights to obtain any other IP Ancillary Right.

IP Licenses ” means all Contractual Obligations (and all related IP Ancillary Rights), whether written or oral, granting any right, title and interest in or relating to any Intellectual Property.

Liabilities ” means all claims, actions, suits, judgments, damages, losses, liability, obligations, responsibilities, fines, penalties, sanctions, costs, fees, taxes, commissions, charges, disbursements and expenses, in each case of any kind or nature (including interest accrued thereon or as a result thereto and fees, charges and disbursements of financial, legal and other advisors and consultants), whether joint or several, whether or not indirect, contingent, consequential, actual, punitive, treble or otherwise.

Material Adverse Effect ” means: (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, Properties, or financial condition of the Grantors taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Grantor, any Subsidiary of any Grantor or any other Person (other than the Collateral Agent or the Holders) to perform in any material respect its obligations under any Indenture Document; or (c) a material adverse effect upon (i) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of any Indenture Document, or (ii) the perfection or priority of any Lien granted to the Holders or to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties or any material portion of the Collateral under any of the Collateral Documents.

Material Intellectual Property ” means Intellectual Property that is owned by or licensed to a Grantor and material to the conduct of any Grantor’s business.

Ordinary Course of Business ” means, in respect of any transaction involving any Person, the ordinary course of such Person’s business, as conducted by any such Person in accordance with past practice and undertaken by such Person in good faith and not for purposes of evading any covenant or restriction in any Indenture Document.

Organization Document ” means, (a) for any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation, the bylaws, any certificate of determination or instrument relating to the rights of preferred shareholders of such corporation, and any shareholder rights agreement, (b) for any partnership, the partnership agreement and, if applicable, certificate of limited partnership, (c) for any limited liability company, the operating agreement and articles or certificate of formation or (d) any other document setting forth the manner of election or duties of the officers, directors, managers or other similar persons, or the designation, amount or relative rights, limitations and preference of the Stock of a Person.

Parent ” means Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation.

 

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Patents ” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to letters patent and applications therefor.

Permits ” means, with respect to any Person, any permit, approval, authorization, license, registration, certificate, concession, grant, franchise, variance or permission from, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law and applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or Governmental Authority.

Pledge Amendment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(b) .

Pledged Certificated Stock ” means all certificated securities and any other Stock or Stock Equivalent of any Person evidenced by a certificate, instrument or other similar document (as defined in the UCC), in each case owned by any Grantor, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including all Stock and Stock Equivalents listed on Schedule 5 . Pledged Certificated Stock excludes any Excluded Property and any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 4.10 hereof.

Pledged Collateral ” means, collectively, the Pledged Stock and the Pledged Debt Instruments.

Pledged Debt Instruments ” means all right, title and interest of any Grantor in instruments evidencing any Indebtedness owed to such Grantor or other obligations, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including all Indebtedness described on Schedule 5 , issued by the obligors named therein. Pledged Debt Instruments excludes any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 4.10 hereof.

Pledged Investment Property ” means any investment property of any Grantor, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, other than any Pledged Stock or Pledged Debt Instruments. Pledged Investment Property excludes Excluded Equity and any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 4.10 hereof.

Pledged Stock ” means all Pledged Certificated Stock and all Pledged Uncertificated Stock.

 

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Pledged Uncertificated Stock ” means any Stock or Stock Equivalent of any Person that is not Pledged Certificated Stock, including all right, title and interest of any Grantor as a limited or general partner in any partnership not constituting Pledged Certificated Stock or as a member of any limited liability company, all right, title and interest of any Grantor in, to and under any Organization Document of any partnership or limited liability company to which it is a party, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including in each case those interests set forth on Schedule 5 , to the extent such interests are not certificated. Pledged Uncertificated Stock excludes any Excluded Property and any Cash Equivalents that are not held in Controlled Securities Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 4.10 hereof.

Property ” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

Related Persons ” means, with respect to any Person, each Affiliate of such Person and each director, officer, employee, agent, trustee, representative, attorney, accountant and each insurance, environmental, legal, financial and other advisor and other consultants and agents of or to such Person or any of its Affiliates.

Requirement of Law ” means, as to any Person, any law (statutory or common), ordinance, treaty, rule, regulation, order, policy, other legal requirement or determination of an arbitrator or of a Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its Property or to which such Person or any of its Property is subject.

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, corporate controller or the president of the Company or any other officer having substantially the same authority and responsibility; or, with respect to compliance with financial covenants or delivery of financial information, the chief financial officer or the treasurer of the Company or any other officer having substantially the same authority and responsibility.

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 .

Secured Party ” means each of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders of the Notes from time to time.

Software ” means (a) all computer programs, including source code and object code versions, (b) all data, databases and compilations of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, and (c) all documentation, training materials and configurations related to any of the foregoing.

Stock ” means all shares of capital stock (whether denominated as common stock or preferred stock), equity interests, beneficial, partnership or membership interests, joint venture interests, participations or other ownership or profit interests in or equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a Person (other than an individual), whether voting or non-voting.

 

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Stock Equivalents ” means all securities convertible into or exchangeable for Stock or any other Stock Equivalent and all warrants, options or other rights to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any Stock or any other Stock Equivalent, whether or not presently convertible, exchangeable or exercisable.

Termination Date ” means the earliest to occur of: (A) the payment in full in cash of all outstanding Secured Obligations; (B) the Company’s exercise of its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described in and in accordance with Article 9 of the Indenture; and (C) the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture in accordance with Article 4 of the Indenture.

Trade Secrets ” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to trade secrets.

Trademark ” means all right, title and interest (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service marks, logos and other source or business identifiers and, in each case, all goodwill associated therewith, all registrations and recordations thereof and all applications in connection therewith.

“t ransferable records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(d) .

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York; provided , however , that, in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of any applicable Requirement of Law, any of the attachment, perfection or priority of the Collateral Agent’s or any other Secured Party’s security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code of a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, “ UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such attachment, perfection or priority and for purposes of the definitions related to or otherwise used in such provisions.

Vehicles ” means all vehicles covered by a certificate of title law of any state.

Section 1.2 Certain Other Terms.

(a) The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms. The terms “herein”, “hereof” and similar terms refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or clause in this Agreement. References herein to an Annex, Schedule, Article, Section or clause refer to the appropriate Annex or Schedule to, or Article,

 

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Section or clause in this Agreement. Where the context requires, provisions relating to any Collateral when used in relation to a Grantor shall refer to such Grantor’s Collateral or any relevant part thereof.

(b) Other Interpretive Provisions .

(i) Defined Terms . Unless otherwise specified herein or therein, all terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto.

(ii) The Agreement . The words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(iii) Certain Common Terms . The term “including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation.”

(iv) Performance; Time . Whenever any performance obligation hereunder (other than a payment obligation) shall be stated to be due or required to be satisfied on a day other than a Business Day, such performance shall be made or satisfied on the next succeeding Business Day. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”, and the word “through” means “to and including.” If any provision of this Agreement refers to any action taken or to be taken by any Person, or which such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be interpreted to encompass any and all means, direct or indirect, of taking, or not taking, such action.

(v) Contracts . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, references to agreements and other contractual instruments, including this Agreement and the other Indenture Documents, shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments thereto, restatements and substitutions thereof and other modifications and supplements thereto which are in effect from time to time, but only to the extent such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by the terms of any Indenture Document.

(vi) Laws . References to any statute or regulation are to be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions related thereto or consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting the statute or regulation.

 

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ARTICLE II

GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

Section 2.1 Collateral . For the purposes of this Agreement, all of the following property now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by a Grantor or in which a Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interests is collectively referred to as the “ Collateral ”:

(a) all Accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, documents, equipment, general intangibles, instruments, Intellectual Property, Inventory, investment property, letter of credit rights and any supporting obligations (in each case, as defined in the UCC) related to any of the foregoing;

(b) the commercial tort claims described on Schedule 1 and on any supplement thereto received by the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 4.9 ;

(c) all books and records pertaining to the other property described in this Section 2.1 ;

(d) all property of such Grantor held by any Secured Party, the First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Creditor, including all property of every description, in the custody of or in transit to such Secured Party, the First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Creditor for any purpose, including safekeeping, collection or pledge, for the account of such Grantor or as to which such Grantor may have any right or power, including but not limited to cash;

(e) all other goods (including but not limited to fixtures) and personal property of such Grantor, whether tangible or intangible and wherever located; and

(f) to the extent not otherwise included, all proceeds of the foregoing;

Section 2.2 Grant of Security Interest in Collateral . Each Grantor, as collateral security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Indenture Obligations of such Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Documents, including, but not limited to, the guaranties thereof (the “ Secured Obligations ”), hereby mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and grants to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a Lien on and security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral of such Grantor; provided , however , notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lien or security interest is hereby mortgaged, pledged, hypothecated or granted on any Excluded Property; provided , further , that if and when any property shall cease to be Excluded Property, a Lien on and security in such property shall be deemed granted therein.

 

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ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

On the date hereof, solely with respect to Sections 3.1 and 3.2 , and after the date hereof, with respect to all representations and warranties in this Article III, to induce the Trustee to enter into the Indenture and the Holders to purchase the Notes, each Grantor hereby represents and warrants each of the following to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties:

Section 3.1 Title; No Other Liens . Except for the Lien granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Agreement and any other Permitted Liens, such Grantor owns each item of the Collateral free and clear of any and all Liens. Such Grantor (a) is the record and beneficial owner of the Collateral pledged by it hereunder constituting instruments or certificates and (b) has rights in or the power to grant a security interest in such rights in each other item of Collateral in which a Lien is granted by it hereunder, free and clear of any other Lien (except for the Lien granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Agreement and any other Permitted Liens).

Section 3.2 Perfection and Priority . The security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement, to the extent a security interest can be granted by a security agreement governed by New York law, constitutes a valid and continuing perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent in all Collateral subject, for the following Collateral, to the occurrence of the following: (i) in the case of all Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing a financing statement under the UCC, the completion of the filings and other actions specified on Schedule 2 (which, in the case of all filings and other documents referred to on such schedule, have been delivered to the Collateral Agent in completed and duly authorized form), (ii) with respect to any deposit account, the execution of Control Agreements, (iii) in the case of all U.S. registered Copyrights, U.S. registered Trademarks and U.S. issued Patents owned by a Grantor for which UCC filings are insufficient, all appropriate filings having been made with the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as applicable, (iv) in the case of letter-of-credit rights that are not supporting obligations of Collateral, the execution of a Contractual Obligation granting control to the Collateral Agent over such letter-of-credit rights to the extent required under Section 4.6 , and (v) in the case of electronic chattel paper, the completion of all steps necessary to grant control to the Collateral Agent over such electronic chattel paper to the extent required under Section 4.6 . Such security interest shall be prior to all other Liens on the Collateral except for Permitted Liens having priority over the Collateral Agent’s Lien by operation of law or, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, with the express written agreement of the Collateral Agent acting upon the direction of the Holders upon (i) in the case of all Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property, the delivery thereof to the Collateral Agent (or, to the extent required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Agent) of such Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property to the extent required under Section 4.3 consisting of instruments and certificates, in each case properly endorsed for transfer to

 

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the Collateral Agent (or, to the extent required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Agent) or in blank, (ii) in the case of all Pledged Investment Property not in certificated form, the execution of Control Agreements with respect to such investment property to the extent required under Section 4.3 and (iii) in the case of all other instruments and tangible chattel paper that are not Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments or Pledged Investment Property, the delivery thereof to the Collateral Agent (or, to the extent required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Agent) of such instruments and tangible chattel paper. Except as set forth in this Section 3.2 , all actions by each Grantor necessary or desirable to protect and perfect the Lien granted hereunder on the Collateral have been duly taken.

Section 3.3 Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office . Such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization, legal name and organizational identification number, if any, and the location of such Grantor’s chief executive office or sole place of business, in each case as of the date hereof, is specified on Schedule 3 and such Schedule 3 also lists all jurisdictions of incorporation, legal names and locations of such Grantor’s chief executive office or sole place of business for the five years preceding the date hereof.

Section 3.4 Locations of Inventory, Equipment and Books and Records . On the date hereof, such Grantor’s inventory and equipment (other than inventory or equipment in transit in the Ordinary Course of Business (including, without limitation, Vehicles being used in the Ordinary Course of Business), items out for repair, equipment in the possession of an employee or a processor in the Ordinary Course of Business and equipment in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 (collectively, the “ In-Transit Collateral ”) and books and records concerning the Collateral are kept at the locations listed on Schedule 4.

Section 3.5 Pledged Collateral . (a) The Pledged Stock pledged by such Grantor hereunder (i) is listed on Schedule 5 (as such Schedule is deemed updated by each Pledge Amendment delivered hereunder) and constitutes that percentage of the issued and outstanding equity of all classes of each issuer thereof as set forth on Schedule 5 and (ii) has been duly authorized, validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable (other than Pledged Stock in limited liability companies, partnerships and, if such concepts are not applicable in the jurisdiction of organization of such Person, Foreign Subsidiaries).

(b) As of the date hereof and except to the extent required to be delivered (and actually delivered) to the First Lien Agent in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement, all Pledged Collateral (other than Pledged Uncertificated Stock) and all Pledged Investment Property consisting of instruments and certificates has been delivered to the Collateral Agent to the extent required by and in accordance with Section 4.3(a) .

(c) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall

 

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be entitled to exercise all of the rights of the Grantor granting the security interest in any Pledged Stock, and a transferee or assignee of such Pledged Stock shall become a holder of such Pledged Stock to the same extent as such Grantor and be entitled to participate in the management of the issuer of such Pledged Stock and, upon the transfer of the entire interest of such Grantor, such Grantor shall, by operation of law, cease to be a holder of such Pledged Stock; provided that the Collateral Agent may elect at its sole and absolute discretion to permit such Grantor to continue voting such Pledged Stock.

(d) After all Events of Default have been cured or waived, each Grantor will have the right to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers that it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to the terms of paragraph (c) above.

Section 3.6 Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts . No amount payable to such Grantor under or in connection with any account is evidenced by any instrument or tangible chattel paper that has not been delivered to the Collateral Agent (or, to the extent required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Agent), properly endorsed for transfer, to the extent delivery is required by Section 4.6(a) .

Section 3.7 Intellectual Property .

(a) Schedule 6, as updated from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, sets forth a true and complete list of the following Intellectual Property such Grantor owns: (i) Intellectual Property that is registered or subject to applications for registration, (ii) Internet Domain Names, (iii) Material Intellectual Property and material Software, including for each of the foregoing items (1) the owner, (2) the title, (3) the jurisdiction in which such item has been registered or otherwise arises or in which an application for registration has been filed, (4) as applicable, the registration or application number and registration or application date and (5) any IP Licenses or other rights (including franchises) granted by the Grantor with respect thereto and (iv) all material IP Licenses pursuant to which a Grantor has licensed Intellectual Property from a third party, other than licenses for commercially available off the shelf software which has not been substantially customized (other than non-exclusive licenses or sublicenses granted via non stand-alone license agreements in the ordinary course of business in a manner not inconsistent with industry practice).

(b) On the date hereof, all registered Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor is valid, in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired and enforceable (subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights, generally, and general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)), and no such Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor has been abandoned, except to the extent the failure to be valid, in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired or enforceable or such abandonment will not and would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Indenture Documents shall not cause any breach or default of any material IP License or limit or

 

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impair the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of, or any rights of such Grantor in, any Material Intellectual Property, except to the extent that such limitation or impairment would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. There are no pending (or, to the knowledge of such Grantor, threatened in writing) actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judicial orders or disputes challenging the ownership, use, validity, enforceability of, or such Grantor’s rights in, any Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor. To such Grantor’s knowledge, no Person has been or is infringing, misappropriating, diluting, violating or otherwise materially impairing any Intellectual Property of such Grantor. Such Grantor, and to such Grantor’s knowledge each other party thereto, is not in material breach or default of any material IP License, except to the extent that such breach or default would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.8 Commercial Tort Claims . The only commercial tort claims of any Grantor existing on the date hereof (regardless of whether the amount, defendant or other material facts can be determined and regardless of whether such commercial tort claim has been asserted or threatened or whether litigation has been commenced for such claims) are those listed on Schedule 1, which sets forth such information separately for each Grantor.

Section 3.9 Specific Collateral . None of the Collateral is, or is proceeds or products of, farm products, as-extracted collateral, health-care-insurance receivables or timber to be cut.

Section 3.10 Enforcement . No Permit, notice to or filing with any Governmental Authority or any notice to or consent from any other Person is required (except for Permits or consents which have been obtained and notices or filings which have been made) for the exercise by the Collateral Agent of its rights (including voting rights) provided for in this Agreement or the enforcement of remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, including the transfer of any Collateral, except as may be required in connection with the disposition of any portion of the Pledged Collateral by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities (including, but not limited to, membership interests in a limited liability company) generally or any approvals that may be required to be obtained from any bailees or landlords to collect the Collateral.

 

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ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

Each Grantor agrees with the Collateral Agent to the following, as long as any Indenture Obligation remains outstanding (other than contingent indemnification obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted):

Section 4.1 Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation and Consents . (a)  Generally . Such Grantor shall (i) not use or permit any Collateral to be used unlawfully or in violation of any provision of any Indenture Document, any First Lien Document, any Requirement of Law or any policy of insurance covering the Collateral and (ii) except as otherwise expressly permitted by the Indenture, not enter into any Contractual Obligation or undertaking restricting the right or ability of such Grantor or the Collateral Agent to sell, assign, convey or transfer any Collateral, except in each case if such unlawful use, violation or restriction would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as otherwise permitted in the Indenture Documents, such Grantor shall maintain the security interest created by this Agreement as a perfected security interest having at least the priority described in Section 3.2 and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to defend such security interest and such priority against the material claims and demands of all Persons.

(c) In addition to any statements, schedules or reports the Collateral Agent may request from time to time pursuant to the Indenture, each Grantor shall, upon the reasonable request by the Collateral Agent, at any time if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing but otherwise not more than once a year, furnish to the Collateral Agent from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other documents in connection with the Collateral as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request in order to maintain and protect its interest hereunder, all in reasonable detail and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

(d) At any time and from time to time, upon the reasonable written request of the Collateral Agent acting upon the direction of the Holders or as necessary under applicable law, such Grantor shall, for the purpose of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of this Agreement and of the rights and powers herein granted, (i) promptly and duly execute and deliver, and have recorded, such further documents, including an authorization to file (or, as applicable, the filing) of any financing statement or amendment under the UCC (or other filings under similar Requirements of Law) in effect in any jurisdiction with respect to the security interest created hereby and (ii) take the same further actions with respect to the Collateral as reasonably requested by the First Lien Agent with respect to the “Collateral” under, and as defined in, the First Lien Documents, including (A) using its commercially reasonable efforts to secure all approvals necessary or appropriate for the collateral assignment to or for the benefit of the Collateral Agent of any Contractual Obligation, including any IP License, held by such Grantor and to enforce the security interests granted hereunder; provided, that, if despite such Grantor’s commercially reasonable efforts such approvals are not secured or obtained, such Contractual Obligations will be deemed to constitute Excluded Property and (B) executing and delivering any Control Agreements with respect to deposit accounts and securities accounts to the extent required hereby or under any other Indenture Document. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 4.1(d) , each Grantor shall promptly deliver notice to Collateral Agent upon the opening of a new deposit account which, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Indenture Document, is required to be subject to a Control Agreement.

 

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(e) Intentionally Omitted.

(f) To ensure that a Lien and security interest is granted on any of the Excluded Property set forth in clause (3) of the definition of “ Excluded Property ”, such Grantor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any required consents from any Person (other than the Company and its Affiliates, which consents shall be obtained) with respect to any permit or license or any Contractual Obligation with such Person entered into by such Grantor that requires such consent as a condition to the creation by such Grantor of a Lien on any right, title or interest in such permit, license or Contractual Obligation or any Stock or Stock Equivalent related thereto; provided, that, if despite such Grantor’s commercially reasonable efforts such required consents are not obtained, such permit, license or Contractual Obligation related thereto will be deemed to constitute Excluded Property.

Section 4.2 Changes in Locations, Name, Etc . Except upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Collateral Agent and delivery to the Collateral Agent of (a) all documents required under law to maintain the validity, perfection and priority of the security interests provided for herein and (b) if applicable, a written supplement to Schedule 4 showing any additional locations at which inventory or equipment shall be kept, such Grantor shall not do any of the following:

(i) permit any inventory or equipment to be kept at a location other than those listed on Schedule 4, except for the In-Transit Collateral;

(ii) change its jurisdiction of organization or its location (as defined in Section 9-307 of the UCC), in each case from that referred to in Section 3.3 ; or

(iii) change its legal name or organizational identification number, if any, or corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other organizational structure to such an extent that any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement would become misleading.

Section 4.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Delivery of Pledged Collateral . On the date hereof, such Grantor shall (i) deliver to the Collateral Agent (or, to the extent required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Agent), in suitable form for transfer and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (or the First Lien Agent, as the case may be), (A) all Pledged Certificated Stock, (B) all Pledged Debt Instruments and (C) all certificates and instruments evidencing Pledged Investment Property and (ii) maintain all other Pledged Investment Property in a Controlled Securities Account to the extent required under Section 4.10 .

 

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(b) Event of Default . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, at any time in its discretion and without notice to the Grantor, to (i) transfer to or to register in its name or in the name of its nominees any Pledged Collateral or any Pledged Investment Property and (ii) exchange any certificate or instrument representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral or any Pledged Investment Property for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations.

(c) Cash Distributions with respect to Pledged Collateral . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, except as provided in Article V and subject to the limitations set forth in the Indenture, such Grantor shall be entitled to receive all cash distributions paid in respect of the Pledged Collateral.

(d) Voting Rights . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, except as provided in Article V, such Grantor shall be entitled to exercise all voting, consent and corporate, partnership, limited liability company and similar rights with respect to the Pledged Collateral; provided , however , that no vote shall be cast, consent given or right exercised or other action taken by such Grantor that would materially impair the Collateral or be inconsistent with or result in any violation of any provision of any Indenture Document.

Section 4.4 Accounts .

(a) Such Grantor shall not, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, (i) grant any extension of the time of payment of any account, (ii) compromise or settle any account for less than the full amount thereof, (iii) release, wholly or partially, any Person liable for the payment of any account, (iv) allow any credit or discount on any account or (v) amend, supplement or modify any account in any manner that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the value thereof.

(b) So long as an Event of Default is continuing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right to make test verifications of the Accounts in any manner and through any medium that it reasonably considers advisable, and such Grantor shall furnish all such assistance and information as the Collateral Agent may reasonably require in connection therewith. At any time and from time to time, upon the Collateral Agent’s reasonable request, such Grantor shall cause independent public accountants or others satisfactory to the Collateral Agent to furnish to the Collateral Agent reports showing reconciliations, aging, and trial balances for, the accounts.

Section 4.5 Commodity Contracts . Such Grantor shall not have any commodity contract unless subject to a Control Agreement.

Section 4.6 Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper and Control of Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper . (a) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, if any amount in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate payable under or in connection with any

 

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Collateral owned by such Grantor shall be or become evidenced by an instrument or tangible chattel paper other than such instrument delivered in accordance with Section 4.3(a) and in the possession of the Collateral Agent, such Grantor shall mark all such instruments and tangible chattel paper with the following legend: “This writing and the obligations evidenced or secured hereby are subject to the security interest of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Collateral Agent” and shall immediately deliver such instrument or tangible chattel paper to the Collateral Agent, duly indorsed in a manner satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

(b) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, such Grantor shall not grant “ control ” (within the meaning of such term under Article 9-106 of the UCC) over any investment property to any Person other than the Collateral Agent.

(c) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, if such Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter of credit that is (i) not a supporting obligation or any Collateral and (ii) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, such Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after becoming a beneficiary, notify the Collateral Agent thereof and use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into a Contractual Obligation with the Collateral Agent, the issuer of such letter of credit or any nominated person with respect to the letter-of-credit rights under such letter of credit. Such Contractual Obligation shall collaterally assign such letter-of-credit rights to the Collateral Agent and such collateral assignment shall be sufficient to grant control for the purposes of Section 9-107 of the UCC (or any similar section under any equivalent UCC). Such Contractual Obligation shall also direct all payments thereunder to a Cash Collateral Account. The provisions of the Contractual Obligation shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and the Borrower.

(d) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, if any amount in excess of $300,000 individually or $750,000 in the aggregate payable under or in connection with any Collateral owned by such Grantor shall be or become evidenced by electronic chattel paper, such Grantor shall, at the request of the Collateral Agent acting upon the direction of the Holders or as necessary under applicable law, take all steps necessary to grant the Collateral Agent control of all such electronic chattel paper for the purposes of Section 9-105 of the UCC (or any similar section under any equivalent UCC) and all “ transferable records ” as defined in each of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

Section 4.7 Intellectual Property . (a) Not less frequently than quarterly (as of the last day of each calendar quarter), each Grantor shall provide the Collateral Agent written notification of any change to Schedule 6 and the short-form intellectual property agreements as described in this Section 4.7 and other documents that the Collateral Agent reasonably requests with respect thereto.

(b) Such Grantor shall (and shall cause all its licensees to), in its reasonable business judgment, (i) (A) continue to use each Trademark included in the

 

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Material Intellectual Property which is material to such Grantor’s business in order to maintain such Trademark in full force and effect with respect to each class of goods for which such Trademark is currently used, free from any claim of abandonment for non-use, (B) maintain at least the same standards of quality of products and services offered under such Trademark as are currently maintained, (C) use such Trademark with the appropriate notice of registration and all other notices and legends required by applicable Requirements of Law, (D) not adopt or use any other Trademark that is confusingly similar or a colorable imitation of such Trademark unless the Collateral Agent shall obtain a perfected security interest in such other Trademark pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) not do any act or omit to do any act whereby (w) such Trademark (or any goodwill associated therewith) may become destroyed, invalidated, impaired or harmed in any way, (x) any Patent included in the Material Intellectual Property which is material to such Grantor’s business may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, (y) any portion of the Copyrights included in the Material Intellectual Property may become invalidated, otherwise impaired or fall into the public domain or (z) any Trade Secret that is Material Intellectual Property may become publicly available or otherwise unprotectable.

(c) Such Grantor shall notify the Collateral Agent promptly if it knows that any application or registration relating to any Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any material adverse determination or development regarding the validity or enforceability or such Grantor’s ownership of, interest in, right to use, register, own or maintain any Material Intellectual Property (including the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding relating to the foregoing in any Applicable IP Office). Unless no longer deemed Material Intellectual Property in such Grantor’s reasonable business judgment, such Grantor shall take all actions that are necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration or recordation) and to maintain each registration and recordation for Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor.

(d) Such Grantor shall not knowingly do any act or omit to do any act to infringe, misappropriate, dilute, violate or otherwise impair the Intellectual Property of any other Person to the extent such act could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. In the event that any Material Intellectual Property of such Grantor is or has been infringed, misappropriated, violated, diluted or otherwise impaired by a third party, such Grantor shall take such action as it reasonably deems appropriate under the circumstances in response thereto, including promptly bringing suit and recovering all damages therefor.

(e) Such Grantor shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent and suitable for filing in the Applicable IP Office the short-form intellectual property security agreements in the form attached hereto as Annex 3 for all U.S. registered Copyrights, U.S. registered Trademarks, and U.S. issued Patents of such Grantor.

 

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Section 4.8 Notices . Such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent in writing of its acquisition of any interest hereafter in property that is of a type where a security interest or Lien must be or may be registered, recorded or filed under, or notice thereof given under, any federal statute or regulation.

Section 4.9 Notice of Commercial Tort Claims . Such Grantor agrees that, if it shall acquire any interest in any commercial tort claim where such Grantor’s claim is in excess of $300,000 or its recovery thereunder could reasonably be expected to be greater than $300,000 (whether from another Person or because such commercial tort claim shall have come into existence) and upon a Responsible Officer becoming aware thereof, (i) such Grantor shall, promptly upon such acquisition, deliver to the Collateral Agent, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, a notice of the existence and nature of such commercial tort claim and a supplement to Schedule 1 containing a specific description of such commercial tort claim, (ii)  Section 2.1 shall apply to such commercial tort claim and (iii) such Grantor shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, any document, and take all other action necessary by law to create, perfect and protect Collateral Agent’s Lien, on behalf of the Secured Parties, a perfected security interest having at least the priority set forth in Section 3.2 in all such commercial tort claims. Such Grantor shall do all of the foregoing at any time if requested by Collateral Agent in writing with respect to any commercial tort claim in which a Grantor maintains any interest, regardless of the amount of the claim in respect thereof or potential recovery thereunder. Any supplement Schedule 1 delivered pursuant to this Section 4.9 shall, after the receipt thereof by the Collateral Agent, become part of Schedule 1 for all purposes hereunder other than in respect of representations and warranties made prior to the date of such receipt.

Section 4.10 Controlled Securities Account . Each Grantor shall deposit all of its Cash Equivalents, if any, in securities accounts that are Controlled Securities Accounts except for Cash Equivalents the aggregate value of which at any time does not exceed $250,000 individually and $700,000 in the aggregate.

ARTICLE V

REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

Section 5.1 Code and Other Remedies . (a)  UCC Remedies . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent may exercise, in addition to all other rights and remedies granted to it in this Agreement and in any other instrument or agreement securing, evidencing or relating to any Indenture Obligation, all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or any other applicable law.

(b) Disposition of Collateral . Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral Agent

 

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may, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred to below) to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived), during the continuance of any Event of Default (personally or through its agents or attorneys), (i) enter upon the premises where any Collateral is located, without any obligation to pay rent, through self-help, without judicial process, without first obtaining a final judgment or giving any Grantor or any other Person notice or opportunity for a hearing on the Collateral Agent’s claim or action, (ii) collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon any Collateral and (iii) sell, assign, convey, transfer, grant option or options to purchase and deliver any Collateral (or enter into Contractual Obligations to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of any Secured Party or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. The Collateral Agent shall have the right, upon any such public sale or sales and, to the extent permitted by the UCC and other applicable Requirements of Law, upon any such private sale, to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption of any Grantor, which right or equity is hereby waived and released.

(c) Management of the Collateral . Each Grantor further agrees that, during the continuance of any Event of Default and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, (i) at the Collateral Agent’s request, it shall assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Collateral Agent at places that the Collateral Agent shall reasonably select, whether at such Grantor’s premises or elsewhere, (ii) without limiting the foregoing, the Collateral Agent also has the right to require that each Grantor store and keep any Collateral pending further action by the Collateral Agent and, while any such Collateral is so stored or kept, provide such guards and maintenance services as shall be necessary to protect the same and to preserve and maintain such Collateral in good condition, (iii) until the Collateral Agent is able to sell, assign, convey or transfer any Collateral, the Collateral Agent shall have the right to hold or use such Collateral to the extent that it deems appropriate for the purpose of preserving the Collateral or its value or for any other purpose deemed appropriate by the Collateral Agent and (iv) the Collateral Agent may, if it so elects, seek the appointment of a receiver or keeper to take possession of any Collateral and to enforce any of the Collateral Agent’s remedies (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), with respect to such appointment without prior notice or hearing as to such appointment. The Collateral Agent shall not have any obligation to any Grantor to maintain or preserve the rights of any Grantor as against third parties with respect to any Collateral while such Collateral is in the possession of the Collateral Agent.

(d) Application of Proceeds . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall apply the cash proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Section 5.1 to the payment in whole or in part of the Secured Obligations, as set forth in the Indenture, and only after such application and after the payment by the Collateral Agent of any other amount required by any Requirement of Law, need the Collateral Agent account for the surplus, if any, to any Grantor.

 

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(e) Direct Obligation . Neither the Collateral Agent nor any other Secured Party shall be required to make any demand upon, or pursue or exhaust any right or remedy against, any Grantor or any other Person with respect to the payment of the Obligations or to pursue or exhaust any right or remedy with respect to any Collateral therefor or any direct or indirect guaranty thereof. All of the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent and any other Secured Party under any Indenture Document shall be cumulative, may be exercised individually or concurrently and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by any Requirement of Law. To the extent it may lawfully do so, each Grantor absolutely and irrevocably waives and relinquishes the benefit and advantage of, and covenants not to assert against the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party, any valuation, stay, appraisement, extension, redemption or similar laws and any and all rights or defenses it may have as a surety, now or hereafter existing, arising out of the exercise by them of any rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of any Collateral shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if given at least 10 days before such sale or other disposition.

(f) Commercially Reasonable . To the extent that applicable Requirements of Law impose duties on the Collateral Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it is not commercially unreasonable for the Collateral Agent to do any of the following:

(i) fail to incur significant costs, expenses or other Liabilities reasonably deemed as such by the Collateral Agent to prepare any Collateral for disposition or otherwise to complete raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition;

(ii) unless required by Requirements of Law, fail to obtain Permits, or other consents for (A) access to any Collateral to sell, (B) the collection or sale of any Collateral, or (C) the collection or disposition of any Collateral;

(iii) fail to exercise remedies against account debtors or other Persons obligated on any Collateral or to remove Liens on any Collateral or to remove any adverse claims against any Collateral;

(iv) advertise dispositions of any Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not such Collateral is of a specialized nature, or to contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as any Grantor, for expressions of interest in acquiring any such Collateral;

 

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(v) exercise collection remedies against account debtors and other Persons obligated on any Collateral, directly or through the use of collection agencies or other collection specialists, hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of any Collateral, whether or not such Collateral is of a specialized nature, or, to the extent deemed appropriate by the Collateral Agent, obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist the Collateral Agent in the collection or disposition of any Collateral, or utilize Internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets to dispose of any Collateral;

(vi) dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets;

(vii) disclaim disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment; or

(viii) purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure the Collateral Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of any Collateral or to provide to the Collateral Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or disposition of any Collateral.

Each Grantor acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 5.1 is to provide a non-exhaustive list of actions or omissions that are commercially reasonable when exercising remedies against any Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the Secured Parties shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 5.1 . Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 5.1 shall be construed to grant any rights to any Grantor or to impose any duties on the Collateral Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Agreement or by applicable Requirements of Law in the absence of this Section 5.1 .

(g) IP Licenses . For the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Section 5.1 (including in order to take possession of, collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, remove, realize upon, sell, assign, convey, transfer or grant options to purchase any Collateral) at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (i) subject to the rights of the applicable third party, an irrevocable (except as otherwise set forth in Section 7.2 ), nonexclusive, worldwide license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to such Grantor), including in such license the right to sublicense, use and practice any Intellectual Property not constituting Excluded Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor and access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all Software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof and (ii) an irrevocable license (without payment of rent or other compensation to such Grantor) to use, operate and occupy all real Property owned, operated, leased, subleased or otherwise occupied by such Grantor.

 

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Section 5.2 Accounts and Payments in Respect of General Intangibles . (a) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, in addition to, and not in substitution for, any similar requirement in the Indenture, if required by the Collateral Agent at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, any payment of accounts or payment in respect of general intangibles, when collected by any Grantor, shall be promptly (and, in any event, within two (2) Business Days) deposited by such Grantor in the exact form received, duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent, in a Cash Collateral Account, subject to withdrawal by the Collateral Agent as provided in Section 5.4 . Until so turned over, such payment shall be held by such Grantor in trust for the Collateral Agent, segregated from other funds of such Grantor. Each such deposit of proceeds of accounts and payments in respect of general intangibles shall be accompanied by a report identifying in reasonable detail the nature and source of the payments included in the deposit.

(b) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(i) each Grantor shall, upon the Collateral Agent’s request, deliver to the Collateral Agent all original and other documents evidencing, and relating to, the Contractual Obligations and transactions that gave rise to any account or any payment in respect of general intangibles, including all original orders, invoices and shipping receipts and notify account debtors that the accounts or general intangibles have been collaterally assigned to the Collateral Agent and that payments in respect thereof shall be made directly to the Collateral Agent;

(ii) the Collateral Agent may, without notice, at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, limit or terminate the authority of a Grantor to collect its accounts or amounts due under general intangibles or any thereof and, in its own name or in the name of others, communicate with account debtors to verify with them to the Collateral Agent’s satisfaction the existence, amount and terms of any account or amounts due under any general intangible. In addition, the Collateral Agent may at any time enforce such Grantor’s rights against such account debtors and obligors of general intangibles; and

(iii) each Grantor shall take all actions, deliver all documents and provide all information necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to ensure any Internet Domain Name is registered.

(c) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, each Grantor shall remain liable under each account and each payment in respect of general intangibles to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it thereunder, all in accordance with the terms of any agreement giving rise thereto. No Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any agreement giving rise to an account or a payment in respect of a general intangible by reason of or arising out of any Indenture Document or the receipt by any Secured Party of any payment relating thereto, nor shall any Secured Party be obligated in any manner

 

24


to perform any obligation of any Grantor under or pursuant to any agreement giving rise to an account or a payment in respect of a general intangible, to make any payment, to make any inquiry as to the nature or the sufficiency of any payment received by it or as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party thereunder, to present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any performance or to collect the payment of any amounts that may have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled at any time or times.

Section 5.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Voting Rights . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon notice by the Collateral Agent to the relevant Grantor or Grantors, the Collateral Agent or its nominee may exercise (A) any voting, consent, corporate and other right pertaining to the Pledged Collateral at any meeting of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be, of the relevant issuer or issuers of Pledged Collateral or otherwise and (B) any right of conversion, exchange and subscription and any other right, privilege or option pertaining to the Pledged Collateral as if it were the absolute owner thereof (including the right to exchange at its discretion any Pledged Collateral upon the merger, amalgamation, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other fundamental change in the corporate or equivalent structure of any issuer of Pledged Stock, the right to deposit and deliver any Pledged Collateral with any committee, depositary, transfer agent, registrar or other designated agency upon such terms and conditions as the Collateral Agent may determine), all without liability except to account for property actually received by it and except for any act constituting gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided , however , that the Collateral Agent shall have no duty to any Grantor to exercise any such right, privilege or option and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or delay in so doing; provided , further , that if and when any such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived, (i) such voting rights shall automatically revert to the applicable Grantor and (ii) the Collateral Agent, at the expense of the Grantors, shall execute such documents reasonably requested by Grantors to allow the owner of any equity interest to exercise any rights associated with such equity interest.

(b) Proxies . In order to permit the Collateral Agent to exercise the voting and other consensual rights that it may be entitled to exercise pursuant hereto and to receive all dividends and other distributions that it may be entitled to receive hereunder, (i) each Grantor shall promptly execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to the Collateral Agent all such proxies, dividend payment orders and other instruments as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request and (ii) without limiting the effect of clause (i) above, such Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent an irrevocable proxy to vote all or any part of the Pledged Collateral and to exercise all other rights, powers, privileges and remedies to which a holder of the Pledged Collateral would be entitled (including giving or withholding written consents of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be, calling special meetings of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be, and voting at such meetings), which proxy shall be effective, automatically and without the necessity of any action

 

25


(including any transfer of any Pledged Collateral on the record books of the issuer thereof) by any other person (including the issuer of such Pledged Collateral or any officer or agent thereof) during the continuance of an Event of Default and which proxy shall only terminate upon the payment in full of the Secured Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted).

(c) Authorization of Issuers . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, each Grantor hereby expressly irrevocably authorizes and instructs, without any further instructions from such Grantor, each issuer of any Pledged Collateral pledged hereunder by such Grantor to (i) comply with any instruction received by it from the Collateral Agent in writing that states that an Event of Default is continuing and is otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and each Grantor agrees that such issuer shall be fully protected from Liabilities to such Grantor in so complying and (ii) unless otherwise expressly permitted hereby or the Indenture, pay any dividend or make any other payment with respect to the Pledged Collateral directly to the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent hereby agrees that it shall not give any such instructions unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 5.4 Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by Collateral Agent . To the extent required in the Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or this Agreement, all proceeds of any Collateral received by any Grantor hereunder in cash or Cash Equivalents shall be held by such Grantor in trust for the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, segregated from other funds of such Grantor, and to the extent required by the Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or this Agreement shall, promptly upon receipt by any Grantor, be turned over to the Collateral Agent (or, to the extent required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Agent) in the exact form received (with any necessary endorsement). All such proceeds of Collateral and any other proceeds of any Collateral received by the Collateral Agent in cash or Cash Equivalents shall be held by the Collateral Agent in a Cash Collateral Account. All proceeds being held by the Collateral Agent in a Cash Collateral Account (or by such Grantor in trust for the Collateral Agent) shall continue to be held as collateral security for the Secured Obligations and shall not constitute payment thereof until applied as provided in the Indenture.

Section 5.5 Sale of Pledged Collateral . (a) Each Grantor recognizes that the Collateral Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of any Pledged Collateral by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act and applicable state or foreign securities laws or otherwise or may determine that a public sale is impracticable, not desirable or not commercially reasonable and, accordingly, may, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, resort to one or more private sales thereof to a restricted group of purchasers that shall be obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such securities for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that any such private sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable than if such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to

 

26


have been made in a commercially reasonable manner. The Collateral Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any Pledged Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer thereof to register such securities for public sale under the Securities Act or under applicable state securities laws even if such issuer would agree to do so.

(b) Each Grantor agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be necessary to make such sale or sales of any portion of the Pledged Collateral pursuant to Section 5.1 and this Section 5.5 valid and binding and in compliance with all applicable Requirements of Law. Each Grantor further agrees that a breach of any covenant contained herein will cause irreparable injury to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, that the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that each and every covenant contained herein shall be specifically enforceable against such Grantor, and such Grantor hereby waives and agrees not to assert any defense against an action for specific performance of such covenants except for a defense that no Event of Default has occurred under the Indenture or a defense of payment. Each Grantor waives any and all rights of contribution or subrogation upon the sale or disposition of all or any portion of the Pledged Collateral by the Collateral Agent.

Section 5.6 Deficiency . Each Grantor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of any Collateral are insufficient to pay the Secured Obligations and the fees and disbursements of any attorney employed by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to collect such deficiency.

ARTICLE VI

THE COLLATERAL AGENT

Section 6.1 Collateral Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact . (a) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent and any Related Person thereof, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor or in its own name, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of the Indenture Documents, to take any appropriate action and to execute any document or instrument that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of the Indenture Documents, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, each Grantor hereby gives the Collateral Agent and its Related Persons the power and right, on behalf of such Grantor, without notice to or assent by such Grantor, to do any of the following when an Event of Default shall be continuing:

(i) in the name of such Grantor, in its own name or otherwise, take possession of and indorse and collect any check, draft, note, acceptance or other instrument for the payment of moneys due under any account or general intangible or with respect to any other Collateral and file any claim or take any other action or proceeding in any court of law or equity or otherwise deemed appropriate by the Collateral Agent for the purpose of collecting any such moneys due under any account or general intangible or with respect to any other Collateral whenever payable;

 

27


(ii) in the case of any Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to the Grantors, execute, deliver and have recorded any document that the Collateral Agent may request to evidence, effect, publicize or record the Collateral Agent’s security interest in such Intellectual Property and the goodwill and general intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby, to the extent that such Intellectual Property is not Excluded Property;

(iii) pay or discharge taxes and Liens levied or placed on or threatened against any Collateral, effect any repair or pay any insurance called for by the terms of the Indenture (including all or any part of the premiums therefor and the costs thereof);

(iv) execute, in connection with any sale provided for in Section 5.1 or Section 5.5 , any document to effect or otherwise necessary or appropriate in relation to evidence the sale of any Collateral;

(v) (A) direct any party liable for any payment under any Collateral to make payment of any moneys due or to become due thereunder directly to the Collateral Agent or as the Collateral Agent shall direct, (B) ask or demand for, and collect and receive payment of and receipt for, any moneys, claims and other amounts due or to become due at any time in respect of or arising out of any Collateral, (C) sign and indorse any invoice, freight or express bill, bill of lading, storage or warehouse receipt, draft against debtors, assignment, verification, notice and other document in connection with any Collateral, (D) commence and prosecute any suit, action or proceeding at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect any Collateral and to enforce any other right in respect of any Collateral, (E) defend any actions, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, orders or disputes brought against such Grantor with respect to any Collateral, (F) settle, compromise or adjust any such actions, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, orders or disputes and, in connection therewith, give such discharges or releases as the Collateral Agent may deem appropriate, (G) assign any Intellectual Property owned by the Grantors or any IP Licenses of the Grantors throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Collateral Agent shall in its sole discretion determine, including the execution and filing of any document necessary to effectuate or record such assignment and (H) generally, sell, assign, convey, transfer or grant a Lien on, make any Contractual Obligation with respect to and otherwise deal

 

28


with, any Collateral as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes and do, at the Collateral Agent’s option, at any time or from time to time, all acts and things that the Collateral Agent deems necessary to protect, preserve or realize upon any Collateral and the Secured Parties’ security interests therein and to effect the intent of the Indenture Documents, all as fully and effectively as such Grantor might do; or

(vi) If any Grantor fails to perform or comply with any Contractual Obligation contained herein or any other Indenture Document, the Collateral Agent, at its option, but without any obligation so to do, may perform or comply, or otherwise cause performance or compliance, with such Contractual Obligation.

(b) The expenses of the Collateral Agent incurred in connection with actions undertaken as provided in this Section 6.1 shall be payable by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent within five (5) Business Days after demand.

(c) Each Grantor hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Section 6.1 and in accordance with the terms herein. All powers, authorizations and agencies contained in this Agreement are coupled with an interest and are irrevocable until this Agreement is terminated and the security interests created hereby are released.

Section 6.2 Authorization to File Financing Statements . Each Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent and its Related Persons, at any time and from time to time, to file or record financing statements, amendments thereto, and other filing or recording documents or instruments with respect to any Collateral in such form and in such offices as the Collateral Agent reasonably determines appropriate to perfect the security interests of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement, and such financing statements and amendments may describe the Collateral covered thereby as “ all assets of the debtor, whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired, including all proceeds thereof ”. A photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement shall be sufficient as a financing statement or other filing or recording document or instrument for filing or recording in any jurisdiction. Such Grantor also hereby ratifies its authorization for the Collateral Agent to have filed any initial financing statement or amendment thereto under the UCC (or other similar laws) in effect in any jurisdiction if filed prior to the date hereof.

Section 6.3 Authority of Collateral Agent . Each Grantor acknowledges that the rights and responsibilities of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement with respect to any action taken by the Collateral Agent or the exercise or non-exercise by the Collateral Agent of any option, voting right, request, judgment or other right or remedy provided for herein or resulting or arising out of this Agreement shall, as between the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, be governed by the Indenture and by such other agreements with respect thereto as may exist from time to time among them, but, as between the Collateral Agent and the Grantors, the Collateral Agent shall be conclusively

 

29


presumed to be acting as agent for the Secured Parties with full and valid authority so to act or refrain from acting, and no Grantor shall be under any obligation or entitlement to make any inquiry respecting such authority.

Section 6.4 Duty; Obligations and Liabilities . (a) Duty of Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent’s sole duty with respect to the custody, safekeeping and physical preservation of the Collateral in its possession shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the Collateral Agent deals with similar property for its own account. The powers conferred on the Collateral Agent hereunder are solely to protect the Collateral Agent’s interest in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Collateral Agent to exercise any such powers. The Collateral Agent shall be accountable only for amounts that it receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither it nor any of its Related Persons shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. In addition, the Collateral Agent shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage to any Collateral, or for any diminution in the value thereof, by reason of the act or omission of any warehousemen, carrier, forwarding agency, consignee or other bailee if such Person has been selected by the Collateral Agent in good faith.

(b) Obligations and Liabilities with respect to Collateral. No Secured Party and no Related Person thereof shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any Grantor or any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to any Collateral. The powers conferred on the Collateral Agent hereunder shall not impose any duty upon any other Secured Party to exercise any such powers. The other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts that they actually receive as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither they nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1 Reinstatement . Each Grantor agrees that, if any payment made by any Grantor or other Person and applied to the Secured Obligations is at any time annulled, avoided, set aside, rescinded, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential or otherwise required to be refunded or repaid, or the proceeds of any Collateral are required to be returned by any Secured Party to such Person, its estate, trustee, receiver or any other party, including any Grantor, under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or repayment, any Lien or other Collateral securing such liability shall be and remain in

 

30


full force and effect, as fully as if such payment had never been made. If, prior to any of the foregoing, any Lien or other Collateral securing such Grantor’s liability hereunder shall have been released or terminated by virtue of the foregoing, such Lien, other Collateral or provision shall be reinstated in full force and effect and such prior release, termination, cancellation or surrender shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of any such Grantor in respect of any Lien or other Collateral securing such obligation or the amount of such payment.

Section 7.2 Release of Collateral . (a) On the Termination Date, the Collateral shall automatically be released from the Lien created hereby and this Agreement and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of the Collateral Agent and each Grantor hereunder shall terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to the Grantors. Each Grantor (or such Grantor’s designee) is hereby authorized to file UCC-3 amendments, termination statements and other documents, such as releases of security interest with the Applicable IP Office, at such time evidencing the termination of the Liens so released; provided, however, that in no event is any Grantor authorized to execute any instrument, agreement or document on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to evidence such release pursuant to this Section 7.2 . At the request of any Grantor following any such termination, the Collateral Agent shall deliver to such Grantor any Collateral of such Grantor held by the Collateral Agent hereunder and execute and deliver to such Grantor such documents as such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

(b) If the Collateral Agent shall be directed or permitted pursuant to Article 13 of the Indenture to release any Lien on any Collateral, such Collateral shall be released from the Lien created hereby to the extent provided under, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in, such Article 13. In connection therewith, the Collateral Agent, at the request of any Grantor, shall execute and deliver to such Grantor such documents as such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such release.

(c) At the time provided in Article 13 of the Indenture and at the request of the Company, unless as a condition to the consent of the Collateral Agent and Secured Parties to such sale, if applicable, such Grantor is required to remain subject to this Agreement, a Grantor shall be released from its obligations hereunder in the event that all the Stock and Stock Equivalents of such Grantor shall be sold to any Person that is not a Grantor in a transaction permitted by the Indenture Documents.

Section 7.3 Independent Obligations . The obligations of each Grantor hereunder are independent of and separate from the Secured Obligations. If any Secured Obligation is not paid when due, or during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Collateral Agent may, at its sole election, proceed directly and at once, without notice, against any Grantor and any Collateral to collect and recover the full amount of any Secured Obligation then due, without first proceeding against any other Grantor or any other Collateral and without first joining any other Grantor in any proceeding.

 

31


Section 7.4 No Waiver by Course of Conduct . No Secured Party shall by any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to Section 7.5 ), delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default. No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Secured Party, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. A waiver by any Secured Party of any right or remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy that such Secured Party would otherwise have on any future occasion.

Section 7.5 Amendments in Writing . None of the terms or provisions of this Agreement may be waived, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified except in accordance with Section 10.01 or 10.02 of the Indenture; provided , however , that annexes to this Agreement may be supplemented (but no existing provisions may be modified and no Collateral may be released) through Pledge Amendments and Joinder Agreements, in substantially the form of Annex 1 and Annex 2, respectively, in each case duly executed by the Collateral Agent and each Grantor directly affected thereby.

Section 7.6 Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral . (a) Joinder Agreements. If, at the option of the Company or as required pursuant to the Indenture, the Company shall cause any Subsidiary that is not a Grantor to become a Grantor hereunder, such Subsidiary shall promptly execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Annex 2 and shall thereafter for all purposes be a party hereto and have the same rights, benefits and obligations as a Grantor party hereto on the date hereof.

(b) Pledge Amendments . To the extent any Pledged Collateral which is otherwise required to be delivered hereunder and has not been delivered as of the date hereof, such Grantor shall deliver a pledge amendment duly executed by the Grantor in substantially the form of Annex 1 (each, a “ Pledge Amendment ”). Such Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement.

Section 7.7 Notices . All notices, requests and demands to or upon the Collateral Agent or any Grantor hereunder shall be effected in the manner provided for in Section 12.02 of the Indenture; provided , however , that any such notice, request or demand to or upon any Grantor shall be addressed to the Company’s notice address set forth in Section 12.02 of the Indenture.

Section 7.8 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of each Grantor and shall inure to the benefit of each Secured Party and their permitted successors and assigns; provided , however , that no Grantor may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Collateral Agent.

 

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Section 7.9 Counterparts . This Agreement 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 one and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or by Electronic Transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

Section 7.10 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement being held illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not affect any part of such provision not held illegal, invalid or unenforceable, any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 7.11 Governing Law . This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Section 7.12 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO 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 ANY INDENTURE DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

Section 7.13 Intercreditor Agreement . The Collateral Agent, the First Lien Agent and the Grantors have entered into that certain Intercreditor Agreement of event date hereof (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time pursuant to the terms thereof, the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”). To the extent any provision of this Agreement conflicts with the Intercreditor Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement shall control at any time the Intercreditor Agreement is in effect.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Security Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC. a Texas corporation, as Grantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, a Texas corporation, as Grantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC., a Texas corporation, as Grantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-II, INC., a Louisiana corporation, as Grantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC., a Texas corporation, as Grantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

THERMON HOLDING CORP., a Delaware corporation, as Grantor
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:  

Rodney Bingham

Title:  

President

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT FOR INDENTURE]


ACCEPTED AND AGREED as of the date first above written:

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Collateral Agent

By:  

/s/ Marcela Burgess

Name:  

MARCELA BURGESS

Title:  

Vice President

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT FOR INDENTURE]


ANNEX 1

TO

SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF PLEDGE AMENDMENT

This Pledge Amendment, dated as of [                      ] [      ], 20[      ], is delivered pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the Company from time to time party thereto as Grantors in favor of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (as the same may be modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Security Agreement.

The undersigned hereby agrees that this Pledge Amendment may be attached to the Security Agreement and that the Pledged Collateral listed on Annex 1-A to this Pledge Amendment shall be and become part of the Collateral referred to in the Security Agreement and shall secure all Secured Obligations of the undersigned.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that, with respect to the Pledged Collateral listed on Annex 1-A to this Pledge Amendment, each of the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.5 and 3.10 of the Security Agreement is true and correct and as of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

 

[GRANTOR]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

To be used for pledge of Additional Pledged Collateral by existing Grantor.

 

A1-1


Annex 1-A

PLEDGED STOCK

 

ISSUER

   CLASS    CERTIFICATE
NO(S).
   PAR
VALUE
   NUMBER
OF
SHARES,
UNITS OR
INTERESTS

PLEDGED DEBT INSTRUMENTS

 

ISSUER

   DESCRIPTION OF
DEBT
   CERTIFICATE
NO(S).
   FINAL
MATURITY
   PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT

 

 

A1-2


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED as of the date first above written:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. as Collateral Agent
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

A1-3


ANNEX 2

TO

SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of [                      ] [      ], 20[      ], is delivered pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Security Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Affiliates of the Company from time to time party thereto as Grantors in favor of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (the “ Security Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Security Agreement.

By executing and delivering this Joinder Agreement, the undersigned, as provided in Section 7.6 of the Security Agreement, hereby becomes a party to the Security Agreement as a Grantor thereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor therein and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as collateral security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Secured Obligations of the undersigned, hereby mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and grants to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a lien on and security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral of the undersigned and expressly assumes all obligations and liabilities of a Grantor thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound as a Grantor for the purposes of the Security Agreement. During the effectiveness of the Security Agreement, each Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent and its Related Persons, at any time and from time to time, to file or record financing statements, amendments, thereto, and other filing or recording documents or instruments with respect to any Collateral in such form and in such offices as the Collateral Agent reasonably determines appropriate to perfect the security interests of the Collateral Agent under the Security Agreement, and such financing statements and amendments may describe the Collateral covered thereby as “all assets of the debtor, whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired, including all proceeds thereof”.

The information set forth in Annex 1-A is hereby added to the information set forth in Schedules 1 through 6 to the Security Agreement. By acknowledging and agreeing to this Joinder Agreement, the undersigned hereby agree that this Joinder Agreement may be attached to the Security Agreement and that the Collateral listed on Annex 1-A to this Joinder Amendment shall be and become part of the Collateral referred to in the Security Agreement and shall secure all Secured Obligations of the undersigned.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that each of the representations and warranties contained in Article III of the Security Agreement applicable to it is true and correct on and as the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

 

A2-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HAS CAUSED THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT TO BE DULY EXECUTED AND DELIVERED AS OF THE DATE FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN.

 

[Additional Grantor]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

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ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED as of the date first above written:
[EACH GRANTOR PLEDGING ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. as Collateral Agent
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

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ANNEX 3

TO

SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT 1

THIS [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of                      , 20      , is made by                      , [“                      ”],                      [“                       ”] and                      [“                       ”] (this “ Agreement ”), is made by each of the entities listed on the signature pages hereof (each a “ Grantor ” and, collectively, the “ Grantors ”), in favor of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as collateral agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Security Agreement referred to below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Thermon Finance, Inc. (which has heretofore been merged with and into the Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “ Trustee ”), have entered into an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, among the Company, the other Grantors party thereto and the Trustee, and as further amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Indenture, (i) the Company has issued its 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (such notes, together with any other notes from time to time issued pursuant to the Indenture, the “ Notes ”) and (ii) each other Grantor has unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, all Obligations of the Company under the Indenture and the other Indenture Documents;

WHEREAS, all of the Grantors are party to a Security Agreement of even date herewith in favor of the Collateral Agent (the “ Security Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Grantors are required to execute and deliver this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the prospective Holders of the Notes to subscribe to the Notes, each Grantor hereby agrees with the Collateral Agent as follows:

Section 1. Defined Terms . Capitalized terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Security Agreement.

 

1 Separate agreements should be executed relating to each Grantor’s respective Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks.

 

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Section 2. Grant of Security Interest in [Copyright] [Trademark] [Patent] Collateral . Each Grantor, as collateral security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Secured Obligations of such Grantor, hereby mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and grants to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a Lien on and security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the following Collateral of such Grantor (other than any Excluded Property, but only during such time that such Collateral actually constitutes Excluded Property) (the “ [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Collateral ”):

(a) [all of its U.S. registered Copyrights, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all renewals, reversions and extensions of the foregoing; and

(c) all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under and with respect to any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, all rights to sue and recover at law or in equity for any past, present and future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof.]

or

(a) [all of its U.S. issued Patents, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(a) all reissues, reexaminations, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, renewals and extensions of the foregoing; and

(b) all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under and with respect to any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, all rights to sue and recover at law or in equity for any past, present and future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof.]

or

(a) [all of its U.S. registered Trademarks, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(c) all renewals and extensions of the foregoing;

(d) all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each such Trademark; and

(e) all income, royalties, proceeds and Liabilities at any time due or payable or asserted under and with respect to any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, all rights to sue and recover at law or in equity for any past, present and future infringement, misappropriation, dilution, violation or other impairment thereof.]

Section 3. Security Agreement . The security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement and each Grantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent with respect to the security

 

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interest in the [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.

Section 4. Grantor Remains Liable . Each Grantor hereby agrees that, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, such Grantor shall assume full and complete responsibility for the prosecution, defense, enforcement or any other necessary or desirable actions in connection with their [Copyrights] [Patents] [Trademarks] subject to a security interest hereunder.

Section 5. Counterparts . This Agreement 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 one and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or Electronic Transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

Section 6. Termination . This Agreement shall terminate concurrently with the termination of the Security Agreement.

Section 7. Governing Law . This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Section 8. Conflict with Other Agreements . In the event of any conflict between this Agreement (or any portion thereof) and the Security Agreement, the Security Agreement shall prevail.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Grantor has caused this [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.

 

      Very truly yours,
     

[GRANTOR]

as Grantor

      By:  

 

            Name:
            Title:

ACCEPTED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

     
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. as Collateral Agent      
By:  

 

     
  Name:      
  Title:      

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 

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SCHEDULE I

TO

[COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT

[Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Registrations

1. REGISTERED [COPYRIGHTS] [PATENTS] [TRADEMARKS]

[Include Registration Number and Date]

2. [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] APPLICATIONS

[Include Application Number and Date]

3. IP LICENSES

[Include complete legal description of agreement (name of agreement, parties and date)]

EXHIBIT 10.4

Execution Version

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of April 30, 2010, by and between the First Lien Agent and the Second Lien Agent (each as defined below).

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ US Borrower ”), Thermon Canada Inc., a Nova Scotia company (the “ Canadian Borrower ”; the US Borrower and the Canadian Borrower, together with their successors and assigns, including any receiver, trustee or debtor-in-possession, a “ Borrower, ” and collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), the other Credit Parties (as defined therein), General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation (in its individual capacity, “ GE Capital ”), as First Lien Agent (as defined below), GE Canada Holding Finance Company, a Nova Scotia unlimited liability company (in its individual capacity, “ GE Canada ”), as First Lien Canadian Agent (as defined below), and the Lenders (as defined therein) (together with their respective successors and assigns, are referred to herein each individually as a “ First Lien Lender ” and collectively as the “ First Lien Lenders ”), are parties to a Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the “ Initial First Lien Loan Agreement ”), pursuant to which the First Lien Lenders have made and will from time to time make loans and provide other financial accommodations to the Borrowers;

WHEREAS, the US Borrower, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., in its capacities as trustee and collateral agent (the “ Second Lien Agent ”), are parties to an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the “ Initial Second Lien Indenture ”) pursuant to which the US Borrower has issued its 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “ Initial Second Lien Notes ”);

WHEREAS, the US Borrower and the other Obligors (as defined herein) have granted to the First Lien Agent, for the benefit of the First Lien Creditors (as defined below), a Lien (as defined below) on substantially all of their assets and properties, all as more particularly described in the First Lien Documents (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the US Borrower and the other Obligors have granted to the Second Lien Agent, for the benefit of the Second Lien Creditors (as defined below), a Lien on substantially all of their assets and properties, all as more particularly described in the Second Lien Documents (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of the Second Lien Creditors, and the First Lien Agent, on behalf of the First Lien Creditors, wish to set forth their agreement as to certain of their respective rights and obligations with respect to the Collateral of the US Borrower and the other Obligors and their understanding relative to their respective positions in such Collateral; and


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

 

Section 1. Definitions .

1.1 General Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings indicated below, such meanings to be applicable equally to both the singular and the plural forms of the terms defined:

Agent ” means the First Lien Agent or the Second Lien Agent, as applicable.

Agent’s Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

Bankruptcy Code ” means the provisions of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§101 et seq.

Bankruptcy Law ” means the Bankruptcy Code and any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law.

Borrower ” and “ Borrowers ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Business Day ” means any day of the year that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks are required or authorized to close in New York City, New York.

Collateral ” means all assets and properties of any kind whatsoever, real or personal, tangible or intangible and wherever located, of any Obligor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, upon which a Lien (including, without limitation, any Liens granted in any Insolvency Proceeding) is now or hereafter granted or purported to be granted by such Person in favor of a Secured Creditor under a First Lien Document or a Second Lien Document (as applicable), as security for all or any part of the Obligations.

Debt Action ” means (a) the filing of a lawsuit by any Secured Creditor solely to collect the Obligations owed to such Secured Creditor and not to exercise their secured creditor remedies in respect of the Collateral, (b) the demand by any Secured Creditor for accelerated payment of any and all of the Obligations owed to such Secured Creditor, (c) the filing of any notice or proof of claim or statement of interest and the voting of any such claim in any Insolvency Proceeding involving an Obligor, (d) the filing of any motion in any Insolvency Proceeding permitted under Section 6, (e) the filing of any defensive or responsive pleading to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, (f) the taking of any action to create, prove, preserve, perfect or protect the validity or enforceability of a Secured Creditor’s Liens to the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement, (g) the commencement or initiation by any Secured Creditor in respect of its Lien Deficiency of an Insolvency Proceeding against any Obligor or (h) the exercising of a Secured Creditor’s rights and remedies as an unsecured creditor to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.

 

2


DIP Financing ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2 .

DIP Liens shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2 .

Disposition ” means any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition, and “ Dispose ” and “ Disposed of ” shall have correlative meanings.

Distribution ” means, with respect to any Collateral, any distribution of or in respect of any Collateral (whether or not expressly characterized as such) (including by way of setoff).

Documents ” means the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents, or any of them.

Enforcement Action ” means (a) any action by any Secured Creditor to foreclose on the Lien of such Person in any Collateral, (b) any action by any Secured Creditor to take possession of (other than taking “possession” (as such term is defined in the UCC) for the sole purpose of perfecting such Secured Party’s Lien on such Collateral), or sell or otherwise realize upon, or to exercise any other rights or remedies with respect to, any Collateral, including any Disposition of Collateral by a Secured Creditor after the occurrence of an Event of Default, (c) the taking of any other remedial actions by a Secured Creditor against any Collateral, including the taking of control or possession of (other than taking “control” or “possession” (as such terms are defined in the UCC) for the sole purpose of perfecting such Secured Party’s Lien on such Collateral), or the exercise of any right of setoff with respect to, any Collateral and/or (d) the commencement by any Secured Creditor of any legal proceedings or actions against or with respect to any Collateral to facilitate any of the actions described in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above; provided that this definition shall not include any Debt Action.

Event of Default ” means each “Event of Default” or similar term, as such term is defined in any First Lien Document or any Second Lien Document, as applicable.

Excess Claims ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of First Lien Obligations contained herein.

First Lien Agent ” means GE Capital in its capacity as (a) administrative agent, disbursing agent and collateral agent for the First Lien US Creditors and (b) in its capacity as collateral agent for the First Lien Canadian Creditors solely with respect to any Collateral of the Obligors securing First Lien Canadian Obligations, and its successors and assigns in each such capacity (including one or more other agents or similar contractual representatives for one or more lenders that at any time succeeds to or refinances, replaces or substitutes for any or all of the First Lien Obligations at any time and from time to time).

First Lien Avoidance ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4 .

First Lien Canadian Agent ” means GE Canada, in its capacity as (a) administrative agent and disbursing agent for the First Lien Canadian Creditors and (b) collateral agent for the First Lien Canadian Creditors solely with respect to any collateral of the Canadian Borrower and any Canadian Subsidiaries (as defined in the Initial First Lien Loan Agreement)

 

3


securing First Lien Canadian Obligations, and its successors and assigns in each such capacity (including one or more other agents or similar contractual representatives for one or more lenders that at any time succeeds to or refinances, replaces or substitutes for any or all of the First Lien Canadian Obligations at any time and from time to time).

First Lien Canadian Creditors ” means the First Lien Canadian Agent, the First Lien Canadian Lenders and the other Persons from time to time holding First Lien Canadian Obligations.

First Lien Canadian Lenders ” means First Lien Lenders with a “Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment” (as defined in the Initial First Lien Credit Agreement) and their successors and assigns.

First Lien Canadian Obligations ” means all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by the US Borrower and/or any other Obligors to one or more of the First Lien Canadian Creditors evidenced by or arising under one or more of the First Lien Documents (including any First Lien Loans, First Lien Letter of Credit Obligations and Hedging Obligations), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs, indemnities and reasonable expenses, however evidenced, and whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or any renewal term of the First Lien Loan Agreement and whether arising before, during or after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to one or more of the Borrowers or the other Obligors (and including the payment of any principal, interest, fees, cost, expenses and other amounts (including default rate interest) which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such Insolvency Proceeding whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in any such Insolvency Proceeding).

First Lien Creditors ” means the First Lien US Creditors, the First Lien Canadian Creditors and the other Persons from time to time holding First Lien Obligations.

First Lien Deficiency ” means any portion of the First Lien Obligations consisting of an allowed unsecured claim under Section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law).

First Lien Documents ” means the First Lien Loan Agreement, all Loan Documents (as such term is defined in the First Lien Loan Agreement) and all other agreements, documents and instruments at any time executed and/or delivered by any Obligor with, to or in favor of the First Lien Agent or any First Lien Creditor in connection therewith or related thereto, including such documents evidencing successive Refinancings of the First Lien Obligations permitted hereunder, in each case, as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, modified, replaced, substituted or renewed from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

First Lien Lenders ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

4


First Lien Letter of Credit Obligations ” means all outstanding obligations incurred by or owing to the First Lien Creditors by the US Borrower or any other Obligor, whether direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise (including by way of guaranty), due or not due, in connection with the issuance of letters of credit by a First Lien Creditor or another issuer pursuant to the First Lien Documents or the purchase of a participation with respect to any letter of credit issued pursuant to a First Lien Document, including any unpaid reimbursement obligations in respect thereof. The amount of such First Lien Letter of Credit Obligations shall equal the maximum amount that may be payable at such time or at any time thereafter by or to the First Lien Creditors thereupon or pursuant thereto.

First Lien Loan Agreement ” means (a) the Initial First Lien Loan Agreement and (b) each loan or credit agreement evidencing any initial or subsequent replacement, substitution, renewal, or Refinancing (to the extent permitted hereunder) of the Obligations under the then effective First Lien Loan Agreement, in each case as the same may from time to time be amended, amended and restated, supplemented, modified, replaced, substituted, renewed or Refinanced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

First Lien Loans ” means any loans or advances outstanding under the First Lien Documents.

First Lien Obligations ” means all First Lien Canadian Obligations and all First Lien US Obligations; provided that the aggregate principal amount (which, for the avoidance of doubt, does not include Hedging Obligations) of, without duplication, all First Lien Canadian Obligations and First Lien US Obligations in excess of the Maximum First Lien Principal Amount, together with all interest and fees on such excess amounts, shall not constitute First Lien Obligations for purposes of this Agreement (such excess amounts being referred to herein as “ Excess Claims ”). This Agreement does not constitute the consent by the Second Lien Agent and/or any other Second Lien Creditor to the incurrence or existence of any Excess Claim, or to the provision of collateral security for any Excess Claim, that would constitute a “Default” or “Event of Default” under the Second Lien Documents, nor does this Agreement constitute a waiver by the Second Lien Agent and/or any other Second Lien Creditor of any such “Default” or “Event of Default”, and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to effect such a consent or waiver.

First Lien Secured Claims ” means any portion of the First Lien Obligations not constituting a First Lien Deficiency.

First Lien Termination Date ” means the date on which all First Lien Obligations have been Paid in Full.

First Lien US Creditors ” means the First Lien US Agent, the First Lien US Lenders and the other Persons from time to time holding First Lien US Obligations.

First Lien US Lenders ” means First Lien Lenders with a commitment to make loans to the US Borrower or any other Obligor and their successors and assigns.

First Lien US Obligations ” means all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by one or more of the Obligors to one or more of the

 

5


First Lien US Creditors evidenced by or arising under one or more of the First Lien Documents (including in any event any First Lien Loans, First Lien Letter of Credit Obligations and Hedging Obligations), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs, indemnities and reasonable expenses, however evidenced, and whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or any renewal term of the First Lien Loan Agreement and whether arising before, during or after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to one or more of the Obligors (and including the payment of any principal, interest, fees, cost, expenses and other amounts (including default rate interest) which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such Insolvency Proceeding whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in any such Insolvency Proceeding).

Hedging Obligations ” means all obligations of the US Borrower or any Obligor, whether direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise (including by way of guaranty), under and in respect of any Secured Hedging Agreement.

Initial First Lien Loan Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Initial Second Lien Indenture ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

“Initial Second Lien Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Insolvency Proceeding ” means, as to any Obligor, any of the following: (a) any case or proceeding with respect to such Person under the Bankruptcy Code or any other federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights or any other or similar proceedings seeking any stay, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of the obligations and indebtedness of such Obligor, (b) any proceeding seeking the appointment of any trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other insolvency official with similar powers with respect to such Obligor or any of its assets, (c) any proceeding for liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the business of such Obligor or (d) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshalling of assets of such Obligor.

Junior Adequate Protection Liens ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(b) .

Lien ” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, charge, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, easement, lien (statutory or otherwise), security interest or other security arrangement and any other preference, priority or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever, including any conditional sale contract or other title retention arrangement, the interest of a lessor under a capital lease and any synthetic or other financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing.

Lien Deficiency ” mean the First Lien Deficiency or the Second Lien Deficiency, as the context may require.

 

6


Maximum First Lien Principal Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the greater of (I) $50,000,000 minus the aggregate amount of all proceeds from asset sales that are applied to repay permanently principal of loans under the First Lien Loan Agreement and, in the case of any such repayment of revolving loans, effect a corresponding and permanent reduction of commitments under the First Lien Loan Agreement and (II) the principal amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred in reliance on clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Debt under (and as defined in) the Initial Second Lien Indenture (as in effect on the date hereof (which, in either such event may be advanced prior to any Insolvency Proceeding and/or as a component of a DIP Financing), plus (b) Hedging Obligations, interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and drawings or payments in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and similar extensions of credit) payable pursuant to or secured under the terms of the First Lien Documents as in effect on the date hereof, or as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, replaced, substituted or renewed from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, whether or not the same are added to the principal amount of the First Lien Obligations and including the same as would accrue and become due but for the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in any such Insolvency Proceeding.

Maximum Second Lien Principal Amount ” means as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) $220,000,000, minus (b) the sum of all principal payments thereof (including voluntary and mandatory prepayments) after the date hereof (but specifically excluding prepayments occurring in connection with Refinancings permitted hereunder) plus (c) interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities and other amounts payable pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien Documents as in effect on the date hereof, or as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, replaced, substituted or renewed from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, whether or not the same are added to the principal amount of the Second Lien Obligations and including the same as would accrue and become due but for the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in any such Insolvency Proceeding).

New First Lien Agent ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a) .

New First Lien Documents ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a) .

New First Lien Obligations ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a) .

New Second Lien Agent ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(b) .

New Second Lien Documents ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(b) .

New Second Lien Obligations ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(b) .

Obligations ” means the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations, or any of them.

 

7


Obligor ” means the US Borrower, Thermon Holding Corp. and each other subsidiary thereof liable on or in respect of the Obligations or that has granted a Lien on any property or assets as Collateral (other than the Canadian Borrower and its Canadian subsidiaries and any other subsidiary of Thermon Holding Corp. not incorporated, organized or otherwise formed under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, Canada or any province or territory thereof), together with such Person’s successors and assigns, including a receiver, trustee or debtor-in-possession on behalf of such Person.

Paid in Full ” or “ Payment in Full ” means, with respect to any Obligations, that: (a) all of such Obligations (other than contingent indemnification and similar obligations for which no underlying claim has been asserted) have been paid or discharged in full (with all such Obligations consisting of monetary or payment obligations having been paid in full in cash or such payment has otherwise been provided for to the satisfaction of all of the respective Secured Creditors), (b) no Obligor has any further right to obtain, or any further obligation as a guarantor with respect to, any loans, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, or other extensions of credit under the documents relating to such Obligations and (c) any and all letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments issued under such documents have been cancelled and returned (or backed by stand-by guarantees, letters of credit or cash collateralized) in accordance with the terms of such documents and all Hedging Obligations terminated and paid in full in cash or payment has otherwise been provided for to the satisfaction of all of the respective Secured Creditors.

Permitted Collateral Sale ” means any Disposition of Collateral so long as such Disposition is permitted under both the First Lien Loan Agreement and the Second Lien Indenture as such Second Lien Indenture is in effect on the date hereof (or on terms no less favorable to the First Lien Lenders and Obligors than those in effect on the date hereof). The term Permitted Collateral Sale shall not include any Disposition occurring or effected under any circumstance or condition described in the definition of “Release Event.”

Permitted Second Lien Disposition ” shall mean a Disposition of any Collateral in connection with an Enforcement Action by any Second Lien Creditors after the expiration of the Standstill Period and subject to the terms of Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust and a public benefit corporation), joint stock company, estate, association, firm, enterprise, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental authority or any other entity or regulatory body.

Purchase Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

“Purchase Triggering Event” shall mean (a) the acceleration of all or any portion of the First Lien Obligations, (b) the commencement by any First Lien Creditor of any Enforcement Action on any material portion of the Collateral (other than to exercise control over, or to sweep funds held in, any Obligor’s deposit or securities account), (c) a default in any payment of principal or interest on First Lien Obligations which remains uncured or unwaived for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or (d) the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding against an Obligor.

 

8


Rate Contract ” means any swap agreement (as such term is defined in Section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code) and any other similar agreement or arrangement designed to provide protection against fluctuations in interest or currency exchange rates.

Refinance ”, “ Refinancings ” and “ Refinanced ” means, in respect of any Obligations, to issue other indebtedness in exchange or replacement for such Obligations, in whole or in part.

Release Documents ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5 .

Release Event ” means the taking of any Enforcement Action by the First Lien Creditors against all or any portion of the Collateral or, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Insolvency Proceeding by or against any Obligor, the entry of an order of the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Section 363 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code authorizing the sale of all or any portion of the Collateral.

Requisite Second Lien Creditors ” means Second Lien Creditors holding more than 50% of the outstanding principal balance of the Second Lien Notes.

Second Lien Agent ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof and its permitted successors and assigns in such capacity (including one or more other trustees, administrative agents, collateral agents or similar contractual representatives for one or more holders or lenders that at any time succeeds to or refinances, replaces or substitutes for any or all of the Second Lien Obligations at any time and from time to time).

Second Lien Creditors ” means the Second Lien Agent and the holders and/or lenders from time to time of (or in respect of) the Second Lien Notes.

Second Lien Default ” means any Event of Default under the Second Lien Documents.

Second Lien Default Notice ” means with respect to any Second Lien Default, a written notice from the Second Lien Agent to the First Lien Agent indicating that such Second Lien Default has occurred and describing such Second Lien Default.

Second Lien Deficiency ” means any portion of the Second Lien Obligations consisting of an allowed unsecured claim under Section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law).

Second Lien Disposition Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a) .

Second Lien Documents ” means the Second Lien Indenture, all Indenture Documents and/or Loan Documents (as any such term is defined in the Second Lien Indenture) and all other agreements, documents and instruments at any time executed and/or delivered by any Obligor or any other Person with, to or in favor of the Second Lien Agent or any Second Lien Creditor in connection therewith or related thereto, including such documents evidencing successive Refinancings of the Second Lien Obligations permitted hereunder in each case, as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, modified, replaced, substituted or renewed from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

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Second Lien Indenture ” means (a) the Initial Second Lien Indenture and (b) each loan or credit agreement, indenture, purchase agreement, note agreement or other agreement evidencing any replacement, substitution, renewal, or Refinancing (to the extent permitted hereunder) of the Obligations under the then effective Second Lien Indenture, in each case as amended, amended and restated, modified, supplemented, replaced, substituted, renewed or Refinanced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Second Lien Notes” means the Initial Second Lien Notes and all other notes, loans, advances or other extension of credit outstanding from time to time under the Second Lien Documents.

Second Lien Obligations ” means all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by one or more Obligors to one or more of the Second Lien Creditors evidenced by or arising under one or more of the Second Lien Documents (including the Second Lien Notes), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, including principal, premium, interest, charges, fees, costs, indemnities and reasonable expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or any renewal term of the Second Lien Indenture and whether arising before, during or after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to any Obligor (and including the payment of interest which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such Insolvency Proceeding, whether or not such interest is allowed or allowable in whole or in part in any such Insolvency Proceeding); provided that the aggregate principal amount of all Second Lien Obligations in excess of the Maximum Second Lien Principal Amount, together with all interest and fees on such excess amounts, shall not constitute Second Lien Obligations for purposes of this Agreement (such excess amounts being referred to herein as “ Second Lien Excess Claims ”). This Agreement does not constitute the consent by the First Lien Agent and/or any other First Lien Creditor to the incurrence or existence of any Second Lien Excess Claim, or to the provision of collateral security for any Second Lien Excess Claim, that would constitute an Event of Default, nor does this Agreement constitute a waiver by the First Lien Agent and/or any other First Lien Creditor of any such Event of Default, and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to effect such a consent or waiver.

Second Lien Secured Claims ” means any portion of the Second Lien Obligations not constituting a Second Lien Deficiency.

Secured Claims ” means the First Lien Secured Claims and/or the Second Lien Secured Claims as the context may require.

Secured Creditors ” means the First Lien Creditors and the Second Lien Creditors, or any of them.

 

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“Secured Hedging Agreement” means a Rate Contract (a) between a Borrower and a Secured Swap Provider or (b) between a Borrower and a counterparty thereto, which has been provided or arranged by GE Capital or an affiliate of GE Capital.

“Secured Swap Provider” means (a) a First Lien Lender or an affiliate of a First Lien Lender (or a Person who was a First Lien Lender or an affiliate of a First Lien Lender at the time of execution and delivery of a Rate Contract) who has entered into a Rate Contract with a Borrower, or (b) a Person with whom a Borrower has entered into a Rate Contract provided or arranged by GE Capital or an affiliate of GE Capital, and any assignee thereof.

Senior Adequate Protection Liens ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a) .

Standstill Period ” means the period commencing on the date of a Second Lien Default and ending upon the date which is the earlier of (a) 180 days after the First Lien Agent has received a Second Lien Default Notice with respect to such Second Lien Default and (b) the date on which the First Lien Obligations have been Paid in Full; provided that in the event that as of any day during such 180 days, no Second Lien Default is continuing, then the Standstill Period shall be deemed not to have commenced.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction and, if the applicable jurisdiction shall not have any Uniform Commercial Code, the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York.

UCC Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .

1.2 Certain Matters of Construction . The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement and section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. For purposes of this Agreement, the following additional rules of construction shall apply: (a) wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in either the singular or plural shall include the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, the feminine and the neuter, (b) the term “including” shall not be limiting or exclusive, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, (c) all references to statutes and related regulations shall include any amendments of same and any successor statutes and regulations and (d) unless otherwise specified, all references to any instruments or agreements, including references to any of this Agreement and the Documents, shall include any and all modifications or amendments thereto and any and all extensions or renewals thereof, in each case, made in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

Section 2. Security Interests; Priorities .

2.1 Priorities . Each Secured Creditor hereby acknowledges that other Secured Creditors have been granted Liens upon the Collateral to secure their respective Obligations. The Liens of the First Lien Agent on the Collateral are and shall be senior and prior in right to the Liens of the Second Lien Agent on the Collateral, and such Liens of the Second Lien Agent on the Collateral are and shall be junior and subordinate to the Liens of the First Lien Agent, in

 

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each case upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The priorities of the Liens provided in this Section 2.1 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, modification, supplement, extension, renewal, restatement, replacement or Refinancing of any of the Obligations, nor by any action or inaction which any of the Secured Creditors may take or fail to take in respect of the Collateral, not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.

2.2 No Alteration of Priority . The priorities set forth in this Agreement are applicable irrespective of the order or time of attachment, or the order, time or manner of perfection, or the order or time of filing or recordation of any document or instrument, or other method of perfecting a Lien in favor of each Secured Creditor in any Collateral, and notwithstanding any conflicting terms or conditions which may be contained in any of the Documents.

2.3 Perfection; Contesting Liens . Each Secured Creditor shall be solely responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of its Lien in the Collateral in which such Secured Creditor has been granted a Lien. The foregoing provisions of this Agreement are intended solely to govern the respective Lien priorities as among the Secured Creditors and shall not impose on any Secured Creditor any obligations in respect of the Disposition of proceeds of any Collateral that would conflict with prior perfected claims therein in favor of any other Person or any order or decree of any court or governmental authority or any applicable law. Each Secured Creditor agrees that it will not institute or join in any contest of the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Liens of the other Secured Creditor in the Collateral or the enforceability of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the First Lien Agent or the Second Lien Agent to enforce this Agreement, including the provisions hereof relating to Lien priority.

2.4 Proceeds of Collateral . Any Collateral or proceeds thereof received by any Second Lien Creditor including, without limitation, any such Collateral constituting proceeds, or any Distribution, that may be received by any Second Lien Creditor (a) in connection with any Enforcement Action (including any right of setoff) with respect to the Collateral, (b) in connection with any insurance policy claim or any condemnation award (or deed in lieu of condemnation) with respect to the Collateral (other than payments made in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Documents as in effect on the date hereof (or on terms no less favorable to the First Lien Lenders and Obligors than those in effect on the date hereof)), (c) from the collection or other Disposition of, or realization on, the Collateral, whether or not pursuant to an Insolvency Proceeding (other than payments made in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Documents as in effect on the date hereof (or on terms no less favorable to the First Lien Lenders and Obligors than those in effect on the date hereof)) or (d) in violation of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust and promptly paid over to the First Lien Agent, for the benefit of the First Lien Creditors, in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, for payment of the First Lien Obligations and each Second Lien Creditor hereby authorizes the First Lien Agent to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Lien Agent (which authorization, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable). All Collateral and proceeds thereof received by any First Lien Creditor prior to the First Lien Termination Date shall be applied to the First Lien Obligations, and all Collateral and all proceeds thereof received from and after the First Lien Termination Date shall be forthwith paid over, in the kind or funds and currency received with any necessary endorsements, to the Second Lien Creditors for application to the Second Lien Obligations (unless otherwise required by law or court order).

 

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2.5 Release of Collateral Upon Permitted Collateral Sale . The Second Lien Agent, on behalf of the Second Lien Creditors, shall at any time in connection with any Permitted Collateral Sale: (a) upon the request of the First Lien Agent with respect to the Collateral subject to such Permitted Collateral Sale and concurrently with such Permitted Collateral Sale, release or otherwise terminate its Liens on such Collateral (and/or, in the case of a Permitted Collateral Sale consisting of the sale or disposition of all the equity interests of any Guarantor, release such Guarantor from its obligations under the relevant Documents), (b) promptly deliver such terminations of financing statements, partial lien releases, mortgage satisfactions and discharges, endorsements, assignments or other instruments of transfer, termination or release (collectively, “ Release Documents ”) and take such further actions as the First Lien Agent shall reasonably require in order to release and/or terminate such Second Lien Agent’s Liens on the Collateral (or release such Guarantor) subject to such Permitted Collateral Sale; provided that the First Lien Agent’s Lien and security interest on the Collateral subject to such Permitted Collateral Sale (and, in the case of a sale of all of the equity interests of a Guarantor, any guaranty or other obligations of such Guarantor under the First Lien Documents) are concurrently released, terminated and discharged and the First Lien Agent shall have provided to the relevant Obligor or Obligors comparable Release Documents (it being understood that the Second Lien Agent shall still, subject to the terms of this Agreement, have a security interest with respect to the proceeds of such Collateral).

2.6 Release of Collateral Upon Release Event . The Second Lien Agent, on behalf of the Second Lien Creditors, shall, at any time in connection with a Release Event with respect to any Collateral: (a) upon the request of the First Lien Agent with respect to the Collateral subject to such Release Event (which request will specify the principal proposed terms of the sale and the type and amount of consideration expected to be received in connection therewith) and concurrently with such Release Event, release or otherwise terminate its Liens on such Collateral (and/or, in the case of a Disposition consisting of the sale or disposition of all of the equity interests of any Guarantor, release such Guarantor from its obligations under the relevant Documents) (it being understood that the Second Lien Agent shall still, subject to the terms of this Agreement, have a security interest with respect to the proceeds of such Collateral) (b) deliver such Release Documents and take such further actions as the First Lien Agent may reasonably require in connection therewith; provided that, (i) the First Lien Agent’s Lien and security interest on the Collateral subject to such Release Event (and, in the case of a sale of all of the equity interests of a Guarantor, any guaranty or other obligations of such Guarantor under the First Lien Documents) are concurrently released, terminated and discharged and the First Lien Agent shall have provided to the relevant Obligor or Obligors comparable Release Documents, (ii) subject to the terms of this Agreement, such release by the Second Lien Creditors shall not extend to or otherwise affect any of the rights of the Second Lien Creditors to the proceeds from any such Disposition of Collateral, (iii) the First Lien Creditors shall promptly apply such proceeds to pay the First Lien Obligations until the same have been Paid in Full, and (iv) after such application, any excess proceeds from such Disposition shall be applied to the Second Lien Obligations (unless otherwise required by law or court order).

 

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2.7 Power of Attorney . Until the First Lien Termination Date, the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of each Second Lien Creditor, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the First Lien Agent and any officer of the First Lien Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Second Lien Agent and in the name of the Second Lien Agent or in the First Lien Agent’s own name, from time to time in the First Lien Agent’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of Sections 2.5 and 2.6 hereof, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of such Sections, including any Release Documents, and, in addition, to take any and all other appropriate and commercially reasonable action for the purpose of carrying out the terms of such Sections, such power of attorney being coupled with an interest and irrevocable until the First Lien Termination Date. The Second Lien Agent hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done pursuant to the power of attorney granted in this Section 2.7 . No Person to whom this power of attorney is presented, as authority for the First Lien Agent to take any action or actions contemplated hereby, shall be required to inquire into or seek confirmation from any Second Lien Creditor as to the authority of the First Lien Agent to take any action described herein, or as to the existence of or fulfillment of any condition to this power of attorney, which is intended to grant to the First Lien Agent the authority to take and perform the actions contemplated herein. The Second Lien Agent irrevocably waives any right to commence any suit or action, in law or equity, against any Person which acts in good faith in reliance upon or acknowledges the authority granted under this power of attorney.

2.8 Waiver . Each of the First Lien Agent, on behalf of each of the First Lien Creditors, and the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of each of the Second Lien Creditors, (a) waives any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the Obligations under the Documents and notice of or proof of reliance by the Secured Creditors upon this Agreement and protest, demand for payment or notice except to the extent otherwise specified herein and (b) acknowledges and agrees that the other Secured Creditors have relied upon the Lien priority and other provisions hereof in entering into the Documents and in making funds available to the Borrowers thereunder.

2.9 Notice of Interest In Collateral . This Agreement is intended, in part, to constitute an authenticated notification of a claim by each Secured Creditor to the other Secured Creditors of an interest in the Collateral in accordance with the provisions of Sections 9-611 and 9-621 of the UCC.

2.10 Permitted Second Lien Dispositions . If, after the expiration of the Standstill Period and subject to Section 3.1 of this Agreement, the Second Lien Agent seeks to consummate any Permitted Second Lien Disposition in connection with any Enforcement Action that is permitted hereunder, the Second Lien Agent shall provide notice to the First Lien Agent of its election to consummate such a Permitted Second Lien Disposition, which will specify the principal proposed terms of the sale, identity of the expected purchasers (if known) and the type and amount of consideration expected to be received in connection therewith (a “ Second Lien Disposition Notice ”). In the event of any such Permitted Second Lien Disposition, the First Lien Agent and the First Lien Lenders shall (i) upon the request of the Second Lien Agent with respect to the Collateral subject to any Permitted Second Lien Disposition, and concurrent with such Permitted Second Lien Disposition, release or otherwise terminate its Liens on such

 

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Collateral (and/or in the case of a Permitted Second Lien Disposition consisting of the sale or disposition of all of the equity interests of any Guarantor, release such Guarantor from its obligations under the relevant Documents) (it being understood that the First Lien Creditors shall still, but subject to this Agreement, have a security interest with respect to the proceeds of such Collateral) and (ii) deliver such Release Documents and take such further actions as the Second Lien Agent may reasonably require in connection therewith; provided , however , that the Second Lien Agent’s Lien and security interest on the Collateral subject to such Permitted Second Lien Disposition (and/or in the case of a sale of all of the equity interests of a Guarantor, any guaranty or other obligations of such Guarantor under the Second Lien Documents) are concurrently released, terminated and the Second Lien Agent shall have provided to the relevant Obligor or Obligors comparable Release Documents and, subject to and in accordance with Section 2.4 hereof, the Second Lien Agent shall cause to be paid and/or delivered directly to the First Lien Agent all proceeds of any Permitted Second Lien Disposition for application in accordance with Section 2.4 hereof.

2.11 New Liens . So long as the First Lien Obligations have not been Paid in Full, the parties hereto agree that no additional Liens shall be granted or permitted on any asset of the US Borrower or any other Obligor to secure any Obligation unless, subject to the terms of this Agreement, immediately after giving effect to such grant or concurrently therewith, a Lien shall be granted on such asset to secure all of the Obligations (subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement). To the extent that the foregoing provisions are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the First Lien Agent, the First Lien Creditors, the Second Lien Agent, or the Second Lien Creditors, the parties hereto agree that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens granted in contravention of this Section 2.11 shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the pledge of any capital stock or other securities of any subsidiary of Thermon Holding Corp. results in Thermon Holding Corp. being required to file separate financial statements of such subsidiary with the Securities Exchange Commission (but only to the extent Thermon Holding Corp. is subject to such requirement and only for so long as such requirement is in existence), a Lien may be granted on such capital stock or other securities to secure the First Lien Obligations regardless of whether or not a Lien is granted thereon to secure the Second Lien Obligations.

2.12 Similar Liens and Agreements . (a) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (subject to the preceding Section 2.11 ) it is their intention that the Collateral securing the First Lien US Obligations and the Collateral securing the Second Lien Obligations be identical. In furtherance of the foregoing, and subject to the preceding Section 2.11 , the parties hereto agree:

(i) to cooperate in good faith in order to determine, upon any request by the First Lien Agent or the Second Lien Agent, the specific assets included in the Collateral securing their respective Obligations, the steps taken to perfect the Liens thereon and the identity of the respective parties obligated under any Document;

(ii) that the documents, agreements and instruments creating or evidencing the Liens of such parties in the Collateral are (and shall be) in all material respects similar, other than with respect to the relative priority of the Liens created or evidenced thereunder; and

 

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(iii) any Lien on any Collateral obtained by any Secured Creditor in respect of any judgment obtained in respect of any Obligations shall be subject in all respects to the terms of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary no Lien shall be granted on any assets or properties of the Canadian Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a Subsidiary incorporated, organized or otherwise formed under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia) to secure the Second Lien Obligations. As between the First Lien Canadian Agent and other First Lien Canadian Lenders, on the one hand, and the Second Lien Creditors on the other hand, First Lien Canadian Agent and other First Lien Canadian Creditors shall have sole and exclusive right to obtain a Lien on the assets and properties of Canadian Borrower and such Subsidiaries and to manage, perform and enforce the terms of the First Lien Documents with respect thereto, with no duty or responsibility to account to any Second Lien Creditor, including with respect to any proceeds thereof.

 

Section 3. Enforcement of Security .

3.1 Management of Collateral . Subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, the First Lien Creditors shall have the exclusive right to manage, perform and enforce the terms of the First Lien Documents with respect to the Collateral, to exercise and enforce all privileges and rights thereunder according to their sole discretion and the exercise of their sole business judgment, including the exclusive right to take or retake control or possession of the Collateral and to hold, prepare for sale, process, Dispose of, or liquidate the Collateral and to incur expenses in connection with such Disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction against the Collateral. In conducting any public or private sale under the UCC of the Collateral, the First Lien Agent shall give the Second Lien Agent such notice (a “ UCC Notice ”) of such sale as may be required by the applicable UCC; provided , however , that 10 days’ prior written notice shall be deemed to be commercially reasonable notice. Except as specifically provided in this Section 3.1 or 3.3 below, notwithstanding any rights or remedies available to a Second Lien Creditor under any of the Second Lien Documents, applicable law or otherwise, no Second Lien Creditor shall take any Enforcement Action; provided that , subject at all times to the provisions of Section 2 , upon the expiration of the applicable Standstill Period, the Second Lien Creditors may take any Enforcement Action (provided that they give the First Lien Agent at least 5 Business Days written notice prior to taking such Enforcement Action, which notice may be given during the pendency of the applicable Standstill Period) against the Collateral; provided , however , that notwithstanding the expiration of the Standstill Period or anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall any Second Lien Creditor exercise or continue to exercise any Enforcement Action against the Collateral if the First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Creditor shall have commenced and is diligently pursuing an Enforcement Action with respect to a material portion of the Collateral (including, without limitation, any of the following (if undertaken and pursued to consummate a Disposition of such Collateral within a commercially reasonable time): the solicitation of bids from third parties to conduct the liquidation of all or any material portion of the Collateral, the engagement or retention of sales brokers, marketing agents, investment bankers, accountants, auctioneers or other third parties for the purpose of valuing, marketing, promoting or selling all or any material portion of the Collateral, the notification of account debtors to make payments to the First Lien Agent or its agents, the initiation of any action to take

 

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possession of all or any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any legal proceedings or actions against or with respect to the foreclosure and sale of all or any material portion of the Collateral), or diligently attempting in good faith to vacate any stay prohibiting an Enforcement Action with respect to all or any material portion of the Collateral or diligently attempting in good faith to vacate any stay prohibiting an Enforcement Action; provided , further , that subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, a Second Lien Creditor may consummate a Permitted Second Lien Disposition which became binding on all relevant parties as a result of an Enforcement Action taken by any Second Lien Creditor after expiration of the Standstill Period and during a period in which the First Lien Agent or any First Lien Creditor had not commenced or been diligently pursuing an Enforcement Action as contemplated above.

3.2 Notices of Default . Each Agent shall give to the other Agent concurrently with the giving thereof to any Obligor (a) a copy of any written notice by any Secured Creditor of an Event of Default under any of its Documents or a written notice of demand for payment from any Obligor and (b) a copy of any written notice sent by such Secured Creditor to any Obligor stating such Secured Creditor’s intention to exercise any material Enforcement Action against the Collateral or such Obligor, including written notice pertaining to any foreclosure on all or any material part of the Collateral or other judicial or non-judicial remedy in respect thereof, and any legal process served or filed in connection therewith; provided that the failure of any Agent to give such required notice shall not result in any liability to such Agent or affect the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement, including the relative priorities of the Liens of the Secured Creditors as provided herein, and shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of any such notice as against any Obligor; provided , further , that the foregoing shall not in any way impair any claims that any Secured Creditor may have against any other Secured Creditor as a result of any failure of any Agent to provide a UCC Notice in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and applicable law (including without limitation any liability that any Secured Creditor may have to any other Secured Creditor as a result of any such failure). Each Agent will provide such information as it may have to the other Agent as the other may from time to time reasonably request concerning the status of the exercise of any Enforcement Action and each Agent shall be available on a reasonable basis during normal business hours to review with the other Agent alternatives available in exercising such rights, including, but not limited to, advising each other of any offers which may be made from time to time by prospective purchasers of the Collateral; provided that (i) the failure of any party to do any of the foregoing shall not affect the relative priorities of the Agents’ respective Liens as provided herein or the validity or effectiveness of any notices or demands as against the US Borrower or any other Obligor, (ii) in no event will the First Lien Agent or any First Lien Creditor have any obligation to obtain the consent of any Second Lien Creditor with respect to any actions taken or contemplated to be taken (or not taken) with respect to any Enforcement Action and (iii) in no event will the Second Lien Agent or any Second Lien Creditor have any obligation to obtain the consent of any First Lien Creditor with respect to any actions taken or contemplated to be taken (or not taken) with respect to any Enforcement Action to the extent such Enforcement Action is permitted to be taken by the Second Lien Agent or the other Second Lien Creditors hereunder. Each Obligor, by its acknowledgment hereto, hereby consents and agrees to each Secured Creditor providing any such information to the other Secured Creditors and to such actions by the Secured Creditors and waives any rights or claims against any Secured Creditors arising as a result of such information or actions.

 

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3.3 Permitted Actions . Section 3.1 shall not be construed to limit or impair in any way the right of: (a) any Secured Creditor to bid for or purchase Collateral at any private or judicial foreclosure upon such Collateral initiated by any Secured Creditor, (b) any Secured Creditor to join (but not control) any foreclosure or other judicial lien enforcement proceeding with respect to the Collateral initiated by another Secured Creditor for the sole purpose of protecting such Secured Creditor’s Lien on the Collateral, so long as it does not delay or interfere with the exercise by such other Secured Creditor of its rights under this Agreement, the Documents and under applicable law and (c) the Second Lien Creditors to receive any remaining proceeds of Collateral after the First Lien Obligations have been Paid in Full. Any proceeds of Collateral received in connection with any such Enforcement Action shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.4 of this Agreement.

3.4 Collateral In Possession .

(a) In the event that the First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Creditor takes possession of or has “control” (as such term is used in the UCC as in effect in each applicable jurisdiction) over any Collateral for purposes of perfecting its Lien therein, the First Lien Agent and each such other First Lien Creditor shall hold such Collateral as representative for and on behalf of the Secured Creditors, including the Second Lien Creditors, solely for purposes of perfection of its Lien under the UCC; provided that neither the First Lien Agent nor any other First Lien Creditor shall have any duty or liability to protect or preserve any rights pertaining to any of the Collateral for the Second Lien Creditors. Promptly following the First Lien Termination Date, the First Lien Agent and other First Lien Creditors (other than a First Lien Creditor solely in its capacity as a depository bank or similar capacity with respect to bank and similar accounts) shall deliver the remainder of the Collateral (or any proceeds thereof), if any, in its possession to the designee of the Second Lien Agent together with any necessary endorsements (except as may otherwise be required by applicable law or court order).

(b) In the event that any Second Lien Creditor takes possession of or has “control” (as such term is used in the UCC as in effect in each applicable jurisdiction) over any Collateral for purposes of perfecting its Lien therein, such Second Lien Creditor shall hold such Collateral as representative for and on behalf of the Secured Creditors, including the First Lien Creditors, solely for purposes of perfection of its Lien under the UCC; provided that such Second Lien Creditor shall not have any duty or liability to protect or preserve any rights pertaining to any of the Collateral for the First Lien Creditors.

(c) It is understood and agreed that this Section 3.4 is intended solely to assure continuous perfection of the Liens granted under the applicable Documents, and nothing in this Section 3.4 shall be deemed or construed as altering the priorities or obligations set forth elsewhere in this Agreement. The duties of each party under this Section 3.4 shall be mechanical and administrative in nature, and no party shall have, or be deemed to have, by reason of this Agreement or otherwise a fiduciary relationship in respect of the other party.

3.5 Waiver of Marshalling and Similar Rights . Each Secured Creditor, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, waives as to each other Secured Creditor any requirement regarding, and agrees not to demand, request, plead or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshalling, appraisement, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law.

 

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3.6 Insurance and Condemnation Awards . So long as the First Lien Termination Date has not occurred, the First Lien Agent shall have the exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Obligors under the First Lien Documents, to settle and adjust claims in respect of Collateral under policies of insurance and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding, or any deed in lieu of condemnation, in respect of the Collateral. After the occurrence of the First Lien Termination Date, the Second Lien Agent shall have the exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Obligors under the Second Lien Documents, to settle and adjust claims in respect of Collateral under policies of insurance and to approve any award granted in condemnation or similar proceeding, or any deed in lieu of condemnation, in respect of the Collateral.

 

Section 4. Covenants

4.1 Amendment of First Lien Documents . The First Lien Creditors may at any time and from time to time and without consent of or notice to any Second Lien Creditor, without incurring any liability to any Second Lien Creditor and without impairing or releasing any rights or obligations hereunder or otherwise, amend, restate, supplement, modify, substitute, renew or replace any or all of the First Lien Documents; provided , however , that without the consent of the Requisite Second Lien Creditors, the First Lien Creditors shall not amend, restate, supplement, modify substitute, renew or replace any or all of the First Lien Documents to (a) increase the principal amount (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Hedging Obligations) of the First Lien Obligations in excess of the amounts computed pursuant to clause (a) of the definition of Maximum First Lien Principal Amount (other than through the capitalization of interest, fees and expenses), (b) modify or add any covenant or event of default under the First Lien Documents which directly restricts one or more Obligors from making payments under the Second Lien Documents which would otherwise be permitted under the First Lien Documents as in effect on the date hereof or (c) would directly or indirectly result in an increase in the interest rates in respect of the First Lien Obligations (excluding, without limitation, fluctuations in underlying rate indices and imposition of a default rate of 2% per annum) by more than 3.0% per annum above the rates that are in effect on the date hereof.

4.2 Amendments to Second Lien Documents . Until the First Lien Termination Date has occurred, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Second Lien Documents, the Second Lien Creditors shall not, without the prior written consent of the First Lien Agent, agree to any amendment, restatement, modification, supplement, substitution, renewal or replacement of or to any or all of the Second Lien Documents that (a) would directly or indirectly result in an increase in the interest rates in respect of the Second Lien Obligations (excluding, without limitation, fluctuations in underlying rate indices and imposition of a default rate of 2% per annum) by more than 3.0% per annum above the rates that are in effect on the date hereof, (b) shorten the final maturity or weighted average life to maturity of the Second Lien Obligations or require that any payment on the Second Lien Obligations be made earlier than the date originally scheduled for such payment, or (c) increase the principal amount of the Second Lien Obligations in excess of the amounts computed pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of Maximum Secured Lien Principal Amount (other than through the capitalization of interest, fees and expenses).

 

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4.3 Effect of Refinancing .

(a) If the Payment in Full of the First Lien Obligations is being effected through a Refinancing; provided that (i) the First Lien Agent gives a notice of such Refinancing to the Second Lien Agent at least 5 Business Days prior to such Refinancing and (ii) the credit agreement and the other documents evidencing such new First Lien Obligations (the “ New First Lien Documents ”) do not effect an amendment, supplement or other modification of the terms of the First Lien Obligations in a manner that is prohibited by Section 4.1 , then (A) such Payment in Full of First Lien Obligations shall be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement, (B) the indebtedness under such Refinancing and all other obligations under the credit documents evidencing such indebtedness (the “ New First Lien Obligations ”) shall be treated as First Lien Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, (C) the New First Lien Documents shall be treated as the First Lien Documents and (D) the agent under the New First Lien Documents (the “ New First Lien Agent ”) shall be deemed to be the “First Lien Agent” for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of a notice of Refinancing under the preceding sentence, which notice shall include the identity of the New First Lien Agent, the Second Lien Agent shall promptly enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the New First Lien Agent may reasonably request in order to provide to the New First Lien Agent the rights and powers set forth herein and on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

(b) If the Payment in Full of the Second Lien Obligations is being effected through a Refinancing; provided that (i) the US Borrower or the Second Lien Agent (or the New Second Lien Agent) gives a prior written notice of such Refinancing to the First Lien Agent prior to such Refinancing and (ii) the credit agreement and the other documents evidencing such New Second Lien Obligations (the “ New Second Lien Documents ”) do not effect an amendment, supplement or other modification of the terms of the Second Lien Obligations in a manner that is prohibited by Section 4.2 , then (A) such Payment in Full of Second Lien Obligations shall be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement, (B) the indebtedness under such Refinancing and all other obligations under the credit documents evidencing such indebtedness (the “ New Second Lien Obligations ”) shall be treated as Second Lien Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, (C) the New Second Lien Documents shall be treated as the Second Lien Documents and (D) the agent under the New Second Lien Documents (the “ New Second Lien Agent ”) shall be deemed to be the Second Lien Agent for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of a notice of Refinancing under the preceding sentence, which notice shall include the identity of the New Second Lien Agent, the First Lien Agent shall promptly enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the New Second Lien Agent may reasonably request in order to provide to the New Second Lien Agent the rights and powers set forth herein.

(c) By their acknowledgement hereto, the Obligors agree to cause the agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which any New First Lien Agent or any New Second Lien Agent is appointed to provide that the New First Lien Agent or New Second Lien Agent, as applicable, agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

 

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Section 5. Second Lien Creditors Purchase Option .

5.1 Purchase Notice . Upon the occurrence of a Purchase Triggering Event, the Second Lien Creditors shall have the option, but not the obligation, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the First Lien Obligations owing to the First Lien Creditors from the First Lien Creditors (including, for the avoidance of doubt, loans under the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment), and assume all, but not less than all, of the then (if any) existing funding commitments under the First Lien Documents (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Canadian Revolving Loan Commitment) which, if funded, would constitute First Lien Obligations, by giving a written notice (the “ Purchase Notice ”) to the First Lien Agent no later than the 10th Business Day after receipt by the Second Lien Agent of a written notice from First Lien Agent of the occurrence of a Purchase Triggering Event (an “Agent’s Notice”). A Purchase Notice once delivered shall be irrevocable.

5.2 Purchase Option Closing . On the date specified by the Second Lien Agent in the Purchase Notice (which shall not be less than 3 Business Days nor more than 10 Business Days, after the receipt by the First Lien Agent of the Purchase Notice), the First Lien Creditors shall sell to the Second Lien Creditors, and the Second Lien Creditors shall purchase from the First Lien Creditors, all, but not less than all, of the First Lien Obligations, and the First Lien Lenders shall assign to the purchasing Second Lien Lenders, and the purchasing Second Lien Lenders shall assume from the First Lien Lenders all, but not less than all, of the then (if any) existing funding commitments under the First Lien Documents which, if funded, would constitute First Lien Obligations.

5.3 Purchase Price . Such purchase and sale shall be made by execution and delivery by the applicable Secured Creditors of an Assignment Agreement in the form attached to the First Lien Loan Agreement. Upon the date of such purchase and sale, the Second Lien Creditors purchasing the First Lien Obligations shall (a) pay to the First Lien Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Creditors as the purchase price therefor the sum of the full amount of all the First Lien Obligations then outstanding and unpaid (including principal, interest, fees, indemnities and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses and Hedging Obligations), (b) furnish cash collateral to the First Lien Agent with respect to the outstanding First Lien Letter of Credit Obligations in such amounts as are required under the First Lien Loan Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and (c) agree to reimburse the First Lien Creditors for any loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) in connection with any checks or other payments provisionally credited to the First Lien Obligations, and/or as to which the First Lien Creditors have not yet received final payment. Such purchase price and cash collateral shall be remitted by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such bank account of the First Lien Agent in New York, New York, as the First Lien Agent may designate in writing to the Second Lien Creditors for such purpose. Interest shall be calculated to but excluding the Business Day on which such purchase and sale shall occur if the amounts so paid by the Second Lien Creditors to the bank account designated by the First Lien Agent are received in such bank account prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time and interest shall be calculated to and including such Business Day if the amounts so paid by the Second Lien Creditors to the bank account designated by the First Lien Agent are received in such bank account later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time. The First Lien Agent may apply any or all of such cash collateral to the payment of any reimbursement or similar obligations in respect of First Lien

 

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Letter of Credit Obligations. Upon payment in full of such obligations and termination of all First Lien Letter of Credit Obligations, the First Lien Agent shall deliver any remaining cash collateral to the Second Lien Creditors purchasing the First Lien Obligations.

5.4 Nature of Sale . Such purchase and sale shall be expressly made without representation or warranty of any kind by the First Lien Creditors as to the First Lien Obligations or otherwise and without recourse to the First Lien Creditors, except for representations and warranties as to the following: (a) the amount of the First Lien Obligations being purchased (including as to the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on such First Lien Obligations, fees and expenses thereof), (b) that the First Lien Creditors own the First Lien Obligations free and clear of any Liens and (c) each First Lien Creditor has the full right and power to assign its First Lien Obligations and such assignment has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action by such First Lien Creditor.

5.5 Notice of Election to Purchase . As soon as practicable after receipt of the Agent’s Notice, but in no event more than 10 Business Days after the Second Lien Agent’s receipt of the Agent’s Notice, the Second Lien Creditors (if they elect to do so) shall send to the First Lien Agent the Purchase Notice. The First Lien Creditors shall not complete any Enforcement Action (other than the exercise of control over, or to sweep funds held in, any Obligor’s deposit or securities accounts), as long as the purchase and sale of the First Lien Obligations provided for in this Section 5 shall have closed within 10 Business Days of the First Lien Agent’s receipt of the Purchase Notice and the First Lien Creditors shall have received payment in full of the First Lien Obligations as provided for in Section 5.3 within such 10 Business Day period.

 

Section 6. Bankruptcy Matters .

6.1 Bankruptcy . This Agreement shall be applicable both before and after the filing of any petition by or against any Obligor under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Insolvency Proceeding and all converted or succeeding cases in respect thereof, and all references herein to any Obligor shall be deemed to apply to the trustee for such Obligor and such Obligor as a debtor-in-possession. The relative rights of the First Lien Creditors and the Second Lien Creditors in respect of any Collateral or proceeds thereof shall continue after the filing of such petition on the same basis as prior to the date of such filing, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any Obligor. This Agreement shall constitute a “subordination agreement” for the purposes of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and shall be enforceable in any Insolvency Proceeding in accordance with its terms.

6.2 Post Petition Financing; Adequate Protection .

(a) If any Obligor or Obligors shall become subject to Insolvency Proceedings and such Obligor or Obligors as debtor(s)-in-possession (or a trustee appointed on behalf of such Obligor or Obligors) shall move for either approval of financing (“ DIP Financing ”) to be provided by one or more of the First Lien Creditors (or to be provided by any other person or group of persons with the consent of the First Lien Agent) under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or the use of cash collateral with the consent of the First Lien Creditors under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, then subject to Section 6.2(b) , the Second Lien Creditors agree as follows: (i) adequate notice to the Second Lien Creditors for such DIP Financing or use of cash

 

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collateral shall be deemed to have been given to the Second Lien Creditors if notice is given, in accordance with the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, to the Second Lien Agent at least one (1) Business Day in advance of the hearing to approve such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral on an interim basis, and to Second Lien Agent at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the hearing to approve such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral on a final basis, (ii) such DIP Financing (and any First Lien Obligations which arose prior to the Insolvency Proceeding) may be secured by Liens on all or a part of the assets of the Obligors which shall be superior in priority to the Liens on the assets of the Obligors held by any other Person, (iii) so long as (I) the aggregate principal amount of loans and letter of credit accommodations outstanding under any such DIP Financing, together with the aggregate principal amount of the pre-petition loans and letter of credit accommodations then outstanding under the First Lien Loan Agreement, does not exceed the Maximum First Lien Principal Amount (but, for this purpose, determined without regard to clause (b) of the definition thereof), (II) such cash collateral or DIP Financing is on commercially reasonable terms, (III) the Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Creditors retain the right to object to any ancillary agreements or arrangements regarding the use of cash collateral or the DIP Financing (other than relief available under Sections 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code to which the Second Lien Agent and the other Second Lien Creditors have agreed to not object as set forth in this Section 6.2) , to the extent that such agreements or arrangements are in the judgment of the Second Lien Agent or the Requisite Second Lien Creditors materially adverse to their interests, (IV) the DIP Financing does not compel any Obligor to seek confirmation of a specific plan of reorganization for which all or substantially all of the material terms are set forth in the DIP Financing documentation or a related document, and (V) the indebtedness under the DIP Financing (other than such indebtedness constituting First Lien Obligations) is not secured by any Lien or any asset or property of any Obligor on a basis that is senior to the Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations unless such Liens are senior to the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations, the Second Lien Creditors will not request or accept adequate protection or any other relief in connection with the use of, or object to, such cash collateral or such DIP Financing except as set forth in Section 6.2(b) below, (iv) the Second Lien Creditors will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) the Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations (A) to the Liens securing such DIP Financing (the “ DIP Liens ”) on the same terms (but on a basis junior to the Liens of the First Lien Creditors) as the Liens of the First Lien Creditors are subordinated thereto (and such subordination will not alter in any manner the terms of this Agreement), (B) to any “replacement Liens” granted to the First Lien Creditors as adequate protection of their interests in the Collateral (the “ Senior Adequate Protection Liens ”) and (C) to any reasonable “carve-out” agreed to by the First Lien Agent or the other First Lien Creditors and (v) subject to Section 6.2(b) below and the provisions above in this Section 6.2(a) , the Second Lien Creditors shall not contest or oppose in any manner any adequate protection provided to the First Lien Creditors as adequate protection of their interests in the Collateral, any DIP Financing or any cash collateral use and shall be deemed to have waived any objections to such adequate protection, DIP Financing or cash collateral use, including, without limitation, any objection alleging Obligors’ failure to provide “adequate protection” of the interests of the Second Lien Creditors in the Collateral.

(b) Adequate Protection . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this Section 6.2 , in any Insolvency Proceeding, if the First Lien Creditors (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection in the form of Senior Adequate Protection Liens, the Second Lien Creditors may seek (and the First Lien Creditors may not oppose) adequate protection of their

 

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interests in the Collateral in the form of (i) a replacement Lien on the additional collateral subject to the Senior Adequate Protection Liens (the “ Junior Adequate Protection Liens ”), which Junior Adequate Protection Liens, if granted, will be subordinate to all Liens securing the First Lien Obligations (including, without limitation, the Senior Adequate Protection Liens and any reasonable “carve-out” agreed to by the First Lien Agent or the other First Lien Creditors) and any Liens securing the DIP Financing on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations are so subordinated under this Agreement (provided that any failure of the Second Lien Creditors to obtain such Junior Adequate Protection Liens shall not impair or otherwise affect the agreements, undertakings and consents of the Second Lien Creditors pursuant to Section 6.2(a) ) and (ii) superpriority claims under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code junior in all respects to the superpriority claims granted under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to the First Lien Creditors on account of any of the First Lien Obligations or granted under Section 364(c)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the DIP Financing or use of cash collateral as provided above; provided that the inability of the Second Lien Creditors to receive a Lien on actions under Chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code or proceeds thereof shall not affect the agreements and waivers set forth in this Section 6.2 . To the extent that the First Lien Creditors are receiving post-petition interest and/or adequate protection payments in any Insolvency Proceeding, the Second Lien Creditors may seek comparable post-petition interest and/or adequate protection payments in any such Insolvency Proceeding without any requirement to turn the same over to the First Lien Creditors, and the First Lien Creditors may oppose motions for post petition interest and/or adequate protection payments (but, if granted, may not oppose such payments).

6.3 Sale of Collateral; Waivers . The Second Lien Creditors agree that they will not object to or oppose a Disposition of any Collateral securing the First Lien Obligations (or any portion thereof) free and clear of Liens or other claims under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, if the First Lien Creditors have consented to such or Disposition of such assets, as long as all proceeds of such Disposition received by the First Lien Creditors on account of the First Lien Obligations will be applied in reduction of the First Lien Obligations and, subject to the above, the Liens of the Second Lien Creditors attach to any proceeds of such Disposition; provided that the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Creditors, may raise any objections to any such Disposition of such Collateral that could be raised by any creditor of the Obligors whose claims were not secured by any Liens on such Collateral, provided such objections are not inconsistent with any other term or provision of this Agreement and are not based on the status of the Second Lien Agent or the Second Lien Creditors as secured creditors (without limiting the foregoing, neither the Second Lien Agent nor the Second Lien Creditors may raise any objections based on rights afforded by Sections 363(e) and (f) of the Bankruptcy Code to secured creditors (or by any comparable provision of any Bankruptcy Law)) with respect to the Liens granted to the Second Lien Agent. The Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Creditors waive any claim they may now or hereafter have arising out of the First Lien Creditors’ election in any proceeding instituted under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Creditors agree not to initiate or prosecute or join with any other Person to initiate or prosecute any claim, action or other proceeding (i) challenging the enforceability of the First Lien Creditors’ claims as fully secured claims with respect to all or part of the First Lien Obligations or for allowance of any First Lien Obligations (including those consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses) or opposing any action by the First Lien Agent or the First Lien

 

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Creditors to enforce their rights or remedies arising under the First Lien Documents in a manner which is not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement, (ii) challenging the enforceability, validity, priority or perfected status of any Liens on assets securing the First Lien Obligations under the First Lien Documents, (iii) asserting any claims which the Obligors may hold with respect to the First Lien Creditors, (iv) seeking to lift the automatic stay as against the Collateral unless, subject to the provisions of Section 2.4 hereof, their motion for adequate protection permitted to be made pursuant to Section 6.2 has been denied by the bankruptcy court having jurisdiction over the Insolvency Proceeding, to the extent that such action is opposed by the First Lien Agent or (v) opposing a motion by the First Lien Agent to lift the automatic stay. The First Lien Creditors agree not to initiate or prosecute or join with any person to initiate or prosecute any claim, action or other proceeding challenging the enforceability, validity, priority or perfected status of any Liens on assets securing the Second Lien Obligations under the Second Lien Documents.

6.4 Invalidated Payments . To the extent that the First Lien Creditors receive payments on the First Lien Obligations or proceeds of Collateral for application to the First Lien Obligations which are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any Bankruptcy Law, common law, equitable cause or otherwise (and whether as a result of any demand, settlement, litigation or otherwise) (each a “ First Lien Avoidance ”), then to the extent of such payment or proceeds received, such Obligations, or part thereof, intended to be satisfied by such payment or proceeds shall be revived and continue in full force and effect as if such payments or proceeds had not been received by the First Lien Creditors, and this Agreement, if theretofore terminated, shall be reinstated in full force and effect as of the date of such First Lien Avoidance, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the Lien priorities and the relative rights and obligations of the First Lien Creditors and the Second Lien Creditors provided for herein with respect to any event occurring on or after the date of such First Lien Avoidance. The Second Lien Creditors agree that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any First Lien Avoidance, whether by preference or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such First Lien Avoidance otherwise allocable to them shall, to the extent resulting from proceeds of Collateral, instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.

6.5 Payments . (a) In the event of any Insolvency Proceeding involving one or more Obligors, all proceeds of Collateral shall be paid or delivered directly to First Lien Agent (to be held and/or applied by the First Lien Agent in accordance with the terms of the First Lien Documents) until all First Lien Obligations are Paid In Full before any of the same shall be made to one or more of the Second Lien Creditors on account of any Second Lien Secured Claim, and each Second Lien Creditor irrevocably authorizes, empowers and directs any debtor, debtor in possession, receiver, trustee, liquidator, custodian, conservator or other Person having authority, to pay or otherwise deliver all such Distributions in respect of any Second Lien Secured Claim to the First Lien Agent until all First Lien Obligations are Paid in Full; provided that the foregoing provision shall not apply to Distributions made in respect of the Second Lien Secured Claim pursuant to a plan of reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code.

(b) If, in any Insolvency Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed pursuant to a plan

 

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of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, both on account of First Lien Obligations and on account of Second Lien Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Lien Obligations and on account of the Second Lien Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.

6.6 Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification . Each Second Lien Creditor acknowledges and agrees that (a) the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens and (b) because of their differing rights in the Collateral, the Second Lien Secured Claims are fundamentally different from the First Lien Secured Claims and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in an Insolvency Proceeding. The Second Lien Creditors shall not seek in any Insolvency Proceeding to have the Second Lien Secured Claims to be treated as part of the same class of claims as the First Lien Secured Claims and shall not oppose any pleading or motion by the First Lien Creditors for the First Lien Secured Claims and the Second Lien Secured Claims to be treated as separate classes of claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is held that the Secured Claims of the First Lien Creditors and the Second Lien Creditors in respect of the Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then the Second Lien Creditors hereby acknowledge and agree that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Obligors in respect of the Collateral, with the effect being that, to the extent that the aggregate value of the Collateral exceeds the amount of the First Lien Obligations, the First Lien Creditors shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, and fees, costs and charges incurred subsequent to the commencement of the applicable Insolvency Proceeding before any distribution is made in respect of any of the claims held by the Second Lien Creditors. The Second Lien Creditors hereby acknowledge and agree to turn over to the First Lien Creditors amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of the preceding sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Lien Creditors.

6.7 Rights as Unsecured Creditors . To the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Second Lien Agent and the other Second Lien Creditors may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against any Obligor of the Second Lien Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Documents and applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Second Lien Agent or any other Second Lien Creditor of the required payments of interest, premium, principal and other amounts on the Second Lien Obligations so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise by the Second Lien Agent or any other Second Lien Creditor of rights or remedies as a secured creditor (including set off) or enforcement in contravention of this Agreement of any Lien on the Collateral held by any of them.

 

Section 7. Miscellaneous .

7.1 Termination . Subject to Section 5.5 , this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the first to occur of the Payment in Full of (a) the First Lien Obligations or (b) the Second Lien Obligations (to the extent payment thereof is permitted hereunder).

 

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7.2 Successors and Assigns ; No Third Party Beneficiaries .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon each Secured Creditor and its respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of each Secured Creditor and its respective successors, participants and assigns. No other Person shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder.

(b) Each Secured Creditor reserves the right to grant participations in, or otherwise sell, assign, transfer or negotiate all or any part of, or any interest in, their respective Obligations; provided that no Secured Creditor shall be obligated to give any notices to or otherwise in any manner deal directly with any participant in the Obligations and no participant shall be entitled to any rights or benefits under this Agreement, except through the Secured Creditor with which it is a participant.

(c) In connection with any participation or other transfer or assignment, a Secured Creditor (i) may, subject to its respective Documents, disclose to such assignee, participant or other transferee or assignee all documents and information which such Secured Creditor now or hereafter may have relating to any Obligor or the Collateral and (ii) shall disclose to such participant or other transferee or assignee the existence and terms and conditions of this Agreement.

7.3 Notices . All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, sent by overnight courier, telecopied or delivered, as follows:

 

(a)   if to the First Lien Agent, to it at the following address:
 

General Electric Capital Corporation

500 West Monroe Street

Chicago, Illinois 60661

Attn: Thermon Account Officer

Facsimile: (312) 441-7211

with a copy to:

 

c/o General Electric Capital Corporation

201 Merritt 7

P.O. Box 5201

Norwalk, Connecticut 06851

Attention: General Counsel-Global Sponsor Finance

Facsimile: (203) 956-4216

 

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and a copy to:

 

General Electric Capital Corporation

500 West Monroe Street

Chicago, Illinois 60661

Attention: Corporate Counsel – Global Sponsor Finance

Facsimile: (312) 441-7876

(b)

  if to Second Lien Agent, to it at the following address:
 

601 Travis Street

16 TH Floor

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

Facsimile: (713) 483-6954

or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section 7.3 . All such notices and other communications shall be effective (i) if sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, when received or 3 Business Days after mailing, whichever first occurs, (ii) if telecopied, when transmitted and a confirmation is received, provided the same is on a Business Day and, if not, on the next Business Day or (iii) if delivered by messenger or overnight courier, upon delivery, provided the same is on a Business Day and, if not, on the next Business Day.

7.4 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in several counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute together but one and the same agreement.

7.5 GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE . THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OBLIGATIONS ARISING HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE AND ANY APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY CONSENTS AND AGREES THAT THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO PERTAINING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR TO ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT; PROVIDED THAT THE PARTIES HERETO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANY APPEALS FROM THOSE COURTS MAY HAVE TO BE HEARD BY A COURT LOCATED OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO EXPRESSLY SUBMITS AND CONSENTS IN ADVANCE TO SUCH JURISDICTION IN ANY ACTION OR SUIT COMMENCED IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY HAVE BASED UPON LACK OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION, IMPROPER VENUE OR FORUM NON CONVENIENS .

7.6 MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO

 

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RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THEM IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO.

7.7 Amendments . No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, and no consent to any departure by any Person from the terms hereof, shall in any event be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Second Lien Agent, with the consent of the Requisite Second Lien Creditors and the First Lien Agent, with the consent of the “Required Lenders” (as defined in the First Lien Loan Agreement). In no event shall the consent of any Obligor be required in connection with any amendment or other modification of this Agreement.

7.8 No Waiver . No failure or delay on the part of any Secured Creditor in exercising any power or right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right.

7.9 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provisions in any other jurisdiction.

7.10 Further Assurances . Each party hereto agrees to cooperate fully with each other party hereto to effectuate the intent and provisions of this Agreement and, from time to time, to execute and deliver any and all other agreements, documents or instruments, and to take such other actions, as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to effectuate the intent and provisions of this Agreement.

7.11 Headings . The section headings contained in this Agreement are and shall be without meaning or content whatsoever and are not part of this Agreement.

7.12 Lien Priority Provisions . This Agreement and the rights and benefits hereunder shall inure solely to the benefit of the First Lien Agent, the First Lien Creditors, the Second Lien Agent, and the Second Lien Creditors and their respective successors and permitted assigns and no other Person (including the Obligors or any trustee, receiver, debtor in possession or bankruptcy estate in a bankruptcy or like proceeding) shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligation of any Obligor to pay the Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their respective terms, or to affect the relative rights of the lenders of any Obligor, other than the First Lien Agent, the First Lien Creditors, the Second Lien Agent, and the Second Lien Creditors as between themselves.

7.13 Credit Analysis . The Secured Creditors shall each be responsible for keeping themselves informed of (a) the financial condition of the Obligors and all other all endorsers, obligors and/or guarantors of the Obligations and (b) all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations. No Secured Creditor shall have any duty to advise any

 

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other Secured Creditor of information known to it regarding such condition or any such other circumstances. No Secured Creditor assumes any liability to any other Secured Creditor or to any other Person with respect to: (i) the financial or other condition of Obligors under any instruments of guarantee with respect to the Obligations, (ii) the enforceability, validity, value or collectibility of the Obligations, any Collateral therefor or any guarantee or security which may have been granted in connection with any of the Obligations or (iii) any Obligor’s title or right to transfer any Collateral or security.

7.14 Waiver of Claims . To the maximum extent permitted by law, each party hereto waives any claim it might have against any Secured Creditor with respect to, or arising out of, any action or failure to act or any error of judgment or negligence, mistake or oversight whatsoever on the part of any other party hereto or their respective directors, officers, employees or agents with respect to any exercise of rights or remedies under the Documents or any transaction relating to the Collateral in accordance with this Agreement; provided that nothing in this Section shall affect the claims of any party hereto arising out of or relating to a breach of this Agreement. None of the Secured Creditors, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or, except as specifically provided herein, shall be under any obligation to Dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any Obligor or any Secured Creditor or any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part thereof.

7.15 Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.

7.16 Specific Performance . Each of the First Lien Agent and the Second Lien Agent may demand specific performance of this Agreement and, on behalf of itself and the respective other Secured Creditors, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by the respective Secured Creditors.

7.17 Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights . The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Secured Creditors. None of the Obligors or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights hereunder, and none of the Obligors may rely on the terms hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of Obligors, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms

7.18 Subrogation . Subject to the First Lien Termination Date, with respect to the value of any payments or distributions in cash, property or other assets that the Second Lien Agent or other Second Lien Creditors pay over to the First Lien Agent or any of the other First Lien Creditors under the terms of this Agreement, the Second Lien Agent and the other Second Lien Collateral shall be subrogated to the rights of the First Lien Agent and such other First Lien Creditors; provided that the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Creditors, hereby agrees not to assert or enforce any such rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the First Lien Termination Date has occurred; provided

 

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that as between the Obligors, on the one hand, and the Second Lien Creditors, on the other hand, any such payment that is paid over to the First Lien Agent pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed not to reduce any of the Second Lien Obligations.

7.19 Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Documents embody the entire agreement of the Obligors, the First Lien Agent, the First Lien Creditors, the Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Creditors with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof and any draft agreements, negotiations and/or discussions involving any Obligor and any of the First Lien Agent, the First Lien Creditors, the Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Creditors relating to the subject matter hereof.

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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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 day and year first above written.

 

FIRST LIEN AGENT:
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as First Lien Agent
By:  

/s/ Mark Birkett

Name:   Mark Birkett
Title:   Its Duly Authorized Signatory
SECOND LIEN AGENT:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Second Lien Agent
By:  

/s/ MARCELLA BURGESS

Name:   MARCELLA BURGESS
Title:  

Vice President


Each of the undersigned hereby acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and provisions.

 

US BORROWER:
THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC., a Texas corporation, as the US Borrower
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President


Each of the undersigned hereby acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and provisions.

 

OTHER OBLIGORS:

THERMON HOLDING CORP.,

a Delaware corporation

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON MANUFACTURING COMPANY,

a Texas corporation

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES, INC.,

a Texas corporation

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES-I, INC.,

a Texas corporation

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

THERMON HEAT TRACING SERVICES II, INC.,

a Louisiana corporation

By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   President

EXHIBIT 10.5

EXECUTION VERSION

AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITYHOLDER AGREEMENT

This A MENDED AND R ESTATED S ECURITYHOLDER A GREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is made as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), CHS Private Equity V LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Fund ”), each of the Persons listed from time to time on Schedule I attached hereto (each, a “ Manager ”), each of the Persons listed from time to time on Schedule II attached hereto (each, a “ Fund Associate ”), each of the Persons (if any) listed from time to time on Schedule III attached hereto (each, a “ Lender ”), each of the Persons listed from time to time on Schedule IV attached hereto (each, a “ Co-Investor ”), and each of the Persons listed on Schedule V attached hereto (each, a “ Former Owner ”), and as to Sections 2.1(b) and (e) only, acknowledged and agreed to by Thermon Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), and Thermon Holding Corp, a Delaware corporation (the “ Target Company ”).

R E C I T A L S :

A. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), consisting of One Hundred Sixty Five Thousand (165,000) shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (“ Class A Common ”), and Thirty Five Thousand (35,000) shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (“ Class B Common ”).

B. The Fund, certain Managers, a Fund Associate and certain Former Owners entered into that certain Securityholder Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010 (the “ Original Securityholder Agreement ”), in order to subscribe for shares of Common Stock, to provide for certain restrictions on the disposition of Shares, to create certain options with respect to such Shares, and to agree to certain other matters.

C. The Securityholders on the date of this Agreement desire to amend and restate the Original Securityholder Agreement in its entirety as provided herein to reflect, among other things, the subscription and purchase of Shares by Co-Investors and certain Managers, upon the terms, conditions and provisions set forth herein.

A G R E E M E N T S :

N OW , T HEREFORE , the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

EFFECTIVE TIME; SCHEDULES; DEFINITIONS

1.1 Effectiveness of Agreement . Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, this Agreement shall automatically and without any further action by the parties hereto become effective only at the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, this Agreement shall have no force or effect. If the Acquisition Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, this Agreement shall automatically and without any action by the parties hereto be terminated and of no further force or effect. As of the Effective Time, this Agreement shall be the only agreement governing the terms of any Securities or any equity or equity-like securities of any Subsidiary (except, in the case of the Managers, for the Manager Equity Agreements and, if applicable, any Share Equivalents), and any other agreement governing any Securities or such equity or equity-like securities shall be terminated and of no further force or effect.


1.2 Schedules . The Company is hereby authorized to modify and amend any schedules to this Agreement to reflect any changes to such schedules.

1.3 Definitions . For purposes hereof:

Acquisition Agreement ” means the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010, by and among Buyer, Target Company, and Seller, as amended from time to time.

Affiliate ” of a Person means any other Person Controlling, Controlled by or under common Control with such Person. An “Affiliate” of the Company includes each of the Company’s direct or indirect Subsidiaries, whether or not in existence on the date hereof.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Buyer ” means Thermon Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Co-Investor ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Company Group ” means the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Company Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c)(xix).

Company Offer Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a)(i).

Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, while “ Controlled ” and “ Controlling ” have correlative meanings.

Crown ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(e).

Demanding Investors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).

Demand Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).

Effective Time ” means the time of the Closing (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement).

Election Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b).

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.

Exempt Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).

 

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Family ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).

Family Entity ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).

Family Group ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).

Family Trust ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).

Former Owner ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Fully-Diluted Basis ” means assuming the exercise of all Share Equivalents (except unvested Share Equivalents that are subject to vesting and Share Equivalents that are not then exercisable). A determination under this Agreement (including regarding the number of any securities held or outstanding) shall be made on a Fully Diluted Basis if (and only if) this Agreement expressly states that it shall be so made.

Fund ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Fund Affiliate ” means (i) any Affiliate of the Fund or any investment fund which is sponsored or organized by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, (ii) any employee of (A) Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, or (B) any Affiliate of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC or (C) the Fund, or (iii) any investment fund which is sponsored or organized by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC or any of its Affiliates, including any Fund Associate; provided , however , that for purposes of this definition neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be considered an Affiliate of the Fund or any investment fund managed by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC or any of its Affiliates.

Fund Directors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).

Fund Related Shares ” means (i) all Shares originally issued, directly or indirectly, to the Fund or any Fund Associate, (ii) all Shares of the type described in clause (i) above which have been Transferred to the Fund or any Fund Associate, and (iii) all other Shares held by Persons holding securities described in clauses (i) and (ii) above. As to any particular Fund Related Shares, such securities shall cease to be Fund Related Shares when they have been distributed to the public pursuant to a Public Sale or repurchased by the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be a holder of Fund Related Shares, and the Fund Related Shares shall be deemed to be in existence, whenever such Person has the right to acquire, directly or indirectly, such Fund Related Shares (upon conversion or exercise in connection with a Transfer of Securities or otherwise, but disregarding any restrictions or limitations upon the exercise of such right), whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected, and such Person shall be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of Fund Related Shares hereunder.

Lender ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Management Director ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).

Manager ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Manager Equity Agreement ” means any Manager Equity Agreement among a Manager, the Company and the Fund.

 

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New Entities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).

Note Agreement ” means, if applicable, a Note or Securities Purchase Agreement (or similar agreement) between one or more members of the Company Group and any Lender, as such agreement may be supplemented or amended from time to time.

Observer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(e).

Offer Notice ” means a written notice of a proposed Transfer pursuant to Section 3.2.

Offered Securities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a)(i).

Open Market Transactions ” means any Transfer of Shares by a Manager in the open market following a Public Sale.

Other Directors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c).

Participation Sale ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b).

Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).

Person ” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, or the United States of America or any other nation, state or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government.

Piggyback Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(b).

Public Offering ” means a public offering of Shares (or the securities of any successor entity) or shares of a Subsidiary pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

Public Sale ” means any sale (i) pursuant to a Public Offering, (ii) any sale to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any similar rule then in force), or (iii) any sale effected on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.

Qualified Public Offering ” means a Public Offering in which the gross proceeds to the Company are at least $75,000,000.

Registrable Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).

Sale of the Company ” means the sale (in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of the Company to any Person (other than the Fund or a Fund Associate) pursuant to which such Person acquires (i) a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or Transfer of Shares, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise), or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Company Group, determined on a consolidated basis.

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency performing substantially similar functions.

 

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Securities ” means (i) all Shares; (ii) all Share Equivalents, and (iii) all securities of the Company or any successor issued or issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above, including by way of a stock split, stock dividend, reclassification or recapitalization.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.

Securityholder ” means (i) the Fund, each Manager, each Fund Associate, each Lender (if any), each Co-Investor and each Former Owner, (ii) each other Person to whom Shares, whether on or following the date of this Agreement, are Transferred to by the Company or any other Person (including by a Permitted Transferee or other transferee of a Securityholder) and who (in writing) joins and agrees to be bound by this Agreement and (iii) each Warrant Holder (including any Lender), if any.

Seller ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Share Equivalents ” means any (i) warrants, options or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any Shares, or (ii) any securities convertible, exercisable into or exchangeable for Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, Share Equivalents shall include any Warrants.

Shares ” means (i) outstanding shares of Common Stock (whether now or hereafter issued) and, if outstanding at any time following the date of this Agreement, shares of the Company of any other class or series (including preferred stock), and (ii) any securities issued with respect to the shares described in clause (i) above, including pursuant to any Share Equivalents or pursuant to a stock dividend, stock split, reclassification, or pursuant to an exchange (including a merger), provided that when Shares are referenced in this Agreement as being determined on a Fully-Diluted Basis, Shares shall be deemed to also include certain issuable Shares as specified in the definition of Fully-Diluted Basis.

Spousal Consent ” means a consent by a spouse of a holder or prospective holder of Shares, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, whereby such spouse agrees that such spouse’s community interest in Shares is subject to this Agreement; provided, that such spousal consent shall be in the form set forth in Exhibit A if the Company so requests.

Standstill Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

Subsidiary ” means any Person of which the Company owns securities having a majority of the voting power to elect the board of directors (or other governing body) directly or indirectly through one or more other Subsidiaries or, in the case of a partnership, limited liability company or other similar entity, securities conveying, directly or indirectly, a majority of the voting or economic interests in such partnership, company or entity.

Target Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Third Party Demand ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c)(ii)(C).

Third Party Demander ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c)(ii)(C).

 

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Transfer ” means any transfer, sale, assignment, pledge, lien, encumbrance or other disposition of any kind (including any of the foregoing that are effected or incurred by gift, for consideration, voluntarily, involuntarily, for collateral purposes, upon foreclosure, in a judicial sale, incident to divorce, during lifetime, upon death, by operation of law or otherwise). Transfer includes making a spouse the sole holder of record of securities, where (before doing so) that spouse is not the holder of record of the securities but has an undivided community property interest in such securities. A “Transfer” of a security also includes any swap or other transaction (including a short sale covered by that security) that transfers all or part of the economic consequence of ownership (or any other incident of ownership) of that security. “Transfer” does not, however, include a sale or exchange of any security occurring in and solely by virtue of a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a constituent party.

Transferor ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.

Triggering Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).

TSCP ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c).

TSCP Director ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c).

Vote ” means to vote or to grant any consent or approval.

Warrant ” means, if applicable, any warrant issued from time to time to any Lender pursuant to a Note Agreement, and any other warrant(s) issued by the Company to a Warrant Holder from time to time in exchange therefor (including as a result of a permitted Transfer) pursuant to the terms thereof.

Warrant Holder ” means a Lender to whom a Warrant has been issued or any Person to whom a Lender has Transferred the Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Warrant.

Warrant Shares ” means any Shares issued or issuable by the Company pursuant to the terms of a Warrant. As to any particular Warrant Shares, such Securities shall cease to be Warrant Shares when they have been distributed to the public pursuant to a Public Sale.

ARTICLE II

SUBSCRIPTIONS; REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

2.1 Subscription for Shares .

(a) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Fund shall purchase from the Company, and the Company shall issue to the Fund, the number of shares of Class A Common, at a price of $1,000.00 per share, specified in a notice to be delivered to the Company prior to the Effective Time. The Fund shall pay its subscription amount for the shares of Class A Common in cash.

(b) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each Manager shall purchase from the Company, and the Company shall sell to each Manager, the number of shares of Class B Common, at a price of $1,000.00 per share, set forth next to such Manager’s name under column II on Schedule I . Each Manager shall pay his/her respective subscription amount for the shares of Class B Common in the manner set forth next to such Manager’s name under column III on

 

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Schedule I . If Schedule I indicates a Manager is to pay his/her subscription amount via application of part or all of the proceeds or payments (including, for clarity, any bonus or similar payments) receivable by such Manager, directly or indirectly, on account of the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement, such Manager hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) authorizes and directs Buyer, Target Company or a Subsidiary of Target Company (as applicable) to deliver to the Company such proceeds or payments in an amount equal to the aggregate subscription amount owing by such Manager to the Company for the shares of Class B Common subscribed for by such Manager hereunder, and (ii) authorizes and directs the Company to apply and credit such transferred amounts toward the satisfaction of such Manager’s subscription amount for such shares of Class B Common (to the extent of such transferred amounts). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, each Manager that actually receives the proceeds of any bonus or similar payments in connection with Closing, will immediately remit, pursuant to the Transaction Bonus Agreement executed by such Manager, the net (after estimated tax) amount of such bonus as payment toward the satisfaction of such Manager’s subscription amount for such shares of Class B Common.

(c) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each Fund Associate shall purchase from the Company, and the Company shall issue to the Fund, the number of shares of Class A Common, at a price of $1,000.00 per share, specified in a notice to be delivered to the Company prior to the Effective Time. Each Fund Associate shall pay his/her/its subscription amount for shares of Class A Common in cash.

(d) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each Co-Investor shall purchase from the Company, and the Company shall issue to each Co-Investor, the number of shares of Class A Common, at a price of $1,000.00 per share, set forth next to such Co-Investor’s name under column II on Schedule IV . Each Co-Investor shall pay its subscription amount for shares of Class A Common in cash.

(e) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each Former Owner shall purchase from the Company, and the Company shall sell to each Former Owner, the number of shares of Class B Common, at a price of $1,000.00 per share, set forth next to such Former Owner’s name under column II on Schedule V . Each Former Owner shall pay his/her subscription amount for the shares of Class B Common in the manner set forth to such Former Owner’s name under column III on Schedule V . If Schedule V indicates a Former Owner is to pay his/her subscription amount via application of part or all of the proceeds or payments (including, for clarity, any bonus or similar payments) receivable by such Former Owner, directly or indirectly, on account of the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement, such Former Owner hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) authorizes and directs Buyer to withhold from such proceeds or payments and reduce the amount thereof by an amount equal to the aggregate subscription amount owing by such Former Owner to the Company for the shares of Class B Common subscribed for by such Former Owner hereunder, and (ii) authorizes and directs the Company to apply and credit such withheld or reduced amounts toward the satisfaction of such Former Owner’s subscription amount for such shares of Class B Common (to the extent of such withheld or reduced amounts).

2.2 Securities Law Restrictions; Representations, Warranties and Agreements of Securityholders . In connection with the acquisition of Securities pursuant to this Agreement, each Securityholder represents and warrants to the Company and agrees and acknowledges, that:

(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Securityholder do not and shall not conflict with, violate or cause a breach of any agreement, contract or instrument to which such Securityholder is a party or any judgment, order or decree to which such Securityholder is subject.

 

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(b) Such Securityholder has no and shall not grant any proxy or become party to any voting trust or other agreement which is inconsistent with, conflicts with or violates any provision of this Agreement.

(c) If such Securityholder is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, custodianship, estate or other entity, this Agreement has been duly executed by a duly authorized person on its behalf.

(d) This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Securityholder, enforceable against such Securityholder in accordance with its terms, except as limited (i) by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

(e) (i) Such Securityholder is acquiring the Securities for investment for such Securityholder’s own account and not for any other Person; (ii) such Securityholder has no agreement or present intention to transfer the Securities to any other Person; (iii) such Securityholder has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Securityholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investment in the Securities (or has consulted about the investment with a purchaser representative (as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D) with such knowledge and experience); (iv) such Securityholder’s overall commitment to investments that are not marketable is not disproportionate to such Securityholder’s net worth, and such Securityholder’s investment in the Securities will not cause such commitment to become excessive; (v) such Securityholder has no need for liquidity in this investment; and (vi) such Securityholder is a resident of (or, in the case of a Securityholder that is not a natural person, has its principal place of business located in) the State set forth on the signature page or schedule to this Agreement.

(f) (i) Such Securityholder has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers regarding the Company Group and such Securityholder’s investment therein and has obtained any further information that such Securityholder has requested regarding the Company Group and such Securityholder’s investment therein; (ii) no federal or state agency has passed upon the Securities or has made any finding as to the fairness of investment in the Securities; (iii) such Securityholder’s investment in the Securities is illiquid and risky, and such Securityholder may lose such Securityholder’s entire investment, and (iv) such Securityholder must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Securities for an indefinite time because, among other things: (A) the Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available; (B) the Securities have not been registered under any applicable state securities laws and, therefore, cannot be resold unless they are registered under applicable state securities laws or an exemption from registration is available; (C) there are substantial restrictions on the Transfer of Securities under this Agreement; (D) there is no established market for the Securities, and no market for the Securities is expected to develop in the foreseeable future; and (E) Rule 144 is not available for any Transfers of Securities, and is not expected to be available for such Transfers in the foreseeable future.

 

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2.3 Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company represents and warrants to each Securityholder as follows:

(a) The Company is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has full corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized and approved by all requisite corporate action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Upon the issuance of Shares to Securityholders and the payment therefor pursuant to Section 2.1, such Shares will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free of preemptive rights (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement) and free from all taxes, liens and charges.

(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not conflict with, violate or cause a breach of any of the terms or provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of the Company, or of any agreement, contract or instrument to which the Company is a party, or any judgment, order or decree to which the Company is subject.

(c) The authorized capital stock of the Company on the date of this Agreement consists solely of Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) shares of Common Stock, consisting of One Hundred Sixty Five Thousand (165,000) shares of Class A Common and Thirty Five Thousand (35,000) shares of Class B Common.

(d) Assuming there are no additions or adjustments to, or reductions from, the Purchase Price (as such term is defined in the Acquisition Agreement) pursuant to clauses (ii) through (vi) of the definition thereof, as of the Effective Time and after giving effect to the issuance of Shares provided in this Agreement, (i) approximately 127,000 shares of Common Stock are expected to be issued and outstanding and (ii) ten percent of the Common Stock, calculated on a Fully Diluted Basis, is expected to be reserved for issuances of Class B Common (subject to vesting requirements or other limitations on the exercise thereof) pursuant to Share Equivalents available to be issued on or following the Effective Time. Except as set forth in (i) and (ii) above, no other Shares or Share Equivalents are expected to be issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time.

2.4 Stock Splits, Reclassifications, Dividends, etc.; Successor Securities . As an additional inducement to the Company to issue Shares to each Securityholder, each Securityholder acknowledges and agrees that Shares issued by the Company pursuant to a stock dividend, stock split, reclassification or like action, or pursuant to the exercise of a right granted by the Company to all holders of Shares to purchase Shares on a proportionate basis, shall be Transferred only, and for all purposes be treated, in the same manner as, and be subject to the same options with respect to, the Shares which were split or reclassified or with respect to which a stock dividend was paid or rights to purchase stock on a proportionate basis were granted. In the event of a merger of or exchange involving the Company where this Agreement does not terminate, partnership units, membership units or shares of common stock (and/or securities convertible into such units or shares) which are issued in exchange for Shares shall thereafter be deemed to be Shares subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE III

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF SECURITIES

3.1 Restrictions on Transfers of Securities .

(a) Unless a Transfer of Securities is made in accordance with this Agreement, such Transfer shall not be valid or have any force or effect.

(b) No Securityholder may Transfer any interest in any Securities except pursuant to an Exempt Transfer or unless (i) such Securityholder has received a bona fide written offer to purchase such Securities for cash, (ii) the Board has approved the proposed Transfer (subject to compliance with Section 3.2) in its sole and absolute discretion and (iii) the Securityholder has complied with Section 3.2. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, in no event shall any Securityholder Transfer any interest in Securities (x) to a competitor of the Company Group (as reasonably determined by the Board) except in connection with a Sale of the Company, or (y) in violation of the securities or other laws of any jurisdiction.

(c) An “ Exempt Transfer ” means (i) any Transfer to a Permitted Transferee (following at least ten days prior written notice to the Company and the Fund of such Transfer), the Fund (or a Fund Associate) or the Company, (ii) any Transfer in connection with a Public Sale or a Sale of the Company, (iii) any Transfer by the Fund, subject to the terms and conditions of Section 4.1(b), or (iv) any Transfer by a Lender to (A) any Affiliate of such Lender or (B) any other institutional investor in connection with a transfer (or a series of related transfers) permitted by the Note Agreement of any promissory notes made and issued by one or more members of the Company Group, provided that any Transfer pursuant to the foregoing clause (B) shall be proportionate (or, at the option of such Lender, less than proportionate) to the principal amount of promissory notes so transferred. “ Permitted Transferee ” means, with respect to a Securityholder that is an individual: (1) such Securityholder or (2) any other Person in such Securityholder’s Family Group. The “ Family Group ” of a Person means (A) a member of that Person’s Family, (B) a Family Trust for that Person, or (C) an entity (a “ Family Entity ”) that is (directly or indirectly) 100% owned by that Person, by that Person’s Family or by a Family Trust for that Person. For the avoidance of doubt, an Exempt Transfer shall include any Transfer among Crown and their related trusts, trustees, beneficial owners (direct or indirect) and beneficiaries. A “ Family Trust ” for a Person means a trust primarily for the benefit of that Person’s Family. The “ Family ” of an individual means (w) that individual, (x) that individual’s spouse (but only while married to that individual), (y) that individual’s ancestors or descendants (natural and adopted) and (z) any custodian or personal representative (in each case, in its capacity as such) for any Person described in clauses (w), (x) or (y) of this sentence.

3.2 First Refusal Right . If any Securityholder (the “ Transferor ”) desires to Transfer any Securities, other than pursuant to an Exempt Transfer, such Transferor shall deliver a notice (the “ Offer Notice ”) to the Fund and each Co-Investor (each a “ Purchaser ” and, together, the “ Purchasers ”), and the Company. The Offer Notice shall disclose in detail the identity of the proposed transferee(s) (including all parties holding interests (directly or indirectly) in such proposed transferee of which they are aware), the proposed number, amount and type of Securities to be Transferred, and the material proposed terms with respect to price (and confirmation that such price is to be paid all in cash) and shall include a complete and accurate copy of the written offer or proposal to purchase Securities received by the Transferor.

(a) If the Board, in writing, approves such Transfer in accordance with the Offer Notice:

(i) The Company, first, may elect to purchase all or any portion of the Securities specified in the Offer Notice (the “ Offered Securities ”) at the price and on the terms specified therein by delivering written notice of such election to the Transferor as soon as practical, but in any event within ninety (90) days following the delivery of the Offer Notice (the “ Company Offer Period ”); and

 

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(ii) If the Company has not elected to purchase all of the Offered Securities within the Company Offer Period, then the Purchasers may elect to purchase all (but not less that all) of the Offered Securities not elected to be purchased by the Company on a pro rata basis (based on the number of Shares owned by such Purchaser, divided by the aggregate number of Shares owned by all Purchaser) at the price and on the terms specified in the Offer Notice by delivering written notice of such election to the Transferor as soon as practical, but in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days following the delivery of the Offer Notice. In the event that any of the Co-Investors elect to purchase less than its pro rata share of the Offered Securities, then the Fund shall be entitled to purchase the remainder of such Offered Securities, until all such Offered Securities have been elected to be purchased.

(b) If the Company or the Purchasers have elected to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Offered Securities, the Transfer of the Offered Securities to the Company or the Purchasers, as the case may be, shall be consummated as soon as practical following the delivery of the election notices, but in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days following the delivery of the Offer Notice by the Transferor (the “ Election Period ”). The Company or the Purchasers shall pay for the Offered Securities by delivery of a cashier’s check or wire transfer of immediately available funds (or by offset against any amounts owed by the Transferor to the Company Group or the Purchasers). The purchasers of any Offered Securities pursuant to this Article III shall be entitled to receive customary representations and warranties as to ownership, title, authority to sell and the like from the Transferor regarding such sale and to receive such other evidence, including applicable inheritance and estate tax waivers, as may be reasonably necessary (in the purchaser’s judgment) to effect the purchase of the Offered Securities.

(c) If the Company and/or the Purchasers (i) have not collectively elected to purchase all of the Offered Securities or (ii) have failed to consummate such purchase within the Election Period (other than as a result of a breach of the provisions of this Agreement by the Transferor), the options set forth in Section 3.2(a) above shall be deemed not to have been exercised and such Transferor may, within sixty (60) days following the earlier of (x) the expiration of the Election Period, and (y) the lapse or waiver of all options to purchase the Offered Securities set forth in Section 3.2(a), Transfer all or any portion of the Offered Securities to the party or parties named in the Offer Notice at a price no less than the price specified in the Offer Notice and on other terms no more favorable in the aggregate to the transferees than those offered to the Company and the Purchasers in the Offer Notice. Any Offered Securities not Transferred within such sixty (60) day-period shall be subject to the provisions of this Article III with respect to any subsequent Transfer.

3.3 Other Restrictions on Transfer .

(a) Any Person (including any Permitted Transferee) to whom Securities are to be Transferred (except pursuant to a Public Sale or Sale of the Company) shall execute and deliver, as a condition to such Transfer, all documents deemed reasonably necessary by the Company, in consultation with its counsel, to evidence such party’s joinder in and to this Agreement, including a Subscription and Joinder in substantially the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.

 

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(b) No Securities may be Transferred to any Person (including any Permitted Transferee) (if the proposed transferee is a married individual), unless, prior to that Transfer and if requested by the Board, the transferee furnishes a Spousal Consent.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, Securities that are Transferred shall thereafter continue to be subject to all restrictions (including restrictions on Transfer imposed by this Article III) and obligations imposed by this Agreement with respect to Securities and Transfers thereof.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Transfer of Securities shall not be valid or of any force or effect if such Transfer is in violation of any applicable federal or state laws, including securities laws.

(e) The restrictions on Transfer imposed in this Agreement are in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other restrictions on Transfer that may be imposed on any securities by any other contract, including any Manager Equity Agreement, option or option plan.

3.4 Transfer of Shares in Open Market Transactions . This Section 3.4 shall apply to any proposed Transfer of Shares by any Manager in an Open Market Transaction. During each calendar quarter during which sales of Shares are permitted to be made in accordance with agreements (“ Standstill Agreements ”) with the underwriters engaged in connection with a Public Sale, and during each calendar quarter following the termination of the Standstill Agreements, any Manager that desires to Transfer Shares may sell such number of Shares as equals the greater of (a) his pro rata share (determined on a Fully Diluted Basis) of one percent (1.0%) of the Common Stock (or such lesser percentage or number as may be permitted by the Standstill Agreements), and (b) that percentage of Shares which has been transferred by the Fund during such calendar quarter. Fifteen (15) business days prior to the beginning of each calendar quarter during which sales of Shares are permitted under the Standstill Agreements, and fifteen (15) days prior to each calendar quarter after the termination of the Standstill Agreements, a Manager that desires to Transfer Shares shall deliver a written notice to the Board setting forth the number of Shares that such Manager desires to sell (up to such Manager’s pro rata share of the aggregate quarterly maximum specified above) in Open Market Transactions during the succeeding quarter. Within three (3) business days following the beginning of each applicable quarter in respect of which the Company has received a notice from a Manager as set forth above, the Company shall deliver a written notice to such Manager setting forth the amount of Shares permitted to be sold (as determined in accordance with this Section 3.4) by such Manager during such applicable calendar quarter in Open Market Transactions. The Company may, in its discretion, from time to time increase the aggregate amount of Common Stock which may be sold in any calendar quarter in Open Market Transactions. Any Shares sold in an Open Market Transaction shall cease to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

3.5 Duration of Article III . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, (a) the provisions of this Article III (other than Section 3.4) shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering or (ii) a Sale of the Company, and (b) the provisions of Section 3.4 shall terminate upon a Sale of the Company.

 

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ARTICLE IV

CO-SALE RIGHTS; PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS

4.1 Co-Sale Rights and Obligations .

(a) If the Fund approves a Sale of the Company, subject to the remainder of this Section 4.1, each other Securityholder must, if requested by the Fund, sell in that transaction, on substantially the same terms and conditions as the Fund is selling, up to a number of Shares or Share Equivalents equal to the number of Shares or Share Equivalents such other Securityholder then owns multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Shares and Share Equivalents being sold by the Fund and the denominator of which is the number of Shares and Share Equivalents owned by the Fund immediately prior to the sale. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, no Securityholder, without the consent of each Co-Investor, will be permitted to sell in a transaction pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) a greater percentage of Shares and Share Equivalents than that required under this Section 4.1(a).

(b) If the Fund proposes to Transfer (whether in one transaction or a series of related transactions) any Shares or Share Equivalents (a “ Participation Sale ”), other than Transfers (i) to a Fund Associate whose name is set forth on Schedule II from time to time (who shall be required to comply with the provisions of this Section 4.1(b) on any subsequent Transfer, other than a Transfer to the Fund), (ii) to officers, directors or employees of any member of the Company Group other than in connection with a Sale of the Company, provided that such Transfers shall not, in the aggregate, exceed 15% of the Shares and Share Equivalents on a Fully Diluted Basis (and which transferees shall be required to comply with the provisions of Section 3.2 on any subsequent Transfer, other than a Transfer to a Permitted Transferee), or (iii) pursuant to Section 4.2(c), the Fund shall deliver to each other Securityholder written notice of such proposed Transfer. Each other Securityholder may thereupon elect (by giving written notice to the Company and the Fund within five days following notice of the Participation Sale is given to such other Securityholders) to sell in the Participation Sale the same percentage of the Securityholder’s Shares and Share Equivalents (as are then exercisable) of any class or series as the percentage of Shares or Share Equivalents of such class or series that the Fund is selling in that transaction, on substantially the same terms and conditions as the Fund is selling. If the purchaser in a Participation Sale refuses to purchase all of such Shares or Share Equivalents that each Securityholder (other than the Fund and any Fund Associate whose name is set forth on Schedule II from time to time) has properly elected to include in the Participation Sale, the Fund may only sell to such purchaser a portion of the Fund’s Shares or Share Equivalents equal to the portion of Shares or Share Equivalents (as are then vested or exercisable) such purchaser is willing to acquire from such Securityholders or, in the alternative, the Fund must purchase from such Securityholders such Shares or Share Equivalents (as are then vested or exercisable) at the same price and on substantially similar terms and conditions as the Fund is selling in the Participation Sale. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, for purposes of this Section 4.1(b), Class A Common and Class B Common shall be deemed to be the same class of Shares.

(c) Each Securityholder who is required or elects to participate in a Sale of the Company or Participation Sale must: (i) if requested by the Fund, give the same representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities as the Fund is giving in the transaction; provided , however , that (A) a Manager or Former Owner may be (and the Fund or the other Securityholders may not be) required to enter into non-competition or non-solicitation covenants with respect to customers or suppliers of the Company Group, (B) each Co-Investor shall only be obligated to give representations and warranties related to its authority, ownership and the ability

 

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to convey title to such Shares or Share Equivalents, including but not limited to representations and warranties that (1) such Co-Investor holds all right, title and interest in and to the Shares or Share Equivalents the Co-Investor purports to hold, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, (2) the obligations of such Co-Investor in connection with the transaction have been duly authorized, if applicable, (3) the documents to be entered into by such Co-Investor have been duly executed by the Co-Investor and delivered to the acquirer and are enforceable (subject to customary carve outs) against the Co-Investor in accordance with their respective terms and (4) neither the execution and delivery of documents to be entered into in connection with the transaction, nor the performance of such Co-Investor’s obligations thereunder, will cause a breach or violation of the terms of any agreement, law or judgment, order or decree of any court or governmental agency; and, (C) as to a Co-Investor’s indemnification obligations for any inaccuracy in, or breach of, a representation and warranty made by the Company or any other member of the Company Group in connection with such Sale of the Company or Participation Sale or failure of the Company or any other member of the Company Group to comply with any of its covenants or agreements in connection therewith (and, for clarity, a Co-Investor shall have no liability in respect of a representation, warranty or covenant made by any Person other than such Co-Investor, the Company or any other member of the Company Group), each Co-Investor’s indemnification obligations shall in no event exceed the aggregate proceeds received by such Co-Investor in such Sale of the Company or Participation Sale, provided that (1) such amount shall be further limited on a proportional basis by any cap, basket, or other limitation the Fund has negotiated for it or the Fund Affiliate and (2) if, in connection with such Sale of the Company or Participation Sale, the liability of the Securityholders is not on a several basis, the Securityholders will enter into a contribution or similar agreement to the extent necessary to reflect several, and not joint and several liability, among the Securityholders, based upon the number of Shares and Share Equivalents owned by each Securityholder on a Fully Diluted Basis; and (ii) pay the Securityholder’s pro-rata share on a Fully Diluted Basis of any costs of the transaction if it closes that are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring Person. Costs incurred by a Securityholder on the Securityholder’s own behalf are not treated as costs of the transaction in such Securityholder’s capacity as such (and not in such Securityholder’s capacity as a member of the Board, if applicable). Each Securityholder must, with respect to any Sale of the Company or Participation Sale: (A) cooperate fully with the transaction and take all steps reasonably requested by the Fund to effect the transaction, (B) if given the opportunity, consent to and Vote in favor of the transaction, and (C) not exercise any dissenter’s, appraisal or like rights with respect to the transaction. No Securityholder may disclose to any Person (except to the Securityholder’s legal counsel or financial adviser or to another Securityholder, in each case on a confidential basis, or except with the Company’s prior written consent) any information related to a potential Sale of the Company or Participation Sale.

(d) Notwithstanding any implication herein to the contrary, (i) the obligations of the Securityholders with respect to a Sale of the Company or Participation Sale in which they are participating are subject to the satisfaction of the condition that upon the consummation of the Sale of the Company or Participation Sale, all of such participating Securityholders shall receive substantially the same form and amount of consideration per class or series, or if any such participating Securityholders are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all such participating Securityholders shall be given substantially the same option, and (ii) concurrent with the consummation of a Sale of the Company, any Share Equivalents (or portion thereof) that are not then vested or exercisable in accordance with their terms (after giving effect to such Sale of the Company) shall automatically and without any further action by the Company or the holder thereof be terminated and of no further force or effect.

 

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(e) If the Company or the Fund enter into any negotiation or transaction for which Rule 506 of Regulation D (or any similar rule then in effect) promulgated by the SEC may be available with respect to such negotiation or transaction (including a merger, consolidation or other reorganization), such Securityholders who are not accredited investors, acting as a group, who are required or elect to sell pursuant to Sections 4.1(a) or 4.1(b) shall, at the request of the Company, appoint a purchaser representative (as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D) reasonably acceptable to the Company. If such Securityholders appoint a purchaser representative reasonably acceptable to the Company, the Company shall pay the fees of such purchaser representative, but if such Securityholders decline to appoint a purchaser representative reasonably acceptable to the Company, such Securityholders shall appoint another purchaser representative, and such Securityholders shall be responsible for the fees of the purchaser representative so appointed.

4.2 Preemptive Rights .

(a) If after the date hereof the Board, or the corresponding managing board of a Subsidiary, authorizes the issuance to the Fund or a Co-Investor (each, as applicable, a “ Triggering Holder ”) of:

(i) any debt or equity securities or instruments (or securities or instruments that are exercisable for, convertible into or exchangeable for such debt or equity securities or instruments) of any member of the Company Group, the Company shall notify the Fund and each other Co-Investor who holds shares of Common Stock (or Share Equivalents) regarding such issuance, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the purchase price, the payment terms, the period in which the preemptive right under this Section 4.2 can be exercised, and the amount of debt or other securities which the Fund and such other Co-Investor is entitled to purchase. Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Fund and each Co-Investor (other than a Triggering Holder in its capacity as such) shall have the preemptive right (exercisable by giving notice to the Company within ten business days after the Company gives such notice to such Securityholder) to purchase up to such Securityholder’s pro rata share (based on the number of shares, on a Fully Diluted Basis, of Common Stock held by such Securityholder) of debt or other securities or instruments that are proposed to be issued, at the same price and otherwise on the same terms as the debt or other securities or instruments that are being so issued to the Triggering Holder.

(ii) any shares of Common Stock (or Share Equivalents that are exercisable for, convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock), the Company shall notify each other Securityholder who holds shares of Common Stock regarding such issuance, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the purchase price, the payment terms, the period in which the preemptive right under this Section 4.2 can be exercised, and the number of such Shares or Share Equivalents which such Securityholder is entitled to purchase. Subject to Section 4.2(b), each Securityholder (other than a Triggering Holder in its capacity as such) who holds shares of Common Stock shall have the preemptive right (exercisable by giving notice to the Company within ten business days after the Company gives such notice to the Securityholder) to purchase up to such Securityholder’s pro rata share (based on the number of shares of Common Stock held by such Securityholder) of such Shares or Share Equivalents that are proposed to be issued, at the same price and otherwise on the same terms as the Shares or Share Equivalents that are being so issued to the Triggering Holder.

 

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If the Triggering Holder is purchasing other securities in connection with the proposed issuance that is the subject of this preemptive right, then, if the Company requests, each Securityholder must, in order to exercise this preemptive right, also purchase such other securities in the same proportionate strips as they are being purchased by the Triggering Holder (on the same price and otherwise on the same terms as they are being sold to the Triggering Holder). If any such Securityholder exercises the preemptive right pursuant to this Section 4.2, such Securityholder and the Triggering Holder shall execute all documentation, and take all actions, as may be reasonably requested by the Company in connection therewith, including, with respect to the issuance of any securities or instruments of a Subsidiary, executing a securityholder or similar agreement substantially similar to this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 4.2(a) does not apply to (and Securityholders have no preemptive rights with respect to) the issuance of securities: (i) in a Public Offering, (ii) as a distribution on or with respect to outstanding Securities which is made to each holder of the applicable series or class of Securities on a pro rata basis, (iii) following the earlier of a Sale of the Company or a Public Offering, or (iv) upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any Share Equivalent. Also, Section 4.2(a) does not create any preemptive rights for any Securityholder who is not (or who the Company reasonably believes is not), as of the issuance of the securities that would otherwise be subject to preemptive rights, an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Regulation D. If any Securityholder is a Manager (or the Permitted Transferee of a Manager), then the rights of such Securityholder under this Section 4.2 shall expire at such time as such Manager is no longer an employee of the Company Group (or at such earlier time as is contemplated by this Section 4.2(b)).

(c) The Securityholders hereby acknowledge and agree that the Company, due to timing constraints, confidentiality considerations, or other reasons, may request that the Triggering Holder acquire securities in advance of complying with the requirements of Section 4.2(a), and each Securityholder consents to such issuance, provided that, as promptly as practicable thereafter, either (i) the Company complies with the requirements of Section 4.2(a) with respect thereto or (ii) the Triggering Holder offers the other Securityholders the right to acquire from the Triggering Holder that number of securities that such Securityholder would have been offered by the Company under Section 4.2(a). Furthermore, in the event the Triggering Holder elects to sell such securities in accordance with the foregoing sentence, each Securityholder waives any right that such Securityholder may have pursuant to Section 4.1(b). Nothing in this clause (c) shall obligate or require the Fund or any other Securityholder to advance funds to the Company, and any decision to acquire securities shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of each Securityholder.

4.3 Reorganization; Public Offering .

(a) The Board shall have the sole and exclusive right, power and privilege to reorganize the Company into one or more different entities or forms (collectively, the “ New Entities ”), subject to applicable law and the restrictions below. Any action taken by the Board under this Section 4.3(a) shall be final and binding on the Securityholders. The securities of the New Entities issued in exchange for Securities shall not be transferable to any greater degree than Securities held subject to this Agreement and all such new securities of the New Entities shall be subject to all restrictions provided herein or in any Manager Equity Agreement as if such newly issued securities in the New Entities were Securities. Each Securityholder shall execute all documents (including amendments to this Agreement and any Manager Equity Agreement), and take any and all actions reasonably necessary or advisable, in the reasonable discretion of the Board, to permit the Board to reorganize the Company into the New Entities pursuant to the terms

 

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of this Section 4.3(a), such actions to include contributions of Shares to New Entities, execution of consents for a recapitalization of the Company or to the assignment of Company assets to New Entities, and/or approval of a merger or consolidation of the Company with New Entities, provided such reorganization does not adversely affect such Securityholder in any material respect or in any manner that is proportionally different from any holder of any class, series or other security or instrument held by such Person.

(b) Each Securityholder shall take all actions reasonably necessary or desirable in connection with the consummation of any Public Offering as requested by the Company (including the execution of customary lock-up, underwriting or other agreements, provided that such agreements shall not disproportionately impact such Securityholder and so long as the Fund, Fund Affiliates and the Co-Investors are treated proportionally with respect to each class, series or other security or instrument). If such Public Offering is an underwritten offering and the managing underwriters advise the Company that in their opinion the structure of the Company would adversely affect the marketability of the offering, each Securityholder shall consent to and vote for a recapitalization, reorganization and/or exchange of the Company into an entity with authorized securities that the managing underwriters and the Company find acceptable, and each such Securityholder shall take all actions reasonably necessary or desirable in connection with the consummation of the recapitalization, reorganization and/or exchange as requested by the Company; provided that in any such reorganization all Shares of the same class are treated in an identical manner.

4.4 Duration of Certain Provisions . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement:

(a) the rights and obligations under Section 4.1(a) shall terminate upon the consummation of a Sale of the Company (whether or not occurring as a result of a Public Offering); and

(b) the rights and obligations under Sections 4.1(b) and 4.2 shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) a Sale of the Company (whether or not occurring as a result of a Public Offering) or (ii) the consummation of a Public Offering (whether or not resulting in a Sale of the Company).

ARTICLE V

GOVERNANCE AND CERTAIN COVENANTS

5.1 Board of Directors . At all times during the term of this Agreement, each Securityholder shall Vote its shares of Common Stock and take all other necessary or desirable actions within such Securityholder’s control or power (including attendance at meetings in person or by proxy for purposes of obtaining a quorum and execution of written consents in lieu of meetings) to cause the Board (and, if requested by the Fund, any board of directors, board of managers or similar governing body of any Subsidiary) to be comprised of the following Persons:

(a) Up to a majority of the directors (the “ Fund Directors ”) as designated by the Fund from time to time. Initially, the Fund Directors shall be Daniel J. Hennessy, Marcus J. George and Brian P. Simmons. The Fund shall have the right to remove any of the Fund Directors at any time, and to fill any vacancy arising from time to time with respect to any of the Fund Directors.

 

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(b) Immediately following the Effective Time, Rodney Bingham and George Alexander (the “ Management Directors ”). Each Management Director shall be a director so long as such Person is employed by a member of the Company Group and owns Shares.

(c) So long as Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and a Co-Investor (“ TSCP ”), owns any Shares, one (1) director (the “ TSCP Director ”) as designated by TSCP, from time to time. Initially, the TSCP Director shall be James A. Cooper. The TSCP Director may be removed with cause pursuant to the Company’s By-Laws. TSCP shall have the right to remove the TSCP Director at any time for any reason. Following the removal of the TSCP Director at any time, including in accordance with the Company’s By-Laws for cause, TSCP shall have the exclusive right to fill any vacancy arising from time to time with respect to the TSCP Director.

(d) If (and only if) so designated, two (2) directors (the “ Other Directors ”) as mutually agreed and designated by the Fund Directors and the Management Directors. Initially the Other Directors shall be Richard E. Goodrich and Charles A. Sorrentino. The Fund Directors and the Management Directors shall have the right to remove any Other Director at any time, and to fill any vacancy arising from time to time with respect to any Other Director.

(e) So long as Crown Investment Series LLC – Series 4, a Delaware series limited liability company and a Co-Investor, and Star Investment Series LLC – Series 1, a Delaware series limited liability company and a Co-Investor (together, “ Crown ”), own any Shares or Share Equivalents, Crown shall have the right to designate an observer reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “ Observer ”) to attend each meeting of the Board; provided , however , that the Observer may be excluded from all or a portion of any such Board meeting if in the judgment of legal counsel to the Company Group, such exclusion is necessary to preserve the attorney-client privilege during such meeting or portion thereof. The Observer shall be entitled to receive notice of all Board meetings in the same manner and at the same time as the members of the Board and shall be entitled to participate in all Board meetings, but the Observer shall not be entitled to vote on any matters submitted to the Board. The appointment of the Observer to the Board shall not limit the ability of the Board to take action without a meeting so long as such action is permissible under applicable law and this Agreement. Each Observer agrees to keep strictly confidential the topics and substance of discussions that occur at the Board meeting as well as any information presented or otherwise obtained at or in connection therewith.

Directors need not be residents of the State of Delaware.

5.2 Management, Consultation, Examination .

(a) As to the Fund and TSCP, for so long as such Person owns any Securities: (i) representatives of such Person shall be entitled to meet, discuss, consult and advise management of the Company and its Subsidiaries on significant business issues, including the Company’s and such Subsidiaries’ management’s affairs, finances, accounts and proposed operating plans; (ii) the management of the Company and each of such Subsidiaries shall meet with the representatives of such Person regularly for such consultation and advice and to review progress in achieving said plans, including management’s proposed annual operating plans, and the Company agrees to give due consideration to the advice given and any proposals made by such Person; and (iii) the Company and each such Subsidiary shall permit representatives of such Person to examine the books and records, including all balance sheets, documents, reports and other information, of the Company and such Subsidiary and inspect its facilities at such times as such Person shall determine. The foregoing shall not be deemed to constitute an exhaustive list

 

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of the management rights that the Fund and TSCP shall have with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries. The rights set forth herein are in addition to, and not in limitation of, the rights of the Fund and TSCP as investors of the Company.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time United States counsel for the Fund or TSCP reasonably concludes that the rights granted in this Agreement should be altered in order to permit or preserve the qualification of the investment of such Person in the Company as a “venture capital investment” or otherwise to ensure that the assets of such Person are not considered “plan assets” for the purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Company agrees to amend this Agreement to effect any such alteration reasonably requested by such Person, provided , however , that no such alteration would have an adverse effect on the Company, its Subsidiaries or the other Securityholders.

5.3 Indemnification . To the extent allowable under applicable law, each member of the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her provided he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

5.4 Financial Information Rights . As soon as available, the Company shall deliver to each Co-Investor, for so long as such Co-Investor owns any Shares, Share Equivalents, debt or other intrument: (a) the audited consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows of the Company Group as at the end of each fiscal year; (b) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows of the Company Group as at the end of each fiscal quarter; (c) the regularly prepared internal monthly financial statements; and (d) the annual operating budget of the Company Group for the forthcoming fiscal year.

5.5 Related Party Transactions . Without the approval of each of TSCP and Crown, no member of the Company Group shall (a) merge with a Fund Affiliate or any Person owned by a Fund Affiliate, (b) purchase the equity or assets of a Fund Affiliate or any Person owned by a Fund Affiliate, (c) sell the equity of any member of the Company Group or all or substantially all of the assets of such member to a Fund Affiliate, or (d) enter into any agreement with a Fund Affiliate or any Person owned by a Fund Affiliate.

5.6 Purchase Rights Acknowledgement by Managers . Each Manager acknowledges and agrees that (a) the Manager Equity Agreement to which such Manager is a party grants the Fund and its designees the right, under certain circumstances, to purchase Shares from such Manager upon the termination of employment of such Manager with any member of the Company Group, and (b) pursuant to that certain Co-Investor Agreement of even date herewith among the Fund and the Co-Investors, the Fund has agreed to offer each Co-Investor the opportunity to participate pro rata in such purchase rights.

 

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ARTICLE VI

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

6.1 Registration .

(a) Demand Registration . Subject to the other provisions of this Section 6.1, at any time and from time to time following the date on which the Company consummates its initial Public Offering, the holders of at least a majority of the Fund Related Shares (the “ Demanding Investors ”) may demand registration (a “ Demand Registration ”) under the Securities Act of part or all the Fund Related Shares (the “ Registrable Shares ”) on Form S-1 or any similar long-form registration or Form S-2 or S-3, or any similar short-form registration. Any such demand shall be made by written notice to the Company, which notice shall specify the number of Registrable Shares requested to be registered and the anticipated per share price for such offering. The Demanding Investors shall be entitled to request an unlimited number of Demand Registrations and to select the managing underwriter for any Public Offering pursuant to a Demand Registration, subject to the Company’s approval which shall not be unreasonably withheld. A Demand Registration shall not be demanded during the six-month period immediately following the effective date of any long-form registration statement. In addition, the Company may defer a Demand Registration for up to six (6) months if the Company is advised by its counsel in writing that undertaking the Demand Registration would accelerate the disclosure of a material development involving the Company and the Company determines in good faith that such disclosure is not in the best interests of the Company. The Company’s right to defer a Demand Registration in accordance with the preceding sentence shall not be exercised more than once in any 365-day period. Upon receipt of a written demand for a Demand Registration, the Company shall (subject to the other provisions of this Section 6.1) use reasonable efforts to include in the registration all of the Shares requested by the Demanding Investors to be included therein and to have the registration statement declared effective.

(b) Piggyback Registration . If, at any time or times, the Company determines (or is required as a result of a Demand Registration) to file with the SEC a registration statement covering any Shares, other than Shares or other securities of the Company which are issuable in an offering (i) to officers or employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries pursuant to an employee stock option, bonus or other employee benefit plan, or (ii) in connection with the acquisition of another Person’s business (whether by acquisition of stock or assets, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction) or the formation of a joint venture, in each case by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a “ Piggyback Event ”), the Company shall (at least twenty (20) days prior to the filing of such proposed registration statement) notify each Securityholder in writing of the proposed registration statement, such notification to describe in detail the proposed registration (including those jurisdictions where registration is required under federal and/or state securities laws and the names of the proposed underwriters, if any, of such Public Offering). If one or more of such Securityholders requests the Company in writing, within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of such notification from the Company, to include in such registration statement any of such Securityholder’s Shares, then, subject to the remaining provisions hereof, the Company shall use reasonable efforts to include those Shares in the registration statement and to have the registration statement declared effective. Each such request by a Securityholder shall specify the whole number of Shares intended to be offered and sold by each such Securityholder, shall express each such Securityholder’s present intent to offer such Shares for distribution, shall (subject to the provisions of Section 6.1(c)), if the Company has not arranged for a plan of distribution or other marketing arrangements for such distribution, describe the nature or method of the proposed offer and sale thereof and shall contain the undertaking of each such Securityholder to provide all such information and materials and take all such action as may be

 

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reasonably requested in order to permit the Company to comply with all applicable requirements of the SEC and to obtain acceleration of the effective date of such registration statement. The Company may elect in its sole discretion, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement (other than a registration statement filed pursuant to a Demand Registration), not to proceed with the registration which is the subject of such notice. The obligations of the Company under this Section 6.1(b) are subject to the limitations, conditions and qualifications set forth in Sections 6.1(a) and (c). Any Securityholder may elect, in its sole discretion, to withdraw from any registration statement filed in connection with a Piggyback Event by delivering written notice of such withdrawal to the Company prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement. If a Securityholder decides not to include (or is precluded from including) all of his, her or its Shares in any registration statement thereafter filed by the Company, such Securityholder will nevertheless continue to have the right under this Section 6.1(b) to include Shares in a registration statement filed in connection with a future Piggyback Event, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions as set forth in this Agreement.

(c) The obligation of the Company to use its reasonable efforts to cause Shares to be registered under the Securities Act pursuant to Subsections 6.1(a) and (b) above is subject to each of the following limitations, conditions and qualifications.

(i) If such registration is an underwritten offering, the Company shall be entitled to reduce the number of Shares of the Securityholders to be included in such registration if the managing underwriter(s) of a proposed Public Offering of the Company’s securities advise the Company that, in its opinion, inclusion of all of such Securityholder’s requested Shares would adversely affect the Public Offering of securities being sold by the Company.

(ii) Any reduction in the number of Shares to be included in a registration shall be made as follows:

(A) in any Demand Registration, any reduction in the number of Shares to be included in the registration shall be made by excluding: (i) first, Shares requested to be included by Persons other than Securityholders or the Company; (ii) second, Shares requested to be included by the Company; and (iii) third, Shares of Securityholders exercising “piggyback” rights pursuant to Section 6.1(b) and Shares requested by Demanding Investors, provided that any such reduction of Shares of such Securityholders and Demanding Investors shall be pro rata (based on the number of Shares requested to be included by such respective Securityholders and Demanding Investors);

(B) in any registration on the Company’s account, any reduction in the number of Shares to be included in the registration shall be made by excluding: (i) first, Shares requested to be included by Persons other than Securityholders or the Company; (ii) second, any Shares requested to be included by Securityholders pursuant to “piggyback” rights under Section 6.1(b), provided that any such reduction of Shares of such Securityholders shall be pro rata; and (iii) third, Shares to be included on the Company’s account; and

(C) in any demand registration demanded (a “ Third Party Demand ”) by Person(s) other than a Demanding Investor (each, a “ Third Party Demander ”), any reduction in the number of Shares to be included in the registration shall be made by excluding: (i) first, Shares requested to be included by Persons other

 

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than Securityholders, the Company or the Third Party Demanders; (ii) second, Shares requested to be included by the Company; (iii) third, any Shares requested to included by Securityholders pursuant to “piggyback” rights under Section 6.1(b) , provided that any such reduction of Shares of such Securityholders shall be pro rata; and (iv) fourth, Shares requested to be included by the Third Party Demanders; provided , however , that the Demanding Investors shall have the right, by giving notice to the Company within 10 days after receipt of notice of the Third Party Demand, to require (subject to the terms and provisions of Sections 6.1(a) and 6.1(c)) that the registration that is the subject of such Third Party Demand be treated (for all purposes hereunder, including the manner in which any reduction in Shares to be included in the registration will be made) as a Demand Registration demanded by such Demanding Investors pursuant to Section 6.1(a).

(iii) The Company shall prepare and file with the SEC the registration statement and use its reasonable efforts to cause the registration to become effective; provided , however , that, to the extent practicable, at least five business days prior to filing any registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Company will furnish to Securityholders holding Shares covered by such registration statement and their counsel, copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, and any such Securityholder and its counsel shall have the opportunity to comment on any information pertaining solely to such Securityholder and its plan of distribution that is contained therein.

(iv) The Company shall use reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to remain current (including the filing of necessary supplements or post-effective amendments) during the period commencing on the initial effective date of such registration statement and ending on the date on which such registration statement shall have remained effective for one hundred eighty (180) days; provided , however , that notwithstanding anything in this Agreement (including Subsections 6.1(c)(iv) and (x)) to the contrary: (A) if a material development regarding the Company occurs, the Company is advised by its counsel in writing that keeping the registration statement current would require the acceleration of disclosure of such material development and the Company determines in good faith that such disclosure is not in the best interests of the Company, then the Company shall not be obligated to use its reasonable efforts to keep the registration statement effective or any prospectus current during the ninety (90) day period following the date of such development; and (B) the Company shall not be required to use its reasonable efforts to keep the registration statement effective at any time after all Shares included in such registration have been distributed.

(v) If the Company has not arranged for a plan of distribution or other marketing arrangements for such registration, it shall be a condition of the right of a Securityholder to participate in such registration that the Securityholder shall have arranged for a plan of distribution of its Shares which are to be registered and made all pertinent marketing arrangements for such Shares. Any such plan and arrangements shall be approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if any securities to be sold by the Company pursuant to such registration statement are to be sold on a firm commitment basis through underwriters, those Securityholders desiring to sell their Shares in the offering shall, at the request of the Company, (1) sell their Shares on such basis through such underwriters, and (2) complete and execute all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents consistent with the terms of this Agreement and required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

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(vi) Whenever the Company is required by the provisions of this Agreement to use reasonable efforts to register Shares under the Securities Act, the Company shall furnish to each participating Securityholder such number of copies of any prospectus (including any preliminary or summary prospectus) as such Securityholder may reasonably request in order to effect the offering and sale of the Shares to be offered and sold by such Securityholder, but only while the Company is required under the provisions hereof to cause the registration statement to remain current.

(vii) The Company’s obligations to use reasonable efforts to effect registration of Shares for Securityholders shall include such qualification under applicable state securities laws as may be necessary to enable the Securityholders on whose behalf such registration is to be effected to offer and sell the Shares which are the subject matter of their requests; provided , however , that the Company shall not be obligated to qualify as a foreign corporation to do business under the laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not then qualified or to file any general consent to service of process.

(viii) All expenses incurred in connection with any registration or qualification pursuant to this Section 6.1, including all SEC registration fees, state securities filing fees, printing expenses (excluding the printing of any agreements, memoranda or other documents pertaining solely to the sale of Shares by Securityholders) and fees and disbursements of experts used by the Company in connection with such registration, shall, subject to requirements of any applicable regulatory agency, be borne by the Company. Each participating Securityholder shall bear its pro rata share of the fees and disbursements of underwriting, brokerage discounts and commissions, and transfer taxes, on the sale of its Shares. In addition, the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of one (1) legal counsel for all of the participating Securityholders, as selected by (A) the Demanding Investors holding a majority of the Shares sought to be included in such registration, in the case of a Demand Registration and (B) by the participating Securityholders holding a majority of the Shares sought to included in any registration other than a Demand Registration, in each case as approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld). The Demanding Investors may at any time by notice to the Company require the Company not to proceed with, or terminate, a Demand Registration, in which case, the Demanding Investors shall pay all expenses incurred in connection with such registration.

(ix) The Company shall notify each participating Securityholder at any time when a prospectus relating to such Shares is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event which causes such prospectus as then in effect to contain an untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, subject to Section 6.1(c)(iv), the Company will promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Shares, such prospectus will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

(x) Each participating Securityholder, upon receipt of any notice of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 6.1(c)(ix) hereof, shall

 

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immediately discontinue disposition of the Shares until such Securityholder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 6.1(c)(ix) hereof or until such Securityholder is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the prospectus may be resumed, and, if so directed by the Company, such Securityholder shall, or shall request the managing underwriter or underwriters (if any) to, deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Securityholder’s possession, of the prospectus covering such Shares current at the time of receipt of such notice.

(xi) Each such participating Securityholder agrees (A) to notify the Company as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Securityholder to the Company or of the occurrence of any event, in either case, as a result of which any prospectus relating to such registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Securityholder or omits or would omit to state any material fact regarding such Securityholder required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and (B) promptly to furnish to the Company any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Securityholder, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing.

(xii) For purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise contemplated by Section 6.1(c)(viii), the phrases “reasonable efforts” and “reasonable efforts to cause,” when used with reference to efforts to be made by a party hereto or any of its Affiliates shall not require such party or any of its Affiliates to pay or transfer any money, property or other thing of value (except as otherwise provided by this Agreement), shall require such party and its Affiliates to act with all reasonable promptness and dispatch with respect thereto and shall require the other party and its Affiliates to act with all reasonable promptness and dispatch and to cooperate in all material respects with the first party’s efforts in connection therewith.

(xiii) The Company shall furnish, upon request, to each participating Securityholder and the underwriter or underwriters, if any, without charge, at least one signed copy of the registration statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, and such number of conformed copies thereof and such number of copies of the prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus and each prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act), any amendments or supplements thereto and any documents incorporated by reference therein, as such participating Securityholder or underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Shares being sold by such participating Securityholder (it being understood that the Company consents to the use of the prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each participating Securityholder and the underwriter or underwriters, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares covered by the prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, unless the Company subsequently notifies the Securityholder and underwriter or underwriters to discontinue use of the prospectus in accordance with Section 6.1(c)(x)).

 

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(xiv) The Company shall notify each participating Securityholder and the underwriter or underwriters, if any:

(A) of any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement, issued or threatened by the SEC in connection therewith, and take all reasonable actions required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to obtain its prompt withdrawal if entered;

(B) when such registration statement or any prospectus used in connection therewith, or any amendment or supplement thereto, has been filed and, with respect to such registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective;

(C) of any written request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to such registration statement or prospectus; and

(D) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of any Securities for sale under the applicable securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction.

(xv) The Company shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain, in connection with any underwritten offering of Securities:

(A) a “cold comfort letter” and updates thereof from the Company’s independent certified public accountants covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort letters” as the underwriters may reasonably request; and

(B) an opinion of counsel to the Company, addressed to the underwriters, covering such matters as are customarily covered in opinions requested in secondary underwritten offerings of equity securities, to the extent reasonably required by the underwriting agreement.

(xvi) The Company shall otherwise comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, and make generally available to its security holders (as contemplated by Section 11(a) under the Securities Act) an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Rule 158 under the Securities Act no later than ninety (90) days after the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning with the first month of the Company’s first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the registration statement, which statement shall cover said twelve (12) month period.

(xvii) The Company shall use its reasonable efforts to cause all Shares covered by each registration to be listed subject to notice of issuance, prior to the date of first sale of such Shares pursuant to such registration, on each securities exchange on which the Shares are then listed, and admitted to trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market, if the Shares are then admitted to trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

(xviii) The Company shall indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each participating Securityholder, its officers, trustees, directors, members, managers, beneficial owners (direct or indirect) and partners and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act) such Securityholder (the “ Investor Indemnified Parties ”) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees (“ Losses ”) arising out of or based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus or

 

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preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such participating Securityholder expressly for use therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify any of the Investor Indemnified Parties for any such Losses to the extent that such Losses arise out of or are based upon (A) the use of any preliminary prospectus or prospectus after such time as the obligation of the Company to keep the same effective and current has ceased or expired, (B) the use of any preliminary prospectus or prospectus after such time as the Company has advised the participating Securityholder in writing that a post-effective amendment or supplement thereto is required (other than the use of a preliminary prospectus or prospectus as so supplemented or amended) or (C) any failure to deliver a copy of the final prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to any Person if such alleged misstatement or omission was timely corrected in such final prospectus or amendment or supplement. In connection with an underwritten offering, the Company shall indemnify such underwriters, their officers and directors and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act) such underwriters to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Investor Indemnified Parties. The Company shall reimburse the Investor Indemnified Parties for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending against any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred.

(xix) Each participating Securityholder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any registration statement or prospectus covering Shares held by such Securityholder, and each participating Securityholder shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act) the Company (the “ Company Indemnified Parties ”) against any Losses arising out or based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by or on behalf of such participating Securityholder; provided that the obligation to indemnify shall be individual, not joint and several, for each participating Securityholder and shall be limited to the net amount of proceeds received by such participating Securityholder from the sale of Shares pursuant to such registration statement. The participating Securityholders shall reimburse the Company Indemnified Parties for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending against any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred.

(xx) Any Person entitled to indemnification under Section 6.1(c)(xviii) or Section 6.1(c)(xix), as applicable, shall (A) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any Person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (B) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the

 

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indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) and which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

(xxi) If the indemnification provided for in Section 6.1(c)(xviii) or Section 6.1(c)(xix) from the indemnifying party is unavailable to an indemnified party hereunder in respect of any Losses for which such indemnified party would be otherwise entitled to indemnification under Section 6.1(c)(xviii) or Section 6.1(c)(xix), as applicable, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified parties in connection with the actions which resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, that such obligation shall be limited to the net amount of proceeds received by such participating Securityholder from the sale of the Shares pursuant to such registration statement. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified parties, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action.

(xxii) The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(xxi) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 6.1(c)(xxi). No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentations (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

(xxiii) The indemnification provided for under Section 6.1(c)(xviii) or Section 6.1(c)(xix), as applicable, and the contribution provided for in Section 6.1(c)(xxi) shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of the Shares.

(d) The Company shall not grant to any Person any registration rights inconsistent with the terms of this Section 6.1.

6.2 Rule 144 . Following an initial Public Offering, the Company shall timely file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (including the reports under

 

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Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in subparagraph (c)(1) of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act). Upon the request of a holder of Shares, the Company shall: (a) deliver to such holder a written statement as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, as such rule may be amended from time to time, and (b) take such further action, including supplying and making publicly available any other information in the possession of or reasonably obtainable by the Company, to allow such holder to avail itself of Rule 144 or any other rule or regulation of the SEC allowing it to sell securities without registration under the Securities Act.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Legend on Certificates .

(a) All stock certificates representing Shares which are subject to this Agreement shall bear the following legend:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER. THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, CERTAIN REPURCHASE OPTIONS AND CERTAIN OTHER AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN AN AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITYHOLDER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. (THE “ COMPANY ”) AND THE OTHER SIGNATORIES THERETO DATED AS OF APRIL 30, 2010 AND THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY UNTIL THE CONDITIONS THEREIN HAVE BEEN FULFILLED WITH RESPECT TO SUCH TRANSFER. A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED BY THE HOLDER HEREOF AT THE COMPANY’S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS WITHOUT CHARGE.”

(b) Upon termination of this Agreement, certificates for Shares may be surrendered to the Company in exchange for new certificates without the foregoing legends.

7.2 Termination of Agreement . Without limiting the termination provisions set forth in Sections 3.5 and 4.4 hereof, this Agreement shall be terminated in its entirety: (a) upon the mutual agreement of the Company, the Fund, each Co-Investor and the Securityholders (other than the Fund, any Fund Associate and the Co-Investors) owning a majority of the shares of Common Stock then owned by such Securityholders; (b) upon the consummation of a Sale of the Company other than as a result of a Public Offering; or (c) upon the termination of the Acquisition Agreement in accordance with its terms; provided , however , that in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above, the representations and warranties of the parties hereto contained in this Agreement shall survive such termination of this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties shall survive such termination of this Agreement to the extent (and only to the extent) that any performance is required after such termination to effectuate the intentions hereof.

 

28


7.3 Amendment of Agreement . This Agreement may be amended by the Company with the written consent of the Fund and the Securityholders (other than the Fund and any Fund Associate) owning a majority of the shares of Common Stock then owned by such Securityholders; provided , however that (a) the written consent of the Securityholders (other than the Fund) shall not be required for any proposed amendment, restatement or modification of this Agreement in connection with any Co-Investor becoming a party to this Agreement following the date hereof; (b) in no event shall any such amendment, restatement or modification materially and adversely affect the rights or obligations of any one Securityholder, as applicable, without the prior written consent of such Securityholder, as applicable, unless such amendment materially and adversely affects the same rights and obligations of all Securityholders in the same legal and economic manner; (c) in no event shall any such amendment, restatement or modification materially and adversely affect the rights or obligations of any Co-Investor without the prior written consent of such Co-Investor; and (d) copies of any amendments to this Agreement will be provided to each Co-Investor pursuant to Section 7.5.

7.4 Termination of Status as Securityholder . From and after the date that a Securityholder ceases to own any Securities, such Person shall no longer be deemed to be a Securityholder for purposes of this Agreement and all rights and obligations such Person may have hereunder (including the right to exercise any option herein granted) shall terminate.

7.5 Notices . All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, by facsimile (or photo or other electronic means), by local messenger, or by reputable overnight courier. Notices shall be deemed given: (1) when received, if delivered by hand or local messenger; (2) when sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means during the recipient’s normal business hours; (3) on the first business day after being sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means other than during the recipient’s normal business hours; and (4) one business day after being delivered to a reputable overnight courier for next day delivery. A notice delivered by facsimile, photo or other electronic means shall only be effective, however, if the notice is also given by hand, local messenger or courier no later than two business days after its delivery by facsimile, photo or other electronic means. All notices shall be addressed as follows: (1)  if to the Company : Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., C/O CHS Private Equity V LP, 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to (A) CHS Private Equity V LP, 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854, and (B) Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: Roger R. Wilen and Jeffrey N. Smith, Fax: (312) 853-7036; (2)  if to the Fund, CHS Private Equity V LP, 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: Roger R. Wilen and Jeffrey N. Smith, Fax: (312) 853-7036; (3)  if to TSCP : Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P., Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P., 120 South Central Avenue, Suite 600, Saint Louis, Missouri 63105, Fax: (314) 727-2118, Attention: James A Cooper; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to Bryan Cave, One Metropolitan Square, 211 North Broadway, Suite 3600, Saint Louis, Missouri 63102-2750, Attention: Seth M. Frederiksen, Fax: (314) 552-8566; (4)  if to Crown : Crown Investment Series LLC, 222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601, Fax: (312) 984-1427, Attention: James Star; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to Neal Gerber Eisenberg LLP, 2 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Attention: Michael B. Gray, Fax: (312) 750-6551; and (5)  if to any other Securityholder , to the address or fax number for such person as reflected in the applicable schedules to this Agreement; or (in each case) to such other addresses or addressees as may be designated by notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.5.

 

29


7.6 Construction . The use of the singular or plural or masculine or neuter gender shall not be given an exclusionary meaning and, where applicable, shall be intended to include the appropriate number or gender, as the case may be.

7.7 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by facsimile, photo or other electronic means, each of which shall be effective only upon delivery and thereafter shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which shall be taken to be one and the same instrument with the same effect as if each of the parties hereto had signed the same signature page.

7.8 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

7.9 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their heirs, representatives, successors and permitted assigns including Permitted Transferees to the extent provided for in this Agreement.

7.10 Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed and controlled as to validity, enforcement, interpretation, construction, effect and in all other respects by the internal laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made in that State.

7.11 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY . THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR CROSS COMPLAINT IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY HERETO AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY OR PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER ARISING OUR OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED TO, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACTUAL, STATUTORY, TORTUOUS OR OTHER THEORIES OF LIABILITY. EACH PARTY REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS CONSULTED WITH COUNSEL REGARDING THE MEANING AND EFFECT OF THE FOREGOING WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.

7.12 Consent to Jurisdiction . The parties hereto irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any local, state or federal court within the County of Cook in the State of Illinois for enforcement of this Agreement. All Securityholders irrevocably waive any objection they may have to venue or the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such actions or proceedings to enforce this Agreement.

7.13 Severability . The invalidity of any provision of this Agreement or portion of a provision shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement or the remaining portion of the applicable provision.

7.14 Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

7.15 No Strict Construction . The parties hereto jointly participated in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their collective mutual intent. This Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Person.

 

30


7.16 Business Days . If any time period for giving notice or taking action hereunder expires on a day which is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the state in which the Company’s chief executive office is located, the time period shall be automatically extended to the business day immediately following such Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

7.17 Irrevocable Proxy . To the extent that this Agreement obligates a Securityholder to Vote Securities for or against any transaction (or other matter) or for any Person in any election, such Securityholder grants to the Fund, if the Fund is not in breach hereof, a proxy to so Vote that Security on such Securityholder’s behalf with respect to that transaction (or other matter). Each of the foregoing proxies is irrevocable. The term of each of such proxies with respect to Securities will continue until the date on which this Agreement terminates. Each of these proxies is coupled with an interest in the issuer of Securities in question. Each time that a Securityholder acquires Securities (including on the date hereof or in the future), such Securityholder shall be treated as granting this proxy at such time with respect to that Security.

7.18 Interpretation . Whenever the term “include” or “including” is used in this Agreement, it shall mean “including, without limitation,” (whether or not such language is specifically set forth) and shall not be deemed to limit the range of possibilities to those items specifically enumerated. The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision. Terms defined in the singular have a comparable meaning when used in the plural and vice versa. Terms defined in the current tense shall have a comparable meaning when used in the past or future tense and vice versa. Terms defined as a noun shall have a comparable meaning when used as an adjective, adverb, or verb and vice versa.

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]

 

31


I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the parties have executed this Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

Name: Marcus J. George
Its: Vice President
Principal Place of Business: Illinois
THE FUND :
CHS PRIVATE EQUITY V LP
By:   CHS Management V LP, its general partner
By:   Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC,
      its general partner
By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

Name: Marcus J. George
Its: Partner
Principal Place of Business: Illinois

 

Signature Page to

Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY SELLER AND TARGET COMPANY

The undersigned each hereby acknowledge and agree to the procedures of Sections 2.1(b) and (e) of the Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement dated as of April 30, 2010 among Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the other parties thereto, and that adherence to the provisions thereof will not constitute a breach or violation of, or grounds to terminate, the Acquisition Agreement (as defined in the Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement).

 

THERMON HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Its:   President
Principal Place of Business:  

 

THERMON HOLDING CORP.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Its:   President
Principal Place of Business:  

 

 

Signature Page to

Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ GEORGE ALEXANDER

Name:   GEORGE ALEXANDER

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ RICHARD H. HULETT

Name:   RICHARD H. HULETT

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ René Van Der Salm

Name:   René Van Der Salm

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ PAUL E. IRWIN

Name:   PAUL E. IRWIN

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ F. LEWIS SMITH

Name:   F. LEWIS SMITH

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Roy E. Barth

Name:  

Roy E. Barth

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ DAVID RALPH

Name:   DAVID RALPH

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ RICHARD HAGEMAN

Name:   RICHARD HAGEMAN

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ KEN CONRICK

Name:   KEN CONRICK

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ BRIAN MCLENNAN

Name:   BRIAN MCLENNAN

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ David R. Duval

Name:   David R. Duval

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Rob Leussink

Name:   Rob Leussink

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ TANMAY SENGUPTA

Name:   TANMAY SENGUPTA

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Kirk Dippel

Name:   Kirk Dippel

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Beverly Childers

Name:   Beverly Childers

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ ERIC C. REITLER

Name:   ERIC C. REITLER

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ KENNETH O’BRYANT

Name:   KENNETH O’BRYANT

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ JOHN ALLISON

Name:   JOHN ALLISON

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Donald W. Hirsch

Name:   Donald W. Hirsch

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Kevin M. Simpson

Name:   Kevin M. Simpson

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Scott Sandlin

Name:   Scott Sandlin

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ DAVID N. JEVAS

Name:   DAVID N. JEVAS

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ GARY CRAIG

Name:   GARY CRAIG

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ JOHN BEENE

Name:   JOHN BEENE

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ PAUL RITCHIE

Name:   PAUL RITCHIE

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ JAMES SCHUBERT

Name:   JAMES SCHUBERT

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Byung Ho Park

Name:   Byung Ho Park

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Andy Russell

Name:   Andy Russell

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Richard Burdick

Name:   Richard Burdick

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ FRANK D. RANGEL

Name:   FRANK D. RANGEL

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ SAM PALMER

Name:   SAM PALMER

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ MARIAN DEHM

Name:   MARIAN DEHM

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ John Schramm

Name:   John Schramm

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ BRYAN DUHON

Name:   BRYAN DUHON

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ SANDRA L. MICHALEWICZ

Name:   SANDRA L. MICHALEWICZ

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ LANCE BIELKE

Name:   LANCE BIELKE

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ EVELYNE BERGER

Name:   EVELYNE BERGER

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ C LINDSAY

Name:   C LINDSAY

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ W. Michael Bruce

Name:   W. Michael Bruce

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ PETER BAEN

Name:   PETER BAEN

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Prasad Shripad Shetye

Name:   Prasad Shripad Shetye

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ MARK PESCUD

Name:   MARK PESCUD

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ GORDON BROWN

Name:   GORDON BROWN

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ RALPH KNOSKE

Name:   RALPH KNOSKE

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ CHAD SEHN

Name:   CHAD SEHN

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Werner Stadler

Name:   Werner Stadler

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Richard Peter Farrugia

Name:   Richard Peter Farrugia

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ RICHARDOT SERGE

Name:   RICHARDOT SERGE

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Fukuo Arimori

Name:   Fukuo Arimori

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Xiaohu Duan

Name:   Duan Xiaohu

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Min Suk Jung

Name:   Min Suk Jung

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ ALEXANDER MACLAINE PONT

Name:   ALEXANDER MACLAINE PONT

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ WEIJERS

Name:   MGR. WEIJERS

 

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MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Sarah Alexander

Name:   Sarah Alexander

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ FELIPE BARRIENTOS

Name:   FELIPE BARRIENTOS

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ John D. Grant

Name:   John D. Grant

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ Megan Hernandez

Name:   Megan Hernandez

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ GERARDO LOPEZ

Name:   GERARDO LOPEZ

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ WILLIAM J. ROEDER

Name:   WILLIAM J. ROEDER

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ DAVID L. SCHLAMEUS

Name:   DAVID L. SCHLAMEUS

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


MANAGER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

MANAGER

/s/ JOSE C. LIZCANO

Name:   JOSE C. LIZCANO

 

Signature Page to

Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


CO-INVESTOR SIGNATURE PAGE

 

THOMPSON STREET CAPITAL PARTNERS II, L.P.
By:   Thompson Street Capital II GP, L.P., its general partner
By:   Thompson Street Capital LLC, its general partner
By:  

/s/ James A. Cooper

Name: James A. Cooper
Its: Member
Principal Place of Business: Missouri
CROWN INVESTMENT SERIES LLC – SERIES 4
By:   Longview Asset Management LLC, its Manager
By:  

/s/ James Star

Name: James Star
Its: President
Principal Place of Business: Illinois
STAR INVESTMENT SERIES LLC – SERIES 1
By:  

/s/ James Star

Name: James Star
Its: Manager
Principal Place of Business: Illinois

 

Signature Page to

Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


FORMER OWNER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

FORMER OWNER

/s/ RICHARD L. BURDICK

Name:   RICHARD L. BURDICK

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


FORMER OWNER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

FORMER OWNER

/s/ Mark Burdick

Name:   Mark Burdick

 

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Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


FORMER OWNER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

FORMER OWNER

/s/ JACK N. SIGOVICH

Name:   JACK N. SIGOVICH

 

Signature Page to

Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


FUND ASSOCIATE SIGNATURE PAGE

 

CHS ASSOCIATES V
By:   Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, its managing general partner
By:  

/s/ Michael L. Keesey

Name: Michael L. Keesey
Its: Chief Financial Officer
Principal Place of Business: Illinois

 

Signature Page to

Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement


EXHIBIT A

SPOUSAL CONSENT

I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement and that I know its contents. I am aware that by its provisions, my spouse agrees, among other things, to a right of first refusal, to the granting of rights to purchase and to the imposition of certain restrictions on the transfer of securities of the Company (including Shares), including my community interest therein (if any), which rights and restrictions may survive my spouse’s death. I hereby consent to such rights and restrictions, approve of the provisions of the Agreement, and agree that I will bequeath any interest which I may have in said securities or any of them, including my community interest, if any, or permit any such interest to be purchased, in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Agreement. I direct that any residuary clause in my will shall not be deemed to apply to my community interest (if any) in such partnership interests except to the extent consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

I further agree that in the event of a dissolution of the marriage between myself and my spouse, in connection with which I secure or am awarded any securities of the Company or any interest therein through property settlement agreement or otherwise, I shall receive and hold said securities subject to all the provisions and restrictions contained in the foregoing Agreement, including any option of the Company or other Securityholders to purchase such shares or interest from me.

I also acknowledge that I have been advised to obtain independent counsel to represent my interests with respect to this Agreement but that I have declined to do so and hereby expressly waive my right to such independent counsel.

 

Date:  

 

   

 

      Name of Spouse:  

 

Name of Securityholder:  

 

     


EXHIBIT B

SUBSCRIPTION AND JOINDER

TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITYHOLDER AGREEMENT

This is a SUBSCRIPTION AND JOINDER (“ Joinder ”) to the AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITYHOLDER AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), CHS Private Equity V LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Fund ”) and each other party thereto and each person subsequently admitted as a Securityholder. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed in such terms in the Agreement.

WHEREAS, the undersigned (a) desires to acquire from the Company, and the Company desires to transfer to the undersigned,              shares of Common Stock and (b) desires to become a Securityholder and [Manager] [Fund Associate] [Lender] [Co-Investor], with all of the rights and obligations provided in the Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the admission of the undersigned as an additional Securityholder and [Manager] [Fund Associate] [Lender] [Co-Investor] pursuant to Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned agrees to become a party to the Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Joinder hereby agree as follows:

1 Subscription . The undersigned hereby subscribes for, and the Company hereby issues to the undersigned,              shares of Common Stock for a purchase price per share equal to $              . The undersigned specifically makes the representations and warranties set forth in, and agrees and acknowledges to the matters covered by, Section 2.2 of the Agreement. The undersigned is a resident of, or (if applicable) has its principal place of business located in, the State set forth on the signature page to this Joinder.

2 Agreement to be Bound . Upon execution of this Joinder, the undersigned shall become a party to the Agreement and shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the covenants, terms and conditions of the Agreement as though an original party thereto and as a Securityholder and [Manager] [Fund Associate] [Lender] [Co-Investor] thereunder.

3 Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise provided herein, this Joinder shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns.

4 Counterparts . This Joinder may be executed in separate counterparts (by facsimile, photo or other electronic means), each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.


5 Governing Law . This Joinder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any rules, principles or provisions of choice of law or conflicts of laws.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Joinder as of this              day of              , 20      .

 

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Date:                             , 20     

 

Name:  

 

Date:                             , 20     
Residence or Principal Place of Business:

 

 


SCHEDULE I

The Managers

 

I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

George P. Alexander

PO Box 621

San Marcos, TX 76667

Fax: (512) 396-3627

   1,984    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

Rodney Bingham

4002 Austin Meadow Drive

Sugar Land, TX 77479

Fax:

   2,000    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

Richard H. Hulett

237 Muse Drive

El Dorado Hills, CA 95767

Fax:

   460    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    California

Johannes van der Salm

495 Hueco Springs Loop Rd

New Braunfels, TX 78132

Fax: (512) 754-2416

   816    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Paul E. Irwin

26 Hessenford Dr.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

Fax:

   320    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Frank Lewis Smith

2838 S. Cedar Hollow Dr

Pearland, TX 77584

Fax:

   265    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Roy E. Barth

2405 Willow Arbor

San Marcos, TX 78666

Fax: (512) 754-2438

   260    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

David P. Ralph

1762 Oak Forest Dr

New Braunfels, TX 78132

Fax:

   544    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Richard Hageman

9430 Blazing Star Trail

Garden Ridge, TX 78266

Fax:

   131    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Ken Conrick

16 Grove St

Vermont, Melbourne, Australia 3133

Fax:

   399    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Australia

 


I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

Brian McLennan

10436-14 AVE

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6J 5S9

Fax: (780) 436-4037

   418    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

David Duval

RR2, Site 18, Box 13

Olds, AB Canada

Fax: (403) 556-4076

   260    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Rob Leussink

Van Scorelstraat 89

3141 HV MAASSLUIS

The Netherlands

Fax: +31 153615379

   943    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Netherlands

Tanmay Sengupta

20-P Ballygunge Terrace

Calcutta 700029 India

Fax: +91-33-2440-1352

   749    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    India

Kirk Dippel

901 Bay Area Blvd

League City, Texas 77573

Fax:

   161    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Beverly Childers

3715 Leadville Drive

Austin, Texas 78749

Fax:

   205    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Eric Reitler

6361 Rothbury Street

Portage, MI 49024

Fax:

   255    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Michigan

Kenneth O’Bryant

PO Box 1569

Kyle, Texas 78640-1569

Fax:

   103    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

John Allison

1 Cortleferry Grove

Eskbank, Dalkeith

Midlothian, EH22 3HX UK

Fax:

   130    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    United Kingdom

Donny Hirsch

2238 S. Abbey Loop

New Braunfels, TX 78130

Fax:

   226    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas


I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

Kevin Simpson

37084 White Road

Prairieville, LA 70769

Fax:

   131    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Louisiana

Scott Sandlin

101 Wimberley Oaks Dr

Wimberley, TX 78676

Fax:

   266    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

David Jevas

900 Silent Valley Rd.

Lockhart, TX 78644

Fax:

   142    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Gary Craig

37 Halliburton Crescent

London, Ontario N6K 2Z1 Canada

Fax:

   243    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

John Beene

2508 Arroyo Doble

San Marcos, TX 78666

Fax:

   85    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Paul Ritchie

10815 Willowglen Place SE

Calgary, Alberta T2J 1R8 Canada

Fax:

   49    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Jim Schubert

P O Box 24

Fischer, TX 78623

Fax:

   90    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Byungho Park

Rm. 2602 Trade Tower

Samsung-Dong Gangnam-gu

Seoul, South Korea

Fax:

   123    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Korea

Andy Russell

2614 Sunday House Dr.

Pearland, TX 77584

Fax:

   123    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Richard Burdick

5714 Cerritos

Houston, TX 77035

Fax:

   133    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas


I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

Frank Rangel

6707 Olympia

Pasadena, TX 77505

Fax:

   66    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Sam Palmer

82 Wellington St, upper

Stratford, Ontario N5A 2L2 Canada

Fax:

   119    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Marian Dehm

10821 River Plantation Dr.

Austin, TX 78747

Fax:

   97    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

John Schramm

103 Longcope Loop

San Marcos, TX 78666

Fax:

   27    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

Bryan Duhon

1310 Edgewater Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

Fax:

   99    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Sandra Michalewicz

108 Hill Drive

San Marcos, TX 78666

Fax:

   20    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

Lance Bielke

595 Apex

New Braunfels, TX 78132

Fax:

   25    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

Evelyne Berger

10 rue du Passe

Partout, IGNY 91430 France

Fax:

   75    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing and the immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    France

Chris Lindsay

5 Listerclose

Houghton le Spring

Tyne and Wear DH5 8NP UK

Fax:

   43    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing and the immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    United Kingdom

Mike Bruce

168 Reunion Close NW

Airdrie, Alberta T4B 0M3 Canada

Fax:

   55    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada


I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

Peter Baen

PO Box 207

San Marcos, TX 78667

Fax:

   55    Netting against proceeds and transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Prasad Shetye

Housing Society

Dinanath Mangeshkar Marg.

Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 036 India

Fax:

   71    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing and the immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    India

Mark Pescud

425 Willarong Road Carringbah 2229 NSW Australia

Fax:

   29    The immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    Australia

Gordon Brown

5924 – 56 th Street

Olds, AB T4H 1K4 Canada

Fax: (403) 273-5695

   42    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Ralph Knoske

RR#2

Leduc, AB T9E 2X2 Canada

Fax:

   36    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Chad Sehn

2308 Morris Cr SE

Calgary, AB T4A 2A3 Canada

Fax:

   30    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Werner Stadler

15 MacEwan Park Pl NW

Calgary, AB T3K 3G2 Canada

Fax:

   30    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Richard Farrugia

1706 Thorburn Dr SE

Airdrie, AB T4A 2E2 Canada

Fax:

   30    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Canada

Serge Richardot

19 Rue de la Main Enchantee

77280 Othis France

Fax:

   31    The immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing connection with Closing    France


I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

Fukuo Arimori

14-24-506, Chuo-4, Yamato City

Kanagawa Pref., 242-0021 Japan

Fax:

   40    The immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    Japan

Duan Xiahou

4-1-1710 Noukendaihigashi,

Kanazawa-ku

Yokohama 236-0058 Japan

Fax:

   43    The immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    Japan

Min Suk Jung

Gyeryeong Rishivill Apt. 105-1405

Dunjeon-ri, Pogok-eup,

Cheoin-gy, Yongin-si

Gyeanggi-Do Korea 449-828

Fax:

   33    The immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    Korea

Alexander MacLaine Pont

Molenlaan 111

3055 EJ Rotterdam

The Netherlands

Fax:

   33    The immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    Netherlands

Mathon Weijers

Nicolaas Beetslaan 3

2841 EJ Moordrecht

The Netherlands

Fax: +31 153615379

   28    The immediate remittance of net after tax bonus in connection with Closing    Netherlands

Sarah Alexander

603 Davis St. #701

Austin, TX 78701

Fax:512 754 2416

   33    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Felipe Barrientos

101 Ford Rd.

San Marcos, TX 78666

Fax: 512 396 3627

   40    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

John Grant

15082 Warbler Drive

Austin, TX 78734

Fax:

   40    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Megan Hernandez

154 Calle Real

Kyle, TX 78640

Fax:

   33    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas


I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

Gerardo Lopez

652 Purple Sage Dr.

Seguin, TX 78155

Fax:

   33    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Bill Roeder

4422 Monte Carlo Place

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Fax:

   31    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Colorado

David Schlameus

7965 Old Bastrop Road

New Braunfels, TX 78130

Fax:

   33    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

Julio Lizcano

3806 Frodo Cove

Austin, TX 78739

Fax:

   33    Transfer of net after tax bonus by Thermon in connection with Closing    Texas

 


SCHEDULE II

The Fund Associates

 

I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Common Stock Acquired

CHS Associates V

10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Fax: (312) 876-3854

  


SCHEDULE III

The Lenders

 

I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Common Stock Acquired

  


SCHEDULE IV

The Co-Investors

 

I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Common Stock Acquired

Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P.

120 South Central Avenue, Suite 600

Saint Louis, Missouri 63105

Fax: (314) 727-2118

   25,000 shares of Class A Common

Crown Investment Series LLC – Series 4

222 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Fax:

   14,750 shares of Class A Common

Star Investment Series LLC – Series 1

222 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Fax:

   750 shares of Class A Common


SCHEDULE V

The Former Owners

 

I

Name, Address and Fax

  

II

Shares of Class B

Common Stock
Acquired

  

III

Manner of Payment

  

IV

State of
Residence

Richard L. Burdick

1030 Belvin Street

San Marcos, TX 78666

Fax:

   739    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

Mark Burdick

183 Las Brisas Blvd.

Seguin, TX 78155

Fax:

   2,200    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Texas

Jack N. Sigovich

16084 W. Piccadilly Road

Goodyear, Arizona 85395

Fax: (623) 533-4846

   300    Netting against proceeds in connection with Closing    Arizona

EXHIBIT 10.6

EXECUTION VERSION

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Management Services Agreement (“ Management Agreement ”) is made as of April 30, 2010, among Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), CHS Management V LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ CHS ”), Thompson Street Capital Manager LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ TSCP ”), Crown Investment Series LLC – Series 4, a Delaware series limited liability company (“ Crown ”), and Star Investment Series LLC – Series 1, a Delaware series limited liability company (“ Star ” and, together with CHS, TSCP, and Crown, the “ Advisors .”

WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Advisors and the Advisors desire to perform for the Company and its subsidiaries and other affiliates ongoing services;

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

1. Term . This Management Agreement shall be in effect for an initial term of ten (10) years commencing on the date hereof (the “ Term ”), and shall be automatically extended thereafter on a year to year basis unless the Company or CHS provides written notice to the other party of its desire to terminate this Management Agreement 90 days prior to the expiration of the Term or any extension thereof.

2. Services . The Advisors shall perform or cause to be performed such services for the Company, its subsidiaries and other affiliates as reasonably directed by the Company’s board of directors (the “ Board ”), which may include, without limitation, the following:

(a) general executive and management services;

(b) identification, support, negotiation and analysis of acquisitions and dispositions by the Company and its subsidiaries and other affiliates;

(c) support, negotiation and analysis of financing alternatives, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions, capital expenditures and refinancing of existing indebtedness;

(d) finance functions, including assistance in the preparation of financial projections, and monitoring of compliance with financing agreements;

(e) marketing functions, including monitoring of marketing plans and strategies;

(f) human resource functions, including searching and hiring of executives; and

(g) other services for the Company, its subsidiaries and other affiliates upon which the Board and the Advisors agree.


3. Advisory Fees .

(a) In connection with the on-going services provided by the Advisors pursuant to this Management Agreement, the Company shall pay the Advisors an aggregate amount equal to $166,667 per month (the “ Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee ”) plus the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Advisors in connection with such services. Initially, the portion of the Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee payable to each of CHS, TSCP, Crown and Star (each, an “ Advisory Payment ”) shall be $103,876, $38,760, $22,868 and $1,163, respectively. The Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee shall be payable monthly in arrears on the last day of each month. The first payment of the Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee shall be prorated for any partial month in which the Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee begins to accrue and shall be payable on May 31, 2010. Notwithstanding the foregoing, on the date hereof, TSCP is being paid $1,046,520 as an advance of all Advisory Payments (excluding, for clarity, any expense reimbursements) payable from the date hereof through July 31, 2012, and, accordingly, TSCP shall not accrue or receive any Advisory Payments (excluding, for clarity, any expense reimbursements) following the date hereof until the regular payment of the Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee payable on August 31, 2012.

(b) If, following the date hereof, the Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee is increased or decreased or if one or more Advisors contributes additional capital to Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, in exchange for any debt or equity securities of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, the Aggregate Monthly Advisory Fee (as so increased or decreased, if applicable) shall thereafter be allocated among the Advisors pro rata based on the aggregate amount of unreturned capital invested at any time by an Advisor in the debt or equity securities of the Company or any of its affiliates, divided by the aggregate amount of unreturned capital invested at any time by all Advisors in the debt or equity securities of the Company or any of its affiliates.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no payments shall be payable hereunder (and the Company shall not be in default or in breach or violation of its obligations hereunder) to the extent such payments would cause a default under, or would be prohibited by, the Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 2010 (such Credit Agreement, together with any replacement thereof or successor thereto (including upon any refinancing of the indebtedness evidenced thereby), the “ Credit Agreement ”) among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto (“ Lenders ”) and General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent for the Lenders (together with its successors and assigns, “ Agent ”). If any payment not permitted to be made under this paragraph is so made, such payment shall not be commingled with any of the assets of the Advisors or any other recipient, shall be held in trust by the Advisors or such other recipient for the benefit of Agent and each Lender and shall be promptly returned to the Company. No amounts owing under this Management Agreement shall be secured by any lien or other encumbrance. The Agent and the Lenders are intended third party beneficiaries of the provisions set forth in this paragraph, and such provisions may not be amended, waived or modified in any respect without the prior written consent of Agent.


4. Personnel . The Advisors shall provide and devote to the performance of this Management Agreement such partners, employees and agents of the Advisors as the Advisors shall deem appropriate to the furnishing of the services required.

5. Liability . Neither the Advisors nor any of their affiliates, partners, employees or agents shall be liable to the Company, its subsidiaries or its affiliates for any loss, liability, damage or expense arising out of or in connection with the performance of services contemplated by this Management Agreement, except to the extent such loss, liability, damage or expense shall be proven to result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on the part of the applicable Advisor, its officers, directors, affiliates, partners, members, managers, beneficial owners, trustees, employees and agents.

6. Indemnity . The Company and its subsidiaries shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Advisors, their officers, directors, affiliates, partners, members, managers, beneficial owners, trustees, employees and agents from and against any and all loss, liability, damage, or expenses arising from any claim (a “ Claim ”) by any person with respect to, or in any way related to, the performance of services contemplated by this Management Agreement (including attorneys’ fees) (collectively, “ Claims ”) resulting from any act or omission of the Advisors, their officers, directors, affiliates, partners, members, trustees, employees or agents, except to the extent of Claims which shall be proven to be the direct result of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct by an Advisor or such Advisor’s affiliates, partners, members, trustees, employees or agents. The Company and its subsidiaries shall defend at their own cost and expense any and all suits or actions (just or unjust) which may be brought against the Company, its subsidiaries or the Advisors, their officers, directors, affiliates, partners, members, trustees, employees or agents or in which the Advisors, their officers, directors, affiliates, partners, members, trustees, employees or agents may be impleaded with others upon any Claim or Claims, or upon any matter, directly or indirectly, related to or arising out of this Management Agreement or the performance hereof by the Advisors, their officers, directors, affiliates, partners, members, trustees, employees or agents, except that if such damage shall be proven to be the direct result of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct by an Advisor or such Advisor’s affiliates, partners, members, trustees, employees or agents, then such Advisor shall reimburse the Company and its subsidiaries for the costs of defense and other costs incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries.

7. Independent Contractors . Nothing herein shall be construed to create a joint venture or partnership between the parties hereto or an employee/employer relationship. The Advisors shall be independent contractors pursuant to this Management Agreement. No party hereto shall have any express or implied right or authority to assume or create any obligations on behalf of or in the name of any other party or to bind the other party to any contract, agreement or undertaking with any third party.

8. Notice . All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, by facsimile (or photo or other electronic means), by local messenger or by reputable overnight courier. Notices shall be deemed given: (1) when received, if delivered by hand or local messenger; (2) when sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means during the recipient’s normal business hours; (3) on the first business day after being sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means other than during the recipient’s normal business


hours; and (4) one business day after being delivered to a reputable overnight courier for next day delivery. A notice delivered by facsimile, photo or other electronic means shall only be effective on the date set forth above, however, if the notice is also given by hand, local messenger or courier no later than two business days after its delivery by facsimile, photo or other electronic means. All notices shall be addressed as follows: (1)  if to the Company : Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. C/O CHS Private Equity V LP, 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to CHS Private Equity V LP, 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854 and to Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: Roger R. Wilen and Jeffrey N. Smith, Fax: (312) 853-7036; (2)  if to CHS : CHS Private Equity V L.P., 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: Roger R. Wilen and Jeffrey N. Smith, Fax: (312) 853-7036; (3)  if to TSCP : Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P., Thompson Street Capital Partners II, L.P., 120 South Central Avenue, Suite 600, Saint Louis, Missouri 63105, Fax: (314) 727-2118, Attention: James A Cooper; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to Bryan Cave, One Metropolitan Square, 211 North Broadway, Suite 3600, Saint Louis, Missouri 63102-2750, Attention: Seth M. Frederiksen, Fax: (314) 552-8566; (4)  if to Crown or Star : Crown Investment Series LLC, 222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601, Fax: (312) 984-1427, Attention: James Star; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to Neal Gerber Eisenberg LLP, 2 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Attention: Michael B. Gray, Fax: (312) 750-6551; or (in each case) to such other addresses or addressees as may be designated by notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8.

9. Assignment . None of the parties may assign any obligations hereunder to any other party without the prior written consent of the other parties and such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided , however , that each Advisor may assign its rights and obligations under this Management Agreement to any of its affiliates without the consent of the Company. The assignor shall remain liable for the performance of any assignee.

10. Successors . This Management Agreement and all the obligations and benefits hereunder shall inure to the successors and assigns of the parties.

11. Counterparts . This Management Agreement may be executed and delivered by each party hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

12. Entire Agreement; Modification; Governing Law . The terms and conditions hereof constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Management Agreement and supersede all previous communications, either oral or written, representations or warranties of any kind whatsoever, except as expressly set forth herein. No modifications of this Management Agreement nor waiver of the terms or conditions thereof shall be binding upon any party unless approved in writing by an authorized representative of such party. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement


and interpretation of this Management Agreement shall be governed by the internal law of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdictions) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware.

13. Termination of Obligation to Pay Advisory Payments on Sale of the Company . Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Company’s obligation to continue to pay the Advisory Payments shall terminate on the earlier of (a) the date of consummation of a Sale of the Company (as defined in the Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among CHS, TSCP, Crown, Star and the other parties thereto), and (b) the occurrence of an “Event of Default” under the Credit Agreement that results in (i) the foreclosure by Agent or required Lenders on all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries pledged to Agent as security for the obligations under the Credit Agreement or (ii) the exercise by Agent or required Lenders of their stock pledge rights with respect to the stock of the Company and/or its subsidiaries; provided that, in each of the cases described in (a) and (b) above, the Company shall remain liable for any accrued but unpaid Advisory Payments (and unreimbursed expenses) through such date.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Management Services Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Name:   Rodney Bingham
Its:   President

Signature Page to

Management Services Agreement


CHS MANAGEMENT V LP
By:  

Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC,

its General Partner

By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

Name:   Marcus J. George
Its:   Partner

Signature Page to

Management Services Agreement


THOMPSON STREET CAPITAL MANAGER LLC

By:

 

/s/ James A. Cooper

Name:

  James A. Cooper

Its:

  Managing Principal

Signature Page to

Management Services Agreement


CROWN INVESTMENT SERIES LLC – SERIES 4
By:  

Longview Asset Management LLC,

its Manager

By:  

/s/ James Star

Name:   James Star
Its:   President
STAR INVESTMENT SERIES LLC – SERIES 1
By:  

/s/ James Star

Name:   James Star
Its:   Manager

Signature Page to

Management Services Agreement

EXHIBIT 10.7

THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK OPTION PLAN

1. Purpose . Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (the “ Parent ”), the indirect parent company of Thermon Holding Corp., has adopted this Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan (the “ Plan ”) effective as of July 28, 2010 (the “ Effective Date ”). The purposes of the Plan are to encourage selected members of the management team of the Parent or any Subsidiary thereof (which shall be referred to, collectively and individually, as the “ Company Group ”) to acquire a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of the Company Group and to enhance the ability of the Company Group to attract, retain and reward qualified individuals for management positions.

2. Definitions . As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “ Affiliate ” of a Person means any other Person Controlling, Controlled by or under common Control with such Person. An “Affiliate” of Parent includes each of Parent’s direct or indirect Subsidiaries, whether or not in existence on the date hereof.

(b) “ Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Parent or any committee established by the Board with the authority to act with respect to the Plan.

(c) “ Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(d) “ Common Stock ” shall mean the shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Parent.

(e) “ Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, while “ Controlled ” and “ Controlling ” have correlative meanings.

(f) “ Fair Market Value ” shall mean, with respect to Shares or other securities, the fair market value of the Shares or other securities determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Board in good faith and in accordance with Code Section 409A and other applicable law.

(g) “ Incentive Equity ” shall mean the Options and Restricted Stock.

(h) “ Option ” shall mean a non-qualified stock option granted under the Plan.


(i) “ Option Agreement ” shall mean a written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Option granted under the Plan.

(j) “ Participant ” shall mean an employee, non-employee director or consultant of the Company Group who has been granted an Option or acquired Restricted Stock under the Plan.

(k) “ Person ” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or political subdivision thereof.

(l) “ Restricted Stock ” shall mean Shares acquired by a Participant pursuant to the Plan and any applicable Restricted Stock Agreement.

(m) “ Restricted Stock Agreement ” shall mean a written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing the purchase of Restricted Stock pursuant to the Plan.

(n) “ Sale of the Parent ” shall mean the sale (in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions) of the Parent to any Person (other than CHS Private Equity V LP or its Affiliates) pursuant to which such Person acquires (i) a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or transfer of Common Stock, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

(o) “ Shares ” shall mean shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Parent, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of Incentive Equity pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 4(b) .

(p) “ Subsidiary ” shall have the meaning provided in Code Section 424(f).

3. Administration .

(a) Generally . The Plan shall be administered by the Board. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Incentive Equity shall be within the sole discretion of the Board, may be made at any time, and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all Persons, including the Company Group, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Incentive Equity, any stockholder of the Parent and any employee of the Company Group.

(b) Powers . Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Board shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Incentive Equity to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii)

 

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determine the number of Shares to be covered by Options or the number of Shares to be granted or sold as Restricted Stock; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Incentive Equity award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Incentive Equity may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended, and the method or methods by which Incentive Equity may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) interpret and administer the Plan and any instruments or agreements relating to, or Incentive Equity granted or sold under, the Plan; (vii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (viii) determine if any Option should become exercisable or if any Restricted Stock should become vested in part or full; (ix) determine the terms and conditions of the repurchase of any Incentive Equity; (x) establish the terms and conditions of any Restricted Stock Agreement or Option Agreement; and (xi) make any other determination and take any other action that the Board deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.

4. Shares Available for Options and Restricted Stock .

(a) Shares Available . Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(b) :

(i) Limitation on Number of Shares . The maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be issued (including upon exercise or conversion of Options) pursuant to the Plan shall be 14,208. To the extent that an Option granted ceases to remain outstanding by reason of termination of rights granted thereunder, forfeiture or otherwise, or if a share of Restricted Stock is repurchased by the Parent, the Shares subject to such Option or which are repurchased shall again become available for award under the Plan.

(ii) Sources of Shares Deliverable Under Options . Any Shares delivered pursuant to the exercise of an Option or issuance of any Restricted Stock may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock or of treasury shares of Common Stock.

(b) Adjustments . In the event that the Board determines that any change in corporate capitalization, such as a dividend or other distribution of shares of Common Stock, extraordinary cash dividend, or a corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization or partial or complete liquidation of the Parent and/or any Subsidiary thereof, or other similar corporate transaction or event, affects the shares of Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Board to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Board shall, in such manner as it may deem necessary to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made under the Plan, and in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares which thereafter may be issued pursuant to the Plan, (ii) the number and type of Shares subject to

 

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outstanding Options, and (iii) the grant, purchase or exercise price with respect to any Option or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Option.

5. Eligibility . In determining the individuals to whom Incentive Equity shall be offered and the number of Shares to be covered by each Option or offered as Restricted Stock, the Board shall take into account the nature of his or her duties and present and potential contributions to the success of the Company Group and such other factors as it shall deem relevant in connection with accomplishing the purposes of the Plan. A Participant who has been granted an Option or offered Restricted Stock under the Plan may be granted an additional Option or Restricted Stock. The Board’s selection of an individual to participate in the Plan at any time shall not require the Board to select such individual to participate in the Plan at any other time.

6. Options and Restricted Stock . The Board is hereby authorized to grant Incentive Equity to Participants upon the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions as the Board may determine:

(a) Exercise/Purchase Price . The exercise price per Share purchasable under Options and the purchase price of Restricted Stock, if any, shall be determined by the Board at the time the Option is granted or the Restricted Stock is issued, provided that the exercise price per Share with respect to an Option grant shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the grant date.

(b) Option Term . The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Board and shall not exceed ten (10) years from the date of grant.

(c) Time and Method of Exercise/Purchase . The Board shall determine the time or times at which the right to exercise an Option may vest, and the method or methods by which, and the form or forms in which, payment of the exercise price with respect to exercises of such Option may be made or deemed to have been made, which may include cash or such other consideration as deemed appropriate by the Board. With respect to any outstanding Option, the Board may modify the method of payment to include any other method not currently set forth in the Option Agreement. The Board shall determine the time or times at which a Participant shall or may acquire Restricted Stock, and the method or methods by which, and the form or forms in which, payment of the purchase price with respect to such Restricted Stock may be made or deemed to have been made, which may include cash or such other consideration as deemed appropriate by the Board.

(d) Limits on Transfer of Options . No Option and no right under any such Option and no Restricted Stock, shall be assignable, alienable, saleable or transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and such Incentive Equity, and each right under any such Incentive Equity, shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

 

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No Incentive Equity and no right under any such Incentive Equity, may be pledged, alienated, attached, or otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, alienation, attachment, or encumbrance thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Parent or any Subsidiary thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may, in its discretion, provide that Incentive Equity be transferable, without consideration, to immediate family members (i.e., children, grandchildren or spouse), to trusts for the benefit of such immediate family members and to partnerships in which such family members are the only partners. The Board’s approval for such family related transfers shall not be unreasonable withheld. In addition, a Participant may, in the manner established by the Board, designate a beneficiary (which may be an individual or a trust) to exercise the rights of the Participant upon the death of the Participant. A beneficiary, guardian, legal representative or other individual claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Participant shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Option Agreement or any Restricted Stock Agreement applicable to such Participant, except as otherwise determined by the Board, and to any additional restrictions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board.

(e) Tax Withholding . The Company Group is authorized to withhold from any Incentive Equity granted or any payment relating to Incentive Equity under the Plan, including from the exercise of an Option, amounts of withholding and other taxes due in connection with any transaction involving such Incentive Equity, and to take such other action as the Board may deem advisable to satisfy obligations for the payment of withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating to any Incentive Equity. This authority shall include authority to withhold or receive Shares or other property and to make cash payments in respect thereof in satisfaction of a Participant’s tax obligations; provided, however, that Shares to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate and any fraction of a Share which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.

7. Corporate Events or Transactions . In connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or partial or complete liquidation of the Company Group or other similar transaction or event, or in the event of a Sale of the Parent, the Board, as constituted before such event or transaction, is authorized, and has sole discretion, as to any Option or share of Restricted Stock, either at the time such Option or share of Restricted Stock is granted or issued hereunder or any time thereafter, to take any one or more of the following actions:

(a) Provide that the exercise of any such Option shall not require payment of the exercise price but shall result in payment to the holder of the Option of an amount of cash equal to the excess, if any, of the then Fair Market Value of the Shares covered thereby and the exercise price thereof;

(b) Provide that any Option shall be assumed, or an equivalent option shall be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation or entity, or its parent;

 

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(c) Upon written notice to the Participant, provide that (i) the exercisable but unexercised portion of such Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such event or transaction unless exercised by the Participant within a specified period following the date of such notice and prior to the consummation of such event or transaction (which period shall not be less than five (5) days) and (ii) the unexercisable portion of such Option will terminate upon consummation of such event or transaction;

(d) Upon written notice to Participant, provide that any shares of Restricted Stock that will not otherwise be vested at the time of the consummation of such event or transaction will be repurchased by Parent (or its designee) immediately prior to the consummation thereof in the manner, and on the terms and conditions, set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement;

(e) In the event of a merger or consolidation under the terms of which any of the Parent’s shareholders will receive upon consummation thereof a cash payment for each Share surrendered in the merger or consolidation (the “ Merger Price ”), make or provide for a cash payment to the Participant equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the Merger Price times the number of Shares subject to the unexercised portion of any Option over (ii) the aggregate exercise price of such portion of such Option, in exchange for the termination of the Option (which payment shall be $0 if the exercise price exceeds the Merger Price); or

(f) Provide that all or any portion of any Option or share of Restricted Stock shall become exercisable or vested (as the case may be) in full (or in part) immediately prior to such event or transaction and shall cease to be exercisable or vested (as the case may be) at any time after such event or transaction.

Any exercise of an Option in contemplation of an event or transaction described above may be conditioned upon and subject to the consummation thereof, in which case, any such exercise shall be deemed to have occurred immediately prior to such transaction and any resulting termination of such Option. The Board may suspend the right of all Participants to exercise their Options during a period of not more than five (5) days ending on the consummation of the event or transaction described in this Section 7 by providing Participants with written notice of such suspension at least ten (10) days prior to the last day on which the Options may be exercised.

8. Amendment and Termination . Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Agreement or in the Plan:

(a) Amendments to the Plan . The Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Board, but no amendment without the approval of the stockholders of the Parent shall be made if such amendment would be required under any law or rule of any governmental authority, stock exchange or other self-regulatory organization to which the Parent may then be subject.

 

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(b) Correction of Defects, Omissions, and Inconsistencies . The Board may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Incentive Equity in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to carry the Plan into effect.

9. General Provisions .

(a) No Rights to Awards . No Participant shall have any claim to be granted any Incentive Equity under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Incentive Equity under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Incentive Equity need not be the same with respect to each recipient.

(b) No Right to Employment . The grant of Incentive Equity shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Parent or any Subsidiary thereof. Further, the Parent or a Subsidiary thereof, as applicable, may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Agreement.

(c) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and applicable Federal law.

(d) Severability . If any provision of the Plan or any Incentive Equity, any Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or would disqualify the Plan or any Option under any law deemed applicable by the Board, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Board, materially altering the intent of the Plan, such provision shall be deemed void, stricken and the remainder of the Plan and any such Incentive Equity shall remain in full force and effect.

(e) Headings . Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision hereof.

10. Term of the Plan . The Plan shall continue until the earlier of (a) the date on which all Incentive Equity issuable hereunder have been issued, (b) the termination of the Plan by the Board or (c) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date of the Plan. However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Agreement, any Incentive Equity theretofore granted may extend beyond (and be exercisable after) such date of termination and the authority of the Board to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Incentive Equity or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Incentive Equity, and the authority of the Board to amend the Plan, shall also extend beyond such date of termination.

 

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11. Securityholder Agreement . The issuance or sale of any Incentive Equity under the Plan, and any Shares issuable upon exercise of any Options, may, at the discretion of the Board, be subject to and conditioned upon the Participant receiving such Options or Shares executing, delivering and becoming a party to any option (or similar) agreement or any restricted stock (or similar) agreement, or any other securityholder or manager equity agreement that provides for restrictions on the disposition of the Options or Shares and contains other terms and conditions related to the ownership, rights and obligations of such Options or Shares, or otherwise agreeing to be legally bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.8

THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

The terms and conditions of the Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan, effective as of July 28, 2010 (as amended from time to time, including following the date hereof, the “ Plan ”), are hereby incorporated into this Stock Option Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) by reference. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan. In the case of any conflict between the provisions hereof and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall be controlling. A copy of the Plan, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, is attached hereto as Exhibit A .

In accordance with the Plan, the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (“ Parent ”) adopted a resolution granting to you (the “ Participant ”) a stock option (the “ Option ”) under the Plan to purchase the number of shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value, of Parent (“ Shares ”), specified below, for the exercise price specified below and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan. The Option is unvested, subject to vesting as provided in Section 3 of this Agreement. The Option is also subject to the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated Securityholder Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Parent and the other parties thereto (as amended from time to time, including following the date hereof, the “ Securityholder Agreement ”). A copy of the Securityholder Agreement, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, is attached hereto as Exhibit B .

This Agreement describes Participant’s rights with respect to the Option granted to Participant hereby and constitutes a legal agreement between Participant and Parent.

 

Name of Participant:  

 

  
Address of Participant:  

 

  
 

 

  
Date of Grant:  

 

  

Number of Shares Subject to Option: [      ] Shares in the aggregate.

• [      ] Shares in Tranches I.

• [      ] Shares in Tranche II.

• [      ] Shares in Tranche III.

• [      ] Shares in Tranche IV.

• [      ] Shares in Tranche V.

Exercise Price per Share:         $1,000.00

Type of Option: Non-qualified Stock Option

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By signing in the space provide below, (a) Participant hereby accepts the Option granted hereby and agrees to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan, and (b) to the extent Participant has not previously become a party to the Securityholder Agreement, Participant shall hereby become a party to the Securityholder Agreement and shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the covenants, terms and conditions of the Securityholder Agreement as though an original party thereto and as a Securityholder and Manager thereunder.

 

    THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

 

    By:  

 

Participant     Name:  
    Title:  


ADDITIONAL TERMS

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Business ” means the business activities conducted by or planned to be undertaken by the Company Group while Participant or any Permitted Transferee is a holder of Option Shares or while Participant is employed by the Company Group, including any business involving the design, engineering, manufacture or sale of heat tracing systems (for example, products involving the application of external heat to pipes, vessels, instruments or other equipment for the purposes of freeze protection, process temperature maintenance, environmental monitoring or surface snow and ice melting, heat tracing equipment, heat tracing tubing bundles, and heat tracing control systems), heat tracing system consultation, heat tracing system installation, heat tracing system maintenance and any other products sold or services provided by the Company Group and the provision of related services.

Cause ” means any of the following, as reasonably determined by the Board: (i) the commission by Participant of a felony (or a crime involving moral turpitude); (ii) the theft, conversion, embezzlement or misappropriation by Participant of funds or other assets of the Company Group or any other act of fraud or dishonesty with respect to the Company Group (including acceptance of any bribes or kickbacks or other acts of self-dealing); (iii) the intentional, grossly negligent or unlawful misconduct by Participant that causes harm or embarrassment to the Company Group or exposes the Company Group to a substantial risk of harm or embarrassment; (iv) the violation by Participant of any law regarding employment discrimination or sexual harassment; (v) the failure by Participant to comply with any material policy generally applicable to Company Group employees, which failure is not cured within 30 days after notice to Participant; (vi) the repeated failure by Participant to follow the reasonable directives of any supervisor or the Board, which failure is not cured within 30 days after notice to Participant; (vii) the unauthorized dissemination by Participant of confidential information in violation of Section 7(b) hereof; (viii) any material misrepresentation or materially misleading omission in any resume or other information regarding Participant (including Participant’s work experience, academic credentials, professional affiliations or absence of criminal record) provided by or on behalf of Participant when applying for employment with the Company Group; (ix) the Company Group’s discovery that, prior to Participant’s employment with the Company Group, Participant engaged in conduct of the type described in clauses (i) through (iv) above; or (x) any other material breach by Participant of this Agreement that is not cured within 30 days after notice to Participant.

Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Company Group ” means Parent and any Subsidiary thereof, collectively and individually.

Cost ” means the amount actually paid by Participant to initially purchase that security; such amount to be equitably adjusted, upward or downward, for splits, dividends and recapitalizations.

 

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Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to Option Shares, the fair market value of such Option Shares as of the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which Participant’s employment with the Company Group terminates, as determined in good faith by the Board.

Manager Equity Agreement ” means, if applicable, a Manager Equity Agreement among Participant, Parent and the Fund (as defined in the Securityholder Agreement).

Option Shares ” means any Shares issued pursuant to an exercise of the Option (and any successor securities thereto, including pursuant to a stock dividend, a stock split, a recapitalization or like action, or pursuant to a merger, exchange or any reorganization).

Termination Date ” means the last day on which Participant is in the employment of the Company Group or otherwise actively involved in the operation or management of the Business.

2. Term. The term of the Option shall commence on the date hereof and shall terminate as of the close of business on the earliest to occur of (a) the tenth anniversary hereof; (b) the date which is thirty days following the Termination Date if Participant’s employment is terminated by any member of the Company Group without Cause, (c) the date which is 180 days following the Termination Date if Participant’s employment is terminated as a result of Participant’s death or permanent disability, as defined in section 22(e)(3) of the Code (“ Disability ”), or (d) the Termination Date if Participant’s employment with any member of the Company Group is terminated for any reason not set forth above in this Section 2 .

3. Vesting. Subject to the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, the Option shall initially be unvested and shall vest and become exercisable as to all or a portion of the Shares eligible for vesting under each of Tranches I, II, III, IV and V on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the Date of Grant, respectively. The Board, in its discretion, shall determine the portion (if any) of each Tranche that shall become vested based on the attainment of EBITDA targets, strategic initiatives and/or individual goals established by the Board with respect to such Tranche. Any portion of the Shares eligible for vesting under Tranches I, II, III or IV that does not become vested shall be added to the number of Shares eligible for vesting under the next Tranche. Any portion of the Shares eligible for vesting that has not vested as of the seventh anniversary of the Date of Grant (the “ Seventh Anniversary ”) will become fully vested and exercisable on the Seventh Anniversary, if and only if (i) the Participant has continuously served as an employee of the Company Group from the Date of Grant through the Seventh Anniversary and (ii) the Equity Value (as herein defined) is equal to or greater than two (2) times the value of the aggregate equity investments (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any follow-on equity investments) in Parent. In addition, any portion of the Shares eligible to vest that has not yet vested at the time of a Sale of the Company or initial Public Offering (each, as defined in the Securityholder Agreement) shall vest and become exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of the Sale of the Company or initial Public Offering (as the case may be). For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “ Adjusted EBITDA ” shall mean the earnings of the Company Group before interest expense, interest income, taxes, depreciation and amortization determined in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adjusted EBITDA shall not reflect

 

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any of the following: (i) one-time non-recurring items that are unrelated to the ongoing business of the Company Group; (ii) extraordinary losses or gains as determined under GAAP; and (iii) the amount of any management fees payable to CHS Management V LP, Thompson Street Capital Manager LLC, Crown Investment Series LLC—Series 4, Star Investment Series LLC—Series 1, or any of their Affiliates.

(b) “ Equity Value ” shall mean the aggregate fair value of Parent’s outstanding equity securities as of the Seventh Anniversary, determined in good faith by the Board on the basis of the following formula: six and one half (6.5) times the Adjusted EBITDA (as herein defined) for the twelve (12) month period ending on the last day of the month ending immediately prior to the Seventh Anniversary, minus the Indebtedness (as herein defined) as of the date of the determination of Equity Value, plus cash and cash equivalents determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied (“ GAAP ”), and minus the Option Amount (as herein defined).

(c) “ Indebtedness ” shall mean, as of any date, without duplication, the outstanding principal amount of, accrued and unpaid interest on and other payment obligations (including any fees and penalties) arising under any obligations of the Company Group for (i) all indebtedness for borrowed money owed by the Company Group, whether secured or unsecured, (ii) indebtedness evidenced by any note, bond, debenture or other debt security, (iii) letters of credit, issued for the account of the Company Group, (iv) obligations under leases required in accordance with GAAP to be recorded as capital leases, (v) any obligation for the deferred purchase price of property or services, including all earn-out and other contingent payment obligations (other than trade payables and other current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business), (vi) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (vii) all indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a purchase money mortgage or lien, and (viii) all indebtedness for borrowed money of any other Persons which is directly or indirectly guaranteed by the Company Group.

(d) “ Option Amount ” shall mean an amount equal to the excess of (i) the Equity Value (determined prior to any reduction resulting from the Option Amount) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of all options, warrants and other securities convertible into or exercisable for Parent’s common stock (collectively the “ Exercisable Options ”), and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of common stock determined on a fully diluted basis assuming that all such Exercisable Options are exercised, over (ii) the aggregate amount required to be paid to exercise such Exercisable Options.

In the event Participant’s employment with any member of the Company Group is terminated or ends for any reason, the portion of the Option that is unvested at such time shall, automatically and without any further action by Participant or any member of the Company Group, be forfeited immediately. The Option is initially unvested and shall become vested and exercisable only when and to the extent provided in this Section 3 .

 

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4. No Right to Employment. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to confer on Participant any right to be retained in the employ of the Company Group or to diminish any right of the Company Group to dismiss Participant from employment, free from any liability, or any claim under this Agreement or the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in this Agreement.

5. Method of Exercise. The Option may be exercised to the extent of all or any part thereof that has vested (except as to fractional Shares) upon the terms and conditions of the Plan and of this Agreement (including Section 3 hereof). There are no limitations on the number of times this Option may be exercised, but no more than the total number of Shares subject to the Option, as specified on page 1 , can be purchased pursuant to this Option. To exercise the Option, Participant, or in the case of Participant’s death, Participant’s personal representative, must provide written notice (in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto) to Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., c/o CHS Private Equity V L.P., 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, stating the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised and tendering payment for the full purchase price of such Shares. The notice must be delivered by hand, by local messenger or by reputable overnight courier. The purchase price must be paid in cash or by check unless, at the time of exercise, the Board agrees to accept other Shares, the retention of Shares which would otherwise be issued upon exercise or a combination of the foregoing, or such other means as the Board determines.

6. Call Options. If Participant is a party to a Manager Equity Agreement and the terms thereof conflict with the provisions of this Section 6 , the provisions of this Section 6 shall control.

(a) Generally . If Participant’s employment with the Company Group ends for any reason, then:

(i) Parent has an option (the “ Repurchase Option ”) to purchase all or any portion of the Option Shares. In order to exercise the Repurchase Option, Parent must give notice to Participant and the Fund no later than ninety (90) days after the later to occur of the Termination Date or, in the case of Option Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Options after the Termination Date, the date on which such Option Shares are issued.

(ii) If for any reason Parent does not elect to purchase all of the Option Shares, then the Fund (and/or its designee) has the option to purchase all or any portion of the remaining Option Shares. In order for the Fund to exercise its option, the Fund must give notice to Participant and Parent no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the later to occur of the Termination Date or, in the case of Option Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Options after the Termination Date, the date on which such Option Shares are issued.

 

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(b) Purchase Price . The purchase price for any Option Shares purchased pursuant to Section 6(a) is determined as follows:

(i) if the Company Group terminates Participant’s employment without Cause, or if Participant’s employment ends due to Participant’s death or Disability, the purchase price shall be the Fair Market Value of those Option Shares; or

(ii) if Participant’s employment ends for any other reason, the purchase price shall be the lower of the Fair Market Value or the Cost of those Option Shares.

(c) Manner of Payment .

(i) The purchase price for the Option Shares purchased pursuant to Section 6(a) may be paid at the Closing (as defined in Section 6(d) ) by one or more of the following methods: in cash, by check, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, by setoff or recoupment against any amounts owed by Participant or any Permitted Transferee (as defined in the Securityholder Agreement) to the purchaser or its Affiliates or by delivery of one or more Repurchase Notes. “ Repurchase Note ” means an unsecured, subordinated promissory note in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D , with such additional terms (including subordination provisions) as may be required by any lender of the Company Group.

(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any payment (whether at Closing or pursuant to a Repurchase Note) would violate any loan agreement with a lender of the Company Group or applicable law, then the price will be paid in a manner that does not violate the loan agreement or applicable law (including by the issuance of a Repurchase Note).

(d) The Closing . The closing for a purchase of any Option Shares by Parent or the Fund (and/or its designee) under this Section 6 (a “ Closing ”) shall take place at a place, time and date specified by the purchaser in a written notice given to Participant at least three (3) days before the Closing. The notice must specify a Closing date that is a business day not later than ninety (90) days after Participant’s employment ends or, in the case of Option Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Options after the Termination Date, the date on which such Shares are issued. At the Closing, each Person (as defined in the Plan) selling securities must deliver to the purchaser of those securities (i) one or more certificates evidencing all of the securities being sold, duly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by an assignment separate from certificate (except for any security for which the issuer has never issued any certificate), (ii) customary written representations and warranties as to ownership, title (free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances), power and authority to sell, and the like, and (iii) any other documentation that the purchaser reasonably requests in connection with the purchase.

(e) Failure to Make Deliveries . Without limitation of any remedies, if for any reason a Person required to sell securities under this Section 6 does not make all required deliveries with respect to those securities (including instruments of assignment and any certificates) to the purchaser on the scheduled Closing date in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, then, as of that date: (i) those securities will be treated as if they had been sold to the purchaser, (ii) any certificates evidencing those securities that are issued in the name of the seller or the seller’s predecessor in interest will be treated as being canceled, and (iii) the seller’s only right, in connection with those securities, will be to receive the purchase price without interest.

 

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(f) Remedies . The purchase rights in this Section 6 do not limit any remedies otherwise available to Parent or the Fund.

7. Restrictive Covenants.

(a) Inducement to Parent . Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees (i) the following covenants are commercially reasonable and reasonably necessary to protect the Company Group’s legitimate business interests without unduly restricting Participant’s post-employment remunerative opportunities causing Participant any hardship and (ii) Participant’s covenants under this Section 7 are a material inducement to Parent to enter into this Agreement and issue the Option, and that Parent would not do so in the absence of such covenants by Participant.

(b) Confidential Information . The Company Group’s employment of Participant has resulted and will result in Participant’s exposure and access to confidential and proprietary information, including the Company Group’s formulas, processes, administration and accounting systems, computer software, customer lists, vendor lists, due diligence files, financial information, technology, business strategies, business track record, and personal information about the Company Group’s owners, directors, officers, and employees which Participant did not have access to prior to his or her employment with the Company Group and which information is of great value to the Company Group, their owners, directors, officers, and employees. Participant shall not, other than on the Company Group’s behalf, at any time during Participant’s employment with the Company Group and thereafter, make available, divulge, disclose, or communicate in any manner whatsoever to anyone including, but not limited to, any person, firm, corporation, investor, member of the media, or entity, any such confidential or proprietary information, or use any such confidential or proprietary information for any purpose other than on the Company Group’s behalf, unless authorized to do so in writing by the Chairman of the Board, required by law or court order, or such information has become publicly available other than by reason of a breach by Participant of this Section 7(b) or of another individual’s or entity’s violation of an obligation not to disclose such information, which obligation is known to Participant. Should Participant be required by law or court order to disclose such confidential or proprietary information, Participant shall give the Chairman of the Board reasonable notice so as to allow the Company Group sufficient opportunity to challenge such application of the law or court order, or to otherwise attempt to limit the scope of such disclosure. This Agreement applies to all confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group, regardless of when such information is or was disclosed to Participant.

(c) Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation . During Participant’s employment with the Company Group and for a period of two (2) years thereafter Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, other than on the Company Group’s behalf:

(i) Engage in any capacity in the Business in the continental United States or in any other geographic area where the Company Group manufactures, markets, distributes or sells its products or renders services within the twenty-four (24) month period ending on the Termination Date, including as an owner, employee, partner, investor, or independent contractor, provided that nothing in this Section 7(c) shall prevent Manager from owning less than five percent (5%) of any class of publicly traded securities of any such business so long as such investment is passive and Participant has no other involvement with the issuer of such securities

 

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(ii) Induce or assist in the inducement of any employee or independent contractor, including sales representatives or agents, to terminate or otherwise limit their relationship with the Company Group; or

(iii) Solicit any customer or potential customer of the Company Group with respect to the Business. For purposes of this Section 7(c)(iii ), a customer means any individual or entity to which the Company Group sold products or services within the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the Termination Date. For purposes of this Section 7(c)(iii) , potential customer means any individual or entity to which the Company Group solicited in writing within the twelve (12) month period that immediately preceded the Termination Date.

(d) Non-Disparagement . At no time shall Participant, directly or indirectly, make (or cause to be made) to any Person any disparaging, derogatory or other negative or false statement about or with respect to the Company Group (including its products, services, policies, practices, operations, employees, sales representatives, agents, officers, members, managers, partners or directors).

(e) Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks and Other Property Rights . Any and all inventions, improvements, discoveries, formulas, technology, business strategies, management, administration, and accounting systems, processes, and computer software relating to the Company Group’s business (whether or not patentable), discovered, developed, or learned by Participant during his or her employment with the Company Group are the sole and absolute property of the Company Group and are “works made for hire” as that term is defined in the copyright laws of the United States. The Company Group is the sole and absolute owner of all patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other property rights to those items and Participant will fully assist the Company Group, at the Company Group’s cost and expense, to obtain the patents, copyrights, trademarks, or other property rights to all such inventions, improvements, discoveries, formulas, technology, business strategies, management, administration, and accounting systems, processes, or computer software. Participant has been notified by the Company Group and understands that the foregoing provisions of this Section 7(e) do not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information of the Company Group was used and which was developed entirely on Participant’s own time, unless the invention: (i) relates directly to the business of the Company Group; (ii) relates directly to the Company Group’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or (iii) results from any work performed by Participant for the Company Group.

(f) Scope of Covenants . Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and the territorial, time, activity and other limitations set forth in this Section 7 (or the lack thereof, as the case may be) are commercially reasonable and are properly required to protect the Company Group and its members’ respective businesses. If any such territorial, time or activity limitation (or the lack thereof) is determined to be unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable by a court or other tribunal or competent jurisdiction, the parties agree to the

 

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reduction of such territorial, time or activity limitations (including the imposition of such a limitation if it is missing) to such an area, period, scope of activity or other limitation as said court or other tribunal shall deem reasonable and enforceable under the circumstances. Also, if any member of the Company Group seeks partial enforcement of this Section 7 as to only a territory, time, scope of activity or other limitation that is reasonable, then such member of the Company Group shall be entitled to such reasonable partial enforcement. If such reduction or (if any member of the Company Group seeks partial enforcement) such partial enforcement is not possible, or if a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction declines for any or no reason to grant such reduction or partial enforcement, as applicable, then the unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be severed as provided in Section 8 , without affecting the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

(g) Tolling. The period of time in which Participant is required to act, or refrain from acting, pursuant to this Section 7 shall be tolled (shall not run) for so long as Participant is in breach of any of Participant’s obligations hereunder.

8. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or portion thereof is determined by a court to be unenforceable in any jurisdiction, then (for purposes of such jurisdiction) that provision or portion thereof shall be struck from this Agreement, without affecting the enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement.

9. Limits on Assignment and Transferability. The Option and all rights hereunder are not assignable, alienable, saleable or transferable by Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and the Option, and each right hereunder, shall be exercisable during Participant’s lifetime only by Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

10. Tax Withholding. The Company Group may withhold, or allow the Participant to remit in cash to the Company Group, any Federal, state or local taxes applicable to any grant, exercise, vesting, distribution or other event giving rise to income tax liability.

11. Exercise Conditioned on Compliance with Certain Laws. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event may the Option be exercisable if Parent shall, at any time and in its sole discretion, determine that (a) the listing, registration or qualification of any Shares otherwise deliverable upon such exercise upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or (b) the consent or approval of any governmental or regulatory body, is in either case necessary or desirable in connection with such exercise. In such event, such exercise shall be held in abeyance and shall not be effective unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been affected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to Parent. Pending effectiveness, the exercise price shall be returned to Participant, and so long as such exercise shall be held in abeyance, the Option shall, to the extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code, remain exercisable subject to this Section 11 notwithstanding any termination or expiration thereof that might otherwise occur under the Option.

12. Restrictions on Transfer, Etc. All certificates for Shares or other securities of Parent delivered under the Plan pursuant to the Option or the exercise thereof shall

 

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be subject to stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Board may deem advisable under the Plan, or the rules, regulations and other restrictions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and any stock exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are then listed, and any applicable federal or state securities laws, and the Board may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

13. No Prior Restrictions or Violations . Participant covenants, represents and warrants to each of the Company Group members that Participant: (a) is free to enter into employment arrangements with and to be employed or otherwise perform services for the Company Group members; (b) shall not disclose to any of the Company Group members or use any former employer’s or other person’s confidential information; (c) has returned and will not use any former employer’s or other person’s property (electronic or otherwise); and (d) is not a party to or bound by any contract, restrictive covenant, order, judgment or other obligation preventing full performance of Participant’s duties to the Company Group.

14. No Representations or Warranties. Parent makes no representations or warranties as to the income, estate or other tax consequences to Participant of the grant or exercise of the Option or the sale or other disposition of the Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise thereof.

15. Governing Law; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and applicable federal law. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns.

16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Plan and the Securityholder Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the grant of options to Participant and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between the parties, written or oral, which may have related in any manner to option grants. The Board may amend this Agreement in its sole discretion in such manner as it deems necessary or appropriate to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

 

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Exhibit A

Copy of the Plan

[SEE ATTACHED]

 

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Exhibit B

Copy of Securityholder Agreement

[SEE ATTACHED]

 

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Exhibit C

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.

c/o CHS Private Equity V L.P.

10 South Wacker Drive

Suite 3175

Chicago, Illinois, 60606

Attn: Marcus J. George and Daniel J. Hennessy

Facsimile: (312) 876-3854

NOTICE OF EXERCISE OF NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION

I hereby give notice of my election to exercise, to the extent stated below, the nonqualified stock option (“ Option ”) granted to me on July      , 2010 to purchase              shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (“ Shares ”) at a price of $1,000.00 per Share, pursuant to the Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan (“ Option Plan ”). I hereby elect to exercise such Option to the extent of              Shares. Payment in the amount of $           equal to the full purchase price of such Shares is enclosed.

Dated:                     

 

 

(Signature)

 

(Name Printed)

 

(Address)

 

(City, State, Zip Code)

 

(Social Security Number)

THIS DOCUMENT IS TO BE USED TO EXERCISE YOUR STOCK OPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 5 OF THE THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT.

 

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EXHIBIT D

THIS REPURCHASE NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT SOLD UNLESS IT IS REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE.

{Subordination legend – cross reference to subordination / intercreditor agreement – TO BE COMPLETED IF APPLICABLE}

REPURCHASE NOTE

 

[$                          ]                         , 20     

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Maker ”), hereby promises to pay to [                      ] (the “ Payee ”) the principal sum of [                      ] ($                      ), together with interest thereon at the rate and times set forth in this Note.

Principal Payments . The entire principal amount of this Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall be due and payable on the third anniversary of the date hereof.

Interest . The unpaid principal hereunder shall bear interest at rate per annum equal to eight percent (8%), payable annually on each anniversary of the date of this Note. The amount of interest payable hereunder shall not, however, exceed the maximum amount of interest allowed by applicable law.

Prepayment . Maker shall have the right to prepay, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, without premium or penalty, the principal amount of this Note, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date of payment.

Miscellaneous . All payments hereunder shall be applied first to accrued and unpaid interest and thereafter to principal. Maker hereby waives any and all presentment (including presentment for payment or acceptance), demand, protest and notice (including notice of protest, dishonor or nonpayment) in connection with the enforcement of this Note. This Note is subject to the terms of the Stock Option Agreement dated as of July      , 2010 by and among Payee and Maker. This Note may not be assigned or transferred (including voluntarily, involuntarily or for collateral purposes) in any way without the prior written consent of the Maker. This Note shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without application of any conflict of law principle that would make the law of any other jurisdiction applicable. If any dispute regarding the enforcement of this Note is litigated, then the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to be paid (by the non-prevailing party) all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party in such litigation, including reasonable attorneys fees. As used herein, the term “ including ” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”.

 

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THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT 10.9

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is effective as of April 30, 2010, between Rodney Bingham (“ Executive ”) and Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”).

Whereas, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), dated as of March 26, 2010, by and among the Company, Thermon Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Buyer ”), and Thermon Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), Buyer purchased from Seller all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company and thereby acquired the Business (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Whereas, the entry into this Agreement by Executive and the Company constitutes a material inducement to Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (to which the parties agree this Agreement is ancillary) and thereby acquire the Business.

Therefore, in consideration for the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which both parties expressly acknowledge, Executive and the Company agree as follows:

1. Employment . Company hereby agrees to continue to employ Executive as its President and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive accepts such employment and agrees to remain so employed, upon the terms and conditions stated herein.

2. Term . Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall begin on April 30, 2010, and shall continue thereafter until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section 9 below.

3. Duties and Responsibilities . Executive shall perform such duties as are reasonably assigned to Executive by the Company’s Board of Directors to whom Executive will report and shall be accountable. Such duties will include those duties and responsibilities traditionally provided by a President and Chief Executive Officer of a company, and may involve Company affiliates. Executive shall faithfully, diligently, and competently perform such services to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company’s Board of Directors, and Executive shall devote his full time and best efforts, skill, and attention to the diligent performance and discharge of such duties and responsibilities.

4. Exclusivity and Conflict of Interest . Executive’s employment with Company shall be exclusive. Accordingly, during Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall not engage in any business activity other than on the Company’s behalf without the express prior written approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. It will not be a violation of this exclusivity provision for Executive to serve on charitable or civic boards or committees provided that such activity does not interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. Under no circumstance shall Executive engage in any activity that could create a conflict of interest between Executive and the Company or its affiliates.


5. Base Salary . For services rendered by Executive on the Company’s behalf during Executive’s employment, the Company will pay Executive a base salary (“ Base Salary ”) at the annual rate of $280,000, less customary withholding. Base Salary may be changed periodically at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, but may not be reduced below $280,000 per year. The Company will pay Executive’s pro-rata Base Salary on the Company’s regular paydays.

6. Bonus . Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance-based bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) based on the attainment of annual performance targets to be mutually agreed upon by Executive and the Board of Directors. The Annual Bonus shall be paid within two and one-half months following the end of the fiscal year in which such bonus was earned, provided that if by such time the determination of whether the Annual Bonus was earned (and the calculation of the amount thereof) is not complete, the Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid as soon as practicable after such determination and calculation is complete, but in no event later than the last day of December in which the fiscal year end occurs. If (a) Executive is employed by the Company for at least nine months of a fiscal year, but not on the last day of such fiscal year, (b) Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for reasons other than Cause (as defined in Section 9(e) below) or Executive resigns with Good Reason (as defined in Section 9(g) below), and (c) based on the results of operations and financial performance of the Company for the entire fiscal year, Executive would have been entitled to an Annual Bonus in respect of such fiscal year had Executive remained employed by the Company on the last day of such fiscal year, Executive shall be entitled to a pro-rata portion of the Annual Bonus (payable at the time set forth above) based upon the portion of the fiscal year during which Executive was employed (e.g., 9 months of employment = 75% of Annual Bonus).

7. Vacation and Other Employment Benefits . During Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to five (5) weeks of personal time off per calendar year (pro-rated for partial years), taken at times mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company. Executive may carry over one week of unused personal time off from one calendar year to another. In addition, Executive may participate in those other employee benefit plans that the Company may make generally available to its salaried employees provided that Executive otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of those plans.

8. Expense Reimbursement . Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for ordinary, necessary and reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses which Executive incurs in connection with performing Executive’s duties under this Agreement, including reasonable business travel and meal expenses. The reimbursement of all such expenses shall be made in accordance with the Company’s customary practice and policies (including presentation of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the amounts and nature of such expenses).

 

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9. Termination . Either party may terminate Executive’s employment upon giving 10 days prior written notice to the other party, except that the Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately for Cause, Disability (as defined in clause (f) below), or death, without giving advance notice. At its option, the Company may pay Executive 10 days of Executive’s Base Salary in lieu of notice. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding:

(a) Should Executive resign his employment with Good Reason or should the Company terminate Executive’s employment other than for Cause, death, or Disability:

 

  (i) The Company shall pay Executive the Base Salary and any accrued employment benefit as required by applicable law (such accrued benefit, for clarity, not to include any Annual Bonus, which is addressed in clause (ii) below), each pro-rated through Executive’s employment termination date;

 

  (ii) The Company shall pay Executive any Annual Bonus earned from a prior year but not yet paid and any portion of the Annual Bonus from the current fiscal year that is payable pursuant to Section 6 above;

 

  (iii) The Company shall pay Executive for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive through Executive’s last day of employment pursuant to Section 8 above; and

 

  (iv) Provided that (A) Executive signs a release of claims in form and substance satisfactory to the Company’s Board of Directors, and (B) does not otherwise violate this Agreement prior to or during the twelve month severance payment period, the Company will continue to pay Executive’s regular Base Salary for twelve months after Executive’s date of termination with the Company. Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Section 9(a) if, at the time Executive’s employment with the Company was terminated, grounds existed for the termination of Executive’s employment for Cause under clauses (i) through (iv) and clause (vii) of Section 9(e) below.

(b) Should the Company terminate Executive’s employment for Cause at any time or should Executive resign without Good Reason from employment at any time, the Company shall only pay (i) Executive’s Base Salary and any accrued employment benefit as required by applicable law (such accrued benefit, for clarity, not to include any Annual Bonus), each pro-rated through Executive’s employment termination date, and (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive through Executive’s last day of employment pursuant to Section 8 above.

(c) Should Executive’s employment terminate by reason of death or Disability, the Company shall pay Executive or Executive’s estate (i) any earned but unpaid portion of the Base Salary and any accrued but unpaid employment benefit as required by applicable law, each pro-rated through Executive’s employment termination date, (ii) any Annual Bonus earned from a prior year but not yet paid, and (iii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive through Executive’s last day of employment pursuant to Section 8 above.

 

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(d) All such payments will be made on or about the dates that those payments would have been made had Executive remained employed at the Company, provided that all conditions to the making of such payments have been satisfied. On or before the employment termination date, Executive shall return to the Company all of its and its affiliates’ property including all of the Company’s documents, keys, credit cards, computer software, and all copies thereof. Other than as set forth in this Section 9, Executive shall not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits (including any bonus) upon termination of employment.

(e) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” means any of the following, as reasonably determined by the Company’s Board of Directors and includes: (i) the commission by Executive of a felony (or a crime involving moral turpitude); (ii) the theft, conversion, embezzlement or misappropriation by Executive of funds or other assets of the Company or any of its affiliates or any other act of fraud or dishonesty with respect to the Company or any of its affiliates (including acceptance of any bribes or kickbacks or other acts of self-dealing); (iii) intentional, grossly negligent, or unlawful misconduct by Executive which causes harm or embarrassment to the Company or any of its affiliates or exposes the Company or any of its affiliates to a substantial risk of harm or embarrassment; (iv) the violation by Executive of any law regarding employment discrimination or sexual harassment; (v) the failure by Executive to comply with any material policy generally applicable to Company employees, which failure is not cured within 30 days after notice to Executive; (vi) the repeated failure by Executive to follow the reasonable directives of any supervisor or the Company’s Board of Directors, which failure is not cured within 30 days after notice to Executive; (vii) the unauthorized dissemination by Executive of confidential information in violation of Section 11 of this Agreement; (viii) any material misrepresentation or materially misleading omission in any resume or other information regarding Executive (including Executive’s work experience, academic credentials, professional affiliations or absence of criminal record) provided by or on behalf of Executive; (ix) the Company’s discovery that, prior to Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive engaged in conduct of the type described in clauses (i) through (iv) above; or (x) any other material breach by Executive of this Agreement that is not cured within 30 days after notice to Executive.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Disability ” means (i) a physical or mental health condition that causes Executive to be unable to perform his essential job functions for at least 90 consecutive days or for 120 days during any 180 day period, or (ii) that Executive is receiving long term disability benefits under any policy, plan, or program.

(g) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Good Reason ” means any of the following without Executive’s consent: (i) the assignment to Executive of any duties or responsibilities materially inconsistent with Executive’s position and title, or a material reduction in Executive’s responsibilities and authority, except in connection with the termination of Employee’s employment for Cause, Disability or death; (ii) a reduction by

 

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the Company in Executive’s Base Salary below $280,000, except for a non-permanent reduction that is part of a program applied to other senior executives of the Company necessitated by economic or other financial conditions; or (iii) requiring Executive to relocate or perform services on a regular basis more than 25 miles from Executive’s principal place of business as of the date hereof, or, in the event Executive consents to any relocation, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse Executive) for reasonable moving expenses under the Company Relocation Policy in effect at the time of the relocation; provided that Executive must notify the Company by written notice of his intention to terminate his employment for “Good Reason;” and provided , further , that such notice shall be provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such event constituting “Good Reason;” and the Company shall have thirty (30) days to cure such event after receipt of such notice.

10. Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, and Other Property Rights . Any and all inventions, improvements, discoveries, formulas, technology, business strategies, management, administration, and accounting systems, processes, and computer software relating to the Company’s or its affiliates’ business (whether or not patentable), discovered, developed, or learned by Executive during his employment with the Company or used by the Company or its affiliates in the conduct of their respective businesses are the sole and absolute property of Company and are “works made for hire” as that term is defined in the copyright laws of the United States. The Company is the sole and absolute owner of all patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other property rights to those items and Executive will fully assist the Company to obtain the patents, copyrights, trademarks, or other property rights to all such inventions, improvements, discoveries, formulas, technology, business strategies, management, administration, and accounting systems, processes, or computer software. Executive has been notified by the Company and understands that the foregoing provisions of this Section 10 do not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information of the Company or its affiliates was used and which was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention: (a) relates to the business of the Company or its affiliates or to their actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or (b) results from any work performed by Executive for the Company or its affiliates.

11. Non-Disclosure and Use of Confidential and Proprietary Information . The Company’s employment of Executive has resulted and will result in Executive’s exposure and access to confidential and proprietary information, to which the Company agrees to continue to provide Executive after this Agreement becomes effective, that includes (among other things) the Company’s and its affiliates’ formulas, processes, administration and accounting systems, computer software, customer lists, vendor lists, due diligence files, financial information, technology, business strategies, business track record, and personal information about the Company’s and its affiliates’ owners, directors, officers, and employees, which information is of great value to the Company, its affiliates, their owners, Directors, officers, and employees. Executive shall not, other than on the Company’s behalf, at any time during Executive’s employment with the Company and thereafter, make available, divulge, disclose, or communicate in any manner whatsoever to anyone including any person, firm, corporation, investor, member of the media, or entity, any such confidential or proprietary information, or use any such confidential or proprietary information for any purpose other than on the Company’s

 

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behalf, unless authorized to do so in writing by Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, required by law or court order, or such information has become publicly available other than by reason of a breach by Executive of this Section 11 or of another individual’s or entity’s violation of an obligation not to disclose such information. Should Executive be required by law or court order to disclose such confidential or proprietary information, Executive shall give the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors reasonable notice so as to allow the Company sufficient opportunity to challenge such application of the law or court order, or to otherwise attempt to limit the scope of such disclosure. This Agreement applies to all confidential and proprietary information of the Company and its affiliates, regardless of when such information is or was disclosed to Executive.

12. Restrictive Covenants . During Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of that employment, Executive agrees to not, directly or indirectly, other than on the Company’s behalf:

(a) Engage or participate, in any country in the world in which the Company does business or has begun to formulate a plan to do business during the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, as an owner, partner, member, shareholder, independent contractor, employee, consultant, agent, advisor or (without limitation by the specific enumeration of the foregoing) otherwise in any business involving a Competitive Business Activity (as defined below), provided that nothing in this Section 12 shall prevent Executive from owning less than five percent (5%) of any class of publicly traded securities of any such business so long as such investment is passive and Executive has no other involvement with the issuer of such securities. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competitive Business Activity ” means the design, engineering, manufacture or sale of heat tracing systems (for example, products involving the application of external heat to pipes, vessels, instruments or other equipment for the purposes of freeze protection, process temperature maintenance, environmental monitoring or surface snow and ice melting, heat tracing equipment, heat tracing tubing bundles, and heat tracing control systems), heat tracing system consultation, heat tracing system installation, and heat tracing system maintenance;

(b) Solicit any customer or potential customer of the Company or any of its affiliates that Executive had contact with during the term of his employment with respect to the sale or provision of any Competitive Business Activity that the Company or its affiliates manufactured, sold, or was in the process of developing during Executive’s employment with the Company. For purposes of this subsection 12(b), (i) a customer means any individual or entity to which the Company or any of its affiliates sold products or rendered services within the 24 month period immediately preceding Executive’s employment termination date, and (ii) potential customer means any individual or entity to which the Company or any of its affiliates solicited (or had active plans to solicit) within the 12 month period that immediately preceded Executive’s employment termination date; or

(c) Induce or assist in the inducement of any individual or independent contractor (including sales representatives or agents) to terminate or otherwise limit their relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

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The period of time in which Executive is required to act, or refrain from acting, pursuant to this Section 12 shall be tolled (shall not run) for so long as Executive is in breach of any of Executive’s obligations thereunder.

13. Non-Disparagement . At no time shall Executive, directly or indirectly, ever make (or cause to be made) any disparaging, derogatory or other negative or false statement regarding the Company, its affiliates, their products, services, practices, policies, operations, owners, directors, officers, partners, employees, sales representatives, or agents. The Company shall direct the members of its Board of Directors and its senior executives to not make (or cause to be made) at any time, directly or indirectly, any disparaging, derogatory or other negative or false statement regarding Executive.

14. Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained in Sections 10—13 above are reasonable in scope and duration, do not unduly restrict Executive’s ability to engage in Executive’s livelihood, and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests (including without limitation, the protection of its confidential and proprietary information). Without limiting the rights of the Company to pursue any other legal and/or equitable remedies available to it for any breach by Executive of the covenants contained in Sections 10—13 above, Executive acknowledges that a breach of those covenants would cause a loss to the Company for which it could not reasonably or adequately be compensated by damages in an action at law, that remedies other than injunctive relief could not fully compensate the Company for a breach of those covenants and that, accordingly, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief (without the requirement of posting a bond or other security) to prevent any breach or continuing breaches of Executive’s covenants as set forth in Sections 10—13 above. It is the intention of the parties that if, in any action before any court empowered to enforce such covenants, any term, restriction, covenant, or promise is found to be unenforceable, then such term, restriction, covenant, or promise shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable by such court to the fullest extent possible. If any provision of this Agreement (including without limitation Sections 10-13) is held invalid or unenforceable for any reason (after any such modification or limitation pursuant to the preceding sentence, as applicable), such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

15. The Company’s Disclosure to Executive’s Prospective or Subsequent Employers . Executive expressly authorizes the Company to disclose this Agreement, any provision hereof, or any other policy or agreement between the Company and Executive to Executive’s prospective or subsequent employers.

16. Mandatory Mediation . Other than disputes involving the covenants and obligations set forth in Sections 10—13 above which may be directly filed in a court of competent jurisdiction, Executive and the Company agree that all other disputes and claims of any nature that Executive may have against the Company including all statutory, contractual, and common law claims (including all employment discrimination claims), and all other disputes and claims of any nature that the Company may have against Executive, will be submitted exclusively first to mandatory mediation in a mutually agreed-upon location, under the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association or

 

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under such other rules or under the auspices of such other organization as the parties may mutually agree. All information regarding the dispute or claim or mediation proceedings, including any mediation settlement, shall not be disclosed by Executive, the Company, or any mediator to any third party without the written consent of the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive.

17. Confidential Agreement . Executive agrees not to disclose the terms of this Agreement to anyone other than to Executive’s attorney, accountant, or spouse without the express written consent of the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors or as otherwise required by law. Should Executive disclose the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s attorney, accountant, spouse, or to another third party expressly approved by the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Executive shall ensure that those individuals abide by the confidentiality terms of this Section.

18. Assignment . The services rendered by Executive to the Company are unique and personal. Accordingly, Executive may not assign any of the rights or delegate any of the duties or obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement is enforceable by the Company and its affiliates and may, upon written notice to Executive, be assigned or transferred by the Company to, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of, any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company or any entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase, or otherwise, acquires all or substantially all of the assets, stock or business of the Company.

19. Notices . All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, by facsimile (or photo or other electronic means), by local messenger or by reputable overnight courier. Notices shall be deemed given: (1) when received, if delivered by hand or local messenger; (2) when sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means during the recipient’s normal business hours; (3) on the first business day after being sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means other than during the recipient’s normal business hours; and (4) one business day after being delivered to a reputable overnight courier for next day delivery. A notice delivered by facsimile, photo or other electronic means shall only be effective on the date set forth above, however, if the notice is also given by hand, local messenger or courier no later than two business days after its delivery by facsimile, photo or other electronic means. All notices shall be addressed as follows: (1)  if to the Company : Thermon Holding Corp., C/O CHS Private Equity V LP, 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, fax: (312) 853-7036, attention: Roger R. Wilen and Jeffrey Smith; (2)  if to Executive : Rodney Bingham, 4002 Austin Meadow Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77479, fax: (512) 754-2424, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to                                  ,                                  , fax: (              )              -              ; or (in each case) to such other addresses or addressees as may be designated by notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 19.

20. Waiver . The Company’s waiver of a breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement or failure to enforce any such provision with respect to Executive shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Executive of any such provision or of any other provision or of the Company’s right to enforce any such provision or

 

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any other provision with respect to Executive. No act or omission of the Company shall constitute a waiver of any of its rights hereunder except for a written waiver signed by the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.

21. Governing Law . This Agreement shall in all respects be governed by the substantive laws of the State of Texas without regard to its or any other state’s conflict of law rules.

22. Amendment . The terms of this Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by both Executive and the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.

23. Post-Employment Effectiveness . Executive expressly acknowledges that Sections 10-27 of this Agreement remain in effect after the termination of Executive’s employment with Company.

24. Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and shall be interpreted and construed consistently with such intent. The payments to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are also intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the maximum extent possible, under either the separation pay exemption pursuant to Treasury regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) or as short-term deferrals pursuant to Treasury regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(4). To the extent the timing of any amount payable under this Agreement is determined by reference to Executive’s “termination of employment,” such term shall be deemed to refer to Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. In the event the terms of this Agreement would subject Executive to taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code (“ 409A Penalties ”), the Company and Executive shall cooperate diligently to amend the terms of the Agreement to avoid such 409A Penalties, to the extent possible, provided that in no event shall the Company be responsible for any such 409A Penalties.

25. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the matters described herein, and supersedes any and all prior and/or contemporaneous agreements and understandings, oral or written, between the parties, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or otherwise affect Executive’s obligations under his Beneficial Seller Restrictive Covenant Agreement dated March 26, 2010 or Manager Equity Agreement dated April 30, 2010.

26. Counterparts; Facsimiles . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one agreement. A facsimile, photo or other electronic copy of this Agreement (or any counterpart hereof) shall be deemed to be an original.

27. Construction . The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be construed strictly against the drafter (and any rule of construction to that effect shall not be applied).

* * * * * * *

 

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EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY EACH REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT EACH HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT, EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, AND EACH AGREES TO BE BOUND THEREBY.

I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the parties have executed this Confidential Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

RODNEY BINGHAM    THERMON HOLDING CORP.

 

/s/ Rodney Bingham

    By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

    Name: Marcus J. George
    Its: Vice President

 

 

 

Bingham Confidential Employment Agreement

EXHIBIT 10.10

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is effective as of April 30, 2010, between George P. Alexander (“ Executive ”) and Thermon Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”).

Whereas, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), dated as of March 26, 2010, by and among the Company, Thermon Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Buyer ”), and Thermon Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), Buyer purchased from Seller all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company and thereby acquired the Business (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Whereas, the entry into this Agreement by Executive and the Company constitutes a material inducement to Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (to which the parties agree this Agreement is ancillary) and thereby acquire the Business.

Therefore, in consideration for the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which both parties expressly acknowledge, Executive and the Company agree as follows:

1. Employment . Company hereby agrees to continue to employ Executive as its Senior Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere, and Executive accepts such employment and agrees to remain so employed, upon the terms and conditions stated herein.

2. Term . Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall begin on April 30, 2010, and shall continue thereafter until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section 9 below.

3. Duties and Responsibilities . Executive shall perform such duties as are reasonably assigned to Executive by the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer to whom Executive will report and shall be accountable. Such duties will include those duties and responsibilities traditionally provided by a Senior Vice President of a company, and may involve Company affiliates. Executive shall faithfully, diligently, and competently perform such services to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive shall devote his full time and best efforts, skill, and attention to the diligent performance and discharge of such duties and responsibilities.

4. Exclusivity and Conflict of Interest . Executive’s employment with Company shall be exclusive. Accordingly, during Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall not engage in any business activity other than on the Company’s behalf without the express prior written approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. It will not be a violation of this exclusivity provision for Executive to serve on charitable or civic boards or committees provided that such activity does not interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. Under no circumstance shall Executive engage in any activity that could create a conflict of interest between Executive and the Company or its affiliates.


5. Base Salary . For services rendered by Executive on the Company’s behalf during Executive’s employment, the Company will pay Executive a base salary (“ Base Salary ”) at the annual rate of $250,000, less customary withholding. Base Salary may be changed periodically at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, but may not be reduced below $250,000 per year. The Company will pay Executive’s pro-rata Base Salary on the Company’s regular paydays.

6. Bonus . Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance-based bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) based on the attainment of annual performance targets to be mutually agreed upon by Executive and the Board of Directors. The Annual Bonus shall be paid within two and one-half months following the end of the fiscal year in which such bonus was earned, provided that if by such time the determination of whether the Annual Bonus was earned (and the calculation of the amount thereof) is not complete, the Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid as soon as practicable after such determination and calculation is complete, but in no event later than the last day of December in which the fiscal year end occurs. If (a) Executive is employed by the Company for at least nine months of a fiscal year, but not on the last day of such fiscal year, (b) Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for reasons other than Cause (as defined in Section 9(e) below) or Executive resigns with Good Reason (as defined in Section 9(g) below), and (c) based on the results of operations and financial performance of the Company for the entire fiscal year, Executive would have been entitled to an Annual Bonus in respect of such fiscal year had Executive remained employed by the Company on the last day of such fiscal year, Executive shall be entitled to a pro-rata portion of the Annual Bonus (payable at the time set forth above) based upon the portion of the fiscal year during which Executive was employed (e.g., 9 months of employment = 75% of Annual Bonus).

7. Vacation and Other Employment Benefits . During Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to five (5) weeks of personal time off per calendar year (pro-rated for partial years), taken at times mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company. Executive may carry over one week of unused personal time off from one calendar year to another. In addition, Executive may participate in those other employee benefit plans that the Company may make generally available to its salaried employees provided that Executive otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of those plans.

8. Expense Reimbursement . Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for ordinary, necessary and reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses which Executive incurs in connection with performing Executive’s duties under this Agreement, including reasonable business travel and meal expenses. The reimbursement of all such expenses shall be made in accordance with the Company’s customary practice and policies (including presentation of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the amounts and nature of such expenses).

 

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9. Termination . Either party may terminate Executive’s employment upon giving 10 days prior written notice to the other party, except that the Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately for Cause, Disability (as defined in clause (f) below), or death, without giving advance notice. At its option, the Company may pay Executive 10 days of Executive’s Base Salary in lieu of notice. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding:

(a) Should Executive resign his employment with Good Reason or should the Company terminate Executive’s employment other than for Cause, death, or Disability:

 

  (i) The Company shall pay Executive the Base Salary and any accrued employment benefit as required by applicable law (such accrued benefit, for clarity, not to include any Annual Bonus, which is addressed in clause (ii) below), each pro-rated through Executive’s employment termination date;

 

  (ii) The Company shall pay Executive any Annual Bonus earned from a prior year but not yet paid and any portion of the Annual Bonus from the current fiscal year that is payable pursuant to Section 6 above;

 

  (iii) The Company shall pay Executive for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive through Executive’s last day of employment pursuant to Section 8 above; and

 

  (iv) Provided that (A) Executive signs a release of claims in form and substance satisfactory to the Company’s Board of Directors, and (B) does not otherwise violate this Agreement prior to or during the twelve month severance payment period, the Company will continue to pay Executive’s regular Base Salary for twelve months after Executive’s date of termination with the Company. Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Section 9(a) if, at the time Executive’s employment with the Company was terminated, grounds existed for the termination of Executive’s employment for Cause under clauses (i) through (iv) and clause (vii) of Section 9(e) below.

(b) Should the Company terminate Executive’s employment for Cause at any time or should Executive resign without Good Reason from employment at any time, the Company shall only pay (i) Executive’s Base Salary and any accrued employment benefit as required by applicable law (such accrued benefit, for clarity, not to include any Annual Bonus), each pro-rated through Executive’s employment termination date, and (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive through Executive’s last day of employment pursuant to Section 8 above.

(c) Should Executive’s employment terminate by reason of death or Disability, the Company shall pay Executive or Executive’s estate (i) any earned but unpaid portion of the Base Salary and any accrued but unpaid employment benefit as required by applicable law, each pro-rated through Executive’s employment termination date, (ii) any Annual Bonus earned from a prior year but not yet paid, and (iii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive through Executive’s last day of employment pursuant to Section 8 above.

 

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(d) All such payments will be made on or about the dates that those payments would have been made had Executive remained employed at the Company, provided that all conditions to the making of such payments have been satisfied. On or before the employment termination date, Executive shall return to the Company all of its and its affiliates’ property including all of the Company’s documents, keys, credit cards, computer software, and all copies thereof. Other than as set forth in this Section 9, Executive shall not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits (including any bonus) upon termination of employment.

(e) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” means any of the following, as reasonably determined by the Company’s Board of Directors and includes: (i) the commission by Executive of a felony (or a crime involving moral turpitude); (ii) the theft, conversion, embezzlement or misappropriation by Executive of funds or other assets of the Company or any of its affiliates or any other act of fraud or dishonesty with respect to the Company or any of its affiliates (including acceptance of any bribes or kickbacks or other acts of self-dealing); (iii) intentional, grossly negligent, or unlawful misconduct by Executive which causes harm or embarrassment to the Company or any of its affiliates or exposes the Company or any of its affiliates to a substantial risk of harm or embarrassment; (iv) the violation by Executive of any law regarding employment discrimination or sexual harassment; (v) the failure by Executive to comply with any material policy generally applicable to Company employees, which failure is not cured within 30 days after notice to Executive; (vi) the repeated failure by Executive to follow the reasonable directives of any supervisor or the Company’s Board of Directors, which failure is not cured within 30 days after notice to Executive; (vii) the unauthorized dissemination by Executive of confidential information in violation of Section 11 of this Agreement; (viii) any material misrepresentation or materially misleading omission in any resume or other information regarding Executive (including Executive’s work experience, academic credentials, professional affiliations or absence of criminal record) provided by or on behalf of Executive; (ix) the Company’s discovery that, prior to Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive engaged in conduct of the type described in clauses (i) through (iv) above; or (x) any other material breach by Executive of this Agreement that is not cured within 30 days after notice to Executive.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Disability ” means (i) a physical or mental health condition that causes Executive to be unable to perform his essential job functions for at least 90 consecutive days or for 120 days during any 180 day period, or (ii) that Executive is receiving long term disability benefits under any policy, plan, or program.

(g) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Good Reason ” means any of the following without Executive’s consent: (i) the assignment to Executive of any duties or responsibilities materially inconsistent with Executive’s position and title, or a material reduction in Executive’s responsibilities and authority, except in connection with the termination of Employee’s employment for Cause, Disability or death; (ii) a reduction by

 

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the Company in Executive’s Base Salary below $250,000, except for a non-permanent reduction that is part of a program applied to other senior executives of the Company necessitated by economic or other financial conditions; or (iii) requiring Executive to relocate or perform services on a regular basis more than 25 miles from Executive’s principal place of business as of the date hereof, or, in the event Executive consents to any relocation, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse Executive) for reasonable moving expenses under the Company Relocation Policy in effect at the time of the relocation; provided that Executive must notify the Company by written notice of his intention to terminate his employment for “Good Reason;” and provided , further , that such notice shall be provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such event constituting “Good Reason;” and the Company shall have thirty (30) days to cure such event after receipt of such notice.

10. Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, and Other Property Rights . Any and all inventions, improvements, discoveries, formulas, technology, business strategies, management, administration, and accounting systems, processes, and computer software relating to the Company’s or its affiliates’ business (whether or not patentable), discovered, developed, or learned by Executive during his employment with the Company or used by the Company or its affiliates in the conduct of their respective businesses are the sole and absolute property of Company and are “works made for hire” as that term is defined in the copyright laws of the United States. The Company is the sole and absolute owner of all patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other property rights to those items and Executive will fully assist the Company to obtain the patents, copyrights, trademarks, or other property rights to all such inventions, improvements, discoveries, formulas, technology, business strategies, management, administration, and accounting systems, processes, or computer software. Executive has been notified by the Company and understands that the foregoing provisions of this Section 10 do not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information of the Company or its affiliates was used and which was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention: (a) relates to the business of the Company or its affiliates or to their actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or (b) results from any work performed by Executive for the Company or its affiliates.

11. Non-Disclosure and Use of Confidential and Proprietary Information . The Company’s employment of Executive has resulted and will result in Executive’s exposure and access to confidential and proprietary information, to which the Company agrees to continue to provide Executive after this Agreement becomes effective, that includes (among other things) the Company’s and its affiliates’ formulas, processes, administration and accounting systems, computer software, customer lists, vendor lists, due diligence files, financial information, technology, business strategies, business track record, and personal information about the Company’s and its affiliates’ owners, directors, officers, and employees, which information is of great value to the Company, its affiliates, their owners, Directors, officers, and employees. Executive shall not, other than on the Company’s behalf, at any time during Executive’s employment with the Company and thereafter, make available, divulge, disclose, or communicate in any manner whatsoever to anyone including any person, firm, corporation, investor, member of the media, or entity, any such confidential or proprietary information, or use any such confidential or proprietary information for any purpose other than on the Company’s

 

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behalf, unless authorized to do so in writing by Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, required by law or court order, or such information has become publicly available other than by reason of a breach by Executive of this Section 11 or of another individual’s or entity’s violation of an obligation not to disclose such information. Should Executive be required by law or court order to disclose such confidential or proprietary information, Executive shall give the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors reasonable notice so as to allow the Company sufficient opportunity to challenge such application of the law or court order, or to otherwise attempt to limit the scope of such disclosure. This Agreement applies to all confidential and proprietary information of the Company and its affiliates, regardless of when such information is or was disclosed to Executive.

12. Restrictive Covenants . During Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of that employment, Executive agrees to not, directly or indirectly, other than on the Company’s behalf:

(a) Engage or participate, in any country in the world in which the Company does business or has begun to formulate a plan to do business during the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, as an owner, partner, member, shareholder, independent contractor, employee, consultant, agent, advisor or (without limitation by the specific enumeration of the foregoing) otherwise in any business involving a Competitive Business Activity (as defined below), provided that nothing in this Section 12 shall prevent Executive from owning less than five percent (5%) of any class of publicly traded securities of any such business so long as such investment is passive and Executive has no other involvement with the issuer of such securities. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competitive Business Activity ” means the design, engineering, manufacture or sale of heat tracing systems (for example, products involving the application of external heat to pipes, vessels, instruments or other equipment for the purposes of freeze protection, process temperature maintenance, environmental monitoring or surface snow and ice melting, heat tracing equipment, heat tracing tubing bundles, and heat tracing control systems), heat tracing system consultation, heat tracing system installation, and heat tracing system maintenance;

(b) Solicit any customer or potential customer of the Company or any of its affiliates that Executive had contact with during the term of his employment with respect to the sale or provision of any Competitive Business Activity that the Company or its affiliates manufactured, sold, or was in the process of developing during Executive’s employment with the Company. For purposes of this subsection 12(b), (i) a customer means any individual or entity to which the Company or any of its affiliates sold products or rendered services within the 24 month period immediately preceding Executive’s employment termination date, and (ii) potential customer means any individual or entity to which the Company or any of its affiliates solicited (or had active plans to solicit) within the 12 month period that immediately preceded Executive’s employment termination date; or

(c) Induce or assist in the inducement of any individual or independent contractor (including sales representatives or agents) to terminate or otherwise limit their relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

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The period of time in which Executive is required to act, or refrain from acting, pursuant to this Section 12 shall be tolled (shall not run) for so long as Executive is in breach of any of Executive’s obligations thereunder.

13. Non-Disparagement . At no time shall Executive, directly or indirectly, ever make (or cause to be made) any disparaging, derogatory or other negative or false statement regarding the Company, its affiliates, their products, services, practices, policies, operations, owners, directors, officers, partners, employees, sales representatives, or agents. The Company shall direct the members of its Board of Directors and its senior executives to not make (or cause to be made) at any time, directly or indirectly, any disparaging, derogatory or other negative or false statement regarding Executive.

14. Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained in Sections 10—13 above are reasonable in scope and duration, do not unduly restrict Executive’s ability to engage in Executive’s livelihood, and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests (including without limitation, the protection of its confidential and proprietary information). Without limiting the rights of the Company to pursue any other legal and/or equitable remedies available to it for any breach by Executive of the covenants contained in Sections 10—13 above, Executive acknowledges that a breach of those covenants would cause a loss to the Company for which it could not reasonably or adequately be compensated by damages in an action at law, that remedies other than injunctive relief could not fully compensate the Company for a breach of those covenants and that, accordingly, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief (without the requirement of posting a bond or other security) to prevent any breach or continuing breaches of Executive’s covenants as set forth in Sections 10—13 above. It is the intention of the parties that if, in any action before any court empowered to enforce such covenants, any term, restriction, covenant, or promise is found to be unenforceable, then such term, restriction, covenant, or promise shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable by such court to the fullest extent possible. If any provision of this Agreement (including without limitation Sections 10-13) is held invalid or unenforceable for any reason (after any such modification or limitation pursuant to the preceding sentence, as applicable), such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

15. The Company’s Disclosure to Executive’s Prospective or Subsequent Employers . Executive expressly authorizes the Company to disclose this Agreement, any provision hereof, or any other policy or agreement between the Company and Executive to Executive’s prospective or subsequent employers.

16. Mandatory Mediation . Other than disputes involving the covenants and obligations set forth in Sections 10—13 above which may be directly filed in a court of competent jurisdiction, Executive and the Company agree that all other disputes and claims of any nature that Executive may have against the Company including all statutory, contractual, and common law claims (including all employment discrimination claims), and all other disputes and claims of any nature that the Company may have against Executive, will be submitted exclusively first to mandatory mediation in a mutually agreed-upon location, under the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association or

 

7


under such other rules or under the auspices of such other organization as the parties may mutually agree. All information regarding the dispute or claim or mediation proceedings, including any mediation settlement, shall not be disclosed by Executive, the Company, or any mediator to any third party without the written consent of the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive.

17. Confidential Agreement . Executive agrees not to disclose the terms of this Agreement to anyone other than to Executive’s attorney, accountant, or spouse without the express written consent of the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors or as otherwise required by law. Should Executive disclose the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s attorney, accountant, spouse, or to another third party expressly approved by the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Executive shall ensure that those individuals abide by the confidentiality terms of this Section.

18. Assignment . The services rendered by Executive to the Company are unique and personal. Accordingly, Executive may not assign any of the rights or delegate any of the duties or obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement is enforceable by the Company and its affiliates and may, upon written notice to Executive, be assigned or transferred by the Company to, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of, any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company or any entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase, or otherwise, acquires all or substantially all of the assets, stock or business of the Company.

19. Notices . All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, by facsimile (or photo or other electronic means), by local messenger or by reputable overnight courier. Notices shall be deemed given: (1) when received, if delivered by hand or local messenger; (2) when sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means during the recipient’s normal business hours; (3) on the first business day after being sent, if sent by facsimile, photo or other electronic means other than during the recipient’s normal business hours; and (4) one business day after being delivered to a reputable overnight courier for next day delivery. A notice delivered by facsimile, photo or other electronic means shall only be effective on the date set forth above, however, if the notice is also given by hand, local messenger or courier no later than two business days after its delivery by facsimile, photo or other electronic means. All notices shall be addressed as follows: (1)  if to the Company : Thermon Holding Corp., C/O CHS Private Equity V LP, 10 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3175, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Daniel J. Hennessy and Marcus J. George, Fax: (312) 876-3854; with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, fax: (312) 853-7036, attention: Roger R. Wilen and Jeffrey Smith; (2)  if to Executive : George P. Alexander, PO Box 621, San Marcos, TX 76667, fax: (512) 396-3627, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to                                  ,                                          , fax: (              )              -              ; or (in each case) to such other addresses or addressees as may be designated by notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 19.

20. Waiver . The Company’s waiver of a breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement or failure to enforce any such provision with respect to Executive shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Executive of any such provision or of any other provision or of the Company’s right to enforce any such provision or

 

8


any other provision with respect to Executive. No act or omission of the Company shall constitute a waiver of any of its rights hereunder except for a written waiver signed by the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.

21. Governing Law . This Agreement shall in all respects be governed by the substantive laws of the State of Texas without regard to its or any other state’s conflict of law rules.

22. Amendment . The terms of this Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by both Executive and the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.

23. Post-Employment Effectiveness . Executive expressly acknowledges that Sections 10—28 of this Agreement remain in effect after the termination of Executive’s employment with Company.

24. Limitation on Compensation . Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that Executive becomes entitled to benefits under this Agreement and the payments or benefits payable to Executive under this Agreement, when combined with other payments and benefits received or to be received by the Executive from the Company (whether payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or any other plan, agreement or arrangement with the Company) or any corporation (“ Affiliate ”) affiliated with the Company within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), in the opinion of the Company, constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, and the present value of such “parachute payments” equals or exceeds three times the Executive’s “base amount” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code, then the amounts payment payable to Executive under this Agreement shall be reduced to an amount, the present value of which (when combined with the present value of any other payments or benefits otherwise received or to be received by the Executive from the Company (or an Affiliate) that are deemed “parachute payments”) is equal to 2.99 times the “base amount.”

25. Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted and construed consistently with such intent. The payments to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are also intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the maximum extent possible, under either the separation pay exemption pursuant to Treasury regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) or as short-term deferrals pursuant to Treasury regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(4). To the extent the timing of any amount payable under this Agreement is determined by reference to Executive’s “termination of employment,” such term shall be deemed to refer to Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. In the event the terms of this Agreement would subject Executive to taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code (“ 409A Penalties ”), the Company and Executive shall cooperate diligently to amend the terms of the Agreement to avoid such 409A Penalties, to the extent possible, provided that in no event shall the Company be responsible for any such 409A Penalties.

26. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the matters described herein, and supersedes

 

9


any and all prior and/or contemporaneous agreements and understandings, oral or written, between the parties, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or otherwise affect Executive’s obligations under his Beneficial Seller Restrictive Covenant Agreement dated March 26, 2010 or Amended and Restated Manager Equity Agreement dated April 30, 2010.

27. Counterparts; Facsimiles . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one agreement. A facsimile, photo or other electronic copy of this Agreement (or any counterpart hereof) shall be deemed to be an original.

28. Construction . The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be construed strictly against the drafter (and any rule of construction to that effect shall not be applied).

* * * * * * *

[Remainder of page intentionally blank]

 

10


EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY EACH REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT EACH HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT, EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, AND EACH AGREES TO BE BOUND THEREBY.

I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the parties have executed this Confidential Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

GEORGE P. ALEXANDER    THERMON HOLDING CORP.

 

/s/ George P. Alexander

    By:  

/s/ Marcus J. George

    Name: Marcus J. George
    Its: Vice President

 

Alexander Confidential Employment Agreement

EXHIBIT 10.11

LOGO

July 7, 2010

Mr. Jay Peterson

10408 Milky Way Drive

Austin, TX 78730

Dear Jay:

I am pleased to extend this offer of employment to you to serve as Chief Financial Officer of Thermon Group, Inc. (the “Company”), based in San Marcos, Texas and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. This offer is subject to final approval by the Company’s Board of Directors and appropriate Board Committees and includes the following:

 

  1. Annual base salary of $225,000.

 

  2. Eligibility to earn an annual incentive bonus with a target award of 40% of annual base salary. Payment of the Corporate incentive bonus is contingent on Company achieving operating income target. Payment of individual incentive is contingent upon achieving specific management objectives (see attachment, which we will discuss next week).

 

  3. Participation in the Company’s Incentive Equity Program, which includes a grant at the commencement of your employment of 6% of the current outstanding option pool.

 

  4. Four weeks (20 days) of paid time off. There are also eight official holidays in the USA.

 

  5 . Full participation in the Company’s benefits program; which the Company reserves the right to modify or terminate at any time, with or without notice.

 

  6. A severance payment in the event of (1) termination due to a change of control of the Company, (2) termination of your employment without cause or (3) significant diminution of duties relative to those described in the position description provided to you (occurring before or after a change in control). The severance amount will be paid to you as a lump-sum payment in the amount equal to 9 months of annualized base salary and, if applicable, a monthly pro-rata portion of earned but unpaid annual incentive bonus at the time of the termination date.

THERMON . . . The Heat Tracing Specialists ®

www.thermon.com

100 Thermon Dr.  •  PO Box 609  •  San Marcos, TX 78667  •  Phone: 512-396-5801  •  Fax: 512-396.3627  •  800-

820-HEAT (4328)

2810 Mowery Road  •  Houston, TX 77045  •  Phone: 713-433-2600  •  Fax: 713-433-4541  •  800-654-2583


LOGO

 

  7. Start date of July 12, 2010.

We are excited to have you as a member of the Thermon team. Please confirm your acceptance by returning a signed copy of this letter to my attention.

 

Yours very truly,

/s/ Rodney Bingham

Rodney Bingham
President/CEO

 

I hereby accept the foregoing offer of employment.

Accepted and agreed to this 12 th day of July, 2010.

Signature:

 

LOGO

 

THERMON . . . The Heat Tracing Specialists ®

www.thermon.com

100 Thermon Dr. • PO Box 609 • San Marcos, TX 78667 • Phone: 512-396-5801 • Fax: 512-396-3627 • 800-

820-HEAT (4328)

2810 Mowery Road • Houston, TX 77045 • Phone: 713-433-2600 • Fax: 713-433-4541 • 800-654-2583

EXHIBIT 10.12

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.

July 28, 2010

Mr. Charles A. Sorrentino

Houston Wire & Cable Company

10201 North Loop East

P.O. Box 23221/P.O. Zip 77228

Houston, TX 77029

 

  Re: Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (“Thermon” or the “Company”) Director Term Sheet

Dear Chuck:

We are excited to extend to you an offer to join the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. This letter sets forth the material terms of your arrangement with the Company:

 

Description of Director Services:   

You will serve as a director of the Company and subsidiaries thereof (“Director”). Combined meetings of the Board of the Company and its subsidiaries generally occur during regularly scheduled quarterly meetings and we would expect your attendance at such meetings.

 

You have been appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. You may also be appointed to serve on other Board committees. Those committees may meet on dates separate from Board meetings.

Appointment Date:    July 28, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).
Term:    Indefinite term. You may resign (and terminate your services) as a Director effective immediately after providing prior written notice of such upcoming resignation to the Company. As per corporate law, you can be removed (and your services terminated) as a Director at any time by action of the shareholder(s) of the Company (or any subsidiary thereof with respect to your service as a Director of a subsidiary) having majority voting control.
Annual Retainer for Serving as a Director of the Company and its Subsidiaries:    $25,000 per year, payable in regular advance quarterly installments of $6,250.
Annual Retainer for each Committee Membership:    $5,000 per year, payable in regular advance quarterly installments of $1,250.
Annual Retainer for each Committee Chairmanship:    $5,000 per year, payable in regular advance quarterly installments of $1,250.
Board Meeting Attendance Fees:    $1,500 per meeting for in person attendance; $750 per meeting for attendance by telephone. Such amounts are payable quarterly in arrears.


Committee Meeting Attendance Fees:    $1,000 per meeting for in person attendance; $500 per meeting for attendance by telephone. Such amounts are payable quarterly in arrears. For committee meetings which are held on the same day as Board meetings, you will be entitled to 50% of the applicable committee meeting attendance fees.
Expense Reimbursement for Attending Board and Committee Meetings:    Reimbursement of actual reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be made per the Company’s policy and will be payable upon presentation of documentation.
Purchased Equity Opportunity:    Up to $150,000 in common stock priced at fair market value as determined by the Board. The investment opportunity is a one-time offer available for a period of 90 days following the Effective Date. If you are interested in making such cash investment in the Company, documentation for such investment will be prepared and separately provided to you.
Option Program:    You will be eligible to participate in a common stock option program. Thermon will make an initial grant of 85 options to acquire common stock on the Effective Date at a strike price set at fair market value of the common stock as determined by the Board as of the Effective Date. 20% will become vested on each of the first five anniversaries of the Effective Date, provided that you are still serving as a Director on each such anniversary date. Additional option grants may be awarded to you by the Company during your tenure as Director of the Company. Such awarded options will be subject to similar terms and vesting provisions as the initial option grant. Upon the occurrence of a sale of the Company and provided that you are still serving as a Director immediately prior to such event, all options that have not yet become vested shall become vested. Documentation regarding this program will be prepared after your acceptance of your directorship and separately provided to you.
Non-Competition Covenant:    You represent and warrant that you are currently not a director, officer, employee, consultant or security holder of any heat tracing manufacturer that may compete with the Company. Further, you agree not to become a director, officer, employee, consultant or security holder of any heat tracing manufacturer.
No Prior Restrictions:    By countersigning this letter, you hereby represent and warrant to the Company that you are free to become a Director and that there are no contracts or restrictive covenants preventing full performance of your Director duties.

*                    *                     *


Chuck, we look forward to working with you and the Thermon team. If these terms and conditions are acceptable to you, please sign below to confirm and return this letter to us at your earliest convenience.

 

Very truly yours,
THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
By:   / S /    R ODNEY B INGHAM        
Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   PRESIDENT/CEO

ACCEPTED AND AGREED AS OF

THE 29 DAY OF JULY, 2010:

 

/ S /    C HARLES S ORRENTINO        
Charles A. Sorrentino

EXHIBIT 10.13

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.

July 28, 2010

Mr. Richard E Goodrich

776 Caribbean Drive East

Summerland Key, FL 33042

 

  Re: Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (“Thermon” or the “Company”) Director Term Sheet

Dear Rich:

We are excited to extend to you an offer to join the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. This letter sets forth the material terms of your arrangement with the Company:

 

Description of Director Services:   

You will serve as a director of the Company and subsidiaries thereof (“Director”). Combined meetings of the Board of the Company and its subsidiaries generally occur during regularly scheduled quarterly meetings and we would expect your attendance at such meetings.

 

You have been appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. You may also be appointed to serve on other Board committees. Those committees may meet on dates separate from Board meetings.

Appointment Date:    July 28, 2010 (the “Effective Date”).
Term:    Indefinite term. You may resign (and terminate your services) as a Director effective immediately after providing prior written notice of such upcoming resignation to the Company. As per corporate law, you can be removed (and your services terminated) as a Director at any time by action of the shareholder(s) of the Company (or any subsidiary thereof with respect to your service as a Director of a subsidiary) having majority voting control.
Annual Retainer for Serving as a Director of the Company and its Subsidiaries:    $25,000 per year, payable in regular advance quarterly installments of $6,250.
Annual Retainer for each Committee Membership:    $5,000 per year, payable in regular advance quarterly installments of $1,250.
Annual Retainer for each Committee Chairmanship:    $5,000 per year, payable in regular advance quarterly installments of $1,250.
Board Meeting Attendance Fees:    $1,500 per meeting for in person attendance; $750 per meeting for attendance by telephone. Such amounts are payable quarterly in arrears.


Committee Meeting Attendance Fees:    $1,000 per meeting for in person attendance; $500 per meeting for attendance by telephone. Such amounts are payable quarterly in arrears. For committee meetings which are held on the same day as Board meetings, you will be entitled to 50% of the applicable committee meeting attendance fees.
Expense Reimbursement for Attending Board and Committee Meetings:    Reimbursement of actual reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be made per the Company’s policy and will be payable upon presentation of documentation.
Purchased Equity Opportunity:    Up to $150,000 in common stock priced at fair market value as determined by the Board. The investment opportunity is a one-time offer available for a period of 90 days following the Effective Date. If you are interested in making such cash investment in the Company, documentation for such investment will be prepared and separately provided to you.
Option Program:    You will be eligible to participate in a common stock option program. Thermon will make an initial grant of 85 options to acquire common stock on the Effective Date at a strike price set at fair market value of the common stock as determined by the Board as of the Effective Date. 20% will become vested on each of the first five anniversaries of the Effective Date, provided that you are still serving as a Director on each such anniversary date. Additional option grants may be awarded to you by the Company during your tenure as Director of the Company. Such awarded options will be subject to similar terms and vesting provisions as the initial option grant. Upon the occurrence of a sale of the Company and provided that you are still serving as a Director immediately prior to such event, all options that have not yet become vested shall become vested. Documentation regarding this program will be prepared after your acceptance of your directorship and separately provided to you.
Non-Competition Covenant:    You represent and warrant that you are currently not a director, officer, employee, consultant or security holder of any heat tracing manufacturer that may compete with the Company. Further, you agree not to become a director, officer, employee, consultant or security holder of any heat tracing manufacturer.
No Prior Restrictions:    By countersigning this letter, you hereby represent and warrant to the Company that you are free to become a Director and that there are no contracts or restrictive covenants preventing full performance of your Director duties.

*                    *                     *


Rich, we look forward to working with you and the Thermon team. If these terms and conditions are acceptable to you, please sign below to confirm and return this letter to us at your earliest convenience.

 

Very truly yours,
THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
By:   / S /    R ODNEY B INGHAM        
Name:   Rodney Bingham
Title:   PRESIDENT AND CEO

ACCEPTED AND AGREED AS OF

THE 12 DAY OF AUGUST, 2010:

 

/ S /    R.E. G OODRICH        
Richard E Goodrich

EXHIBIT 12.1

Thermon Holding Corp.

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(amounts in thousands)

 

    Pre-
Predecessor/
Predecessor
Combined
  Predecessor   Predecessor
Successor
Combined
 
    Fiscal Year Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended June 30  
    2008   2009   2010   2009   2010  

Earnings

         

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

  $ 699   $ 28,196   $ 32,906   $ 9,602   $ (30,773

Plus: Fixed Charges

         

Interest expense and amortization of premiums/discounts (a)

    8,374     9,625     7,357     2,068     12,074   

Estimated interest component of rental expense

    574     535     566     138     147   
                               

Total Fixed Charges

  $ 8,948   $ 10,160   $ 7,923   $ 2,206   $ 12,221   

Less:

         

Pre tax income from continuing operations plus fixed charges

  $ 9,647   $ 38,356   $ 40,829   $ 11,808   $ (18,552

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (b)

    1.1     3.8     5.2     5.4     nm   

 

(a) The Company considers one-third of rent expense to be a reasonable estimate of the related interest expense.
(b) Earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were significantly affected by one-time costs related to the Transactions. If earnings were adjusted to exclude the $5.0 million purchase accounting inventory amortization expense, $5.3 million amortization of intangibles and $20.0 million in transaction costs associated with the Transactions, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three months ended June 30, 2010 would be 1.0x.

EXHIBIT 21.1

Subsidiaries of Thermon Holding Corp.

 

Name of Subsidiary

  

State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization

Thermon Industries, Inc.    Texas
Thermon Canada Inc.    Nova Scotia
Thermon Manufacturing Company    Texas
Thermon Heat Tracing Services, Inc.    Texas
Thermon Heat Tracing Services-I, Inc.    Texas
Thermon Heat Tracing Services-II, Inc.    Louisiana
Thermon Latinoamericana, S. de R.L. de C.V.    Mexico DF, Mexico
Thermon Europe B.V.    Netherlands
Thermon Benelux B.V.    Netherlands
Thermon Deutschland GmbH    Germany
Thermon Ltd.    Russian Federation
Thermon France SAS    France
Thermon Italia, S.p.A (in liquidation)    Italy
Thermon U.K. Ltd.    United Kingdom
Thermon Australia Pty. Ltd.    Australia
Thermon Far East, Ltd.    Japan
Thermon Heat Tracers Pvt. Ltd    India
Thermon Heat Tracing & Engineering (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.    China
Thermon Korea, Ltd.    Korea
Thermon Middle East, WLL    Bahrain

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our report dated June 28, 2010 in the registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Thermon Holding Corp. and subsidiaries for the registration of $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Thermon Industries, Inc.’s 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and related guarantees.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Austin, Texas
August 18, 2010

EXHIBIT 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the reference to our reports dated April 30, 2010 and April 24, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Thermon Holdings, LLC as at and for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and related Offer to Exchange of Thermon Industries, Inc. for the registration of $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017.

 

/s/ Meyers Norris Penny LLP
Chartered Accountants
Calgary, Alberta
August 9, 2010

EXHIBIT 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our reports dated 31 May, 2010, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Thermon Holdings, LLC included in the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-[              ]) and related offer to Exchange of Thermon Industries, Inc. for the registration of $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017.

 

/s/ Bell Partners
Melbourne, Australia
August 8, 2010

EXHIBIT 23.4

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our reports dated April 25, 2010, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Thermon Holdings, LLC included in the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-[              ]) and related offer to Exchange of Thermon Industries, Inc. for the registration of $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017.

 

/s/ Wang Chunlong
/s/ Shanghai JiaLiang CPAs, China
August 6, 2010

EXHIBIT 23.5

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Date: 13 th  August 2010

To whom it may concern:

We hereby give our consent to the use of our Audit Report dated 12 th  August, 2010 with respect to the Indian company, Thermon Heat Tracers Pvt. Ltd., which is a part of the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Thermon Holdings LLC and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” to the limited extent and restricted to our audit report on the accounts of Thermon Heat Tracers Pvt. Ltd. and stated by Ernst & Young LLP to be included in their report for the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related offer to Exchange of Thermon Industries, Inc. for the registration of $210,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2017.

 

For B.L.Ajmera & Company

Chartered Accountants

[Company Seal]

/s/ Satish Ajmera

(Satish Ajmera)

Partner

(FRN 001100 C)

EXHIBIT 25.1

 

 

 

FORM T-1

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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)             ¨

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

  95-3571558

(State of incorporation

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

700 South Flower Street

Suite 500

Los Angeles, California

  90017
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

Texas   26-0249310

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

100 Thermon Drive

San Marcos, Texas

  78666
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

 


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.

 

Name

  

Address

Comptroller of the Currency

United States Department of the Treasury

   Washington, D.C. 20219
Federal Reserve Bank    San Francisco, California 94105
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation    Washington, D.C. 20429

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None.

 

3-15. Not applicable.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the articles of association of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

- 2 -


  2. A copy of certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business. (Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

  3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 3 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

  4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

  6. The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a 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 Houston, and State of Texas, on the 18 th day of August, 2010.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

By:   /s/ Marcella Burgess

Name: 

  Marcella Burgess

Title:

  Vice President

 

- 3 -


EXHIBIT 6

CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321 (b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and in connection with the proposed issue of Thermon Industries, Inc., The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefore.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

By:  

/s/ Marcella Burgess

Marcella Burgess
Vice President

Houston, Texas

August 18, 2010

 

- 4 -


EXHIBIT 7

REPORT OF CONDITION

Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company

in the state of CA at close of business on March 31, 2010

published in response to call made by (Enter additional information below)

 

       
       

Statement of Resources and Liabilities

 

     Dollar Amounts in Thousands

ASSETS

     

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

     

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

      1,504

Interest-bearing balances

      288

Securities:

     

Held-to-maturity securities

      12

Available-for-sale securities

      581,259

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

     

Federal funds sold

      113,000

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

      0

Loans and lease financing receivables:

     

Loans and leases held for sale

      0

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

   0   

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

   0   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

      0

Trading Assets

      0

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

      10,486

Other real estate owned

      0

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

      2

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

      0

Intangible assets:

     

Goodwill

      856,313

Other intangible assets

      237,642

Other assets

      166,465

Total assets

      1,966,971


REPORT OF CONDITION (Continued)

 

     Dollar Amounts in Thousands
LIABILITIES      

Deposits:

     

In domestic offices

      533

Noninterest-bearing

   533   

Interest-bearing

   0   

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

     

Federal funds purchased

      0

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

      0

Trading liabilities

      0

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

      268,691

Subordinated notes and debentures

      0

Other liabilities

      210,010

Total liabilities

      479,234

EQUITY CAPITAL

     

Bank Equity Capital

     

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

      0

Common stock

      1,000

Surplus (excludes all surplus related to preferred stock)

      1,121,520

Retained earnings

      364,077

Accumulated other comprehensive income

      1,140

Other equity capital components

      0

Total bank equity capital

      1,487,737

Noncontrolling (minority) interest in consolidated subsidiaries

      0

Total equity capital

      1,487,737

Total liabilities and equity capital

      1,966,971

 

We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of the Reports of Condition and Income (including the supporting schedules) for this report date and declare that the Reports of Condition and Income have been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and are true and correct.   

/ S /    K AREN B AYZ        

   I, Karen Bayz, Chief Financial Officer
   (Name, Title)
   of the above named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Director #1

   Troy Kilpatrick, President   

/ S /    T ROY K ILPATRICK        

Director #2

   Frank Sulzberger, Managing Director   

/ S /    F RANK S ULZBERGER        

Director #3

   William Lindelof, Managing Director   

/ S /    W ILLIAM L INDELOF        

EXHIBIT 99.1

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

OFFER FOR ALL OUTSTANDING

9.500% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

AND THE RELATED SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

IN EXCHANGE FOR

9.500% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

AND THE RELATED SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED,

PURSUANT TO THE PROSPECTUS

DATED                     , 2010

 

 

THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2010 (THE “EXPIRATION DATE”), UNLESS EXTENDED. TENDERS MAY BE WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.

 

Delivery to:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail, Overnight Delivery after

4:30 p.m. on the Expiration Date:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

c/o Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Trust Operations

Reorganization Unit

101 Barclay Street—7 East

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Carolle Montreuil

For Information Call:

(212) 815-5920

By Facsimile Transmission:

(for Eligible Institutions only):

(212) 298-1915

Confirm by Telephone:

(212) 815-5920

DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF SUCH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

The prospectus, dated                     , 2010 (the “Prospectus”), of Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Thermon”), and this Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter”) together constitute Thermon’s offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to $210,000,000 of its 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and the related Subsidiary Guarantees (individually a “New Note” and collectively, the “New Notes”) which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for a like principal amount at maturity of Thermon’s issued and outstanding 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and the related Subsidiary Guarantees (individually an “Old Note” and collectively, the “Old Notes”) from the registered holders thereof. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.


For each Old Note accepted for exchange, the holder of such Old Note will receive a New Note having a principal amount equal to the principal amount at maturity of the surrendered Old Note. The New Notes will bear interest from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the Old Notes, or if no interest has been paid, from the date of original issuance. Accordingly, registered holders of New Notes on the relevant record date for the first interest payment date following the consummation of the Exchange Offer will receive interest accruing from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the Old Notes. The Old Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue interest from and after the date of consummation of the Exchange Offer. Holders of Old Notes whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange will not receive any payment in respect of accrued interest on such Old Notes otherwise payable on any interest payment date the record date for which occurs on or after the consummation of the Exchange Offer.

This Letter is to be completed by a holder of Old Notes either if certificates for such Old Notes are to be forwarded herewith or if a tender is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Exchange Agent at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) pursuant to the procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfers” section of the Prospectus and an Agent’s Message (as defined below) is not delivered. HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY VALIDLY DELIVERED A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IN CONJUNCTION WITH A VALID TENDER OF OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE PROSPECTUS UNDER THE HEADING “THE EXCHANGE OFFER” ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION TO RECEIVE NEW NOTES. HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY VALIDLY TENDERED OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE OR WHO VALIDLY TENDER OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS LETTER MAY WITHDRAW ANY OLD NOTES SO TENDERED AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE. SEE THE PROSPECTUS UNDER THE HEADING “THE EXCHANGE OFFER” FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE TENDER AND WITHDRAWAL PROVISIONS . Tenders by book-entry transfer also may be made by delivering an Agent’s Message in lieu of this Letter. The term “Agent’s Message” means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation (as defined below), which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering participant, which acknowledgment states that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by this Letter and that Thermon may enforce this Letter against such participant. The term “Book-Entry Confirmation” means the confirmation of the book-entry tender of Old Notes into the Exchange Agent’s account at DTC.

Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.

The method of delivery of Old Notes, Letters of Transmittal and all other required documents are at the election and risk of the holders. If such delivery is by mail it is recommended that registered mail properly insured, with return receipt requested, be used. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. No letters of transmittal or Old Notes should be sent to Thermon.

The undersigned has completed the appropriate boxes below and signed this Letter to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer.

List below the Old Notes to which this Letter relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, the certificate numbers and principal amount at maturity of Old Notes should be listed on a separate signed schedule affixed hereto.

 

 
DESCRIPTION OF OLD NOTES
Type    Name(s) and Address(es)
of Registered Holder(s)
(Please fill in, if blank)
  

1

Certificate
Number(s)*

  

2

Aggregate
Principal
Amount
Represented

  

3

Principal
Amount
Tendered**

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

    
    
    
    
     Total Shares:
* Need not be completed if Old Notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer.
** Unless otherwise indicated in this column, a holder will be deemed to have tendered ALL of the Old Notes represented by the Old Note indicated in column 2. See Instruction 2. Old Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of principal amount of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. See Instruction 1.


(BOXES BELOW TO BE CHECKED BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY)

 

¨ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

 

        Name of Tendering Institution                                                                                                                                                        

        Account Number                                                                                                                                                                                 

        Transaction Code Number                                                                                                                                                                

By crediting the Old Notes to the Exchange Agent’s account at DTC using the Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”) and by complying with applicable ATOP procedures with respect to the Exchange Offer, including transmitting to the Exchange Agent an Agent’s Message in which the holder of the Old Notes acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms of, and makes the representations and warranties contained in, this Letter, the participant in DTC confirms on behalf of itself and the beneficial owners of such Old Notes all provisions of this Letter (including all representations and warranties) applicable to it and such beneficial owner as fully as if it had completed the information required herein and executed and transmitted this Letter to the Exchange Agent.

If Delivered by Book-Entry Transfer, Complete the Following:

 

        Account Number                                                                                                                                                                                 

        Transaction Code Number                                                                                                                                                                

        Name of Tendering Institution                                                                                                                                                        

 

¨ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH.

 

¨ CHECK HERE AND ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

 

Name of Registered Holder(s):                                                                                                                                                                 

Window Ticket Number (if any):                                                                                                                                                            

Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:                                                                                                                     

Name of Institution which Guaranteed:                                                                                                                                                 

If Guaranteed Delivery is to be made By Book-Entry Transfer:                                                                                                   

Name of Tendering Institution:                                                                                                                                                                

DTC Account Number:                                                                                                                                                                                

Transaction Code Number:                                                                                                                                                                         

 

¨ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED OLD NOTES ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE DTC ACCOUNT NUMBER SET FORTH ABOVE.


¨ CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.

 

        Name:                                                                                                                                                                                                       

        Address:                                                                                                                                                                                                   

If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of New Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering such a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.


PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to Thermon the aggregate principal amount at maturity of Old Notes indicated above. Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for exchange of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, Thermon all right, title and interest in and to such Old Notes as are being tendered hereby.

The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the undersigned’s true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact with respect to such tendered Old Notes, with full power of substitution, among other things, to cause the Old Notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Old Notes, and to acquire New Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Old Notes, and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, Thermon will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim when the same are accepted by Thermon. The undersigned hereby further represents that:

 

   

any New Notes acquired in exchange for Old Notes tendered hereby will have been acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such New Notes, whether or not such person is the undersigned;

 

   

neither the holder of such Old Notes nor any such other person is participating in, intends to participate in or has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution, as defined in the Securities Act, of such New Notes in violation of the Securities Act;

 

   

neither the holder of such Old Notes nor any such other person is holding Old Notes that have, or are reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the initial offering; and

 

   

neither the holder of such Old Notes nor any such other person is an “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of Thermon.

The undersigned acknowledges that this Exchange Offer is being made in reliance on interpretations by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, that the New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for the Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any such holder that is an “affiliate” of Thermon within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such Holders’ business, such Holders are not holding any Old Notes that have the status of, or are reasonably likely to have the status of, an unsold allotment in the initial offering, and such Holders have no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of such New Notes. However, the SEC has not considered the Exchange Offer in the context of a no-action letter and there can be no assurance that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as in other circumstances. If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of New Notes and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a distribution of New Notes. If any holder is an affiliate of Thermon, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such holder (i) could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes, it represents that the Old Notes to be exchanged for the New Notes were acquired by it as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.


The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by Thermon to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Old Notes tendered hereby. All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives of the undersigned and shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned. This tender may be withdrawn only in accordance with the procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal Rights” section of the Prospectus.

Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” below, please deliver the New Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Old Notes for any Old Notes not exchanged) in the name of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry delivery of Old Notes, please credit the account indicated above maintained at DTC. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” below, please send the New Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Old Notes for any Old Notes not exchanged) to the undersigned at the address shown above in the box entitled “Description of Old Notes.”

THE UNDERSIGNED, BY COMPLETING THE BOX ENTITLED “DESCRIPTION OF OLD NOTES” ABOVE AND SIGNING THIS LETTER, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED THE OLD NOTES AS SET FORTH IN SUCH BOX ABOVE.


 

SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 3 and 4)

To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes not exchanged and/or New Notes are to be issued in the name of and sent to someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) on this Letter above, or if Old Notes delivered by book-entry transfer which are not accepted for exchange are to be returned by credit to an account maintained at DTC other than the account indicated above.

Issue New Notes and/or Old Notes to:

 

Name(s):

  

 

   (Please type or print)
  

 

   (Please type or print)

Address:

  

 

  

 

   (Zip Code)

 

   (Complete Substitute Form W-9)
  

¨        Credit unexchanged Old Notes delivered by book-entry transfer to DTC account set forth below.

  

                                                                                                                                                    

   (Book-Entry Transfer Facility Account Number, it applicable)

 

 


 

SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 3 and 4)

To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes not exchanged and/or New Notes are to be sent to someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) on this Letter above or to such person or persons at an address other than shown in the box entitled “Description of Old Notes” on this Letter above.

Mail New Notes and/or Old Notes to:

 

Name(s):

    

 

     (Please type or print)
    

 

     (Please type or print)

Address:

    

 

    

 

     (Zip Code)

 

 

IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OR A FACSIMILE HEREOF OR AN AGENT’S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF (TOGETHER WITH THE CERTIFICATES FOR OLD NOTES OR A BOOK-ENTRY CONFIRMATION AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS) MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING ANY BOX ABOVE.

IN ORDER TO VALIDLY TENDER OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE, HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES MUST COMPLETE, EXECUTE AND DELIVER THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

Except as stated in the Prospectus, all authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death, incapacity or dissolution of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned.

 

 


PLEASE SIGN HERE

(To be Completed by All Tendering Holders)

(Complete Accompanying Substitute Form W-9 Below)

 

 

   ,   

 

   , 2010

 

   ,   

 

   , 2010
(Signature(s) of Owner)       (Date)   

 

Area Code and Telephone No.:

 

This Letter must be signed by the registered holder(s) as the name(s) appear(s) on the certificate(s) for the Old Notes hereby tendered or on a security position listing or by any person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by endorsements any documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, officer or other person acting in fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title. See Instruction 3.

 

Name(s):

  

 

     (Please type or print)

Capacity:

  

 

Address:

  

 

   (including Zip Code)

 

Principal place of business (if different from address listed above):   

 

  

 

   (including Zip Code)

Area Code and Telephone No.:

  

 

Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Nos.:

  

 


SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

(If required by Instruction 3)

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed by An Eligible Institution:

  

 

     (Authorized Signature)

Name and Firm:

  

 

Dated:                      , 2010

  

 

 


INSTRUCTIONS

Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Exchange Offer for the

9.500% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017

and the Related Subsidiary Guarantees

in Exchange for

9.500% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017

and the Related Subsidiary Guarantees

Which Have Been Registered Under

the Securities Act of 1933, as Amended

Pursuant to the Prospectus

Dated                     , 2010

1. DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER AND OLD NOTES.

This Letter is to be completed by holders of Old Notes either if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if tenders are to be made pursuant to the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfers” section of the Prospectus and an Agent’s Message is not delivered. Tenders by book-entry transfer also may be made by delivering an Agent’s Message in lieu of this Letter. The term “Agent’s Message” means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering participant, which acknowledgment states that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by this Letter and that Thermon may enforce the Letter against such participant. Certificates for all physically tendered Old Notes, or Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter (or manually signed facsimile hereof or Agent’s Message in lieu thereof) and any other documents required by this Letter, must be received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth herein prior to the Expiration Date. Old Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of principal amount of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes and (i) whose Old Notes are not immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver their Old Notes and this Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the expiration date or (iii) who cannot complete the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer on a timely basis, may tender their Old Notes by properly completing and duly executing a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures: (i) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution (as defined below); (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile) thereof and Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form made available by the Company, must be received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to the expiration date; and (iii) the certificates (or a book-entry confirmation (as defined in the Prospectus)) representing all tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, must be received by the Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, all as provided in “The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” in the Prospectus.

The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted by telegram, telex, facsimile or mail to the Exchange Agent, and must include a guarantee by an Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such Notice. For Old Notes to be properly tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure, the Exchange Agent must receive a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery on or prior to the expiration date. As used herein and in the Prospectus, “Eligible Institution” means a firm which is a member of Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program.

The method of delivery of this Letter, the Old Notes and all other required documents is at the election and risk of the tendering holders, but the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent. If Old Notes are sent by mail, it is recommended that the


mailing be by registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, made sufficiently in advance of the Expiration Date to permit delivery to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m, New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

See “The Exchange Offer” section of the Prospectus.

2. PARTIAL TENDERS (NOT APPLICABLE TO NOTE HOLDERS WHO TENDER BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER).

If less than all of the Old Notes evidenced by a submitted certificate are to be tendered, the tendering holder(s) should fill in the aggregate principal amount at maturity of Old Notes to be tendered in the box above entitled “Description of Old Notes—Principal Amount Tendered.” A reissued certificate representing the balance of non-tendered Old Notes will be sent to such tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter, promptly after the Expiration Date. All of the Old Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.

3. SIGNATURES ON THIS LETTER; BOND POWERS AND ENDORSEMENTS; GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES.

If this Letter is signed by the holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond exactly with the name as written on the face of the certificates or on DTC’s security position listing as the holder of such Old Notes without any change whatsoever.

If any tendered Old Notes are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all of such owners must sign this Letter.

If any tendered Old Notes are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter as there are different registrations of certificates.

When this Letter is signed by the registered holder or holders of the Old Notes specified herein and tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate bond powers are required. If, however, the New Notes are to be issued, or any untendered Old Notes are to be reissued, to a person other than the registered holder, then endorsements of any certificates transmitted hereby or separate bond powers are required. Signatures on such certificate(s) must be guaranteed by a participant in a securities transfer association recognized signature program.

If this Letter is signed by a person other than the registered holder or holders of any certificate(s) specified herein, such certificate(s) must be endorsed or accompanied by powers of attorney signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder or holders that appear(s) on the Old Notes.

If this Letter or any certificates or powers of attorney are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by Thermon or the Exchange Agent, proper evidence satisfactory to Thermon or the Exchange Agent of their authority to so act must be submitted with this Letter.

Endorsements on certificates for Old Notes or signatures on powers of attorney required by this Instruction 3 must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

Signatures on this letter need not be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, provided the Old Notes are tendered: (i) by a registered holder of Old Notes (which term, for purposes of the Exchange Offer, includes any participant in DTC’s system whose name appears on a security position listing as the holder of such Old Notes) who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on this Letter, or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution.


4. SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS.

Tendering holders of Old Notes should indicate in the applicable box the name and address to which New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer and/or substitute certificates evidencing Old Notes not exchanged are to be issued or sent, if different from the name or address of the person signing this Letter. In the case of issuance in a different name, the employer identification or social security number of the person named also must be indicated. Note holders tendering Old Notes by book-entry transfer may request that Old Notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at DTC as such note holder may designate hereon. If no such instructions are given, such Old Notes not exchanged will be returned to the name and address of the person signing this Letter.

5. TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING.

Under U.S. federal income tax law, a tendering holder whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange may be subject to backup withholding. To prevent backup withholding, each tendering holder must provide such holder’s correct Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”), which, in the case of a holder who is an individual, is generally such holder’s social security number, by completing the “Substitute Form W-9” set forth herein and generally must certify that (i) the TIN provided is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a TIN), and (ii) the holder is not subject to backup withholding. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN or an adequate basis for an exemption, such holder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service and backup withholding at the applicable rate, currently 28%, upon the amount of any reportable payments made after the exchange to such tendering holder. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.

If a holder that is a U.S. person (for U.S. federal income tax purposes) does not have a TIN, such holder should consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (the “W-9 Guidelines”) for instructions on applying for a TIN, write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN in Part 1 of the Substitute Form W-9, and sign and date the Substitute Form W-9 and the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number set forth herein. If the holder does not provide such holder’s TIN to the Exchange Agent by the time of payment, backup withholding will apply to payments made to such holder. Note: Writing “Applied For” on the form means that the holder has already applied for a TIN or that such holder intends to apply for one in the near future.

If the Old Notes are held in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the W-9 Guidelines for information on which TIN to report.

Exempt holders (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign persons) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. To prevent possible erroneous backup withholding, an exempt holder should write “Exempt” in Part 2 of Substitute Form W-9. See the W-9 Guidelines for additional instructions. In order for a nonresident alien or foreign entity to qualify as exempt, such person must submit a completed Form W-8 BEN, “Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding,” signed under penalty of perjury attesting to such exempt status. Such form may be obtained from the Exchange Agent.

6. TRANSFER TAXES.

Except in the circumstances described below, Thermon will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the transfer of Old Notes to it or its order pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, New Notes and/or substitute Old Notes not exchanged are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the transfer of Old Notes to Thermon or its order pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted herewith, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder. Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the Old Notes specified in this Letter.


7. WAIVER OF CONDITIONS.

Thermon reserves the absolute right to waive satisfaction of any or all conditions of the Exchange Offer enumerated in the Prospectus.

8. NO CONDITIONAL TENDERS; DEFECTS.

No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be accepted. All tendering holders of Old Notes, by execution of this Letter or an Agent’s Message in lieu thereof, shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of their Old Notes for exchange.

Neither Thermon, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Exchange Agent nor any other person is under any duty to notify you of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of Old Notes for exchange, nor shall any of them be liable for failing to provide such notification.

9. MUTILATED, LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED OLD NOTES.

Any holder whose Old Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the address indicated above for further instructions.

10. WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS.

Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

For a withdrawal of a tender of Old Notes to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth above prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person having tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn (the “Depositor”), (ii) identify the Old Notes to be withdrawn (including certificate number or numbers and the principal amount at maturity of such Old Notes), (iii) where certificates for Old Notes have been transmitted, the name in which such Old Notes are registered, if different from that of the withdrawing Holder; (iv) contain a statement that such holder is withdrawing such holder’s election to have such Old Notes exchanged, and (v) be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter by which such Old Notes were tendered (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer to have the Trustee with respect to the Old Notes register the transfer of such Old Notes in the name of the person withdrawing the tender. If certificates for Old Notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, the Depositor must also submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn and a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, unless such holder is an Eligible Institution.

If Old Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfers” section of the Prospectus, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn Old Notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of DTC. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices will be determined by Thermon (which power may be delegated to the Exchange Agent), whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Old Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offer and no New Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the Old Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any Old Notes that have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to such holder (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfers” section of the Prospectus, such Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for the Old Notes) as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be retendered by following the procedures described above at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.


11. REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES.

Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for additional copies of the Prospectus, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and this Letter and other related documents may be directed to the Exchange Agent, at the address and telephone number indicated above.

TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES

(See Instruction 5)

PAYOR’S NAME: The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

 

 

SUBSTITUTE

 

FORM  W-9

     

 

Part 1 —PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND DATING BELOW

 

     

 

Social Security Number

OR

   

Part II —FOR PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING
(See W-9 Guidelines)

 

     

 

Employee Identification Number

 

 

Payor’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)      

Part III— CERTIFICATION—Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

(1) The number shown on this form is my correct TIN (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me) and (2) I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and (3) I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (as defined in the enclosed W-9 Guidelines). The IRS does not require your consent to any provision of this document other than the certifications required of avoid backup withholding.

 

 

SIGNATURE OF U.S.

PERSON:

 

  

                                                                                                              

 

   DATE:     

                                                                       

 

    

You must cross out item (2) in Part 3 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest or dividends on your tax return.

 

 

 

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN A $50 PENALTY IMPOSED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING AT THE APPLICABLE RATE. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED W-9 GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.


GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION

NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE PAYER. Social security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e. 000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only one hyphen: i.e. 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payer.

 

FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT:

   

GIVE NAME AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OF:

 

1.   An individual     The individual
2.   Two or more individuals (joint account)     The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account(1)
3.   Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)     The minor(2)
4.  

(a)    The usual revocable savings trust account (grantor is also trustee)

    The grantor-trustee(1)
 

(b)    So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law

    The actual owner(1)

5.

 

 

Sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC

 

    The owner(3)

FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT:

   

GIVE NAME AND EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION

NUMBER OF

 

6.   A valid trust, estate, or pension trust     The legal entity(4)
7.   Corporation or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832     The corporation
8.   Partnership or multi-member LLC     The partnership
9.   Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization     The organization
10.   A broker or registered nominee     The broker or nominee

11.

 

  Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments     The public entity

 

(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has a social security number, that person’s number must be furnished.
(2) Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s social security number.
(3) You must show your individual name, but you may also enter your business or “DBA” name. You may use either your social security number or employer identification number (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your social security number.
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)

NOTE: If no name is circled when there is more than one name, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.


PURPOSE OF FORM

A person who is required to file an information return with the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”).

Use the Substitute Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN to the person requesting it (the requester) and, when applicable, to:

 

  1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued),

 

  2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or

 

  3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee.

DEFINITION OF A U.S. PERSON

For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:

 

   

An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien,

 

   

A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States,

 

   

An estate (other than a foreign estate), or

 

   

A domestic trust (as defined in Treasury regulations section 301.7701-7).

FOREIGN PERSON

If you are a foreign person, do not use Substitute Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 (see IRS Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities).

OBTAINING A NUMBER

If you do not have a TIN or you do not know your number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the Social Security Administration or the IRS and apply for a number. (Both forms can be found on the web at www.irs.gov .)

PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING

If you are exempt from backup withholding, enter your name as described above, write “Exempt from backup withholding” in Part II of the form and sign and date the form.

Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. Corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, such as interest and dividends.

Note: If you are exempt from backup withholding, you should still complete this form to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding.

Exempt payees. Backup withholding is not required on any payments made to the following payees (section references are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)):

 

  1. An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2);

 

  2. The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities;

 

  3. A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities;

 

  4. A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities; or

 

  5. An international organization or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.


Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include:

 

  6. A corporation;

 

  7. A foreign central bank of issue;

 

  8. A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States;

 

  9. A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission;

 

  10. A real estate investment trust;

 

  11. An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 

  12. A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a);

 

  13. A financial institution;

 

  14. A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian; or

 

  15. A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947.

Exempt payees described above should file Substitute Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYER, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE “EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING” IN PART II OF THE FORM, AND RETURN IT TO THE PAYER.

Payments that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup withholding. For details, see the Treasury regulations under sections 6041, 6041A, 6042, 6044, 6045, 6049, 6050A and 6050N of the Code.

Privacy Act Notice —Section 6109 of the Code requires most recipients of dividend, interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payers who must report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify the accuracy of your tax return. The IRS may also provide this information to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation, and to cities, states, and the District of Columbia to carry out their tax laws. The IRS may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, or to Federal and state agencies to enforce Federal nontax criminal laws and to combat terrorism. Payers must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax returns. Payers must generally withhold a portion of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payer. Certain penalties may also apply.

PENALTIES

 

  (1) Failure to Furnish Taxpayer Identification Number —If you fail to furnish your correct taxpayer identification number to a payer, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

 

  (2) Civil Penalty for False Information With Respect to Withholding —If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.

 

  (3) Criminal Penalty for Falsifying Information —Falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment. For Additional Information Contact Your Tax Consultant or the Internal Revenue Service.

 

  (4) Misuse of Taxpayer Identification Number —If the requester discloses or uses taxpayer identification numbers in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.

Manually signed copies of the Letter of Transmittal will be accepted. The Letter of Transmittal and any other required documents should be sent or delivered by each holder or such holder’s broker, dealer commercial bank or other nominee to the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth below.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail, Overnight Delivery after

4:30 p.m. on the Expiration Date:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

c/o Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Trust Operations

Reorganization Unit

101 Barclay Street—7 East

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Carolle Montreuil

For Information Call:

(212) 815-5920

By Facsimile Transmission:

(for Eligible Institutions only):

(212) 298-1915

Confirm by Telephone:

(212) 815-5920

EXHIBIT 99.2

NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY

for Tender of

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

of Thermon Industries, Inc.

As set forth in the Exchange Offer (as defined below), this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (or a facsimile hereof) or one substantially equivalent hereto or the electronic form used by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) for this purpose must be used to accept the Exchange Offer if certificates for 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “Old Notes”) of Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), are not immediately available to the registered holder of such Old Notes, or if a participant in DTC is unable to complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis of Old Notes to the account maintained by The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Exchange Agent (the “Exchange Agent”) at DTC, or if time will not permit all documents required by the Exchange Offer to reach the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010, unless extended (the “Expiration Date”). This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (or a facsimile hereof) or one substantially equivalent hereto may be delivered by certified or registered mail, by regular mail or overnight courier, by hand or, for eligible institutions only, by facsimile to the Exchange Agent. See “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Old Notes.” Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Exchange Offer.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail, Overnight Delivery after

4:30 p.m. on the Expiration Date:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

c/o Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Trust Operations

Reorganization Unit

101 Barclay Street—7 East

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Carolle Montreuil

For Information Call:

(212) 815-5920

By Facsimile Transmission:

(for Eligible Institutions only):

(212) 298-1915

Confirm by Telephone:

(212) 815-5920

Delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to an address other than as set forth above or transmission of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to a facsimile number other than the number listed above will not constitute a valid delivery.

This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature on a Letter of Transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined therein) under the instructions thereto, such signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided in the signature box on the Letter of Transmittal.


Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned hereby tenders to Thermon Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Thermon”), the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes indicated below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the accompanying Prospectus dated                     , 2010 (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Prospectus”) and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which together with the Prospectus constitute the “Exchange Offer”), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.

The undersigned hereby represents, warrants and agrees that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, exchange, sell, assign and transfer the tendered Old Notes and that Thermon will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances when the tendered Old Notes are acquired by Thermon as contemplated herein, and the tendered Old Notes are not subject to any adverse claims or proxies. The undersigned represents, warrants and agrees that the undersigned and each beneficial owner will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by Thermon or the Exchange Agent to be necessary or desirable to complete the tender, exchange, sale, assignment and transfer of the tendered Old Notes, and that the undersigned will comply with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon, the subsidiary guarantors and the initial purchasers referred to therein. The undersigned has read and agrees to all of the terms of the Exchange Offer.

By tendering Old Notes and executing this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the undersigned hereby represents and warrants that: (i) the undersigned is acquiring the New Notes in the ordinary course of the undersigned’s business; (ii) the undersigned is not participating in, does not intend to participate, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the New Notes; (iii) the undersigned neither has, nor is reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the initial offering; and (iv) the undersigned is not an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of Thermon. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive the New Notes for its own account in exchange for any Old Notes acquired by it as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, the undersigned acknowledges that it will deliver a copy of the Prospectus in connection with any resale of the New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering such Prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

All questions as to the form of documents, validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of tendered Old Notes will be determined by Thermon (which power may be delegated to the Exchange Agent), whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Thermon reserves the absolute right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any and all tenders determined by Thermon not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which, or exchange for, may, in the view of Thermon or its counsel, be unlawful.

All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy, personal and legal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned.

Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

(Please Print)

Address(es):                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Area Code and Telephone Number(s):                                                                                                                                                      

 

x

 

 

                                                                                                       

x

 

 

                                                                                                       

  Signature(s) of Owner(s) or Authorized Signatory


Must be signed by the registered holder(s) of the tendered Old Notes as their name(s) appear(s) on certificates for such tendered Old Notes, or on a security position listing, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by endorsement and documents transmitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must set forth his or her full title below.

 

    Name(s) and address(es) of registered
holder(s), exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
Old Notes, or on a security position
  Certificate
number(s) of
Old Notes*
  Aggregate principal
amount represented
by certificate(s)
  Aggregate principal
amount tendered**
       
       
       
       

 

* DOES NOT need to be completed if Old Notes are tendered by book-entry transfer.
** Unless otherwise indicated, the holder will be deemed to have tendered the entire face amount of all Old Notes represented by tendered certificates.

If Old Notes will be delivered by book-entry transfer to The Depository Trust Company, provide the following information:

Signature:                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Account Number:                                                                                                                                                                                            

Date:                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

THE GUARANTEE ON THE REVERSE SIDE MUST BE COMPLETED


GUARANTEE

(Not to be used for signature guarantee)

The undersigned, a firm which is a member of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (each, an “Eligible Institution”), hereby guarantees delivery to the Exchange Agent, at its address set forth above, either certificates for the Old Notes tendered hereby, in proper form for transfer, or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Old Notes to the Exchange Agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company, pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in the Prospectus, in either case together with one or more properly completed and duly executed Letter(s) of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or an Agent’s Message in lieu thereof) and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, all within three (3) business days after the date of execution of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

The undersigned acknowledges that it must deliver the Letter(s) of Transmittal and certificates for the Old Notes tendered hereby to the Exchange Agent within the time period shown herein and that failure to do so could result in a financial loss to the undersigned.

 

 

     

 

Firm       Authorized Signature

 

   Name   

 

Address       (Please Type or Print)

 

   Title   

 

Zip Code      
   Dated                         , 2010

Area Code and Telephone Number:                                                                                                                                                          

DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES FOR OLD NOTES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. ACTUAL SURRENDER OF OLD NOTES MUST BE MADE PURSUANT TO, AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY, A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

EXHIBIT 99.3

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

OFFER FOR ALL OUTSTANDING

9.500% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

AND THE RELATED SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

IN EXCHANGE FOR

9.500% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

AND THE RELATED SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED

                    , 2010

To our Clients:

Enclosed for your consideration is a prospectus, dated                     , 2010 (the “Prospectus”) and accompanying Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), relating to the offer (the “Exchange Offer”) of Thermon Industries, Inc. (“Thermon”) to exchange its 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and related subsidiary guarantees which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (individually a “New Note” and collectively, the “New Notes”), for a like principal amount at maturity of Thermon’s issued and outstanding 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and related subsidiary guarantees (individually an “Old Note” and collectively, the “Old Notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Prospectus. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal.

This material is being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of the Old Notes held by us for your account but not registered in your name. A tender of such Old Notes may only be made by us as the holder of record and pursuant to your instructions.

Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender on your behalf the Old Notes held by us for your account, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the enclosed Prospectus. You may only tender your Old Notes by book-entry transfer of the Old Notes into the exchange agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company.

Your instructions should be forwarded to us as promptly as possible in order to permit us to tender the Old Notes on your behalf in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010 unless extended by Thermon. Any Old Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn (in accordance with the procedures set forth in the prospectus) at any time before the Expiration Date.

Your attention is directed to the following:

 

  1. The Exchange Offer is for any and all Old Notes.

 

  2. The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Prospectus in the section captioned “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”

 

  3. Any transfer taxes incident to the transfer of Old Notes from the holder to Thermon will be paid by Thermon, except as otherwise set forth in the Letter of Transmittal.

 

  4. The Exchange Offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010 unless extended by Thermon.

If you wish to have us tender your Old Notes, please so instruct us by completing, executing and returning to us the instruction form on the back of this letter.


INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed material referred to therein relating to the Exchange Offer made by Thermon with respect to the Old Notes.

This will instruct you, the registered holder and/or book-entry transfer facility participant, as to the action to be taken by you relating to the Exchange Offer with respect to the Old Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus.

Please take action with respect to the Old Notes held by you for my account as indicated below:

 

 

 

¨

   Please tender the Old Notes held by you for my account as indicated below:

AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT

MATURITY OF OLD NOTES

9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017: $                                                                                                                         

¨

   Please do not tender any Old Notes held by you for my account.
  

Dated:                                 , 2010                                                                                                                                   

   Signature(s):                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                     
   Print Name(s) here:                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                               
   Print Address(es):                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                
   Area Code and Telephone Number(s):                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                        
   Tax Identification or Social Security Number(s):                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

None of the Old Notes held by us for your account will be tendered unless we receive written instructions from you to do so. Unless a specific contrary instruction is given in the space provided, your signature(s) hereon shall constitute an instruction to us to tender all Old Notes held by us for your account.

If the undersigned instructs you to tender the Old Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned, it is understood that you are authorized to make, on behalf of the undersigned (and the undersigned, by its signature below, hereby makes to you), the representations and warranties contained in the Letter of Transmittal that are to be made with respect to the undersigned as a beneficial owner, including but not limited to the representations, that (i) any New Notes acquired in exchange for Old Notes tendered hereby will have been acquired in the ordinary course of its business of the person receive such New Notes, (ii) neither the holder of such Old Notes nor any such other person is participating in, intends to participate in or has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution, as defined in the Securities Act, of such New Notes in violation of the Securities Act, (iii) neither the holder of such Old Notes nor any such other person is holding Old Notes


that have, or are reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the initial offering, and (iv) the holder is not an “affiliate” of Thermon. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes, it represents that such Old Notes to be exchanged for the new Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes. By acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes, such broker-dealer is not deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Very truly yours,

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

EXHIBIT 99.4

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

OFFER FOR ALL OUTSTANDING

9.500% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

AND THE RELATED SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

IN EXCHANGE FOR

9.500% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

AND THE RELATED SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED

                    , 2010

To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,

Trust Companies and Other Nominees:

Thermon Industries, Inc. (“Thermon”) is offering, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the prospectus dated                     , 2010 (the “Prospectus”), to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) an aggregate principal amount of up to $210,000,000 of its 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and the related subsidiary guarantees, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (individually a “New Note” and collectively, the “New Notes”), for a like principal amount at maturity of Thermon’s issued and outstanding 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and the related subsidiary guarantees (individually an “Old Note” and collectively, the “Old Notes”). The Exchange Offer is being made in order to satisfy certain obligations of Thermon contained in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2010, by and among Thermon, the subsidiary guarantors and the initial purchasers referred to therein. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.

We are requesting that you contact your clients for whom you hold Old Notes regarding the Exchange Offer. For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold Old Notes registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, or who hold Old Notes registered in their own names, we are enclosing the following documents:

 

  1. Prospectus dated                     , 2010;

 

  2. Letter of Transmittal;

 

  3. Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and

 

  4. A form of letter which may be sent to your clients for whose account you hold Old Notes registered in your name or the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such clients’ instructions with regard to the Exchange Offer.

Your prompt action is requested. The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2010 unless extended by Thermon (the “Expiration Date”). Old Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn (in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Prospectus) at any time before the Expiration Date.

A holder may only tender Old Notes by book-entry transfer of the Old Notes into the Exchange Agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company. To participate in the Exchange Offer, a tendering holder must, on or prior to the Expiration Date, transmit an agent’s message to the Exchange Agent, in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Prospectus.

Thermon will, upon request, reimburse brokers, dealers, commercial banks and trust companies for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in forwarding the Prospectus and the related documents to the beneficial owners of Old Notes held by them as nominee or in a fiduciary capacity. Thermon will pay or cause to be paid all transfer taxes applicable to the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except as otherwise set forth in the Letter of Transmittal.


Any inquiry you may have with respect to the Exchange Offer, or requests for additional copies of the enclosed materials, should be directed to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., the Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer, at its address and telephone number set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent.”

Very truly yours,

THERMON INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTHING HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY PERSON AS AN AGENT OF THERMON OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENTS ON BEHALF OF EITHER OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER, EXCEPT FOR STATEMENTS EXPRESSLY MADE IN THE PROSPECTUS.

Enclosures