Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 24, 2011

Registration No. 333-173581

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   5632   20-8874704
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

 

c/o Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

3480 W. 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

(713) 864-1358

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

 

 

John De Meritt

President and Chief Executive Officer

3480 W. 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

(713) 864-1358

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

 

 

Copies of Communications to:

 

Sung Pak, Esq.

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

7 Times Square

New York, New York 10036

(212) 326-2000

 

LizabethAnn R. Eisen, Esq.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

Worldwide Plaza

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10019

(212) 474-1000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, 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(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a 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.   ¨

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box.   ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
  Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(1)
  Amount of
Registration Fee(2)

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  $150,000,000   $17,415(3)
 
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The proposed maximum offering price includes amounts attributable to shares that may be purchased by the underwriters to cover the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders at the initial public offering price less the underwriters’ discount. See “Underwriting”.
(2) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(3) Previously paid.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant 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 the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion. Dated May 24, 2011

             Shares

LOGO

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

Common Stock

 

 

This is an initial public offering of shares of common stock of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.

We are offering              of the shares to be sold in the offering. The selling stockholders, which includes certain of our officers and directors, identified in this prospectus are offering an additional              shares. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares being sold by the selling stockholders, including any shares sold by the selling stockholders in connection with the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between $             and $            . We intend to list our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRAN.”

 

 

See “ Risk Factors ” on page 12 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our common stock.

 

 

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

 

 

 

     Per Share    Total

Initial public offering price

   $                    $            

Underwriting discount

   $    $

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

   $    $

Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholders

   $    $

To the extent that the underwriters sell more than              shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional              shares from the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount.

 

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment in New York, New York on                     , 2011

 

Goldman, Sachs & Co.   J.P. Morgan  

Jefferies

 

RBC Capital Markets   Stifel Nicolaus Weisel   KeyBanc Capital Markets

 

 

Prospectus dated                     , 2011.


Table of Contents

LOGO


Table of Contents

LOGO

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1   

RISK FACTORS

     12   

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     38   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     40   

DIVIDEND POLICY

     42   

CAPITALIZATION

     43   

DILUTION

     44   

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

     46   

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     49   

BUSINESS

     76   

MANAGEMENT

     88   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     97   

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     121   

PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

     125   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     127   

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

     132   

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     137   

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO NON–U.S. HOLDERS

     139   

UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

     143   

LEGAL MATTERS

     148   

EXPERTS

     148   

CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     148   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     149   

 

 

Through and including                     , 2011 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

 

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.

 

 

Basis of Presentation

We operate on a fiscal calendar which in a given fiscal year consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. The reporting periods contained in our audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus contain 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2010, which ended January 29, 2011, 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2009, which ended January 30, 2010, and 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2008, which ended January 31, 2009. For fiscal year 2007, which ended on December 31, 2007, and prior periods, the company operated on a fiscal calendar year ending December 31st.

 

 


Table of Contents

Industry and Market Data

We obtained the industry, market and competitive position data throughout this prospectus from our own internal estimates and research as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that they have been prepared from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, we have not independently verified market and industry data from third-party sources. While we believe our internal company research is reliable and the definitions of our market and industry are appropriate, neither this research nor these definitions have been verified by any independent source. Further, while we believe the market opportunity information included in this prospectus is generally reliable, such information is inherently imprecise. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of the future performance of the industry in which we operate and our future performance are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors”. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.

 

 

Trademarks

We operate under our trademark “francesca’s collections ® ” which is registered under applicable intellectual property laws. This prospectus contains references to our trademarks and service marks and to those belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.

 

 


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, especially the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Some of the statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for more information.

We are a holding company and all of our business operations are conducted through our wholly owned indirect subsidiary, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (“Francesca’s Collections”), a corporation formed and existing under the laws of the State of Texas. Francesca’s Collections is wholly owned by Francesca’s LLC (“Parent”), a limited liability company formed and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Parent is a wholly owned subsidiary of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation (“Holdings”). Except where the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, the terms “Francesca’s,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “the company,” “our company” and “our business” refer to Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries as a combined entity. Some differences in the numbers in the tables and text throughout this prospectus may exist due to rounding.

Our Company

francesca’s collections ® is one of the fastest growing specialty retailers in the United States. Our retail locations are designed and merchandised to feel like independently owned, upscale boutiques and provide our customers with an inviting, intimate and differentiated shopping experience. We believe we offer compelling value with a diverse and uniquely balanced mix of high-quality, trend-right apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts at attractive prices. We tailor our assortment to appeal to our core 18-35 year-old, fashion conscious, female customer, although we find that women of all ages are attracted to our eclectic and sophisticated merchandise selection and boutique setting. We carry a broad selection but limited quantities of individual styles and introduce new merchandise to our boutiques five days a week to create a sense of scarcity and newness, which helps drive customer shopping frequency and loyalty.

Our boutiques have been successful across a wide variety of geographic markets and shopping venues. We believe we have an opportunity to continue to grow our boutique base from 236 locations in 38 states as of April 2, 2011 to approximately 900 boutiques in the United States over the next seven to ten years by capitalizing on the flexibility and compelling economics of our boutiques. Our merchandise is also available through our e-commerce website, www.francescascollections.com .

We believe that through the strength of our business model and our disciplined operating philosophy, we have achieved strong financial performance and growth that is among the best in the specialty retail sector:

 

  Ÿ  

Between fiscal year 2008 and 2010, our net sales increased from $52.3 million to $135.2 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of 60.8%.

 

  Ÿ  

Our comparable boutique sales increased by 15.2% in fiscal year 2010 after a 9.8% increase in fiscal year 2009.

 

  Ÿ  

Between the end of fiscal year 2008 and 2010 our boutique count increased from 111 to 207, representing a compound annual growth rate of 36.6%.

 

  Ÿ  

Between fiscal year 2008 and 2010 our income from operations increased from $7.0 million to $29.6 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of 106.2%.

 

 

1


Table of Contents

Competitive Strengths

We believe the following strengths differentiate us from our competitors and are key drivers of our success:

 

  Ÿ  

Proven Trend-Right Merchandise Delivered at a Compelling Value .    We believe our ability to quickly identify and respond to emerging fashion and lifestyle trends positions us to consistently offer high-quality, trend-right apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts at prices that ‘surprise and delight’ our customers. We offer a broad selection of merchandise, but intentionally purchase small quantities of individual items for each boutique such that we frequently replenish our boutiques with new merchandise, keeping the shopping experience fresh and exciting for our customers. Our ability to make decisions quickly on trend-right items combined with the short lead times of our vendors, maximizes our speed to market, as it generally takes only four to twelve weeks from the time an order is placed to the time merchandise is available on the boutique floor. With these short lead times, we are able to make more informed buying decisions to meet customers’ merchandise expectations, and to react quickly to changing fashion trends. This approach, combined with our uniquely balanced product mix of approximately 50% apparel and 50% jewelry, accessories and gifts, is designed to encourage more frequent visits by our customers and reduce the seasonal fluctuations and margin erosion experienced by many other specialty retailers.

 

  Ÿ  

Differentiated Shopping Experience.     We believe our warm and inviting boutiques and eclectic merchandise create a unique environment. Our passionate boutique managers and associates are encouraged to infuse each boutique with their personality, which increases their motivation and enhances the feel of an independent, upscale boutique shopping experience. We believe these attributes, along with our strategy of carrying a broad selection but limited quantities of individual styles, create a unique ‘treasure hunt’ atmosphere that strongly appeals to our customers and differentiates us in the marketplace.

 

  Ÿ  

Powerful Boutique Economics and Rigorous Real Estate Selection Process .    We have a proven boutique format that works across a wide variety of shopping venues, market sizes, climates and demographics. Our boutiques average approximately 1,400 square feet, which is meaningfully smaller than most specialty retailers. The performance of our boutiques and our flexible real estate format enhance our ability to secure prominent, highly visible locations in regional malls, lifestyle centers, street locations and strip centers. We deploy a rigorous real estate selection process with all new boutique opportunities measured against specific financial and geographic criteria. Over the previous two fiscal years our new boutiques have generated first year cash on cash returns in excess of 150% and payback periods of less than one year, allowing the company to fund growth from internally generated cash flow.

 

  Ÿ  

Solid and Scalable Infrastructure.     We continually invest in systems, controls and human resources to support our growth. In recent years we have made significant improvements to the infrastructure of our finance, buying and planning, real estate and IT departments. For instance, we believe that we have developed an integrated sourcing, distribution and merchandising process that is scalable and will facilitate the continued growth in the number of boutiques we operate. As we focus almost exclusively on organic, viral and in-boutique marketing to increase customer loyalty and build our brand image, we do not believe that we will require significant investments in traditional marketing and advertising initiatives as we expand our boutique base.

 

  Ÿ  

Experienced Management Team with a Disciplined Operating Philosophy.     Our senior management has extensive experience across a broad range of disciplines in the retail industry, including merchandising, real estate, supply chain and finance. Our highly skilled

 

 

2


Table of Contents
 

executive team includes two of our Founders (as defined below), John De Meritt, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kyong Gill, our Executive Vice Chairperson. Together they lead a dynamic team with a strong background at companies such as David’s Bridal, Chico’s, CVS, Banana Republic, Nordstrom and J.C. Penney.

Growth Strategy

We believe we can continue to grow our revenues and earnings by executing on the following strategies:

 

  Ÿ  

Grow Our Boutique Base .    We believe we have the potential to grow our base from 236 boutiques in 38 states as of April 2, 2011 to approximately 900 boutiques in the U.S. over time. We opened 62 new boutiques in fiscal year 2010 and plan to open approximately 75 new boutiques in each of fiscal year 2011 and 2012. Going forward, we expect the economics of our new boutiques to continue to be compelling.

 

  Ÿ  

Drive Comparable Boutique Sales .    We intend to drive comparable boutique sales by maintaining our distinctive approach to merchandising, refining our differentiated boutique experience and increasing the sophistication of our buying and planning infrastructure.

 

  Ÿ  

Expand the Penetration and Presence of our E-Commerce Business .    Our e-commerce sales grew by 85% in fiscal year 2010 but only represented 1.4% of our total net sales. We expect sales from this channel to continue to grow as consumers become more aware of our e-commerce capabilities and we open boutiques in new markets.

 

  Ÿ  

Enhance Operating Margins.     Our strong expected boutique growth should permit us to take advantage of economies of scale in merchandising and sourcing and to also leverage our existing infrastructure, corporate overhead and other fixed costs.

Summary Risk Factors

We are subject to a number of risks, including risks that may prevent us from achieving our business objectives or may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. You should carefully consider these risks, including all of the risks discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus, before investing in our common stock. Risks relating to our business include, among others:

 

  Ÿ  

we may not be able to effectively anticipate, identify and respond quickly to changing fashion trends and customer preferences;

 

  Ÿ  

we may not be able to execute our growth strategy if we are unable to identify suitable locations to open new boutiques, obtain favorable lease terms, attract customers to our boutiques, hire and retain personnel and maintain sufficient levels of cash flow to support our expansion;

 

  Ÿ  

in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the company identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting for such period which related to accounting for convertible redeemable preferred stock. We have taken steps to remediate our internal control deficiencies, however, there are no assurances that the measures we have taken were completely effective or that similar weaknesses will not recur;

 

  Ÿ  

we may face disruptions in our current or planned new information systems;

 

  Ÿ  

we may not be able to effectively manage our operations, which have grown rapidly, or our future growth;

 

 

3


Table of Contents
  Ÿ  

we may be adversely impacted by economic conditions and the lack of success of the malls and shopping centers where our boutiques are located;

 

  Ÿ  

we operate in the highly competitive specialty retail apparel and accessories industry and may face increased competition;

 

  Ÿ  

we may not be able to maintain or improve levels of comparable boutique sales; and

 

  Ÿ  

we may not be able to obtain merchandise quickly and at competitive prices if any deterioration or change occurs in our vendor relationships or their businesses.

Our Principal Stockholders

Upon the completion of this offering, affiliates of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC (collectively referred to as “CCMP”), on the one hand, and Mr. Chong Yi, Ms. Kyong Gill, Ms. Insuk Koo and Mr. John De Meritt (collectively referred to as the “Founders”), on the other hand, are expected to own approximately     %, and     %, respectively, of our outstanding common stock, or     %, and     %, respectively, if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised. As a result, CCMP and the Founders will be able to exert significant voting influence over fundamental and significant corporate matters and transactions. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Common Stock—Concentration of ownership among our existing executive officers, directors and principal stockholders may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions.”

CCMP is a private equity firm specializing in buyouts and growth equity investments in companies ranging from $500 million to more than $3 billion in size. With offices in New York, Houston and London, CCMP focuses on four primary industries: Consumer, Industrial, Energy and Healthcare. Investments under management in its current fund, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P. include, in addition to the investment in our company, ARAMARK Holdings Corporation, Chaparral Energy Inc., Edwards Group PLC, Generac Holdings Inc., Infogroup Inc. and LHP Hospital Group.

We, CCMP, the Founders and certain other stockholders that are part of our executive management team are parties to a stockholders agreement. Pursuant to the stockholders’ agreement, CCMP has the right at any time, but on not more than five occasions, to require us to use our best efforts to register any or all of the shares held by CCMP on Form S-1 promulgated under the Securities Act at our expense. In addition, the Founders and certain other stockholders (which include members of our management) have the right on a single occasion, upon the request of the holders representing a majority of the shares held by such Founders and other stockholders, to require us to use our best efforts to register any or all of the shares held thereby at any time following the 12-month anniversary of a qualified initial public offering (as defined in the stockholders’ agreement) of our common stock. The stockholders’ agreement also grants CCMP, the Founders and certain other stockholders (which include members of our management) “piggyback” registration rights. If we register any of our securities the holders of these shares are entitled to include their shares in the registration. After the completion of this offering, the holders of approximately              shares of our common stock will be entitled to additional short-form registration rights, commencing on the date that we become eligible to register securities on Form S-3.

Corporate and Other Information

We opened our first boutique in Houston, Texas in 1999. John De Meritt, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kyong Gill, our Executive Vice Chairperson, are two of the original four Founders of francesca’s collections ® . In February 2010, CCMP acquired a controlling interest in the company with the goal of supporting Mr. De Meritt and the management team in accelerating our growth.

 

 

4


Table of Contents

Holdings was incorporated in Delaware in 2007. We are a holding company and all of our business operations are conducted through Francesca’s Collections, our wholly owned operating subsidiary. Francesca’s Collections was formed in 2006 and is the successor-in-interest of PFD II, Inc., a corporation incorporated in 1999 under the laws of the State of Texas. In 2002, we incorporated Francesca’s Collections of CA, Inc., under the laws of California to own and operate our boutiques in California. In 2008, Francesca’s Collections of CA, Inc., was merged into Francesca’s Collections and as a result of such merger, Francesca’s Collections of CA, Inc. ceased to exist.

Office Location

Our principal executive office is located at 3480 W. 12th Street, Houston, Texas 77008, our telephone number is (713) 864-1358 and our fax number is (713) 426-2751. We maintain a website at www.francescascollections.com . We do not incorporate the information contained on, or accessible through, our website into this prospectus, and you should not consider it part of this prospectus.

 

 

5


Table of Contents

THE OFFERING

 

Common stock offered by us

             shares.

 

Common stock offered by the selling stockholders

             shares.

 

               shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full.

 

Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering

            shares.

 

Use of proceeds

The net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $             million, assuming an initial public offering price of $             per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

  We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. For a sensitivity analysis as to the offering price and other information, see “Use of Proceeds.”

 

  We expect to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering, together with borrowings under our new revolving credit facility, to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full. If we do not enter into a new revolving credit facility, then a portion of the loans under our existing senior secured credit facility will remain outstanding. This refinancing transaction is referred to in this prospectus as the “refinancing”. The completion of this offering is not conditioned upon our obtaining a new revolving credit facility. See “Use of Proceeds” and “Description of Certain Indebtedness”.

 

Principal Stockholders

Upon completion of this offering, CCMP will own a controlling interest in us. We currently intend to avail ourselves of the controlled company exemption under the corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

Dividend Policy

We currently expect to retain all available funds and future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and growth of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, legal requirements, restrictions in our debt agreements and other factors our board of directors deems relevant. See “Dividend Policy”.

 

 

6


Table of Contents

Risk factors

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully read the information set forth under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus, together with all of the other information set forth in this prospectus, before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

Proposed symbol for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market

“FRAN”

 

Conflicts of Interest

One or more affiliates of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC beneficially own more than 10% of CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., which is a stockholder in the company. Because J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is an underwriter and its affiliates beneficially, through CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., own more than 10% of the company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is deemed to have a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121 (“Rule 5121”) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Furthermore, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, the company expects to use the net proceeds it receives from this offering, together with indebtedness under a new revolving credit facility if available, to repay its existing senior secured credit facility in full. If we do not enter into a new revolving credit facility, then a portion of the loans under our existing senior secured credit facility will remain outstanding. Affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies & Company, Inc. and the other underwriters are lenders under the company’s existing senior secured credit facility and will each receive their pro rata share of such repayment. Because it is possible that each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies & Company, Inc. or their affiliates could receive more than 5% of the proceeds of this offering in connection with the repayment of the company’s existing senior secured credit facility, each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies & Company, Inc. is deemed to have a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121. Accordingly, this offering will be conducted in accordance with Rule 5121. Rule 5121 requires that a “qualified independent underwriter”, meeting certain standards, to participate in the preparation of the registration statement and prospectus and exercise the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated has served as “qualified independent underwriter” within the meaning of Rule 5121 in connection with this offering. For more information, see “Underwriting.”

 

 

7


Table of Contents

Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus relating to the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering:

 

  Ÿ  

excludes 2,416,446 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of                     , 2011, at a weighted average exercise price of $             per share; and

 

  Ÿ  

excludes              shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, which plan will be in effect upon completion of this offering.

Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes:

 

  Ÿ  

the repayment of all amounts outstanding under our existing senior secured credit facility immediately upon completion of this offering, with the net proceeds of this offering and indebtedness under a new revolving credit facility if available;

 

  Ÿ  

no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares; and

 

  Ÿ  

the adoption of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, or certificate of incorporation, and our amended and restated bylaws, or bylaws, to be effective upon completion of this offering.

 

 

8


Table of Contents

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

The following table sets forth our summary consolidated financial information and operating data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. Our summary consolidated financial data for each of the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of January 31, 2009 has been derived from our audited consolidated balance sheet, which is not included in this prospectus.

We operate on a fiscal calendar which in a given fiscal year consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. The reporting periods contained in our audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus contain 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2010, which ended January 29, 2011, 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2009, which ended January 30, 2010, and 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2008, which ended January 31, 2009. For fiscal year 2007, which ended on December 31, 2007, and prior periods, the company operated on a fiscal calendar year ending December 31st.

The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period and the results for any interim period may not necessarily be indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. The following summaries of our consolidated financial and operating data for the periods presented should be read in conjunction with “Risk Factors”, “Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data”, “Capitalization”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

 

9


Table of Contents
Consolidated Statements of Operations   Fiscal Year Ended  
    January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 
    (in thousands, except share and per
share amounts)
 

Net sales(1)

  $ 135,176      $ 79,367      $ 52,290   

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs(2)

    65,008        37,244        25,358   
                       

Gross profit

    70,168        42,123        26,932   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    40,525        24,641        19,962   
                       

Income from operations

    29,643        17,482        6,970   

Other income (expense)

    (2     38        14   

Interest income (expense)

    (1,633     2        4   
                       

Income before income tax expense

    28,008        17,522        6,988   

Income tax expense

    11,113        6,918        2,382   
                       

Net income

    16,895        10,604        4,606   

Increase in redemption value of convertible redeemable preferred stock

           (60,271       

Convertible redeemable preferred stock accrued dividends

           (2,022     (1,641
                       

Net income (loss) available to shareholders

  $ 16,895      $ (51,689   $ 2,965   

Less: income attributable to participating securities

                  (1,038
                       

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

  $ 16,895      $ (51,689   $ 1,927   
                       

Basic earnings (loss) per common share(3)

  $ 0.43      $ (1.99   $ 0.07   

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share(3)

  $ 0.41      $ (1.99   $ 0.07   

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 2.39                 

Weighted average shares outstanding: (4)

     

Basic shares

    39,385        26,000        26,000   

Diluted shares

    40,907        26,000        26,000   
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data   As of Fiscal Year Ended  
    January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 
    (in thousands)  

Total current assets

  $ 31,721      $ 22,318      $ 13,036   

Total assets

    59,124        31,218        16,830   

Total liabilities

    114,592        8,242        4,556   

Convertible redeemable preferred stock—series A

           85,854        23,561   

Total shareholders’ deficit

    (55,468     (62,878     (11,287

Operating data:

     

Comparable boutique sales growth for period(5)

    15.2     9.8     (6.3 )% 

Number of boutiques open at end of period

    207       147       111  

Net sales per average square foot for period (not in thousands)

  $ 508     $ 429     $ 384  

Average square feet (in thousands)(6)

    266       185       136  

Total gross square feet at end of period (in thousands)

    296       210       158  

 

(1) Net sales plus shipping and handling fees.
(2) Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs include the direct cost of purchased merchandise, freight costs from our suppliers to our distribution centers and freight costs for merchandise shipped directly from our vendors to our boutiques, allowances for inventory shrinkage and obsolescence, boutique occupancy costs including rent, utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes, depreciation, and boutique repair and maintenance costs, and shipping costs related to e-commerce sales.
(3) Please see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, for an explanation of per share calculations.

 

 

10


Table of Contents
(4) On April 28, 2010, the company authorized a split of its outstanding and authorized common stock in the ratio of four hundred to one. Accordingly, our consolidated financial data included elsewhere in this prospectus have been adjusted to reflect the effects of the stock split on common shares and per share amounts for all periods presented.
(5) A boutique is included in comparable boutique sales on the first day of the fifteenth full month following the boutique’s opening. When a boutique that is included in comparable boutique sales is relocated, we continue to consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales. If a boutique is closed for thirty days or longer for a remodel or as a result of weather damage, fire or the like, we no longer consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales.
(6) Because of our rapid growth, for purposes of providing a sales per square foot measure, we use average square feet during the period as opposed to total gross square feet at the end of the period. Average square feet is calculated as (a) the sum of the total gross square feet at the end of each fiscal quarter, divided by (b) the number of quarters. There may be variations in the way in which some of our competitors and other retailers calculate sales per square foot or similarly titled measures. As a result, data in this prospectus regarding our average square feet and net sales per average square foot for period may not be comparable to similar data made available by other retailers.

 

 

11

 

11


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flow and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment in our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our success depends on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond quickly to new and changing fashion trends, customer preferences and other factors, and our inability to anticipate, identify and respond to these changes and trends could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our core market, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts for women from 18 to 35-years old, is subject to rapidly shifting fashion trends, customer tastes and demands. Accordingly, our success is dependent on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to the latest fashion trends and customer demands, and to translate such trends and demands into appropriate, saleable product offerings in a timely manner. A small number of our employees are primarily responsible for performing this analysis and making product purchase decisions. Our failure to anticipate, identify or react swiftly and appropriately to new and changing styles, trends or desired image preferences or to accurately anticipate and forecast demand for certain product offerings is likely to lead to lower demand for our merchandise, which could cause, among other things, sales declines, excess inventories and a greater number of markdowns. Further, if we are not able to anticipate, identify and respond to changing fashion trends and customer preferences, we may lose customers and market share to those of our competitors who are able to better anticipate, identify and respond to such trends and preferences. In addition, because our success depends on our brand image, our business could be materially adversely affected if new product offerings are not accepted by our customers. There can be no assurance that our new product offerings will be met with the same level of acceptance as our past product offerings or that we will be able to adequately respond to fashion trends in a timely manner or the preferences of our customers. If we do not accurately forecast or analyze fashion trends and sales levels, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.

If we are not able to successfully maintain a broad and shallow merchandise assortment, we may be unable to attract a sufficient number of customers to our boutiques or sell sufficient quantities of our merchandise through our e-commerce business, which could result in excess inventories and markdowns.

We use the term broad and shallow to refer to a diverse merchandise assortment with relatively small inventory of each product. We believe that our strategy to offer our customers a broad and shallow merchandise assortment has contributed significantly to the success of our business. Among other things, we believe that this strategy creates a constant sense of newness and scarcity value, which drives repeat boutique visits and increased sales. In addition, we believe that this strategy helps us reduce markdowns. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to adequately stock our boutiques with a sufficiently broad and shallow assortment of merchandise. As we increase order volumes in connection with opening new boutiques and expanding our e-commerce business, it may become increasingly difficult for us to accurately forecast the optimal amount of merchandise to order from our vendors and continue to offer a broad and shallow merchandise assortment at each boutique. If we are unable to offer a broad and shallow merchandise assortment, customers may choose to visit our boutiques less frequently, our brand could be impaired, our market share may decline and our

 

12


Table of Contents

results of operations could deteriorate. Further, any failure to maintain a broad and shallow merchandise assortment could lead to excess inventories which could lead to markdowns.

Our growth strategy depends in large part upon our ability to successfully open and operate new boutiques each year in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Our strategy to grow our business depends in large part on continuing to successfully open a substantial number of new boutiques each year for the foreseeable future. The success of this strategy will depend largely upon our ability to find a sufficient number of suitable locations, our ability to recruit, hire and train qualified personnel to operate our new boutiques and our ability to scale our infrastructure to successfully integrate our new boutiques.

Our ability to successfully open and operate new boutiques depends on many factors that may be outside of our control including, among others, our ability to:

 

  Ÿ  

identify desirable boutique locations, primarily in malls, lifestyle centers, street locations and strip centers, as well as other types of shopping venues and outlet malls, which may be difficult and costly, particularly in an improving real estate environment;

 

  Ÿ  

negotiate acceptable lease terms, including favorable levels of tenant allowances, which may be difficult, particularly in an improving real estate environment;

 

  Ÿ  

maintain out-of-pocket, build-out costs in line with our boutique economic model, including by receiving expected levels of tenant allowances for a portion of our construction expenses, and managing these construction expenses at reasonable levels, which may be difficult, particularly in an improving real estate environment;

 

  Ÿ  

efficiently source and distribute additional merchandise;

 

  Ÿ  

hire, train and retain a growing workforce of boutique managers, boutique associates and other personnel;

 

  Ÿ  

successfully integrate new boutiques into our existing control structure and operations, including our information technology systems;

 

  Ÿ  

efficiently expand the operations of our distribution facility to meet the needs of a growing boutique network;

 

  Ÿ  

identify and satisfy the merchandise and other preferences of our customers in new geographic areas and markets; and

 

  Ÿ  

address competitive, merchandising, marketing, distribution and other challenges encountered in connection with expansion into new geographic areas and markets.

Our near-term expansion plans have us opening new boutiques in or near the areas where we have existing boutiques. To the extent that we open boutiques in markets where we already have existing boutiques, we may experience reduced net sales at those existing boutiques. Also, if we expand into new geographic areas, we will need to successfully identify and satisfy the fashion preferences of customers in those areas. In addition, we will need to address competitive, merchandising, marketing, distribution and other challenges encountered in connection with any expansion and our limited brand recognition in new markets may limit our expansion strategy and cause our business and growth to suffer.

Finally, we cannot assure you that any newly opened boutiques will be received as well as, or achieve net sales or profitability levels comparable to those of, our existing boutiques in our estimated time periods, or at all. If our boutiques fail to achieve, or are unable to sustain, acceptable net sales

 

13


Table of Contents

and profitability levels, our business may be materially harmed and we may incur significant costs associated with closing or relocating boutiques. In addition, our current expansion plans are only estimates, and the actual number of boutiques we open each year and the actual number of suitable locations for our new boutiques could differ significantly from these estimates. If we fail to successfully open and operate new boutiques and execute our growth plans, the price of our common stock could decline.

We may not be able to efficiently source and distribute the additional merchandise quantities necessary to support our growth.

Our success depends on our ability to source and distribute merchandise efficiently. The sourcing of our merchandise is dependent, in part, on our relationships with our vendors. If we are unable to maintain these relationships we may not be able to continue to source merchandise at competitive prices that appeal to our customers. If we do not succeed in maintaining good relationships with our vendors or if our growth outpaces the ability of our vendors to scale up and the company cannot identify new vendors to meet the demand for additional merchandise production, the company could see its costs go up or the delivery time on its new orders substantially increase.

Increases in the cost of the raw materials or other inputs used in the production of our merchandise could result in the loss of suppliers, increase our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs and adversely affect our financial results.

The success of our business is in part driven by the compelling price-value proposition we offer our customers. If the costs of the raw materials, particularly cotton, leather and synthetics, used in producing our merchandise increase, our vendors would look to pass these cost increases along to us. The price and availability of such raw materials may fluctuate significantly, depending on many factors which are outside of our control, including commodity prices, crop yields and weather patterns. If our vendors attempt to pass any cost increases on to us and we refuse to pay the increases, we could lose certain vendors as suppliers, resulting in the risk that we could not fill our orders in a timely manner or at all. If we pay the increases, we could either attempt to raise retail prices, which could adversely affect our sales and our brand image, or choose not to raise prices, which could adversely affect the profitability of our merchandise sales.

We are planning to replace several core information technology systems, which could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our financial results.

We recently completed the process of upgrading our existing merchandising, warehousing and point-of-sale applications to the latest supported software releases for these applications. The purpose of the upgrade is to allow the company to scale for the boutique growth planned during calendar year 2011 and 2012. Additionally, this upgrade will allow us to continue to operate our business while we are preparing to launch our new enterprise technology platform.

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2011, we have begun the process of replacing our current merchandise management, merchandise planning and allocation and merchandise analytics systems with a new enterprise technology platform. These replacements are expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. In the near-term, delays and disruptions could arise, either of which might negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, we plan to replace our boutiques’ point-of-sale software system which will complete the implementation of our new enterprise technology platform. Also, our accounting system may need to be upgraded and replaced over time depending on our growth.

 

14


Table of Contents

The risks associated with the above information technology systems changes, as well as any failure of such systems to operate effectively, could disrupt and adversely impact the promptness and accuracy of our merchandise distribution, transaction processing, financial accounting and reporting, including the implementation of our internal controls over financial reporting, the efficiency of our operations and our ability to properly forecast earnings and cash requirements. We could be required to make significant additional expenditures to remediate any such failures or problems.

We believe that other companies have experienced significant delays and cost overruns in implementing similar systems changes, and we may encounter problems as well. We may not be able to successfully implement these new systems or, if implemented, we may still face unexpected disruptions in the future. Any resulting disruptions could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Our current growth plans will place a strain on our existing resources and could cause us to encounter challenges we have not faced before.

As our number of boutiques and our e-commerce sales grow, our operations will become more complex. While we have grown substantially as a company since inception, much of this growth occurred recently in fiscal year 2010. As we move forward, we expect our growth to bring new challenges that we have not faced before. Among other difficulties that we may encounter, this growth will place a strain on our existing infrastructure, including our distribution facilities, information technology systems, financial controls, real estate and boutique operations staffs, may make it more difficult for us to adequately forecast expenditures, such as real estate and construction expenses, budgeting will become more complex, and we may also place increased burdens on our vendors, as we will likely increase the size of our merchandise orders. The increased demands that our growth plans will place on our infrastructure may cause us to operate our business less efficiently, which could cause a deterioration in the performance of our existing boutiques. New order delivery times could lengthen as a result of the strains that growth will place on our existing resources and our growth may make it otherwise difficult for us to respond quickly to changing trends, consumer preferences and other factors. This could impair our ability to continue to offer trend-right merchandise which could result in excess inventory, greater markdowns, loss of market share and decreased sales.

In addition, our planned expansion is expected to place increased demands on our existing operational, managerial, administrative and other resources. Specifically, our inventory management systems and personnel processes may need to be further upgraded to keep pace with our current growth strategy. We cannot anticipate all of the demands that our expanding operations will impose on our business, and our failure to appropriately address these demands could have an adverse effect on us.

Our business is sensitive to consumer spending and economic conditions.

Consumer purchases of discretionary retail items and specialty retail products, which include our apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts, may be adversely affected by economic conditions such as employment levels, salary and wage levels, the availability of consumer credit, inflation, high interest rates, high tax rates, high fuel prices and consumer confidence with respect to current and future economic conditions. Consumer purchases may decline during recessionary periods or at other times when unemployment is higher or disposable income is lower. These risks may be exacerbated for retailers like us that focus significantly on selling discretionary fashion merchandise. Consumer willingness to make discretionary purchases may decline, may stall or may be slow to increase due to national and regional economic conditions. Our financial performance is particularly susceptible to economic and other conditions in regions or states where we have a significant number of boutiques. There remains considerable uncertainty and volatility in the national and global economy. Further or

 

15


Table of Contents

future slowdowns or disruptions in the economy could adversely affect mall traffic and new mall and shopping center development and could materially and adversely affect us and our growth plans. We may not be able to maintain our recent rate of growth in net sales if there is a decline in consumer spending.

In addition, a deterioration of economic conditions and future recessionary periods may exacerbate the other risks faced by our business, including those risks we encounter as we attempt to execute our growth plans. Such risks could be exacerbated individually or collectively.

We operate in the highly competitive specialty retail apparel and accessories industry and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, which could adversely impact our growth and market share.

We face intense competition in the specialty retail apparel and accessories industry. We compete on the basis of a combination of factors, including price, breadth, quality and style of merchandise, as well as our in-boutique experience and level of customer service, our brand image and our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to new and changing fashion trends. While we believe that we compete primarily with specialty retailers and internet businesses that specialize in women’s apparel and accessories, we also face competition from department stores, mass merchandisers and value retailers. We believe our primary competitors include specialty apparel and accessories retailers that offer their own private labels, including, among others, White House | Black Market, Ann Taylor Loft, Charlotte Russe and Anthropologie. In addition, our expansion into markets served by our competitors and entry of new competitors or expansion of existing competitors into our markets could have an adverse effect on our business.

We also compete with a wide variety of large and small retailers for customers, vendors, suitable boutique locations and personnel. The competitive landscape we face, particularly among specialty retailers, is subject to rapid change as new competitors emerge and existing competitors change their offerings. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully and navigate the shifts in our market.

Many of our competitors are, and many of our potential competitors may be, larger and have greater name recognition and access to greater financial, marketing and other resources. Therefore, these competitors may be able to adapt to changes in trends and customer desires more quickly, devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generate greater brand recognition or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can. As a result, we may lose market share, which could reduce our sales and adversely affect our results of operations. Many of our competitors also utilize advertising and marketing media which we do not, including advertising through the use of direct mail, newspapers, magazines, billboards, television and radio, which may provide them with greater brand recognition than we have.

Our competitors may also sell certain products or substantially similar products through the Internet or through outlet centers or discount stores, increasing the competitive pressure for those products. We cannot assure you that we will continue to be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors. Our expansion into markets served by our competitors and entry of new competitors or expansion of existing competitors into our markets could have a material adverse effect on us. Competitive forces and pressures may intensify as our presence in the retail marketplace grows.

We do not possess exclusive rights to many of the elements that comprise our in-boutique experience and merchandise offerings. Some specialty retailers offer a personalized shopping experience that in certain ways is similar to the one we strive to provide to our customers. Our competitors may seek to emulate facets of our business strategy and in-boutique experience, which

 

16


Table of Contents

could result in a reduction of any competitive advantage or special appeal that we might possess. In addition, some of our merchandise offerings are sold to us on a non-exclusive basis. As a result, our current and future competitors, especially those with greater financial, marketing or other resources, may be able to duplicate or improve upon some or all of the elements of our in-boutique experience or merchandise offerings that we believe are important in differentiating our boutiques and our customers’ shopping experience. If our competitors were to duplicate or improve upon some or all of the elements of our in-boutique experience or product offerings, our competitive position and our business could suffer.

Our inability to maintain or increase our comparable boutique sales could adversely impact our net sales, profitability, cash flow and stock price.

We may not be able to sustain or increase the levels of comparable boutique sales that we have experienced in the recent past. If our future comparable boutique sales decline or fail to meet market expectations, our profitability could be harmed and the price of our common stock could decline. In addition, the aggregate comparable boutique sales levels of our boutiques have fluctuated in the past and can be expected to fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect comparable boutique sales, including fashion trends, competition, current national and regional economic conditions, pricing, changes in our merchandise mix, prior period comparable boutique sales levels, inventory shrinkage, the timing and amount of markdowns, the success of our marketing programs, holiday timing and weather conditions. In addition, it may be more challenging for us to sustain high levels of comparable boutique sales growth during and after our planned expansion. These factors may cause our comparable boutique sales results to be materially lower than in recent periods and lower than market expectations, which could harm our business and our earnings and result in a decline in the price of our common stock.

Our inability to maintain or increase our operating margins could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

We intend to continue to increase our operating margins through scale efficiencies, improved systems, continued cost discipline and enhancements to our merchandise offerings. If we are unable to successfully manage the potential difficulties associated with our growth plans, we may not be able to capture the scale efficiencies that we expect from expansion. If we are not able to continue to capture scale efficiencies, improve our systems, continue our cost discipline and enhance our merchandise offerings, we may not be able to achieve our goals with respect to operating margins. In addition, if we do not adequately refine and improve our various ordering, tracking and allocation systems, we may not be able to increase sales and reduce inventory shrinkage. As a result, our operating margins may stagnate or decline, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

Our ability to attract customers to our boutiques depends on locating our boutiques in suitable locations . Conditions or changes affecting boutique location s , including any decrease in customer traffic, could cause our sales to be less than expected.

Boutique locations and related sales and customer traffic may be adversely affected by, among other things, economic conditions in a particular area, competition from nearby retailers selling similar merchandise, changing lifestyle choices of consumers in a particular market and the closing or decline in popularity of other businesses located near our boutique. Although we have opened many boutiques in mall locations, our approach to identifying locations for our boutiques has historically favored street locations and lifestyle centers. As a result, many of our boutiques are located outside of malls near other retailers or public venues that we believe are consistent with our customers’ lifestyle choices. Changes in areas around our boutique locations that result in reductions in customer foot traffic or otherwise render the locations unsuitable could cause our sales to be less than expected. Boutiques

 

17


Table of Contents

located in street locations and lifestyle centers may be more susceptible to such changes than boutiques located in malls.

Our business depends on a strong brand image, and if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brand, particularly in new markets where we have limited brand recognition, we may be unable to attract a sufficient number of customers to our boutiques or sell sufficient quantities of our merchandise.

We believe that our brand image and brand awareness has contributed significantly to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand image particularly in new markets where we have limited brand recognition is important to maintaining and expanding our customer base. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image may require us to make substantial investments in areas such as merchandising, marketing, boutique operations, community relations, boutique promotions and employee training. These investments may be substantial and may not ultimately be successful.

We do not use traditional advertising channels and if we fail to adequately continue to connect with our customer base, our business could be adversely affected.

We focus on organic, viral and in-boutique marketing to capture the interest of our customers and drive them to our boutiques and website. We do not use traditional advertising channels, such as newspapers, magazines, billboards, television and radio, which are used by some of our competitors. We expect to increase our use of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, in the future. If our marketing efforts are not successful, there may be no immediately available or cost effective alternative marketing channel for us to use to build or maintain brand awareness. As we execute our growth strategy, our ability to successfully integrate new boutiques into their surrounding communities or to expand into new markets will be adversely impacted if we fail to connect with our target customers. Failure to successfully connect with our target customers in new and existing markets could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We depend on our senior management personnel and may not be able to retain or replace these individuals or recruit additional personnel, which could harm our business.

Our future success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our senior management, particularly Mr. De Meritt, one of our Founders and our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, and Ms. Gill, another of our Founders and the Executive Vice Chairperson of our board of directors. These employees have extensive experience both with our company and in our industry and are familiar with our business, systems and processes. The loss of services of one or more of our key employees could impair our ability to manage our business effectively and could have an adverse effect on our business, as we may not be able to find suitable individuals to replace them on a timely basis or at all. In addition, any departures of key personnel could be viewed in a negative light by investors and analysts, which could cause our common stock price to decline. We do not maintain key person insurance on any employee.

In addition to these key employees, we have other employees in positions, including those employees responsible for our merchandising and operations departments, that, if vacant, could cause a temporary disruption in our business until such positions are filled.

If we are unable to find, train and retain key personnel, including new boutique employees that reflect our brand image and embody our culture, we may not be able to grow or sustain our operations.

Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of boutique employees, including boutique managers, who understand and appreciate our customers,

 

18


Table of Contents

brand and corporate culture, and are able to adequately and effectively represent our culture and establish credibility with our customers. Like most retailers, we experience significant employee turnover rates, particularly among boutique employees. Our planned growth will require us to hire and train even more personnel to manage such growth. If we are unable to hire and retain boutique personnel capable of consistently providing a high level of customer service, as demonstrated by their enthusiasm for our culture, understanding of our customers and knowledge of the merchandise we offer, our ability to open new boutiques may be impaired, the performance of our existing and new boutiques could be materially adversely affected and our brand image may be negatively impacted. There is a high level of competition for experienced, qualified personnel in the retail industry and we compete for personnel with a variety of companies looking to hire for retail positions. Historically, we have prided ourselves on our commitment to employee growth and development and we focus on promoting from within our team. Our growth plans will strain our ability to staff our new boutiques, particularly at the boutique manager level, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain a cohesive and consistently strong team, which in turn could have an adverse impact on our business. If we are unable to attract, train and retain employees in the future, we may not be able to serve our customers effectively, thus reducing our ability to continue our growth and to operate our existing boutiques as profitably as we have in the past.

Union attempts to organize our employees could negatively affect our business.

None of our employees are currently subject to a collective bargaining agreement. As we continue to grow and enter different regions, unions may attempt to organize all or part of our employee base at certain boutiques or within certain regions. Responding to such organization attempts may distract management and employees and may have a negative financial impact on individual boutiques, or on our business as a whole.

We have one corporate headquarters and distribution facility and have not yet implemented disaster recovery procedures. Disruptions to the operations at that location could have an adverse effect on our business operations.

Our corporate headquarters and our only distribution facility are co-located in Houston, Texas. Our distribution facility supports both our boutiques and our e-commerce business. A majority of our merchandise is shipped from our vendors to the distribution facility and then packaged and shipped from our distribution facility to our boutiques and our e-commerce customers. The success of our boutiques depends on the timely receipt of merchandise because they must receive merchandise in a timely manner in order to stay current with the fashion preferences of our customers. The efficient flow of our merchandise requires that we have adequate capacity and uninterrupted service in our distribution facility to support both our current level of operations, and the anticipated increased levels that may follow from our growth plans. We believe that our current distribution facility is capable of supporting our growth through approximately 450 boutiques without significant additional capital investment. In order to accommodate future growth beyond approximately 450 boutiques we will either need to expand and upgrade our existing distribution facility or move our distribution operations to a new facility with greater capacity. Upgrading our existing facility or transferring our operations to a facility with greater capacity may require us to secure additional favorable real estate or may require us to obtain additional financing. Appropriate locations or financing for the purchase or lease of such additional real estate may not be available at reasonable costs or at all. Our failure to provide adequate order fulfillment and secure additional distribution capacity when necessary could impede our growth plans, and the further increase of this capacity would increase our costs.

In addition, if we encounter difficulties associated with our distribution facility or if it were to shut down for any reason, including fire, hurricanes or other natural disaster, we could face inventory shortages resulting in “out-of-stock” conditions in our boutiques, and delays in shipments to our direct

 

19


Table of Contents

customers, resulting in significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing our merchandise. Also, most of our computer equipment and senior management, including critical resources dedicated to merchandising, financial and administrative functions, are located at our corporate headquarters. Our management and our operations and distribution staff would need to find an alternative location, causing further disruption and expense to our business and operations.

We recognize the need for, and are in the early stages of, developing disaster recovery, business continuity and document retention plans that would allow us to be operational despite casualties or unforeseen events impacting our corporate headquarters or distribution center. Without disaster recovery, business continuity and document retention plans, if we encounter difficulties or disasters with our distribution facility or at our corporate headquarters, our critical systems, operations and information may not be restored in a timely manner, or at all, and this could have an adverse effect on our business.

Our business requires that we lease substantial amounts of space and there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to lease space on terms as favorable as the leases negotiated in the past.

We do not own any real estate. Instead, we lease all of our boutique locations, as well as our corporate headquarters and distribution facility in Houston, Texas. Our boutiques are leased from third parties, with lease terms of five to ten years. Many of our lease agreements also have additional five-year renewal options. We believe that we have been able to negotiate favorable rental rates and tenant allowances over the last few years due in large part to the state of the economy and higher than usual vacancy rates in a number of regional malls and shopping centers. These trends may not continue, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to continue to negotiate such favorable terms. Many of our leases have early cancellation clauses, which permit the lease to be terminated by us or the landlord if certain sales levels are not met in specific periods or if the shopping venue does not meet specified occupancy standards. In addition to fixed minimum lease payments, most of our boutique leases provide for additional rental payments based on a percentage of sales, or “percentage rent,” if sales at the respective boutiques exceed specified levels, as well as the payment of common area maintenance charges, real property insurance and real estate taxes. Many of our lease agreements have defined escalating rent provisions over the initial term and any extensions. Increases in our already substantial occupancy costs and difficulty in identifying economically suitable new boutique locations could have significant negative consequences, which include:

 

  Ÿ  

requiring that a greater portion of our available cash be applied to pay our rental obligations, thus reducing cash available for other purposes and reducing our profitability;

 

  Ÿ  

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and

 

  Ÿ  

limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to changes in, our business or in the industry in which we compete.

We depend on cash flow from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities to fund these expenses and needs and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us, we may not be able to service our lease expenses, grow our business, respond to competitive challenges or fund our other liquidity and capital needs, which could harm our business. Additional sites that we lease may be subject to long-term non-cancelable leases if we are unable to negotiate our current standard lease terms. If an existing or future boutique is not profitable, and we decide to close it, we may nonetheless be committed to perform our obligations under the applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. Moreover, even if a lease has an early cancellation clause, we may not satisfy the contractual requirements for early cancellation under that lease. In addition, if we are not able to enter into new leases or renew existing leases on terms acceptable to us, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

20


Table of Contents

Our ability to obtain merchandise on a timely basis at competitive prices could suffer as a result of any deterioration or change in our vendor relationships or events that adversely affect our vendors or their ability to obtain financing for their operations.

We have many important vendor relationships that we believe provide us with a competitive advantage. We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities. Instead, we purchase all of our merchandise from third-party vendors. Two of our vendors accounted for approximately 23% of our purchases in fiscal year 2010, with no single vendor accounting for more than 15% of our purchases. One of these vendors is owned and operated by two of our Founders who are the brother and sister of Ms. Kyong Gill, our Executive Vice Chairperson. The other vendor is owned and operated by the brother-in-law of one of our Founders. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stony Trading Relationship.” Other than the two largest vendors, no vendor accounted for more than 5% of our purchases during fiscal year 2010. Our business and financial performance depend in large part on our ability to evaluate merchandise quickly for style and then modify any undesirable designs or to improve the quality, look, and fit of the item. We do not have long-term contracts with any of these vendors and we generally operate without any contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products. Rather, we receive and review samples almost daily for fit and fashion evaluation. Any of our vendors could discontinue supplying us with desired products in sufficient quantities for a variety of reasons.

The benefits we currently experience from our vendor relationships could be adversely affected if our vendors:

 

  Ÿ  

choose to stop providing merchandise samples to us or otherwise discontinue selling merchandise to us;

 

  Ÿ  

raise the prices they charge us;

 

  Ÿ  

change pricing terms to require us to pay on delivery or upfront, including as a result of changes in the credit relationships some of our vendors have with their various lending institutions;

 

  Ÿ  

reduce our access to styles, brands and merchandise by entering into broad exclusivity arrangements with our competitors or otherwise in the marketplace;

 

  Ÿ  

sell similar merchandise to our competitors with similar or better pricing, many of whom already purchase merchandise in significantly greater volume and, in some cases, at lower prices than we do;

 

  Ÿ  

lengthen their lead times; or

 

  Ÿ  

initiate or expand sales of apparel and accessories to retail customers directly through their own stores, catalogs or on the internet and compete with us directly.

We historically have established good working relationships with many small- to mid-size vendors that often have more limited resources, production capacities and operating histories. Market and economic events that adversely impact our vendors could impair our ability to obtain merchandise in sufficient quantities. Such events include difficulties or problems associated with our vendors’ business, finances, labor, ability to import merchandise, costs, production, insurance and reputation. There can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire desired merchandise in sufficient quantities on acceptable terms or at all in the future, especially if we need significantly greater amounts of inventory in connection with the growth of our business. We may need to develop new relationships with larger vendors, as our current vendors may be unable to supply us with needed quantities and we may not be able to find similar merchandise on the same terms from larger vendors. If we are unable to acquire suitable merchandise in sufficient quantities, at acceptable prices with adequate delivery times due to the loss of or a deterioration or change in our relationship with one or more of our key vendors or events harmful to our vendors occur, it may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

21


Table of Contents

A failure in our e-commerce operations could significantly disrupt our business and lead to reduced sales, growth prospects and reputational damage.

While accounting for only 1.4% of our net sales in fiscal year 2010, our e-commerce business is rapidly growing and is an important element of our brand and relationship with our customers. Expanding our e-commerce business is an important part of our growth strategy. In addition to changing consumer preferences, shifting traffic patterns and related customer acquisition costs and buying trends in e-commerce, we are vulnerable to certain additional risks and uncertainties associated with e-commerce sales, including rapid changes in technology, website downtime and other technical failures, security breaches, consumer privacy concerns, changes in state tax regimes and government regulation of internet activities. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks and uncertainties could reduce our e-commerce sales, increase our costs, diminish our growth prospects, and damage our brand, which could negatively impact our results of operations and stock price.

In addition, there is no guarantee that we will be able to expand our e-commerce business. Many of our competitors already have e-commerce businesses that are substantially larger and more developed than ours, which places us at a competitive disadvantage. If we are unable to expand our e-commerce business, our growth plans will suffer and the price of our common stock could decline.

System security risk issues, including our failure to protect our customers’ privacy and disruption of our internal operations or information technology systems, could harm our reputation and adversely affect our financial results and stock price.

Experienced computer programmers and hackers, or even internal users, may be able to penetrate or create systems disruptions or cause shutdowns of our network security or that of third-party companies with which we have contracted to provide services. We generally collect and store customer information for marketing purposes and any compromise of customer information could subject us to customer or government litigation and harm our reputation, which could adversely affect our business and growth. Moreover, we could incur significant expenses or disruptions of our operations in connection with system failures or data breaches. An increasing number of websites, including several large internet companies, have recently disclosed breaches of their security, some of which have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks on portions of their sites. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems, change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, sophisticated hardware and operating system software and applications that we buy or license from third-parties may contain defects in design or manufacture, including “bugs” and other problems that could unexpectedly interfere with the security and operation of the systems. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate security problems, viruses and bugs, or any problems associated with the outsourced services provided to us, could be significant, and efforts to address these problems could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service that may impede our sales, distribution or other critical functions.

In addition, almost all states have adopted breach of data security statutes or regulations that require notification to consumers if the security of their personal information is breached, and at least one state has adopted regulations requiring every company that maintains or stores personal information to adopt a comprehensive written information security program. Governmental focus on data security may lead to additional legislative action, and the increased emphasis on information security may lead customers to request that we take additional measures to enhance security or restrict the manner in which we collect and use customer information to gather insights into customer behavior and craft our marketing programs. As a result, we may have to modify our business systems and practices with the goal of further improving data security, which would result in reduced net sales, increased expenditures and operating complexity. Any compromise of our security or accidental loss or

 

22


Table of Contents

theft of customer data in our possession could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure and damage to our reputation, which could adversely impact our business, results of operations and stock price.

The current geographic concentration of our boutiques creates an exposure to local economies, regional downturns and severe weather or other catastrophic occurrences that may materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We operated 28 boutiques in Texas as of April 2, 2011, making Texas our largest market, representing approximately 12% of our total boutiques. We also have boutique concentration in California and Florida, operating 24 boutiques and 16 boutiques in those states, respectively, as of April 2, 2011. As a result, our business is currently more susceptible to regional conditions than the operations of more geographically diversified competitors, and we are vulnerable to economic downturns in those regions. Any unforeseen events or circumstances that negatively affect these areas could materially adversely affect our sales and profitability. These factors include, among other things, changes in demographics and population.

Further, our corporate headquarters and only distribution center are located at a single facility in Houston, Texas. This single distribution center receives, stores and distributes merchandise to all of our boutiques and fulfills all sales for our e-commerce business. Most of our computer equipment and senior management, including critical resources dedicated to merchandising and financial and administrative functions, are located at our corporate headquarters. As described elsewhere in the risk factors in this prospectus, we do not have adequate disaster recovery systems and plans at our corporate headquarters and distribution facility. As a result, our business may be more susceptible to regional natural disasters and catastrophes than the operations of more geographically diversified competitors.

In addition, a substantial number of our boutiques are located in the southeastern United States The southeastern United States, Texas and other states along the Gulf Coast, in particular, are prone to severe weather conditions. For example, hurricanes have passed through Texas, Florida and other states along the Gulf Coast causing extensive damage to the region. Adverse weather conditions impacting Texas and other states along the Gulf Coast, and the southeastern United States generally, could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. All of our boutique locations expose us to additional diverse risks, given that natural disasters or other unanticipated catastrophes, such as telecommunications failures, cyber-attacks, fires or terrorist attacks, can occur anywhere and could cause disruptions in our operations. Extensive or multiple disruptions in our operations, whether at our boutiques or our corporate headquarters and distribution center, due to natural disasters or other catastrophes could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and stock price.

Our results may be adversely affected by fluctuations in energy costs.

Energy costs have fluctuated dramatically in the past and may fluctuate in the future. These fluctuations may result in an increase in our transportation costs for distribution, utility costs for our retail boutiques and costs to purchase product from our vendors. A continual rise in energy costs could adversely affect consumer spending and demand for our merchandise and increase our operating costs and we may be unable to pass along to our customers such increased cost, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and stock price.

Our net sales and merchandise fluctuate on a seasonal basis, leaving our operating results susceptible to adverse changes in seasonal shopping patterns, weather and related risks.

Due to the seasonal nature of the retail industry, we have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience some fluctuations in our net sales and net income. Our net sales and earnings

 

23


Table of Contents

are typically highest in the fourth fiscal quarter due to the year-end holiday season. Net sales during this period cannot be used as an accurate indicator of annual results. Likewise, as is the case with many retailers of apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts, we typically experience lower net sales in the first fiscal quarter relative to other quarters. If for any reason, including for example poor weather conditions, soft economic environments and loss of consumer confidence, our net sales were below seasonal norms or expectations during typically higher-volume time periods, our net sales, inventory levels and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, in order to prepare for these periods, we must order and keep in stock significantly more merchandise than we carry during other parts of the year. This inventory build-up may require us to expend cash faster than is generated by our operations during these periods. Any unanticipated decrease in demand for our merchandise during peak shopping periods could result in excess inventory levels which could require us to sell excess inventory at a substantial markdown, which could have an adverse effect on our business, profitability and brand image. In addition, we may experience variability in net sales as a result of a variety of other factors, including the timing of new boutique openings, boutique events, other marketing activities, sales tax holidays and other holidays, which may cause our results of operations to fluctuate on a quarterly basis and relative to corresponding periods in prior years.

If our vendors fail to comply with applicable laws, including a failure to use acceptable labor practices, or if our vendors suffer disruptions in their businesses, we could suffer adverse business consequences.

Our vendors source the merchandise sold in our boutiques from manufacturers both inside and outside of the United States. Although each of our purchase orders is subject to our vendor manuals, which require compliance with labor, immigration, manufacturing safety and other laws, we do not supervise, control or audit our vendors or the manufacturers that produce the merchandise we sell. The violation, or perception of any violation, of any labor, immigration, manufacturing safety or other laws by any of our vendors or their U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturers, such as use of child labor, or the divergence of the labor practices followed by any of our vendors or these manufacturers from those generally accepted in the United States, could damage our brand image or subject us to boycotts by our customers or activist groups.

Any event causing a sudden disruption of manufacturing or imports, including the imposition of additional import restrictions, could interrupt, or otherwise disrupt the shipment of finished products to us by our vendors and materially harm our operations. Political and financial instability outside the United States, strikes, adverse weather conditions or natural disasters that may occur or acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide, may affect the production, shipment or receipt of merchandise. These factors, which are beyond our control, could materially hurt our business, financial condition and results of operations or may require us to modify our current business practices or incur increased costs.

Changes in laws, including employment laws and laws related to our merchandise, could make conducting our business more expensive or otherwise cause us to change the way we do business.

We are subject to numerous regulations, including labor and employment, truth-in-advertising, consumer protection and zoning and occupancy laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally or govern the promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of boutiques and warehouse facilities. If these regulations were to change or were violated by our management, employees or vendors, the costs of certain goods could increase, or we could experience delays in shipments of our goods, be subject to fines or penalties or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and hurt our business and results of operations.

 

24


Table of Contents

In addition to increased regulatory compliance requirements, changes in laws could make the ordinary conduct of our business more expensive or require us to change the way we do business. Laws related to employee benefits and treatment of employees, including laws related to limitations on employee hours, immigration laws, child labor laws, supervisory status, leaves of absence, mandated health benefits or overtime pay, could also negatively impact us, such as by increasing compensation and benefits costs for overtime and medical expenses. Moreover, changes in product safety or other consumer protection laws could lead to increased costs to us for some merchandise, or additional labor costs associated with readying merchandise for sale. It is often difficult for us to plan and prepare for potential changes to applicable laws, and future actions or payments related to these changes could be material to us.

We will require significant capital to fund our expanding business, which may not be available to us on satisfactory terms or at all. We plan to use cash from operations to fund our operations and execute our growth strategy. If we are unable to maintain sufficient levels of cash flow, we may not meet our growth expectations or we may require additional financing which could adversely affect our financial health and impose covenants that limit our business activities.

We plan to continue our growth and expansion, including opening a number of new boutiques, remodeling existing boutiques and upgrading our information technology systems and other infrastructure as opportunities arise. Our plans to expand our boutique base may not be successful and the implementation of these plans may not result in expected increases in our net sales even though they increase our costs. To support our expanding business and execute on our growth strategy, we will require significant capital.

We currently primarily depend on cash flow from operations and the revolving credit facility under our existing senior secured credit facility to fund our business and growth plans. Upon completion of this offering and our refinancing we expect that we will primarily depend on cash flow from operations and our new revolving credit facility to fund our business and growth plans. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund these activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us from our new revolving credit facility, we may need additional equity or debt financing. If such financing is not available to us, or is not available on satisfactory terms, our ability to operate and expand our business or respond to competitive pressures would be curtailed and we may need to delay, limit or eliminate planned boutique openings or operations or other elements of our growth strategy. If we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, your ownership would be diluted.

The prospective lenders’ commitments to lend to us under the new revolving credit facility are subject to a number of conditions. If these conditions are not met, the lenders will not be obligated to provide the new revolving credit facility, and the refinancing of our existing senior secured credit facility may not be completed on the terms that we expect or at all.

The new revolving credit facility, for which we have entered into a commitment letter, will not close unless specified closing conditions are satisfied. Some of these closing conditions are not under our control, and we cannot assure you that all closing conditions will be satisfied. For example, the closing conditions for the revolving credit facility include the absence of various types of material adverse changes relating to us and the concurrent completion of this offering in a manner that yields sufficient proceeds, together with up to $50.0 million of proceeds under the new revolving credit facility, to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness” for a description of the material closing conditions for the new revolving credit facility. There can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into a new revolving credit facility, or that the refinancing will be completed on the terms that we currently expect. See “Use of Proceeds” and “Description of Certain Indebtedness”. Our inability to enter into a new revolving credit facility could have an adverse effect on our liquidity, working capital and growth plans.

 

25


Table of Contents

We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, which may require us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow to service debt and limit our financial and operating flexibility in important ways.

We may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Any borrowings under any future debt financing (including our new revolving credit facility) will require interest payments and need to be repaid or refinanced, could require us to divert funds identified for other purposes to debt service and would create additional cash demands and could impair our liquidity position and add financial risk for us. Diverting funds identified for other purposes for debt service may adversely affect our business and growth prospects. If we cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt, we may need to refinance our debt, dispose of assets or issue equity to obtain necessary funds. We do not know whether we would be able to take any of these actions on a timely basis, on terms satisfactory to us, or at all.

Our level of indebtedness has important consequences to you and your investment in our common stock. For example, our level of indebtedness may:

 

  Ÿ  

require us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay interest and principal on our debt, which would reduce the funds available to us for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

 

  Ÿ  

limit our ability to pay future dividends;

 

  Ÿ  

limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, expansion plans and other investments, which may limit our ability to implement our business strategy;

 

  Ÿ  

heighten our vulnerability to downturns in our business, the specialty apparel and accessories retail industry or in the general economy and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the specialty apparel and accessories retail industry; or

 

  Ÿ  

prevent us from taking advantage of business opportunities as they arise or successfully carrying out our plans to expand our boutique base and product offerings.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in amounts sufficient to enable us to make payments on our indebtedness or to fund our operations.

The terms of our existing senior secured credit facility do, and the terms of any additional debt financing (including our new revolving credit facility) may, restrict our current and future operations, which could adversely affect our ability to manage our operations and respond to changes in our business.

Our existing senior secured credit facility contains, and any additional debt financing we may incur (including the new revolving credit facility) would likely contain, covenants that restrict our operations, including limitations on our ability to grant liens, incur additional debt, pay dividends, redeem our common stock, make certain investments and engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions. A failure by us to comply with the covenants or financial ratios contained in our existing senior secured credit facility or any additional debt financing we may incur (including the new revolving credit facility) could result in an event of default, which could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our business and manage our operations. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be due and payable and exercise other remedies. If the indebtedness under our existing senior secured credit facility or any additional debt financing we may incur (including the new revolving credit facility) were to be accelerated, our future financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

26


Table of Contents

There are claims made against us from time to time that can result in litigation that could distract management from our business activities and result in significant liability or damage to our brand.

As a growing company with expanding operations, we increasingly face the risk of litigation and other claims against us. Litigation and other claims may arise in the ordinary course of our business and include employee claims, commercial disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, intellectual property issues, product-oriented allegations and slip and fall claims. These claims can raise complex factual and legal issues that are subject to risks and uncertainties and could require significant management time. Litigation and other claims against us could result in unexpected expenses and liabilities, which could materially adversely affect our operations and our reputation.

We may be unable to protect our trademarks or other intellectual property rights.

We believe that our trademarks are integral to our boutique design, our e-commerce business and our success in building our brand image and customer loyalty. We rely on trademark registrations and common law trademark rights to protect the distinctiveness of our brand and have registered those trademarks that we believe are important to our business with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We cannot assure you that these registrations will prevent imitation of our name, merchandising concept, boutique design or private label merchandise, or the infringement of our other intellectual property rights by others. In most cases, the merchandise we sell is purchased on a non-exclusive basis from vendors that also sell to our competitors. While we use our brand name on these items, our competitors may seek to replicate aspects of our business strategy and in-boutique experience, thereby diluting the experience we offer and adversely affecting our brand and competitive position. Imitation of our name, concept, boutique design or merchandise in a manner that projects lesser quality or carries a negative connotation of our brand image could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are not aware of any claims of infringement upon or challenges to our right to use any of our brand names or trademarks in the United States. Nevertheless, we cannot be certain that the actions we have taken to establish and protect our trademarks will be adequate to prevent imitation of our merchandise by others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of our merchandise as a violation of the trademarks or proprietary rights of others. Although we cannot currently estimate the likelihood of success of any such lawsuit or ultimate resolution of such a conflict, such a controversy could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If disputes arise in the future, we may not be able to successfully resolve these types of conflicts to our satisfaction.

We are currently in the process of registering our trademarks in several foreign countries to seek protection outside the United States. However, international protection of our brand image and the use of these marks may be unavailable or could be limited. Also, other entities may have rights to trademarks that contain portions of our marks or may have registered similar or competing marks for merchandise in foreign countries in which our vendors source our merchandise. There may also be other prior registrations of trademarks identical or similar to our trademarks in other foreign countries of which we are not aware. Accordingly, it may be possible for others to prevent the manufacture of our branded goods in certain foreign countries or the sale or exportation of our branded goods from certain foreign countries to the United States. If we were unable to reach a licensing arrangement with these parties, our vendors may be unable to manufacture our merchandise in those countries. Our inability to register our trademarks or purchase or license the right to use our trademarks or logos in these jurisdictions could limit our ability to obtain supplies from less costly markets or penetrate new markets should our business plan change to include selling our merchandise in those foreign jurisdictions.

 

27


Table of Contents

Litigation may be necessary to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights or to enforce these rights. Any litigation or claims brought by us could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We may be subject to liability and other risks if we, our vendors or the manufacturers of our merchandise infringe upon the trademarks or other intellectual property rights of third parties, including the risk that we could acquire merchandise from our vendors without the full right to sell it.

We purchase merchandise that may be subject to design copyrights, design patents or otherwise may incorporate protected intellectual property. While we are not involved in the manufacture of any of the merchandise we purchase from our vendors for sale to our customers, we may be subject to liability if our vendors or the manufacturers of our merchandise infringe upon the trademarks or other intellectual property rights of third parties. We do not independently investigate whether our vendors or the manufacturers with whom they do business legally hold intellectual property rights to the merchandise we purchase. Third parties may bring legal claims, or threaten to bring legal claims, against us that their intellectual property rights are being infringed or violated by our use of intellectual property. Litigation or threatened litigation could be costly and distract our senior management from operating our business. If we were to be found liable for any such infringement, we could be required to pay substantial damages and could be subject to injunctions preventing further infringement. In addition, any payments we are required to make and any injunctions with which we are required to comply as a result of infringement claims could be costly and thereby adversely affect our financial results.

If a third party claims to have licensing rights with respect to merchandise we purchased from a vendor, or if we acquire unlicensed merchandise, we may be obligated to remove this merchandise from our boutiques, incur costs associated with this removal if the distributor or vendor is unwilling or unable to reimburse us and be subject to liability under various civil and criminal causes of action, including actions to recover unpaid royalties and other damages and injunctions. Additionally, we will be required to purchase new merchandise to replace any we remove.

We rely upon independent third-party transportation providers for substantially all of our merchandise shipments.

We currently rely upon independent third-party transportation providers for substantially all of our merchandise shipments, including shipments to all of our boutiques and our direct customers. Our use of outside delivery services for shipments is subject to risks, including increases in fuel prices, which would increase our shipping costs, and employee strikes and inclement weather, which may impact a shipper’s ability to provide delivery services that adequately meet our shipping needs. If we change shipping companies, we could face logistical difficulties that could adversely impact deliveries and we would incur costs and expend resources in connection with such change. Moreover, we may not be able to obtain terms as favorable as those received from the independent third-party transportation providers we currently use, which would increase our costs.

Our ability to source our merchandise efficiently and profitably could be hurt if new trade restrictions are imposed or existing trade restrictions become more burdensome.

We currently purchase all our inventory from domestic vendors, who source our merchandise both domestically and internationally. In fiscal year 2010, we believe most of the merchandise sourced by our vendors was produced outside the United States. These vendors, to the extent they obtain merchandise from outside of the United States, are subject to trade restrictions, including tariffs, safeguards or quotas, changes to which could increase the cost or reduce the supply of merchandise available to us. Under the World Trade Organization Agreement, effective January 1, 2005, the United

 

28


Table of Contents

States and other World Trade Organization member countries removed quotas on goods from World Trade Organization members, which in certain instances we believe affords our vendors greater flexibility in importing textile and apparel products from World Trade Organization countries from which they source our merchandise. However, as the removal of quotas resulted in an import surge from China, the United States imposed safeguard quotas on a number of categories of goods and apparel from China, and may impose additional quotas in the future. These and other trade restrictions could have a significant impact on our vendors’ sourcing patterns in the future. The extent of this impact, if any, and the possible effect on our purchasing patterns and costs, cannot be determined at this time. We cannot predict whether any of the countries in which our vendors’ merchandise is currently manufactured or may be manufactured in the future will be subject to additional trade restrictions imposed by the United States or foreign governments, nor can we predict the likelihood, type or effect of any restrictions. Trade restrictions, including increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes, safeguards and customs restrictions against items we offer in our boutiques, as well as United States or foreign labor strikes, work stoppages or boycotts, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of merchandise to our vendors, and we would expect the costs to be passed along in increased prices to us, which could hurt our profitability.

We may be subject to sales tax in states where we operate our e-commerce business, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Under current state and federal laws, we are not required to collect and remit sales tax in some states where we sell through our e-commerce business . Legislation is pending in some states that may require us to collect and remit sales tax on e-commerce sales or institute use tax reporting. If states pass sales or use tax laws, we may need to collect and remit current and past sales tax and could face greater exposure to income tax and franchise taxes in these states. Any increase in sales tax or use tax reporting on our internet sales could discourage customers from purchasing through our e-commerce business, which could have an adverse effect on growth prospects.

Increases in the minimum wage could have an adverse effect on our financial results.

From time to time, legislative proposals are made to increase the federal minimum wage in the United States, as well as the minimum wage in a number of individual states. Base wage rates for many of our employees are at or slightly above the minimum wage. As federal or state minimum wage rates increase, we may need to increase not only the wage rates of our minimum wage employees, but also the wages paid to our other hourly employees as well. Any increase in the cost of our labor could have an adverse effect on our operating costs, financial condition and results of operations.

The additional financial, legal and regulatory requirements imposed on public companies may strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.

We have historically operated our business as a private company. As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The requirements of these rules and regulations will significantly increase our legal and financial compliance costs, including costs associated with the hiring of additional personnel, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and may also place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources.

The Exchange Act will require, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. Public disclosure of our business results and other company information could make us less competitive in the market place as our competition gains a better understanding of how we do business.

 

29


Table of Contents

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require, among other things, that we maintain additional disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Ensuring that we have adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place is a costly and time-consuming effort that needs to be re-evaluated frequently. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and a report by our independent registered public accounting firm auditing the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting beginning with fiscal year 2012. Both we and our independent registered public accounting firm will be testing our internal controls in connection with the Section 404 requirements and could, as part of that documentation and testing, identify material weaknesses, significant deficiencies or other areas for further attention or improvement. Implementing any appropriate changes to our internal controls may require specific compliance training for our directors, officers and employees, require the hiring of additional finance, accounting and other personnel, involve substantial costs to modify our existing accounting systems and take a significant period of time to complete. These changes may not, however, be effective in maintaining the adequacy of our internal controls, and any failure to maintain that adequacy, or consequent inability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis, could increase our operating costs and could materially impair our ability to operate our business. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent fraud. As a result, our failure to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 on a timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could cause the market value of our common stock to decline.

Various rules and regulations applicable to public companies make it more difficult and more expensive for us to maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to maintain coverage. If we are unable to maintain adequate directors’ and officers’ insurance, our ability to recruit and retain qualified officers and directors, especially those directors who may be deemed independent for purposes of rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, will be significantly curtailed.

In the past, a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting had been identified. If material weaknesses or significant deficiencies arise in the future or if we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls going forward, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the company identified a control deficiency that constituted a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting for such period. This material weakness related to accounting for convertible redeemable preferred stock.

A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of our financial reporting.

We have taken steps to remediate our internal control deficiencies. However, there are no assurances that the measures we have taken to remediate these internal control weaknesses were completely effective or that similar weaknesses will not recur. We plan to continue to assess our internal controls and procedures and intend to take further action as necessary or appropriate to address any other matters we identify.

 

30


Table of Contents

No material weaknesses were identified for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011, and, accordingly, we believe that our remediation efforts were successful. However, we did not perform an assessment of our internal control over financial reporting nor did our auditors perform an audit over our internal control over financial reporting; we therefore cannot assure you that these or other similar issues will not arise in future periods. We anticipate that we will next evaluate our internal control over financial reporting in connection with management’s preparation of our financial statements for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012.

In addition, if we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, our independent auditors are unable to provide us with an unqualified report as required by Section 404 of this Sarbanes-Oxley Act or we are required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to restate our financial statements, we may fail to meet our public reporting obligations and investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative impact on the trading price of our stock.

Certain historical financial information included in this prospectus has been derived from unaudited financial statements and, as such, may contain errors that might have been detected in an audit. Accordingly, our reported financial results may not be reflective of our actual results for these prior periods.

Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, as well as our consolidated financial statements as of and for the months ended January 31, 2007 and January 31, 2008, have not been audited. The financial data for those periods included in this prospectus is based on management accounts only and has not been reviewed or audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. Although management believes that these unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis that is consistent with our audited consolidated financial statements, there is a risk that this unaudited financial information may contain errors that might have been detected in an audit and such financial information may not be reflective of our true historical results for those periods. Any differences between the financial information presented for these unaudited periods in this prospectus and our actual historical results may be material. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information.

Our management has limited experience managing a public company and our current resources may not be sufficient to fulfill our public company obligations.

Following the completion of this offering, we will be subject to various regulatory requirements, including those of the SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market. These requirements include record keeping, financial reporting and corporate governance rules and regulations. Our management team has limited experience in managing a public company and, historically, has not had the resources typically found in a public company. Our internal infrastructure may not be adequate to support our increased reporting obligations and we may be unable to hire, train or retain necessary staff and may be reliant on engaging outside consultants or professionals to overcome our lack of experience or employees. Our business could be adversely affected if our internal infrastructure is inadequate, we are unable to engage outside consultants or are otherwise unable to fulfill our public company obligations.

 

31


Table of Contents

Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Common Stock

No market currently exists for our common stock, and there can be no assurance that a viable public market for our common stock will develop.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price for our common stock will be determined through negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters and may not be indicative of the market price of our common stock after this offering. If you purchase shares of our common stock, you may not be able to resell those shares at or above the initial public offering price. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in us will lead to the development of an active trading market on The NASDAQ Global Select Market or otherwise or how liquid that market might become. An active public market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained after the offering. If an active public market does not develop or is not sustained, it may be difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock at a price that is attractive to you, or at all.

Our stock price may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the initial public offering price. Additionally, because we are a specialty retailer whose business is cyclical, the price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

After this offering, the market price for our common stock is likely to be volatile, in part because our shares have not been traded publicly. In addition, the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, most of which we cannot control, including:

 

  Ÿ  

fashion trends and changes in consumer preferences;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in general economic or market conditions or trends in our industry or the economy as a whole and, in particular, in the retail sales environment;

 

  Ÿ  

the timing and level of expenses for new boutique openings, relocations and remodels and the relative proportion of our new boutiques to existing boutiques;

 

  Ÿ  

the performance and successful integration of any new boutiques that we open;

 

  Ÿ  

the success of our e-commerce business and sales levels;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in our merchandise mix and vendor base;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in key personnel;

 

  Ÿ  

entry into new markets;

 

  Ÿ  

our levels of comparable boutique sales;

 

  Ÿ  

announcements by us or our competitors of new product offerings or significant acquisitions, divestitures, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;

 

  Ÿ  

actions by competitors or other mall, lifestyle center, street locations and strip center tenants;

 

  Ÿ  

weather conditions, particularly during the holiday shopping period;

 

  Ÿ  

the level of pre-opening expenses associated with new boutiques;

 

  Ÿ  

inventory shrinkage beyond our historical average rates;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other retail companies;

 

  Ÿ  

investors’ perceptions of our prospects and the prospects of the retail industry;

 

  Ÿ  

fluctuations in quarterly operating results, as well as differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors;

 

32


Table of Contents
  Ÿ  

the public’s response to press releases or other public announcements by us or third parties, including our filings with the SEC;

 

  Ÿ  

announcements relating to litigation;

 

  Ÿ  

guidance, if any, that we provide to the public, any changes in this guidance or our failure to meet this guidance;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in financial estimates or ratings by any securities analysts who follow our common stock, our failure to meet these estimates or failure of those analysts to initiate or maintain coverage of our common stock;

 

  Ÿ  

the development and sustainability of an active trading market for our common stock;

 

  Ÿ  

investor perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with our common stock relative to other investment alternatives;

 

  Ÿ  

future sales of our common stock by our officers, directors and significant stockholders;

 

  Ÿ  

other events or factors, including those resulting from system failures and disruptions, hurricanes, war, acts of terrorism, other natural disasters or responses to these events; and

 

  Ÿ  

changes in accounting principles.

These and other factors may lower the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. As a result, our common stock may trade at prices significantly below the public offering price.

In addition, the stock markets, including The NASDAQ Global Select Market, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many retail companies. In the past, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were involved in securities litigation, we could incur substantial costs and our resources and the attention of management could be diverted from our business.

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional shares. Upon completion of this offering, we will have approximately              shares of common stock outstanding. The shares of common stock offered in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except for any shares of our common stock that may be held or acquired by our directors, executive officers and other affiliates, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, which will be restricted securities under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may not be sold in the public market unless the sale is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available.

After this offering, CCMP, the Founders and certain other stockholders that are the part of our executive management team will have rights to require us to file registration statements registering additional sales of shares of common stock or to include sales of such shares of common stock in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders. In order to exercise these registration rights, these stockholders must satisfy the conditions discussed in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders’ Agreement”. Subject to compliance with applicable lock-up restrictions, shares of common stock sold under these registration statements can be freely sold in the public market. In the event such registration rights are exercised and a large number of

 

33


Table of Contents

shares of common stock are sold in the public market, such sales could reduce the trading price of our common stock. These sales also could impede our ability to raise future capital. Additionally, we will bear all expenses in connection with any such registrations (other than stock transfer taxes and underwriting discounts or commissions). See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders’ Agreement” and “Shares Eligible for Future Sale—Registration Rights”.

We and each of our executive officers, directors, all of the selling stockholders and substantially all of our other existing stockholders will have agreed with the underwriters, that for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, we or they will not offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of or hedge any shares of our common stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, subject to specified exceptions. The representatives of the underwriters may, in their discretion, at any time without prior notice, release all or any portion of the shares from the restrictions in any such agreement. See “Underwriting” for more information. All of our shares of common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus may be sold in the public market by existing stockholders 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to applicable volume and other limitations imposed under federal securities laws. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling shares of our common stock after this offering. Sales by our existing stockholders of a substantial number of shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales might occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decrease significantly.

In the future, we may also issue our securities in connection with investments or acquisitions. The amount of shares of our common stock issued in connection with an investment or acquisition could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding shares of our common stock. Any issuance of additional securities in connection with investments or acquisitions may result in additional dilution to you.

If you purchase shares of common stock sold in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution.

If you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the amount of $             per share because the assumed initial public offering price of $            , which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, is substantially higher than the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock. This dilution is due in large part to the fact that our earlier investors paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares. In connection with this offering, we expect to issue stock options to directors, officers and key employees under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. We plan to reserve              shares of common stock under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan for future issuances. You may experience additional dilution upon future equity issuances or the exercise of stock options to purchase common stock granted to our employees, consultants and directors under our stock incentive plans. See “Dilution” for a more detailed description.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our company, the trading price for our common stock would be negatively impacted. If we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage and if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrades our common stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our

 

34


Table of Contents

business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.

We currently expect to retain all available funds and future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and growth of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to compliance with applicable law and any contractual provisions, including under agreements for indebtedness we may incur, that restrict or limit our ability to pay dividends, and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operations, financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. Further, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their jurisdiction of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under future indebtedness we may incur. Accordingly, if you purchase shares in this offering, realization of a gain on your investment will depend on the appreciation of the price of our common stock, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends in the foreseeable future should not purchase our common stock.

Concentration of ownership among our existing executive officers, directors and principal stockholders may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions.

Upon completion of this offering, and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders will own, in the aggregate, approximately     % of our outstanding common stock, or approximately     % assuming the exercise of outstanding options owned by our executive officers and directors. As a result, these stockholders will be able to exercise significant control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions and will have significant control over our management and policies. This concentration of influence could be disadvantageous to other stockholders with interests different from those of our officers, directors and principal stockholders. We currently expect that, following this offering, three of the seven members of our board of directors will be principals of CCMP, one member will be Mr. De Meritt, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company and one member will be Ms. Kyong Gill, the Executive Vice Chairperson of our board of directors.

Upon completion of this offering, and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, CCMP is expected to hold approximately     % of our outstanding common stock and the Founders are expected to collectively hold approximately     % of our outstanding common stock. As a result of these ownership positions, these stockholders could take actions that have the effect of delaying or preventing a change-in-control of us or discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares, which could prevent stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares. These actions may be taken even if other stockholders oppose them. The concentration of voting power held by CCMP may have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. The interests of these stockholders may not be consistent with your interests as a stockholder.

 

35


Table of Contents

We will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of The NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance standards and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that provide protection to stockholders of other companies.

Upon the completion of this offering, affiliates of CCMP will continue to control a majority of our outstanding common stock. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of The NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance standards. As a controlled company, certain exemptions under The NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance standards will free us from the obligation to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance standards, including the requirements:

 

  Ÿ  

that a majority of the board of directors consist of “independent directors” as defined under The NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance standards;

 

  Ÿ  

that our director nominees be selected, or recommended for our board of directors’ selection, either (1) by a majority of independent directors in a vote by independent directors, pursuant to a nominations process adopted by a board resolution, or (2) by a nominating and governance committee comprised solely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the nominations process; and

 

  Ÿ  

that the compensation of our executive officers be determined, or recommended to the board for determination, by a majority of independent directors in a vote by independent directors, or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors.

Following this offering, we intend to utilize these exemptions. Accordingly, for so long as we are a “controlled company”, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of The NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance standards.

Conflicts of interest may arise because some of our directors are principals of our principal stockholder.

Upon the completion of this offering, representatives of CCMP and its affiliates will occupy three seats on our board of directors. CCMP or its affiliates could invest in entities that directly or indirectly compete with us or companies in which CCMP or its affiliates are currently invested may already compete with us. As a result of these relationships, when conflicts arise between the interests of CCMP or its affiliates, on the one hand, and the interests of our stockholders, on the other hand, these directors may not be disinterested. As of May 24, CCMP and its affiliates are not party to any such relationships or investments, and the company is not aware of any such conflicts between the interests of our stockholders and the members of our board of directors designated by CCMP. The representatives of CCMP and its affiliates on our board of directors, by the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, are not required to offer us any transaction opportunity of which they become aware and could take any such opportunity for themselves or offer it to other companies in which they have an investment, unless such opportunity is expressly offered to them solely in their capacity as our directors. The company, by the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, expressly renounces any interest in any such corporate opportunity to the extent permitted under applicable law, even if the opportunity is one that we would reasonably be deemed to have pursued if given the opportunity to do so. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation cannot be amended to eliminate the company’s renunciation of any such corporate opportunity arising prior to the date of any such amendment.

 

36


Table of Contents

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and provisions of Delaware law might discourage, delay or prevent change in control of our company and may result in an entrenchment of management and diminish the value of our common stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will be effective upon completion of this offering, will contain provisions that make it difficult for our stockholders to change the composition of our board of directors, preventing them from changing the composition of management. In addition, the same provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that our stockholders may consider favorable. See “Description of Capital Stock”.

These provisions, among other things:

 

  Ÿ  

establish a staggered, or classified, board of directors so that not all members of our board of directors are elected at one time;

 

  Ÿ  

prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors;

 

  Ÿ  

authorize the issuance by our board of directors of “blank check” preferred stock, the terms of which may be established and the shares of which may be issued without stockholder approval, and which may include super-majority voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences superior to the rights of the holders of common stock;

 

  Ÿ  

limit the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders;

 

  Ÿ  

prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders; and

 

  Ÿ  

establish advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations for elections to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

These anti-takeover provisions and other provisions under Delaware law, together with the concentration of ownership of our common stock discussed above under “Concentration of ownership among our existing executive officers, directors and principal stockholders may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions,” could substantially impede the ability of our common stockholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, could materially adversely affect the market price of our common stock and your ability to realize any potential change-in-control premium.

 

37


Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements concerning our business, operations and financial performance and condition as well as our plans, objectives and expectations for our business operations and financial performance and condition, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus are forward-looking statements. These statements may include words such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “assume”, “believe”, “can have”, “could”, “due”, “estimate”, “expect”, “goal”, “intend”, “likely”, “may”, “objective”, “plan”, “potential”, “positioned”, “predict”, “should”, “target”, “will”, “would” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events or trends. For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, sales, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates, market share and financial results, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives, strategies or the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and our management’s beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or development and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are in many cases beyond our control. All of our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the risks described under “Risk Factors,” including:

 

  Ÿ  

our ability to identify and respond to new and changing fashion trends, customer preferences and other related factors;

 

  Ÿ  

our ability to maintain a broad and shallow merchandise assortment;

 

  Ÿ  

failure to execute successfully our growth strategy;

 

  Ÿ  

disruptions to our information systems in the ordinary course or as a result of systems upgrades;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in consumer spending and general economic conditions;

 

  Ÿ  

increasing cost of raw materials and other inputs used in the production of our merchandise;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in the competitive environment in our industry and the markets we serve, including increased competition from other retailers;

 

  Ÿ  

failure of our new boutiques or existing boutiques to achieve sales and operating levels consistent with our expectations;

 

  Ÿ  

the success of the malls and shopping centers in which our boutiques are located;

 

  Ÿ  

our dependence on a strong brand image;

 

  Ÿ  

failure of our e-commerce business to grow consistent with our growth strategy;

 

  Ÿ  

our dependence upon key senior management or our inability to hire or retain additional personnel;

 

  Ÿ  

disruptions in our supply chain and distribution facility;

 

  Ÿ  

our indebtedness and lease obligations;

 

  Ÿ  

our reliance upon independent third-party transportation providers for all of our merchandise shipments;

 

  Ÿ  

hurricanes, natural disasters, unusually adverse weather conditions, boycotts and unanticipated events;

 

38


Table of Contents
  Ÿ  

the seasonality of our business;

 

  Ÿ  

increases in costs of fuel, or other energy, transportation or utilities costs and in the costs of labor and employment;

 

  Ÿ  

the impact of governmental laws and regulations and the outcomes of legal proceedings;

 

  Ÿ  

restrictions imposed by our indebtedness on our current and future operations;

 

  Ÿ  

our failure to maintain effective internal controls;

 

  Ÿ  

our inability to protect our trademarks or other intellectual property rights; and

 

  Ÿ  

increased costs as a result of being a public company.

The above is not a complete list of factors or events that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our own operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, or cautionary statements, are disclosed under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this prospectus. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this prospectus as well as other cautionary statements that are made from time to time in our other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this prospectus in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

Potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements publicly whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

39


Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $            million, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders, which includes certain of our officers and directors, including any shares sold by the selling stockholders in connection with the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

The terms of our existing senior secured credit facility require us to apply the net proceeds of this offering to prepay the existing loans in an amount equal to such net proceeds. We intend to use the full net proceeds of this offering (based on an assumed initial public offering price of $         per share, the midpoint of the range on the cover page of this prospectus) of $         million, together with $         million of borrowings under a new revolving credit facility, to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full. If we do not enter into a new revolving credit facility, then we will use the full net proceeds of this offering (based on an assumed initial public offering price of $         per share, the midpoint of the range on the cover page of this prospectus) of $         million to prepay the existing loans as required by the terms of our existing senior secured credit facility, in which case $         million of the existing loans would remain outstanding after this offering. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business— The prospective lenders’ commitments to lend to us under the new revolving credit facility are subject to a number of conditions. If these conditions are not met, the lenders will not be obligated to provide the new revolving credit facility, and the refinancing of our existing senior secured credit facility may not be completed on the terms that we expect or at all”.

Affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies & Company, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., underwriters for this offering, are lenders under our existing senior secured credit facility and will receive a portion of the net proceeds used to repay amounts outstanding under our existing senior secured credit facility. In connection with such repayment, affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies & Company, Inc. will each receive $         of such net proceeds, an affiliate of RBC Capital Markets, LLC will receive $         of such net proceeds and affiliates of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. will each receive $         of such net proceeds. See “Underwriting”.

Our existing senior secured credit facility consists of a $95.0 million term loan facility and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility, each with a scheduled maturity date of November 17, 2013. As of January 29, 2011, we had $93.8 million outstanding under our term loan facility and $5.0 million available under our revolving credit facility. Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, we anticipate that there will be $            million of term loans and no amounts of revolving loans outstanding under our existing senior secured credit facility. We used all of the term loan borrowings, along with cash on hand, to pay a dividend of $100.0 million on our common stock during November 2010. The borrowings under our existing senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the higher of (i) the prime rate of Royal Bank of Canada and (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% and (3) 2.75% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, a rate equal to the higher of (1) 1.75% and (2) the LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The current applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility is 5.00% with respect to base rate borrowings and 6.00% with respect to LIBOR borrowings. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility for base rate borrowings increases to 6.50% and 9.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving

 

40


Table of Contents

credit facility and the term loan facility for LIBOR borrowings increases to 7.50% and 10.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. As of January 29, 2011, the loans under our existing senior secured credit facility were LIBOR-based and had an interest rate of 7.75%. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness—Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility” for more information on our existing senior secured credit facility.

A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $             per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the net proceeds we receive from this offering by approximately $            million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

41


Table of Contents

DIVIDEND POLICY

We did not declare or pay any dividends on our common stock during fiscal year 2009. We declared and paid a dividend of $2.39 per share on our common stock (on a fully diluted basis) during November 2010. We currently expect to retain all available funds and future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and growth of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to compliance with applicable law and any contractual provisions, including under agreements for indebtedness we may incur, that restrict or limit our ability to pay dividends, and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operations, financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. Because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their jurisdiction of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under future indebtedness we may incur.

 

42


Table of Contents

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents and capitalization as of January 29, 2011 on:

 

  Ÿ  

an actual basis; and

 

  Ÿ  

a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the following:

 

  Ÿ  

the sale by us of              shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $             per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us; and

 

  Ÿ  

the use of the net proceeds we receive from this offering, together with $                     of indebtedness under a new revolving credit facility, to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full.

You should read the following table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the sections of this prospectus titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Use of Proceeds” and “Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data”.

 

     As of January 29, 2011  
     Actual     Pro Forma
As Adjusted(1)
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,516      $               
                

Current portion of long-term debt

     5,938     

Long-term debt

     87,875     

Shareholders’ deficit:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 40,457,343 shares issued and outstanding, actual;              shares issued and outstanding, on a pro forma as adjusted basis

     405     

Additional paid-in capital

     27,232     

Accumulated deficit

     (83,105  
                

Total shareholders’ deficit

   $ (55,468  
                

Total capitalization

   $ 38,345     
                

 

(1) Assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us in connection with the offering, a $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the net proceeds from this offering available to us to prepay our existing senior secured credit facility and would increase or decrease cash and cash equivalents by $            million, additional paid-in capital by $            million, total shareholders’ deficit by $            million and total capitalization by $            million. See “Use of Proceeds.” The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and following the closing of this offering will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

43


Table of Contents

DILUTION

Dilution is the amount by which the offering price paid by the purchasers of our common stock in this offering will exceed the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock upon completion of this offering.

If you invest in shares of our common stock in this offering, your interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share you pay in this offering and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock upon completion of this offering. Our net tangible book value as of                     , 2011 was $            million, or $            per share of common stock. Net tangible book value or deficiency per share of our common stock is determined at any date by subtracting our total liabilities from our total assets, less our intangible assets, and dividing the difference by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at that date.

Our pro forma net tangible book value per share, after giving effect to this offering, set forth below represents our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding on                    , 2011, after giving effect to the sale by us of shares of common stock in this offering.

After giving effect to our issuance and sale of            shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value as of                     , 2011 would have been approximately $            million, or $            per share of our common stock. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value to our existing stockholders of $            per share, and an immediate dilution of $            per share to new investors who purchase shares of our common stock in this offering.

The following table illustrates this per share dilution to new investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

      $                

Net tangible book value per share as of                     , 2011

   $                   

Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors purchasing shares in this offering

     
           

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering (without giving effect to the refinancing)

     
           

Dilution per share to new investors

      $                

Assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us in connection with the offering, a $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the net tangible book value attributable to new investors purchasing shares in this offering by $             per share and the dilution to new investors by $            per share and increase or decrease the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering by $            per share.

Sales by the selling stockholders in this offering will cause the number of shares held by existing stockholders to be reduced to            shares or,    %, in the aggregate, of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering, and will increase the total number of shares held by new investors to            shares or,    %, in the aggregate, of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering.

 

44


Table of Contents

If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, our existing stockholders would own            shares or,    %, in the aggregate, and our new investors would own            shares or,    %, in the aggregate, of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering.

The following table summarizes, as of                     , 2011, as adjusted to give effect to this offering, the difference between the number of shares of our common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us, and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders and by new investors, at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us in connection with this offering:

 

     Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Average
Price

Per Share
 
       Number    Percent     Amount      Percent    

Existing stockholders

                       $                                     $                

New investors in the offering

            
                                      

Total

        100   $           100   $     
                                      

Assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us in connection with the offering, a $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease total consideration paid by new investors and total consideration paid by all stockholders by approximately $            million.

The foregoing discussion and tables assume no exercise of stock options to purchase              shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of                     , 2011, at a weighted average exercise price of $            per share. To the extent that any options are exercised, new investors will experience further dilution.

 

45


Table of Contents

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data for each of the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of January 31, 2009 has been derived from our audited consolidated balance sheet, which is not included in this prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data for each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this prospectus.

In February 2010, CCMP acquired a controlling interest in the company from the Founders and Bear Growth Capital Partners, LP (“BGCP”). In connection with the acquisition, the company considered the application of push-down accounting to the company’s financial statements. The company determined that given the percentage of the equity interest acquired in the acquisition, the push-down accounting treatment was optional but not required. The company elected not to apply the push-down accounting treatment as a result of the acquisition.

We operate on a fiscal calendar which in a given fiscal year consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. The reporting periods contained in our audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus contain 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2010, which ended January 29, 2011, 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2009, which ended January 30, 2010, and 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2008, which ended January 31, 2009. For fiscal year 2007, which ended on December 31, 2007, and prior periods, the company operated on a fiscal calendar year ending December 31st.

The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period and the results for any interim period may not necessarily be indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. You should read the selected consolidated financial and operating data for the periods presented in conjunction with “Risk Factors”, “Capitalization”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

46


Table of Contents
Consolidated Statements of
Operations
(1)
  Fiscal Year Ended     Year Ended  
    January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    December 31,
2007
    December 31,
2006(2)
 
    (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  

Net sales(3)

  $ 135,176      $ 79,367      $ 52,290      $ 40,210      $ 29,708   

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs(4)

    65,008        37,244        25,358        19,312        14,225   
                                       

Gross profit

    70,168        42,123        26,932        20,898        15,483   

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

    40,525        24,641        19,962        14,671        9,833   
                                       

Income from operations

    29,643        17,482        6,970        6,227        5,650   

Other income (expense)

    (2     38        14        (159       

Interest income (expense)

    (1,633     2        4        2        4   
                                       

Income before income tax expense

    28,008        17,522        6,988        6,070        5,654   

Income tax expense

    11,113        6,918        2,382        2,379        47   
                                       

Net income

    16,895        10,604        4,606        3,691        5,607   

Increase in redemption value of convertible redeemable preferred stock

           (60,271                     

Convertible redeemable preferred stock accrued dividends

           (2,022     (1,641     (1,703       
                                       

Net income (loss) available to shareholders

  $ 16,895      $ (51,689   $ 2,965      $ 1,988      $ 5,607   

Less: Income attributable to participating securities

    —          —          (1,038     (552     —     
                                       

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

  $ 16,895      $ (51,689   $ 1,927      $ 1,436      $ 5,607   
                                       

Basic earnings (loss) per common share(5)

  $ 0.43      $ (1.99   $ 0.07      $ 0.06      $ 0.22   

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share(5)

  $ 0.41      $ (1.99   $ 0.07      $ 0.06      $ 0.22   

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 2.39                               

Weighted average shares outstanding: (6)

         

Basic shares

    39,385        26,000        26,000        26,000        26,000   

Diluted shares

    40,907        26,000        26,000        26,000        26,000   
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (1)   As of Fiscal Year Ended     As of Year Ended  
    January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    December 31,
2007
    December 31,
2006(2)
 

Total current assets

  $ 31,721      $ 22,318      $ 13,036      $ 12,860      $ 7,396   

Total assets

    59,124        31,218        16,830        14,797        8,912   

Total liabilities

    114,592        8,242        4,556        5,107        2,335   

Convertible redeemable preferred stock—series A

           85,854        23,561        21,703          

Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity

    (55,468     (62,878     (11,287     (12,013     6,577   

Operating data:

         

Comparable boutique sales growth for period(7)

    15.2     9.8     (6.3 )%      5.0     1.5

Number of boutiques open at end of period

    207       147       111       78       64  

Net sales per average square foot for period (not in thousands)

  $ 508     $ 429     $ 384     $ 401     $ 399  

Average square feet (in thousands)(8)

    266       185       136       100       74  

Total gross square feet at end of period (in thousands)

    296       210       158       110       89  

 

47


Table of Contents

 

(1) In January 2008, we changed our fiscal year end from December 31st to the Saturday closest to January 31st. The following table presents selected unaudited consolidated financial and other selected data as of and for the months ended February 2, 2008 and January 31, 2007:

 

     Month Ended  
     February 2,
2008
    January 31,
2007
 
     (in thousands)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

    

Net revenues

   $ 2,794      $ 1,593   

Net loss

     (506     (262

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

    

Total assets

   $ 14,913      $ 8,478   

Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock

   $ 21,920      $   

 

(2) For the year ended December 31, 2006, we operated as a Subchapter “S” Corporation and therefore were not subject to Federal Income Tax. If we had been a “C” Corporation as of January 1, 2006, assuming a combined federal, state and local effective tax rate of 39%, we would have incurred total income tax of $2,205.
(3) Net sales plus shipping and handling fees.
(4) Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs includes the direct cost of purchased merchandise, freight costs from our suppliers to our distribution centers and freight costs for merchandise shipped directly from our vendors to our boutiques, allowances for inventory shrinkage and obsolescence, boutique occupancy costs including rent, utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes, depreciation, and boutique repair and maintenance costs and shipping costs related to e-commerce sales.
(5) Please see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, for an explanation of per share calculations.
(6) On April 28, 2010, the company authorized a split of its outstanding and authorized common stock in the ratio of four hundred to one. Accordingly, our consolidated financial data included elsewhere in this prospectus have been adjusted to retroactively reflect the effects of the stock split on common shares and per share amounts for all periods presented.
(7) A boutique is included in comparable boutique sales on the first day of the fifteenth full month following the boutique’s opening. When a boutique that is included in comparable boutique sales is relocated, we continue to consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales. If a boutique is closed for thirty days or longer for a remodel or as a result of weather damage, fire or the like, we no longer consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales.
(8) Because of our rapid growth, for purposes of providing a sales per square foot measure, we use average square feet during the period as opposed to total gross square feet at the end of the period. Average square feet is calculated as (a) the sum of the total gross square feet at the end of each fiscal quarter, divided by (b) the number of quarters. There may be variations in the way in which some of our competitors and other retailers calculate sales per square foot or similarly titled measures. As a result, data in this prospectus regarding our average square feet and net sales per average square foot for period may not be comparable to similar data made available by other retailers.

 

48


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with “Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information and operating data, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

We operate on a fiscal calendar which in a given fiscal year consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. The reporting periods contained in our audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus contain 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2010, which ended January 29, 2011, 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2009, which ended January 30, 2010, and 52 weeks of operations in fiscal year 2008, which ended January 31, 2009. For fiscal year 2007, which ended on December 31, 2007, and prior periods, the company operated on a fiscal calendar year ending December 31st.

Overview

francesca’s collections ® is one of the fastest growing specialty retailers in the United States. Our retail locations are designed and merchandised to feel like independently owned, upscale boutiques and provide our customers with an inviting, intimate and fun shopping experience. We believe we offer compelling value with a diverse and uniquely balanced mix of high-quality, trend-right apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts at attractive prices. We tailor our assortment to appeal to our core 18-35 year-old, fashion conscious, female customer, although we find that women of all ages are attracted to our eclectic and sophisticated merchandise selection and boutique setting. We carry a broad selection but limited quantities of individual styles and introduce new merchandise to our boutiques five days a week in order to create a sense of scarcity and newness, which helps drive customer shopping frequency and loyalty.

By offering a differentiated shopping experience and high-quality merchandise at a compelling value, our boutiques have been successful across a wide variety of geographic markets and shopping venues. We believe we have an opportunity to continue to grow our boutique base from 236 locations in 38 states as of April 2, 2011 to approximately 900 boutiques in the United States over time. Our merchandise is also available through our e-commerce website, www.francescascollections.com .

Our company was founded in 1999 by the Founders. We opened our first boutique that same year in Houston, Texas selling fashion jewelry and accessories. In April 2007, the Founders sold a minority ownership interest in the company to BGCP. Early that same year, Mr. De Meritt was appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer of our company. Since 2007, Mr. De Meritt has augmented our strong founding management team with additional highly skilled and deeply experienced executives across key areas of our business. In February 2010, CCMP acquired an approximately 84% controlling interest in the company from the Founders and BGCP (the “CCMP Acquisition”) with the goals of providing liquidity to the Founders and BGCP and supporting Mr. De Meritt and his management team in accelerating our company’s growth.

Our strong growth and operating results reflect the initiatives taken by our management team which include accelerating the rate of new boutique openings, and further investing in our distribution capability and in our internet site and e-commerce capability, as well as the acceptance of our brand

 

49


Table of Contents

and merchandise as we have expanded into additional regions of the United States. Our net sales increased from $29.7 million in fiscal year 2006 to $135.2 million in fiscal year 2010, a compound annual growth rate of 46.1%. Over the same period, we grew income from operations from $5.7 million to $29.6 million, a compound annual growth rate of 51.3%. While revenue increased at a compound annual growth rate of 46.1%, our total retail square footage growth increased at a compound annual growth rate of 35.0% over that same period, as our boutique sales productivity improved.

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2011, we have increased our boutique base from 207 boutiques to 236 boutiques as of April 2, 2011. We expect to continue our strong growth in the future. We believe there is a significant opportunity to grow our boutique base to approximately 900 boutiques over time. We plan to open approximately 75 boutiques in fiscal year 2011 (29 of which were opened as of April 2, 2011). We expect to continue to drive our comparable boutique sales by featuring high-quality, trend-right merchandise at attractive prices and by maintaining our broad and shallow merchandising approach that we believe will result in increased units and dollars per transaction while also protecting margins. We also expect to increase our e-commerce sales by more fully utilizing the functionality of our core e-commerce software that we licensed in 2010, improving our cross-selling and up-selling capability, emphasizing the purchase of coordinated outfits to increase average dollars per sales transaction, and by increasing site traffic by utilizing better search engine optimization tools, email campaigns and social media marketing.

We believe that our broad and shallow merchandising strategy and the differentiated shopping experience we offer to our customers contributes to the success of our boutiques, which generate attractive returns. Over the previous two fiscal years, we opened 98 boutiques which averaged approximately 1,400 square feet and, of the locations open 12 or more months, boutique sales averaged approximately $750,000 in the first year. On average, these boutiques delivered a first-year, pre-tax cash return on net investment in excess of 150% and paid back our net investment on a pre-tax basis in less than one year. Consistent with recent openings, our new boutique operating model assumes a net investment of $155,000 consisting of $110,000 of build-out costs, including equipment and fixtures net of tenant allowances, and $45,000 of initial inventory. We expect new boutique economics to be consistent with our recent history and, based on first-year boutique sales of $650,000 to $750,000 should yield similar pay back and return on net investment.

We pursue various initiatives to build brand awareness and create relationships with customers. These initiatives include in-boutique visual merchandising and presentation, periodic promotions including email marketing campaigns, the use of social networks and the building of a customer database. Our website was redesigned in October of 2010 to deliver improved functionality as well as a stronger brand and fashion sensibility to our customers.

We continue to invest capital to build the corporate and distribution infrastructure necessary to support our growth. We also continue to invest in our systems infrastructure, including implementation of technology for retail merchandise management, point-of-sale software and software applications to support our e-commerce initiatives. We are currently implementing an integrated merchandise management, warehouse management and point-of-sale system. Our plan calls for the merchandise and warehouse components to be implemented during 2011 and the new point-of-sale system to be deployed chain-wide by mid-2012.

We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties many of which are outside of our control and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. These uncertainties and risks include, among others, increases in the cost of raw materials and other inputs used in the production of our merchandise, general economic conditions, the potential lack of success of the malls and other shopping venues in which our boutiques are located, and increased competition as we continue to grow our boutique base. To date, recent increases in the price

 

50


Table of Contents

of cotton, which is used in the production of a portion of our apparel merchandise, have not materially affected our ability to obtain apparel merchandise from our vendors, the prices we pay for such merchandise or the prices we charge our customers for such merchandise. If the price of cotton continues to increase in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain consistent levels and quality of cotton apparel merchandise or that our sales prices and margins will not be adversely impacted. Any future increases in the price of cotton, or other raw materials used in the production of our merchandise, could materially and adversely impact our results of operations.

How We Assess the Performance of Our Business

In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. The key measures for determining how our business is performing are net sales, comparable boutique sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative expenses and operating income.

Net Sales

Net sales constitute gross sales net of merchandise returns. Net sales consist of sales from comparable boutiques and non-comparable boutiques and sales and shipping revenue from our e-commerce business.

Comparable Boutique Sales

A boutique is included in comparable boutique sales on the first day of the fifteenth full month following the boutique’s opening, which is when we believe comparability is achieved. When a boutique that is included in comparable boutique sales is relocated, we continue to consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales. If a boutique is closed for thirty days or longer for a remodel or as a result of weather damage, fire or the like, we no longer consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales. There may be variations in the way in which some of our competitors and other retailers calculate comparable, “same store” or “same boutique” sales. As a result, data in this prospectus regarding our comparable boutique sales may not be comparable to similar data made available by other retailers. Non-comparable boutique sales is comprised of new boutique sales, e-commerce sales, sales from closed boutiques and other sales not included in comparable boutique sales.

Measuring the change in year-over-year comparable boutique sales allows us to evaluate how our boutique base is performing. Various factors affect comparable boutique sales, including:

 

  Ÿ  

consumer preferences, buying trends and overall economic trends;

 

  Ÿ  

our ability to identify and respond effectively to fashion trends and customer preferences;

 

  Ÿ  

our ability to provide an assortment of distinctive, high-quality product offerings to generate new and repeat visits to our boutiques;

 

  Ÿ  

competition;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in our merchandise mix;

 

  Ÿ  

changes in pricing and average unit prices;

 

  Ÿ  

the number of items purchased per transaction or boutique visit;

 

  Ÿ  

the timing of promotional events and holidays;

 

  Ÿ  

the timing of introduction of new merchandise and customer acceptance of new merchandise;

 

  Ÿ  

the level of customer service that we provide in our boutiques;

 

  Ÿ  

our opening of new boutiques in the vicinity of our existing boutiques;

 

  Ÿ  

our ability to source and distribute merchandise efficiently; and

 

  Ÿ  

the number of boutiques we open, close, remodel or relocate in any period.

 

51


Table of Contents

Opening new boutiques is an important part of our growth strategy. As we continue to pursue our growth strategy we expect that a significant percentage of our net sales will continue to come from new boutiques not included in comparable boutique sales. Accordingly, comparable boutique sales is only one measure we use to assess the success of our growth strategy. Our rapid pace of new boutique openings may affect the comparability of our results of operations, particularly our comparable boutique sales growth, to similar data made available by other retailers. We also anticipate that sales from our e-commerce business will become a more significant contributor to net sales.

The specialty retail apparel and accessories industry is cyclical, and consequently our net sales are affected by general economic conditions. Purchases of apparel, jewelry, accessories and gift items are sensitive to a number of factors that influence the levels of consumer spending, including economic conditions and the level of disposable consumer income, consumer debt, interest rates and consumer confidence.

Our business is mildly seasonal and as a result, our net sales fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Net sales are usually highest in the fourth fiscal quarter due to the year-end holiday season and lowest in the first fiscal quarter. While December generally experiences the highest level of net sales, January is typically the month with the least net sales. Both months are included in our fourth fiscal quarter.

Gross Profit

Gross profit is equal to our net sales less our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs. Gross margin measures gross profit as a percentage of our net sales. Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs includes the direct cost of purchased merchandise, freight costs from our suppliers to our distribution centers and freight costs for merchandise shipped directly from our vendors to our boutiques, allowances for inventory shrinkage and obsolescence, boutique occupancy costs, including rent, utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes, depreciation and boutique repair and maintenance costs, and shipping costs related to e-commerce sales. The components of our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs may not be comparable to the components of cost of goods sold or similar measures of our competitors and other retailers. As a result, data in this prospectus regarding our gross profit and gross margin may not be comparable to similar data made available by our competitors and other retailers.

The variable component of our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs is higher in higher volume quarters because the variable component of our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs generally increases as net sales increase. Changes in the mix of our merchandise sold, such as changes in the percentage of apparel sold, may also impact our overall cost of goods sold and occupancy costs. We review our inventory levels on an ongoing basis to identify slow-moving merchandise, and generally use markdowns to clear that merchandise. The timing and level of markdowns are not principally seasonal in nature but are driven by customer acceptance of our merchandise. If we misjudge the market for our merchandise, we may be faced with significant excess inventories for some merchandise and be required to mark down such merchandise in order to sell them. These markdowns may result in selling merchandise below cost. Markdowns have reduced our gross profit in some prior periods and may have a material adverse impact on our earnings for future periods depending on the extent of the markdown discount and the amount of merchandise affected.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling expense includes boutique payroll, employee benefits, freight from distribution centers to boutiques, boutique pre-opening expense, credit card merchant fees, costs of maintaining our internet presence and operating our e-commerce business while general and administrative expenses includes payroll and benefits for our headquarters and distribution operations, management incentives,

 

52


Table of Contents

professional fees, travel and administration costs and other expenses related to operations at our corporate headquarters, as well as share-based compensation. While selling expense generally varies proportionally with net sales, general and administrative expenses does not generally vary proportionally with net sales. As a result, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales is usually higher in lower volume quarters and lower in higher volume quarters. The components of our selling, general and administrative expenses may not be comparable to those of our competitors and other retailers. We expect that our selling, general and administrative expenses will increase in future periods due to our continuing growth and in part to additional legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses we expect to incur as a result of being a public company. Among other things, we expect that compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules and regulations will result in significant legal and accounting costs.

Share-based compensation expense related to stock options was $2,400,000, $99,000 and $8,000 for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We granted options to purchase an aggregate of 1,994,430, 406,000 and 100,000 shares of common stock in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These and any future stock option grants will increase our share-based compensation expense in fiscal year 2011 and in future fiscal years compared to fiscal year 2010. See “—Critical Accounting Policies”.

Income from Operations

Income from operations is gross profit less selling, general and administrative expenses. We use operating income as an indicator of the productivity of our business and our ability to manage selling, general and administrative expenses. We believe that our operating income, expressed as a percentage of net sales, compares favorably to other specialty retailers.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

In evaluating our business, we consider and use EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our operating performance because it has been a measurement criterion in our management compensation plan. We use Adjusted EBITDA only as a measure in the calculation of the financial ratios that we are required to maintain under the terms of our existing senior secured credit facility. We define EBITDA as net income before net interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus share-based compensation expense as adjusted for expenses (minus gains) that we do not consider reflective of our ongoing operations, consistent with the definition of EBITDA in our existing senior secured credit facility (referred to herein as “Credit Agreement EBITDA”). See “—Non-GAAP Measures.”

 

53


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following tables summarize key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated, both in dollars and as a percentage of net sales:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended   
    
 
January 29,
2011
  
  
   
 
January 30,
2010
  
  
   
 
January 31,
2009
  
  
    
 
(in thousands, except percentages and
number of boutiques)
  
  

Net sales

   $ 135,176      $ 79,367      $ 52,290   

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

     65,008        37,244        25,358   
                        

Gross profit

     70,168        42,123        26,932   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     40,525        24,641        19,962   
                        

Income from operations

     29,643        17,482        6,970   

Other income (expense)

     (2     38        14   

Interest income (expense)

     (1,633     2        4   
                        

Income before income tax expense

     28,008        17,522        6,988   

Income tax expense

     11,113        6,918        2,382   
                        

Net income

   $ 16,895      $ 10,604        4,606   
                        

Percentage of sales:

      

Net sales

     100.0     100.0     100.0

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

     48.1     46.9     48.5
                        

Gross profit

     51.9     53.1     51.5

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     30.0     31.0     38.2
                        

Income from operations

     21.9     22.1     13.3

Other income (expense)

     0.0     0.0     0.0

Interest income (expense)

     (1.2 )%      0.0     0.0
                        

Income before income tax expense

     20.7     22.1     13.3

Income tax expense

     8.2     8.7     4.6
                        

Net income

     12.5     13.4     8.7
                        

Operating data:

      

Comparable boutique sales growth for period(1)

     15.2     9.8     (6.3 )% 

Number of boutiques open at end of period

     207        147        111   

Net sales per average square foot for period (not in thousands)

   $ 508      $ 429      $ 384   

Average square feet (in thousands)(2)

     266        185        136   

Total gross square feet at end of period (in thousands)

     296        210        158   

 

(1) A boutique is included in comparable boutique sales on the first day of the fifteenth full month following the boutique’s opening. When a boutique that is included in comparable boutique sales is relocated, we continue to consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales. If a boutique is closed for thirty days or longer for a remodel or as a result of weather damage, fire or the like, we no longer consider sales from that boutique to be comparable boutique sales.
(2) Because of our rapid growth, for purposes of providing a sales per square foot measure, we use average square feet during the period as opposed to total gross square feet at the end of the period. Average square feet is calculated as (a) the sum of the total gross square feet at the end of each fiscal quarter, divided by (b) the number of quarters. There may be variations in the way in which some of our competitors and other retailers calculate sales per square foot or similarly titled measures. As a result, data in this prospectus regarding our average square feet and net sales per average square foot for period may not be comparable to similar data made available by other retailers.

 

54


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the number of boutiques open at the beginning and the end of the periods indicated:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,      January 30,      January 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  

Number of boutiques open at beginning of period

     147        111        80  

Boutiques added

     62         36        31  

Boutiques closed

     (2                
                          

Number of boutiques open at the end of period

     207         147         111   
                          

We have determined our operating segments on the same basis that we use internally to evaluate performance. Our reporting segments are our boutiques and e-commerce business, which have been aggregated into one reportable financial segment. We aggregate our operating segments because (i) the merchandise offered at our retail locations and through our e-commerce business is largely the same, (ii) we believe that the majority of our e-commerce customers are also customers of our retail locations and (iii) the merchandise margin of both segments is similar.

Fiscal Year 2010 Compared to Fiscal Year 2009

Net Sales

Net sales increased 70.3%, or $55.8 million, to $135.2 million in fiscal year 2010 from $79.4 million in fiscal year 2009. Comparable boutique sales increased 15.2% for fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. Comparable boutique sales increased $10.5 million and non-comparable boutique sales increased $45.3 million, with $33.4 million from boutiques that opened in fiscal year 2010. There were 137 comparable boutiques and 70 non-comparable boutiques open at January 29, 2011 compared to 106 and 41, respectively, at January 30, 2010.

Our net e-commerce sales increased to $1.9 million in fiscal year 2010 from $1.0 million in fiscal year 2009. E-commerce sales increased due to our use of a more robust e-commerce technology platform, expanded marketing efforts to a larger customer base and a growing awareness of francesca’s collections ® resulting from growth in our boutique base.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended         
     January 29,
2011
     January 30,
2010
     Change  
     (in thousands)  

Apparel

   $ 70,326       $ 45,540       $ 24,786   

Jewelry

     27,911         16,764         11,147   

Accessories

     19,567         8,007         11,560   

Gifts

     17,367         8,949         8,418   

Shipping

     195         107         88   
                          
     135,366         79,367         55,999   

Allowance for returns

     (190              (190
                          

Merchandise sales

   $ 135,176       $ 79,367       $ 55,809   
                          

The preceding table was prepared from our internal merchandise system and presents sales by merchandise category. As shown in that table, sales increased in all of our merchandise categories, but growth was particularly high in the accessories and gift categories. We determined that an allowance for returns was not necessary in fiscal year 2009 because our calculation of the return amount for 2009 based on historical returns was not material for that year.

 

55


Table of Contents

Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Costs

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs increased 74.5%, or $27.8 million, to $65.0 million in fiscal year 2010 from $37.2 million in fiscal year 2009. Cost of merchandise and freight expenses increased by $18.2 million primarily driven by the increased sales volume. Occupancy costs increased by $8.6 million principally due to the increase in the number of boutiques in operation during fiscal year 2010 as compared to fiscal year 2009. This led to higher fixed boutique-level expenses including rent, utilities, depreciation and common area maintenance. Allowance for shrinkage increased by $1.0 million primarily due to increased sales and inventory levels. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold and occupancy costs increased to 48.1% in fiscal year 2010 from 46.9% in fiscal year 2009 which was primarily caused by a decline in merchandise margin resulting from increased sales of markdown merchandise as a percentage of total sales as well as a correction to rent expense of $0.7 million reflecting rent incurred prior to boutique openings in past fiscal years.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased 66.6%, or $28.0 million, in fiscal year 2010 to $70.2 million from $42.1 million in fiscal year 2009. Gross margin decreased 116 basis points to 51.9% for fiscal year 2010 from 53.1% for fiscal year 2009. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in merchandise margin, which decline was primarily due to sales of markdown merchandise accounting for a larger proportion of net sales in fiscal year 2010 as well as a correction to rent expense of $0.7 million, or 50 basis points of gross margin, for rent incurred from time of possession to boutique opening, for boutiques opened in prior fiscal years.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 64.5%, or $15.9 million, to $40.5 million in fiscal year 2010 from $24.6 million in fiscal year 2009. Of the total increase, $8.9 million was attributable to the increase in selling expense, primarily due to an increase in the number of boutiques in operation during fiscal year 2010, compared to fiscal year 2009, which led to higher overall boutique-level labor expenses and other costs to operate our boutiques. Specifically, payroll and related expenses increased by $6.9 million, credit card merchant fee expense increased by $1.1 million and boutique and office supplies expense increased by $0.5 million. Several smaller changes accounted for the $0.4 million remaining increase. General and administrative expenses increased by $7.0 million due to the cost of adding headquarters and distribution employees to manage the larger boutique base and increased net sales as well as increased management incentives. Payroll and related expenses accounted for $5.9 million of the increase, including an increase of $2.3 million in stock compensation expense, and corporate travel expense increased $0.5 million. The remaining increase consisted of smaller year-to-year changes. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 30.0% in fiscal year 2010 from 31.0% in fiscal year 2009, primarily due to lower boutique-level labor expenses as a percentage of sales. The selling expense portion declined as a percentage of net sales to 17.8% in fiscal year 2010 from 19.0% in fiscal year 2009, while the general and administrative portion increased to 12.2% from 12.0% in fiscal year 2010.

Income from Operations

As a result of the foregoing, income from operations increased $12.2 million, or 69.6%, to $29.6 million in fiscal year 2010 from $17.5 million in fiscal year 2009. Income from operations was 21.9% of net sales in fiscal year 2010 compared to 22.1% in fiscal year 2009.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net increased by $1.6 million in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009 because the company made initial borrowings under its senior secured credit facility during fiscal year 2010.

 

56


Table of Contents

Provision for Income Taxes

The increase in provision for income taxes of $4.2 million in fiscal year 2010 from fiscal year 2009 was due primarily to a $10.5 million increase in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate of 39.7% in fiscal year 2010 was comparable to the effective tax rate of 39.5% in fiscal year 2009.

Net Income

Net income increased 59.3%, or $6.3 million, to $16.9 million in fiscal year 2010 from $10.6 million in fiscal year 2009. This increase was due primarily to a $28.0 million increase in gross profit, partially offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses of $15.9 million, and a higher provision for income taxes of $4.2 million.

Fiscal Year 2009 Compared to Fiscal Year 2008

Net Sales

Net sales increased 51.8%, or $27.1 million, to $79.4 million in fiscal year 2009 from $52.3 million in fiscal year 2008. Comparable boutique sales increased 9.8% for fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008, as a result of particularly strong growth in clothing and accessories categories, as presented in the following table. Comparable boutique sales increased by $4.5 million and non-comparable boutiques sales increased $21.7 million with $15.0 million from boutiques that opened in fiscal year 2009. There were 106 comparable boutiques and 41 non-comparable boutiques open at January 30, 2010 compared to 70 and 41, respectively, at January 31, 2009.

Our net e-commerce sales increased to $1.0 million from $0.7 million in the prior fiscal year. E-commerce sales increased as we expanded our assortment of merchandise available for online purchase and as our customer database that we market to increased.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended         
     January 30,      January 31.         
     2010      2009      Change  
     (in thousands)  

Apparel

   $ 45,540       $ 26,829       $ 18,711   

Jewelry

     16,764         12,281         4,483   

Accessories

     8,007         5,391         2,616   

Gifts

     8,949         7,789         1,160   

Shipping

     107         —           107   
                          

Merchandise sales

   $ 79,367       $ 52,290       $ 27,077   
                          

The preceding table was prepared from our internal merchandise system and presents sales by merchandise category. While percentage growth rates were highest for apparel and accessories, our jewelry category was also a key contributor to the total net sales increase. Returns for both fiscal years 2009 and 2008 were not material, thus, we do not believe that an allowance for returns was necessary for those years.

Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Costs

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs increased 46.9%, or $11.9 million, to $37.2 million in fiscal year 2009 from $25.4 million in fiscal year 2008. Cost of merchandise and freight expenses increased $8.4 million which was primarily driven by the increased sales volume. Occupancy costs increased $3.5 million principally due to the increase in the number of boutiques in operation during fiscal year 2009 as compared to fiscal year 2008. This led to higher fixed boutique-level expenses including rent,

 

57


Table of Contents

utilities, depreciation and common area maintenance. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold and occupancy costs decreased to 46.9% in fiscal year 2009 from 48.5% in fiscal year 2008 as fixed costs were absorbed by increased sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased 56.4%, or $15.2 million, in fiscal year 2009 to $42.1 million from $26.9 million in fiscal year 2008. Gross margin increased 156 basis points to 53.1% for fiscal year 2009 from 51.5% for fiscal year 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to the absorption of fixed boutique occupancy costs over increased net sales as well as lower inventory shrinkage costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 23.4% or $4.7 million to $24.6 million in fiscal year 2009 from $20.0 million in fiscal year 2008. Of the total increase, $3.0 million was attributable to the increase in selling expense, primarily due to an increase in the number of boutiques in operation during fiscal year 2009, compared to fiscal year 2008, which led to higher overall boutique-level labor expenses and other costs to operate our boutiques. Specifically, payroll and related expenses increased by $2.0 million and credit card merchant fee expense increased by $0.6 million. Several smaller changes accounted for the $0.4 million remaining increase. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million due to the cost of adding headquarters and distribution employees to manage the larger boutique base and increased net sales as well as professional fees relating to the CCMP Acquisition. Specifically, professional fees were increased by $1.0 million, payroll and related expenses increased by $0.4 million, which included an additional $90 thousand of compensation expense. The remaining $0.3 million increase was comprised of smaller year-to-year changes. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses declined to 31.0% in fiscal year 2009 from 38.2% in fiscal year 2008. The selling expense portion declined to 19.0% from 23.1% as a percentage of net sales, principally as a result of improved boutique labor scheduling. The general and administrative portion declined to 12.0% in fiscal year 2009 from 15.1% in fiscal 2008 as headquarters payroll was absorbed over higher net sales, partially offset by increased professional fees.

Income from Operations

As a result of the foregoing, income from operations increased $10.5 million, or 150.8%, to $17.5 million in fiscal year 2009 from $7.0 million in fiscal year 2008. Income from operations was 22.0% of net sales in fiscal year 2009 compared to 13.3% in fiscal year 2008.

Provision for Income Taxes

The increase in provision for income taxes of $4.5 million in fiscal year 2009 from fiscal year 2008 was due primarily to a $10.5 million increase in pre-tax income and an increase in the effective tax rate. For fiscal year 2008, the provision for income taxes was reduced by $0.2 million due to adjustments made to deferred income taxes for differences between estimates used in recording the income tax provision in the prior year and the actual federal and state tax returns.

Net Income

Net income increased 130.2%, or $6.0 million, to $10.6 million in fiscal year 2009 from $4.6 million in fiscal year 2008. This increase was due primarily to a $15.2 million increase in gross profit, partially offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses of $4.7 million, and a higher provision for income taxes of $4.5 million.

 

58


Table of Contents

Quarterly Results and Seasonality

The following table sets forth our historical quarterly results of operation as well as certain operating data for each of our most recent eight fiscal quarters expressed as a percentage of our net sales. This unaudited quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as our annual audited financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary to present fairly the financial information for the fiscal quarters presented.

The quarterly data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

Quarterly Results of Operations

 

    Fiscal Year 2010     Fiscal Year 2009  
    Fourth
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    First
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    First
Quarter
 
   

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except percentages and number of boutiques)

 

Net sales

  $ 39,882      $ 35,073      $ 34,804      $ 25,417      $ 24,607      $ 19,501      $ 20,008      $ 15,251   

Gross profit

    20,592        18,149        18,782        12,645        12,932        10,204        10,919        8,068   

Income from operations

    8,912        8,401        9,709        2,621        4,580        4,053        5,591        3,258   

Net income

    4,328        5,115        5,861        1,591        2,788        2,450        3,390        1,976   

Year-Over-Year Increase

               

Net sales

    62.1     79.9     74.0     66.7     69.0     49.9     50.9     33.0

Gross profit

    59.2     77.9     72.0     56.7     99.7     52.3     43.6     31.9

Percent of Annual Results

               

Net sales

    29.5     25.9     25.7     18.8     31.0     24.6     25.2     19.2

Gross profit

    29.3     25.9     26.8     18.0     30.7     24.2     25.9     19.2

Income from operations

    30.1     28.3     32.8     8.8     26.2     23.2     32.0     18.6

Net income

    25.6     30.3     34.7     9.4     26.3     23.1     32.0     18.6

Operating Data

               

Comparable boutique sales change

    14.5     21.1     11.2     14.5     20.6     8.5     11.2     (3.6 )% 

Number of boutiques open at end of period

    207        206        197        172        147        145        129        118   

 

Percentage totals in the above table may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding.

Seasonality

Our business is mildly seasonal in nature and demand is generally the highest in the fourth fiscal quarter due to the year-end holiday season and lowest in the first fiscal quarter. In addition, to prepare for these periods, we must order and keep in stock more merchandise than we carry during other parts of the year. We expect inventory levels, along with an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, generally to reach their highest levels in anticipation of the increased net sales during these periods. As a result of this seasonality and generally because of variation in consumer spending habits, we experience fluctuations in net sales and working capital requirements during the year.

 

59


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under our senior secured credit facility. Following completion of this offering, we expect that our primary sources of liquidity will be cash flows from operations and borrowings under a new revolving credit facility. Our primary cash needs are for capital expenditures in connection with opening new boutiques and remodeling existing boutiques, investing in improved technology and working capital required for the increases in merchandise inventories associated with our growth and payments of interest and principal under our existing senior secured credit facility. We also occasionally use cash or our senior secured credit facility to issue letters of credit to support merchandise imports or for other corporate purposes. Cash is also required for investment in information technology and distribution facility enhancements and funding normal working capital requirements. The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, merchandise inventories, accounts payable and other current liabilities. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to customers the same day or, in the case of credit or debit card transactions, within several days of the related sale and we typically have up to 30 days to pay our vendors.

While we believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet our current operating requirements and expansion plans, we may elect to pursue additional expansion opportunities within the next year which could require additional debt or equity financing. If we are unable to secure additional financing at favorable terms in order to pursue such additional expansion opportunities, our ability to pursue such opportunities could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, during the recent recession, we experienced negative comparable boutique sales from the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 through the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, which reduced our cash flow from operations. We could experience a similar effect in a future recessionary period.

We were in compliance with all covenants under our existing senior credit facility as of January 29, 2011. At January 29, 2011, we had $12.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $5.0 million in borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility. There were no letters of credit outstanding at the end of fiscal year 2010.

Cash Flow

A summary of our operating, investing and financing activities are shown in the following table:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Provided by operating activities

   $ 21,020      $ 13,277      $ 3,708   

Used for investing activities

     (16,208     (5,538     (2,013

Used for financing activities

     (6,063            (1,525
                        

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (1,251   $ 7,739      $ 170   
                        

 

60


Table of Contents

Operating Activities

Operating activities consist primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, the effect of working capital changes and tenant allowances received from landlords.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,     January 30,     January 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Net income

   $ 16,895      $ 10,604      $ 4,606   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     2,377        1,215        700   

Stock-based compensation expense

     2,400        99        8   

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     (1,757              

Loss on sale of assets

     25                 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     158                 

Deferred income taxes

     (2,685     (833     (54

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

     (3,557     (126     (49

Inventories

     (5,581     (794     310   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (1,549     (573     (407

Accounts payable

     3,443        1,434        (298

Accrued liabilities

     3,874        1,007        39   

Deferred and accrued rents

     5,999        1,440        315   

Income taxes payable

     978        (196     (1,462
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 21,020      $ 13,277      $ 3,708   
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities was $21.0 million and $13.3 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The $7.7 million increase in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009 was primarily due to improved operating results given our significant revenue growth.

Net working capital decreased $3.1 million in fiscal year 2010 as merchandise inventory increased in connection with both new as well as existing boutiques; accounts receivable, principally from credit card providers increased in connection with the increase in net sales as well as from higher tenant allowances and federal income tax refund receivable; and prepaid assets increased as a result of higher prepaid rent and prepaid insurance. Those working capital decreases were partially offset by increases in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred rent.

Merchandise inventory increased $5.6 million in fiscal year 2010 compared to an increase of $0.8 million in fiscal year 2009. Merchandise inventory increased during the year due to and in preparation for new boutique openings, and in anticipation of sales increases in comparable boutiques. We estimate inventory levels and capital requirements based on historical boutique sales performance and new boutique opening plans as well as planned merchandise assortment. To the extent that inventory levels substantially increase, we may rely upon various promotional events or pricing strategies to sell through the inventory levels. Management believes that at January 29, 2011, merchandise inventory is at an appropriate level, from both a business and capital structure perspective, and properly planned for the prospective selling season. While management remains watchful in the current economic environment, we do not believe it will have a negative effect on our present business strategy.

 

61


Table of Contents

Investing Activities

Investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures for new boutiques, improvements to existing boutiques, as well as investment in information technology and our distribution facility.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,
2011
     January 30,
2010
     January 31,
2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Capital expenditures for:

        

New boutiques

   $ 13,176       $ 4,872       $ 1,676   

Existing boutiques

     850         153         138   

Technology

     1,708         94           

Corporate and distribution

     474         419         199   
                          

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ 16,208       $ 5,538       $ 2,013   
                          

Our total capital expenditures for fiscal year 2010 were $16.2 million with new boutiques accounting for the majority of spending at $13.2 million. Spending for new boutiques included amounts associated with boutiques that opened within the first quarter of the subsequent fiscal year. The average cost of the leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures for new boutiques opening in fiscal year 2010 was $170,000 exclusive of tenant allowances. Of the $13.2 million of capital spending on new boutiques, $3.4 million was for new boutiques that opened in fiscal year 2011. In fiscal year 2009, $0.9 million was spent on boutique openings in fiscal year 2010. While capital expenditures for new boutiques were $13.2 million, we received tenant allowances of $5.0 million. Tenant allowances were $1.4 million and $0.3 million for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. Tenant allowances are amortized as a reduction in rent expense over the term of the lease. The remaining capital expenditures of $3.0 million in fiscal year 2010, $0.7 million in fiscal year 2009 and $0.3 million in fiscal year 2008 were primarily for investments in information technology, our corporate offices and for distribution facility enhancements.

Management anticipates that capital expenditures in fiscal year 2011 will be approximately $18.3 million to $20.8 million, including approximately $13.5 million to $14.3 million in connection with the opening of approximately 75 new boutiques in 2011 and approximately $3.0 million to $4.5 million in connection with boutiques we plan to open in early fiscal year 2012. We anticipate that the average cost of leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures for new boutiques planned to open in fiscal year 2011 will be approximately $180,000 - $190,000 per boutique, before tenant allowances of $70,000 to $80,000. In connection with these capital expenditures for new boutiques, we anticipate receiving similar amounts of tenant allowances as in fiscal year 2010. Capital spending in fiscal year 2011 for boutiques opening in fiscal year 2011 is subject to a number of variables including the successful negotiation of leases and the timing of the availability of space to begin boutique construction. Our technology initiatives are expected to require capital investment in the range of $1.8 to $2.0 million during fiscal year 2011. The remaining capital expenditures are expected to be used for miscellaneous investments in our corporate offices and for distribution center enhancements.

Our expectation is that cash flow from operations along with borrowings under either our existing secured credit facility or our new revolving credit facility and tenant allowances for new boutiques will be sufficient to fund capital expenditures for new boutiques, our technology initiatives including our planned merchandise planning, allocation and analytic system implementation and point-of-sale upgrade, and other requirements for our corporate offices and distribution facility. While our accounting system may require upgrading or replacement at a future date, we believe it is sufficient for at least the next two-to-three years, at which point we will assess the cost and benefit of its replacement.

 

62


Table of Contents

Financing Activities

Financing activities consist primarily of borrowings and payments under our existing senior secured credit facility and distributions to our stockholders.

 

    Fiscal Year Ended  
    January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
     January 31,
2009
 
    (in thousands)  

Dividends

  $ (100,000   $         —       $   

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

    1,757                  

Proceeds from debt

    95,000                  

Repayments on debt

    (1,187               

Payment of debt issuance costs

    (2,137               

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

    504                  

S-Corporation distributions

                   (1,525
                        

Net cash used for financing activities

  $ (6,063   $       $ (1,525
                        

Net cash used for financing activities was $6.1 million in fiscal year 2010. This included net proceeds of $95.0 million from borrowings under our existing senior secured credit facility, offset by the payment of a $100.0 million cash dividend and the repayment of $1.2 million of indebtedness outstanding under our existing senior secured credit facility. We currently expect to retain all available funds and future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and growth of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. See “Dividend Policy”.

During fiscal year 2010, we made $1.2 million of scheduled principal payments on the term loans outstanding under our existing senior secured credit facility, reducing outstanding term loan to $93.8 million at fiscal year-end.

There were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding under our existing senior secured credit facility at January 29, 2011.

Preferred Stock

On February 26, 2010, CCMP acquired approximately 84% of our outstanding equity from various stockholders. As a part of the CCMP Acquisition, the Series A Preferred Stock of the company was converted into common shares on a one-for-one basis and all related rights and preferences were terminated. Accordingly, no preferred stock was outstanding at year-end. See note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility

On November 17, 2010, Francesca’s Collections, our wholly owned indirect subsidiary, entered into a $100.0 million senior secured credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions. The existing senior secured credit facility consists of a $95.0 million term loan facility and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility, each with a scheduled maturity date of November 17, 2013. The revolving credit facility includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit. As of January 29, 2011, we had $93.8 million outstanding under our term loan facility and $5.0 million available under our revolving credit facility. There were no outstanding letters of credit at the end of fiscal year 2010.

All obligations under the existing senior secured credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, Parent and each of Francesca’s Collections’ existing and future direct

 

63


Table of Contents

and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. All obligations under our existing senior secured credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as cash management obligations and any interest rate hedging or other swap agreements), are secured by substantially all of Francesca’s Collections’ assets as well as those of each subsidiary guarantor.

The borrowings under our existing senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the higher of (i) the prime rate of Royal Bank of Canada and (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% and (3) 2.75% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, a rate equal to the higher of (1) 1.75% and (2) the LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The current applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility is 5.00% with respect to base rate borrowings and 6.00% with respect to LIBOR borrowings. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility for base rate borrowings increases to 6.50% and 9.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility for LIBOR borrowings increases to 7.50% and 10.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. As of January 29, 2011, the loans under our existing senior secured credit facility were LIBOR-based and had an interest rate of 7.75%.

Additionally, we are required to pay a fee to the lenders under the revolving credit facility on the un-borrowed amount at a rate equal to 1/2 of 1%. We are also required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

The term loan facility amortizes each year in an amount equal to 1.25% per annum from closing until September 30, 2011 (payable in four equal installments beginning on December 30, 2010) and 2.50% per annum from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 (payable in four equal installments beginning on December 31, 2011), with the remaining amount payable on November 17, 2013.

In addition, the existing senior secured credit facility requires Francesca’s Collections to maintain the following financial ratios:

 

  Ÿ  

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending January 29, 2011, a consolidated leverage ratio which shall not be more than the maximum consolidated leverage ratio, which is based upon the ratio of (i) consolidated total debt (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement). The maximum consolidated leverage ratio, depending on the fiscal quarter, ranges from (a) 4.50 to 1.00, to (b) 3.00 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending January 29, 2011, a senior leverage ratio which shall not be greater than the maximum senior leverage ratio, which is based upon the ratio of (i) senior debt (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement). The maximum senior leverage ratio, depending on the fiscal quarter, ranges from (a) 3.50 to 1.00, to (b) 2.00 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2011, a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio which shall not be less than the minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, which is based upon the ratio of (i) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) for the prior four fiscal quarters minus certain capital expenditures (as defined in the credit agreement) minus taxes payable with respect to such period minus permitted tax distributions (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated fixed charges (as defined in the credit agreement). The minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, depending on the fiscal quarter, ranges from (a) 1.00 to 1.00, to (b) 2.00 to 1.00.

We were in compliance with all covenants under our existing senior credit facility as of January 29, 2011. Our ability to declare dividends from Francesca’s Collections to Holdings at

 

64


Table of Contents

January 29, 2011 was subject to restrictions under our senior credit facility. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness—Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility” for additional details on our senior secured credit facility.

The existing senior secured credit facility provides that mandatory prepayments out of the following amounts will be applied first to the term loan facility then second to the revolving credit facility (without reducing commitments under the revolving credit facility):

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the credit agreement) for each fiscal year, which percentage is reduced to 25% upon the achievement of a consolidated leverage ratio less than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00 and further reduced to 0% upon the achievement of a consolidated leverage ratio less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00;

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds of any indebtedness that is not permitted to be incurred under the terms of the credit agreement;

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from certain non-ordinary course asset sales and casualty events, subject to reinvestment rights; and

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from equity issuances (including net cash proceeds from this offering) other than to CCMP and other existing stockholders.

We believe that our cash position, net cash provided by operating activities and availability under our existing senior secured credit facility will be adequate to finance working capital needs and planned capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months.

We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with borrowings under our new revolving credit facility, to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full. If we do not enter into a new revolving credit facility, then a portion of the loans under our existing senior secured credit facility will remain outstanding. The proposed terms of the new facility include an interest rate that will vary with other reference rates including LIBOR and Prime Rate as quoted by the Administrative Agent bank, but with a lower interest rate margin than our existing facility. Therefore, our longer-term requirements for principal and interest payments will be lower than is required under our current borrowing.

New Revolving Credit Facility

On May 23, 2011, we and a group of lenders entered into a commitment letter for a new revolving credit facility, based on a detailed term sheet, in the aggregate amount of $65.0 million. The commitments under the commitment letter expire on August 15, 2011, unless extended. The material closing conditions under the new revolving credit facility are as follows:

 

  Ÿ  

the absence of various types of material adverse changes relating to us;

 

  Ÿ  

the concurrent completion of this offering in a manner that yields sufficient proceeds, together with up to $50.0 million of proceeds under the new revolving credit facility, to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full;

 

  Ÿ  

the absence of any competing issues of debt by us;

 

  Ÿ  

the delivery of monthly financial statements until the closing date; and

 

  Ÿ  

the execution of customary loan and security documentation.

Some of these closing conditions are outside our control. There can be no assurance that the closing conditions will be met. If these conditions are not met, the lenders will not be obligated to provide the new revolving credit facility, and the refinancing of our existing senior secured credit facility may not be completed on the terms that we expect or at all.

 

65


Table of Contents

Our new revolving credit facility will consist of a $65.0 million revolving credit facility, with a five year maturity. The new revolving credit facility will include borrowing capacity available for letters of credit.

All obligations under the new revolving credit facility will be unconditionally guaranteed by,

subject to certain exceptions, Parent and each of Francesca’s Collections’ existing and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. All obligations under the new revolving credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as cash management obligations and any interest rate hedging or other swap agreements), will be secured by substantially all of Francesca’s Collections’ assets as well as the assets of each subsidiary guarantor.

The borrowings under the new revolving credit facility will bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the higher of (i) the prime rate of Royal Bank of Canada and (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% and (3) 2.75% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, a rate equal to the higher of (1) 1.75% and (2) the LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The applicable margin for borrowings under the new revolving credit facility will range from 1.25% to 2.25% with respect to base rate borrowings and from 2.25% to 3.25% with respect to LIBOR borrowings, in each case based upon the achievement of specified levels of a ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA. Additionally, we will be required to pay a fee to the lenders under the new revolving credit facility on the un-borrowed amount at a rate ranging from 0.25% to 0.45%, based on the achievement of specified levels of a ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA. We will also be required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

The new revolving credit facility will contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the ability of Francesca’s Collections and its subsidiaries, to (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens; (iii) make certain investments, loans and advances; (iv) sell assets; (v) pay dividends or make distributions or make other restricted payments; (vi) prepay other indebtedness; (vii) engage in mergers or consolidations; (viii) change the business conducted by Francesca’s Collections and its subsidiaries; (ix) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (x) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries; and (xi) amend certain charter documents and material agreements governing subordinated and junior indebtedness.

In addition, the new revolving credit facility will require Francesca’s Collections to comply with the following financial covenants:

 

  Ÿ  

A maximum ratio of (i) lease-adjusted consolidated total debt (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated EBITDA of 4.25 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

A minimum ratio of (i) consolidated EBITDA to (ii) interest expense of 4.00 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

Maximum capital expenditures of $25.0 million per fiscal year, with any unused portion allowed to be carried over to the next fiscal year subject to a 50.0% cap.

The new revolving credit facility will also contain customary events of default, including: (i) failure to pay principal, interest, fees or other amounts under the new revolving credit facility when due taking into account any applicable grace period; (ii) any representation or warranty proving to have been incorrect in any material respect when made; (iii) failure to perform or observe covenants or other terms of the existing senior secured credit facility subject to certain grace periods; (iv) a cross default with respect to other material indebtedness; (v) bankruptcy and insolvency events; (vi) unsatisfied material final judgments; (vii) a “change of control”; (viii) certain defaults under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; (ix) the invalidity or impairment of any loan document or any security interest; and (x) the subordination provisions of any material subordinated debt or junior debt shall cease to be in full force.

 

66


Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases estimates on historical experience and other assumptions it believes to be reasonable given the circumstances and evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe that the following critical accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. See note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies. The following reflect the significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue upon purchase of merchandise by customers, net of estimated merchandise returns and discounts. Revenue is recognized for boutique sales at the point at which the customer receives and pays for the merchandise at the register. For on-line sales, revenue is recognized upon delivery and includes shipping charges. Management estimates future returns on previously sold merchandise based on return history and current sales levels. The estimated sales returns are periodically compared to actual sales returns and adjusted, if appropriate.

Gift Cards and Gift Card Breakage

We account for the sale of gift cards as a liability at the time a gift card is sold. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized upon redemption of the gift card. Our gift cards do not have an expiration date. We will recognize income from the breakage of gift cards when the likelihood of redemption of the gift card is remote based on historical redemption patterns. We do not have accumulated adequate historical data to reasonably estimate the amount of gift cards that will never be redeemed. Consequently, we have not recognized gift card breakage income in fiscal years 2010, 2009 or 2008. We do not anticipate recognizing gift card breakage until it accumulates additional data beyond fiscal year 2011.

Inventory Valuation

We value merchandise inventory at the lower of cost or market on a weighted average cost basis. Inventory costs include freight-in. We record merchandise receipts at the time they are delivered to our distribution center or to our boutiques from vendors.

We review our inventory levels to identify slow-moving merchandise and generally use promotional markdowns to clear slow-moving merchandise. Each period we evaluate recent selling trends and the related promotional events or pricing strategies in place to sell through the current inventory levels. Promotional markdowns or additions to the lower of cost or market reserve may occur when inventory exceeds customer demand for reasons of style, seasonal adaptation, changes in customer preference, lack of consumer acceptance of fashion items, competition or if it is determined that the inventory in stock will not sell at its currently ticketed price. Such markdowns may have an adverse impact on earnings, depending on the extent and amount of inventory affected. The anticipated deployment of new merchandise is reflected within the estimated future promotional markdown plan, as such new inventory in certain circumstances will displace merchandise currently

 

67


Table of Contents

on-hand. Additions to the lower of cost or market reserve are recorded as an increase to cost of goods sold and occupancy costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

We also estimate a shrinkage reserve for the period of time between the last physical inventory count and the balance sheet date. The estimate for shrinkage reserve can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

We periodically evaluate long-lived assets held for use and held for sale whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level of which there are identifiable cash flows, which is generally at a boutique level. Boutique assets are reviewed for impairment using factors including, but not limited to, our future operating plans and projected cash flows. The determination of whether impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that boutique, compared to the carrying value of the assets. We recognize impairment if the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows of a boutique does not exceed the carrying value of the assets. For impaired assets, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the net book value of the asset and its estimated fair value. Fair value is based on discounted future cash flows of the asset using a discount rate commensurate with the risk. In addition, at the time a decision is made to close a boutique, we record an impairment charge, if appropriate, or accelerates depreciation over the revised useful life of the asset. Based on the analysis performed, there was no impairment for each of the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, the amount of taxes currently payable or refundable is accrued, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and the financial reporting basis of the company’s assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that the realization of those deferred tax assets will not occur.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes from a change in tax rate is recognized through continuing operations in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. Changes in tax laws and rates could affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future.

A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized.

We recognize tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions and adjusts these liabilities when the company’s judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense and the effective tax rate in the period in which the new information becomes available. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense.

 

68


Table of Contents

Stock-based Compensation

In connection with our stock based compensation plans, our board of directors considers the estimated fair value of the company’s stock when setting the stock option exercise price as of the date of each grant. Because the company is privately held and there is no public market for its common stock, the fair market value of its common stock is determined by our board of directors at the time the option grants are awarded. In determining the fair value of our common stock, the board of directors considers such factors as the company’s actual and projected financial results, the consideration paid by third party investors in the company, including, investments by BGCP and CCMP in arm’s length transactions for their respective investment and controlling investment in the company, the principal amount of the company’s indebtedness, valuations of the company performed by third parties and other factors it believed were material to the valuation process. To the extent financial projections and anticipated boutique openings did not materially change from the date of the BGCP Acquisition or the CCMP Acquisition through date of a stock option grant, our board of directors concluded that the per share price of our common stock related to each of the acquisition transactions represented the most accurate estimate of the fair value of our common stock for purpose of setting the respective option exercise price as of the date of such grant. Additionally, for these grants, in making its determination of fair value our board of directors did not apply control premium or marketability considerations. To timely secure the necessary talent we require to support our growth, our board of directors takes into account a number of factors, including utilizing the most recent third-party valuation study available to help establish the exercise price for the applicable grant. Our board of directors does not believe it is necessary to obtain third-party valuation studies as of the date of each option grant; however, for purposes of stock-based compensation expense recognition, we use then-current third-party valuation studies.

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $2,400,000, $99,000 and $8,000 for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We granted options to purchase an aggregate of 1,994,430, 406,000 and 100,000 shares of common stock in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These grants and any future stock option grants will likely increase our stock-based compensation expense in fiscal year 2011 and in future fiscal years compared to fiscal year 2010.

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation ”, which establishes accounting for equity instruments exchanged for employee services. Under the provisions of this statement, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date fair value and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (based on the vesting period of the equity grant). As required under this guidance, we estimate forfeitures for options granted which are not expected to vest. Changes in these inputs and assumptions can materially affect the measurement of the estimated fair value of our stock-based compensation expense. We estimate the grant date fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the fair value of stock options was estimated at the grant date using the following assumptions:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,
2011
     January 30,
2010
     January 31,
2009
 

Expected volatility

     54.21% – 60.59%         85.43%         53.45%   

Risk-free interest rate

     1.63% – 3.24%         0.90%         3.21%   

Weighted average term

     6.27 – 6.50         2.00         6.42   

Expected dividend yield

                      

The risk-free interest rate was determined based on the rate of Treasury instruments whose maturities are similar to those of the expected term of the award being valued. The expected dividend

 

69


Table of Contents

yield was based on our expectations of not paying dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. The expected volatility incorporates historical volatility of similar entities whose shares prices are publicly available.

As of January 29, 2011, we had outstanding vested options to purchase approximately 685,340 shares of common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $2.71 per share, and outstanding unvested options to purchase 1,757,748 shares of common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $6.21 per share. The per share value of each share of common stock underlying the vested and unvested options at the dates of the grant of the options range from $0.48 to $5.97 per share.

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

We granted options to acquire 1,006,000 shares of our common stock under the 2007 plan. The exercise price for options to acquire our common stock granted under the 2007 plan were determined based on, among other factors, the per share enterprise value paid by BGCP for its acquisition of a 35% interest in the company in April 2007 (“BGCP Acquisition”) and third-party valuation reports. The per share price paid in the BGCP Acquisition was negotiated in an arm’s length transaction. Below is a description of the specific grants of options to acquire our common stock in 2008 and 2009 and the factors that were specifically considered at each grant date.

 

  Ÿ  

During April of 2008, we granted options to acquire 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.43 per share. The exercise price for this grant equaled the per share price paid in the BGCP Acquisition in April 2007. No adjustment was made for lack of marketability discount. A third-party valuation study as of January 31, 2009 obtained for financial accounting purposes concluded that the fair value of the common stock was $0.34 per share which was substantially lower than the exercise price of $1.43 per share we used for this grant. We did not make any adjustment to the original exercise price as a result of the conclusions reached in the third-party valuation study. Nevertheless, the compensation expense recognized in connection with this option grant was computed using the common stock fair value of $0.34 per share and the exercise price of $1.43 per share as of the grant date.

 

  Ÿ  

On October 5, 2009, we granted options to acquire 406,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.34 per share. The exercise price for this grant was determined based on a third-party valuation study as of January 31, 2009, which for financial accounting purposes concluded that the fair value of our common stock as of January 31, 2009 was $0.34 per share. The third-party valuation study dated January 31, 2009 was the most recent third-party valuation study available as of the October 5, 2009 grant date. To timely secure the services of the applicable grantee we used this third-party valuation study to set the applicable option exercise price as that was the only third-party valuation study available at such time. After making the October 5, 2009 grant, we received a third-party valuation study as of October 31, 2009, which for financial accounting purposes concluded that the fair value of our common stock as of October 31, 2009 was $3.01 per share. We believe that the increase in per share value was primarily due to boutique openings, increased sales and overall improvement in our performance resulting in increased EBITDA. Additionally, comparable public company business enterprise values to EBITDA multiples used in the valuation increased. We did not make any adjustment to the original option exercise price for the October 5, 2009 option grant after receiving the third-party valuation study as of October 31, 2009. Nevertheless, the compensation expense recognized in connection with the October 5, 2009 option grant was computed using the common stock fair value of $3.01 per share and the exercise price of $0.34 per share as of the grant date. For the two third-party valuation reports as of January 31, 2009 and October 31, 2009, we used a discount of 41% and 44% respectively, for lack of marketability of our common stock in determining the fair value of $.034 per share and $3.01 per share.

 

70


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth all stock option grants to acquire our common stock granted during 2008 and 2009 under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

Grant Date

   Number
of
Options
Granted
     Exercise
Price
Per
Share
     Common Stock
Fair Value per
Share at

Grant Date
    

Third-Party
Valuation Date

   Vesting
Period
(Years)
     Weighted
Average
Stock Option
Fair Value  (1)
 

April 1, 2008

     100,000       $ 1.43       $ 0.34       January 31, 2009      5       $ 0.07   

October 5, 2009

     406,000       $ 0.34       $ 3.01       October 31, 2009      4       $ 2.69   

 

 

  (1)  

The stock option fair value was determined using a third party valuation study.

2010 Stock Incentive Plan

We granted options to acquire 1,994,430 shares of our common stock under the 2010 plan. The exercise price for options granted under the 2010 plan were determined based on, among other factors, the per share enterprise value paid by CCMP for its acquisition of approximately 84% interest in the company in February 2010 (“CCMP Acquisition”) and third-party valuation reports. The per share price paid in the CCMP Acquisition was negotiated in an arm’s length transaction. In establishing the exercise price for options granted during March, May and July 2010, our board of directors concluded that no material change in the financial condition of the company had occurred since the closing of the CCMP Acquisition to warrant an adjustment in the exercise price for these grants. Below is a description of the specific grants of options to acquire our common stock during 2010 and the factors that were specifically considered at each grant date.

 

  Ÿ  

During March of 2010, we granted options to acquire 1,062,400 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share. The exercise price for this grant was equal to the per share price paid in the CCMP Acquisition in February 2010. Projected sales and anticipated new boutique openings were consistent at March 2010 with sales and growth projections as of February 2010; which validated the use of the CCMP Acquisition price. No adjustment to the exercise price was made for lack of control or lack of marketability discount.

 

  Ÿ  

During May of 2010, we granted options to acquire 400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share. The exercise price for this grant was equal to the per share price paid in the CCMP Acquisition. Projected sales and anticipated new boutique openings were consistent at May 2010 with sales and growth projections as of February 2010; which validated the use of the CCMP Acquisition price. No adjustment to exercise price was made for lack of control or lack of marketability discount.

 

  Ÿ  

During July of 2010, we granted options to acquire 80,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share. The exercise price for this grant was equal to the per share price paid in the CCMP Acquisition. Projected sales and anticipated new boutique openings were consistent at July 2010 with sales and growth projections as of February 2010; which validated the use of the CCMP Acquisition price. No adjustment to exercise price was made for lack of control or lack of marketability discount.

 

  Ÿ  

During December of 2010, we granted options to acquire 452,030 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $10.19 per share. The exercise price for this grant was determined based on, among other factors, a third-party valuation study of our common stock as described in more detail below. An analysis was performed by the third-party valuation consultant to estimate the fair values of our common stock as of the grant date. The objective of the analysis was to determine the fair market value of the company, its common stock and the fair value of related stock options, as of the valuation date, on a controlling interests basis. The probability-weighted expected return method was used to estimate the fair value of our common stock which, in turn, represented the stock option exercise price on the date of grant. This method

 

71


Table of Contents
 

was selected based on management’s current expectation of either an initial public offering or a sale or merger of the company in the near future. Three scenarios were incorporated into the valuation: (i) the company being sold to another company (the “M&A Scenario”), (ii) the company engaging in an initial public offering (the “IPO Scenario”), and (iii) the company remaining an independent, privately-held company (the “Private Scenario”). The estimated fair value of our common stock in each scenario was affected by the use of certain assumptions and valuation methodologies. The fair value of the stock was assessed based on the probability weighted potential for each scenario on the date of grant. The estimated fair value under the M&A Scenario considered the projected value of the company upon sale or merger. To arrive at the fair value of our common stock under the M&A Scenario, the discounted value of the cash flow leading up to the date of an assumed merger or sale was added to values from comparable merger and acquisition transactions applying the observed paid-multiples to our financial performance to determine enterprise value. In calculating the fair value of our common stock and the exercise price for the options granted by us in December of 2010, we ascribed a probability weighting of 20% to the M&A Scenario.

To determine the estimated fair value of our common stock under the IPO Scenario, the public market valuations of other high-growth specialty retailers were reviewed using a variety of methods. For such firms, a number of multiples and ratios such as revenue, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, and net income to enterprise value were calculated. Then those multiples were applied to both our historical and projected financial performance to determine our estimated enterprise value. In calculating the fair value of our common stock and the exercise price for the options granted by us in December of 2010, we ascribed a probability weighting of 70% to the IPO Scenario.

The estimated fair value under the Private Scenario was determined considering valuations based on three different fair value models: (i) an income valuation model that incorporates the calculation of the present value of future cash flows discounted at an appropriate rate applicable given the risks associated with the company and related forecast, (ii) a market valuation model that considers recent sales or offerings of comparable assets between third parties and (iii) the guideline public company method that focuses on comparing the company’s economic performance to guideline publicly traded entities. In calculating the fair value of our common stock and the exercise price for the options granted by us in December of 2010, we ascribed a probability weighting of 10% to the Private Scenario.

We included additional factors in the above scenarios including a significant increase in comparable boutique sales during fiscal year 2010 including a 21.1% comparable boutique sales increase in the third quarter. Additionally, our new boutique openings during fiscal year 2010 exceeded our forecast by a significant percentage. Those accretive factors were partially offset by the impact of the recapitalization of the company in November 2010, whereby we incurred $95.0 million of indebtedness under our existing senior secured credit facility and used the proceeds to declare a $100 million cash dividend.

 

72


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth all stock option grants to acquire our common stock granted during 2010 under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

Grant Date

  Number of
Options
Granted
    Exercise
Price
Per Share
    Common Stock
Fair Value per
Share at
Grant Date
   

Third-Party
Valuation Date

  Vesting
Period
(Years)
    Weighted
Average
Stock Option
Fair Value
 

March 26, 2010

    1,062,400      $ 6.13      $ 6.13      Not obtained (1)     4      $ 3.93   

May 1, 2010

    400,000      $ 6.13      $ 6.13      Not  obtained (1)     5      $ 3.45   

July 1, 2010

    80,000      $ 6.13      $ 6.13      Not obtained (1)     5      $ 3.64   

December 1, 2010

    452,030      $ 10.19      $ 10.19      December 1, 2010     5      $ 5.83 (2)  

 

(1)  

Fair value equaled CCMP Acquisition per share price based on our determination that the fair value did not change between the CCMP Acquisition date and option grant date.

(2)  

The stock option fair value was determined using a third party valuation study.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not party to any off balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of January 29, 2011 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

 

            Payments Due by Period  
     Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3 years      3-5 years      More than
5 years
 

Long-term debt obligations

   $ 93,813       $ 5,938       $ 87,875       $ —         $      —     

Estimated interest on long-term debt obligations (2)

     22,830         7,845         14,985         —           —     

Operating lease obligations (1)

     118,717         15,285         29,292         23,611         50,529   

Merchandise purchase commitments

     8,066         8,066         —           —           —     

Contracts for software application implementation

     2,101         549         888         664         —     

 

(1) Excludes common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes and certain other expenses which amounted to approximately 35.1% of minimum lease obligations in fiscal year 2010. We expect this percentage to be relatively consistent for the next three years.
(2) For purposes of this table, we estimated interest expense to be paid during the remaining term of the Senior Secured Credit Facility using average LIBOR during the period the loan was outstanding in fiscal 2010 plus the applicable margin as defined in the Credit Agreement.

Impact of Inflation

Our results of operations and financial condition are presented based on historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on our results of operations and financial condition have been immaterial. We cannot assure you, however, that our results of operations and financial condition will not be materially impacted by inflation in the future.

 

73


Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Measures

In evaluating our business, we consider and use EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our operating performance because it has been a measurement criterion in our management compensation plan. We use Adjusted EBITDA only as a measure in the calculation of the financial ratios that we are required to maintain under the terms of our existing senior secured credit facility. We define EBITDA as net income before net interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus share-based compensation expense as adjusted for expenses (minus gains) that we do not consider reflective of our ongoing operations, consistent with the definition of Credit Agreement EBITDA. If we fail to maintain required levels of Adjusted EBITDA, we could have a default under our existing senior secured credit facility, potentially resulting in an acceleration of all of our outstanding indebtedness. We expect that Credit Agreement EBITDA under the new revolving credit facility will be defined in a manner substantially similar to the Credit Agreement EBITDA under our existing senior secured credit facility. All of the adjustments made in our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, as described below, are adjustments that were made in calculating our performance for purposes of the required financial ratios under our existing senior secured credit facility, and are presented in a manner consistent with the reporting of the Credit Agreement EBITDA to our lenders. In prior periods, we used an EBITDA calculation only for internal purposes. We believe that the use of EBITDA facilitates investors in making operating performance comparisons from period to period and company to company by backing out potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting relative interest expense), and the age and book value of facilities and equipment (affecting relative depreciation expense).

The subsequent table presents EBITDA for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, and Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2010. The company did not have any debt prior to fiscal year 2010 that required compliance with financial ratio requirements and therefore had no requirement to prepare Adjusted EBITDA in prior periods.

The terms EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, and are not measures of operating income, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, you should not consider EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in isolation, or as a substitute for net income (loss) or other consolidated income statement data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations include, but are not limited to:

 

  Ÿ  

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

 

  Ÿ  

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

 

  Ÿ  

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

 

  Ÿ  

they do not reflect income taxes or the cash requirements for any tax payments;

 

  Ÿ  

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and

 

  Ÿ  

other companies may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

 

74


Table of Contents

We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are calculated as follows for the periods presented:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Net income

   $ 16,895      $ 10,604      $ 4,606   

Plus: interest expense

     1,635        —          1   

Less: interest income

     (2     (2     (5

Plus: depreciation and amortization

     2,377        1,215        700   

Plus: provision for income taxes

     11,113        6,918        2,382   
                        

EBITDA

   $ 32,018      $ 18,735      $ 7,684   
                        

Plus: stock-based compensation(1)

   $ 2,400       

Plus: costs related to CCMP acquisition(2)

     1,315       

Plus: correction of prior-year construction period rent(3)

     680       

Plus: IPO preparation expenses

     30       

Plus: Other(4)

     71       
            

Total Adjustments

   $ 4,496       
            

Adjusted EBITDA

     $36,514       
            

 

(1) We added back stock-based compensation because it is non-cash expenditure. $2.4 million consists of $1.0 million incurred in connection with the acceleration of the options granted under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan which accelerated in connection with the CCMP Acquisition.
(2) In fiscal year 2010, the company made cash incentive payments of $1.1 million and incurred $0.2 million in professional fees associated with the CCMP’s acquisition of a majority equity position in the company.
(3) We made a non-cash adjustment to correct rent expense we incurred during the period we gained possession of boutique-space to prepare such space for opening during prior fiscal years.
(4) Professional fees incurred in connection with the one-time dividend declaration in November 2010.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a description of a complete list of recent accounting pronouncements, see the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our principal exposure to market risk relates to changes in interest rates. Our existing senior secured credit facility carries floating interest rates that are tied to LIBOR, the federal funds rate and the prime rate, and therefore, our statements of operations and our cash flows will be exposed to changes in interest rates to the extent that we do not have effective hedging arrangements in place. We historically have not used interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the interest on our existing senior secured credit facility. At January 29, 2011, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 7.75%. Based on a sensitivity analysis at January 29, 2011, assuming the entire term loan would be outstanding for a full fiscal year, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $938,000. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes, however, this does not preclude our adoption of specific hedging strategies in the future.

 

75


Table of Contents

BUSINESS

Our Company

francesca’s collections ® is one of the fastest growing specialty retailers in the United States. Our retail locations are designed and merchandised to feel like independently owned, upscale boutiques and provide our customers with an inviting, intimate and differentiated shopping experience. We believe we offer compelling value with a diverse and uniquely balanced mix of high-quality, trend-right apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts at attractive prices. We tailor our assortment to appeal to our core 18-35 year-old, fashion conscious female customer, although we find that women of all ages are attracted to our eclectic and sophisticated merchandise selection and boutique setting. We carry a broad selection but limited quantities of individual styles and introduce new merchandise to our boutiques five days a week in order to create a sense of scarcity and newness, which helps drive customer shopping frequency and loyalty.

By offering a differentiated shopping experience and high-quality merchandise at a compelling value, our boutiques have been successful across a wide variety of geographic markets and shopping venues. We believe we have an opportunity to continue to grow our boutique base from 236 locations in 38 states as of April 2, 2011 to approximately 900 boutiques in the United States over the next seven to ten years based on our flexible boutique format, the financial characteristics of our boutiques and our ongoing analysis of shopping venues that meet our criteria for new boutiques. Our merchandise is also available through our e-commerce website, www.francescascollections.com .

We believe that through the strength of our business model and our disciplined operating philosophy, we have achieved strong financial performance and growth that is among the best in the specialty retail sector:

 

  Ÿ  

Between fiscal year 2008 and 2010 our net sales increased from $52.3 million to $135.2 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of 60.8%.

 

  Ÿ  

Our comparable boutique sales increased by 15.2% in fiscal year 2010 after a 9.8% increase in fiscal year 2009.

 

  Ÿ  

Between the end of fiscal year 2008 and 2010 our boutique count increased from 111 to 207, representing a compound annual growth rate of 36.6%.

 

  Ÿ  

Between fiscal year 2008 and 2010 our operating profit increased from $7.0 million to $29.6 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of 106.2%, driven by increased net sales and an 860 basis points increase in our operating margin to 21.9% in fiscal year 2010.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe the following strengths differentiate us from our competitors and are key drivers of our success:

 

  Ÿ  

Proven Trend-Right Merchandise Delivered at a Compelling Value .    Our boutiques carry a broad but shallow selection of high-quality, trend-right apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts at attractive prices. Our buyers closely monitor the marketplace to identify and source proven fashion trends that will appeal to our core customers. We primarily offer exclusive items under our proprietary labels, but carry a small selection of third-party, nationally recognized brands that we use opportunistically in certain categories. We offer a broad selection of merchandise, but intentionally purchase small quantities of individual items for each boutique such that we frequently replenish our boutiques with new merchandise, keeping the shopping experience fresh and exciting for our customers. The short lead times of our vendors, maximizes our speed to market, as it generally takes only four to twelve weeks from the time an order is placed to the time merchandise is available on the boutique floor. With these short lead times, we are able to make more informed buying decisions to meet customers’ merchandise

 

76


Table of Contents
 

expectations, and to react quickly to changing fashion trends. This approach, combined with our uniquely balanced product mix of approximately 50% apparel and 50% jewelry, accessories and gifts, is designed to encourage more frequent visits by our customers and reduce the seasonal fluctuations and margin erosion experienced by many other specialty retailers. We believe the expertise of our buyers and our broad base of vendors allows us to quickly identify and respond to emerging fashion trends in apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts to offer quality merchandise at prices that ‘surprise and delight’ our customers.

 

  Ÿ  

Differentiated Shopping Experience.     Each of our retail locations are uniquely designed and merchandised to feel like an independently owned, upscale boutique. Contemporary music, scented candles, small hand-made signs and vintage yet vibrant fixtures create a warm and inviting environment that showcases our eclectic assortment. Our open floor design enables customers to easily view merchandise and we use a number of body forms to provide full outfit ideas to encourage customers to buy multiple items. Merchandise presentations, including display windows, tables and walls, are refreshed every two to three weeks to keep our boutiques new and exciting. Our passionate boutique managers and associates, with the support of corporate guidelines, are encouraged to infuse each boutique with their personality, which increases their motivation and enhances the shopping experience. We believe these attributes, along with our strategy of carrying a broad selection but limited quantities of individual styles, create a unique ‘treasure hunt’ atmosphere that strongly appeals to our customers and differentiates us in the marketplace.

 

  Ÿ  

Powerful Boutique Economics and Rigorous Real Estate Selection Process .    We have a proven boutique format that works across a wide variety of shopping venues, market sizes, climates and demographics. Our boutiques average approximately 1,400 square feet, which is meaningfully smaller than most specialty retailers. The performance of our boutiques and our flexible real estate format enhance our ability to secure prominent, highly visible locations in regional malls, lifestyle centers, street locations and strip centers. We deploy a rigorous real estate selection process with all new boutique opportunities measured against specific financial and geographic criteria. Over the previous two fiscal years, on average our new boutiques have generated first year cash return on net investment in excess of 150% and paid back our net investment on a pre-tax basis in less than one year, due to our ability to consistently obtain best-in-class locations combined with relatively low capital investment and operating cost requirements, allowing us to fund all of our growth from internally generated cashflow. In our real estate selection process, we assess the viability of potential sites by analyzing the demographics of the trade area and the performance of the shopping venue, including selected relevant and adjacent retailers. Based on this analysis, we believe the financial characteristics of our new boutiques, coupled with our proven ability to operate across different shopping venues and geographies, provide us with a wide scope of new boutique opportunities and enhance our ability to profitably expand our boutique base.

 

  Ÿ  

Solid and Scalable Infrastructure.     We continually invest in systems, controls and human resources to support our growth. In recent years we have made significant improvements to the infrastructure of our finance, buying and planning, real estate and IT departments. For instance, we believe that we have developed an integrated sourcing, distribution and merchandising process that is scalable and will facilitate the continued growth in the number of boutiques we operate. This process starts with our buyers who work closely with an established and diverse group of vendors to identify trend-right, high-quality merchandise for our boutiques. From on-hand inventories or special orders and their international networks of manufacturers, our vendors make frequent deliveries of merchandise consisting of floor-ready, pre-tagged items to our warehouse. We then sort, allocate and distribute the pre-packs to our boutiques five days a week based on current inventory levels and sales trends. Our boutique managers are able to readily merchandise the product and tailor the displays to differentiate their boutiques and reflect local market tastes. As we focus on organic, viral and in-boutique marketing to increase

 

77


Table of Contents
 

customer loyalty and build our brand image we do not believe that we will require significant investments in traditional marketing and advertising initiatives as we expand our boutique base.

 

  Ÿ  

Experienced Management Team with a Disciplined Operating Philosophy.     Our senior management has extensive experience across a broad range of disciplines in the retail industry, including merchandising, real estate, supply chain and finance. Our highly skilled executive team includes two of our Founders, John De Meritt, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kyong Gill, our Executive Vice Chairperson. Together they lead a dynamic team with a strong background at companies such as David’s Bridal, Chico’s, CVS, Banana Republic, Nordstrom and J.C. Penney. Our management team has built a solid operating foundation based on sound retail principles that define our culture. Our disciplined operating philosophy is grounded in a relentless focus on providing great merchandise and a best-in class boutique experience supported by uncompromising site selection and continual enhancements to our infrastructure.

Our Growth Strategy

We believe we can continue to grow our revenues and earnings by executing on the following strategies:

 

  Ÿ  

Grow Our Boutique Base .    We believe there is an opportunity to significantly increase the number of boutiques we operate. Based on our proven ability to open our flexible retail format in various shopping venues in new and existing markets, the financial characteristics of our boutiques and our ongoing analysis of shopping venues that meet our criteria for new boutiques (including a third party research study), we believe we have the potential to grow our base from 236 to approximately 900 boutiques over the next seven to ten years. We opened 62 new boutiques in fiscal year 2010 and plan to open approximately 75 new boutiques in each of fiscal year 2011 and 2012. We expect to open boutiques in both new and existing markets and in regional malls, lifestyle centers, street locations and strip centers. In the short term, we see a particular opportunity to open new boutiques with attractive lease terms in regional malls. As of April 2, 2011, 29 of the approximately 75 new boutiques planned for fiscal year 2011 had been opened with leases signed for another 39. We expect our new boutiques, on average, to generate first year cash return on net investment of approximately 150% and to pay back our net investment on a pre-tax basis in less than one year. We believe we have a proven process that allows us to identify boutique locations, secure leases on acceptable terms, construct and merchandise each boutique as well as staff and train boutique employees such that we can successfully open boutiques at the expected pace while maintaining our favorable boutique economics over the next two fiscal years and beyond. Below is a representation of our current boutique coverage as of April 2, 2011.

LOGO

 

78


Table of Contents
  Ÿ  

Drive Comparable Boutique Sales .    Our comparable boutique sales increased by 15.2% in fiscal year 2010 after a 9.8% increase in fiscal year 2009. We intend to drive comparable boutique sales by featuring high-quality, trend-right merchandise at a compelling value and refining our distinctive boutique experience. We intend to maintain our broad but shallow merchandising approach, which we believe will result in increased units and dollars per transaction and protect margins. In addition, we are increasing the sophistication of our buying and planning infrastructure, enhancing our buying team with additional category-specific buyers, and augmenting boutique-level management.

 

  Ÿ  

Expand the Penetration and Presence of Our E-Commerce Business .    We complement our boutiques with a growing e-commerce business. We use the same successful business principles deployed in our boutiques by offering limited assortment of individual styles to create a sense of scarcity and newness, which increases the frequency of customer visits to the site. Our e-commerce business not only generates incremental sales and profits but also builds brand awareness and boutique traffic, and helps us access markets where we do not currently have a boutique. Our e-commerce sales grew by 85% in fiscal year 2010 and represented 1.4% of our total net sales. We expect e-commerce sales growth to continue to outpace the growth of boutique sales as consumers discover the complementary nature of shopping with us online and through our boutiques.

 

  Ÿ  

Enhance Operating Margins.     Our strong expected boutique growth should permit us to take advantage of economies of scale in sourcing and to also leverage our existing infrastructure, corporate overhead and other fixed costs. In addition, we expect to benefit from the implementation of a new enterprise software platform that we plan to introduce in stages between August 2011 and the second half of 2012. This will enable us to more efficiently operate and manage our point-of-sale, management reporting, merchandise planning, ordering and allocation, and related inventory management functions.

Our History

We opened our first boutique in Houston, Texas in 1999. Initially, we focused on selling fashion jewelry, accessories and selected home décor but as our boutique base grew across the United States we expanded our merchandise offering to include apparel, which has become our largest category and, we believe, a significant driver of growing customer loyalty and return visits. John De Meritt, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kyong Gill, our Executive Vice Chairperson, are two of the original four Founders of francesca’s collections ® . In recent years, we have augmented our strong management team with additional skilled and experienced executives who now lead our buying, merchandise planning, boutique operations, finance, real estate, information technology, e-commerce and corporate support activities. In February 2010, CCMP acquired a controlling interest in the company with the goal of supporting Mr. De Meritt and the management team in accelerating our growth. CCMP purchased approximately 84% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the company from the Founders, trusts controlled by certain Founders, Mr. Malik, BGCP, and BGCP/Francesca’s Holdings, LP. The acquisition was completed pursuant to two separate stock purchase agreements which included customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities among CCMP and the selling stockholders. The company has no material continuing, current, or future rights or obligations under either of the stock purchase agreements. In connection with the CCMP acquisition, the company, CCMP, the Founders (and trusts controlled by certain Founders), Mr. Malik, and certain other stockholders of the company entered into a stockholders’ agreement to provide, among other things, for the terms of the stock ownership in the company. The stockholders’ agreement will terminate upon the completion of this offering, provided that certain registration and indemnification rights set forth in the stockholders’ agreement will survive the completion of this offering. For further information regarding the terms of the shareholders’ agreement, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders’ Agreement”.

 

79


Table of Contents

Our Market

Our distinct boutique environment and carefully selected, trend-right merchandise attract a wide demographic. While our broad assortment appeals to women of varying ages and diverse backgrounds, from value-conscious to the more affluent, our primary customer is a fashion conscious woman between the ages of 18 and 35. She is college educated and has moderate to high disposable income. She enjoys shopping for the latest fashions and is attracted to our upscale boutique shopping environment, compelling value proposition and highly personalized customer service. Our core customer represents a growing segment of the U.S. population and we believe she spends a higher proportion of her income on fashion than the general population. According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2009 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, approximately 35.1 million women between the ages of 18 to 35 live in the United States.

Our unique merchandise combination of apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts allows us to participate in a number of large market segments. The apparel and women’s wear segment, which represents approximately 50% of our sales, had a market size of approximately $160 billion in 2010, according to the Womenswear in the United States report, published May 2010 by DataMonitor, an international market research firm (DataMonitor reference code: 0072-2278).

Our Merchandise Offering and Merchandising Strategy

We offer a broad and shallow selection of fashion apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts targeted to our core customer, who seeks trend-right, high-quality merchandise at attractive prices. We have a well-balanced assortment of product categories with approximately 50% of our fiscal year 2010 sales generated by non-apparel items. Our diverse merchandise contributes to the ‘treasure hunt’ atmosphere in our boutiques and is one which we aim to maintain as we grow. We carry a broad selection but limited quantities of each style and we deliver new merchandise to our boutiques five days a week. This contributes to a sense of scarcity and newness within our boutiques, mitigates fashion risk, reduces the seasonality of the inventory and protects margins.

Our wide range of apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts fills the various casual and dressy fashion needs of our customers and our selection of gifts ranges from the elegant to the irreverent. Our 1,400 square foot boutiques carry approximately 3,000 SKUs at any one time and we stock about 15,000 different styles during the course of a year. The majority of our merchandise is sold under our proprietary labels (85% of apparel sales in fiscal year 2010) and we also sell a select assortment of third-party, nationally recognized brands. Our e-commerce business features an edited selection of our boutique merchandise. The table below shows the breakdown of our fiscal year 2010 net sales by product category:

 

Apparel

52% of Net Sales

  

Jewelry

21% of Net Sales

  

Accessories

14% of Net Sales

  

Gifts

13% of Net Sales

Dresses, Tops, Denim, Skirts, Pants, Outerwear, Jackets & Coats, Layering Essentials, Intimates    Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Rings    Handbags, Totes, Shoulder-Bags, Clutches, Wallets, Shoes, Belts, Hats, Scarves, Sunglasses, Umbrellas, Watches    Candles, Cards, Stationary, Coasters, Hand Crèmes, Soaps, Magnets, Wall Art, Miscellaneous Items

Our buying and planning team is responsible for selecting and sourcing our merchandise, managing inventory levels and allocating items to boutiques. Each product category has a set of dedicated buyers with oversight provided by our Chief Merchandising Officer. The buying and planning team holds weekly meetings to review merchandise performance and identify new fashion trends. Our buyers also make regular trips to important industry markets and trade shows and visit Asia several

 

80


Table of Contents

times per year. We have access to the expertise of hundreds of designers employed by our large vendor base who provide us with a large selection of new styles for review each week. Our buyers collaborate with vendors to place special orders and to modify presented styles based on current fashion trends and their in-depth knowledge of our customers’ preferences, which means most of our merchandise is unique to francesca’s collections ® . Before placing an order, every item is evaluated for style, quality, fit, value and profitability to ensure it meets standards consistent with our francesca’s collections ® brand.

Our Sourcing Strategy

Our ability to quickly make decisions on trend-right items combined with the short production lead times of our vendors maximizes our speed to market. We use vendors based in the United States that source from both domestic and overseas markets and it generally takes only four to twelve weeks from the time an order is placed to the time merchandise is available on the boutique floor. With these short lead times, we are able to make more informed buying decisions in terms of customers’ merchandise expectations, and to quickly react to changing fashion trends. This also supports our merchandise strategy of offering a broad but limited assortment that is infused with new items five days a week. Due to the limited quantity of our buys in any one style, we avoid material inventory positions in individual styles and this enhances our ability to quickly deliver trend-right merchandise and minimizes the risk of fashion misses, which can lead to increased inventory markdowns and diminished gross margins.

We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities. We have relationships with a diverse base of over 200 vendors and our top 10 vendors sourced approximately 45% of our merchandise in fiscal year 2010, while no single vendor accounted for more than 15% of our purchases. KJK Trading Corporation (“KJK Trading”) is our largest vendor. We are KJK Trading’s sole customer. KJK Trading is owned and operated by Ki Juing Gu. Mr. Gu is the brother-in-law of Ms. Insuk Koo (one of our Founders). KJK Trading assists us in the design and sourcing of apparel items. Stony Leather, Inc. (“Stony”) is our second largest vendor. In addition to us, Stony has several other customers. Chong Yi and Insuk Koo (two of the four Founders) own and operate Stony. Mr. Yi and Ms. Koo along with their sister Ms. Kyong Gill (our Executive Vice Chairperson and one of the four Founders) are stockholders of Francesca’s. Stony provides the sourcing for jewelry, accessories and gift items. Both KJK Trading and Stony maintain separate offices and employees as third-party vendors. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stony Trading Relationship” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—KJK Trading Relationship” for additional discussions of our relationship with these vendors.

We do not enter into exclusive contracts with our vendors and we continue to expand our vendor network. This provides us with access to an even more extensive variety of merchandise from a greater number of vendors at competitive prices. We believe our vendors view us as an important retail partner given our growth and market position. Our vendors utilize a network of domestic and overseas factories, providing them access to significant capacity. We source our inventory primarily from domestic vendors.

Each of our vendors is required to adhere to our vendor standards, which are designed to ensure that our vendors conduct their business in a legal, ethical and responsible manner. This also includes the requirement that all of our vendors comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the United States, those of the respective country of manufacture or exportation and all state and local laws and regulations.

Our Sales Channels

We conduct our business through boutiques and our e-commerce website, www.francescascollections.com . We do not incorporate the information contained on, or accessible through, our website into this prospectus, and it should not be considered a part of this prospectus.

 

81


Table of Contents

Boutiques

In fiscal year 2010, our boutiques generated net sales of $133.2 million, which represented 98.6% of total net sales. As of April 2, 2011, we operated 236 boutiques under the name francesca’s collections ® in 38 states throughout the United States. The following list shows the number of boutiques operated by state as of April 2, 2011, and demonstrates that we have been successful in opening boutiques in a wide range of geographies.

 

     Number of
Boutiques
          Number of
Boutiques
 
Alabama      7       Minnesota      5   
Arizona      8       Mississippi      2   
Arkansas      3       Missouri      5   
California      24       Nebraska      3   
Colorado      4       Nevada      4   
Connecticut      5       New Jersey      10   
Delaware      1       New Mexico      1   
Florida      16       New York      5   
Georgia      9       North Carolina      9   
Illinois      14       Ohio      8   
Indiana      3       Oklahoma      4   
Iowa      2       Pennsylvania      3   
Kansas      3       Rhode Island      2   
Kentucky      3       South Carolina      6   
Louisiana      5       Tennessee      9   
Maine      1       Texas      28   
Maryland      4       Virginia      3   
Massachusetts      5       Washington      3   
Michigan      4       Wisconsin      5   

Boutique Design and Environment

The differentiated shopping experience offered through our boutiques is central to the francesca’s collections ® brand. Our boutiques are designed and merchandised to deliver a warm and inviting atmosphere that creates the sense for our customers that they are shopping in an independently owned, upscale boutique. Although we strive to maintain a relatively consistent look and feel in all of our boutiques, the intricacies of each boutique’s physical properties, geographic market and shopping venue, as well as the autonomy we provide to our boutique managers in visually merchandising the boutiques, make each feel different and in tune with its local clientele.

Our boutiques typically range in size from 1,000 to 1,800 square feet, with an average size of approximately 1,400 square feet. We seek locations that have a boutique front at least 20 feet wide, which we adorn with visually appealing architectural lighting, signage and display window presentations. Inside, we use a warm earth tone color palette and soft lighting. We include rugs, lush fabrics and table cloths to create a sense of depth and richness. Chandeliers and antique displays such as ottomans, dressing room chairs and wall mirrors reinforce the unique ambiance and add to the sense of sophistication and style. All of this provides a dense canvas for our colorful displays of trend-right merchandise. Each boutique’s merchandise presentation, including display windows, tables and walls, is refreshed every two to three weeks to keep our shopping experience new and exciting. We believe by constantly changing our visual merchandising and floor sets, we give our customers a reason to shop our boutiques frequently, building customer loyalty. Our boutique managers also use our intranet website to share best-practices with each other, such as ideas for displays. We believe

 

82


Table of Contents

these grass-root interactions improve the sense of community among our boutique managers and enhance the shopping experience for our customers.

Staffing in our boutiques consists of a salaried boutique manager, an assistant manager and a minimum of four part-time associates. Our compensation structure for non-salaried employees consists of an hourly wage plus a monthly bonus based on performance, paid in cash or gift cards to all associates immediately upon achievement of the stated monthly sales goal. We endeavor to hire boutique personnel that are friendly and customer-service driven individuals. In addition to a comprehensive training program for visual merchandising, customer service and operations, boutique managers benefit from ongoing field-level support and training updates as well as guides and manuals.

Boutique Economics

We believe that our broad and shallow merchandising strategy and the differentiated shopping experience we offer to our customers contributes to the success of our boutiques, which generate attractive returns. Over the previous two fiscal years, we opened 98 boutiques which averaged approximately 1,400 square feet and, of the locations open 12 or more months, boutique sales averaged approximately $750,000 in the first year. On average, these boutiques delivered first-year, pre-tax cash return on net investment in excess of 150% and paid back our net investment on a pre-tax basis in less than one year. Consistent with recent openings, our new boutique operating model assumes a net investment of $155,000 consisting of $110,000 of build-out costs, including equipment and fixtures net of tenant allowances, and $45,000 of initial inventory. We expect new boutique economics to be consistent with our recent history and, based on first-year boutique sales of $650,000 to $750,000, our boutiques pay back our net investment on a pre-tax basis in less than one year and deliver pre-tax cash return on net investment of approximately 150%.

Boutique Growth and Site Selection

We have a proven track record of increasing our boutique base at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 34% over the previous four years. The table below indicates certain historical information regarding our boutiques as of the end of each of the periods indicated below:

 

    April 2,
2011
    Fiscal
Year
2010
    Fiscal
Year
2009
    Fiscal
Year
2008
    Calendar
Year
2007(2)
    Calendar
Year
2006
 

Mall

    90        69        25        4        1        1   

Non-Malls

    146        138        122        107        77        63   
                                               

Total Boutiques

    236        207        147        111        78        64   

Boutiques Opened

    29        62        36        31        16        19   

Boutiques Closed

           2                               

Total Gross Square Feet (in thousands)

    336        296        210        158        110        89   

Average Gross Square Feet Per Boutique

    1,424        1,428        1,428        1,419        1,408        1,392   

Net Sales Per Average Gross Square Foot(1)

    N/A      $ 508      $ 429      $ 384      $ 401      $ 399   

 

(1) Net sales per average gross square foot calculated as the sum of quarterly average sales per square foot (total quarterly revenue / avg. quarterly gross square feet).
(2) Please see note 1 to the “Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data” section. In January 2008, we changed our fiscal year end from December 31st to the Saturday closest to January 31st. We opened two boutiques in the month of January 2008, which is a time period not captured in Calendar Year 2007 nor Fiscal Year 2008. These two boutiques are included in Boutiques Opened in the calendar year ended December 31, 2007 , but are not in included in Total Boutiques or calculations of Total Gross Square Feet, Average Gross Square Feet per Boutique or Net Sales Per Average Gross Square Foot in the calendar year ended December 31, 2007.

Our flexible boutique format has enabled us to successfully open boutiques across a variety of shopping venues, market sizes, climates and demographics. We believe this provides us with a wide

 

83


Table of Contents

scope of real estate opportunities and enhances our ability to profitably expand our boutique base. Based on this flexible boutique format, the financial characteristics of our boutiques and our ongoing analysis of shopping venues that meet our criteria for new boutiques (including a third party research we commissioned with a nationally recognized retail real estate consulting firm), we believe we have the potential to grow to approximately 900 boutiques in the United States over the next seven to ten years. In fiscal year 2010, we opened 62 new boutiques and in each of fiscal year 2011 and 2012 we plan to open approximately 75 new boutiques (so far in fiscal year 2011, we have already opened 29 new boutiques and have executed leases for another 39). We believe we can continue to successfully open new boutiques at an annual rate of at least 75 for the next three to five years. Based on our rigorous real estate selection process, our flexible boutique format and the financial characteristics of our boutiques, we believe that the per boutique costs associated with opening new boutiques over the next two years will be similar to our current costs for opening new boutiques. We expect to fund the costs of our boutique growth through cash flow generated by our operations and through our revolving credit facility if necessary. We expect to open boutiques in both new and existing markets and across regional malls, lifestyle centers, street locations and strip centers. In the short term, we see a particular opportunity to open new boutiques with attractive lease terms in regional malls.

Our real estate committee utilizes a disciplined approach to site selection, which analyzes the prospective shopping venue for factors such as overall shopping venue productivity, competitive environment and specific sales of other retailers deemed most relevant as well as the configuration of available space for potential new boutique locations. We seek prominent locations in high-traffic areas of the shopping venue and in close proximity to other retailers targeting similar customers. We also evaluate each new boutique location based on projected sales and determine whether the capital investment and estimated boutique four-wall contribution satisfies our targeted return threshold, occupancy costs, and boutique contribution. As a result of our powerful boutique economics and our rigorous site selection process, we have only closed two boutiques since we began business in 1999.

E-Commerce

Our e-commerce business consists of our www.francescascollections.com website. Through our website, our customers are able to purchase individual items or recommended full outfits, shop the latest jewelry, gift or fashion merchandise and special promotions, create a wish list, sign up for our mailing list, connect and follow us on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as obtain current information on our boutique locations. This channel enables us to reach customers in all states and further build our brand. We currently obtain and collect customer email information from our boutiques and website and use it to generate marketing programs, such as our weekly ‘Pick of the Week’ email campaign. During fiscal year 2010 we made several improvements to our website to enhance our e-commerce business capabilities and its growth. These improvements have allowed us to support a more dynamic presentation of merchandise, process more orders and enhance our marketing efforts. In fiscal year 2010, our e-commerce sales increased 85% relative to fiscal year 2009, but still only represented 1.4% of total net sales. We believe there is significant potential to expand this channel over time.

Marketing and Advertising

We focus on organic, viral and in-boutique marketing to increase customer loyalty and build our brand image. By locating our boutiques in prominent, high-traffic locations and refraining from traditional television, radio and print advertising, we encourage people to ‘discover’ francesca’s collections ® . We believe that many of our customers develop a personal connection with our boutiques and become our ambassadors in the local community by spreading the word about francesca’s collections ® . We also use email communications, our website and, increasingly, social networking sites Facebook and Twitter and fashion related blogs to achieve our marketing goals. Our boutique

 

84


Table of Contents

managers are passionate about francesca’s collections ® and contribute to our marketing effort by hosting in-boutique activities, such as fashion shows and private parties, and also independently promote their own boutique via blogs, YouTube and social networking sites.

Distribution

We distribute all of our merchandise from our distribution center (located within our corporate headquarters) in Houston, Texas. Our combined facility occupies approximately 100,000 square feet, consisting of approximately 70,000 square feet of warehouse and distribution space, which services our boutiques and e-commerce business, and approximately 30,000 square feet of office space for our corporate headquarters. Our merchandise are received, inspected, managed, stored and distributed through our distribution warehouse, with the exception of approximately 20% of our merchandise which are drop-shipped by our vendors directly to our boutiques. The majority of our merchandise are currently pre-ticketed and pre-sorted by our vendors, which allows us to efficiently ship from our distribution center directly to our boutiques, thereby reducing labor costs. We use third-party providers to ship new items to our boutiques five days a week, which ensures a steady flow of new styles. Our distribution center, which is comprised of four separate buildings, can support at least 450 boutiques and is sufficient to support our expected growth plans for the foreseeable future. To the extent that we require additional distribution or office space in the future, we intend to continue to lease office/warehouse space in the immediate area, which we believe is readily available on similar terms and conditions as our current facilities.

Management Information Systems

Our management information technology systems provide support and timely information to our management team. We believe our current systems provide us with operational efficiencies, scalability, management control and timely reporting that allows us to identify and respond to operating trends in our business. We use a combination of customized and industry-standard software systems to support boutique point-of-sale, merchandise planning and buying, e-commerce, inventory management, financial reporting and administrative functions.

We are in the process of upgrading several of our systems to provide improved support for our current operations and position us for continued growth. This includes the implementation of a fully integrated enterprise software platform from JDA, which we plan to introduce in stages between August 2011 and the second half of 2012. Throughout the installation and stabilization of JDA, we will continue to run our existing platform to ensure continuity during the conversion. We expect the new JDA system will enhance customer service, improve operational efficiency, enhance management reporting and control and increase synergies between our e-commerce business and our boutiques.

Competition

The women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts market is large, fragmented and highly competitive. The largest competitors include national and regional department stores, specialty retailers, mass merchants and internet-based retailers. Select national, women’s specialty stores chains that we believe are competitors and that we encounter in multiple markets include White House | Black market, Ann Taylor, Charlotte Russe, Brighton Collectibles and Anthropologie. Our boutiques also compete with individual, often owner-operated specialty shops in each of the markets that we operate. The level of competition and the competitors we face varies by location and while there are numerous competitors in each of our product categories, we believe our breadth of merchandise, combined with our boutique shopping environment, differentiates francesca’s collections ® .

 

85


Table of Contents

The principal basis upon which we compete is by offering a differentiated shopping experience through high-quality, trend-right merchandise at attractive prices in a warm and inviting boutique environment with excellent customer service. In addition, our manageable boutique size and flexible but disciplined real estate strategy provide us with a competitive advantage that is not easily replicated by our major competitors.

Intellectual Property

We have registered our trademark francesca’s collections ® with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, we own domain names, including www.francescascollections.com , and we own unregistered copyright rights in our website content. We believe our trademarks have value, and we diligently protect them against infringement. For instance, we have recently filed applications to register our trademark internationally. We will also continue to file new applications as appropriate to protect our intellectual property rights.

Regulation and Legislation

We are subject to labor and employment laws, laws governing advertising and promotions, privacy laws, safety regulations, consumer protection regulations and other laws that regulate retailers and govern the promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of boutiques and warehouse facilities. We monitor changes in these laws and believe that we are in material compliance with applicable laws.

Insurance

We use insurance for a number of risk management activities, including workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile liability and employee-related health care benefits, a portion of which is paid by the employees. We evaluate our insurance requirements on an ongoing basis to maintain adequate levels of coverage.

Properties

We do not own any real property, but rather lease our properties. Our corporate headquarters, warehouse and distribution center are located in an approximately 100,000 square foot facility in Houston, Texas. The buildings in the facility are leased under agreements expiring in 2013, with options to extend for an additional 5 years. Approximately 70,000 square feet are dedicated to warehouse and distribution space, with the balance used as our corporate offices. We believe that our Houston facility will be able to support our growth plans for the foreseeable future, although we may from time to time lease new facilities or vacate existing facilities as our operations require.

As of April 2, 2011, we had 236 boutiques in 38 states and had executed leases for 39 new boutiques we plan to open in 2011. In total we have approximately 336,000 gross square feet across all of our boutiques. Our boutiques are leased from third parties with lease terms of five to ten years and many of our lease agreements have additional five-year renewal options. A majority of our leases have early termination clauses, which permit the lease to be terminated by us if certain sales levels are not met in specific periods or if a shopping center does not meet specified occupancy standards. In addition to fixed minimum lease payments, most of our boutique leases provide for additional rental payments based on a percentage of sales if sales at the respective boutiques exceed specified levels. In addition, a majority of our leases also provide for additional payments associated with common area maintenance, real estate, taxes and insurance. In addition, many of our lease agreements have defined escalating rent provisions over the initial term and extensions.

 

86


Table of Contents

Our Employees

As of April 2, 2011, we had approximately 1,560 total employees. Of our total employees, approximately 102 were based at our corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, and approximately 1,458 were boutique employees. We had approximately 462 full-time employees and approximately 1,098 part-time employees, who are primarily boutique employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we have had no labor-related work stoppages as of April 2, 2011. Our relationship with our employees is one of the keys to our success, and we believe that relationship is satisfactory.

Seasonality

Our wide-range of merchandise and our strategy of carrying a broad selection but limited quantities of each item reduces our overall seasonality relative to other specialty retailers. Nevertheless, our business is mildly seasonal in nature and demand is generally the highest in the fourth fiscal quarter due to the year-end holiday season and lowest in the first fiscal quarter. As a result of this seasonality and generally because of variation in consumer spending habits, we experience fluctuations in net sales and working capital requirements during the year. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Quarterly Results and Seasonality—Seasonality” for more information.

Legal Proceedings

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, including employment claims, wage and hour claims, intellectual property claims, contractual and commercial disputes and other matters that arise in the ordinary course of our business. While the outcome of these and other claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Privacy Policy

In the course of our business, we collect information about our customers, including customer data submitted to us in connection with purchases of our merchandise at boutiques as well as from our e-commerce business. We respect the privacy of our customers and take steps to safeguard the confidentiality of the information that they provide to us.

 

87


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

Below is a list of our executive officers and directors and their respective ages and positions and a brief account of the business experience of each of them. Upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will consist of seven members.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

John De Meritt

     40       President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Gene Morphis

     62       Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Theresa Backes

     53       Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Kal Malik

     50       Executive Vice President, General Counsel

Kyong Gill

     46       Director, Executive Vice Chairperson

Greg Brenneman

     49       Director, Non-Executive Chairman

Neill Davis

     54       Director

Richard Emmett

     55       Director

Joseph Scharfenberger

     39       Director

Richard Zannino

     52       Director

Executive Officers

John De Meritt is one of the Founders of the company and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2007 and has been a member of our board of directors since the inception of the company. Prior to becoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Francesca’s, Mr. De Meritt worked for many years in the real estate investment industry, most recently as Vice President, Director of Leasing in the Eastern United States for Weingarten Realty Investors from 2001 to 2006. Mr. De Meritt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctorate from the South Texas College of Law.

Gene Morphis has served as our Chief Financial Offer since October 2010. Prior to joining Francesca’s, Mr. Morphis was the Chief Financial Officer of David’s Bridal from March 2006 to September 2010. Prior to David’s Bridal, from 2002 to March 2006, Mr. Morphis served as the Chief Financial Officer of The Rowe Companies, a company that filed voluntary proceedings under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in September 2006. Mr. Morphis also served as Chief Financial Officer of ClientLogic from 1999 to 2001, as Chief Financial Officer of Stream International, Inc. from 1995 to 1999, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CVS Caremark Corporation from 1992 to 1995. He also held various executive positions at Zales Corporation, American Woodmark and Holiday Inns. He currently serves on the advisory board of Serality. Mr. Morphis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Memphis.

Theresa Backes has served as our Chief Operating Officer since 2007. Prior to joining Francesca’s, from 2004 to 2007, Ms. Backes was the Vice President, Store Operations of David’s Bridal. From 2002 to 2004, Ms. Backes was the Senior Director, Store Operations, at Banana Republic. Ms. Backes has also held positions with IBM Global Services from 2000 to 2002 and she was the Senior Vice President, Stores, at Gymboree Corporation from 1996 to 2000. She held various management positions at Target Corp. and Mervyn’s Stores from 1981 to 1996. Ms. Backes graduated from Arizona State University in 1981 and attended both the Graduate Studies in Retail Finance program at the University of Michigan and Leadership Studies program at the Aspen Institute.

Kal Malik has served as our General Counsel since October 2009. Prior to joining Francesca’s, Mr. Malik was an attorney in private practice from August 2007 through September 2009 as a partner (of counsel during 2009) at the law firm of Condon Thornton Harrell Malik LLP. Prior to that, he was a

 

88


Table of Contents

Senior Director at Kane Russell Coleman & Logan, P.C. from April 2001 to July 2007. Mr. Malik holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from The University of Texas at Dallas, a Juris Doctorate from the South Texas College of Law and a Master of Laws in Taxation from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Prior to entering the practice of law, Mr. Malik practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in Dallas, Texas.

Kyong Gill is one of the Founders of the company and has served as a member of our board of directors since the inception of the company and has served as the Executive Vice Chairperson of our board of directors since March 2010. Ms. Gill previously served as our Chief Merchandising Officer from 2003 until March 2011 and continues to oversee our merchandising operations in her capacity as Executive Vice Chairperson. Prior to founding Francesca’s, Ms. Gill worked in the finance departments of Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Ms. Gill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Houston and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia. Ms. Gill was previously licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.

Directors

The following information pertains to the directors, principal occupations and other directorships for at least the last five years and information regarding their specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills. In selecting directors, we consider factors that are in our best interests and those of our stockholders, including diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies that our board of directors desires to have represented. These competencies include: independence (with respect to independent directors); adherence to ethical standards; the ability to exercise business judgment; substantial business or professional experience and the ability to offer our management meaningful advice and guidance based on that experience; ability to devote sufficient time and effort to his or her duties as a director; and any other criteria established by our board of directors together with any core competencies or technical expertise necessary for our committees. We believe that each director possesses these qualities and has demonstrated business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to us and to our board of directors.

Greg Brenneman has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2010 and is the Chairman of our board of directors. Mr. Brenneman is the Chairman of CCMP and a member of its investment committee. Prior to joining CCMP in October 2008, Mr. Brenneman served as Chief Executive Officer of Quiznos from January 2007 until September 2008 and as President of Quiznos from January 2007 until November 2007. He also served as Executive Chairman of Quiznos from 2008 to 2009. Prior to joining Quiznos, from 2004 to 2006, Mr. Brenneman was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Burger King Corporation. In 2002, Mr. Brenneman was named President and Chief Executive Officer of PwC Consulting, where he restructured the business which led to a strategic sale to IBM. From 1995 to 2001, Mr. Brenneman was with Continental Airlines as President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of its board of directors. In 1994, Mr. Brenneman founded Turnworks, Inc., his personal investment firm that focuses on corporate turnarounds. Prior to founding Turnworks in 1994, Mr. Brenneman was a Vice President for Bain and Company. Mr. Brenneman holds a Bachelors Administration of Business in Accounting and Finance from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas and a Master of Business Administration degree with distinction from Harvard Business School. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Washburn University. Mr. Brenneman currently serves on the board of directors of Edwards Group PLC, The Home Depot, Inc., Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Quiznos. Mr. Brenneman’s many years of experience working as a director and a chief executive officer of several private and public companies allows him to provide significant business, leadership and management advice to the board of directors.

Neill Davis has served as a member of our board of directors since May 2007. Mr. Davis joined Men’s Warehouse in 1997 as Vice President and Treasurer. In November 2000, he was named Senior

 

89


Table of Contents

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and in March 2001 he was named Principal Financial Officer. In March 2002, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and remained Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer. In March 2003, he was named Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer. In April 2006, he was again named to the additional office of Treasurer. Mr. Davis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas. Mr. Davis’s positions as a treasurer and a chief financial officer at a large retail apparel company provide valuable insight to the board of directors, particularly as it relates to management and financial matters.

Rich Emmett has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2009. Mr. Emmett was named Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Dunkin Brands in 2009. Prior to joining Dunkin Brands, Mr. Emmett served as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Quiznos from May 2007 to April 2009. Mr. Emmett also served as a member of the Quiznos leadership team and worked a wide array of issues ranging from the development of the overall business strategy to managing U.S. and international franchise relations. Prior to joining Quiznos, Mr. Emmett served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Papa John’s International, Inc. from 1992 to May 2007. Mr. Emmett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University and a Juris Doctorate from The Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary. Mr. Emmett currently serves on the board of directors of Capital Pizza, Inc. Mr. Emmett has over ten years of experience serving as in-house legal counsel for various large corporations, which allows him to provide valuable insights and advice to the board of directors, particularly as it pertains to legal matters.

Joe Scharfenberger has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2007. Mr. Scharfenberger is a managing director of CCMP. Prior to joining CCMP in December 2008, Mr. Scharfenberger worked at Bear Stearns Merchant Banking from 2003 to 2008. Prior to joining Bear Stearns Merchant Banking in July 2003, Mr. Scharfenberger worked in the private equity department at Toronto Dominion Securities from March 2000 until April 2003. He holds a B.A. from The University of Vermont. Mr. Scharfenberger currently serves on the board of directors of Crestcom International, Harlem Furniture, JAG flocomponents and New Chapter. Mr. Scharfenberger’s many years of experience in the banking and private equity fields allow him to provide valuable insights and advice to the board of directors.

Rich Zannino has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2010. Mr. Zannino is a managing director of CCMP and a member of its investment committee. Prior to joining CCMP in 2009, Mr. Zannino was Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Dow Jones & Company. He joined Dow Jones as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2001 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in July 2002 and then to Chief Executive Officer and Director in February 2006. Prior to joining Dow Jones, Mr. Zannino was Executive Vice President in charge of strategy, finance, M&A, technology, and a number of operating units at Liz Claiborne. He originally joined Liz Claiborne in 1998 as Chief Financial Officer. In 1998, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of General Signal, where he led the sale of that company. From 1993 until early 1998, he was at Saks Fifth Avenue, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where he oversaw the company’s strategy, finance, business development, merchandise planning and technology and helped lead its successful IPO. Mr. Zannino is currently a member of the board of directors of IAC, Estee Lauder, Hanley Wood and Infogroup and is a trustee of Pace University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and economics from Bentley College and a Masters of Business Administration in finance from Pace University. Mr. Zannino’s past leadership experience, knowledge of operations, as well as his extensive operating and financial experience in the retail industry, allow him to provide valuable business and leadership advice to the board of directors.

 

90


Table of Contents

Board Composition and Election of Directors

Board Composition

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors currently consists of seven members. Upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will consist of seven members. Our amended and restated bylaws which will be in effect upon completion of this offering will provide that, subject to any rights applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, our board of directors will consist of a number of directors to be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total directors then in office.

As of the completion of this offering, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide for a staggered, or classified, board of directors consisting of three classes of directors, each serving a staggered three-year term and with one class being elected at each year’s annual meeting of stockholders as follows:

 

  Ÿ  

the Class I directors will be Mr. Scharfenberger and his term will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2012;

 

  Ÿ  

the Class II directors will be Ms. Gill and Messrs. Emmett and Zannino and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2013; and

 

  Ÿ  

the Class III directors will be Messrs. Brenneman, Davis and De Meritt and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2014.

Upon the expiration of the term of a class of directors, directors for that class will be elected for a new three-year term at the annual meeting of stockholders in the year in which the term expires. Each director’s term is subject to the election and qualification of his or her successor, or his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Subject to any rights applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, any vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office. Any increase or decrease in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of our board of directors will make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of our company.

Our stockholders’ agreement has provided, among other things, that five members of our board of directors were to be designated by CCMP, and two members were to be designated by the majority of the shares held by management so long as management held at least 7% of the total equity interest in the company. Currently, Messrs. Brenneman, Zannino, Scharfenberger, Emmett and Davis have had the right to serve on our board of directors pursuant to the terms of this stockholders’ agreement as appointees of CCMP and Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill have the right to serve on our board of directors as appointees of the holders of a majority of the shares held by management. These related board representation rights will terminate upon completion of this offering and will no longer be in effect.

Director Independence and Controlled Company

We intend to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exception under the corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market. Accordingly, we will not have a majority of “independent directors” on our board of directors nor will we have a compensation committee and a corporate governance and nominating committee composed entirely of “independent directors” as defined under the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market. Further, compensation for our executives and selection of our director nominees will not be determined by a majority of “independent directors” as defined under the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The “controlled company” exception does not modify the independence requirements for the audit committee, and we intend to comply with the

 

91


Table of Contents

requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley and The NASDAQ Stock Market, which require that our audit committee be composed of at least three members, one of whom will be independent upon the listing of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, a majority of whom will be independent within 90 days of listing and each of whom will be independent within one year of listing.

If at any time we cease to be a “controlled company” under the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, our Board of Directors will take all action necessary to comply with The NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance rules, including appointing a majority of independent directors to the board and establishing certain committees composed entirely of independent directors, subject to a permitted “phase-in” period. Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Davis and Emmett each qualify as an “independent director” under the corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

Board Committees

Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a corporate governance and nominating committee. The composition and responsibilities of each committee are described below. Members will serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors. In the future, our board of directors may establish other committees, as it deems appropriate, to assist with its responsibilities.

Audit Committee

Our audit committee currently consists of Messrs. Davis, Zannino, Emmett and Scharfenberger. Upon completion of this offering, our audit committee will consist of Messrs. Davis, Emmett and Scharfenberger. Mr. Davis is the chairperson of our audit committee. Our audit committee will have responsibility for, among other things:

 

  Ÿ  

selecting and hiring our independent registered public accounting firm and approving the audit and non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

  Ÿ  

evaluating the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

  Ÿ  

monitoring the integrity of our financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to financial statements or accounting matters;

 

  Ÿ  

reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal control policies and procedures;

 

  Ÿ  

discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm and reviewing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our interim and year-end operating results; and

 

  Ÿ  

preparing the audit committee report required by the SEC to be included in our annual proxy statement.

The SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market rules require us to have one independent audit committee member upon the listing of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, a majority of independent audit committee members within 90 days of the date of such listing and all independent audit committee members within one year of the date of such listing. We expect to have two independent audit committee members upon the listing of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, thereby constituting a majority of independent audit committee members, and we expect to have an entirely independent audit committee within one year from the date of listing. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Davis and Emmett meet the definition of “independent directors” under applicable SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market rules. In addition, our board of directors has determined that Mr. Davis qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert”, as such term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

92


Table of Contents

Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for our audit committee, which will be available on our website at www.francescascollections.com upon completion of this offering.

Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee currently consists of Messrs. Brenneman, Emmett and Scharfenberger. Mr. Brenneman is the chairperson of our compensation committee. Upon completion of this offering, our compensation committee will remain unchanged. The compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

  Ÿ  

reviewing and approving compensation of our executive officers, including annual base salary, annual incentive bonuses, specific goals, equity compensation, employment agreements, severance and change-in-control arrangements and any other benefits, compensation or arrangements;

 

  Ÿ  

reviewing succession planning for our executive officers;

 

  Ÿ  

reviewing and recommending compensation goals, bonus and stock compensation criteria for our employees;

 

  Ÿ  

determining the compensation of our directors;

 

  Ÿ  

reviewing and discussing annually with management our “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” disclosure required by SEC rules;

 

  Ÿ  

preparing the compensation committee report required by the SEC to be included in our annual proxy statement; and

 

  Ÿ  

administrating, reviewing and making recommendations with respect to our equity compensation plans.

We intend to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exception under The NASDAQ Stock Market rules which exempts us from the requirement that we have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.

Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for our compensation committee, which will be available on our website at www.francescascollections.com upon completion of this offering.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

Our corporate governance and nominating committee currently consists of Messrs. Brenneman, Zannino and Davis. Mr. Zannino is the chairperson of our corporate governance and nominating committee. Upon completion of this offering, our corporate governance and nominating committee will remain unchanged.

The corporate governance and nominating committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  Ÿ  

assisting our board of directors in identifying prospective director nominees and recommending nominees for each annual meeting of stockholders to our board of directors;

 

  Ÿ  

reviewing developments in corporate governance practices and developing and recommending governance principles applicable to our board of directors;

 

  Ÿ  

overseeing the evaluation of our board of directors and management;

 

  Ÿ  

recommending members for each board committee of our board of directors; and

 

  Ÿ  

approving related party transactions.

 

93


Table of Contents

We intend to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exception under The NASDAQ Stock Market rules which exempts us from the requirement that we have a corporate governance and nominating committee composed entirely of independent directors.

Our board of directors will adopt prior to completion of this offering a written charter for our corporate governance and nominating committee, which will be available on our website at www.francescascollections.com upon completion of this offering.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the last fiscal year, Messrs. Brenneman and Scharfenberger served on our compensation committee. Messrs. Brenneman and Scharfenberger both have relationships with us that require disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” for more information.

During the past fiscal year, Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill, each an executive officer of the company, served as members of our board of directors. However, none of the executive officers of the company, served on the compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who served as members of our board of directors or our compensation committee. None of the members of our compensation committee is an officer or employee of our company, nor have they ever been an officer or employee of our company.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Prior to the completion of this offering, we will revise our code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting. Our code of business conduct and ethics will address, among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial matters and external reporting, company funds and assets, confidentiality and corporate opportunity requirements and the process for reporting violations of the code of business conduct and ethics, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations. Our code of business conduct and ethics will be available on our website at www.francescascollections.com upon completion of this offering. Any amendments to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website.

Board Leadership Structure and Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Mr. Brenneman, a non-employee, serves as Non-Executive Chairman of our board of directors. We support separating the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman to allow our Chief Executive Officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the Chairman to lead our board of directors in its fundamental role of providing advice to, and oversight of, management. Our board of directors recognizes the time, effort and energy that the Chief Executive Officer is required to devote to his position in the current business environment, as well as the commitment required to serve as our Chairman, particularly as our board of directors’ oversight responsibilities continue to grow. Our board of directors also believes that this structure ensures a greater role for the non-management directors in the oversight of our company and active participation of the independent directors in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures for the work of our board of directors.

While our amended and restated bylaws, which will be in effect upon the completion of this offering, will not require that our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions be separate, our board of directors believes that having separate positions and having a non-employee director serve as Chairman is the appropriate leadership structure for us at this time and demonstrates our commitment to good corporate governance.

 

94


Table of Contents

Risk is inherent with every business and we face a number of risks as outlined in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks we face, while our board of directors, as a whole and through its audit committee, is responsible for overseeing our management and operations, including overseeing its risk assessment and risk management functions. Our board of directors has delegated responsibility for reviewing our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management to our audit committee through its charter. Our board of directors has determined that this oversight responsibility can be most efficiently performed by our audit committee as part of its overall responsibility for providing independent, objective oversight with respect to our accounting and financial reporting functions, internal and external audit functions and systems of internal controls over financial reporting and legal, ethical and regulatory compliance. Our audit committee will regularly report to our board of directors with respect to its oversight of these important areas.

Director Compensation

Our independent directors, Messrs. Davis and Emmett, currently receive an annual retainer from us for their services as members of our board of directors. In addition, on March 26, 2010, we granted Mr. Emmett a stock option under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan to purchase 40,000 shares of our common stock. Subject to his continued service through the applicable vesting date, the grant will vest in equal annual installments on each anniversary of the award date over a five-year period. The terms and conditions of the stock option grant are similar to the terms and conditions of the stock options granted to employees generally. The CCMP Acquisition was treated as a change in control for purposes of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) on February 26, 2010, thereby causing an acceleration of vesting of all awards outstanding pursuant to the 2007 Plan, including Mr. Davis’ stock options granted on December 1, 2007. In addition, on November 17, 2010, we paid a cash divided to our shareholders. Pursuant to the terms of the 2007 Plan, our board of directors adjusted the exercise price of outstanding stock options to neutralize the dilutive effect of the dividend payments. However, our board of directors determined that in the case of Mr. Davis, and certain of our named executive officers, they should receive a cash payment in lieu of an adjustment. Accordingly, Mr. Davis received a gross cash payment of $239,450, which was calculated as the product of the proposed reduction in the exercise price of outstanding options of $2.39 multiplied by the number of fully-vested but unexercised options granted to Mr. Davis under the 2007 Plan at the time of the dividend payment. The stock options remain outstanding at their original exercise price. For a discussion of the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan and the terms and conditions of stock options granted thereunder, please see “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion & Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Equity-Based Awards,” below.

We expect to enter into indemnification agreements with all our directors effective upon completion of this offering. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Indemnification of Officers and Directors” for more information. All members of our board of directors receive reimbursement of reasonable and documented costs and expenses incurred by directors in connection with attending any meetings of our board of directors or any of our committees.

Our executives who are members of our board of directors or are employees of our largest shareholder, CCMP, do not receive compensation from us in connection with their service on our board of directors. This arrangement will remain unchanged following the completion of this offering. Accordingly, Mssrs. De Meritt, Brenneman, Scharfenberger and Zannino and Ms. Gill have not and will not receive compensation from us for their service on our board of directors. Only those directors who are neither our employees nor the employees of our largest shareholder, CCMP, are eligible to receive compensation from us for their service on our board of directors. Upon completion of this offering, we expect that such directors will be paid an annual retainer of $40,000, which is the same rate that Mr. Emett received for the 2010 fiscal year and is a $20,000 increase to Mr. Davis’ rate.

 

95


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation of our non-executive directors for their service on our board of directors for the most recently completed fiscal year:

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash

($)
     Option Awards
($)(1)
     All Other
Compensation

($)(2)
     Total
($)
 

Rich Emmett

     40,000         137,600                 177,600   

Neill Davis

     20,000                 239,450         259,450   

 

(1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted in fiscal year 2010 computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). The assumptions made in the valuation of the awards are set forth in note 6 to the company’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. As of January 29, 2011, Mr. Emmett held stock options to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock, which vest in equal annual installments on each anniversary of the award date over a five-year period, with an exercise price of $3.74 per share. As of January 29, 2011, Mr. Davis held stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock, all of which are vested, with an exercise price of $1.43 per share.
(2) For Mr. Davis, amount reported represents a cash payment received in lieu of an adjustment to the exercise price of his outstanding stock options. See the narrative above for more details.

 

96


Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Introduction

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the compensation arrangements we have with our named executive officers as required under the rules of the SEC. The SEC rules require disclosure for the principal executive officer, or PEO (our Chief Executive Officer) and principal financial officer, or PFO (our current and former Chief Financial Officer), regardless of compensation level, and the three most highly compensated executive officers in our last completed fiscal year, other than the PEO and PFO. All of these executive officers are referred to in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis as our “named executive officers.”

We operate on a fiscal calendar which in a given fiscal year consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. We refer to the period from January 31, 2010 to January 29, 2011, our previous fiscal year, as “fiscal year 2010.” For fiscal year 2010, our named executive officers were:

 

Name

  

Title

John De Meritt

   President, Chief Executive Officer (PEO)

Gene Morphis

   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (PFO, who joined the company effective October 18, 2010)

Cindy Thomassee

   Vice President of Accounting (who served as PFO until October 18, 2010)

Theresa Backes

   Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Kyong Gill

   Chief Merchandising Officer (who, as of March 8, 2011, serves as our Executive Vice Chairperson)

Kal Malik

   Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Prior to this offering, we were a privately held company with a relatively small number of shareholders, including our principal shareholder, CCMP. As a result, we have not previously been subject to any stock exchange listing or SEC rules requiring a majority of our board of directors to be independent or relating to the formation and functioning of board committees, including audit, compensation and nominating committees. Prior to the CCMP Acquisition, compensation policies and determinations for our named executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, were made by our board of directors in consultation with our Chief Executive Officer. In connection with the CCMP Acquisition, our board of directors established a compensation committee composed of Greg Brenneman (Committee Chair) and Joseph Scharfenberger (the “Compensation Committee”). During fiscal year 2010, the Compensation Committee was responsible for the oversight, implementation and administration of all of our executive compensation plans and programs. The Compensation Committee determined all of the components of compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, and, in consultation with our Chief Executive Officer, the compensation of our remaining named executive officers. Our board of directors reviewed the Compensation Committee’s recommendations for the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and approved his final compensation. On March 8, 2011, Richard Emmett became a member of the Compensation Committee as well. The duties of the Compensation Committee and our board of directors will remain same as they were prior to this offering.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The key objectives in designing our executive compensation program, both historically and following this offering, are to:

 

  Ÿ  

align the interests of our named executive officers with our shareholders’ interests; and

 

  Ÿ  

provide a total compensation package for each of our named executive officers that is commensurate with our peers in the specialty retail industry.

 

97


Table of Contents

We seek to accomplish these objectives by providing a total compensation package which includes three main components: base salary, annual performance-based cash awards and long-term equity-based awards. Of these components, base salary and annual performance-based cash awards have been historically, and will continue to be, at or below-market when compared to our peers in the specialty retail industry. However, our long-term equity-based awards, which have been in the form of stock options, have been significantly above-market when compared to our peers in the specialty retail industry. As a result, the total compensation package for each of our named executive officers is generally above the median of our peers in the specialty retail industry due to the outstanding performance of the company.

We believe that by providing a substantial portion of our named executive officers’ total compensation package in the form of equity-based awards through stock option grants which vest over a period of four or five years, we create an incentive to build shareholder value over the long-term and closely align the interests of our named executive officers to those of our shareholders by incentivizing our named executive officers to produce value. Additionally, our annual performance-based cash awards, while a less significant portion of our total compensation package, are also contingent upon the achievement of financial performance metrics and the amount of compensation ultimately received for these awards vary with our company’s annual financial performance, thereby providing an additional incentive to maximize shareholder value.

We have adhered to this philosophy historically and intend to continue to do so going forward. We believe that this philosophy has been successful by motivating, retaining and incentivizing our named executive officers and providing value to our shareholders.

Following this offering, we intend to continue to follow the compensation objectives and philosophy we have maintained historically. We intend to continue to provide at- or below-market fixed compensation in the form of base salary and annual performance-based cash awards, while providing the majority of our total compensation package in the form of long-term equity-based incentives. For example, in conjunction with this offering we intend to grant Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes a one-time grant of additional stock options, each with a five-year vesting period, to provide a long-term incentive for them to continue to grow our company. We believe Mr. De Meritt’s grant will serve to provide an additional incentive in the event certain of his outstanding stock options vest upon completion of this offering. See “—Equity-Based Awards,” below, for additional information regarding any potential vesting of Mr. De Meritt’s outstanding awards upon completion of this offering. Ms. Backes currently has no outstanding unvested equity awards, and therefore the grant in connection with this offering will provide her with a long-term incentive opportunity. Following these grants, all of our named executive officers will have outstanding equity-based awards with multi-year vesting periods. (With the exception of Mr. De Meritt and Mmes. Gill and Backes, each of the option awards granted in 2010 will not fully vest until 2015, or 2014 in the case of Mr. Malik, provided that the executive remains employed through each applicable vesting period.) Additionally, none of these grants provide for accelerated vesting except in certain circumstances (such as the potential accelerated vesting of a portion of Mr. De Meritt’s options in connection with this offering, described under “—Elements of Compensation—Equity-Based Awards,” below), thereby insuring that our executives have continued incentive to drive shareholder value. This is in line with our compensation objective of aligning our executive officers’ interests with the long-term interests of our shareholders. For additional information regarding stock option awards to be made in conjunction with this offering, see “—Actions Taken Subsequent to Fiscal Year 2010—Stock Option Grants in Conjunction with this Offering,” below.

Historically, we have not used a third-party consultant to assist us with determining compensation levels. Additionally, our Compensation Committee has not benchmarked our compensation levels and their decisions with regard to compensation levels have been subjective. However, in conjunction with this offering, in 2011 our Compensation Committee reviewed our compensation program, including engaging Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC to compile a report of compensation data which made

 

98


Table of Contents

reference to broad-based retail surveys, compensation information for fast-growing retail companies with less than $1 billion in revenue and retail companies which had recently conducted an initial public offering, and founders equity ownership information at a wide range of companies. The purpose of the review conducted by our Compensation Committee was to inform the Compensation Committee of competitive compensation practices and a variety of other factors, and to confirm that the past structure of our cash compensation and equity-based awards was consistent with our compensation philosophy. In addition, based upon this review, the Compensation Committee determined to make the equity grants in conjunction with this offering to Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes discussed above. The Compensation Committee’s review was based in part on the data referenced in the Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC report as well as consideration of the company’s position in its life cycle for determining the mix between cash compensation and equity-based awards, the appropriate size of equity-based awards in light of this offering and the need to retain the key leadership team following this offering.

Consistent with our historical practices, we do not expect that our Compensation Committee will utilize formal benchmarking as a material element in determining the total compensation amounts, or individual elements of compensation, for our named executive officers. We expect that the Compensation Committee will continue to subjectively review compensation elements and amounts for our named executive officers on an annual basis, at the time of a promotion or other change in level of responsibilities, as well as when competitive circumstances or business needs may require.

Role of the Compensation Committee and our Executive Officers

Historically, our compensation has been highly individualized, the result of arm’s-length negotiations and based on a variety of informal factors including, in addition to the factors listed above, our financial condition and available resources, our need for a particular position to be filled and the compensation levels of our other executive officers. In addition, we informally considered the competitive market for corresponding positions within the specialty retail apparel industry based on the general knowledge possessed by members of our Compensation Committee and our Chief Executive Officer regarding the compensation given to some of the executive officers of other companies in our industry through informal benchmarking.

Going forward, we expect that our Chief Executive Officer will continue to provide compensation recommendations to the Compensation Committee for base salary, annual incentive targets and other compensation awards for executives other than himself based on this data and the other considerations mentioned in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Compensation Committee will likely give significant weight to our Chief Executive Officer’s judgment when assessing each of the other named executive officers’ performance and determining appropriate compensation levels and incentive awards and will seek to base the compensation objectives on the achievement of our annual business plan. We expect that the Compensation Committee will recommend a total compensation package that is consistent with our described compensation philosophy and competitive within the specialty retail industry. We expect that the Compensation Committee will then discuss these recommendations with the Chief Executive Officer and will make a recommendation to our board of directors, which our board of directors will consider and approve, if appropriate. With regard to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, our Compensation Committee, without the input of our Chief Executive Officer, will determine the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, including the targets for his annual performance-based cash award. Our board of directors will review the Compensation Committee’s recommendation and will be ultimately responsible for approving such recommendation with or without modification.

Elements of Compensation

As discussed throughout this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation policies and programs applicable to our named executive officers are reflective of our objective of aligning the

 

99


Table of Contents

interests of our executive officers with our shareholders’ interests in enhancing shareholder value over the long term. Applying this philosophy, a significant portion of overall compensation offered to our named executive officers is in the form of (i) equity-based compensation linked to enhanced shareholder value and (ii) annual performance-based cash awards contingent upon achievement of measurable financial objectives.

The elements of our compensation program are:

 

  Ÿ  

base salaries;

 

  Ÿ  

annual performance-based cash awards;

 

  Ÿ  

equity-based incentive awards; and

 

  Ÿ  

certain additional executive benefits and perquisites.

In addition to these elements, in 2010 certain of our named executive officers received additional compensation as a reward for the successful completion of the CCMP Acquisition and to acknowledge their efforts in creating the underlying enterprise value, as described below under “—CCMP Acquisition-Related Payments.” We strive to achieve an appropriate mix between the various elements of our compensation program to meet our compensation objectives and philosophy; however, we do not apply any rigid allocation formula in setting our named executive officers’ compensation, and we may make adjustments to this approach for various positions after giving due consideration to prevailing circumstances.

Base Salary

We provide a base salary to our named executive officers to induce talented executives to join or remain with our company, to compensate them for their services during the year and to provide them with a stable source of income. For fiscal year 2010, each of our named executive officers, other than Ms. Thomassee, had an employment agreement or letter agreement which set his or her minimum base salary. While our base salary amounts are generally below-market when compared to our peers in the specialty retail industry, the total compensation package provided to our named executive officers, including equity-based awards, is commensurate with our peers. For more information regarding the current terms and conditions of our named executive officers’ employment, please see the narrative following the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below.

The base salary levels of continuing named executive officers are reviewed annually by our Compensation Committee to determine whether an adjustment is warranted or necessary and this practice will be maintained by our Compensation Committee following this offering. The Compensation Committee takes into account numerous factors in making its determination, none of which are dispositive or individually weighted, including our financial performance, the state of our industry and local economies in which we operate, the executive officer’s relative importance and responsibilities, the executive officer’s track record in meeting his or her performance objectives and periodic reference to comparable salaries paid to other executives of similar experience in our industry.

In 2010, the base salaries of Mmes. Thomassee and Backes were increased by $10,000 and $15,000, respectively, upon recommendation of our Chief Executive Officer, to be more reflective of the general range of market salaries for their respective positions based on the general knowledge possessed by the members of our Compensation Committee and our Chief Executive Officer regarding the compensation given to executives in similar roles at other companies in our industry. Our Compensation Committee also considered the base salaries of our other named executive officers, but concluded that their base salaries were appropriate at their current levels. The base salaries paid to

 

100


Table of Contents

our named executive officers during fiscal year 2010 are reported in the “Summary Compensation Table,” below. The annual base salaries in effect for each of our continuing named executive officers as of January 29, 2011 are as follows:

 

Name

   Annual Salary  

John De Meritt

   $ 375,000   

Gene Morphis

   $ 325,000   

Theresa Backes

   $ 250,000   

Kyong Gill

   $ 275,000   

Kal Malik

   $ 225,000   

Annual Performance-Based Cash Awards

While a large portion of the total compensation package provided to our named executive officers is in the form of long-term equity-based awards, we also provide our named executive officers with annual performance-based cash award opportunities linked to our annual financial performance and the achievement of individual goals and objectives. Annual performance-based cash awards are tied specifically to the achievement of our annual financial objectives and individual performance. Our awards are designed to align each executive’s annual goals for his or her respective area of responsibility with the financial goals of the company.

The target annual performance-based cash award opportunity for each eligible executive is set at a percentage of base salary. Pursuant to their employment agreements or letter agreements, as applicable, our named executive officers were eligible to receive a target annual performance-based cash award in fiscal 2010 equal to 100% of base salary for Mr. De Meritt, 25% for Ms. Thomassee, 40% for Ms. Backes and Mr. Malik, and 75% for Ms. Gill. The target annual performance-based cash award amounts were determined by our Compensation Committee with recommendations by our Chief Executive Officer, and such target amounts generally reflect the executive’s position and market conditions. Mr. Morphis was not eligible for an annual performance-based cash award for fiscal year 2010 because he joined with us at the end of the 3rd fiscal quarter of 2010.

The award payable for fiscal year 2010 to Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill were based on the achievement of the company’s budgeted EBITDA goals. The award payable to Mmes. Thomassee and Backes and Mr. Malik were based 75% on the achievement of the company’s budgeted EBITDA goal and 25% on the achievement of individual goals. The weighting of individual goals versus the company’s budgeted EBITDA goals, as well as the determination of the individual goals, were established by our Chief Executive Officer and approved by our board of directors. The individual goals chosen for Mmes. Thomassee and Backes and Mr. Malik were intended to measure the performance of the tasks and activities each executive is asked to perform in their respective roles. The individual goals for Ms. Thomassee included consistent timely preparation of financial reports, identification and implementation of internal controls and processes and cross-training individuals with related functions. The individual goals for Ms. Backes included successful leadership of our boutique operations and e-commerce divisions and sales and merchandising teams, continued development of our business model and oversight of development of our regional management team. Finally, the individual goals for Mr. Malik included management of our litigation exposure and associated risks, streamlining of our lease negotiation process, revisions to our capital structure and leadership of various team building initiatives. The target annual performance-based cash award opportunities of our named executive officers for fiscal year 2010 are set forth in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below.

The pre-established objective financial incentive target goal for fiscal year 2010 was budgeted EBITDA. The Compensation Committee chose EBITDA as the objective financial incentive target goal as this metric tracks both company earnings and cash flow and is indicative of our overall market

 

101


Table of Contents

value. For purposes of determining award amounts payable to our named executive officers, budgeted EBITDA means the targeted consolidated earnings of the company and its subsidiaries before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, established at the beginning of each accounting period. For fiscal year 2010, the target budgeted EBITDA was $24.8 million and we achieved EBITDA of $32.1 million, which was above our budgeted amount.

For fiscal year 2011, the performance-based awards for our executive officers will be based 75% on the achievement of company goals and 25% based on the achievement of individual goals. The company goals for 2011, each of which are equally weighted, are: increased boutique count by at least 75 boutiques, increased gross sales to $190 million and achievement of target EBITDA of $45 million. The weighting of the individual goals versus the company goals, as well as the determination of the individual goals, were recommended by our Chief Executive Officer and approved by our Compensation Committee. Each named executive officer’s individual goals are intended to measure the performance of the tasks and activities each executive is asked to perform in their respective roles. For 2011, the individual goals for Mr. De Meritt include successful completion of this offering, successful launch of the first phase of planned technological enhancements and continued enhancement of boutique infrastructure. Individual goals for Mr. Morphis include oversight and completion of fiscal year 2010 year-end audits, timely delivery of financial information for this offering and enhancement of our financial reporting platform. Individual goals for Ms. Backes include review of our staffing and incentive program, delivery of $3 million in gross sales from our web boutique and achievement of 3% same-boutique sales. Individual goals for Mr. Malik include completion of diligence and work product for this offering, successful delivery of 75 signed leases for new boutiques and successfully securing internal and external legal resources to meet our growth plans. Individual goals for Ms. Gill include development and oversight of our Head Merchant and Buying Team, enhancement of the strength of our buying team and successful completion of the functions and duties of our board of directors.

The table below indicates the total award payment for fiscal year 2010 for our named executive officers (other than Mr. Morphis), as well as the weighted components used to determine award payments.

 

Name

   Annual
Salary

($)
     Target
Award As a
Percentage
of Base
Salary

(%)
    Weighting  of
Budgeted
EBITDA
Goal

(%)(1)
    Weighting  of
Individual
Goals

(%)(2)
    Actual Award
Payment

($)(3)
 

John De Meritt(4)

   $ 375,000         100     100          $ 450,000   

Cindy Thomassee(5)

   $ 160,000         25     75     25   $ 55,000   

Theresa Backes(5)

   $ 235,000         40     75     25   $ 100,000   

Kyong Gill

   $ 275,000         75     100          $ 206,250   

Kal Malik

   $ 225,000         40     75     25   $ 90,000   

 

(1) As the company achieved the budgeted EBITDA goal for fiscal year 2010, each of our named executive officers received the full amount of this component.
(2) Each of our named executive officers either met or exceeded their individual goals for fiscal year 2010 as determined by our Compensation Committee with recommendations by our Chief Executive Officer.
(3) The annual performance-based cash awards paid to our named executive officers during fiscal year 2010 are reported in the “Summary Compensation Table,” below.
(4) Mr. De Meritt received a payment which represents 120% of his base salary, or 20% more than the amount provided for in his employment agreement. This increased award payment was determined by our Compensation Committee in its discretion, and approved by our board of directors, in recognition of the company exceeding the budgeted EBITDA goal, significant increases in boutique count, and successful implementation of various corporate infrastructure expansion initiatives.
(5) Mmes. Thomassee and Backes received payments which represent approximately 34% and 43% of their base salary amounts, respectively, or 9% and 3% more than their target award amounts, respectively. The excess award payments were recommended by our Chief Executive Officer in his discretion, and approved by our Compensation Committee, in recognition of their outstanding performance and delivering above each and every metric and special assignment.

Following its adoption in conjunction with this offering, annual performance-based cash awards for our named executive officers will be paid under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Executive Bonus

 

102


Table of Contents

Plan. Performance goals and objectives for our named executive officers, other than our Chief Executive Officer, will be determined by our Chief Executive Officer, approved by our Compensation Committee and reviewed by our board of directors. Performance goals and objectives for our Chief Executive Officer will be determined by our Compensation Committee and approved by our board of directors. For more information on awards for fiscal year 2011 please see the section entitled “—Actions Taken Subsequent to Fiscal Year 2010— Plans Adopted in Connection with Our Initial Public Offering— Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Executive Bonus Plan,” below.

Equity-Based Awards

As discussed throughout this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, in order to align the interests of our named executive officers with those of the company and its shareholders, the Compensation Committee has determined that a significant portion of each named executive officer’s compensation should be in the form of equity-based awards. The option grants awarded over the last four years had no public market and no certain opportunity for liquidity until the completion of this offering, making them inherently long-term compensation. Prior to the CCMP Acquisition, awards were granted under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) in the form of options to acquire our common stock. In conjunction with the CCMP Acquisition, the company adopted the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). On March 26, 2010, in recognition of their efforts in connection with the CCMP Acquisition, we made option grants to Mr. De Meritt and Mr. Malik. Mr. De Meritt received 818,000 options and Mr. Malik received 204,400 stock options, both granted with an exercise price of $6.13. In determining the size of the grants to Messrs. De Meritt and Malik, our Compensation Committee subjectively considered each executive’s position with our company and the fact that at the time of the grant neither executive held stock options or any other form of equity-based award. Subject to his continued employment through each vesting date, options granted to Mr. De Meritt vest in equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the award date over a four-year period. In addition, for Mr. De Meritt’s option award only, a portion of these options may qualify for accelerated vesting in connection with this offering, as discussed below. Subject to his continued employment through each vesting date, options granted to Mr. Malik vest in equal installments on the last day of each month following February 26, 2010 over a four-year period. On December 1, 2010, in connection with his hiring, we granted Mr. Morphis 202,030 options with an exercise price of $10.19 which, subject to his continued employment through each vesting date, vest in equal monthly installments on each anniversary of the award date over a five-year period. In determining the size of the grant to Mr. Morphis, our Compensation Committee subjectively determined that the grant size was appropriate for his expected position with our company and provided an adequate potential stake in our company. On May 1, 2010, in connection with grants made to our employees generally to recognize services performed during the previous year, we granted Ms. Thomassee 80,000 options with an exercise price of $6.13. Subject to her continued employment through each vesting date, options granted to Ms. Thomassee vest in equal annual installments on each anniversary of the award date over a five-year period. In determining the size of the grant to Ms. Thomassee, our Compensation Committee subjectively considered her current position with our company and the fact that at the time of the grant she did not hold any stock options or any other form of equity-based award. The exercise prices for the option grants to Mr. Malik and Ms. Thomassee were reduced to equal $3.74 per share in November 2009 in conjunction with the payment of a special dividend, as discussed in “—Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Stock Split and Payment of Special Divided in 2010,” below. A similar adjustment for the special dividend was not made for Mr. De Meritt as he received a special dividend payment in lieu of exercise price adjustment. Additional information regarding the equity awards granted to our named executive officers for fiscal year 2010 under the 2010 Plan are set forth in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below. In conjunction with this offering, we intend to adopt the 2011 Francesca’s Holdings Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), and all future awards going forward will be granted under this plan. For a description of the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan, see

 

103


Table of Contents

“—Equity-Based Awards,” below. For a description of the 2011 Plan, see “—Actions Taken Subsequent to Fiscal Year 2010— Plans Adopted in Connection with Our Initial Public Offering—2011 Plan,” below.

In general, all stock option grants under the 2010 Plan to our named executive officers are determined at the discretion of our Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee has chosen to make equity-based awards in the form of stock options as opposed to other forms of equity-based awards because stock options provide a compensation opportunity only when we have created additional shareholder value, which is consistent with our compensation philosophy. In addition, our Compensation Committee also considers a named executive officer’s current position with our company, the size of his or her total compensation package and the amount of existing vested and unvested stock options, if any, then held by the executive officer. Historically, based upon the Compensation Committee’s knowledge of the company and the market, and the fact that the company was private and therefore our shares were illiquid, no formal benchmarking efforts were made by our Compensation Committee with respect to the size of option grants made to executive officers. In conjunction with this offering, we intend to grant Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes additional stock options, as discussed in “—Actions Taken Subsequent to Fiscal Year 2010—Stock Option Grants in Conjunction with this Offering,” below. Because the grants made pursuant to 2010 are fairly recent, we do not currently anticipate making any additional grants other than those to Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes described in the previous sentence.

Our board of directors adopted and our shareholders approved the 2007 Plan effective December 1, 2007. Our board of directors adopted and our shareholders approved the 2010 Plan effective February 27, 2010. The 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan were amended effective April 28, 2010 to adjust the number of shares available for issuance to account for a 400-for-1 stock split.

As of                 , 2011, 406,000 shares of common stock had been issued upon the exercise of options granted under the 2007 Plan. As of                 , 2011, 500,000 shares were vested and unexercised under the 2007 Plan. As of                 , 2011, 2,020,400 shares of common stock had been authorized and reserved for potential issuance, 112,743 shares of common stock had been issued upon the exercise of options granted, and options to purchase 285,450 shares were vested and unexercised under the 2010 Plan. Pursuant to the April 28, 2010 amendments to the 2007 Plan, no additional options may be issued under the 2007 Plan. In conjunction with this offering, the 2010 Plan will be amended to provide that no additional options may be issued under the 2010 Plan.

The following is a summary of the material terms of the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan, which will each be in effect upon completion of this offering, but does not include all of the provisions of the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan. For further information about the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan, we refer you to the complete copies of the 2007 Plan and 2010 Plan, which we included as exhibits to our registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Under the 2007 Plan and 2010 Plan, we are generally authorized to grant options to purchase shares of our common stock, restricted stock awards and, in the case of the 2007 Plan, phantom stock awards to certain of our employees, consultants and directors. Options under the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan are either incentive stock options, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or nonqualified stock options. All options granted under the plan expire no later than ten years from their date of grant.

Our Compensation Committee administers the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan. As is customary in incentive plans of this nature, the number of shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan and the exercise prices of those awards, are subject to adjustment in the event of changes in our capital structure, reorganizations and other extraordinary events. Currently, all of the

 

104


Table of Contents

outstanding options granted pursuant to the 2007 Plan are fully vested and under the 2010 Plan, in the event of a change of control event (as defined in the 2010 Plan), our board of directors has discretion to provide for the accelerated vesting of awards. For a discussion of the treatment of outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan in conjunction with the CCMP Acquisition, see “—CCMP Acquisition-Related Payments,” below. Under the 2010 Plan, in such circumstances, the options will terminate, subject to the plan administrator’s authority to provide for the assumption or substitution of the options, provided that for awards that will not be otherwise assumed, substituted for or otherwise settled, option holders are provided at least 10 days’ notice of the impending termination.

A portion of the stock options granted to Mr. De Meritt on March 26, 2010 may vest in connection with this offering based on the performance targets achieved by CCMP and certain of their affiliates (referred to herein as the Investors). Vesting of the options will be accelerated based upon the achievement of performance targets upon a realization event (as such term is defined in Mr. De Meritt’s option award agreement) (including this offering) as follows: (x) upon the Investors’ achievement of 2.0x of their invested capital, 33.3% of the option will vest to the extent the option is then outstanding and unvested; (y) upon the Investors’ achievement of 2.5x of their invested capital, 66.6% of the option will vest to the extent the option is then outstanding and unvested and (z) upon the Investors’ achievement of 3.0x of their invested capital, 100% of the option will vest to the extent the option is then outstanding and unvested. To the extent an option is vested at the time of the realization event (based on the passage of time) by a percentage that equals or exceeds the percentage of the option that would be vested as a result of the achievement of the multiple of invested capital, the option’s vesting will not accelerate, but the option will remain outstanding and eligible for continued vesting contingent upon Mr. De Meritt’s continued service. For more information regarding the compensation based expense related to stock options vesting on account of this offering, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies—Stock-based Compensation.”

CCMP Acquisition-Related Payments

The CCMP Acquisition was treated as a change in control for purposes of the 2007 Plan on February 26, 2010, thereby causing an acceleration of vesting of all awards outstanding pursuant to the 2007 Plan. On November 17, 2010, we paid a cash dividend to our shareholders. Pursuant to the terms of the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan, our board of directors adjusted the exercise price of outstanding stock options to neutralize the dilutive effect of the dividend payments. However, our board of directors determined that in the case of Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes, they should receive a cash payment in lieu of an adjustment, and accordingly, pursuant to the terms of letter agreements, dated as of November 16, 2010, Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes received a gross cash payment of $1,958,703 and $957,801, respectively, which was calculated as the product of the proposed reduction in the exercise price of outstanding options of $2.39 multiplied by the number of fully-vested but unexercised options granted to Ms. Backes under the 2007 Plan and the number of unexercised options (without regard to vesting) granted to Mr. De Meritt under the 2010 Plan at the time of the dividend payment. Our board of directors determined to make these cash payments in lieu of an adjustment to their option exercise price in order to retain the original exercise price of their options, and thus retain the incentive to continue to generate shareholder value, while providing compensation in recognition of the dilutive effect of the dividend payments. The stock options remain outstanding at their original exercise price in the case of Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes and are included in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” table, below. The payments received by Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes in fiscal year 2010 are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” below.

In connection with the CCMP Acquisition, the company provided bonus payments to reward the past service of certain employees of the company. Certain of our executives, including Ms. Backes and Ms. Thomassee, received a bonus payment following the completion of the CCMP Acquisition. Our

 

105


Table of Contents

Chief Executive Officer determined the bonus amounts in his discretion and recommended them for the approval of our Compensation Committee. The bonuses paid to Ms. Backes and Ms. Thomassee in connection with the completion of the CCMP Acquisition during fiscal year 2010 were $5,000 and $30,000, respectively, and are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” below.

Additional Executive Benefits and Perquisites

We provide our named executive officers with executive benefits and perquisites that the Compensation Committee believes are reasonable and in the best interests of the company and our shareholders. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, and subject to any revisions discussed below, we intend to continue to maintain our current benefits for our named executive officers, including retirement plans, housing relocation benefits, paid vacation and other perquisites described below. The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may revise, amend or add to an officer’s executive benefits if it deems it advisable. We believe these benefits are generally equivalent to benefits provided by comparable companies.

Retirement Plan Benefits

We do not sponsor a defined benefit retirement plan as we do not believe that such a plan best serves the needs of our employees or the business at this time. However, we do sponsor a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan. The qualified plan is available to all eligible employees, including our named executive officers, and allows them to elect to make contributions up to the maximum limits allowable under the Code. For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, in January of the following year we made a discretionary matching contribution to employees’ accounts based upon their deferral elections for the previous fiscal year. We expect to continue making such matching contributions going forward. Employees’ contributions and company matching contributions vest immediately. Additional company contributions and the related investment earnings are subject to vesting based on years of service.

Health and Welfare Benefits

Our named executive officers have the option to participate in various employee welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental and life insurance benefits. These benefit programs are generally available to all employees.

Relocation Assistance

The company’s business needs require it on occasion to relocate certain employees. To meet this need, we may, on a case by case basis, cover certain expenses, including temporary housing, relocation, living and travel expenses.

Perquisites

Car Allowance. In fiscal year 2010, we provided our named executive officers with an automobile allowance and, in some instances, paid related maintenance and use costs.

Executive Life Insurance. Pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, we have agreed to reimburse a portion of the premium for additional term life insurance for Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill that offers a benefit equal to ten million dollars and three million dollars, respectively.

Going forward, and in conjunction with the amendment to their employment agreements, we will discontinue these perquisites, and in their place provide for an annual fixed dollar amount to be provided to certain executives to purchase additional benefits of their choosing.

 

106


Table of Contents

Employment Agreements; Severance and Change in Control Benefits

Employment Agreements

The employment agreements and letter agreements we have entered into with our named executive officers provide for severance and other benefits which are designed to provide economic protection so that an executive can remain focused on our business without undue personal concern in the event that his or her position is eliminated or, in some cases, significantly altered by the company, which is particularly important in light of the executives’ leadership roles at the company. The Compensation Committee believes that providing severance or similar benefits is common among similarly situated companies and remains essential to recruiting and retaining key executives, which is a fundamental objective of our executive compensation program. For more information regarding the potential payments and benefits that would be provided to our named executive officers in connection with a termination of employment or a change in control on January 29, 2011, please see “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control,” below.

Change in Control Provisions

The prospect of a change in control of the company can cause significant distraction and uncertainty for executive officers and, accordingly, the Compensation Committee believes that appropriate change in control provisions in employment agreements and/or equity award agreements are important tools for aligning executives’ interests in change in control transactions with those of our shareholders by allowing our executive officers to focus on strategic transactions that may be in the best interest of our shareholders without undue concern regarding the effect of such transactions on their continued employment.

Accordingly, as described in “—Elements of Compensation—Equity Based Awards,” above, upon a change in control (as defined in the applicable award agreement) stock options granted pursuant to the 2010 Plan may, at the discretion of the plan administrator, have their vesting accelerated. In addition, in accordance with the Option Agreement relating to the 2010 option award made to Mr. De Meritt, the vesting of options is accelerated upon a change of control (as defined therein). For purposes of such provision this offering does not constitute a change of control.

For more information regarding the potential payments and benefits that would be provided to our continuing named executive officers in connection with a change in control on January 29, 2011, please see “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control,” below.

Actions Taken Subsequent to Fiscal Year 2010

Employment Arrangements

In conjunction with this offering, we intend to enter into amended and restated employment agreements with Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill and an employment letter with Ms. Backes setting forth the terms and conditions of their employment with us, which we believe provide a total compensation package competitive with the package offered by companies with whom we compete for executive talent. Additionally, we intend to amend the current employment letters of Messrs. Morphis and Malik. The anticipated terms and conditions of these new or amended employment arrangements are set forth below. For information regarding our named executive officers’ employment arrangements for fiscal year 2010, please see the narrative following the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below.

 

107


Table of Contents

Amended and Restated Employment Agreements with Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill:

Mr. De Meritt’s and Ms. Gill’s current employment agreements are being amended in conjunction with this offering to remove the company’s obligation to seek a shareholder vote to approve any “excess parachute payments” in connection with a change in control. Mr. De Meritt’s term of employment will be three years, subject to renewal for additional one-year terms, while Ms. Gill’s term of employment will be two years. Under her amended agreement, Ms. Gill’s base salary is also being increased to $295,000. Additionally, as described above under “—Additional Executive Benefits and Perquisites—Perquisites,” we will discontinue providing a reimbursement for a portion of the premium for additional term life insurance, and in its place provide for an annual fixed amount of $50,000 and $20,000 for Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill, respectively, to purchase additional benefits of the executive’s choosing.

Amendment to Letter Agreement for Mr. Morphis:

Mr. Morphis’ letter agreement is being amended in conjunction with this offering to provide that the payment of any severance benefits he may become entitled to will be conditioned upon his execution of a general release of claims. In addition, Mr. Morphis will be provided an annual fixed amount of $20,000 to purchase additional benefits of his choosing. For a description of Mr. Morphis’ current letter agreement, and any severance benefits, please see the narrative following the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below.

Employment Letter Agreements with Ms. Backes and Mr. Malik:

We intend to enter into employment letter agreements with Ms. Backes and Mr. Malik which, other than as noted below for Mr. Malik, will replace each of their current letter agreements. The terms and conditions of Ms. Backes’ employment as our Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Malik’s employment as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel will be set forth in their respective employment letter agreements. Ms. Backes’ agreement does not provide for a fixed term while Mr. Malik’s term of employment will be three years commencing on the effective date of the agreement.

The employment letter agreements provide that Ms. Backes and Mr. Malik will receive an annual base salary of $250,000 and $225,000, respectively, and are each eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash incentive of up to 40% of their annual base salary, based upon the achievement of goals and objectives determined by our Compensation Committee. The employment letter agreements provide that each executive will be eligible to participate in employee savings and welfare plans made available to our employees generally. In addition, each executive will be provided an annual fixed amount of $20,000 to purchase additional benefits of their choosing.

Each employment letter agreement provides for severance benefits, subject to the execution of a general release of claims, payable in the event the executive’s employment is terminated without “cause” (as defined in the employment letter agreement) in an amount equal to one times each executive’s respective annual base salary (as in effect on the date of termination). In addition, each executive will be entitled to receive accrued but unused vacation.

Mr. Malik’s employment letter agreement provides that certain covenants contained in his previous employment letter agreement will remain effective, whereby, subject to certain exceptions, during his employment, and for a period of 12 months following termination, Mr. Malik will not solicit any company employees or consultants. The employment letter agreement for Ms. Backes provides, subject to certain exceptions, that, during her employment, and for a period of 12 months following termination, Ms. Backes will not (i) compete with the company or its affiliates, (ii) solicit any company employees or consultants or (iii) solicit any customer of the company.

 

108


Table of Contents

Promotion of Ms. Gill to Executive Vice Chairperson

On March 8, 2011, Ms. Gill was promoted to the position of Executive Vice Chairperson of the company. In connection with her promotion, Ms. Gill’s base salary was increased to $295,000. Her current compensation arrangements are described in the narrative following the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below. In her position of Executive Vice Chairperson, which we have newly created for her, Ms. Gill will be responsible for general corporate oversight and, more specifically, oversee the company’s merchandising functions and supervise the company’s Chief Merchandising Officer.

Plans Adopted in Connection with Our Initial Public Offering

2011 Plan:

We expect our board of directors to adopt the 2011 Plan prior to the consummation of this offering to provide an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons. We also intend to obtain approval of this plan from our shareholders prior to the consummation of this offering. The below summary of the 2011 Plan is what we expect the terms of the plan will be. Employees, officers, directors, and consultants that provide services to us or one of our subsidiaries may be selected to receive awards under the 2011 Plan.

Our Compensation Committee will administer the 2011 Plan. The administrator of the plan has broad authority to:

 

  Ÿ  

select participants and determine the types of awards that they are to receive;

 

  Ÿ  

determine the number of shares that are to be subject to awards and the terms and conditions of awards, including the price (if any) to be paid for the shares or the award and establish the vesting conditions (if applicable) of such shares or awards;

 

  Ÿ  

cancel, modify or waive our rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consents;

 

  Ÿ  

construe and interpret the terms of the 2011 Plan and any agreements relating to the 2011 Plan;

 

  Ÿ  

accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all outstanding awards subject to any required consent;

 

  Ÿ  

subject to the other provisions of the 2011 Plan, make certain adjustments to an outstanding award and authorize the termination, conversion, substitution or succession of an award; and

 

  Ÿ  

allow the purchase price of an award or shares of our common stock to be paid in the form of cash, check or electronic funds transfer, by the delivery of previously-owned shares of our common stock or by a reduction of the number of shares deliverable pursuant to the award, by services rendered by the recipient of the award, by notice and third party payment or cashless exercise on such terms as the administrator may authorize, or any other form permitted by law.

A total of              shares of our common stock will be authorized for issuance with respect to awards granted under the 2011 Plan. Any shares subject to awards that are not paid, delivered or exercised before they expire or are canceled or terminated, fail to vest, as well as shares used to pay the purchase or exercise price of awards or related tax withholding obligations, will become available for other award grants under the 2011 Plan. As of                 , 2011, no awards have been granted under the 2011 Plan, and the full number of shares authorized under the 2011 Plan is available for award purposes.

 

109


Table of Contents

Awards under the 2011 Plan may be in the form of nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock bonuses, restricted stock and other forms of awards including cash awards. Awards under the 2011 Plan generally will not be transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except that the plan administrator may authorize certain transfers.

Stock options may not be granted at prices below the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. These and other awards may also be issued solely or in part for services. Awards are generally paid in cash or shares of our common stock. The plan administrator may provide for the deferred payment of awards and may determine the terms applicable to deferrals.

As is customary in incentive plans of this nature, the number and type of shares available under the 2011 Plan and any outstanding awards, as well as the exercise or purchase prices of awards, will be subject to adjustment in the event of certain reorganizations, mergers, combinations, recapitalizations, stock splits, stock dividends, or other similar events that change the number or kind of shares outstanding, and extraordinary dividends or distributions of property to the shareholders. In no case (except due to an adjustment referred to above or any repricing that may be approved by our shareholders) will any adjustment be made to a stock option or stock appreciation right award under the 2011 Plan (by amendment, cancellation and regrant, exchange or other means) that would constitute a repricing of the per-share exercise or base price of the award.

Generally, and subject to limited exceptions set forth in the 2011 Plan, if we dissolve or undergo certain corporate transactions such as a merger, business combination, or other reorganization, or a sale of substantially all of its assets, all awards then-outstanding under the 2011 Plan may, at the administrator’s discretion, become fully vested, and be paid, as applicable, and will terminate or be terminated in such circumstances, unless the plan administrator provides for the assumption, substitution or other continuation of the award. The plan administrator also has the discretion to establish other change in control provisions with respect to awards granted under the 2011 Plan. For example, the administrator could provide for the acceleration of vesting or payment of an award in connection with a corporate event that is not described above and provide that any such acceleration shall be automatic upon the occurrence of any such event.

Our board of directors may amend or terminate the 2011 Plan at any time, but no such action will affect any outstanding award in any manner materially adverse to a participant without the consent of the participant. Plan amendments will be submitted to shareholders for their approval as required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency. The 2011 Plan is not exclusive—our board of directors and Compensation Committee may grant stock and performance incentives or other compensation, in stock or cash, under other plans or authority.

The plan will terminate on                     , 2021. However, the plan administrator will retain its authority until all outstanding awards are exercised or terminated. The maximum term of options, stock appreciation rights and other rights to acquire common stock under the plan is ten years after the initial date of the award.

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Executive Bonus Plan:

In conjunction with this offering, we intend to adopt the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Executive Bonus Plan (the “Executive Bonus Plan”), for eligible employees of the company and our subsidiaries. This plan is being adopted to take advantage of the performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The purposes of the Executive Bonus Plan are to promote the interests of our company and its shareholders by providing compensation opportunities that are competitive with other companies, and to provide performance-based cash awards to those individuals who contribute to the long-term

 

110


Table of Contents

performance and growth of our company. Generally, our Compensation Committee will establish target bonuses for employees based on position and level of responsibility and grant awards based on the achievement of pre-established company and/or individual goals. Additionally, our Compensation Committee retains the ability to reduce, but not increase, the amount of any bonus otherwise payable to our executive officers subject to Section 162(m) of the Code. Participants shall receive distributions, if any, in cash following written certification by our Compensation Committee of the extent to which the applicable performance targets have been achieved, and in no event more than two and one half months following the end of the performance period to which such certification relates.

Stock Option Grants in Conjunction with this Offering

In conjunction with this offering, our board of directors intends to make a one-time grant to Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes of additional stock options under the 2011 Plan to purchase a number of shares of our common stock equal to              and             , respectively. These options are being granted in order to continue to provide these executives with continued incentive to build shareholder value over the long-term. The actual number of stock options to be granted and the exercise price of such options will be determined by our board of directors at, or shortly following, the time of this offering. We intend that any stock options granted to Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes in conjunction with this offering will vest annually in equal 20% installments over five years, commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

Accounting and Tax Considerations

In determining which elements of compensation are to be paid, and how they are weighted, on a going forward basis, we will take into account whether a particular form of compensation will be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code. Section 162(m) generally limits the deductibility of compensation paid to our named executive officers to $1 million during any fiscal year unless such compensation is “performance-based” under Section 162(m). However, under a Section 162(m) transition rule for compensation plans or agreements of corporations which are privately held and which become publicly held in an initial public offering, compensation paid under a plan or agreement that existed prior to the initial public offering will not be subject to Section 162(m) until the earliest of (1) the expiration of the plan or agreement, (2) a material modification of the plan or agreement, (3) the issuance of all employer stock and other compensation that has been allocated under the plan, or (4) the first meeting of shareholders at which directors are to be elected that occurs after the close of the third calendar year following the year of the initial public offering (the “Transition Date”). After the Transition Date, rights or awards granted under the plan, other than options and stock appreciation rights, will not qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) unless such rights or awards are granted or vest upon pre-established objective performance goals, the material terms of which are disclosed to and approved by our shareholders.

Our compensation program is intended to maximize the deductibility of the compensation paid to our named executive officers to the extent that we determine it is in our best interests. Consequently, we may rely on the exemption from Section 162(m) afforded to us by the transition rule described above for compensation paid pursuant to our pre-existing plans.

Many other Code provisions, SEC regulations and accounting rules affect the payment of executive compensation and are generally taken into consideration as programs are developed. Our goal is to create and maintain plans that are efficient, effective and in full compliance with these requirements.

 

111


Table of Contents

Recoupment Policy

We currently do not have a recoupment policy to adjust or recover bonuses or incentive compensation paid to executive officers where such bonuses or payments were based on financial statements that were subsequently restated or otherwise amended in a manner that would have reduced the size of such bonuses or payments. Once we are publicly traded, we will become subject to the recoupment requirements under Sarbanes-Oxley, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other applicable laws.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Although as a private company we have not historically had formal stock ownership guidelines for our named executive officers, the company intends to adopt formal stock ownership guidelines in conjunction with this offering. Under the stock ownership guidelines, the amount of common stock each executive will be targeted to own, which is stated as a multiple of the executive’s base salary, reflects each executive’s role and level of responsibility at the company. The multiples to be applied to our executive officers are as follows: (i) five times for our Chief Executive Officer, (ii) three times for our other executive officers with the title of Vice President and above (other than our Chief Executive Officer) and (iii) one times for any additional employees who hold stock option awards. The equity ownership of our named executive officers is set forth in the beneficial ownership table in “Principal and Selling Shareholders.”

Risk Considerations in Our Compensation Program

We believe that the mix and design of the elements of our employee compensation policies and practices do not motivate imprudent risk taking. Consequently, we are satisfied that any potential risks arising from our employee compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company.

 

112


Table of Contents

Compensation Tables

The purpose of the following tables is to provide information regarding the compensation earned during our most recently completed fiscal year by our named executive officers.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table shows the compensation earned by our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)(3)
    Stock
Awards

($)
    Option
Awards
($)(4)
    Non-Equity
Incentive

Plan
Compen-
sation

($)(5)
    Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonquali-
fied
Deferred
Compensa-
tion
Earnings

($)
    All
Other
Compen-
sation

($)(6)
    Total
($)
 

John De Meritt

    2010        375,000        75,000               2,822,100        375,000               1,964,140        5,611,240   

President, Chief

Executive Officer

                 

Gene Morphis

    2010        93,750                      1,087,943                      23,286        1,204,979   

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer(1)

                 

Cindy Thomassee

    2010        160,000        45,000               276,000        40,000               10,017        531,355   

Vice President of

Accounting

                 

Theresa Backes

    2010        235,000        11,000                      94,000               960,256        1,295,641   

Executive Vice President,

Chief Operating Officer

                 

Kyong Gill

    2010        275,000                             206,250               3,740        485,124   

Chief Merchandising

Officer(2)

                 

Kal Malik

    2010        225,000                      686,784        90,000               1,168        1,003,186   

Executive Vice President,

General Counsel and

Corporate Secretary

                 

 

(1) Mr. Morphis’ employment as Chief Financial Officer commenced October 18, 2010.
(2) Ms. Gill was promoted to the position of Executive Vice Chairperson as of March 8, 2011.
(3) For Mmes. Thomasee and Backes, the amounts reported include payments of $30,000 and $5,000, respectively, which represent special bonuses paid in conjunction with the CCMP Acquisition. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—CCMP Acquisition-Related Payments” for more details. For Mr. De Merritt and Mmes. Thomasee and Backes, the amounts reported include payments of $75,000, $15,000 and $6,000, respectively, which represent excess award payments under our annual performance-based cash award program. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Performance-Based Cash Awards” for more details.
(4) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted in fiscal year 2010 computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). The assumptions made in the valuation of the awards are set forth in note 6 to the company’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(5) Represents the amount paid under our performance-based cash award plan. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Performance-Based Cash Awards,” above, for more details.
(6) For Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes, amounts reported include cash payments of $1,958,703 and $957,801, respectively, received in lieu of an adjustment to the exercise price of their outstanding stock options at the time of CCMP Acquisition. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—CCMP Acquisition-Related Payments,” above, for more details. For Mr. De Meritt and Mmes. Thomassee and Backes, amounts reported include company matching contributions to the company’s 401(k) savings plan of $1,154, $554 and $900, respectively. For Messrs. De Meritt and Malik and Mmes. Backes, Thomassee and Gill, amounts reported include the incremental cost related to the executives’ personal use of a leased company vehicle. For Mr. De Meritt, the fiscal year 2010 cost was $4,283. In fiscal year 2010, in connection with his employment, Mr. Morphis received relocation assistance in an amount of $23,286, based on actual cost to the company, which included housing assistance and moving expenses. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Additional Executive Benefits and Perquisites,” above, for more details regarding executive benefits and perquisites.

 

113


Table of Contents

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information about the non-equity incentive awards and equity-based awards granted to each of our named executive officers in fiscal year 2010.

 

Name

  Grant
Date
    Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
    Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
    All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of

Shares of
Stock or
Units

(#)
    All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

(#)(2)
    Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards

($/Sh)(3)
    Grant
Date
Fair
Value of
Stock
and

Option
Awards

($)(4)
 
    Thresh-
old

($)
    Target
($)
    Maxi-
mum

($)
    Thresh-
old

($)
    Target
($)
    Maxi-
mum

($)
         

John De Meritt

    3/26/10                                                         818,000        6.13        2,822,100   
                  375,000                                                           

Gene Morphis

    12/1/10                                                         202,030        10.19        1,087,943   

Cindy Thomassee

    5/1/10                                                         80,000        3.74        276,000   
                  40,000                                                           

Theresa Backes

                  94,000                                                           

Kyong Gill

                  206,250                                                           

Kal Malik

    3/26/10                                                         204,400        3.74        686,784   
                  90,000                                                           

 

(1) Represents the target award opportunities for performance-based cash awards payable for fiscal year 2010 under our annual performance-based cash award program. The actual amounts earned are reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” above.
(2) Represents stock options granted in fiscal year 2010 under our 2010 Plan. The number of options granted in fiscal year 2010 has been adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split that occurred on April 28, 2010. See the narrative following this “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below, for more details.
(3) The exercise price of options granted in fiscal year 2010 has been adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split that occurred on April 28, 2010, in the case of Messrs. De Meritt and Malik, and the payment of a special dividend of $2.39 on November 12, 2010, in the case Ms. Thomassee and Mr. Malik,. See the narrative discussion following this “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, below, for more details.
(4) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted in fiscal year 2010 computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). The assumptions made in the valuation of the awards are set forth in note 6 to the company’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

Employment Agreements

Amounts paid to our named executive officers in fiscal year 2010 were based, in part, on employment agreements in place with Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill and letter agreements in place with Messrs. Morphis and Malik and Ms. Backes. Below is a description of these agreements. The company does not have an employment agreement or letter agreement in place for Ms. Thomassee. For a discussion of the anticipated amendments to these arrangements in conjunction with this offering, see “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Actions Taken Subsequent to Fiscal Year 2011—Employment Arrangements,” above.

Mr. De Meritt

On February 26, 2010, Mr. De Meritt entered into an employment agreement with the company providing for his employment as of such date as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

The employment agreement has an initial term of three years, which commenced on February 26, 2010 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless either party provides ninety days’ written notice prior to the expiration of the initial term or each successive renewal term. The employment agreement provides for a minimum base salary of $375,000 which will be reviewed

 

114


Table of Contents

for increase no less frequently than annually, and a discretionary annual cash incentive based on the achievement of specified EBITDA hurdles, with a target annual cash incentive equal to 100% of Mr. De Meritt’s annual base salary. Additionally, in connection with his hiring, Mr. De Meritt received a sign-on equity grant of stock options to purchase shares of our common stock in an amount equal to 2% of the company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock at the time of grant, or 818,000 shares. This option vests in equal monthly installments over a four-year period, and may be eligible for accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance objectives, as described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity-Based Awards—Plans in Existence Prior to our Initial Public Offering.” Mr. De Meritt is eligible to participate in employee savings and welfare plans made available to our employees generally. In addition, the company has agreed to provide, at its expense, term life insurance in an amount of $10 million and long-term disability coverage.

Mr. De Meritt’s employment agreement provides for severance benefits payable in the event of his termination under certain circumstances, subject to the execution of a general release of claims. If Mr. De Meritt’s employment is terminated without “cause,” or if he resigns for “good reason” (in either case as defined in his employment agreement), Mr. De Meritt will be paid severance in an amount equal to two times his annual base salary (as in effect on the date of termination). The severance amount is payable in equal installments in accordance with our regular payroll practices over the 24-month period, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the termination date occurs. Additionally, the stock option Mr. De Meritt received in connection with his entering into the employment agreement will immediately vest. Mr. De Meritt is eligible to receive, for up to 24 months, a monthly amount equal to the applicable COBRA premium cost for the level of coverage he had as an active employee. In addition, Mr. De Meritt will be entitled to receive amounts accrued under the employment agreement, including any accrued but unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation.

The employment agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that, during his employment, and (i) in the event he is terminated without “cause,” or if he resigns for “good reason,” a period of 24 months following termination or (ii) if he terminates for any other reason, a period of 12 months following termination, Mr. De Meritt will not (x) compete with the company or its affiliates, (y) solicit any company employees or consultants or (z) solicit any customer of the company.

Mr. Morphis

The terms and conditions of Mr. Morphis’ employment as our Chief Financial Officer are set forth in a letter agreement dated September 9, 2010.

The letter agreement provides that Mr. Morphis will receive an annual base salary of $325,000 and is eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash incentive of up to 60% of his annual base salary, based upon the achievement of goals and objectives determined by our Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, in connection with his hiring, Mr. Morphis received a sign-on equity grant of stock options to purchase 202,030 shares of our common stock. This option vests in equal monthly installments over a five-year period. As part of this employment agreement, Mr. Morphis was given the opportunity to purchase shares of our common stock in an amount up to a value of $100,000 and any shares purchased would be charged against the number of shares subject to the 202,030 option grant. In accordance with this opportunity, Mr. Morphis purchased 9,813 shares of our common stock resulting in 192,217 shares remaining outstanding under this option grant.

Mr. Morphis’ letter agreement provides for severance benefits payable in the event his employment is terminated without “cause” (as defined in his letter agreement) prior to October 18, 2013, he will be paid severance in an amount equal to one times his annual base salary (as in effect on the date of termination).

 

115


Table of Contents

The letter agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that, during his employment, and for a period of 12 months following termination, Mr. Morphis will not solicit any company employees or consultants.

Ms. Backes

The terms and conditions of Ms. Backes’ employment as our Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer are set forth in an offer letter provided to Ms. Backes prior to her commencement of employment.

The offer letter provides that Ms. Backes will receive an annual base salary of $195,000 (which was increased in subsequent years to $250,000 as of January 29, 2011), and is eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash incentive of 40% of her annual base salary, 50% based on the achievement of specified EBITDA hurdles and 50% based on the achievement of individual goals established by our Chief Executive Officer. For fiscal year 2010 the discretionary annual cash incentive was 75% based on the achievement of specified EBITDA hurdles and 25% based on the achievement of individual goals. Ms. Backes is eligible to participant in employee pension and welfare plans made available to our employees generally.

Ms. Gill

On February 26, 2010, Ms. Gill entered into an employment agreement with the company providing for her employment as of such date as Chief Merchandising Officer.

The employment agreement has an initial term of three years, which commenced on February 26, 2010 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless either party provides ninety days’ written notice prior to the expiration of the initial term or each successive renewal term. The employment agreement provides for a minimum base salary of $275,000 (which was increased in 2011 to $295,000) which will be reviewed for increase no less frequently than annually, and a discretionary annual cash incentive, which may be based in part on the achievement of specified EBITDA hurdles, with a target annual cash incentive equal to 75% of Ms. Gill’s annual base salary. Ms. Gill is eligible to receive grants of equity awards, from time to time, as determined by our board of directors and to participate in employee savings and welfare plans made available to our employees generally. In addition, the company has agreed to provide, at its expense, term life insurance in an amount of $3 million and long-term disability coverage.

Ms. Gill’s employment agreement provides for severance benefits payable in the event of her termination under certain circumstances, subject to the execution of a general release of claims. If Ms. Gill’s employment is terminated without “cause,” or if she resigns for “good reason” (in either case as defined in her employment agreement), Ms. Gill will be paid severance in an amount equal to two times her annual base salary (as in effect on the date of termination). The severance amount is payable in equal installments in accordance with our regular payroll practices over the 24-month period, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the termination date occurs. Ms. Gill is eligible to receive, for up to 24 months, a monthly amount equal to the applicable COBRA premium cost for the level of coverage she had as an active employee. In addition, Ms. Gill will be entitled to receive amounts accrued under the employment agreement, including any accrued but unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation.

The employment agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that, during her employment, and (i) in the event she is terminated without “cause,” or if she resigns for “good reason”, a period of 24 months following termination or (ii) if she terminates for any other reason, a period of 12 months following termination, Ms. Gill will not (x) compete with the company or its affiliates, (y) solicit any company employees or consultants or (z) solicit any customer of the company.

 

116


Table of Contents

Mr. Malik

The terms and conditions of Mr. Malik’s employment as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel are set forth in a letter agreement dated September 25, 2009, which was subsequently amended on February 26, 2010.

The amended letter agreement provides that Mr. Malik will receive an annual base salary of $225,000, subject to annual review and upward adjustment, and is eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash incentive of up to 40% of his annual base salary, based upon the achievement of goals and objectives determined by our Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, in connection with the amendment to his letter agreement, Mr. Malik received a stock option to purchase shares of our common stock in amount equal to 0.5% of the company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock at the time of grant, or 204,400 shares. This option vests in equal monthly installments over a four-year period.

Mr. Malik’s letter agreement does not provide for severance benefits. However, Mr. Malik’s employment may not be terminated by the company without “cause” (as defined in his letter agreement) prior to September 25, 2013.

The letter agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that during his employment, and for a period of 12 months following termination, Mr. Malik will not solicit any company employees or consultants.

Stock Split and Payment of Special Dividend in 2010

On April 28, 2010, following the CCMP Acquisition, our board of directors approved a 400-for-1 stock split of our common equity. The number of shares of our common stock subject to outstanding stock options held by Messrs. De Meritt and Malik and Ms. Backes at the time of this stock split were adjusted accordingly to account for this stock split. Additionally, on November 12, 2010, our board of directors also approved the payment of a special dividend in the amount of $2.39 per share of our common equity. Holders of our stock options did not receive this dividend. The exercise price of outstanding options held by Mr. Malik and Ms. Thomassee as of the ex-dividend date was adjusted accordingly. In lieu of an adjustment to the exercise price of their outstanding options, Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Backes received a cash payment, as described in “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—CCMP Acquisition-Related Payments,” above.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of January 29, 2011.

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Unexercisable
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)
    Option
Exercise
Price

($)
    Option
Expiration
Date
    Number
of
Shares
or Units
of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested

(#)
    Market
Value
of
Shares
or
Units
of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested

($)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested

(#)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested

($)
 

John De Meritt

    170,417        647,583 (2)             6.13        3/25/2020                               

Gene Morphis

    6,407        182,606 (3)             10.19        11/30/2020                               

Cindy Thomassee(1)

           80,000 (4)             3.74        4/30/2020                               

Theresa Backes

    400,000                      1.43        12/1/2017                               

Kal Malik(1)

    8,517        157,558 (5)             3.74        3/25/2020                               

 

117


Table of Contents

 

(1) The exercise price of outstanding options has been adjusted for the payment of a special dividend of $2.39 on November 12, 2010. See the narrative discussion following the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, above, for more details.
(2) These options were granted on 3/26/10 and will vest in equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the award date over a four-year period. Additionally, a portion of these options may vest in connection with this offering, based upon the rate of return achieved by CCMP on its investment pursuant to the CCMP Acquisition. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Equity-Based Awards,” above, for more details.
(3) These options were granted on 12/1/10 and will vest in equal monthly installments on the last day of each month following October 18, 2010 over a five-year period.
(4) These options were granted on 5/1/10 and will vest in equal annual installments on each anniversary of the award date over a five-year period.
(5) These options were granted on 3/26/10 and will vest in equal monthly installments on the last day of each month following February 26, 2010 over a four-year period.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table provides information relating to the options exercised during fiscal year 2010.

 

     Option Awards      Stock Awards  

Name

   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise

(#)
     Value Realized  on
Exercise

($)(1)
     Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting

(#)
     Value Realized on
Vesting

(#)
 

John De Meritt

                               

Gene Morphis

     13,017         0                   

Cindy Thomassee

                               

Theresa Backes

                               

Kyong Gill

                               

Kal Malik

     444,325         2,509,284                   

 

(1) The value realized upon the exercise of a stock option is calculated by multiplying the difference between the fair market value of our common shares on the date the stock option was exercised and the exercise price paid by the executive by the number of shares acquired and does not necessarily reflect proceeds actually received by the executive. For Mr. Morphis, because there was no difference between the fair market value of our common shares on the date the stock option was exercised and the exercise price paid by Mr. Morphis, no value is reported in this column.

Pension Benefits

Our named executive officers did not participate in or have account balances in any qualified or nonqualified defined benefit plans sponsored by us. Our board of directors or Compensation Committee may elect to adopt qualified or nonqualified benefit plans in the future if it determines that doing so is in our best interest.

Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

Our named executive officers did not participate in or have account balances in any nonqualified deferred compensation plans sponsored by us. Our board of directors or Compensation Committee may elect to adopt nonqualified deferred compensation plans in the future if it determines that doing so is in our best interest.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The information below describes and quantifies certain compensation that would become payable under employment agreements with the following named executive officers if, as of January 29, 2011, his or her employment with us had been terminated. Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided upon the events discussed below, any actual amounts paid or

 

118


Table of Contents

distributed may be different. Factors that could affect these amounts include the timing during the year of any such event. Further, the information below does not incorporate the terms of any agreement entered into or amended after January 29, 2011.

Employment Agreements

The employment agreements and letter agreements we have entered into with our named executive officers provide for certain payments to be made in connection with a termination of employment. Below is a description of the severance payments that would have become payable under employment agreements and letter agreements with the following named executive officers upon their termination as of January 29, 2011.

Mr. De Meritt

Mr. De Meritt’s employment agreement provides for severance benefits payable in the event of his termination under certain circumstances, subject to the execution of a general release of claims. If Mr. De Meritt’s employment is terminated without “cause,” or if he resigns for “good reason” (in either case as defined in his employment agreement), Mr. De Meritt will be paid severance in an amount equal to two times his annual base salary (as in effect on the date of termination). The severance amount is payable in equal installments in accordance with our regular payroll practices over the 24-month period, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the termination date occurs. In addition, the stock option Mr. De Meritt received in connection with his entering into the employment agreement will immediately vest. Mr. De Meritt is eligible to receive, for up to 24 months, a monthly amount equal to the applicable COBRA premium cost for the level of coverage he had as an active employee. In addition, Mr. De Meritt will be entitled to receive amounts accrued under the employment agreement, including any accrued but unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation.

The employment agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that, during his employment, and (i) in the event he is terminated without “cause,” or if he resigns for “good reason,” a period of 24 months following termination or (ii) if he terminates for any other reason, a period of 12 months following termination, Mr. De Meritt will not (x) compete with the company or its affiliates, (y) solicit any company employees or consultants or (z) solicit any customer of the company.

Mr. Morphis

Mr. Morphis’ letter agreement provides that in the event his employment is terminated without “cause” (as defined in his letter agreement) prior to October 18, 2013, he will be paid severance in an amount equal to one times his annual base salary (as in effect on the date of termination).

The letter agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that, during his employment, and for a period of 12 months following termination, Mr. Morphis will not solicit any company employees or consultants.

Ms. Gill

Ms. Gill’s employment agreement provides for severance benefits payable in the event of her termination under certain circumstances, subject to the execution of a general release of claims. If Ms. Gill’s employment is terminated without “cause,” or if she resigns for “good reason” (in either case as defined in her employment agreement), Ms. Gill will be paid severance in an amount equal to two times her annual base salary (as in effect on the date of termination). The severance amount is payable in equal installments in accordance with our regular payroll practices over the 24-month

 

119


Table of Contents

period, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the termination date occurs. Ms. Gill is eligible to receive, for up to 24 months, a monthly amount equal to the applicable COBRA premium cost for the level of coverage she had as an active employee. In addition, Ms. Gill will be entitled to receive amounts accrued under the employment agreement, including any accrued but unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation.

The employment agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that, during her employment, and (i) in the event she is terminated without “cause,” or if she resigns for “good reason”, a period of 24 months following termination or (ii) if she terminates for any other reason, a period of 12 months following termination, Ms. Gill will not (x) compete with the company or its affiliates, (y) solicit any company employees or consultants or (z) solicit any customer of the company.

Mr. Malik

Mr. Malik’s letter agreement does not provide for severance benefits. However, Mr. Malik’s employment may not be terminated by the company without “cause” (as defined in his letter agreement) prior to September 25, 2013.

The letter agreement also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that during his employment, and for a period of 12 months following termination, Mr. Malik will not solicit any company employees or consultants.

Mmes. Backes and Thomassee

Mmes. Backes and Thomassee had no arrangement in place as of January 29, 2011 pursuant to which they would receive severance.

Estimated Potential Termination Payments and Benefits

The following table details the estimated value of the payments and benefits that our named executive officers would have been provided under the employment agreements or letter agreements described above in connection with certain terminations of their employment as if such termination had occurred on January 29, 2011. The actual amounts that would be paid upon a named executive officer’s termination of employment can be determined only at the time of such event.

 

Executive

   Severance
($)(1)
     Continued Benefits
($)(2)
     Equity Vesting
($)(3)
     Total
($)
 

John De Meritt

     750,000         25,685         2,629,187         3,404,872   

Gene Morphis

     325,000                         325,000   

Cindy Thomassee

                               

Theresa Backes

                               

Kyong Gill

     550,000         25,685                 575,685   

Kal Malik

     412,500         22,261                 434,761   

 

(1) The severance amounts reported for Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill represent two times base salary. The severance amount reported for Mr. Morphis represents one times base salary. Mr. Malik is not entitled to severance, but we have reported the estimated cost of continued salary through September 25, 2013.
(2) The amounts reported are merely estimates and are based on approximate benefit costs for 2010. The amounts reported for Mr. De Meritt and Ms. Gill represent the approximate cost of 24 monthly payments in an amount equal to the applicable COBRA premium cost for the level of coverage each executive had as an active employee. The amount reported for continued benefits for Mr. Malik represents the approximate employer portion of the cost for medical insurance through September 25, 2013.
(3) The amount reported for Mr. De Meritt represents the value of the accelerated vesting of 647,583 stock options calculated based on the “spread” value between the fair market value of our ordinary shares on January 29, 2011 and the exercise price of such stock options.

 

120


Table of Contents

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In addition to the director and executive officer compensation arrangements discussed above under “Executive Compensation”, the following is a description of transactions during our last three fiscal years to which we have been a party in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000 and in which any of our directors, executive officers, beneficial holders of more than 5% of our common stock, or persons or entities affiliated with them, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Stockholders’ Agreement

On February 26, 2010, we entered into a stockholders’ agreement with CCMP, the Founders, Mr. Malik, and Chong On Yi 2010 GRAT, a trust formed by Mr. Yi. Subsequently, the following members of our management team and entities controlled by certain our the Founders became parties to the stockholders’ agreement: Insuk Koo 2010 GRAT, Kibun Koo 2010 GRAT, Chong On Yi 2010 GRAT II, EverLong Holdings LP, BlueGill Holdings LP, Gene Morphis, Cynthia Thomassee and Randi Sonenshein (the foregoing, together with the Founders and Mr. Malik, are sometimes referred to herein as the “management stockholders”). In addition, the following individuals are party to stockholders agreement and own, in the aggregate, less than 2% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the company: Bodil Arlander, Drew Baird, Philip Carpenter, Peter Cureton, Brian Gildea, John D. Howard, Robert Juneja, Gwyneth M. Ketterer, David E. King, Douglas R. Korn, Paul Lattanzio, Michael Manasse, Eve Mongiardo, Joshua Neuman, Richard Perkal, Joseph M. Scharfenberger, and Ted Young. The stockholders’ agreement provides, among other things, that five members of our board of directors were to be designated by CCMP and two members by the majority of the shares held by the management stockholders so long as the management stockholders held at least 7% of the total equity interest in the company. The stockholders’ agreement provides certain of our stockholders with, among other things, certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights and other registration rights, subject to lock-up arrangements.

Demand and Piggyback Registration Rights

Pursuant to the stockholders’ agreement, CCMP has the right at any time, but on not more than five occasions, to require us to use our best efforts to register any or all of the shares held thereby on Form S-1 promulgated under the Securities Act at our expense. In addition, the management stockholders have the right on a single occasion, upon the request of the holders representing a majority of the shares held by the management stockholders, to require us to use our best efforts to register any or all of the shares held thereby at any time following the 12-month anniversary of a qualified initial public offering (as defined in the stockholders’ agreement) of our common stock. After the completion of this offering, the holders of approximately              shares of our common stock will be entitled to these demand registration rights. Following a demand, all other stockholders that are party to the stockholders’ agreement may request the inclusion of any or all of their shares in the registration statement. Under certain circumstances, we may delay the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement one time, for up to 90 days, with respect to a demand made by CCMP, and one time in any 12-month period with respect to a demand made by the management stockholders. The stockholders’ agreement also grants CCMP, the management stockholders, and the other stockholders party to the agreement certain “piggyback” registration rights. If we register any of our securities, the holders of these shares are entitled to include their shares in the registration. All demand and piggyback registration rights are subject to limitations that may be imposed by the managing underwriter on the number of shares to be included in any underwritten offering.

 

121


Table of Contents

Short-Form Registration Rights

After the completion of this offering, the holders of approximately            shares of our common stock will be entitled to additional short-form registration rights, commencing on the date that we become eligible to register securities on Form S-3. Each stockholder party to the stockholders’ agreement may request registration of their shares if the anticipated aggregate offering amount of the shares is at least $10 million. There is no limit to the number of requests for registrations on Form S-3.

Indemnification

In connection with all registrations pursuant to the registration rights provisions of the stockholders’ agreement, we have agreed to indemnify all holders of registrable securities against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. All stockholders requesting or joining in a registration may be required to agree to indemnify us against certain liabilities, but in no event will any single stockholder’s liabilities exceed the net proceeds to that stockholder from the sale of the registrable securities.

Termination

The registration rights provisions and certain other provisions of the stockholders’ agreement will survive the completion of this offering and terminate upon the earlier of the date on which the stockholders party thereto no longer own any of our equity securities or the voluntary liquidation of the company, or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets or outstanding common stock.

Stony Trading Relationship

Stony Leather, Inc. (“Stony”) is one of our inventory vendors. We purchase inventory from Stony on a purchase order basis. Stony sources, wholesales and distributes jewelry, accessories, handbags and gift items. Stony’s customers include retailers, wholesalers, individuals, television shopping networks, and internet-based merchants. We are only one of Stony’s several customers. Stony is based in Houston, Texas with a showroom in New York City, New York. Stony does not own or operate conventional brick and mortar retail outlets.

Chong Yi and Insuk Koo (two of the four Founders) own and operate Stony. Mr. Yi and Ms. Koo are brother and sister. Mr. Yi and Ms. Koo along with their sister Ms. Kyong Gill (our Executive Vice Chairperson and one of the four Founders) are stockholders of Francesca’s. In spite of the foregoing relationship we treat Stony as an independent third-party vendor.

Since the founding of our company, Stony has been a supplier of a variety of our inventory items. Stony has accounted for 10%, 12% and 12% of our total inventory purchases on an annual basis in fiscal year 2010, fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2008, respectively. During fiscal year 2010, Stony accounted for approximately 10% of our total inventory purchases. During fiscal year 2011, we expect to purchase approximately 10% of our total inventory from Stony. We negotiate and set the rates for the merchandise and services provided to us by Stony at market rates for such merchandise and services at the time each such transaction is entered into. We often request and receive from Stony merchandise on special order, modify previously ordered merchandise, and acquire merchandise on consignment. Generally, Stony provides us a 3% damage allowance to cover the costs of damaged merchandise. The Stony inventory purchases during fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $5.0 million, $3.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

KJK Trading Relationship

KJK Trading Corporation (“KJK Trading”) is one of our inventory vendors. We purchase inventory from KJK Trading on a purchase order basis. KJK Trading assists us in the design and sourcing of several items of apparel we sell in our boutiques. Beginning in May 2010, we subleased approximately

 

122


Table of Contents

2,000 square feet of office space to KJK Trading within our headquarters in Houston, Texas. We did not receive any rent payments from KJK Trading in fiscal year 2010. Beginning in January 2011, the rent payment is $1,000 per month. KJK Trading employs several employees to conduct its business. We are the sole customer of KJK Trading. We treat KJK Trading as an independent third-party vendor.

KJK Trading is owned and operated by Ki Juing Gu. Mr. Gu is the brother-in-law of Ms. Insuk Koo (one of our Founders).

KJK Trading has been one of our inventory vendors since 2008. KJK Trading has accounted for 13%, 11% and 6% of our total inventory purchases on an annual basis in fiscal year 2010, fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2008, respectively. During fiscal year 2011, we expect to purchase no more than 18% of our total inventory from KJK Trading. We negotiate and set the rates for the merchandise and services provided to us by KJK Trading at market rates for such merchandise and services at the time each such transaction is entered into. We often request and receive from KJK Trading merchandise on special order, modify previously ordered merchandise, and acquire merchandise on consignment. Generally, KJK Trading provides us a 1% damage allowance to cover the costs of damaged merchandise. The KJK Trading inventory purchases during fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $6.6 million, $2.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

BGCP Management Agreement

In April 2007, we entered into a management agreement with BGCP in connection with the BGCP Investment. Prior to the CCMP Acquisition, BGCP was a holder of more than five percent of our voting stock. Under the management agreement, BGCP provided financial advisory and other consulting services to us in exchange for quarterly fees of $62,500. The management agreement was terminated in February 2010 in connection with the CCMP Acquisition. For each of the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, we incurred fees under the management agreement totaling $0, $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Upon completion of this offering, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors. The indemnification agreements will provide the executive officers and directors with contractual rights to indemnification, expense advancement and reimbursement, to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. Additionally, we may enter into indemnification agreements with any new directors or executive officers that may be broader in scope than the specific indemnification provisions contained in Delaware law.

There is no pending litigation or proceeding naming any of our directors or officers to which indemnification is being sought, and we are not aware of any pending or threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any director or officer.

Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions

Our board of directors will adopt prior to completion of this offering a written policy for the review of any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we are a participant, the amount involved exceeds $20,000 and one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees or beneficial holders of more than 5% of our capital stock (or their immediate family members), each of whom we refer to as a “related person,” has a direct or indirect material interest. This policy was not in effect when we entered into the transactions described above.

 

123


Table of Contents

If a related person proposes to enter into such a transaction, arrangement or relationship, which we refer to as a “related person transaction,” the related person must report the proposed related person transaction to the chairperson of our audit committee. Additionally, in the case of beneficial holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, we will solicit this information via an annual questionnaire. The policy calls for the proposed related person transaction to be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by the audit committee. In approving or rejecting such proposed transactions, the audit committee will be required to consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant to the audit committee, including the material terms of the transactions, risks, benefits, costs, availability of other comparable services or products and, if applicable, the impact on a director’s independence. Our audit committee will approve only those transactions that, in light of known circumstances, are in, or are not inconsistent with, our best interests, as our audit committee determines in the good faith exercise of its discretion. In the event that any member of our audit committee is not a disinterested person with respect to the related person transaction under review, that member will be excluded from the review and approval or rejection of such related person transaction and another director may be designated to join the committee for purposes of such review. Whenever practicable, the reporting, review and approval will occur prior to entering into the transaction. If advance review and approval is not practicable, the audit committee will review and may, in its discretion, ratify the related person transaction. Any related person transactions that are ongoing in nature will be reviewed annually and the audit committee may establish guidelines for our management to follow in the course of its ongoing dealings with the related person.

A related person transaction reviewed under the policy will be considered approved or ratified if it is authorized by the nominating and corporate governance committee after full disclosure of the related person’s interest in the transaction. The written policy also provides for the standing pre-approval of certain related person transactions, such as the employment and compensation of executive officers, director compensation and certain charitable contributions, among other things. We expect that our board of directors will also adopt prior to completion of this offering a written policy under which no immediate family member of a director or executive officer shall be hired until the employment arrangement is approved by the nominating and corporate governance committee or ratified by the committee if it is not practicable for us to wait until the next nominating and corporate governance committee meeting. A copy of our related person transaction policy and nominating and corporate governance committee charter will be available on our website at www.francescascollections.com upon completion of this offering.

 

124


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information as of                     , 2011, regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock (i) immediately prior to this offering and (ii) as adjusted to give effect to this offering, by:

 

  Ÿ  

each person or group who we know to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock;

 

  Ÿ  

each of our directors;

 

  Ÿ  

each of our named executive officers;

 

  Ÿ  

all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and

 

  Ÿ  

each of the selling stockholders.

We have determined beneficial ownership in the table in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. These rules generally provide that a person is the beneficial owner of securities if such person has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting thereof, or to dispose or direct the disposition thereof or has the right to acquire such powers within 60 days. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have deemed shares of our common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of                     , 2011 to be outstanding, but we have not deemed these shares to be outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. To our knowledge, except as set forth in the footnotes below, each stockholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by that stockholder. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each person named in the table below is c/o Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, 3480 W. 12 th Street, Houston, Texas 77008. For further information regarding material transactions between us and certain of our stockholders, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions”.

 

    Shares Beneficially Owned
Prior to This Offering
    Number of
Shares
Offered
    Shares Beneficially Owned
After This Offering
 

Name

       Number               Percent            Number     Percent  

5% Stockholders:

         

CCMP Capital, LLC and Related Funds(1)

    34,048,435        84.0             

Executive Officers and Directors:

         

John De Meritt(2)

    1,455,625        3.6         

Gene Morphis(3)

    35,442        *         

Cindy Thomassee(4)

    16,000        *         

Theresa Backes(5)

    400,000        1.0         

Kyong Gill

    1,398,400        3.5         

Kal Malik(6)

    268,133        *         

Greg Brenneman(1)

    34,048,435        84.0         

Neill Davis(7)

    100,000        *         

Richard Emmett(8)

    8,000        *         

Joseph Scharfenberger(1)

    110,025        *         

Richard Zannino(1)

    34,048,435        84.0         

All directors and officers as a group (11 persons)

    37,571,927        92.3         

Other Selling Stockholders:

         
         

 

* Less than 1%
(1) In the case of CCMP Capital, LLC (“CCMP Capital”), includes 30,043,896 shares of common stock owned by CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P. (“CCMP Capital Investors”) and 4,004,539 shares of common stock owned by CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. (“CCMP Cayman” and, together with CCMP Capital Investors, the “CCMP Capital Funds”). Assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares: (i)      shares will be sold by CCMP Capital Investors and (ii)      shares will be sold by CCMP Cayman. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full: (i)      shares will be sold by CCMP Capital Investors and (ii)     shares will be sold by CCMP Cayman.

 

125


Table of Contents

The general partner of the CCMP Capital Funds is CCMP Capital Associates, L.P. (“CCMP Capital Associates”). The general partner of CCMP Capital Associates is CCMP Capital Associates GP, LLC (“CCMP Capital Associates GP”). CCMP Capital Associates GP is wholly-owned by CCMP Capital. Each of CCMP Capital Associates, CCMP Capital Associates GP and CCMP Capital may be deemed, pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, to beneficially own the shares held by the CCMP Capital Funds.

CCMP Capital ultimately exercises voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the CCMP Capital Funds. Voting and disposition decisions at CCMP Capital with respect to such shares are made by an investment committee, the members of which are Stephen Murray (the President and Chief Executive Officer of CCMP Capital), Greg Brenneman and Richard Zannino, each of whom may be deemed to beneficially own the shares owned by the CCMP Capital Funds.

Greg Brenneman is the Chairman of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC. Each of Joseph Scharfenberger and Richard Zannino is a Managing Director of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC. The address of each of Messrs. Brenneman, Scharfenberger and Zannino and each of the CCMP entities (other than CCMP Cayman) is c/o CCMP Capital, LLC, 245 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10167. The address of CCMP Cayman is c/o Walkers Corporate Services Limited, Walker House, 87 Mary Street, George Town KY1-9005, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Each of Messrs. Murray, Brenneman, Scharfenberger and Zannino disclaims any beneficial ownership of any shares beneficially owned by the CCMP Capital Funds, except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest therein.

 

(2) Includes 255,625 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options, of which              vest upon completion of this offering.

 

(3) Includes 10,816 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options.

 

(4) Includes 3,500 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options.

 

(5) Includes 400,000 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options.

 

(6) Includes 8,516 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options.

 

(7) Includes 100,000 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options.

 

(8) Includes 8,000 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options.

 

126


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of our capital stock and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will be in effect upon completion of this offering, are summaries only. These summaries do not purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which will be filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and by the provisions of applicable law. This description of our capital stock reflects changes to our capital structure that will become effective upon completion of this offering.

Authorized Capitalization

Upon completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 80,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 45,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Upon completion of this offering, there will be              shares of common stock outstanding, or              shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares in full, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

As of                     , 2011, immediately prior to completion of this offering, there were outstanding:

 

  Ÿ  

40,457,343 shares of our common stock held by approximately 27 stockholders; and

 

  Ÿ  

2,416,446 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options.

Common Stock

Voting Rights

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election or removal of directors. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of common stock present in person or represented by proxy, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any preferred stock.

An election of directors by our stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the election. There are no cumulative voting rights for the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock voted will be entitled to elect all of our directors.

Dividends

Subject to the rights of holders of any then outstanding shares of our preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends that may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor.

Liquidation

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all assets available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of or provision for all of our debts and other liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any then outstanding shares of preferred stock.

 

127


Table of Contents

Other Rights

Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive rights to purchase shares of our stock. The shares of our common stock are not subject to any redemption provisions and are not convertible into any other shares of our capital stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock will be subject to those of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock we may issue in the future.

Blank Check Preferred Stock

Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation that will be in effect upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will have the authority, without further action by our stockholders, to issue up to 45,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences. Upon completion of this offering, there will be no shares of preferred stock outstanding, and we have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.

The purpose of authorizing our board of directors to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, future financings and other corporate purposes, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders by restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting the voting power of the common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock or delaying or preventing a change in control without further action by the stockholders. As a result of these or other factors, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse impact on the market price of our common stock.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law,

the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws will contain provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors and that could make it more difficult to acquire control of our company by means of a tender offer, open market purchases, a proxy contest or otherwise. We expect that these provisions, which are summarized below, will discourage coercive takeover practices or inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors, which we believe may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of our stockholders. However, they also give our board of directors the power to discourage acquisitions that some stockholders may favor. A description of these provisions is set forth below.

Classified Board

Our certificate of incorporation to be in effect upon completion of this offering will provide for our board of directors to be divided into three classes, with staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Because our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights, our stockholders holding a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding will be able to elect all of our directors. A third party may be discouraged from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us as it is more difficult and time-consuming for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors on a classified board.

 

128


Table of Contents

No Cumulative Voting

Under Delaware law, the right to vote cumulatively does not exist unless the certificate of incorporation specifically authorizes cumulative voting. Our certificate of incorporation to be in effect upon completion of this offering does not grant stockholders the right to vote cumulatively; therefore stockholders holding a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding will be able to elect all of our directors.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent and Special Meetings of Stockholders

Pursuant to Section 228 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the 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, is 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 of our stock entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, unless the company’s certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws to be effective upon completion of this offering will provide that all stockholder action must be effected at a duly called meeting of stockholders and not by written consent, and that only our board of directors, chairman of our board of directors, chief executive officer or president (in the absence of a chief executive officer) may call a special meeting of stockholders.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Meetings, Nominations and Proposals

In addition, our bylaws will establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting will only be able to consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board of directors, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to our secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying stockholder actions until the next stockholder meeting that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities or may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempt to obtain control of us.

Stockholder Actions

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will include provisions requiring that all stockholder actions against us or any of its directors, officers, or employees in their capacity as such be brought in the courts of the State of Delaware. We expect that these provisions will discourage venue shopping that may unduly increase the costs and expenses to us in connection with stockholder actions; however, these provisions could have the effect of discouraging the filing of certain stockholder actions against us.

Blank Check Preferred Stock

We believe that the availability of the preferred stock under our certificate of incorporation provides us with flexibility in addressing corporate issues that may arise. Having these authorized shares available for issuance will allow us to issue shares of preferred stock without the expense and delay of a special stockholders’ meeting. The authorized shares of preferred stock, as well as shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed.

 

129


Table of Contents

The board of directors has the power, subject to applicable law, to issue series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of the series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. For instance, subject to applicable law, a series of preferred stock might impede a business combination by including class voting rights which would enable the holder or holders of such series to block a proposed transaction. Our board of directors will make any determination to issue shares of preferred stock based on its judgment as to our and our stockholders’ best interests. Our board of directors, in so acting, could issue preferred stock having terms which could discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some, or a majority, of the stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then prevailing market price of the stock.

Super-Majority Voting

Our certificate of incorporation will require a 66.7% stockholder vote for the amendment, repeal or modification of certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws relating to the classification of our board of directors, the requirement that stockholder actions be effected at a duly called meeting and the designated parties entitled to call a special meeting of the stockholders. The combination of the classification of our board of directors, the lack of cumulative voting and the 66.7% stockholder voting requirements will make it more difficult for our existing stockholders to replace our board of directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Because our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management. In addition, the authorization of blank check preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of our company.

These provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers, delaying, or preventing changes in control of our management or our company, such as a merger, reorganization or tender offer. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and its policies and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened acquisition of us. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management.

Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will be in effect upon completion of this offering, limits the liability of directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The effect of these provisions is to eliminate the rights of us and our stockholders, through stockholders’ derivative suits on behalf of our company, to recover monetary damages from a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, including breaches resulting from grossly negligent behavior. However, exculpation does not apply to any director if the director has acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized illegal dividends or redemptions or derived an improper benefit from his or her actions as a director.

In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will be in effect upon completion of this offering, provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We also expect to continue to maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

 

130


Table of Contents

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.

In addition to the indemnification required in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, we expect to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our current directors and officers before the completion of this offering. These agreements will provide for the indemnification of our directors and officers for all reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with any action or proceeding brought against them by reason of the fact that they are or were our agents. We believe that these bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements, as well as our maintaining directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, help to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be             .

 

131


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

The key terms of our existing senior secured credit facility are described below. These descriptions are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete texts of the related agreements, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to this registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part.

We intend to use approximately $41.4 million of the net proceeds we receive from this offering, together with $50.0 million of indebtedness under a new revolving credit facility (as described below), to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full. See “Use of Proceeds”.

Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility

On November 17, 2010, Francesca’s Collections, our wholly owned indirect subsidiary, entered into a $100.0 million senior secured credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions. The existing senior secured credit facility consists of a $95.0 million term loan facility and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility, each with a scheduled maturity date of November 17, 2013. The revolving credit facility includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit.

As of January 29, 2011, we had $93.8 million outstanding under our term loan facility and $5.0 million available under our revolving credit facility.

Interest Rates and Fees

The borrowings under our existing senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the higher of (i) the prime rate of Royal Bank of Canada and (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% and (3) 2.75% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, a rate equal to the higher of (1) 1.75% and (2) the LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The current applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility is 5.00% with respect to base rate borrowings and 6.00% with respect to LIBOR borrowings. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility for base rate borrowings increases to 6.50% and 9.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility for LIBOR borrowings increases to 7.50% and 10.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. As of January 29, 2011, the loans under our existing senior secured credit facility were LIBOR-based and had an interest rate of 7.75%.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under our existing senior secured credit facility, we 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 0.50%. We also pay customary letter of credit fees.

Prepayment

We may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under our existing senior secured credit facility, in whole or in part, other than customary redeployment costs with respect to LIBOR borrowings.

Our existing senior secured credit facility requires us to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with:

 

  Ÿ  

50% of our excess cash flow (as defined in the credit agreement) if our consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) is greater than a certain threshold as of the last day of any fiscal year (such percentage may be reduced subject to our attaining certain leverage ratios);

 

132


Table of Contents
  Ÿ  

100% of the net cash proceeds (as defined in the credit agreement) of any incurrence of debt other than debt permitted under our existing senior secured credit facility;

 

  Ÿ  

100% of the net cash proceeds (as defined in the credit agreement) of all non-ordinary course asset sales and casualty and condemnation events, subject to certain exceptions and limitations; and

 

  Ÿ  

100% of the net cash proceeds (as defined in the credit agreement) of all equity issuances, subject to certain exceptions.

Amortization

The term loan facility amortizes each year in an amount equal to 1.25% per annum from closing until September 30, 2011 (payable in four equal installments beginning on December 30, 2010) and 2.50% per annum from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 (payable in four equal installments beginning on December 31, 2011), with the remaining amount payable on November 17, 2013.

Principal amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility are due and payable in full at maturity.

Guarantee and Security

All obligations under our existing senior secured credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, Parent and each of Francesca’s Collections’ existing and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries.

All obligations under our existing senior secured credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as cash management obligations and any interest hedging or other swap agreements), are secured by substantially all of Francesca’s Collections’ assets as well as those of each subsidiary guarantor.

Covenants and Events of Default

Our existing senior secured credit facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the ability of Francesca’s Collections and its subsidiaries, to (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens; (iii) make certain investments, loans and advances; (iv) sell assets; (v) pay dividends or make distributions or make other restricted payments; (vi) prepay other indebtedness; (vii) engage in mergers or consolidations; (viii) change the business conducted by Francesca’s Collections and its subsidiaries; (ix) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (x) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries; and (xi) amend certain charter documents and material agreements governing subordinated and junior indebtedness.

In addition, the existing senior secured credit facility requires Francesca’s Collections to maintain the following financial ratios:

 

  Ÿ  

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending January 29, 2011, a consolidated leverage ratio which shall not be more than the maximum consolidated leverage ratio, which is based upon the ratio of (i) consolidated total debt (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement). The maximum consolidated leverage ratio, depending on the fiscal quarter, ranges from (a) 4.50 to 1.00, to (b) 3.00 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending January 29, 2011, a senior leverage ratio which shall not be greater than the maximum senior leverage ratio, which is based upon the ratio of

 

133


Table of Contents
 

(i) senior debt (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement). The maximum senior leverage ratio, depending on the fiscal quarter, ranges from (a) 3.50 to 1.00, to (b) 2.00 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2011, a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio which shall not be less than the minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, which is based upon the ratio of (i) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) for the prior four fiscal quarters minus certain capital expenditures (as defined in the credit agreement) minus taxes payable with respect to such period minus permitted tax distributions (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated fixed charges (as defined in the credit agreement). The minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, depending on the fiscal quarter, ranges from (a) 1.00 to 1.00, to (b) 2.00 to 1.00.

Mandatory Prepayments

The existing senior secured credit facility provides that mandatory prepayments out of the following amounts will be applied first to the term loan facility then second to the revolving credit facility (without reducing commitments under the revolving credit facility):

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the credit agreement) for each fiscal year, which percentage is reduced to 25% upon the achievement of a consolidated leverage ratio less than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00 and further reduced to 0% upon the achievement of a consolidated leverage ratio less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00;

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds of any indebtedness that is not permitted to be incurred under the terms of the credit agreement;

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from certain non-ordinary course asset sales and casualty events, subject to reinvestment rights; and

 

  Ÿ  

an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from equity issuances (including net cash proceeds from this offering) other than to CCMP and other existing stockholders.

Our existing senior secured credit facility also contains customary events of default, including: (i) failure to pay principal, interest, fees or other amounts under the existing senior secured credit facility when due taking into account any applicable grace period; (ii) any representation or warranty proving to have been incorrect in any material respect when made; (iii) failure to perform or observe covenants or other terms of the existing senior secured credit facility subject to certain grace periods; (iv) a cross default with respect to other indebtedness having an aggregate principal amount of at least $3.0 million; (v) bankruptcy and insolvency events; (vi) unsatisfied final judgments in excess of $3.0 million; (vii) a “change of control” (as defined in the credit agreement); (viii) certain defaults under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; (ix) the invalidity or impairment of any loan document or any security interest; and (x) the subordination provisions of any subordinated debt or junior debt (each as defined in the credit agreement) having a principal amount of at least $3.0 million shall cease to be in full force. A “change of control” does not include an initial public offering of our common stock as long certain CCMP managed funds continue to own and control, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the capital ownership of Parent on a fully diluted basis following such offering.

We are in compliance with our existing senior secured credit facility as of January 29, 2011. Our ability for subsidiaries to issue a dividend to the Parent was restricted at year-end under our existing senior credit facility.

 

134


Table of Contents

New Revolving Credit Facility

On May 23, 2011, we and a group of lenders entered into a commitment letter for a new revolving credit facility, based on a detailed term sheet, in the aggregate amount of $65.0 million. The commitments under the commitment letter expire on August 15, 2011, unless extended. The material closing conditions under the new revolving credit facility are as follows:

 

  Ÿ  

the absence of various types of material adverse changes relating to us;

 

  Ÿ  

the concurrent completion of this offering in a manner that yields sufficient proceeds, together with up to $50.0 million of proceeds under the new revolving credit facility, to repay our existing senior secured credit facility in full;

 

  Ÿ  

the absence of any competing issues of debt by us;

 

  Ÿ  

the delivery of monthly financial statements until the closing date; and

 

  Ÿ  

the execution of customary loan and security documentation.

Some of these closing conditions are outside our control. There can be no assurance that the closing conditions will be met. If these conditions are not met, the lenders will not be obligated to provide the new revolving credit facility, and the refinancing of our existing senior secured credit facility may not be completed on the terms that we expect or at all.

The new revolving credit facility consists of a $65.0 million revolving credit facility, with a five year maturity. The new revolving credit facility includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit.

All obligations under the new revolving credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by,

subject to certain exceptions, Parent and each of Francesca’s Collections’ existing and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. All obligations under the new revolving credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as cash management obligations and any interest rate hedging or other swap agreements), are secured by substantially all of Francesca’s Collections’ assets as well as those of each subsidiary guarantor.

The borrowings under the new revolving credit facility will bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the higher of (i) the prime rate of Royal Bank of Canada and (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% and (3) 2.75% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, a rate equal to the higher of (1) 1.75% and (2) the LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The applicable margin for borrowings under the new revolving credit facility ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% with respect to base rate borrowings and from 2.25% to 3.25% with respect to LIBOR borrowings, in each case based upon the achievement of specified levels of a ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA. Additionally, we are required to pay a fee to the lenders under the new revolving credit facility on the un-borrowed amount at a rate ranging from 0.25% to 0.45%, based on the achievement of specified levels of a ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA. We are also required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

The new revolving credit facility will contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the ability of Francesca’s Collections and its subsidiaries, to (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens; (iii) make certain investments, loans and advances; (iv) sell assets; (v) pay dividends or make distributions or make other restricted payments; (vi) prepay other indebtedness; (vii) engage in mergers or consolidations; (viii) change the business conducted by Francesca’s Collections and its subsidiaries; (ix) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (x) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries; and (xi) amend certain charter documents and material agreements governing subordinated and junior indebtedness.

 

135


Table of Contents

In addition, the new revolving credit facility will require Francesca’s Collections to comply with the following financial covenants:

 

  Ÿ  

A maximum ratio of (i) lease-adjusted consolidated total debt (as defined in the credit agreement) to (ii) consolidated EBITDA of 4.25 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

A minimum ratio of (i) consolidated EBITDA to (ii) interest expense of 4.00 to 1.00.

 

  Ÿ  

Maximum capital expenditures of $25.0 million per fiscal year, with any unused portion allowed to be carried over to the next fiscal year subject to a 50.0% cap.

The new revolving credit facility will also contain customary events of default, including: (i) failure to pay principal, interest, fees or other amounts under the new revolving credit facility when due taking into account any applicable grace period; (ii) any representation or warranty proving to have been incorrect in any material respect when made; (iii) failure to perform or observe covenants or other terms of the existing senior secured credit facility subject to certain grace periods; (iv) a cross default with respect to other material indebtedness; (v) bankruptcy and insolvency events; (vi) unsatisfied material final judgments; (vii) a “change of control”; (viii) certain defaults under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; (ix) the invalidity or impairment of any loan document or any security interest; and (x) the subordination provisions of any material subordinated debt or junior debt shall cease to be in full force.

 

136


Table of Contents

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Prior to this offering, there was no public market for our common stock. Future sales of our common stock in the public market, the perception that such sales may occur or the availability of such shares for sale in the public market, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time. As described below, only a limited number of shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Nevertheless, sales of our common stock in the public market after such restrictions lapse, or the perception that those sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price at such time and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

Upon completion of this offering,              shares of common stock will be outstanding, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares and no exercise of options. Of these shares, all of the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless purchased by our “affiliates” as that term is defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The remaining              shares of common stock outstanding after this offering will be “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration, including the exemptions provided by Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below. The remaining shares of common stock held by our existing stockholders upon completion of this offering will be available for sale in the public market after the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below and under “Underwriting,” taking into account the provisions of Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as in effect on the date of this prospectus, a person who is one of our affiliates, or who is selling shares on behalf of one of our affiliates, and has beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell, upon expiration of the lock-up agreements described below and under “Underwriting”, within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

  Ÿ  

one percent of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately            shares immediately after the completion of this offering; and

 

  Ÿ  

the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates and persons who are selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

A person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate, would be entitled to sell those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliated person who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate, would be entitled to sell those shares without restriction.

 

137


Table of Contents

Rule 701

Rule 701 under the Securities Act, as in effect on the date of this prospectus, permits resales of shares in reliance upon Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions of Rule 144, including the holding period requirement. Most of our employees, executive officers or directors who purchased shares under a written compensatory plan or contract may be entitled to rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701, but all holders of Rule 701 shares are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling their shares. However, substantially all Rule 701 shares are subject to lock-up agreements as described below and under “Underwriting” and will become eligible for sale upon the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements.

Lock-up Agreements

We and each of our executive officers, directors, all of the selling stockholders and substantially all of our other existing stockholders will have agreed with the underwriters, that for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, we or they will not offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of or hedge any shares of our common stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, subject to specified exceptions. The representatives of the underwriters may, in their discretion, at any time without prior notice, release all or any portion of the shares from the restrictions in any such agreement. See “Underwriting” for more information.

Registration Rights

Our stockholders agreement provides that CCMP, the Founders and certain members of our executive management team who hold our common stock will have the right to require us to register any or all of their shares under the Securities Act at our expense, subject to certain limitations and conditions. Registration of shares held by these stockholders under the Securities Act would result in these shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon effectiveness of the registration, subject to the expiration of the lock-up period. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders’ Agreement” for more information.

Equity Plans

As soon as practicable after the completion of this offering, we intend to file a Form S-8 registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares of our common stock subject to options outstanding or reserved for issuance under our 2007, 2010 and 2011 Stock Incentive Plans. Such registration statement will become effective immediately upon filing, and shares covered by this registration statement will thereupon be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates and any lock-up agreements. For a more complete discussion of our stock plans, see “Executive Compensation—Elements of Compensation—Equity-Based Compensation.”

 

138


Table of Contents

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

The following is a general discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations with respect to the ownership and disposition of our common stock applicable to non-U.S. holders. This discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative rulings and court decisions in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.

For the purposes of this discussion, the term “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of our common stock other than:

 

  Ÿ  

a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

  Ÿ  

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

  Ÿ  

an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

 

  Ÿ  

a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a domestic trust.

It is assumed for purposes of this discussion that a non-U.S. holder holds shares of our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a non-U.S. holder in light of that holder’s particular circumstances or that may be applicable to non-U.S. holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (including, for example, financial institutions, dealers in securities, traders in securities that elect mark-to-market treatment, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, holders who acquired our common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders liable for the alternative minimum tax, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, certain former citizens or former long-term residents of the United States, and holders who hold our common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale or conversion transaction). In addition, this discussion does not address U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to the U.S. federal income tax, nor does it address any aspects of U.S. state, local or non-U.S. taxes.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a person treated as a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Persons that for U.S. federal income tax purposes are treated as a partner in a partnership holding shares of our common stock should consult their own tax advisors.

THIS SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM (INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS) OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK.

 

139


Table of Contents

Dividends

Although we do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future, to the extent dividends are paid to non-U.S. holders, such distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding at a rate of 30% (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty). To obtain a reduced rate of withholding under an applicable income tax treaty, a non-U.S. holder generally will be required to provide us or our paying agent with a properly completed Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form W-8BEN certifying the non-U.S. holder’s entitlement to benefits under that treaty. In certain cases, additional requirements may need to be satisfied to avoid the imposition of U.S. withholding tax. See “—Recently Enacted Federal Tax Legislation” below for further details.

If the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by such non-U.S. holder), withholding should not apply, so long as the appropriate certifications are made by such non-U.S. holder. See “—Effectively Connected Income” below for additional information on the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable with respect to such effectively connected dividends.

Gain on Disposition of our Common Stock

Subject to the discussion below under “—Backup Withholding and Information Reporting” and “—Recently Enacted Federal Tax Legislation,” a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock unless:

 

  Ÿ  

the gain is effectively connected with the conduct, by such non-U.S. holder, of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a non- U.S. holder’s U.S. permanent establishment), in which case the gain will be subject to tax in the manner described below under “—Effectively Connected Income”;

 

  Ÿ  

the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met (in which case the gain (reduced by any U.S.-source capital losses) will be subject to 30% tax); or

 

  Ÿ  

we are, or have been, a “United States real property holding corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding such disposition and the non-U.S. holder’s holding period in our common stock; provided, that so long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, generally a non-U.S. holder would be subject to taxation with respect to a taxable disposition of our common stock, only if at any time during that five-year or shorter period the non-U.S. holder owned more than 5% directly or by attribution, of that class of common stock.

We believe that we have not been, are not, and we do not anticipate becoming a U.S. real property holding corporation during the relevant period described in the third bullet point above; however, no assurances can be provided in this regard. Under U.S. federal income tax laws, we will be a United States real property holding corporation if at least 50% of the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests and other assets used in a trade or business has consisted of “United States real property interests.”

Effectively Connected Income

If a dividend received on our common stock, or a sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock, is treated as effectively connected with a non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the

 

140


Table of Contents

United States, such non-U.S. holder will generally be exempt from withholding tax on any such dividend and any gain realized on such a disposition, provided such non-U.S. holder complies with certain certification requirements (generally on IRS Form W-8ECI). Instead such non-U.S. holder will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis on any such gains or dividends in the same manner as if such holder were a U.S. person (as defined in the Code). In addition, a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty) on such holder’s earnings and profits for the taxable year that are effectively connected with such holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to such holder’s U.S. permanent establishment), subject to adjustments.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Generally, we must report to our non-U.S. holders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year, if any, and the amount of any tax withheld. These information reporting requirements apply even if no withholding is required (e.g., because the distributions are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a United States trade or business, or withholding is eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty). This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.

Backup withholding, however, generally will not apply to distributions to a non-U.S. holder of shares of our common stock provided the non-U.S. holder furnishes to us or our paying agent the required certification as to its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either we or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the non-U.S. holder is a U.S. person (as defined in the Code) that is not an exempt recipient.

Information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to dispositions by a non-U.S. holder of shares of our common stock outside the United States through a foreign office of a foreign broker that does not have certain specified connections to the United States. If the non-U.S. holder sells shares of our common stock through a U.S. broker or the U.S. office of a foreign broker, however, the broker will be required to report to the IRS the amount of proceeds paid to the non-U.S. holder, and also backup withhold on that amount, unless the non-U.S. holder provides the required certification to the broker as to its non-U.S. status, or an exemption is otherwise established. Information reporting will also apply if a non-U.S. holder sells shares of our common stock through a foreign broker deriving more than a specified percentage of its income from U.S. sources or having certain other connections to the United States, unless such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner of the shares is a non-U.S. person and certain other conditions are met, or an exemption is otherwise established.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax but merely an advance payment, which may be refunded to the extent it results in an overpayment of tax and the appropriate information is timely supplied by the non-U.S. holder to the IRS.

Recently Enacted Federal Tax Legislation

On March 18, 2010, President Obama signed the “Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act”, or the HIRE Act, which includes a revised version of a bill known as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009” or “FATCA.” Under FATCA, foreign financial institutions (which include most hedge funds, private equity funds, mutual funds, securitization vehicles and any other investment

 

141


Table of Contents

vehicles regardless of their size) must comply with new information reporting rules with respect to their U.S. account holders and investors or confront a new withholding tax on U.S. source payments made to them. More specifically, a foreign financial institution or other foreign entity that does not comply with the FATCA reporting requirements will generally be subject to a new 30% withholding tax with respect to any “withholdable payments” made after December 31, 2012. For this purpose, withholdable payments are U.S.-source payments otherwise subject to nonresident withholding tax and also include the entire gross proceeds from the sale of any equity or debt instruments of U.S. issuers. The new FATCA withholding tax will apply even if the payment would otherwise not be subject to U.S. nonresident withholding tax (e.g., because it is capital gain treated as foreign source income under the Code). Treasury is authorized to provide rules for implementing the FATCA withholding regime and coordinating the FATCA withholding regime with the existing nonresident withholding tax rules.

FATCA withholding will not apply to withholdable payments made directly to foreign governments, international organizations, foreign central banks of issue and individuals, and Treasury is authorized to provide additional exceptions.

As noted above, the new FATCA withholding and information reporting requirements generally will apply to withholdable payments made after December 31, 2012. Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of the FATCA provisions to them based on their particular circumstances.

 

142


Table of Contents

UNDERWRITING

The company, the selling stockholders and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are the representatives of the underwriters.

 

Underwriters

   Number of Shares  

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

  

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

  

Jefferies & Company, Inc

  

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

  

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

  

KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.

  
        

Total

  

The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are taken, other than the shares covered by the option described below unless and until this option is exercised.

If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the table above, the underwriters have an option to buy up to              additional shares from the selling stockholders. They may exercise that option for 30 days. If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares being sold by the selling stockholders.

The following tables show the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by the company and the selling stockholders. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase              additional shares.

 

Paid by the Company

   No Exercise      Full Exercise  

Per Share

   $                    $                

Total

   $                    $                

 

Paid by the Selling Stockholders

   No Exercise      Full Exercise  

Per Share

   $                    $                

Total

   $                    $                

Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $            per share from the initial public offering price. If all the shares are not sold at the initial public offering price, the representatives may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

The company and its officers, directors, and holders of substantially all of the company’s common stock, including the selling stockholders, have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of the representatives. This agreement does not apply to any existing employee benefit plans. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for a discussion of certain transfer restrictions.

 

143


Table of Contents

The 180-day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period the company issues an earnings release or announces material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, the company announces that it will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the 180-day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the announcement of the material news or material event.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the shares. The initial public offering price has been negotiated among the company and the representatives. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, will be the company’s historical performance, estimates of the business potential and earnings prospects of the company, an assessment of the company’s management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.

The company intends to list its common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRAN”. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, the underwriters will undertake to sell lots of 100 or more shares to a minimum of 400 beneficial holders.

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in this offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares from the selling stockholders in this offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of this offering.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the company’s stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

The underwriters do not expect sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of shares offered.

 

144


Table of Contents

The company and the selling stockholders estimate that their share of the total expenses of this offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $            .

The company and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated in its capacity as qualified independent underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Relationships and Conflicts of Interest

One or more affiliates of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC beneficially own more than 10% of CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., which is a stockholder in the company. Because J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is an underwriter and its affiliates beneficially, through CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., own more than 10% of the company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is deemed to have a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121 (“Rule 5121”) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Furthermore, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, the company expects to use approximately $41.4 million of the net proceeds it receives from this offering, together with $50.0 million of new indebtedness under a new revolving credit facility, to repay its existing senior secured credit facility in full. Affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies & Company, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. are lenders under the company’s existing senior secured credit facility and will each receive their pro rata share of such repayment. Because it is possible that each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies & Company, Inc. or their affiliates could receive more than 5% of the proceeds of this offering in connection with the repayment of the company’s existing senior secured credit facility, each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies & Company, Inc. is deemed to have a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121. Accordingly, this offering will be conducted in accordance with Rule 5121. Rule 5121 requires that a “qualified independent underwriter”, meeting certain standards, participate in the preparation of the registration statement and prospectus and exercise the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated has served as “qualified independent underwriter” within the meaning of Rule 5121 in connection with this offering. To comply with Rule 5121, Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Jefferies & Company, Inc. will not confirm any sales to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the specific written approval of the transaction from the account holder.

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the company, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. In particular, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Jefferies & Company, Inc. are joint lead arrangers, joint bookrunners and lenders under the company’s existing senior secured credit facility. In addition, an affiliate of KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. is syndication agent and a lender under the company’s existing senior secured credit facility; an affiliate of RBC Capital Markets, LLC is administrative agent, collateral agent and a lender under the company’s existing senior secured credit facility; and an affiliate of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a lender under the company’s existing senior secured credit facility. In addition, one or more affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. are limited partners in CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., which is a stockholder in the company. In addition, a member of the advisory board of CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P. is also an advisory director of Goldman, Sachs & Co. In addition, an affiliate of RBC Capital Markets, LLC is expected to be a joint lead arranger, administrative agent and a lender under the company’s new revolving credit facility; and an affiliate of KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. is expected to be a joint lead arranger and a lender under the company’s new revolving credit facility.

 

145


Table of Contents

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the company. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date) it has not made and will not make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

(a) to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;

(b) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than 43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than 50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts;

(c) to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

(d) in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the company of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of shares to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the shares, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

 

  (a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the shares in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the company; and

 

  (b) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

146


Table of Contents

Hong Kong

The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.

Japan

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

 

147


Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by O’Melveny & Myers LLP, New York, New York. The underwriters have been represented by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation at January 29, 2011, and for the year then ended, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements as of January 30, 2010 and for each of the two years in the period ended January 30, 2010 included in this Prospectus and the Registration Statement have been so included in reliance on the report of BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP), an independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere here in and in the Registration Statement, given on the authorization of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

On August 10, 2010, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the company dismissed BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP) (“BDO”) as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

With respect to BDO and its service as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2009 and January 30, 2010 (“Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009”):

 

  Ÿ  

BDO’s reports on the company’s consolidated financial statements for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were such reports qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

  Ÿ  

There were no disagreements with BDO on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of BDO, would have caused BDO to make a reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with its reports on the financial statements of the company for such years and through August 10, 2010, the date of BDO’s dismissal as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

  Ÿ  

There were no “reportable events” as described in Item 304(n)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K other than at January 31, 2009, the company identified a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting related to the company’s accounting for its Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock – Series A. This material weakness resulted in a material error and correction of the company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 prior to their original issuance. The company discussed this material weakness with BDO and has authorized BDO to respond fully to inquiries of Ernst & Young, successor auditors concerning this matter.

We have provided BDO a copy of the disclosures we are making in this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part prior to their initial filing with the SEC and

 

148


Table of Contents

requested that BDO furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not BDO agrees with the above statements. A copy of such letter, dated April 18, 2011 is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the company has conducted a competitive process to select a firm to serve as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011. On August 10, 2010, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the company approved the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) as its independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011 subject to completion of normal client acceptance procedures. In deciding to engage E&Y, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the company reviewed auditor independence and existing commercial relationships with E&Y, and concluded that E&Y has no commercial relationship with the company that would impair its independence. During Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009, neither the company nor anyone acting on behalf of the company, consulted E&Y regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) or Item 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with the SEC with respect to the shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. You should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules for additional information. Whenever we make reference in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the references are not necessarily complete and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract, agreement or other document. When we complete this offering, we will also be required to file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.

You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facilities at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.

Upon effectiveness of the registration statement, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and will be required to file reports and other information with the SEC. You will be able to inspect and copy these reports and other information at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at the address noted above. You also will be able to obtain copies of this material from the Public Reference Room as described above, or inspect them without charge at the SEC’s website. We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements audited by our independent registered public accounting firm. We maintain a website at www.francescascollections.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 this prospectus forms a part, and you should not rely on any such information in making your decision whether to purchase our securities.

 

149


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-3   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010

     F-4  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended January 29, 2011, January  30, 2010 and January 31, 2009

     F-5  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock and Shareholders’ Deficit for the Fiscal Years Ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009

     F-6  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended January 29, 2011, January  30, 2010 and January 31, 2009

     F-7  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8  

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) as of January 29, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in convertible redeemable preferred stock and shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the year then ended. 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 audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation at January 29, 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/ S /    E RNST & Y OUNG LLP

April 15, 2011

Dallas, Texas

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

Houston, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) as of January 30, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in convertible redeemable preferred stock and shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended January 30, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation at January 30, 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended January 30, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

(formerly known as

BDO Seidman, LLP)

Houston, Texas

June 22, 2010, except for

footnotes 2 and 9, which

are as of April 15, 2011

 

F-3


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
 
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,516      $ 13,767   

Accounts receivable

     4,054        497   

Inventories

     11,959        6,378   

Deferred income taxes

     1,321        573   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,871        1,103   
                

Total current assets

     31,721        22,318   

Property and equipment, net

     21,300        7,495   

Deferred income taxes

     2,704        766   

Other assets, net

     3,399        639   
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 59,124      $ 31,218   
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIT     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 6,146      $ 2,703   

Accrued liabilities

     6,410        3,315   

Current portion of long-term debt

     5,938          
                

Total current liabilities

     18,494        6,018   

Deferred and accrued rents

     8,223        2,224   

Long-term debt

     87,875          
                

Total liabilities

     114,592        8,242   
                

Commitments and contingencies

              

Convertible redeemable preferred stock—Series A

            85,854   
                

Shareholders’ deficit:

    

Common stock—$.01 par value, 80.0 million shares authorized, 40.5 million and 26.0 million shares issued and outstanding at January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, respectively

     405        260   

Additional paid-in capital (distributions in excess of capital)

     27,232        (63,138

Accumulated deficit

     (83,105       
                

Total shareholders’ deficit

     (55,468     (62,878
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

   $ 59,124      $ 31,218   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Net sales

   $ 135,176      $ 79,367      $ 52,290   

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

     65,008        37,244        25,358   
                        

Gross profit

     70,168        42,123        26,932   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     40,525        24,641        19,962   
                        

Income from operations

     29,643        17,482        6,970   

Other income (expense)

     (2     38        14   

Interest income (expense)

     (1,633     2        4   
                        

Income before income tax expense

     28,008        17,522        6,988   

Income tax expense

     11,113        6,918        2,382   
                        

Net income

     16,895        10,604        4,606   

Increase in redemption value of convertible redeemable preferred stock

            (60,271       

Convertible redeemable preferred stock accrued dividends

            (2,022     (1,641
                        

Net income (loss) available to shareholders

   $ 16,895      $ (51,689   $ 2,965   

Less: Income attributable to participating securities

                   (1,038
                        

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 16,895      $ (51,689   $ 1,927   
                        

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.43      $ (1.99   $ 0.07   

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.41      $ (1.99   $ 0.07   

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 2.39                 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic shares

     39,385        26,000        26,000   

Diluted shares

     40,907        26,000        26,000   

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONVERTIBLE REDEEMABLE

PREFERRED STOCK AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(In thousands)

 

    Convertible
Redeemable Preferred
Stock—Series A
    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
(Distributions
in Excess of
Capital)
    Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
    Total
Shareholders’
Deficit
 
    Shares
Outstanding
    Amount     Shares
Outstanding
    Par
Value
       

Balance, February 2, 2008

    35      $ 21,920        26,000      $ 260      $ (13,124   $ 128      $ (12,736

Net income

                                       4,606        4,606   

S-Corporation distributions

                                       (1,525     (1,525

Stock-based compensation

                                       8        8   

Accrued dividends for Preferred Stock—Series A

           1,641                             (1,641     (1,641
                                                       

Balance, January 31, 2009

    35        23,561        26,000        260        (13,124     1,576        (11,288

Net income

                        10,604        10,604   

Stock-based compensation

                                       99        99   

Increase in redemption value of Preferred Stock—Series A

           60,271                      (50,014     (10,257     (60,271

Accrued dividends for Preferred Stock—Series A

           2,022                             (2,022     (2,022
                                                       

Balance, January 30, 2010

    35        85,854        26,000        260        (63,138            (62,878

Net income

                             16,895        16,895   

Conversion of Preferred Stock—Series A to common stock

    (35     (85,854     14,000        140        85,714               85,854   

Stock-based compensation

                                2,400               2,400   

Cash dividends declared and related tax benefit

                                1,220        (100,000     (98,780

Stock options exercised and related tax benefit

                  457        5        1,036               1,041   
                                                       

Balance, January 29, 2011

         $        40,457      $ 405      $ 27,232      $ (83,105   $ (55,468
                                                       

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     For the Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:

      

Net income

   $ 16,895      $ 10,604      $ 4,606   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     2,377        1,215        700   

Stock-based compensation expense

     2,400        99        8   

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     (1,757              

Loss on sale of assets

     25                 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     158                 

Deferred income taxes

     (2,685     (833     (54

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivables

     (3,557     (126     (49

Inventories

     (5,581     (794     310   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (1,549     (573     (407

Accounts payable

     3,443        1,434        (298

Accrued liabilities

     3,874        1,007        39   

Deferred and accrued rents

     5,999        1,440        315   

Income tax payable

     978        (196     (1,462
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     21,020        13,277        3,708   
                        

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities:

      

Purchase of property and equipment

     (16,208     (5,538     (2,013
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (16,208     (5,538     (2,013
                        

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities:

      

Dividends

     (100,000              

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     1,757                 

Proceeds from debt

     95,000                 

Repayments on debt

     (1,187              

Payment of debt issuance costs

     (2,137              

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

     504                 

S-Corporation distributions

                   (1,525
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (6,063            (1,525
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,251     7,739        170   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     13,767        6,028        5,858   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 12,516      $ 13,767      $ 6,028   
                        

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

      

Cash paid for income taxes

     13,509        7,946        3,935   

Interest paid

     163                 

Supplemental Non-Cash Financing Activities:

      

Accrual of dividends on Preferred Stock – Series A

            2,022        1,641   

Increase in redemption value of Preferred Stock Series A

            60,271          

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) is a holding company incorporated in 2007 under the laws of Delaware. The Company’s business operations are conducted through its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a corporation formed and existing under the laws of the State of Texas. Francesca’s Collections, Inc. is wholly-owned by Francesca’s LLC (the “Parent”), a limited liability company formed and existing under the laws of Delaware. Parent is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

The Company operates a national chain of retail boutiques designed and merchandised to feel like independently owned, upscale boutiques and provide its customers with an inviting, intimate and fun shopping experience. The Company offers a diverse and balanced mix of apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts at attractive prices. At January 29, 2011, the Company operated 207 boutiques, which are located in 38 states throughout the United States, and its e-commerce website.

In February 2010, two affiliates of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC (“CCMP”), acquired approximately 84% of the Company’s outstanding shares (the “CCMP Acquisition”) from the founders of the Company and Bear Growth Capital Partners, LP (“BGCP”). The Company considered the application of push-down accounting to the Company’s financial statements and determined that, given the percentage of equity interest acquired in the acquisition, push-down accounting treatment was not required. The Company elected not to apply push-down accounting treatment as a result of the acquisition. In connection with the CCMP Acquisition, the Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock- Series A (“Preferred Stock”) was converted to common stock. In addition, the outstanding stock options became fully vested and the management agreement with the holders of the Preferred Stock was terminated. See Notes 6 and 10 for more information. As described in Note 6, the Company recognized $1.0 million compensation expense related to those options that became fully vested. The Company also incurred $0.2 million and $0.7 million of transaction costs which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, respectively.

On April 28, 2010, the Company authorized a split of its outstanding issued and outstanding stock in the ratio of four hundred to one (400-1). Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the stock split on common shares and per share amounts.

Fiscal Year

The Company maintains its accounts on a 52- to 53- week year ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references herein to fiscal year “2010”, “2009” and “2008” represent the 52-week periods ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

Principles of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Reclassifications

In certain instances, amounts previously reported in the fiscal year 2009 and 2008 financial statements have been reclassified from selling, general and administrative expenses to cost of goods sold and occupancy costs (including rent, utilities, repairs and maintenance, taxes and licenses and common area expenses) to conform with the presentation in the fiscal year 2010 financial statements. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity as previously reported.

Management Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, net of estimated sales return, and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation at the measurement date:

 

  Ÿ  

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

  Ÿ  

Level 2—Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.

 

  Ÿ  

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions.

The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement.

Financial assets and liabilities with carrying amounts approximating fair value include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying amount of these financial assets and liabilities approximates fair value because of their short maturities. The carrying amount of the Company’s debt approximates its fair value due to proximity of the debt issue date and the latest balance sheet date and the variable component of the interest on the debt.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all interest-bearing deposits and investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances at financial institutions that may from time to time exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance limits. The Company mitigates this concentration of credit risk by monitoring the credit worthiness of the financial institutions.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of amounts due from credit card companies, tenant allowances due from landlords and income tax receivable. The Company’s management has reviewed accounts receivable for collectibility and has determined an allowance for doubtful accounts is not necessary at January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010.

Inventory

The Company values merchandise inventory at the lower of cost or market on a weighted-average cost basis. Inventory costs include freight-in. The Company records merchandise receipts at the time they are delivered to the distribution center or to its boutiques from vendors.

The Company reviews its inventory levels to identify slow-moving merchandise and generally uses promotional markdowns to clear slow-moving merchandise. Each period, the Company evaluates recent selling trends and the related promotional events or pricing strategies in place to sell through the current inventory levels.

The Company also estimates a shrinkage reserve for the period of time between the last physical count and the balance sheet date. The estimate for shrinkage reserve can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis for financial reporting purposes using the following useful lives:

 

Assets

  

Estimated Useful Lives

Equipment

   3 - 5 years

Furniture and fixtures

   5 years

Software

   3 years

Signage and leasehold improvements

   the lesser of 5 - 10 years or lease term

Assets under construction are not depreciated until the asset is placed in service and ready for use.

Maintenance and repairs of property and equipment are expensed as incurred, and major improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement, sale or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in current earnings.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates long-lived assets held for use and held for sale whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows, which is generally at a boutique level. Boutique assets are reviewed for impairment using factors including, but not limited to, the Company's future operating plans and

 

F-10


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

projected cash flows. The determination of whether impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that boutique, compared to the carrying value of the assets. The Company recognizes impairment if the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows of a boutique does not exceed the carrying value of the assets. For impaired assets, the Company recognizes a loss equal to the difference between the net book value of the asset and its estimated fair value. Fair value is based on discounted future cash flows of the asset using a discount rate commensurate with the risk. In addition, at the time a decision is made to close a boutique, the Company records an impairment charge, if appropriate, or accelerates depreciation over the revised useful life of the asset. Based on the analysis performed, there was no impairment for each of the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009.

Operating Leases

The Company leases boutiques and distribution center and office space under operating leases. The majority of the Company’s lease agreements provide for tenant improvement allowances, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions.

The Company records tenant improvement allowances and other landlord incentives as a component of deferred rent which is amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction of rent expense. The unamortized portion of deferred rent totaled $5.9 million and $1.6 million at January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, respectively, and is included in deferred and accrued rents in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company records straight-line rent expense beginning on the earlier of taking possession of the boutique (pre-opening or construction period) or the commencement date of the lease. In fiscal 2010, the Company determined that its policy had historically been inconsistently applied. The Company corrected the deferred rent expense account, resulting in a non-cash $0.7 million cumulative adjustment to record additional rent expense during the first quarter of fiscal 2010. That adjustment was included in the cost of goods sold and occupancy cost in the consolidated statements of operations. The adjustment did not impact historical cash flows and will not impact future net cash flows or the timing of the payments under the related leases. Prior years’ financial statements were not restated as the impact of these issues was immaterial to previously reported results for any individual prior year.

Certain leases provide for contingent rents, in addition to a basic fixed rent, which are determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. The Company records a contingent rent liability and the corresponding rent expense when specified levels have been achieved or when management determines that achieving the specified levels during the fiscal year is probable.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue upon purchase of merchandise by customers, net of estimated merchandise returns. Revenue is recognized for boutique sales at the point at which the customer receives and pays for the merchandise at the register. For on-line sales, revenue is recognized upon delivery and includes shipping charges. Management estimates future returns on previously sold merchandise based on return history and current sales levels. The estimated sales returns are periodically compared to actual sales returns and adjusted, if appropriate.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Gift Cards and Gift Card Breakage

The Company accounts for the sale of gift cards as a liability at the time a gift card is sold. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized upon redemption of the gift card. The Company’s gift cards do not have an expiration date. We will recognize income from the breakage of gift cards when the likelihood of redemption of the gift card is remote based on historical redemption patterns. The Company has not accumulated adequate historical data to reasonably estimate the amount of gift cards that will never be redeemed. Consequently, the Company has not recognized gift card breakage income in fiscal years 2010, 2009 or 2008. The Company does not anticipate recognizing gift card breakage until it accumulates additional data beyond fiscal year 2011.

Sales Taxes

The Company excludes all taxes assessed by a government authority directly imposed on revenue producing transactions between a seller and a customer from revenue.

Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Costs

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs include the direct cost of purchased merchandise, freight costs from the Company’s suppliers to its distribution centers and freight costs for merchandise shipped directly from its vendors to its boutiques, allowances for inventory shrinkage and obsolescence, boutique occupancy costs including rent, utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes, depreciation and boutique repair and maintenance costs, and shipping costs related to e-commerce sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include boutique and headquarters payroll, employee benefits, freight from distribution centers to boutiques, boutique pre-opening expense, credit card merchant fees, costs of maintaining and operating the Company’s e-commerce business, travel and administration costs and other expenses related to operations at the corporate headquarters, as well as share-based compensation. Pre-opening expenses (including boutique set-up and training expenses) incurred prior to the opening of new boutiques are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Freight costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $0.8 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

Advertising

Costs associated with advertising are charged to expense as incurred. For the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, and January 31, 2009 advertising costs were minimal.

Stock-Based Compensation

In connection with the Company’s stock based compensation plans, the Board of Directors considers the estimated fair value of the Company’s stock when setting the stock option exercise price as of the date of each grant. Because the Company is privately held and there is no public market for

 

F-12


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

its common stock, the fair market value of its common stock is determined by the Board of Directors at the time the option grants are awarded. In determining the fair value of the common stock, the Board of Directors considers such factors as the Company’s actual and projected financial results, the consideration paid by third party investors in the Company, including investments by BGCP and CCMP in arm’s length transactions for their respective investment and controlling investment in the Company (as described in Notes 1 and 10), the principal amount of the Company’s indebtedness, valuations of the Company performed by third parties and other factors the Board of Directors believed were material to the valuation process. To the extent financial projections and anticipated boutique openings did not materially change from the date of the BGCP Acquisition or the CCMP Acquisition through the date of a stock option grant, the Board of Directors concluded that the per share price of the common stock related to each of the acquisition transactions represented the most accurate estimate of the fair value of the common stock for purpose of setting the respective option exercise price as of the date of each grant. Additionally, for these grants, in making its determination of fair value, the Board of Directors did not apply control premium or marketability considerations. To timely secure the necessary talent the Company requires to support its growth, the Board of Directors takes into account a number of factors, including utilizing the most recent third-party valuation study available to help establish the exercise price for the applicable grant.

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date fair value and is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). The Company estimates forfeitures for options granted that are not expected to vest. Changes in these inputs and assumptions can materially affect the measurement of the estimated fair value of the stock-based compensation expense. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. See Note 6 for further information.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs incurred in connection with the Company’s borrowings are capitalized and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. These costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the loan. In 2010, the Company incurred $2.2 million of costs related to the credit facility obtained during the year. At January 29, 2011, debt issuance costs totaled $2.0 million, net of $0.2 million of accumulated amortization. Amortization expense amounted to $0.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, the amount of taxes currently payable or refundable is accrued, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and the financial reporting basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that the realization of those deferred tax assets will not occur.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes from a change in tax rate is recognized through continuing operations in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. Changes in tax laws and rates could affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized. The Company recognizes tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions and adjusts these liabilities when the Company’s judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense and the effective tax rate in the period in which the new information becomes available. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense. The Company has no uncertain tax positions or related interest or penalties requiring accrual at January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010.

Subsequent Event Evaluation

The Company has reviewed and evaluated material subsequent events from the balance sheet date of January 29, 2011 through April 15, 2011, the issuance of the financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements an update to Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASU 2010-06 expands disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements including (i) separately disclosing the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describing the reasons for the transfers and (ii) presenting separate information for Level 3 activity pertaining to gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. The new disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for Level 3 activity disclosures, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

2. Earnings (Loss) per Share

Basic earnings per common share amounts are calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share amounts are calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period and include the dilutive impact of Preferred Stock and stock options using the if-converted and treasury stock methods, respectively.

In the years the Preferred Stock was outstanding, the two-class method was used to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share since it is a participating security under ASC 260 Earnings per Share . The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) attributable to common share after allocation of earnings to participating securities by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is computed using the more dilutive of the two-class method or the if-converted method. In periods of net loss, no effect is given to participating securities since they do not contractually participate in the losses of the Company.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table summarizes the potential dilution that could occur if options to acquire common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, and reconciles the weighted-average common shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 29,
2011
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Numerator:

       

Net Income

   $ 16,895       $ 10,604      $ 4,606   

Less: Increase in redemption value of Preferred Stock

             (60,271       

Less: Preferred Stock dividends

             (2,022     (1,641
                         

Net income (loss) available to shareholders

     16,895         (51,689     2,965   

Less: Income attributable to participating securities

                    (1,038
                         

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 16,895       $ (51,689   $ 1,927   
                         

Denominator:

       

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic

     39,385         26,000        26,000   

Options and other dilutive securities

     1,522                  
                         

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted

     40,907         26,000        26,000   
                         

Per common share:

       

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.43       $ (1.99   $ 0.07   

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.41       $ (1.99   $ 0.07   

As discussed above, the Company was required to use the two-class method to compute basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share during the period the Preferred Stock was outstanding. In fiscal year 2009, the adjustment to record the increase in redemption value of Preferred Stock (see Note 10) reduced undistributed earnings, to be allocated between common shares and participating securities, to zero for purposes of calculating earnings per share using the two-class method. As such, net losses were solely attributable to common shareholders.

Stock options to purchase 1.0 million and 0.6 million shares of common stock for the fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per shares due to its anti-dilutive effect.

For the fiscal years 2009 and 2008, Preferred Stock that could be converted to 14 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, dividends paid and the increase in the redemption value of Preferred Stock was deducted to arrive at net income (loss) available to common shareholders. See Note 10 for more information regarding Preferred Stock.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3. Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts

 

     January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Accounts and other receivables:

    

Credit card receivables

   $ 825      $ 497   

Tenant allowances

     2,574          

Income tax receivable

     655          
                
   $ 4,054      $ 497   
                

Property and equipment, net:

    

Equipment

   $ 1,798      $ 1,374   

Furniture and fixtures

     4,475        2,593   

Signage and leasehold improvements

     14,829        5,604   

Construction in progress

     5,799        1,314   

Software

     191          
                
     27,092        10,885   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (5,792     (3,390
                
   $ 21,300      $ 7,495   
                

Accrued liabilities:

    

Gift cards and store credits outstanding

   $ 2,110      $ 1,152   

Accrued payroll, benefits and bonuses

     2,573        1,074   

Accrued interest

     1,308          

Accrued sales tax

     419        309   

Income tax payable

            780   
                
   $ 6,410      $ 3,315   
                

Deferred and accrued rents:

    

Deferred rent

   $ 5,880      $ 1,646   

Accrued rent

     2,343        578   
                
   $ 8,223      $ 2,224   
                

 

F-16


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

4. Income Taxes

The provision for income tax expense for the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     For Fiscal Years Ended  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 11,778      $ 6,667      $ 2,094   

State

     2,020        1,084        342   
                        

Total

     13,798        7,751        2,436   
                        

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (2,275     (724     (56

State

     (410     (109     2   
                        

Total

     (2,685     (833     (54
                        

Income tax expense

   $ 11,113      $ 6,918      $ 2,382   
                        

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate follows:

 

       For Fiscal Years Ended  
       2011     2010     2009  

Income tax expense at statutory rate

       35.0     35.0     34.0

Nondeductible expenses

       0.5        0.9        0.4   

State tax, net of federal benefit

       3.7        4.0        3.2   

Other

       0.5        (0.4     (3.5
                          

Effective tax rate

       39.7     39.5     34.1
                          

For fiscal year 2008, the provision for income taxes was reduced by $0.2 million due to adjustments made to deferred income taxes for differences between estimates used in recording the income tax provision in the prior year and the actual federal and state tax returns.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded due to different carrying amounts for financial and income tax reporting purposes arising from cumulative temporary differences as measured by enacted tax rates, which will be in effect when these temporary differences reverse. These differences consist of the following at January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010:

 

     January 29,
2011
     January 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Deferred tax assets:

     

Inventories

   $ 502       $ 221   

Accrued liabilities

     819         352   

Deferred and accrued rents

     2,618         890   

Equity based compensation

     358           
                 

Total deferred tax assets

     4,297         1,463   
                 

Deferred tax liabilities

     

Property and equipment

     272         106   

Other

             18   
                 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     272         124   
                 

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 4,025       $ 1,339   
                 

The Company’s tax years are subject to examination by federal authorities from 2008 forward, and by state taxing authorities from 2007 forward.

5. Credit Facility

On December 11, 2008, the Company entered into a $3 million revolving credit agreement ("Credit Facility") with a bank. The Credit Facility provided a $3 million revolving line of credit that matured on December 11, 2011. On January 25, 2010, the Company requested the Credit Facility be terminated, and on February 16, 2010, the bank terminated the Credit Facility.

On November 17, 2010, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (the “Borrower”) entered into a senior secured credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions, which provided financing of up to $100.0 million consisting of a $95.0 million term loan facility and a $5.0 million revolving credit facility each with a maturity date of November 17, 2013. The principal of the term loan component will be repaid in quarterly installments of $1.9 million in the first year, $2.4 million in the second and third year and the remainder on the maturity date. The revolving credit facility includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit. As of January 29, 2011, the Company had $93.8 million outstanding under its term loan facility and $5.0 million available under its revolving credit facility. There were no letters of credit outstanding at January 29, 2011.

All obligations under the senior secured credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, Parent and each of the Borrower’s existing and future direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. All obligations under the senior secured credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as cash management obligations and any interest hedging or other swap agreements), are secured by substantially all of the Borrower’s assets as well as those of the subsidiary guarantor.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The borrowings under the senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Borrower’s option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the higher of (i) the prime rate of Royal Bank of Canada and (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% and (3) 2.75% or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, a rate equal to the higher of (1) 1.75% and (2) the LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The current applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility is 5.00% with respect to base rate borrowings and 6.00% with respect to LIBOR borrowings. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility for base rate borrowings increases to 6.50% and 9.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility for LIBOR borrowings increases to 7.50% and 10.00% on June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013, respectively. As of January 29, 2011, the loans under the senior secured credit facility were LIBOR-based and had an interest rate of 7.75%.

In addition to paying interest on the outstanding principal under the senior secured credit facility, the Borrower is 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 0.5%. The Borrower also pays customary letter of credit fees.

The senior secured credit facility requires the Borrower to maintain a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a maximum senior leverage ratio, in each case, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending January 29, 2011 and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio commencing with the fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2011. The Company’s ability to declare dividends from Francesca’s Collections, Inc. to Holdings at January 29, 2011, was subject to restrictions under the senior secured credit facility. Those restrictions include a maximum leverage ratio. If the Company’s debt under its Credit Facility exceeds that ratio, it is restricted from paying dividends. As of fiscal year-end 2010, this ratio exceeded that maximum, and, thereby was restricted from paying dividends.

The Borrower is in compliance with the debt covenants of its senior secured credit facility as of January 29, 2011.

Debt maturities

The term loan, which had aggregate principal balance of $93.8 million at January 29, 2011, is due as follows:

 

Fiscal Year

   Amount  
     (in thousands)  

2011

   $ 5,938   

2012

     9,500   

2013

     78,375   
        
   $ 93,813   
        

 

F-19


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

6. Stock-Based Compensation

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

In 2007, the Company adopted the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”), to be administered by Board of Directors or a committee designated by its Board of Directors (the “Committee”). Under the 2007 Plan, awards may be in the form of stock options, restricted stock or phantom shares and may be granted to any employee, director or consultant of the Company. With respect to incentive stock options granted, the share exercise price shall not be less than the fair market price on the date of grant. For non-qualified stock options granted, the share exercise price of each option is determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, which considers the estimated fair value of the Company’s stock when setting stock option price as of the date of each grant. The awards generally vest evenly over four to five years and have a ten year contractual term.

The CCMP Acquisition triggered a “Change of Control” that resulted in the acceleration of vesting, in accordance with the provisions of the 2007 Plan, of the 906,000 stock options issued and outstanding. Accordingly, the Company recognized compensation expense of $1.0 million included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 related to the accelerated vesting.

On April 28, 2010, the plan was amended to adjust the number of shares available for issuance to account for a 400-for-1 stock split. Accordingly, the number of shares authorized to be issued under the 2007 Plan increased to 2,105,200 shares. As of January 29, 2011, the Company can no longer grant awards under the 2007 Plan.

2010 Stock Incentive Plan

On February 27, 2010, the Company adopted the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) to be administered by the Board of Directors or a Committee. Under the 2010 Plan, awards may be in the form of stock options, stock or restricted stock and may be granted to any officers, directors, eligible employees and consultants of the Company. Exercise prices shall not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant as determined by the Board of Directors. The awards generally vest over four to five years and have a ten year contractual term.

On April 28, 2010, the plan was amended to adjust the number of shares available for issuance to account for a 400-for-1 stock split. Accordingly, the number of shares authorized to be issued under the 2010 Plan increased to 2,020,400 shares. As of January 29, 2011 there were 77,312 options remaining that can be granted under the 2010 Plan.

Stock Option Award Modification

In November 2010, the Board of Directors authorized and paid a cash dividend equal to $2.39 per share on its common stock following the issuance of a senior secured credit facility (see Note 5). In accordance with applicable plan documents, stock option holders are entitled to an equitable adjustment to their stock option awards upon, among other events, a recapitalization of the Company. As a result, the Board of Directors approved the reduction of the exercise price of certain outstanding options (724,000 total options) in an amount equal to the per share cash dividend effective on

 

F-20


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

December 12, 2010 to reduce the dilution effect of the cash dividend. No incremental compensation expense was recognized because the fair value of the awards did not increase as a result of the modification. Additionally, the Board of Directors allowed certain stock option holders (1,318,000 total options) to participate in the cash dividend in lieu of stock price adjustment. The Company recognized incremental compensation expense of $0.3 million related to vested options for which the option holders received a cash dividend in lieu of the decrease in exercise price.

Stock Options

The following table presents stock options granted, vested and expired and aggregate intrinsic value under the existing share based compensation plans. The intrinsic value of the stock options was calculated based on a $10.19 estimated fair market value per share of the Company’s common stock as of January 29, 2011.

 

     Number
of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
           (Per share data)      (in Years)      (In thousands)  

Outstanding as of January 30, 2010

     906,000      $ 0.94         8      

Options granted

     1,994,430      $ 6.18         9      

Options exercised

     (457,342   $ 0.91         9       $   

Options forfeited or expired

          $               $   
                

Outstanding as of January 29, 2011

     2,443,088      $ 5.23         9       $ 12,126   
                

Exercisable at January 29, 2011

     685,340      $ 2.71         7       $ 5,127   
                                  

During fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, 1,994,430, 406,000 and 100,000 stock options, respectively, were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.99, $2.77 and $0.06, respectively. In fiscal year 2010, proceeds from stock option exercises amounted to $0.5 million while the intrinsic value amounted to $2.5 million.

The fair value of stock options was estimated on the date of grant using Black Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:

 

    

2010

   2009    2008

Expected volatility

  

54.2 % - 60.6%

   85.4%    53.5%

Risk-free interest rate

  

1.6% - 3.2%

   0.9%    3.2%

Weighted average term

  

6.27 - 6.5

   2.00    6.42

Expected dividend yield

  

     

The risk-free interest rate was determined based on the rate of Treasury instruments with maturities similar to those of the expected term of the award being valued. The expected dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectations of not paying dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable future. The expected volatility incorporates historical and implied volatility of similar entities whose share prices are publicly available.

Compensation expense for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 totaled approximately $2.4 million, $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table summarizes information regarding non-vested outstanding stock options as of January 29, 2011:

 

     Options      Weighted
Average
Fair Value at
Grant Date
 

Non-vested as of January 30, 2010

     706,000       $ 1.58   

Granted

     1,994,430       $ 3.99   

Vested

     942,682       $ 2.09   

Cancelled

               
                 

Non-vested as of January 29, 2011

     1,757,748       $ 4.04   
                 

As of January 29, 2011, there was approximately $7.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.7 years. The total fair value of options vested during the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 30, 2009 was $2.0 million, less than $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.

7. Employee Benefits

In October 2009, the Company adopted a Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”) under which full-time and part-time employees become eligible to participate following twelve consecutive months of employment. Eligible employees may elect to contribute a percentage of their earnings to the 401(k) component of the Plan, and the Company makes a discretionary contribution to the Plan based on the contribution of the employees. The Profit Sharing component of the Plan is entirely funded by the Company at its sole discretion. Effective January 1, 2011, the 401(k) component of the Plan was amended whereby the Company will make matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 3% of employee contributions and 50% of the next 2% of employee contributions. For the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, the Company’s matching contributions were $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating leases

The Company leases boutique space and office space under operating leases expiring in various years through the fiscal year ending 2021. Certain of the leases provide that the Company may cancel the lease, with penalties as defined in the lease, if the Company’s boutique sales at that location fall below an established level. Certain leases provide for additional rent payments to be made when sales exceed a base amount. Certain operating leases provide for renewal options for periods from three to five years at their fair rental value at the time of renewal.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Minimum future rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of January 29, 2011, are approximately as follows:

 

Fiscal Year

   Amount  
     (in thousands)  

2011

   $ 15,285   

2012

     15,656   

2013

     13,636   

2014

     12,302   

2015

     11,309   

Thereafter

     50,529   
        
   $ 118,717   
        

For the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, rent expense totaled $12.2 million, $7.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively. For the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, common area maintenance charges totaled $2.6 million, $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and other rental charges amounted to $1.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, consisting primarily of property taxes and advertising fees.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of any such claim cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management, the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial conditions.

9. Segment Reporting and Concentration of Risk

The Company determined its operating segments on the same basis used internally to evaluate performance. The Company’s reporting segments are the operation of boutiques and the e-commerce website, which have been aggregated into one reportable financial segment. The Company aggregates its operating segments because (i) the merchandise offered at retail locations and through the e-commerce business is largely the same, (ii) management believes that the majority of its e-commerce customers are also customers of retail locations and (iii) the merchandise margin of both segments is similar. All of the Company’s identifiable assets are located in the United States.

The following is net sales information regarding the Company’s major product classes:

 

     For Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 29,
2011
    January 30,
2010
     January 31,
2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Apparel

   $ 70,326      $ 45,540       $ 26,829   

Jewelry

     27,911        16,764         12,281   

Accessories

     19,567        8,007         5,391   

Gifts

     17,367        8,949         7,789   

Shipping

     195        107         —     
                         
     135,366        79,367         52,290   

Allowance for sales returns

     (190     —           —     
                         

Net sales

   $ 135,176      $ 79,367       $ 52,290   
                         

 

F-23


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For fiscal years 2010 and 2009, two of the Company’s vendors accounted for approximately 23% of its purchases, with no single vendor accounting for more than 15% of purchases. In fiscal year 2008, one vendor accounted for 12% of the Company’s total purchases. Those vendors are related parties. See Note 11. Other than those mentioned, no vendor accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s purchases during the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008. The Company believes that there are other vendors that could replace these vendors and therefore loss of one or all would not result in a material disruption to its business.

10. Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock—Series A

Under its Certificate of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue 45,000 shares of undesignated Preferred Stock. In April 2007, the Board of Directors designated 35,000 preferred shares as Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock—Series A, par value $0.01 per share, all of which were outstanding through February 25, 2010. The recipients of the Preferred Stock simultaneously purchased a portion of the Company’s common stock directly from the common shareholders and then exchanged such common stock for Preferred Stock. Accordingly, to properly record the redemption amount of the Preferred Stock (“Face Amount”) at that time, a distribution in excess of capital was recorded. Distributions in excess of capital primarily represent deemed dividends recorded to properly reflect the redemption value of Preferred Stock. Distributions in excess of capital was charged with these deemed dividends as the Company did not have sufficient retained earnings or additional paid in capital at the time of issuance. Upon conversion of the Preferred Stock to common stock, the redemption value of Preferred Stock was treated as contributed capital, which eliminated the distributions in excess of capital and establish additional paid in capital.

The Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock—Series A had the following rights and privileges:

 

  Ÿ  

Dividend —The Preferred Stock accrued cash dividends effective each January 1, whether declared or not, at a rate of 12% per year of the original issue price of the Preferred Stock. In the event that certain earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) thresholds were met in the calendar year 2007, the dividend rate was to be substituted by 15% or 10%, as appropriate in accordance with the Certificate of Designation governing the Preferred Stock. The Company accrued the required dividends, at the dividend rate of 10% having met the conditions under the Certificate of Designation to use such rate, throughout the year and had considered it when estimating the redemption value of the Preferred Stock at each reporting period in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Preferred Stock could also participate in dividends on common stock, if declared.

 

  Ÿ  

Voting— The holders of the Preferred Stock voted on an as-converted basis together with the holders of the Company’s common stock as a single class, except with respect to any increase or decrease in the authorized shares of common stock, as to which the holders of the Preferred Stock had no right to vote.

 

  Ÿ  

Liquidation — Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or the consummation of any Change of Control Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designations governing the Preferred Stock) each holder of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock was entitled to receive an amount equal to the greater of (i) $571.43 per share plus all accumulated but unpaid dividends and (ii) the amount that would be distributed or payable in respect of the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock if such conversion occurred immediately prior to such liquidation event or change of control transaction.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

  Ÿ  

Conversion and redemption feature —The Preferred Stock is convertible into equal number of shares of common stock (adjusted for any stock split) or was mandatorily convertible into common stock upon a Qualified IPO as defined in the Certificate of Designation governing the Preferred Stock. Given that the redemption feature was outside the Company’s control, the Preferred Stock was reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as temporary equity for the period it was outstanding. Upon voluntary or mandatory conversion of the Preferred Stock to common stock all accrued and unpaid dividends were to be deemed automatically satisfied and extinguished without any adjustment to the conversion price or any increase in the number of shares of common stock into which the Preferred Stock was convertible in respect of such accrued but unpaid dividends. The redemption price was the greater of the face amount of the Preferred Stock plus all accrued and unpaid dividends (“Base Amount”) or the fair market value of the Preferred Stock. The Company was required to record the Preferred Stock at its estimated fair market value if determined that the fair market value exceeded the Base Amount. For accounting purposes, the Company has elected to adjust the carrying value of Preferred Stock to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The increase in redemption value was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings or, in the absence of retained earnings, paid in capital.

The fair value of the Company’s Preferred Stock was estimated using Level 3 inputs. At January 30, 2010, the estimated fair value totaled $85.9 million, exceeding the Base Amount. The fair value was based on the purchase price paid by CCMP upon purchase of approximately 84% of the underlying common shares (into which the shares of Preferred Stock were converted to in February 2010), as further supported by an independent valuation. Accordingly, the Preferred Stock was recorded at its estimated redemption value of $85.9 million, which took into consideration the accrued dividends of $5.6 million. At January 31, 2009, the estimated fair market value of the Preferred Stock, based on an independent valuation, was determined to be less than the Base Amount. Accordingly, the face amount of the Preferred Stock of $20.0 million plus the accrued dividends of $3.6 million appropriately reflected the redemption value of the Preferred Stock at January 31, 2009.

On February 26, 2010, the holders of Preferred Stock exercised their right to convert all of the outstanding Preferred Stock into 14.0 million shares of common stock in connection with the acquisition by CCMP of approximately 84% of the Company’s outstanding shares. Thus, there were no outstanding shares of Preferred Stock at January 29, 2011.

11. Related Party Transactions

Stony Leather, Inc. (“Stony”) and KJK Trading Corporation (“KJK”) are two of the Company’s vendors that supply apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts. Stony is owned and operated by certain shareholders of the Company while KJK is owned by the brother-in-law of one of the Company’s founders. During the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, purchases from KJK totaled $6.6 million, $2.8 million and $1 million, respectively, while purchases from Stony totaled $5.0 million, $3.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Purchases from Stony and KJK accounted for 10%, 12% and 12%, respectively, and 13%, 11% and 6%, respectively, in each case, for the fiscal years ended 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Accounts payable due to related parties for inventory purchases was not material at January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010.

The Company entered into a management agreement with the holder of the Preferred Stock where such holder would provide consulting services in exchange for quarterly fees of $62,500. Upon

 

F-25


Table of Contents

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

the conversion of the Preferred Stock, the management agreement was terminated. For each of the fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, the Company incurred management fees totaling zero, $0.3 million and $0.3 million which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

12. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

     Fiscal Year 2010  
     Fourth
Quarter
     Third
Quarter
     Second
Quarter
     First
Quarter
 
     (in thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 39,882       $ 35,073       $ 34,804       $ 25,417   

Gross profit

   $ 20,592       $ 18,149       $ 18,782       $ 12,645   

Income from operations.

   $ 8,912       $ 8,401       $ 9,709       $ 2,621   

Net income

   $ 4,328       $ 5,115       $ 5,861       $ 1,591   
     Fiscal Year 2009  
     Fourth
Quarter
     Third
Quarter
     Second
Quarter
     First
Quarter
 
     (in thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 24,607       $ 19,501       $ 20,008       $ 15,251   

Gross profit

   $ 12,932       $ 10,204       $ 10,919       $ 8,068   

Income from operations

   $ 4,580       $ 4,053       $ 5,591       $ 3,258   

Net income

   $ 2,788       $ 2,450       $ 3,390       $ 1,976   

 

F-26


Table of Contents

Shares

 

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

Common Stock

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

J.P. Morgan

Jefferies

RBC Capital Markets

Stifel Nicolaus Weisel

KeyBanc Capital Markets

 

 

Through and including                     , 2011 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the fees and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable in connection with the registration of the common stock hereunder. All amounts are estimates except the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and The NASDAQ Global Select Market listing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 17,415   

FINRA filing fee

     15,500   

The NASDAQ Global Select Market listing fee

     *   

Accounting fees and expenses

     *   

Legal fees and expenses

     *   

Blue Sky fees and expenses

     *   

Transfer Agent fees and expenses

     *   

Printing and engraving expenses

     *   

Miscellaneous Expenses

     *   
        

Total

     *   
        

 

* To be provided by amendment.

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, permits a corporation in its certificate of incorporation or an amendment to eliminate or limit the personal liability of its directors or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached his or her duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of law or obtained an improper personal benefit. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect upon completion of this offering will provide for this limitation of liability.

Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation and certain other persons serving at the request of the corporation in related capacities against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, to which he or she is a party by reason of such position, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnify for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145(g) of the DGCL further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any indemnified person against any liability asserted against and incurred by such person

 

II-1


Table of Contents

in any indemnified capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, regardless of whether the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify under Delaware law.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon completion of this offering will provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law and must also pay expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon delivery of an undertaking, by or on behalf of an indemnified person, to repay all amounts so advanced if it should be determined ultimately that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this section or otherwise.

Upon completion of this offering, we expect to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. In general, these agreements provide that we will indemnify the director or executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by law for claims arising in his or her capacity as a director or officer or in connection with his or her service at our request for another corporation or entity.

The indemnification rights set forth above shall not be exclusive of any other right which an indemnified person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

We expect to maintain standard policies of insurance that provide coverage (1) to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act and (2) to us with respect to indemnification payments that we may make to such directors and officers.

The underwriting agreement to be filed as an exhibit to this registration statement will provide for indemnification of us and our directors and certain of our officers by the underwriters for certain liabilities.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Set forth below is information regarding shares of common stock and preferred stock issued and options granted by us within the past three years that were not registered under the Securities Act. Also included is the consideration, if any, received by us for such shares and options and information relating to the section of the Securities Act, or rule of the SEC, under which exemption from registration was claimed.

 

  (a) Issuances of Capital Stock

 

  (1) Common Stock

On February 25, 2010, the Registrant issued 406,000 shares of common stock, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

On November 11, 2010, the Registrant issued 38,325 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On December 16, 2010, the Registrant issued 13,017 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On March 29, 2011, the Registrant issued 12,775 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

II-2


Table of Contents

On April 1, 2011, the Registrant issued 9,609 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On April 5, 2011, the Registrant issued 4,258 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

  (2) Preferred Stock

None.

 

  (b) Stock Option Grants

On April 1, 2008, the Registrant granted a stock option to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.43 per share, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to an employee pursuant to the Registrant’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

On October 5, 2009, the Registrant granted a stock option to purchase 406,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.34 per share, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to an employee pursuant to the Registrant’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

On March 26, 2010, the Registrant granted stock options to purchase 1,062,400 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to certain employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On May 1, 2010, the Registrant granted stock options to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share to certain employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On July 1, 2010, the Registrant granted a stock option to purchase 80,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share to an employee pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On December 1, 2010, the Registrant granted stock options to purchase 452,030 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $10.19 per share to certain employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Rule 701 of the Securities Act or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities that were deemed to be exempt in reliance on Rule 701 were transactions under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities that were deemed to be exempt in reliance upon Section 4(2) were each transactions not involving any public offering, and all recipients of these securities were accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act who were acquiring the applicable securities for investment and not distribution and had represented that they could bear the risks of the investment. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about us.

 

 

II-3


Table of Contents
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

    

Description

  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  3.1 †     Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.2 †     Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.3    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  3.4    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  4.1    Form of Specimen Common Stock of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  5.1    Opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP.
  10.1 †     Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010, among Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the Management Stockholders signatory thereto and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time.
  10.2       Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower, Francesca’s LLC, as parent, the other guarantors party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.
  10.3       Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent.
  10.4    Form of Indemnification Agreement
  10.5       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.6       Employee Stock Option Agreement for Theresa Backes, dated as of December 1, 2007
  10.7       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.8       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for John De Meritt, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.9       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Khalid M. Malik, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.10       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Cynthia Thomassee, dated as of May 1, 2010
  10.11       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Gene Morphis, dated as of December 14, 2010
  10.12       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Richard J. Emmett, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.13    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan
  10.14    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan - Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
  10.15    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan - Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 

II-4


Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

    

Description

  10.16    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Executive Bonus Plan
  10.17       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and John De Meritt, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.18       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Gene Morphis, dated as of September 9, 2010
  10.19       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Theresa Backes
  10.20       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Kyong Yi Gill, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.21       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of November 12, 2009
  10.22       Agreement and First Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.23       Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of September 25, 2009
  10.24       Amendment to Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.25       Form of Lock-up Agreement
  16.1 †     Letter from BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP) to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 18, 2011.
  21.1 †     Subsidiaries of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  23.1       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
  23.2       Consent of BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP).
  23.3    Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1 †     Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages to the Registration Statement filed on April 18, 2011).

 

  * To be filed by amendment.
  Previously filed.

 

  (b) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules not listed have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable, not material or is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denomination and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,

 

II-5


Table of Contents

therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus 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.

 

II-6


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 24th day of May, 2011.

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ John De Meritt

 

Name: John De Meritt

Title: President, Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities held on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ John De Meritt

John De Meritt

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  May 24, 2011

*

Gene Morphis

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)

  May 24, 2011

*

Greg Brenneman

  

Director, Non-Executive Chairman

  May 24, 2011

*

Kyong Gill

  

Director, Executive Vice Chairperson

  May 24, 2011

*

Neill Davis

  

Director

  May 24, 2011

*

Richard Emmett

  

Director

  May 24, 2011

*

Joseph Scharfenberger

  

Director

 

May 24, 2011

*

Richard Zannino

  

Director

 

May 24, 2011

 

*

  / S /    J OHN D E M ERITT
   
 

Name:   John De Meritt

Title:     Attorney-in-fact

 

II-7


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

    

Description

  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  3.1 †     Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.2 †     Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.3    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  3.4    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  4.1    Form of Specimen Common Stock of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  5.1    Opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP.
  10.1 †     Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010, among Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the Management Stockholders signatory thereto and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time.
  10.2       Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower, Francesca’s LLC, as parent, the other guarantors party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.
  10.3       Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent.
  10.4    Form of Indemnification Agreement
  10.5       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.6       Employee Stock Option Agreement for Theresa Backes, dated as of December 1, 2007
  10.7       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.8       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for John De Meritt, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.9       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Khalid M. Malik, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.10       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Cynthia Thomassee, dated as of May 1, 2010
  10.11       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Gene Morphis, dated as of December 14, 2010
  10.12       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Richard J. Emmett, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.13    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan
  10.14    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan—Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
  10.15    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement
  10.16    Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Executive Bonus Plan

 

1


Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

    

Description

  10.17       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and John De Meritt, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.18       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Gene Morphis, dated as of September 9, 2010
  10.19       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Theresa Backes
  10.20       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Kyong Yi Gill, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.21       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of September 25, 2009
  10.22       Agreement and First Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.23       Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of November 12, 2009
  10.24       Amendment to Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.25       Form of Lock-up Agreement
  16.1 †     Letter from BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP) to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 18, 2011.
  21.1 †     Subsidiaries of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  23.1       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
  23.2       Consent of BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP).
  23.3    Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1 †     Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages to the Registration Statement filed on April 18, 2011).

 

* To be filed by amendment.
Previously filed.

 

2

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

 

$100,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 17, 2010

among

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC., as Borrower

FRANCESCA’S LLC, as Parent

THE OTHER GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO,

as Guarantors

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO

and

Royal Bank of Canada,

as Administrative Agent

and

Royal Bank of Canada,

as Collateral Agent

and

KeyBank National Association,

as Syndication Agent

¿ ¿ ¿

Goldman Sachs Bank USA,

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC,

and

Jefferies Finance LLC

as Joint Lead Arrangers and as Joint Bookrunners

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE I

   DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION AND ACCOUNTING TERMS      1   
Section 1.1    Defined Terms      1   
Section 1.2    UCC Terms      37   
Section 1.3    Accounting Terms and Principles      37   
Section 1.4    Payments      37   
Section 1.5    Interpretation      38   
ARTICLE II    THE FACILITIES      38   
Section 2.1    The Commitments      38   
Section 2.2    Borrowing Procedures      39   
Section 2.3    [Reserved]      40   
Section 2.4    Letters of Credit      40   
Section 2.5    Reduction and Termination of the Commitments      44   
Section 2.6    Repayment of Obligations      44   
Section 2.7    Optional Prepayments      44   
Section 2.8    Mandatory Prepayments      45   
Section 2.9    Interest      46   
  Section 2.10    Conversion and Continuation Options      46   
  Section 2.11    Fees      47   
  Section 2.12    Application of Payments      48   
  Section 2.13    Payments and Computations      49   
  Section 2.14    Evidence of Debt      50   
  Section 2.15    Suspension of Eurodollar Rate Option      51   
  Section 2.16    Breakage Costs; Increased Costs; Capital Requirements      52   
  Section 2.17    Taxes      53   
  Section 2.18    Substitution of Lenders      56   
  Section 2.19    Defaulting Lenders      57   
ARTICLE III    CONDITIONS TO LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT      59   
Section 3.1    Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans and Letters of Credit      59   
Section 3.2    Conditions Precedent to Each Loan and Letter of Credit      61   
Section 3.3    Defaulting Lenders      62   
Section 3.4    Determinations of Initial Borrowing Conditions      62   
ARTICLE IV    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      62   
Section 4.1    Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law      62   
Section 4.2    Loans      63   
Section 4.3    Subsidiaries      63   
Section 4.4    Financial Statements      63   
Section 4.5    Material Adverse Effect      64   
Section 4.6    Solvency      64   
Section 4.7    Litigation      64   
Section 4.8    Taxes      64   
Section 4.9    Margin Regulations      65   
  Section 4.10    No Burdensome Obligations; No Defaults      65   
  Section 4.11    Investment Company Act      65   
  Section 4.12    Labor Matters      65   

 

i


  Section 4.13    ERISA      65   
  Section 4.14    Environmental Matters      66   
  Section 4.15    Intellectual Property      66   
  Section 4.16    Title; Real Property      66   
  Section 4.17    Full Disclosure      67   
  Section 4.18    Permits      67   
  Section 4.19    Anti-Terrorism Laws      68   
  Section 4.20    Insurance      68   

ARTICLE V

   FINANCIAL COVENANTS      68   

Section 5.1

   Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio      68   
Section 5.2    Maximum Senior Leverage Ratio      68   
Section 5.3    Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio      69   
Section 5.4    Interpretation of Financial Covenants      69   

ARTICLE VI

   REPORTING COVENANTS      69   

Section 6.1

   Financial Statements      69   
Section 6.2    Other Events      72   
Section 6.3    Copies of Notices and Reports      72   
Section 6.4    [Reserved]      72   
Section 6.5    ERISA Matters      72   
Section 6.6    Environmental Matters      72   
Section 6.7    Labor Matters      73   
Section 6.8    Other Information      73   

ARTICLE VII

   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS      74   

Section 7.1

   Maintenance of Corporate Existence      74   
Section 7.2    Compliance with Laws, Etc.      74   
Section 7.3    Payment of Obligations      74   
Section 7.4    Maintenance of Property      75   
Section 7.5    Maintenance of Insurance      75   
Section 7.6    Keeping of Books      75   
Section 7.7    Access to Books and Property      75   
Section 7.8    Environmental      76   
Section 7.9    Use of Proceeds      76   
  Section 7.10    Additional Collateral and Guaranties      76   
  Section 7.11    Post Closing Requirements      78   

ARTICLE VIII

   NEGATIVE COVENANTS      78   

Section 8.1

   Indebtedness      78   
Section 8.2    Liens      80   
Section 8.3    Investments      82   
Section 8.4    Asset Sales      84   
Section 8.5    Restricted Payments      85   
Section 8.6    Payment of Subordinated Debt and Certain Other Debt      86   
Section 8.7    Fundamental Changes      87   
Section 8.8    Change in Nature of Business      87   
Section 8.9    Transactions with Affiliates      87   
  Section 8.10    Third-Party Restrictions on Indebtedness, Liens, Investments or Restricted Payments      89   
  Section 8.11    Modification of Certain Documents      90   

 

ii


  Section 8.12    Accounting Changes; Fiscal Year      90   
  Section 8.13    Margin Regulations      90   
  Section 8.14    Compliance with ERISA      90   
  Section 8.15    Hazardous Materials      90   
  Section 8.16    Material Contracts      91   
  Section 8.17    Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Money Laundering; Embargoed Persons      91   

ARTICLE IX

   EVENTS OF DEFAULT      91   

Section 9.1

   Definition      91   
Section 9.2    Remedies      92   
Section 9.3    [Reserved]      93   
Section 9.4    Actions in Respect of Letters of Credit      93   

ARTICLE X

   THE AGENTS      93   

Section 10.1

   Appointment and Authority      93   
Section 10.2    Agents Individually      94   
Section 10.3    Duties of the Agents; Exculpatory Provisions      95   
Section 10.4    Reliance by Agents      96   
Section 10.5    Delegation of Duties      96   
Section 10.6    Notice of Default      96   
Section 10.7    Resignation of Agents      96   
Section 10.8    Resignation of L/C Issuer      97   
Section 10.9    Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lender Parties      97   
  Section 10.10    Release of Collateral or Guarantors      98   
  Section 10.11    Additional Secured Parties      98   
  Section 10.12    Expenses; Indemnities      99   
  Section 10.13    No Other Duties, etc.      100   
  Section 10.14    Withholding Tax      100   
  Section 10.15    Removal of Agents      100   

ARTICLE XI

   MISCELLANEOUS      101   

Section 11.1

   Amendments, Waivers, Etc      101   
Section 11.2    Assignments and Participations; Binding Effect      103   
Section 11.3    Costs and Expenses      106   
Section 11.4    Indemnities      106   
Section 11.5    Survival      108   
Section 11.6    Limitation of Liability for Certain Damages      108   
Section 11.7    Lender-Creditor Relationship; No Fiduciary Duty      108   
Section 11.8    Right of Setoff      108   
Section 11.9    Sharing of Payments, Etc.      109   
  Section 11.10    Marshaling; Payments Set Aside      109   
  Section 11.11    Notices      109   
  Section 11.12    Posting of Approved Electronic Communications      111   
  Section 11.13    Confidentiality      112   
  Section 11.14    Treatment of Information      113   
  Section 11.15    Governing Law      115   
  Section 11.16    Jurisdiction      115   
  Section 11.17    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      115   
  Section 11.18    Severability      116   
  Section 11.19    Execution in Counterparts      116   
  Section 11.20    Entire Agreement      116   

 

iii


Section 11.21    Use of Name    116
Section 11.22    Patriot Act Notice    116

 

iv


SCHEDULES      
Schedule I       Commitments
Schedule 3.1       Organizational and Capital Structure
Schedule 4.2       Consents
Schedule 4.3       Ownership of Borrower and Subsidiaries
Schedule 4.12       Labor Matters
Schedule 4.13       List of Plans
Schedule 4.14       Environmental Matters
Schedule 4.16       Real Property
Schedule 4.20       Insurance
Schedule 8.1       Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 8.2       Existing Liens
Schedule 8.3       Existing Investments
Schedule 8.10       Existing Third-Party Restrictions
     

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1.1(1)       Form of Assignment
Exhibit 1.1(2)       Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit 1.1(3)       Form of Guaranty and Security Agreement
Exhibit 1.1(5)       Form of Perfection Certificate
Exhibit 2.2(a)       Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit 2.4(b)       Form of L/C Request
Exhibit 2.10(b)       Form of Notice of Conversion or Continuation
Exhibit 2.14(e)       Form of Note
Exhibit 2.17(f)       Form of United States Tax Compliance Certificate
Exhibit 3.1(a)       Schedule of Documents
Exhibit 3.1(h)       Form of Solvency Certificate
Exhibit 11.2       Dutch Auction Mechanics

 

v


This CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of November 17, 2010, is entered into among FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “ Borrower ”), FRANCESCA’S LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Parent ”), the other Guarantors (as defined below), the Lenders (as defined below), the L/C Issuer (as defined below), ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as administrative agent (“ Royal Bank ”, in such capacity, and together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, and together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the Secured Parties, KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as syndication agent (in such capacity the “ Syndication Agent ”) and GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC and JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners (in such capacities, “ Arrangers ”).

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1 Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

Administrative Agent ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affected Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.18(a) .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, each officer, director, general partner or joint-venturer of such Person and any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person; provided , that no Secured Party shall be an Affiliate of the Borrower. For purpose of this definition, “control” means the possession of either (a) the power to vote, or the beneficial ownership of, 10% or more of the Voting Stock of such Person or (b) the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether by contract or otherwise.

Agents ” means the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Syndication Agent.

Agent’s Group ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.2(b) .

Agreement ” means this Credit Agreement.

Anti-Terrorism Laws ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.19 .

Applicable Margin ” means, with respect to Revolving Loans, Term Loans and the Unused Commitment Fee, the percentage set forth below:

 

1


       Base Rate Loans     Eurodollar Rate Loans     Unused
Commitment
Fee
 
   Revolving
Loans
    Term
Loans
    Revolving
Loans
    Term
Loans
   

Prior to May 31, 2012

     5.00     5.00     6.00     6.00     0.50

June 1 2012 through May 31, 2013

     6.50     6.50     7.50     7.50     0.50

June 1, 2013 and thereafter

     9.00     9.00     10.00     10.00     0.50

Approved Electronic Communication ” means each Communication that any Loan Party is obligated to, or otherwise chooses to, provide to the Administrative Agent pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein, including any financial statement, financial or other report, notice, request, certificate or other information; provided, however, that, solely with respect to delivery of any such Communication by any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent and without limiting or otherwise affecting either the Administrative Agent’s right to effect delivery of such Communication by posting such Communication to the Approved Electronic Platform or the protections afforded hereby to the Administrative Agent in connection with any such posting, “Approved Electronic Communication” shall exclude (i) any notice of borrowing, letter of credit request, notice of conversion or continuation, and any other notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material relating to a request for a new, or a conversion of an existing, Borrowing, (ii) any notice pursuant to Section 2.7 and Section 2.8 and any other notice relating to the payment of any principal or other amount due under any Loan Document prior to the scheduled date therefor, (iii) all notices of any Default or Event of Default and (iv) any notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material required to be delivered to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in Article III or any other condition to any Borrowing or other extension of credit hereunder or any condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement.

Approved Electronic Platform ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.12(a) .

Approved Fund ” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person (other than a natural Person) that (a) 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 its business, 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.

Arrangers ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

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 11.2 (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 11.2 ), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(1) , or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Available Investment Basket ” means, on any date of determination an amount equal to: (a) the sum of the amounts of Excess Cash Flow for all Excess Cash Flow Periods ending on or prior to the date of determination, minus (b) the sum at the time of determination of (i) the aggregate amount of prepayments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.8(a) through the date of determination (provided that, in the case of any Excess Cash Flow Period which has been completed and in respect of which the amount of Excess Cash Flow shall have been calculated as contemplated by Section 6.1(c) but the prepayment required pursuant to Section 2.8(a) is not yet due and payable in accordance with the

 

2


provisions of Section 2.8(a) as of the date of determination, then the amount of prepayments that will be so required to be made in respect of such Excess Cash Flow shall be included for purposes of this clause (i)) and (ii) the aggregate amount of optional prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.7 made for all Excess Cash Flow Periods ending on or prior to the date of determination; minus (c) the aggregate amount of all Investments made after the Closing Date pursuant to clause (q)  of Section 8.3 ; minus (d) the aggregate amount of all dividends made after the Closing Date by applying a portion of the Available Investment Basket pursuant to clause (c)  of Section 8.5 ; and minus (f) the aggregate amount of all prepayments of Subordinated Debt made after the Closing Date by applying a portion of the Available Investment Basket pursuant to clause (c)  of Section 8.6 .

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

(a) the higher of:

(i) the Prime Rate and

(ii)  1 / 2 of 1% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate;

(b) the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate that appears on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 (or any successor thereto) that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars for an Interest Period of one month as in effect on such day plus 1.00%; and

(c) 2.75%.

Base Rate Loan ” means any Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Benefit Plan ” means any employee pension benefit plan as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) to which any Group Member incurs or otherwise has any obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise.

Borrower ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of Loans (other than Loans deemed made pursuant to Section 2.4 ) made in one Facility on the same day by the Lenders according to their respective Commitments under such Facility.

Business ” means any business or business activity conducted by the Borrower and any Subsidiary on the Closing Date and any business or business activities incidental or related thereto, or any business or activity that is reasonably similar thereto or a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or ancillary thereto.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the province or state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and in the State of New York; provided that if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in respect of any such Eurodollar Rate Loan, or any other dealings in Dollars to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurodollar Rate Loan, Business Day also means any such day on which dealings in deposits in Dollars are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank market.

 

3


Capital Expenditures ” means, for any Person for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures, whether or not made through the incurrence of Indebtedness, by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period for the acquisition, leasing (pursuant to a Capital Lease), construction, replacement, repair, substitution or improvement of fixed or capital assets or additions to equipment, in each case required to be capitalized under GAAP on a Consolidated balance sheet of such Person, excluding:

(a) interest capitalized during such period;

(b) any expenditure to the extent, for purpose of the definition of Permitted Acquisition, such expenditure is part of the aggregate amounts payable in connection with, or other consideration for, any Permitted Acquisition consummated during or prior to such period;

(c) [reserved];

(d) expenditures of proceeds of insurance settlements, condemnation awards and other settlements in respect of lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property, to the extent such expenditures are made to replace or repair such lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property or otherwise to acquire, maintain, develop, construct, improve, upgrade or repair assets or properties useful in the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries within 12 months of receipt of such proceeds;

(e) expenditures accounted for as capital expenditures of such Person and that actually are paid for by a third party (excluding Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof) and for which neither Parent, the Borrower nor any Subsidiary thereof has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such third party or any other Person (whether before, during or after such period), and without duplication thereof, expenditures funded through tenants’ improvement allowances;

(f) the book value of any asset owned by such Person prior to or during such period to the extent that such book value would otherwise be included as a Capital Expenditure during such period as a result of such Person reusing or beginning to reuse such asset during such period without a corresponding expenditure actually having been made in such period; provided , that (i) any expenditure necessary in order to permit such asset to be reused shall be included as a Capital Expenditure during the period that such expenditure actually is made, and (ii) such book value shall have been included as a Capital Expenditure when such asset was originally acquired;

(g) the purchase price of equipment purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of any combination of (i) used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment traded in at the time of such purchase and (ii) the proceeds of a sale of used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(h) [reserved]; and

(i) expenditures to the extent they are financed with the proceeds of an issuance of Junior Capital permitted by Section 8.1 not later than 120 days after the receipt of such proceeds by Parent or the Borrower.

Capital Lease ” means, with respect to any Person, any lease of, or other arrangement conveying the right to use, any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee that has been or is required to be accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided , however, that any lease of a type that would be classified as an operating lease on the date of this Agreement prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be deemed not to be a Capital Lease notwithstanding any subsequent change in GAAP.

 

4


Capitalized Lease Obligations ” means, at any time, with respect to any Capital Lease, the amount of all obligations of such Person that is capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Cash Collateral Account ” means a deposit account (other than deposit accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business solely for funding (w) 401(k) and other retirement plans and employee benefits, including rabbi trusts for deferred compensation, (x) payroll, (y) health care benefits, and (z) escrow arrangements) or securities account in the name of the Borrower and under the sole control (as defined in the applicable UCC) of the Collateral Agent and (a) in the case of a deposit account, from which the Borrower may not make withdrawals except as permitted by the Collateral Agent and (b) in the case of a securities account, with respect to which the Collateral Agent shall be the entitlement holder and the only Person authorized to give entitlement orders with respect thereto.

Cash Collateralize ” means, in respect of an obligation, provide and pledge (as a first priority perfected security interest) cash collateral in Dollars, at a location and pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (and “Cash Collateralization” has a corresponding meaning).

Cash Equivalents ” means (a) any readily-marketable securities (i) issued by, or directly, unconditionally and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States federal government or (ii) issued by any agency of the United States federal government the obligations of which are fully backed by the full faith and credit of the United States federal government, (b) any readily-marketable direct obligations issued by any other agency of the United States federal government, any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such 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 any state of the United States, (d) any 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 the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (B) “adequately capitalized” (as defined in the regulations of its primary federal banking regulators) and (C) has Tier 1 capital (as defined in such regulations) in excess of $250,000,000, (e) shares of any 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 the United States, and (f) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 180 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (a)  above entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (d)(ii) above; provided , that the maturities of all obligations specified in any of (x)  clauses (a)  and (b)  above shall not exceed two years, and (y)  clauses (c)  and (d)  above shall not exceed 365 days.

Cash Management Bank ” means any Person that, at the time it enters into a Secured Cash Management Agreement, is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, in its capacity as a party to such Secured Cash Management Agreement.

CERCLA ” means the United States Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq.).

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

 

5


(a) at any time prior to the occurrence of any Qualified IPO, the Fund and the Fund Affiliates cease to, directly or indirectly, own and control legally and beneficially all of the economic and voting rights associated with ownership of at a majority of the ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of Parent on a fully diluted basis;

(b) at any time after the occurrence of a Qualified IPO, either of the following shall occur:

(i) any person other than the Permitted Investors shall become, directly or indirectly, the legal or beneficial owner of, or shall have acquired, directly or indirectly pursuant to any Contractual Obligation or otherwise, control over or control over the voting rights of, at least the greater of (A) 35% of the ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of Parent on a fully diluted basis, or (B) a percentage in excess of the percentage of the ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of Parent of which the Permitted Investors are, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owners, in each case, on a fully diluted basis; or

(ii) continuing directors shall cease for any reason other than death or disability to constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors of Parent then in office;

(c) Parent shall cease to own and control legally and beneficially all of the economic and voting rights associated with all classes of the outstanding Stock and Stock Equivalents of the Borrower; or

(d) a “change of control” occurs under any Indebtedness having a principal amount of $3.0 million or more (as defined in the agreement governing such Indebtedness).

For the purposes of this definition, the following terms shall have the following meanings, notwithstanding any other definition for any such term in any other provisions of this Agreement: (x) “ person ” means any “person” as such term is used in the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including any partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or group of persons that is deemed to be a “person” for purposes of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of such Securities Exchange Act; (y) “ beneficial owner ” means any “beneficial owner” under and as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under such Securities Exchange Act; and (z) “ continuing director ” means, at any date of determination, each individual member of the board of directors of Parent who (i) has been a member of such board in the period of twelve successive calendar months last ended prior to such date or (ii) whose nomination for election by the stockholders of Parent was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors who were continuing directors at the time of such nomination.

Closing Date ” means the first date on which any Loan is made or any Letter of Credit is Issued.

Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and published administrative guidance issued thereunder.

Collateral ” means all property and interests in property and proceeds thereof now owned or hereafter acquired by any Loan Party in or upon which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted pursuant to any Loan Document.

Collateral Agent ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

6


Commitment ” means, with respect to any Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and Term Loan Commitment.

Communication ” means each notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or otherwise transmitted between the parties hereto, relating this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, any Loan Party or its Affiliates, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents including, without limitation, all Approved Electronic Communications.

Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(2) .

Consolidated ” means, with respect to any Person, the accounts of such Person and its Subsidiaries, consolidated in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Current Assets ” means, with respect to any Person at any date, the total Consolidated assets of such Person at such date other than (a) cash, Cash Equivalents and any Indebtedness owing to such Person or any of its Subsidiaries by Affiliates of such Person that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a Consolidated balance sheet of such Person as current assets at such date, and (b) amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits.

Consolidated Current Liabilities ” means, with respect to any Person at any date, all liabilities of such Person and its Subsidiaries at such date that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified as current liabilities on a Consolidated balance sheet of such Person; provided , that “ Consolidated Current Liabilities ” shall exclude the principal amount of the Loans then outstanding.

Consolidated EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, an amount equal to such Person’s Consolidated Net Income for such period determined in accordance with GAAP, plus (a) to the extent applicable to such Person in such period, the sum of (without duplication and only to the extent the amounts described in this clause (a) decreased such Consolidated Net Income for the respective period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being determined) (i) provision for Taxes based on income, profits or capital of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes, (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period, (iii) depreciation and amortization expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, (iv) business optimization expenses and other restructuring charges of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, provided , that (A) with respect to each business optimization expense or other such restructuring charge, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower specifying and quantifying such expense or charge and stating that such expense or charge is a business optimization expense or other restructuring charge, as the case may be, and (B) the aggregate amount of cash business optimization expenses and other cash restructuring charges for purposes of this clause (iv)  shall not exceed 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as calculated prior to giving effect to the addition of amounts specified in this clause (iv)), (v) any other non-cash charges of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period (but excluding (a) any such charges which represent the accrual of, or a cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any future period and (b) any such non-cash charge to the extent that it represents the amortization of a prepaid cash charge that was paid in a prior period unless such non-cash charge represents an amount that was not recognized in any prior period) and (vi) management, consulting, monitoring, transaction, and advisory fees, and related expenses of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period paid to the Permitted Investors (or any accruals related to such fees and related expenses), provided , that the aggregate amount of such fees and related expenses for purposes of this clause (vi)  shall not exceed in any period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters, $500,000 as of the date of determination; minus (b) the sum (without duplication and only to the extent the amounts described in this clause (b) increased such Consolidated

 

7


Net Income for the respective period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being determined) of non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period (but excluding any such items (i) in respect of which cash was received in a prior period or will be received in a future period, or (ii) which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period).

Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person as of any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for such Person for the last period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on or before such date minus cash Capital Expenditures of such Person for such period (excluding any Capital Expenditures financed with Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans) minus the aggregate amount of United States federal income taxes and other taxes, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes, actually payable in cash by such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period minus the aggregate amount of Permitted Tax Distributions made in such period to (b) the Consolidated Fixed Charges of such Person for such period; provided , that Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Fixed Charges shall be determined on a Pro Forma Basis.

Consolidated Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, determined on a Consolidated basis, of (a) the aggregate of all interest expense paid or accrued during such period, plus (b) scheduled payments of principal with respect to Indebtedness during such period (excluding principal amounts paid or payable on the Revolving Loan), plus (c) Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 8.5(e) to the extent such Restricted Payments are not otherwise reflected as a reduction or expense in determining the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower (other than Restricted Payments for Permitted Tax Distributions).

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, for any Person for any period, Consolidated total interest expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period and including, in any event, (i) interest capitalized during such period and net cash costs under Interest Rate Contracts for such period and (ii) all fees, charges, commissions, discounts and other similar obligations (other than reimbursement obligations) with respect to letters of credit, bank guarantees, banker’s acceptances, surety bonds and performance bonds (whether or not matured) payable by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period.

Consolidated Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person as of any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Debt of such Person outstanding as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Person for the last period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on or before such date; provided , that Consolidated EBITDA shall be determined on a Pro Forma Basis.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries attributable to such Person (after giving effect to non-controlling interests) for such period, on a Consolidated basis; provided , that, without duplication, (i) any net after-tax (A) extraordinary, (B) nonrecurring, or (C) unusual gains or losses or income or expenses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), including any severance expenses, and fees, expenses or charges related to any offering of the Stock of Parent, any Investment, acquisition or Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder (in each case, whether or not successful), including any such fees, expenses, charges or change in control payments related to any acquisition consummated after the Closing Date, in each case, shall be excluded, (ii) any net after-tax income or loss from discontinued operations and any net after-tax gain or loss on disposal of discontinued operations shall be excluded, (iii) any net after-tax gain or loss (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by the board of directors (or equivalent) of the Borrower) shall be excluded (other than write downs of current assets in the ordinary course of business), (iv) any net after-tax income or loss (less all

 

8


fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness shall be excluded, (v) Consolidated Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period, (vi) any increase in amortization or depreciation or any one-time non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition that is consummated after the Closing Date shall be excluded, (vii) any non-cash impairment charges resulting from the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 and 144, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to No. 141, shall be excluded, (vii) the effect of mark-to-market accounting for derivatives contracts under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 shall be excluded, (ix) any non-cash compensation expenses realized from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options or other rights to officers, directors and employees of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall be excluded, (x) any pre-opening expenses shall be excluded, and (xi) the net income for such period of any entity (other than a Subsidiary of such Person) in which any Person other than such Person and its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest shall be excluded, except to the extent that cash in an amount equal to any such income has actually been received by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries during such period.

Consolidated Total Assets ” means, as of any date, the total assets of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP, set forth on the Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as of such date (for the avoidance of doubt, the Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010 is $52,965,111); provided that, in no event shall Consolidated Total Assets include the amount of goodwill that would be recorded from the acquisition of the Borrower by the Fund and the Fund Affiliates to the extent purchase accounting treatment was given or is given to such acquisition.

Consolidated Total Debt ” of any Person means on any date (A) (i) all Indebtedness of a type described in clauses (a) , (b) , (c)(i) , (d) , (f)  and (g)  of the definition thereof, other than letters of credit to the extent undrawn and (ii) all Guaranty Obligations with respect to any Indebtedness of any other Person of a type described in clause (i) above, in each case of such Person and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, less (B) the amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents (excluding cash and Cash Equivalents from a Specified Equity Contribution) of such Person and its Subsidiaries (reduced, in the case of any Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, to reflect the extent of the relative aggregate direct and indirect beneficial ownership interest of the Borrower therein) on such date in an amount not to exceed $7,500,000 less the outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans on such date (provided that such unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents that reduces Consolidated Total Debt pursuant to this clause (B) shall be maintained in an account subject to a Control Agreement (as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement)).

Constituent Documents ” means, with respect to any Person, collectively and, in each case, together with any modification of any term thereof, (a) the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, constitution or certificate of formation of such Person, (b) the bylaws, operating agreement or joint venture agreement of such Person, (c) any other constitutive, organizational or governing document of such Person, whether or not equivalent, and (d) any other document setting forth the manner of election or duties of the directors, officers or managing members of such Person or the designation, amount or relative rights, limitations and preferences of any Stock of such Person.

Contractual Obligation ” means, with respect to any Person, any provision of any Security issued by such Person or of any document or undertaking (other than a Loan Document) to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound or to which any of its property is subject.

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.

 

9


Corporate Chart ” means a document setting forth, as of a date set forth therein, for each Person that is a Loan Party, that is subject to Section 7.10 or that is a Subsidiary or Joint Venture of any of them, other than a Foreign Subsidiary that is not a first-tier Foreign Subsidiary, (a) the full legal name of such Person, (b) the jurisdiction of organization and any organizational number and tax identification number of such Person, (c) the location of such Person’s chief executive office (or, if applicable, sole place of business) and (d) the number of shares of each class of Stock of such Person (other than the Borrower) authorized, the number outstanding and the number and percentage of such outstanding shares for each such class owned, directly or indirectly, by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any of them.

Customary Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person, any of the following:

(a) Liens (i) with respect to the payment of taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies or (ii) of landlords, suppliers, carriers, materialmen, warehousemen, repairmen, workmen or mechanics and other similar Liens, in each case imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business, and, for each of the Liens in clauses (i)  and (ii)  above for amounts that are not overdue by more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings with respect to which, if applicable, adequate reserves or other appropriate provisions are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(b) (i) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to a banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights, including Liens of a collection bank on items in the course of collection arising under Section 4-208 of the UCC as in effect in the State of New York or any similar section under any applicable UCC or any similar Requirement of Law of any foreign jurisdiction, and (ii) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (x) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness or (y) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(c) pledges or cash deposits made in the ordinary course of business (i) in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other types of social security benefits (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) and to secure liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangement in respect of such obligations, (ii) for reimbursement or indemnification obligations (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (iii) to secure the performance of bids, tenders, leases (other than Capital Leases), governmental contracts, sales contracts, other trade contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money), or other obligations of like nature (including letters of credit in lieu thereof or to support the issuance thereof), including those incurred pursuant to any Environmental Law, or (iv) made in lieu of, or to secure the performance of, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, customs, reclamation or performance and return of money bonds (in each case not related to judgments or litigation);

(d) judgment liens (other than for the payment of taxes, assessments or other governmental charges) securing judgments and other proceedings not constituting an Event of Default under Section 9.1(e) and pledges or cash deposits made in lieu of, or to secure the performance of, judgment or appeal bonds in respect of such judgments and proceedings;

(e) Liens (i) arising by reason of zoning restrictions, survey exceptions and such matters as an accurate survey would disclose, easements, trackage rights, licenses, reservations,

 

10


restrictions, declarations, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, special assessments, rights-of-way, encroachments, defects or irregularities in title (including leasehold title) and other similar encumbrances on the use or operation of real property, (ii) consisting of leases, licenses or subleases granted by a lessor, licensor or sublessor on its property (in each case other than Capital Leases) otherwise permitted under Section 8.4 that, for each of the Liens in clauses (i)  and (ii)  above and clause (iii)  below, do not, in the aggregate, materially (x) impair the value of such real property or (y) interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business conducted and proposed to be conducted at such real property or (iii) arising by reason of servicing agreements, development agreements, site plan agreements and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business and title defects or irregularities that are of a minor nature and that, in the aggregate, do not interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(f) Liens of landlords (i) arising by statute or under any lease or related Contractual Obligation entered into in the ordinary course of business, (ii) on fixtures and movable tangible property located on the real property leased or subleased from such landlord, (iii) for amounts not yet due or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and (iv) for which adequate reserves or other appropriate provisions are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(g) Liens on real property disclosed by the title insurance policies delivered pursuant to Section 7.10 and any replacement, extension or renewal of any such Lien; provided, that such replacement, extension or renewal Lien shall not cover any property other than the property that was subject to such Lien prior to such replacement, extension or renewal; provided, further, that such Liens do not secure any Indebtedness, are of a minor nature and, in the aggregate, do not interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(h) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

(i) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

(j) the prior rights of consignees and their lenders under consignment arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(k) Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statements regarding operating leases; and

(l) Liens on securities that are the subject of repurchase agreements constituting Cash Equivalents under clause (f)  of the definition thereof.

Default ” means any Event of Default and any event that, with the passing of time or the giving of notice or both, would become an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, a Lender as to which the Administrative Agent has notified the Borrower that (i) such Lender has failed for three or more Business Days to comply with its obligations under this Agreement to make a Loan and/or make a payment to the L/C Issuer in respect of a L/C Request (each a “ funding obligation ”), (ii) such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, or has stated publicly, that it will not comply with any such funding obligation hereunder, or has defaulted on its funding obligations under any other loan agreement or credit agreement or other financing agreement, (iii) such Lender has, for three or more Business Days, failed to confirm in writing to the Administrative

 

11


Agent, in response to a written request of the Administrative Agent, that it will comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or (iv) a Lender Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Lender ( provided that neither the reallocation of funding obligations provided for in Section 2.19(a) as a result of a Lender’s being a Defaulting Lender nor the performance by Non-Defaulting Lenders of such reallocated funding obligations will by themselves cause the relevant Defaulting Lender to become a Non-Defaulting Lender). Any determination that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under clauses (i) through (iv) above will be made by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion acting in good faith. The Administrative Agent will promptly send to all parties hereto a copy of any notice to the Borrower provided for in this definition. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, a Lender will not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any stock in such Lender or its parent by any Governmental Authority.

Designated Non-Cash Consideration ” shall mean the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Borrower) of non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries in connection with a Sale of any property that is so designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or cash equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration.

Disclosure Documents ” means, collectively, all confidential information memoranda and related written materials prepared by or on behalf of the Loan Parties in connection with the Facilities.

Dividend ” means the special dividend that is paid or shall be paid to the Borrower’s shareholders following the funding of the Term Loans at any time up to and until 30 days after the Closing Date in an amount not to exceed $100,000,000.

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

Domestic Person ” means any “ United States person ” under and as defined in Section 770l(a)(30) of the Code.

E-Fax ” means any system used to receive or transmit faxes electronically.

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.

Environment ” means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, soil, surface and subsurface strata and natural resources, such as flora, fauna and wetlands.

Environmental Laws ” means all Requirements of Law and Permits relating to the regulation and protection of occupational health and safety and the Environment, including CERCLA, the SWDA, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. §§ 5101 et seq.), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 136 et seq.), the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq.), the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq.), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. §§ 651 et seq.), the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 300(f) et seq.) and those relating to the handling, treatment, transport, generation, storage, Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials, all regulations promulgated under any of the foregoing, and any environmental transfer of ownership, control, notification or approval statutes.

 

12


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 Group Member 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, occupational health or safety condition or with any Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials.

Equity Contribution Basket ” means, on any date of determination, the cumulative amount of cash proceeds from the Sale (other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary) of Qualified Capital Stock of Parent after the Closing Date (which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of the Borrower), except to the extent such proceeds constitute (x) proceeds of an issuance of Junior Capital that are used to make an Investment pursuant to clause (n)  of Section 8.3 or (y) proceeds of any Stock issued to any employee, officer or director of Parent, Borrower, any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of Parent; minus (i) the aggregate amount of all Investments made after the Closing Date pursuant to clause (g)(ii) of Section 8.3 ; minus (ii) the aggregate amount of all dividends made after the Closing Date and prior to such date of determination by applying a portion of the Equity Contribution Basket pursuant to clause (c)  of Section 8.5 ; and minus (iii) the aggregate amount of all prepayments of Subordinated Debt made after the Closing Date by applying a portion of the Equity Contribution Basket pursuant to clause (c)  of Section 8.6 ; and minus (iv) the aggregate amount of all prepayments of the Loans made after the Closing Date pursuant to clause (e) of Section 2.8 in connection with proceeds of Specified Equity Contributions.

Equity Issuance ” means any issuance by any Group Member of any equity interest, including pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants or pursuant to the conversion of any debt to equity.

ERISA ” means the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate ” means, collectively, any Group Member, and any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) treated as a single employer with any Group Member within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

ERISA Event ” means the occurrence of 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 incurrence by any Group Member of any Liability with respect to 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 incurrence by any Group Member of any Liability with respect to the complete or partial withdrawal of any ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan, (d) the incurrence by any Group Member of any Liability with respect to the termination of a Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan, (e) any failure by any Title IV Plan to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Title IV Plan, whether or not waived (f) the receipt by any Group Member or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Title IV Plan or to appoint a trustee to administer any Title IV Plan, (g) the failure of any ERISA Affiliate to make any required contribution to any Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan when due, (h) the imposition of a lien under Section 302 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 (other than a Multiemployer Plan) or any trust thereunder intended to qualify for tax exempt status under Section 401 or 501 of the Code to qualify thereunder, except where such failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and (j) the receipt by

 

13


any Group Member or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from any Group Member or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

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, including Syndtrak™ and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Administrative Agent, any of its Related Persons or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

Eurodollar Base Rate ” means, for any Interest Period, the highest of:

(a) the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate that appears on the page of the LIBOR01 screen (or any successor thereto) that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or

(b) if the rates referenced in the preceding subsection (a) are not available, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent as the rate of interest (rounded upward to the next 1/100th of 1%) at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the relevant Loan being made, continued or converted and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by the Administrative Agent’s London Branch to major banks in the offshore Dollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.

Eurodollar Rate ” means, for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurodollar currency Rate Loan, the highest of:

(a) 1.75% per annum,

(b) the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate that appears on the page of the LIBOR01 screen (or any successor thereto) that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or

(c) if the rates referenced in the preceding subsection (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent as the rate of interest (rounded upward to the next 1/100th of 1%) at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by the Administrative Agent and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by the Administrative Agent’s London Branch to major banks in the offshore Dollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.

 

14


Eurodollar Rate Loan ” means any Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurodollar Rate.

Eurodollar Reserve Requirements ” means, with respect to any Interest Period and for any Eurodollar Rate Loan, a rate per annum equal to the aggregate, without duplication, of the maximum rates (expressed as a decimal number) of reserve requirements in effect 2 Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period (including basic, supplemental, marginal and emergency reserves) under any regulations of the Federal Reserve Board or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto dealing with reserve requirements prescribed for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board) maintained by a member bank of the United States Federal Reserve System.

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.1 .

Excess Cash Flow ” means, for any Excess Cash Flow Period:

(a) Consolidated EBITDA of Borrower for such Excess Cash Flow Period; minus

(b) without duplication,

(i) any mandatory cash principal payment on the Loans during such Excess Cash Flow Period (in the case of payment in respect of Revolving Loans, to the extent that the Revolving Credit Commitments are permanently reduced by the amount of such payment) other than any mandatory prepayment required pursuant to Section 2.8(a) because of the existence of Excess Cash Flow,

(ii) any cash principal payment, whether scheduled or otherwise, and whether mandatory or voluntary, made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries during such Excess Cash Flow Period on any Capitalized Lease Obligation or other Indebtedness (other than with respect to voluntary payments, the Term Loans, any Subordinated Debt and any unsecured Indebtedness) but only, if such Indebtedness may be reborrowed, to the extent such payment results in a permanent reduction in commitments thereof,

(iii) Capital Expenditures by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis during such Excess Cash Flow Period that are paid in cash to the extent permitted hereunder to the extent not financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans,

(iv) the aggregate consideration paid in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period in respect of Permitted Acquisitions and other Investments permitted hereunder to the extent not financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans (less any amounts received in respect thereof as a return of capital or utilizing the Equity Contribution Basket),

(v) Capital Expenditures that the Borrower or any Subsidiary becomes obligated to make, or that are committed to be made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, during such Excess Cash Flow Period and that are paid in cash, to the extent permitted hereunder and to the extent not financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans, during the 180 day period immediately following the last day of such Excess Cash Flow Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for any Excess Cash Flow Period,

 

15


(vi) the Consolidated Interest Expense of Borrower for such Excess Cash Flow Period to the extent paid in cash,

(vii) the amount of any obligations for United States federal income taxes or other taxes measured by net income payable with respect to such period,

(viii) cash expenditures made in respect of Hedging Agreements during such Excess Cash Flow Period, to the extent not reflected in the computation of Consolidated EBITDA,

(ix) solely to the extent paid with internally generated cash, dividends or distributions or repurchases of its Stock permitted under this Agreement and paid in cash by the Borrower during such Excess Cash Flow Period, and dividends permitted under this Agreement and paid by any Subsidiary to any Person other than Parent, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries during such Excess Cash Flow Period, in each case pursuant to Section 8.5 , other than pursuant to clause (c)  of Section 8.5 ,

(x) amounts paid in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period on account of (A) items that were accounted for as noncash reductions of Consolidated Net Income that increased Consolidated EBITDA and were included in Excess Cash Flow of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in a prior Excess Cash Flow Period, and (B) reserves or accruals established in purchase accounting,

(xi) noncash items (A) that increased Consolidated Net Income, but were not deducted from Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”, for such Excess Cash Flow Period (excluding any such items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period) and (B) in respect of which cash will be received in a future Cash Flow Period,

(xii) [reserved], and

(xiii) any increase in the Working Capital of Borrower during such period (measured as the excess of such Working Capital at the end of such period over such Working Capital at the beginning of such period); plus

(c) without duplication,

(i) to the extent included in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(i) of the definition thereof, any provision for United States federal income taxes or other taxes measured by net income,

(ii) [reserved],

(iii) amounts deducted from the calculation of “Excess Cash Flow” for the immediately preceding Excess Cash Flow Period pursuant to clause (b)(v) above,

(iv) cash payments received in respect of Hedging Agreements during such Excess Cash Flow Period to the extent not included in the computation of Consolidated EBITDA,

(v) any decrease in the Working Capital of Borrower during such Excess Cash Flow Period (measured as the excess of such Working Capital at the beginning of such Excess Cash Flow Period over such Working Capital at the end thereof), and

 

16


(vi) amounts received in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period on account of items that were accounted for as noncash items that reduced Excess Cash Flow in a prior Excess Cash Flow Period.

Excess Cash Flow Period ” means each Fiscal Year of the Borrower commencing with Fiscal Year 2011.

Executive Order ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.19 .

Facilities ” means (a) the Term Loan Facility and (b) the Revolving Credit Facility.

Family Members ” shall mean an individual’s spouse, siblings, children, or other lineal descendants of such individual.

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 on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged to the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

Federal Reserve Board ” means the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System and any successor thereto.

Fee Letter ” means any fee letter evidencing the obligations to pay any fee payable pursuant to Section 2.11(c).

FEMA ” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers the National Flood Insurance Program.

Financial Performance Covenants ” means the covenants of the Borrower set forth in Sections 5.1 , 5.2 and 5.3 .

Financial Statement ” means each financial statement delivered pursuant to Section 4.4 or 6.1 .

FIRREA ” means the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.

Fiscal Quarter ” means each 3 fiscal month period ending on or about April 30, July 31 or October 31 or on the Saturday closest to January 31.

Fiscal Year ” means the twelve fiscal month period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31.

Flood Insurance ” means, for any real property located in a special flood hazard area identified by FEMA, Federal Flood Insurance or private insurance that meets the requirements set forth by FEMA in its Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines.

 

17


Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is incorporated or organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

Fund ” means, collectively, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. and other affiliated co-investment partnerships.

Fund Affiliate ” means (i) each Affiliate of the Fund and (ii) any individual who is a partner or employee of the management companies with respect to the Fund.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time, set forth in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as of the date of determination. Subject to Section 1.3 , all references to “ GAAP ” shall be to GAAP applied consistently with the principles used in the preparation of the Financial Statements described in Section 4.4(a) .

Governmental Authority ” means any nation, sovereign or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, bureau, commission, department, body, or instrumentality thereof and any entity or authority exercising executive, legislative, taxing, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any central bank, stock exchange, regulatory body, arbitrator, public sector entity, supra-national entity (including the European Union and the European Central Bank) and any self-regulatory organization (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners).

Group Members ” means, collectively, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Group Members’ Accountants ” means any nationally-recognized independent registered certified public accountants acceptable to the Arrangers.

Guarantor ” means (i) Parent, (ii) the Borrower, (iii) each Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower on the Closing Date that is not a Foreign Subsidiary and (iv) each Subsidiary of any Loan Party that has or enters into any Guaranty Obligation with respect to Obligations of Parent or any other Loan Party.

Guaranty and Security Agreement ” means a guaranty and security agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(3) , among the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto.

Guaranty Obligation ” means, as applied to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of such Person for any Indebtedness, lease, dividend or other obligation (the “ primary obligation ”) of another Person (the “ primary obligor ”), if the purpose or intent of such Person in incurring such liability, or the economic effect thereof, is to guarantee such primary obligation or provide support, assurance or comfort to the holder of such primary obligation or to protect or indemnify such holder against loss with respect to such primary obligation, including (a) the direct or indirect guaranty, endorsement (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), co-making, discounting with recourse or sale with recourse by such Person of any primary obligation, (b) the incurrence of reimbursement obligations with respect to any letter of credit or bank guarantee in support of any primary obligation, (c) the existence of any Lien, or any right, contingent or otherwise, to receive a Lien, on the property of such Person securing any part of any primary obligation and (d) any liability of such Person for a primary obligation through any Contractual Obligation (contingent or otherwise) or other arrangement (i) to purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire such primary obligation or any security therefor or to provide funds for the payment or discharge of such primary obligation (whether in

 

18


the form of a loan, advance, stock purchase, capital contribution or otherwise), (ii) to maintain the solvency, working capital, equity capital or any balance sheet item, level of income or cash flow, liquidity or financial condition of any primary obligor to pay such primary obligation, (iii) to make take-or-pay or similar payments, if required, regardless of non-performance by any other party to any Contractual Obligation, (iv) to purchase, sell or lease (as lessor or lessee) any property, or to purchase or sell services, primarily for the purpose of enabling the primary obligor to satisfy such primary obligation or to protect the holder of such primary obligation against loss or (v) to supply funds to or in any other manner invest in, such primary obligor (including to pay for property or services irrespective of whether such property is received or such services are rendered); provided , that “ Guaranty Obligations ” shall not include (x) endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business, (y) product warranties given in the ordinary course of business, or (z) customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement. The outstanding amount of any Guaranty Obligation shall equal the outstanding amount of the primary obligation so guaranteed or otherwise supported or, if lower, the stated maximum amount for which such Person may be liable under such Guaranty Obligation.

Hazardous Material ” means any chemical, substance, material, waste pollutant, contaminant or constituent in any form, including petroleum or any fraction thereof, asbestos and asbestos-containing material, toxic mold, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive substances, or infectious, bio-hazardous or other medical waste, regulated or which can give rise to liability under any Environmental Law.

Hedging Agreement ” means any Interest Rate Contract, foreign exchange, swap, option or forward contract, spot, cap, floor or collar transaction, any other derivative instrument and any other similar speculative or non-speculative transaction and any other similar agreement or arrangement designed to alter the risks of any Person arising from fluctuations in any underlying variable; provided , that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of Parent, any direct or indirect parent of Parent, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries shall be a Hedging Agreement.

Immaterial Subsidiary ” means, at any time, a Subsidiary of the Borrower that has total assets that are, together with the total assets of all other Immaterial Subsidiaries in the aggregate, less than the greater of (a) $7.5 million and (b) an amount equal to (i) $7.5 million multiplied by (ii) the ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter immediately prior to the date of determination for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010.

Indebtedness ” of any Person means, without duplication, any of the following, whether or not matured: (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (c) the principal component of all obligations with respect to (i) letters of credit, bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances, or (ii) surety, customs, reclamation or performance bonds (in each case not related to judgments or litigation) other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business, (d) all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than current trade liabilities and current intercompany liabilities (but not any refinancings, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof) incurred in the ordinary course of business and maturing within 180 days after the incurrence thereof), (e) all obligations created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, regardless of whether 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, (f) all Capitalized Lease Obligations, (g) all obligations (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to the Dividend), whether or not contingent, to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value, or pay any dividends or other amounts with respect to, or converted into or exchange for Indebtedness, any of its own Stock or Stock Equivalents (or any Stock or Stock Equivalent of a direct or indirect parent

 

19


entity thereof) prior to the date that is 180 days after the Scheduled Maturity Date, 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, (h) to the extent not already included in Indebtedness, all payments that are then required to be made (but have not been previously made) in respect of any Hedging Agreement based upon a termination (including an early termination) occurring on or prior to the date of determination, (i) all Indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property or asset owned or held by such Person regardless of whether the Indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by that Person or is nonrecourse to the credit of such Person and (j) all Guaranty Obligations for obligations of any other Person constituting Indebtedness of such other Person; provided , that the items in each of clauses (a)  through (j)  above shall constitute “ Indebtedness ” of such Person solely to the extent, directly or indirectly, (x) such Person is liable, directly or indirectly, for any part of any such item, (y) any such item is secured by a Lien on such Person’s property or (z) any other Person has a right, contingent or otherwise, to cause such Person to become liable for any part of such item or to grant such a Lien (the amount of such Indebtedness attributable to such Person to be actual amount of such Indebtedness or, if such Indebtedness is non-recourse as to such Person, the lesser of the amount of such Indebtedness or the fair market value of the property securing such Indebtedness).

Indemnified Matters ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.4(a) .

Indemnitee ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.4(a) .

Information ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.13 .

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.

Interest Period ” means, (a) with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is made or converted to a Eurodollar Rate Loan or, if such Loan is continued, on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period therefor and, in each case, ending 1, 2, 3, or 6 months thereafter (or 9 or 12 months, if at the time of the relevant Eurodollar Rate Loan, all relevant Lenders provide written consent thereto), as selected by the Borrower pursuant hereto, and (b) with respect to any Secured Hedging Reimbursement Obligation, the period commencing on the date such Secured Hedging Reimbursement Obligation first becomes outstanding or, for all successive Interest Periods, on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period therefor and, in each case, ending 1 month thereafter; provided , that (v) if any Interest Period would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, unless the result of such extension would be to extend such Interest Period into the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day, (w) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of a calendar month, (x) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period (A) in the case of Revolving Loans, ending after the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date, and (B) in the case of Term Loans, ending after the Term Loan Maturity Date, (y) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period in respect of Loans having an aggregate principal amount of less than $1,000,000 and (z) there shall be outstanding at any one time no more than 10 Interest Periods.

Interest Rate Contracts ” means all interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, interest rate collar agreements and interest rate insurance.

 

20


Internet Domain Names ” means all rights, title and interests (and all related IP Ancillary Rights) arising under any Requirement of Law in or relating to Internet domain names.

Investment ” means, with respect to any Person, directly or indirectly, (a) to own, purchase or otherwise acquire, in each case whether beneficially or otherwise, any investment in, including any interest in, any Security of any other Person (other than any evidence of any Obligation), (b) to redeem, retire, purchase, acquire for value from any Person any Stock of such Person, (c) to purchase or otherwise acquire, whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions, all or a significant part of the property of any other Person or a business conducted by any other Person or all or substantially all of the assets constituting the business of a division, branch, brand or other unit operation of any other Person, (d) to incur, or to remain liable under, any Guaranty Obligation for Indebtedness of any other Person, to assume the Indebtedness of any other Person or to make, hold, purchase or otherwise acquire, in each case directly or indirectly, any deposit, loan, advance, commitment to lend or advance, or other extension of credit (including by deferring or extending the date of, in each case outside the ordinary course of business, the payment of the purchase price for Sales of property or services to any other Person, to the extent such payment obligation constitutes Indebtedness of such other Person), excluding deposits with financial institutions available for withdrawal on demand, prepaid expenses, accounts receivable and similar items created in the ordinary course of business or (e) to make, directly or indirectly, any contribution to the capital of any other Person.

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.

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.

Joint Venture ” means a single-purpose corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or other legal arrangement (whether created by contract or conducted through a separate legal entity) now or hereafter formed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with another Person in order to conduct a common venture or enterprise with such Person.

Junior Capital ” means any Qualified Capital Stock of Parent and any Junior Indebtedness.

Junior Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of Parent that (a) is unsecured, (b) is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of the Obligations (and the related Guarantees) on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (c) provides that interest in respect of such Indebtedness is payable in kind or, at the option of the holder of such Indebtedness, in cash or Cash Equivalents, (d) has a final maturity date that is not earlier than the date that is 180 days after the Term

 

21


Loan Maturity Date and has no scheduled payments of principal thereon (including pursuant to a sinking fund obligation) or mandatory redemption obligations prior to such final maturity date, and (e) is not subject to covenants, events of default and remedies that are less favorable to the Borrower, as the case may be, than the terms of the Senior Debt as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.

L/C Cash Collateral Account ” means any Cash Collateral Account (a) specifically designated as such by the Borrower in a notice to the Administrative Agent and (b) from and after the effectiveness of such notice, not containing any funds other than those required under the Loan Documents to be placed therein.

L/C Issuer ” means (a) Royal Bank or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and (b) each Person that hereafter becomes an L/C Issuer with the approval of, and pursuant to an agreement with and in form and substance satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, in each case in their capacity as an L/C Issuer hereunder and together with their successors.

L/C Obligations ” means, for any Letter of Credit at any time, the sum of (a) the L/C Reimbursement Obligations at such time for such Letter of Credit and (b) the aggregate maximum undrawn face amount of such Letter of Credit outstanding at such time.

L/C Reimbursement Agreement ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.4(a) .

L/C Reimbursement Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.4(e) .

L/C Reimbursement Obligation ” means, for any Letter of Credit, the obligation of the Borrower to the L/C Issuer thereof, as and when matured, to pay all amounts drawn under such Letter of Credit.

L/C Request ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.4(b) .

L/C Sublimit ” means $2,000,000.

Lender ” means, collectively, any financial institution or other Person that (a) is listed on the signature pages hereof as a “ Lender ” or (b) from time to time becomes a party hereto by execution of an Assignment, in each case together with its successors.

Lender Insolvency Event ” means that (i) a Lender or its Parent Company is determined or adjudicated to be insolvent by a Governmental Authority, or is generally unable to pay its debts as they become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (ii) such Lender or its Parent Company is the subject of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or similar proceeding, or a receiver, trustee, conservator, intervenor or sequestrator or the like has been appointed for such Lender or its Parent Company, or such Lender or its Parent Company has taken any action indicating its consent to or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.

Lender Party ” means any Lender or the L/C Issuer.

Lender Party Appointment Period ” has the meaning assigned in Section 10.7(a) .

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit Issued pursuant to Section 2.4 .

Liabilities ” means all claims, actions, suits, judgments, damages, losses, liability, obligations, responsibilities, fines, penalties, sanctions, costs, fees, taxes, commissions, charges, disbursements and

 

22


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.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, hypothecation, assignment, easement, pledge, encumbrance, charge or security interest in or on such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset, and (c) in the case of securities (other than securities representing an interest in a Joint Venture that is not a Subsidiary), any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities to the extent that any such right is intended to have an effect equivalent to that of a security interest in such securities.

Loan ” means any loan made or deemed made by any Lender hereunder.

Loan Documents ” means, collectively, this Agreement, any Notes, the Guaranty and Security Agreement, any intellectual property security agreements, the Mortgages, the Fee Letter, the L/C Reimbursement Agreements, the Secured Hedging Documents, the Secured Cash Management Agreements, and, when executed, each document executed by a Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, any Lender or any L/C Issuer in connection with or pursuant to any of the foregoing or the Obligations, together with any modification of any term, or any waiver with respect to, any of the foregoing.

Loan Party ” means the Borrower and each Guarantor.

Management Group ” means the group consisting of (i) the directors, executive officers and other management personnel of the Borrower, Parent, any direct or indirect parent of Parent and their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, on the Closing Date, (ii) any new directors whose election by such boards of directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Borrower, Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, as the case may be, was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of the Borrower, Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, as the case may be, then still in office who were either directors on the Closing Date or whose election or nomination was previously so approved, (iii) executive officers and other management personnel of the Borrower, Parent, any direct or indirect parent of Parent and their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, hired at a time when the directors on the Closing Date together with the directors so approved constituted a majority of the directors of the Borrower, Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, as the case may be and (iv) any Family Member of any Person described in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) (or a Family Member of any such Person’s spouse, parent or sibling), a company, partnership or a trust established for the benefit of any of the foregoing or any personal representative, estate or executor under any will of any such Family Member or pursuant to the laws of intestate succession.

Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, operations or property of the Group Members, taken as a whole, (b) material impairment of the ability of any of the Loan Parties to timely perform its or their obligations under any Loan Document, or (c) material impairment of the legality, binding effect, validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders and/or the other Secured Parties under any Loan Document.

Maximum Lawful Rate ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.9(d) .

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

23


Mortgage ” means any mortgage, deed of trust or other document executed or required herein to be executed by any Loan Party and granting a security interest over owned real property in favor of the Collateral Agent as security for the Obligations, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

Mortgage Supporting Documents ” means, with respect to any Mortgage for a parcel of owned real property, each document (including title policies or marked-up unconditional insurance binders, in such amounts and containing such endorsements (if available) as shall be reasonably required by the Administrative Agent, ALTA as-built surveys (in form and as to date that is sufficiently acceptable to the title insurer issuing title insurance to the Collateral Agent for such title insurer to deliver such endorsements (if available) and removing all survey exceptions to such title insurance as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent), environmental assessments and reports, life of loan flood hazard determinations (with notice to Borrower), certificates, opinions, required consents, approvals or other instrument or document necessary to consummate the transaction, all in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and evidence regarding recording and payment of fees, insurance premium and taxes) that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to create, register, perfect, maintain, evidence the existence, substance, form or validity of or enforce a valid lien on such parcel of owned real property in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, subject only to Customary Permitted Liens and such other Liens as the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may approve.

Multiemployer Plan ” means any multiemployer plan, as defined in Section 400l(a)(3) of ERISA, 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 Cash Proceeds ” means proceeds actually received in cash by any Group Member from (a) any Sale of, or Property Loss Event with respect to, property, including Stock held by it, or any issuance of shares of its own Stock, net of (i) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums and related search and recording charges, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees actually incurred in connection therewith (excluding any such amounts paid to any Affiliate of the Borrower), (ii) taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, and (iii) any amount required to be paid or prepaid on Indebtedness (other than (x) the Obligations and (y) Indebtedness owing to any Group Member) secured by the property subject thereto, or (b) any incurrence of Indebtedness, in each case net of all taxes and brokers’, advisors’ and investment banking fees and other customary out-of-pocket underwriting discounts, commissions and other customary out-of-pocket cash costs, fees and expenses (excluding any such amounts paid to any Affiliate of the Borrower), in each case incurred in connection with such transaction; provided , that any such proceeds received by any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower shall constitute “ Net Cash Proceeds ” (x) only to the extent of the relative aggregate direct and indirect beneficial ownership interest of the Borrower in such Subsidiary and (y) except to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary of such proceeds is not permitted at the time of the receipt of such proceeds by such Subsidiary by operation of Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary or any Permitted Payment Restriction that is then effective and was not implemented in contemplation of the receipt by such Subsidiary of such proceeds; it being understood that such proceeds shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds upon the removal or non-effectiveness of such restriction; and provided , further, that (x) no proceeds realized in a single transaction or series of related

 

24


transactions shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds unless such proceeds shall exceed $100,000 and (y) no proceeds shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds in any Fiscal Year until the aggregate amount of all such proceeds in such Fiscal Year shall exceed $500,000.

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP.

Non-Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender.

Non-Funding Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.2(c) .

Non-U.S. Secured Party ” means each Agent, each Lender, each L/C Issuer, each SPV and each participant, in each case that is not a Domestic Person.

Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.14(e) , payable to the order of a Lender in any Facility in a principal amount equal to the amount of such Lender’s Commitment under such Facility (or, in the case of the Term Loan Facility, the aggregate initial principal amount of the Term Loans).

Notice of Borrowing ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.2(a) .

Notice of Conversion or Continuation ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.10(b) .

Obligations ” means, with respect to any Loan Party, all amounts, obligations, liabilities, covenants and duties of every type and description owing by such Loan Party to any Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer, any Arranger, any other Indemnitee, any participant, any SPV, in the case of any Secured Hedging Document, any Secured Hedging Counterparty therefor, or, in the case of any Secured Cash Management Agreement, any Cash Management Bank, in each case arising out of, under, or in connection with, any Loan Document, whether direct or indirect (regardless of whether acquired by assignment), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, whether liquidated or not, now existing or hereafter arising and however acquired, and whether or not evidenced by any instrument or for the payment of money, including (a) if such Loan Party is the Borrower, all Loans and L/C Obligations, (b) all interest, whether or not accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or after the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or similar proceeding, and whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in any such proceeding, (c) Secured Hedging Reimbursement Obligations, (d) obligations under any Secured Cash Management Agreement, and (e) all other fees, expenses (including fees, charges and disbursement of counsel), interest, commissions, charges, costs, disbursements, indemnities and reimbursement of amounts paid and other sums chargeable to such Loan Party under any Loan Document (including those payable to the L/C Issuer as described in Section 2.11 ).

Other Taxes ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(c) .

Parent ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Parent Company ” means, with respect to a Lender, the bank holding company (as defined in Regulation Y of the Federal Reserve Board), if any, of such Lender.

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.

 

25


Patriot Act ” means the USA Patriot Act of 2001 (31 U.S.C. 5318 et seq.).

PBGC ” means the United States Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor thereto.

Perfection Certificate ” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit 1.1(5) or any other form approved by the Collateral Agent.

Permit ” means all permits, licenses, accreditations by Governmental Authority, franchises and other consents and approvals required by any Government Authority to lawfully operate the Business (including any pending applications for such permits, licenses, authorizations, registrations, franchises, consents and approvals).

Permitted Acquisition ” means any Proposed Acquisition satisfying each of the following conditions: (a) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom; (b) all transactions related thereto shall be consummated in accordance with applicable laws; (c) any acquired or newly formed Subsidiary shall not be liable for any Indebtedness (except for Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.1 ); (d) the Administrative Agent shall have received reasonable advance notice of such Proposed Acquisition including a reasonably detailed description thereof at least 15 days prior to the consummation of such Proposed Acquisition (or such later date as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent) and on or prior to the date of such Proposed Acquisition, the Administrative Agent shall have received copies of the acquisition agreement and related Contractual Obligations and other documents (including financial information and analysis, environmental assessments and reports, opinions, certificates and lien searches) and information, in each case to the extent otherwise available and reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent; (e) after giving effect to such Proposed Acquisition, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder, and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to such effect, together with all relevant financial information for such Permitted Acquisition and (f) the Borrower shall satisfy its obligations under Section 7.10 with respect to the Proposed Acquisition Target and its Subsidiaries (and any assets acquired therefrom).

Permitted Cure Security ” means Qualified Capital Stock of the Borrower upon which all dividends or distributions (if any) shall, prior to 180 days after the Term Loan Maturity Date, be payable solely in additional shares of Qualified Capital Stock.

Permitted Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of any Group Member that is not prohibited by Section 8.1 or any other provision of any Loan Document.

Permitted Investment ” means any Investment of any Group Member that is not prohibited by Section 8.3 or any other provision of any Loan Document.

Permitted Investors ” means each of (i) the Fund and the Fund Affiliates, and (ii) the Management Group.

Permitted Lien ” means any Lien on or with respect to the property of any Group Member that is not prohibited by Section 8.2 or any other provision of any Loan Document.

Permitted Payment Restriction ” means any consensual encumbrance or restriction (each, a “restriction”) on the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or make any other distributions on its equity interest to the Borrower or a Subsidiary, which restriction satisfies all of the following conditions:

 

26


(i) such restriction becomes effective only upon the occurrence of (x) specified events under its Constituent Documents or any joint venture or similar agreements or (y) an “event of default” with respect to Indebtedness (as defined in the agreement governing such Indebtedness) that was incurred by such Subsidiary in compliance with Section 8.1 and (ii) such restriction would not materially impair the Borrower’s ability to make scheduled payments of cash interest and to make required principal payments on the Loans, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Borrower whose determination shall be conclusive, provided that the Borrower shall reasonably promptly notify the Administrative Agent and Lenders from time to time after any such determination is made.

Permitted Refinancing ” means Indebtedness constituting a refinancing, extension, renewal, or replacement of Permitted Indebtedness that (a) has an aggregate outstanding principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) not greater than the aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Indebtedness outstanding at the time of such refinancing or extension (plus unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon and reasonable and customary underwriting discounts, fees, commissions, and expenses), (b) has a weighted average maturity (measured as of the date of such refinancing or extension) and maturity no shorter than that of such Permitted Indebtedness, (c) is not secured by any property or any Lien other than those securing such Permitted Indebtedness or on terms less favorable to the Lenders than those of such Permitted Indebtedness, and (d) if the Permitted Indebtedness being refinanced, extended, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations under this Agreement, such Permitted Refinancing shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Permitted Indebtedness being refinanced, extended, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; provided , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) the terms of such Permitted Indebtedness may be modified as part of such Permitted Refinancing if such modification would have been permitted pursuant to Section 8.11 and (y) no Guaranty Obligation for such Indebtedness shall constitute part of such Permitted Refinancing unless similar Guaranty Obligations with respect to such Permitted Indebtedness existed and constituted Permitted Indebtedness prior to such refinancing or extension.

Permitted Reinvestment ” means, with respect to the Net Cash Proceeds of any Sale or Property Loss Event, to acquire (or make Capital Expenditures to finance the acquisition, repair, improvement or construction of), to the extent otherwise permitted hereunder, any assets useful in the Business (including through a Permitted Investment or a Permitted Acquisition) or, if such Property Loss Event involves loss or damage to property, to repair such loss or damage.

Permitted Tax Distributions ” means, with respect to any taxable year (or portion thereof), dividends or distributions in amounts required for Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, if applicable, to pay federal, state, local or foreign income taxes (as the case may be) imposed directly on Parent or such parent to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Borrower and its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, by virtue of Parent or such parent being the common parent of a consolidated or combined tax group of which the Borrower and/or its subsidiaries are members).

Person ” means any 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 and any other entity or Governmental Authority.

Pledged Notes ” means any promissory note, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, issued to a Loan Party that is pledged to the Collateral Agent under the Guaranty and Security Agreement and is a “Pledged Debt Instrument” under the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

27


Prime Rate ” means the rate of interest per annum announced by Royal Bank from time to time as its prime commercial lending rate for United States Dollar loans in the United States for such day. The Prime Rate is not necessarily the lowest rate that Royal Bank is charging any corporate customer.

Pro Forma Basis ” means, as to any Person, for any events as described below that occur subsequent to the commencement of a period for which the financial effect of such events is being calculated, and giving effect to the events for which such calculation is being made, such calculation as will give pro forma effect to such events as if such events occurred on the first day of the four consecutive Fiscal Quarter period ended on or before the occurrence of such event (the “ Reference Period ”): (i) in making any determination of Consolidated EBITDA, pro forma effect shall be given to any asset disposition (other than dispositions of inventory) or any Permitted Acquisition involving consideration in excess of $1.0 million per transaction, or any discontinued operation (or any similar transaction or transactions that require a waiver or consent of the Required Lenders pursuant to Section 8.3 , 8.4 or 8.7 ), in each case that occurred during the Reference Period (or, in the case of determinations made pursuant to the definition of the term “Permitted Acquisition” or Section 8.3(e)(iii) , occurring during the Reference Period or thereafter and through and including the date upon which the respective Permitted Acquisition is consummated), (ii) in making any determination on a Pro Forma Basis, (x) all Indebtedness (including Indebtedness incurred or assumed and for which the financial effect is being calculated, whether incurred under this Agreement or otherwise, but excluding normal fluctuations in revolving Indebtedness incurred for working capital purposes not to finance any acquisition) incurred or permanently repaid during the Reference Period (or, in the case of determinations made pursuant to the definition of the term “Permitted Acquisition” or Section 8.3(e)(iii) , occurring during the Reference Period or thereafter and through and including the date upon which the respective Permitted Acquisition is consummated) shall be deemed to have been incurred or repaid at the beginning of such period, and (y) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person attributable to interest on any Indebtedness, for which pro forma effect is being given as provided in preceding clause (x), bearing floating interest rates shall be computed on a pro forma basis as if the rates that would have been in effect during the period for which pro forma effect is being given had been actually in effect during such periods, and (iii) in making any determination on a Pro Forma Basis, effect will be given to the Subsidiary Redesignation, if any, then being designated as well as any other Subsidiary Redesignation after the first day of the relevant Reference Period and on or prior to the date of the respective Subsidiary Redesignation then being designated.

Pro forma calculations made pursuant to the definition of the term “Pro Forma Basis” shall be determined in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and, in respect of any asset disposition (other than dispositions of inventory) or any Permitted Acquisition involving consideration in excess of $1.0 million per transaction, or any discontinued operation (or any similar transaction or transactions that require a waiver or consent of the Required Lenders pursuant to Sections 8.3 , 8.4 or 8.7 ), without duplication of the amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(iv) of the definition thereof, for any fiscal period ending on or prior to (x) the first anniversary of the consummation of such asset acquisition, asset disposition or other similar transaction, may include adjustments (estimated on a good faith basis by the Borrower) to reflect operating expense reductions, reductions in force and other synergies reasonably expected to result from such asset acquisition, asset disposition or other similar transaction, for which substantially all of the steps necessary for the realization thereof have been taken or are reasonably anticipated by the Borrower to be taken in the next 12 month period following the consummation thereof, to the extent that such adjustments would be permitted by Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, without duplication of adjustments included pursuant to clause (x), (y) the date that is nine months following the consummation of such asset acquisition, asset disposition or other similar transaction, may include adjustments (estimated on a good faith basis by the Borrower) to reflect operating expense reductions, reductions in force and other synergies reasonably expected to result from such asset acquisition, asset disposition or other similar transaction, for which substantially all of the steps necessary for the realization thereof have

 

28


been taken or are reasonably anticipated by the Borrower to be taken in the next 9-month period following the consummation thereof; provided that the aggregate amount of the adjustments referred to in clauses (x) and (y) above shall not exceed 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as calculated on a Pro Forma Basis prior to giving effect to the addition of any amounts specified in clause (x) or (y) above). On the date any such asset acquisition, asset disposition or other similar transaction is consummated, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth such demonstrable or additional operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies and information and calculations supporting them in reasonable detail, based on historical results accounted for in accordance with GAAP and, to the extent applicable, reasonable assumptions that are specified in detail in the relevant Compliance Certificate, Financial Statement or other document provided to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection herewith.

Projections ” means those financial projections, dated November 2010, covering the Fiscal Years ending in 2010 through 2013 and delivered to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower prior to the date hereof.

Property Loss Event ” means, with respect to any property, any loss of or damage to such property or any taking of such property or condemnation thereof.

Proposed Acquisition ” means (a) any proposed acquisition that is consensual and approved by the board of directors or other similar governing body or Person(s) with regard to such Proposed Acquisition Target, of all or substantially all of the assets or Stock of any Proposed Acquisition Target by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower (or by Parent to the extent such assets and Stock are transferred to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower contemporaneously with such acquisition) or (b) any proposed merger of any Proposed Acquisition Target with or into the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower (and, in the case of a merger with the Borrower, with the Borrower being the surviving entity).

Proposed Acquisition Target ” means any Person or any brand, line of business, division, branch, operating division or other unit operation of any Person.

Pro Rata Outstandings ” of any Lender at any time, means (a) in the case of the Term Loan Facility, the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans owing to such Lender and (b) in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans owing to such Lender and (ii) the amount of the participation of such Lender in the L/C Obligations outstanding with respect to all Letters of Credit.

Pro Rata Share ” means, with respect to any Lender and any Facility or Facilities at any time, the percentage obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the Commitments (or, if such Commitments in any such Facility are terminated, the Pro Rata Outstandings therein) of such Lender then in effect under such Facilities by (b) the sum of the Commitments (or, if such Commitments in any such Facility are terminated, the Pro Rata Outstandings therein) of all Lenders then in effect under such Facilities; provided , that, if there are no Commitments and no Pro Rata Outstandings in any of such Facilities, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share in such Facilities shall be determined based on the Pro Rata Share in such Facilities most recently in effect, after giving effect to any subsequent assignment and any subsequent non-pro rata payments of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.18 .

Purchase Money Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness for the purchase price or cost of construction, repair or improvement of any property.

 

29


Purchase Money Lien ” means a Lien (x) existing on property at the time of its acquisition, repair or construction by any Person, (y) created on property contemporaneously with its acquisition or within 120 days of the acquisition or completion of construction, repair or improvement thereof to secure the purchase price or cost of construction, repair or improvement thereof, or (z) existing on property of another Person at the time such other Person is consolidated with or merged into such Person and not created in contemplation thereof; provided , that such Lien shall attach solely to the property acquired, constructed, repaired or improved, and the principal amount of the Purchase Money Indebtedness secured by such Lien shall not exceed the purchase price of such property.

Qualified Capital Stock ” means any Stock of any Person that does not by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable) or upon the happening of any event (a) provide for scheduled payments of dividends in cash, (b) mature, require the repurchase thereof, become mandatorily redeemable (other than pursuant to customary provisions relating to redemption upon a change of control or sale of assets) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise or become redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in each case prior to the date that is 180 days after the Term Loan Maturity Date, (c) become convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof for Indebtedness or Stock that is not Qualified Capital Stock, or (d) contain any maintenance covenants, other covenants adverse to the Lenders or remedies (other than voting rights and, subject to clause (a) above, increases in dividends).

Qualified IPO ” means an underwritten public offering of the equity interests of any direct or indirect parent of Parent or Parent that generates cash proceeds to such direct or indirect parent of Parent or Parent, as the case may be, of at least $60,000,000.

Reference Period ” has the meaning provided in the definition of Pro Forma Basis in this Section 1.1 .

Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(b) .

Reinvestment Prepayment Amount ” means, with respect to any Net Cash Proceeds on the Reinvestment Prepayment Date therefor, the amount of such Net Cash Proceeds.

Reinvestment Prepayment Date ” means, with respect to any portion of any Net Cash Proceeds of any Sale or Property Loss Event, the earliest of (a) the 360th day after the completion of the portion of such Sale or Property Loss Event corresponding to such Net Cash Proceeds, which date may be extended by not more than 180 days if a Contractual Obligation is entered into prior to such 360th day with any Person that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower relating to the reinvestment of such amount, (b) the date that is 5 Business Days after the date on which the Borrower shall have notified the Administrative Agent of the Borrower’s determination not to make Permitted Reinvestments with such Net Cash Proceeds, (c) the occurrence of any Event of Default set forth in Section 9.1(e)(ii) or any other Event of Default and notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, and (d) the date that is 5 Business Days after the delivery of a notice by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to the Borrower during the continuance of any other Event of Default.

Related Person ” means, with respect to any Person, each Affiliate of such Person and each director, officer, employee, agent, partner, 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 III ) and other consultants and agents of or to such Person or any of its Affiliates, together with, if such Person is an Agent, each other Person or individual designated, nominated or otherwise mandated by or helping such Agent pursuant to and in accordance with Section 10.5 or any comparable provision of any Loan Document.

 

30


Release ” 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, or from, into or through any structure or facility (except for any such structure or facility that is intended to contain or convey such Hazardous Material).

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 Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having at such time in excess of 50% of the sum of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments (or, if such Commitments are terminated, the Pro Rata Outstandings in the Revolving Credit Facility) and Term Loan Commitments (or, if such Commitments are terminated, the Pro Rata Outstandings in the Term Loan Facility) then in effect.

Required Revolving Credit Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having at such time in excess of 50% of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments (or, if such Commitments are terminated, the Pro Rata Outstandings in the Revolving Credit Facility) then in effect.

Required Term Loan Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having at such time in excess of 50% of the aggregate Term Loan Commitments (or, if such Commitments are terminated, the Pro Rata Outstandings in the Term Loan Facility) then in effect.

Requirements of Law ” means, with respect to any Person, collectively, the common law and all federal, state, local, foreign, multinational or international laws, statutes, codes, treaties, standards, rules and regulations, guidelines, ordinances, orders, judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees (including administrative or judicial precedents or authorities) and the interpretation or administration thereof by, and other determinations, directives, requirements or requests of, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law and that are 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, with respect to any Person, any of the president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, controller, managing member or general partner of such Person but, in any event, with respect to financial matters, any such officer that is responsible for preparing the Financial Statements delivered hereunder and, with respect to the Corporate Chart and other documents delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(d) , documents delivered on the Closing Date and documents delivered pursuant to Section 7.10 , the secretary or assistant secretary of such Person or any other officer responsible for maintaining the corporate and similar records of such Person.

Restricted Payment ” means (a) any dividend, return of capital, distribution or any other payment, whether direct or indirect (including through the use of Hedging Agreements, the making, repayment, cancellation or forgiveness of Indebtedness and similar Contractual Obligations) and whether in cash, Securities or other property, in each case on account of any Stock or Stock Equivalent of Parent, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case now or hereafter outstanding, including with respect to a claim for rescission of a Sale of such Stock or Stock Equivalent and (b) any redemption, retirement, sinking fund or similar payment, termination, defeasance, cancellation, purchase or other acquisition for value, whether direct or indirect (including through the use of Hedging Agreements, the making, repayment, cancellation or forgiveness of Indebtedness and similar Contractual Obligations), of any Stock or Stock Equivalent of any Group Member or of any direct or indirect parent entity of the Borrower, now or hereafter outstanding.

 

31


Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, with respect to each Revolving Credit Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and acquire interests in other Revolving Credit Outstandings, which commitment is in the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I under the caption “ Revolving Credit Commitment ”, as amended to reflect Assignments and as such amount may be reduced or increased pursuant to this Agreement. The aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments on the date hereof equals $5,000,000.

Revolving Credit Facility ” means the Revolving Credit Commitments and the provisions herein related to the Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit.

Revolving Credit Lender ” means each Lender that has a Revolving Credit Commitment, holds a Revolving Loan or participates in any Letter of Credit.

Revolving Credit Outstandings ” means, at any time, the sum of, in each case to the extent outstanding at such time, (a) the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Loans and (b) the L/C Obligations for all Letters of Credit.

Revolving Credit Termination Date ” shall mean the earliest of (a) the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date, (b) the date of termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to Section 2.5 or 9.2 and (c) the date on which the Obligations become due and payable pursuant to Section 9.2 .

Revolving Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a) .

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services.

Sale and Leaseback Transaction ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ obligor ”), any Contractual Obligation or other arrangement with any other Person (the “ counterparty ”) consisting of a lease by such obligor of any property that, directly or indirectly, has been or is to be Sold by the obligor to such counterparty or to any other Person to whom funds have been advanced by such counterparty based on a Lien on, or an assignment of, such property or any obligations of such obligor under such lease.

Scheduled Maturity Date ” means the later of the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date and the Term Loan Maturity Date.

Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date ” means the third anniversary of the Closing Date.

Secured Cash Management Agreements ” means, collectively, any agreement to provide cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements, that is entered into by and between the Borrower and any Cash Management Bank.

Secured Hedging Counterparty ” means Royal Bank or any other Person (other than any Group Member) that entered into a Hedging Agreement with the Borrower or has provided a Secured Hedging Support Document at the request of the Borrower at a time when such Person was an Agent, a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

 

32


Secured Hedging Documents ” means, collectively, (a) any Hedging Agreement that (i) is entered into by the Borrower and any Secured Hedging Counterparty therefor, (ii) in the case of a Hedging Agreement not entered into with or provided or arranged by the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, is expressly identified as being a “ Secured Hedging Document ” hereunder in a joint notice from Borrower and such Person delivered to the Administrative Agent reasonably promptly after the execution of such Hedging Agreement, and (iii) meets the requirements of Section 8.1(f) , and (b) any Secured Hedging Support Provision.

Secured Hedging Reimbursement Obligation ” means any obligation of the Borrower to make payments to any Secured Hedging Counterparty with respect to any Secured Hedging Support Provision.

Secured Hedging Support Documents ” means any document (a) entered into to provide credit enhancements for the benefit of the counterparty to an Interest Rate Contract, which credit enhancements are provided (i) solely to support the payment obligations of the Borrower under such Interest Rate Contract, and (ii) by Royal Bank or any other Person at a time when such Person is the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) is expressly identified as being a “ Secured Hedging Support Document ” hereunder in a joint notice from such Loan Party and the Person providing such credit enhancements delivered to the Administrative Agent reasonably promptly after the execution or issuance of such document, unless such Person is the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent at the time such credit enhancements are provided.

Secured Hedging Support Provision ” means any provision in any Secured Hedging Support Document, Sections 2.6(c) , 2.9(a) and 2.9(c) and any other provision of this Agreement or any Loan Document to the extent applicable to any Secured Hedging Reimbursement Obligation, any Secured Hedging Support Document or affecting the rights or duties of, or any payment to, any Secured Hedging Counterparty with respect to any Secured Hedging Support Document.

Secured Parties ” means the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, each Agent, the Arrangers, any Secured Hedging Counterparty, each other Indemnitee and any other holder of any Obligation of any Loan Party.

Securitization ” means, with respect to any Lender, a public or private offering by such Lender or any of its Affiliates or their respective successors and assigns, of Securities that represent an interest in, or that are collateralized, in whole or in part, by, the Loans and the Loan Documents.

Security ” means all Stock, Stock Equivalents, voting trust certificates, bonds, debentures, instruments and other evidence of Indebtedness, whether or not secured, convertible or subordinated, all certificates of interest, share or participation in, all certificates for the acquisition of, and all warrants, options and other rights to acquire, any Security.

Sell ” means, with respect to any property, to sell, convey, transfer, assign, license, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of, any interest therein or to permit any Person to acquire any such interest, including, in each case, through a Sale and Leaseback Transaction or through a sale, factoring at maturity, collection of or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable. Conjugated forms thereof and the noun “ Sale ” have correlative meanings.

Senior Debt ” of any Person means Consolidated Total Debt minus Consolidated Total Debt that is Subordinated Debt, in each case of such Person and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis.

Senior Leverage Ratio ” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Senior Debt as of such date, to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower most recently ended as of such date, all determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided , that Consolidated EBITDA shall be determined on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

33


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 (including contingent and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person as such liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such person is generally paying its debts and liabilities as they become due, including in the usual course of business or affairs of such Person, (d) such Person does not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted following the Closing Date (including such businesses reflected in the Projections and the most recent business plans and forecasts required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(g) ) and (e) in the event of an amendment, modification or other change in the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable law relating to fraudulent transfers and conveyances after the Closing Date, such Person is not “insolvent” within the meaning given that term and similar terms under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable laws relating to fraudulent transfers and conveyances, as so amended, modified or changed. 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 (irrespective of whether such contingent or unliquidated liabilities meet the criteria for accrual under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 5).

Specified Equity Contribution ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.4 .

SPV ” means any special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in a writing by any Lender to the Administrative 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 Debt ” means any Indebtedness that is subordinated to the payment in full of the Obligations on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other entity, the management of which is, directly or indirectly, controlled by, or of which an aggregate of more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock is, at the time, owned or controlled directly or indirectly by, such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

Subsidiary Redesignation ” has the meaning provided in the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary in this Section 1.1 .

Substitute Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.18(a) .

 

34


SWDA ” means the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 6901 et seq.).

Syndication Agent ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Tax Affiliate ” means (a) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (b) any Affiliate of the Borrower with which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries files or is eligible to file consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns (or on whose consolidated, combined or unitary tax return the income of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is included).

Tax Returns ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.8 .

Taxes ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a) .

Term Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(b) .

Term Loan Commitment ” means, with respect to each Term Loan Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Term Loans to the Borrower, which commitment is in the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I under the caption “ Term Loan Commitment ”, as amended to reflect Assignments and as such amount may be reduced or increased pursuant to this Agreement. The aggregate amount of the Term Loan Commitments on the date hereof equals $95,000,000.

Term Loan Facility ” means the Term Loan Commitments and the provisions herein related to the Term Loans.

Term Loan Lender ” means each Lender that has a Term Loan Commitment or that holds a Term Loan.

Term Loan Maturity Date ” means the third anniversary of the Closing Date.

Title IV Plan ” means a pension plan subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, other than a Multiemployer Plan, to which any ERISA Affiliate incurs or otherwise has any obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise.

Trademarks ” 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.

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.

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.

Unfunded Current Liability ” of any Title IV Plan means the amount, if any, as of the most recent valuation date for the Title IV Plan, by which the present value of the Title IV Plan’s benefit liabilities, determined in accordance with actuarial assumptions at such time consistent with those prescribed by Section 412 and 430 of the Code and Section 302 and 303 of ERISA, exceeds the fair market value of all plan assets allocable to such liabilities under Title IV of ERISA.

 

35


United States ” means the United States of America.

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is acquired or created after the Closing Date and designated by the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary hereunder by written notice to the Administrative Agent; provided , that the Borrower shall only be permitted to so designate a new Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date and so long as (a) no Default exists or would result therefrom, (b) the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder after giving effect to such designation, (c) at the time of such designation neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary provides any guarantee or credit support of any kind, including any undertaking, guarantee, indemnity, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness, of any Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or is directly or indirectly liable on such Indebtedness, as a guarantor or otherwise and no Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary contains a default that would permit, upon notice, lapse of time or both, any holder of any Indebtedness of Borrower or any Subsidiary to declare a default under such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity and (d) such Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be capitalized (to the extent capitalized by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) through Investments as permitted by, and in compliance with, Section 8.3(g) , with any assets owned by such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of the initial designation thereof to be treated as Investments pursuant to Section 8.3(g) ; and provided , further that at the time of the acquisition or creation of, and the initial Investment by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in, such Subsidiary, the Borrower shall designate such entity as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in a written notice to the Administrative Agent. The Borrower may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Subsidiary for purposes of this Agreement (each, a “ Subsidiary Redesignation ”); provided , that (i) no Default then exists or would occur as a consequence of any such Subsidiary Redesignation (including, but not limited to, under Sections 8.1 and 8.2 ), (ii) calculations are made by the Borrower of compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants for the relevant Reference Period, on a Pro Forma Basis as if the respective Subsidiary Redesignation (as well as all other Subsidiary Redesignations theretofore consummated after the first day of such Reference Period) had occurred on the first day of such Reference Period, and such calculations shall show that such Financial Performance Covenants would have been complied with if the Subsidiary Redesignation had occurred on the first day of such Reference Period, (iii) based on good faith projections prepared by the Borrower for the period from the date of the respective Subsidiary Redesignation to the date that is one year thereafter, the level of financial performance measured by the Financial Performance Covenants shall be better than or equal to such level as would be required to provide that no Default would exist under the Financial Performance Covenants through the date that is one year from the date of the respective Subsidiary Redesignation, (iv) at the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Redesignation, all representations and warranties contained herein and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that if any representation or warranty is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, such representation shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly related to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (or true and correct in all respects, as applicable) as of such earlier date), (v) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying to the best of such officer’s knowledge, compliance with the requirements of preceding clauses (i) through (iv), inclusive, and containing the calculations required by the preceding clauses (ii) and (iii). Except for purposes of Article IV and Sections 6.2 , 6.8 , 7.2 and 11.4 and the definition of the term “Unrestricted Subsidiary” above, an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for purposes of this Agreement.

Unused Commitment Fee ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(a) .

 

36


U.S. Secured Party ” means each Agent, each Lender, each L/C Issuer, each SPV and each participant, in each case that is a Domestic Person.

Voting Stock ” means Stock of any Person having ordinary power to vote in the election of members of the board of directors, managers, trustees or other controlling Persons, of such Person (irrespective of whether, at the time, Stock of any other class or classes of such entity shall have or might have voting power by reason of the occurrence of any contingency).

Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means any Subsidiary of such Person, all of the Stock of which (other than nominal holdings and director’s qualifying shares) is owned by such Person, either directly or through one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Withdrawal Liability ” means, at any time, any liability incurred (whether or not assessed) by any ERISA Affiliate and not yet satisfied or paid in full at such time with respect to any Multiemployer Plan pursuant to Section 4201 of ERISA.

Working Capital ” means, for any Person at any date, its Consolidated Current Assets at such date minus its Consolidated Current Liabilities at such date; provided , that for purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow, increases or decreases in Working Capital shall be calculated without regard to any changes in Consolidated Current Assets or Consolidated Current Liabilities as a result of (a) any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and non-current, (b) the effects of purchase accounting, or (c) the effect of fluctuations in the amount of accrued or contingent obligations under Hedging Agreements.

Section 1.2 UCC Terms . The following terms have the meanings given to them in the applicable UCC: “ deposit account ”, “ entitlement holder ”, “ entitlement order ”, “ equipment ”, “ goods ”, “ instruments ”, “ inventory ” and “ securities account ”.

Section 1.3 Accounting Terms and Principles . (a)  GAAP . All accounting determinations required to be made pursuant hereto shall, unless expressly otherwise provided herein, be made in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing or elsewhere in this Agreement, no change in the accounting principles used in the preparation of any Financial Statement hereafter adopted by Parent or the Borrower shall be given effect if such change or application would affect a calculation that measures compliance with, or otherwise affect compliance with, any provision of Article V or VIII unless the Borrower, the Administrative Agent 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.

(b) Pro Forma . All components of financial calculations made to determine compliance with Article V shall be adjusted on a Pro Forma Basis.

Section 1.4 Payments . The Administrative Agent may set up standards and procedures to determine or redetermine 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 Loan Party or any L/C Issuer. Any such determination or redetermination by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. No determination or redetermination by any Secured Party or Loan Party and no other currency conversion shall change or release any obligation of any Loan Party or of any Secured Party (other than the Administrative Agent and its Related Persons) under any Loan Document, each of which agrees to pay separately for any shortfall remaining after any

 

37


conversion and payment of the amount as converted. The Administrative Agent 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.

Section 1.5 Interpretation . (a)  Certain Terms . Except as set forth in any Loan Document, all accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP (except for the term “ property ”, which shall be interpreted as broadly as possible, including, in any case, cash, Securities, other assets, rights under Contractual Obligations and Permits and any right or interest in any property). The terms “ herein ”, “ hereof ” and similar terms refer to this Agreement as a whole. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date in any Loan Document, the term “ from ” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “ until ” each mean “to but excluding” and the word “ through ” means “to and including.” In any other case, the term “ including ” when used in any Loan Document means “including without limitation.” The term “documents” means all writings, however evidenced and whether in physical or electronic form, including all documents, instruments, agreements, notices, demands, certificates, forms, financial statements, opinions and reports. The term “ incur ” means incur, create, make, issue, assume or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable in respect of or responsible for, in each case whether directly or indirectly, and the terms “incurrence” and “incurred” and similar derivatives shall have correlative meanings.

(b) Certain References . Unless otherwise expressly indicated, references (i) in this Agreement to an Exhibit, Schedule, Article, Section or clause refer to the appropriate Exhibit or Schedule to, or Article, Section or clause in, this Agreement and (ii) in any Loan Document, to (A) any agreement shall include, without limitation, all exhibits, schedules, appendixes and annexes to such agreement and, unless the prior consent of any Secured Party required therefor is not obtained, any modification to any term of such agreement, (B) any statute shall be to such statute as modified from time to time and to any successor legislation thereto, in each case as in effect at the time any such reference is operative and (C) any time of day shall be a reference to New York time. Titles of articles, sections, clauses, exhibits, schedules and annexes contained in any Loan Document are without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of the agreement between the parties hereto. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the meaning of any term defined (including by reference) in any Loan Document shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such term.

ARTICLE II

THE FACILITIES

Section 2.1 The Commitments . (a)  Revolving Credit Commitments . On the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement, each Revolving Credit Lender severally, but not jointly, agrees to make loans in Dollars (each a “ Revolving Loan ”) to the Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the date hereof until but excluding the Business Day preceding the Revolving Credit Termination Date in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding for all such loans by such Lender not to exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment; provided , that at no time shall any Revolving Credit Lender be obligated to make a Revolving Loan in excess of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount by which the then effective Revolving Credit Commitments exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Outstandings at such time. Within the limits set forth in the first sentence of this clause (a) , amounts of Revolving Loans repaid may be reborrowed under this Section 2.1 .

(b) Term Loan Commitments . On the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement, each Term Loan Lender severally, but not jointly, agrees to make loans in Dollars (each a “ Term Loan ”) to the Borrower on the Closing Date in a principal amount not to exceed its Term Loan Commitment. Amounts of Term Loans repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.

 

38


Section 2.2 Borrowing Procedures . (a)  Notice From the Borrower . Each Borrowing shall be made on notice given by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent not later than (i) 12:00 p.m. on the Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans and (ii) 12:00 p.m. on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans. Each such notice may be made in a writing substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.2(a) (a “ Notice of Borrowing ”) duly completed or by telephone if confirmed promptly, but in any event within one Business Day and prior to such Borrowing, with such a Notice of Borrowing. Loans shall be made as Base Rate Loans unless, outside of a suspension period pursuant to Section 2.15 , the Notice of Borrowing specifies that all or a portion thereof shall be Eurodollar Rate Loans. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000.

(b) Notice to Each Lender . The Administrative Agent shall give to each Lender prompt notice of the Administrative Agent’s receipt of a Notice of Borrowing and, if Eurodollar Rate Loans are properly requested in such Notice of Borrowing, prompt notice of the applicable interest rate. Each Lender shall, make available to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 11.11 in immediately available funds not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such proposed Borrowing. Upon satisfaction (or waiver) (i) on the Closing Date, of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 3.1 and (ii) on the Closing Date and any time thereafter, of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 3.2 , the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of the Administrative Agent with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.

(c) Non-Funding Lenders . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the date such Lender is required to make any payment hereunder with respect to any Loan or any participation in any Letter of Credit that such Lender will not make such payment (or any portion thereof) available to the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such payment available to the Administrative Agent on the date such payment is required to be made in accordance with this Article II and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. The Borrower agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent on demand such amount (until repaid by such Lender) with interest thereon for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at the interest rate applicable to the Obligation that would have been created when the Administrative Agent made available such amount to the Borrower had such Lender made a corresponding payment available; provided , that such payment shall not relieve such Lender of any obligation it may have to the Borrower or any L/C Issuer. In addition, any Lender that shall not have made available to the Administrative Agent any portion of any payment described above (any such Lender, a “ Non-Funding Lender ”) agrees to pay such amount to the Administrative Agent on demand together with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate for the first Business Day and thereafter (i) in the case of a payment in respect of a Loan, at the interest rate applicable at the time to such Loan and (ii) otherwise, at the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility. Such repayment shall then constitute the funding of the corresponding Loan (including any Loan deemed to have been made hereunder with such payment) or participation. The existence of any Non-Funding Lender shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations under any Loan Document, but no other Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any Non-Funding Lender to make any payment required under any Loan Document.

 

39


Section 2.3 [ Reserved ].

Section 2.4 Letters of Credit . (a)  Commitment and Conditions . On the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, each L/C Issuer agrees to Issue, at the request of the Borrower, in accordance with such L/C Issuer’s usual and customary business practices, and for the account of the Borrower (or, as long as the Borrower remains responsible for the payment in full of all amounts drawn thereunder and related fees, costs and expenses, for the account of any Group Member), 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 the Revolving Credit Termination Date and five Business Days prior to the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date, provided that no L/C Issuer shall be obligated to Issue any Letter of Credit and no Lender shall be obligated to participate in any Letter of Credit if after giving effect to such Issuance, (x) the aggregate Revolving Credit Outstandings would exceed the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments, (y) the L/C Obligations for all Letters of Credit would exceed the L/C Sublimit, or (z) the Revolving Credit Outstandings of any Lender would exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.

(b) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to Issue any Letter of Credit if:

(i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such L/C Issuer from Issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to such L/C Issuer or any directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or direct that such L/C Issuer refrain from, the Issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder);

(ii) the expiration date of such Letter of Credit is more than one year after the date of Issuance thereof;

(iii) the expiration date of such Letter of Credit is later than five Business prior to the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date;

(iv) the Issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate any Laws binding upon such L/C Issuer;

(v) the Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars; or

(vi)(A) any fee due in connection with, and on or prior to, such Issuance has not been paid, (B) such Letter of Credit is requested to be Issued in a form that is not acceptable to such L/C Issuer or (C) such L/C Issuer shall not have received, each in form and substance reasonably acceptable to it and duly executed by the Borrower (and, if such Letter of Credit is Issued for the account of any other Group Member, the Borrower as well as such Group Member), the documents that such L/C Issuer generally uses in the ordinary course of its business for the Issuance of letters of credit of the type of such Letter of Credit (collectively, the “ L/C Reimbursement Agreement ”).

 

40


(c) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) such L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to Issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.

For each such Issuance, the applicable L/C Issuer may, but shall not be required to, determine that, or take notice whether, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied or waived in connection with the Issuance of any Letter of Credit; provided , that no Letter of Credit shall be Issued during the period starting on the first Business Day after the receipt by such L/C Issuer of notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Revolving Credit Lenders that any condition precedent contained in Section 3.2 is not satisfied and ending on the date all such conditions are satisfied or duly waived. If any Revolving Credit Lender becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Lender, if any Letter of Credit is at the time outstanding, the L/C Issuer may (except, in the case of a Defaulting Lender, to the extent the obligations of such Defaulting Lender in respect of such Letter of Credit have been fully reallocated pursuant to Section 2.19(a)), by notice to the Borrower and such Defaulting Lender through the Administrative Agent, require the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the obligations of the Borrower to the L/C Issuer in respect of such Letter of Credit in an amount at least equal to the aggregate amount of the unreallocated obligations (contingent or otherwise) of such Defaulting Lender in respect thereof.

(d) Procedures for Issuance; Auto-Renewal Letters of Credit .

(i) The Borrower shall give the relevant L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent a notice of any requested issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit (an “ L/C Request ”), which shall be effective only if received by such L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon on the third Business Day prior to the date of such requested issuance; or, such later date and time as the relevant L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in its sole discretion. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such L/C Request shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer: (a) the proposed Issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (b) the amount thereof; (c) the expiry date thereof; (d) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (e) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (f) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such L/C Request shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer (1) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (2) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); and (3) the nature of the proposed amendment.

(ii) Promptly after receipt of any such notice, the relevant L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such notice from the Borrower and, if not, such L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Upon receipt by the relevant L/C Issuer of confirmation from the Administrative Agent that the requested Issuance or amendment is permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, such L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, Issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be. Immediately upon the Issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Revolving Credit Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees, to acquire from the relevant L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Revolving Credit Lender’s Pro Rata Share times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

 

41


(iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable L/C Request, the relevant L/C Issuer shall agree to Issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic renewal provisions; provided, that, any such Letter of Credit must permit the relevant L/C Issuer to prevent any such renewal at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of Issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is Issued. Unless otherwise directed by the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the relevant L/C Issuer for any such renewal. Once an auto-renewal Letter of Credit has been issued, the applicable Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the relevant L/C Issuer to permit the renewal of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than five Business days prior to the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date; provided , that, the relevant L/C Issuer shall not permit any such renewal if the relevant L/C Issuer has determined that it would have no obligation at such time to Issue such Letter of Credit in its renewed form under the terms hereof.

(e) Reporting Obligations of L/C Issuers . Each L/C Issuer agrees to provide the Administrative Agent (which, after receipt, the Administrative Agent shall provide to each Revolving Credit Lender), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, each of the following on the following dates: (i) (A) on or prior to any Issuance of any Letter of Credit by such L/C Issuer, (B) promptly following any drawing under any such Letter of Credit or (C) promptly following any payment (or failure to pay when due) by the Borrower of any related L/C Reimbursement Obligation, notice thereof, which shall contain a reasonably detailed description of such Issuance, drawing or payment and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent (or any Revolving Credit Lender through the Administrative Agent), copies of any Letter of Credit Issued by such L/C Issuer and any related L/C Reimbursement Agreement and such other documents and information as may reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent.

(f) Reimbursement Obligations of the Borrower . The Borrower agrees to pay to the L/C Issuer of any Letter of Credit each L/C Reimbursement Obligation owing with respect to such Letter of Credit no later than the first Business Day after the Borrower receives notice from such L/C Issuer that payment has been made under such Letter of Credit or that such L/C Reimbursement Obligation is otherwise due (the “ L/C Reimbursement Date ”) with interest thereon computed as set forth in clause (i)  below. In the event that any L/C Issuer incurs any L/C Reimbursement Obligation not repaid by the Borrower as provided in this clause (e)  (or any such payment by the Borrower is rescinded or set aside for any reason), such L/C Issuer shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such failure (and, upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall forward a copy to each Revolving Credit Lender) and, irrespective of whether such notice is given, such L/C Reimbursement Obligation shall be payable on demand by the Borrower with interest thereon computed (i) from and including the date on which such L/C Reimbursement Obligation arose to the L/C Reimbursement Date but excluding the date such payment is made in full, at the interest rate applicable during such period to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, and (ii) thereafter until payment in full, at the interest rate applicable during such period to past due Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans.

(g) Reimbursement Obligations of the Revolving Credit Lenders . Upon receipt of the notice described in clause (e)  above from the Administrative Agent, each Revolving Credit Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such L/C Issuer its Pro Rata Share of such L/C Reimbursement Obligation. By making such payment (other than during the continuation of an Event of Default under Section 9.1(e) ), such Lender shall be deemed to have made a Revolving Loan to the

 

42


Borrower, which, upon receipt thereof by such L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall be deemed to have used in whole to repay such L/C Reimbursement Obligation. Any such payment that is not deemed a Revolving Loan shall be deemed a funding by such Lender of its participation in the applicable Letter of Credit and the L/C Obligation in respect of the related L/C Reimbursement Obligations. Such participation shall not otherwise be required to be funded. Following receipt by any L/C Issuer of any payment from any Lender pursuant to this clause (f)  with respect to any portion of any L/C Reimbursement Obligation, such L/C Issuer shall promptly pay over to such Lender all payments received by such L/C Issuer with respect to such portion of such L/C Reimbursement Obligation.

(h) Obligations Absolute . The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit Issued by it shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

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

(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that any Loan Party may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the relevant L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;

(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

(iv) any payment by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding;

(v) any exchange, release or nonperfection of any Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from the Guaranty and Security Agreement or any other guarantee, for all or any of the Obligations of any Loan Party in respect of such Letter of Credit;

(vi) any loss or delay, including in the transmission of any document; or

(vii) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party;

provided, that, the foregoing shall not excuse any L/C Issuer from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential, punitive or special damages, claims in respect of

 

43


which are waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Law) suffered by the Borrower to the extent such damages are determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have been caused by such L/C Issuer’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach in bad faith of any Loan Document when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.

(i) Conflict with L/C Request . Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in any L/C Request, in the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any L/C Request, the terms hereof shall control.

(j) Addition of an L/C Issuer . A Revolving Credit Lender (or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates) may become an additional L/C Issuer hereunder pursuant to a written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such Revolving Credit Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Credit Lenders of any such additional L/C Issuer.

Section 2.5 Reduction and Termination of the Commitments . (a)  Optional . The Borrower may, upon at least two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate in whole or reduce in part ratably any unused portion of the Revolving Credit Commitments; provided , that each partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000.

(b) Mandatory . All outstanding Commitments shall terminate (i) in the case of the Term Loan Facility, at 5:00 p.m. on the Closing Date and (ii) in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, on the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date.

Section 2.6 Repayment of Obligations . (a) The Borrower shall repay the entire unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Loans on the Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date.

(b) The Borrower shall repay the Term Loans on the Term Loan Maturity Date and at the dates and in the amounts set forth below:

 

Date

  Amount

December 31, 2010

  $1,187,500

March 31, 2011

  $1,187,500

June 30, 2011

  $1,187,500

September 30, 2011

  $1,187,500

December 31, 2011

  $2,375,000

March 31, 2012

  $2,375,000

June 30, 2012

  $2,375,000

September 30, 2012

  $2,375,000

Term Loan Maturity Date

  The outstanding principal balance

(c) The Borrower promises to pay to the Secured Hedging Counterparty under any Secured Hedging Support Document an amount equal to the amount of any payment made by such Secured Hedging Counterparty under such Secured Hedging Support Document within one Business Day after the date such payment by such Secured Hedging Counterparty is made.

Section 2.7 Optional Prepayments . The Borrower may prepay to the Administrative Agent, with one Business Day notice, the outstanding principal amount of any Loan in whole or in part at any time (together with any breakage costs that may be owing pursuant to Section 2.16(a) after giving effect to such prepayment); provided , that each partial prepayment that is not of the entire outstanding amount under any Facility shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000. Any payments made to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.7 shall be applied to the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.12.

 

44


Section 2.8 Mandatory Prepayments . (a)  Excess Cash Flow . The Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid to the Administrative Agent, within five (5) Business Days after the date Financial Statements are delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(b) (or, if earlier, the date required to be delivered) for any Excess Cash Flow Period, an amount equal to the sum (to the extent positive) of (i) 50% of the Excess Cash Flow for such Excess Cash Flow Period, minus (ii) the amount of any voluntary prepayment permitted hereunder of the Term Loans during such Excess Cash Flow Period to the extent not financed (or intended to be financed) using the proceeds of the incurrence of Indebtedness; provided , that, (x) if the Consolidated Leverage Ratio of Borrower on the last day of any Excess Cash Flow Period is greater than 1.50 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00, then such percentage for such Excess Cash Flow Period shall be 25%, and (y) if the Consolidated Leverage Ratio of Borrower on the last day of any Excess Cash Flow Period is less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00, then such percentage for such Excess Cash Flow Period shall be 0%.

(b) Debt Issuances . Upon receipt on or after the Closing Date by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of Net Cash Proceeds arising from the incurrence by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness (other than any such Indebtedness permitted under Section 8.1 ), the Borrower shall promptly pay or cause to be paid to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds.

(c) Asset Sales and Property Loss Events . Upon receipt on or after the Closing Date by any Group Member of Net Cash Proceeds arising from (i) any Sale by any Group Member of any of its property, including Stock held by it, or any issuance of shares of its own Stock, in each case pursuant to clause (a)(ii) , (b)(ii) or (e)  of Section 8.4 or that is not permitted by Section 8.4 or (ii) any Property Loss Event with respect to any property of any Group Member, the Borrower shall promptly pay or cause to be paid to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of Obligations outstanding on such date of determination and (y) 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds; provided , that upon any such receipt, as long as no Event of Default shall be continuing, any Group Member may make Permitted Reinvestments with such Net Cash Proceeds and the Borrower shall not be required to make or cause such payment to the extent (x) such Net Cash Proceeds are intended to be used to make Permitted Reinvestments and (y) on each Reinvestment Prepayment Date for such Net Cash Proceeds, the Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of Obligations outstanding on such date of determination and (y) the Reinvestment Prepayment Amount applicable to such Reinvestment Prepayment Date and such Net Cash Proceeds.

(d) Excess Outstandings . On any date on which the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Credit Outstandings exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such excess.

(e) Equity Issuances . On the date of receipt by Parent (or any direct or indirect parent of Parent) of any proceeds from the issuance of any Stock (other than proceeds from any issuance of any Stock to the Permitted Investors (other than Specified Equity Contributions) or pursuant to any stock option or similar equity incentive plans), the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to 100% of such proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other reasonable costs and expenses associated therewith, including reasonable legal fees and expenses, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent an amount equal thereto.

(f) Application of Payments . Any payments made to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.8 shall be applied to the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.12(b) .

 

45


Section 2.9 Interest . (a)  Rate . All Loans and the outstanding amount of all other Obligations shall bear interest, in the case of Loans, on the unpaid principal amount thereof from the date such Loans are made and, in the case of such other Obligations, from the date such other Obligations are due and payable until, in all cases, paid in full, except as otherwise provided in clause (c)  below, as follows: (i) in the case of Base Rate Loans, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate and the Applicable Margin, each as in effect from time to time, (ii) in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate and the Applicable Margin, each as in effect for the applicable Interest Period, and (iii) in the case of other Obligations (other than Secured Hedging Reimbursement Obligations and other Obligations owing under any Secured Hedging Document), at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate and the Applicable Margin for Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, each as in effect from time to time.

(b) Payments . Interest accrued shall be payable in arrears (i) if accrued on the principal amount of any Loan, (A) at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise), (B) if such Loan is a Term Loan, upon the payment or prepayment of the principal amount on which such interest has accrued and (C)(1) if such Loan is a Base Rate Loan, on the last day of each calendar quarter commencing on the first such day following the making of such Loan, (2) if such Loan is a Eurodollar Rate Loan, on the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan, upon any prepayment of such Loan or termination of the applicable Interest Period and, if applicable, on each date during such Interest Period occurring every 3 months from the first day of such Interest Period, and (ii) if accrued on any other Obligation, on demand from any after the time such Obligation is due and payable (whether by acceleration or otherwise).

(c) Default Interest . Notwithstanding the rates of interest specified in clause (a) above or elsewhere in any Loan Document, effective immediately upon (A) the occurrence of any Event of Default under Section 9.1(a) or (e)  or (B) the delivery of a notice by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to the Borrower during the continuance of any other Event of Default and, in each case, for as long as such Event of Default shall be continuing, the unpaid balance of all Obligations (including any Obligation that bears interest by reference to the rate applicable to any other Obligation) then outstanding shall bear interest at a rate that is 2% per annum in excess of the interest rate applicable to such Obligations from time to time, payable on demand or, in the absence of demand, on the date that would otherwise be applicable.

(d) Savings Clause . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of the 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 the 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, the Borrower shall continue to pay interest hereunder at the Maximum Lawful Rate until such time as the total interest received by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of 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.

Section 2.10 Conversion and Continuation Options . (a)  Option . The Borrower may elect (i) in the case of any Eurodollar Rate Loan, (A) to continue such Eurodollar Rate Loan or any portion thereof for an additional Interest Period on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto and (B) to convert such Eurodollar Rate Loan or any portion thereof into a Base Rate Loan at any time on any Business Day, subject to the payment of any breakage costs required by Section 2.16(a) , and (ii) in the case of Base Rate Loans, to convert such Base Rate Loans or any portion thereof into Eurodollar Rate Loans at any time on

 

46


any Business Day upon 3 Business Days’ prior notice; provided , that, (x) for each Interest Period, the aggregate amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans having such Interest Period must be an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and (y) no conversion in whole or in part of Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans and no continuation in whole or in part of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be permitted at any time at which (1) a Default or an Event of Default shall be continuing or (2) such continuation or conversion would be made during a suspension imposed by Section 2.15 .

(b) Procedure . Each such election shall be made by giving the Administrative Agent at least 3 Business Days’ prior notice in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.10(b) (a “ Notice of Conversion or Continuation ”) duly completed. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of a Notice of Conversion or Continuation and of the options selected therein. If the Administrative Agent does not receive a timely Notice of Conversion or Continuation from the Borrower containing a permitted election to continue or convert any Eurodollar Rate Loan, then, upon the expiration of the applicable Interest Period, such Loan shall be automatically converted to a Base Rate Loan. Each partial conversion or continuation shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders in the applicable Facility in accordance with their Pro Rata Share.

Section 2.11 Fees . (a)  Unused Commitment Fee . The Borrower agrees to pay to each Revolving Credit Lender a commitment fee on the actual daily amount by which the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender exceeds its Pro Rata Share of the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans and (ii) the outstanding amount of the L/C Obligations for all Letters of Credit (the “ Unused Commitment Fee ”) from the date hereof through the Revolving Credit Termination Date at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin, payable in arrears (x) on the last day of each calendar quarter and (y) on the Revolving Credit Termination Date.

(b) Letter of Credit Fees . The Borrower agrees to pay, with respect to all Letters of Credit issued by any L/C Issuer, (i) to such L/C Issuer, for its own account, (A) on the last day of each calendar quarter and on the Revolving Credit Termination Date, a fronting fee in respect of each Letter of Credit issued by such L/C Issuer for the period from and including the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit to and including the termination of such Letter of Credit, computed at a rate equal to 1/4 of 1% per annum of the daily average stated amount of such Letter of Credit, provided that the fronting fees paid per annum for any such Letter of Credit shall not be less than $500, plus (B) in connection with the issuance, amendment or transfer of any such Letter of Credit or any payment or disbursement made by an L/C Issuer pursuant to a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such L/C Issuer, such customary fees and standard costs and charges being due and payable within five (5) Business Days of demand and are nonrefundable, and (ii) to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Revolving Credit Lenders according to their Pro Rata Shares, a fee accruing at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin for Revolving Loans that are Eurodollar Rate Loans on the maximum undrawn face amount of such Letters of Credit, payable in arrears (A) on the last day of each calendar quarter, ending after the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (B) on the Revolving Credit Termination Date; provided , that the fee payable under this clause (ii)  shall be increased by 2% per annum and shall be payable, in addition to being payable on any date it is otherwise required to be paid hereunder, on demand effective immediately upon (x) the occurrence of any Event of Default under Section 9.1(a) or (e)  or (y) the delivery of a notice by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to the Borrower during the continuance of any other Event of Default and, in each case, for as long as such Event of Default shall be continuing.

(c) Additional Fees . The Borrower has agreed to pay to the Administrative Agent, the Syndication Agent and the Arrangers additional fees as agreed from time to time in writing.

 

47


(d) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, during such period as a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender will not be entitled to any fees accruing during such period pursuant to Sections 2.11(a) and 2.11(b) (without prejudice to the rights of the Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders in respect of such fees), provided that in the case of a Defaulting Lender that was or is a Lender (x) to the extent that a portion of the obligations of such Defaulting Lender in respect of outstanding Letters of Credit is reallocated to the Non-Defaulting Lenders pursuant to Section 2.19(a), such fees that would have accrued for the benefit of such Defaulting Lender will instead accrue for the benefit of and be payable to such Non-Defaulting Lenders, pro rata in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitments, and (y) to the extent any portion of such obligations of such Defaulting Lender cannot be so reallocated, such fees will instead accrue for the benefit of and be payable to the L/C Issuer as its interests appear (and the pro rata payment provisions of Section 2.12(d) will automatically be deemed adjusted to reflect the provisions of this Section 2.11 ).

Section 2.12 Application of Payments . (a)  Application of Voluntary Prepayments . Unless otherwise provided in this Section 2.12 or elsewhere in any Loan Document, all payments and any other amounts received by the Administrative Agent from or for the benefit of the Borrower (including optional prepayments pursuant to Section 2.7 ) shall be applied to repay the Obligations as the Borrower designates.

(b) Application of Mandatory Prepayments . Subject to the provisions of clause (c)  below with respect to the application of payments during the continuance of an Event of Default, any payment made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.8 or any other prepayment of the Obligations required to be applied in accordance with this clause (b)  shall be applied: (i) to the remaining scheduled amortization payments of the Term Loans as the Borrower may direct; and (ii) after payment in full of the Term Loans, to the Revolving Loans, without any reduction of the Revolving Commitments.

(c) Application of Payments During an Event of Default . Each of Parent and the Borrower hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees to cause each Loan Party and each other Group Member to waive, the right to direct the application during the continuance of an Event of Default of any and all payments in respect of any Obligation and any proceeds of Collateral and agrees that, notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a)  above, the Administrative Agent may, and, upon either (A) the direction of the Required Lenders or (B) the termination of any Commitment or the acceleration of any Obligation pursuant to Section 9.2 , shall, apply all payments in respect of any Obligation, all funds on deposit in any Cash Collateral Account and all other proceeds of Collateral (i)  first , to pay Obligations in respect of any cost or expense reimbursements, fees or indemnities then due to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent in such capacities, (ii)  second , to pay Obligations in respect of any cost or expense reimbursements, fees or indemnities then due to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, (iii)  third , to pay interest then due and payable in respect of the Loans and L/C Reimbursement Obligations and interest then due and payable in respect of any amount owing under any Secured Hedging Document or Secured Cash Management Agreement, (iv)  fourth , to repay the outstanding principal amounts of the Loans and L/C Reimbursement Obligations, to provide cash collateral for Letters of Credit in the manner and to the extent described in Section 9.4 and to pay amounts, other than interest, owing with respect to Secured Hedging Documents and Secured Cash Management Agreements, and (v)  fifth , to the ratable payment of all other Obligations.

(d) Application of Payments Generally . All payments that would otherwise be allocated to the Revolving Credit Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall instead be allocated first , to repay interest on any portion of the Revolving Loans that the Administrative Agent may have advanced on behalf of any Lender and on any L/C Reimbursement Obligation for which the Administrative Agent or, as the case may be, the L/C Issuer has not then been reimbursed by such Lender or the Borrower, second

 

48


to pay the outstanding principal amount of the foregoing obligations and third , to repay the Revolving Loans. All repayments of any Revolving Loans or Term Loans shall be applied first, to repay such Loans outstanding as Base Rate Loans and then , to repay such Loans outstanding as Eurodollar Rate Loans, with those Eurodollar Rate Loans having earlier expiring Interest Periods being repaid prior to those having later expiring Interest Periods. Except to the extent otherwise provided in Sections 2.12(a) and (b) , all repayments of Term Loans shall be applied to reduce ratably the remaining installments of such outstanding principal amounts of the Term Loans. If sufficient amounts are not available to repay all outstanding Obligations described in any priority level set forth in this Section 2.12 , the available amounts shall be applied, unless otherwise expressly specified herein, to such Obligations ratably based on the proportion of the Secured Parties’ interest in such Obligations. Each payment by Borrower of interest in respect of the Loans shall be applied to the amounts of such obligations owing to the Lenders pro rata according to the respective amounts then due and owing to the Lenders. Each payment on account of principal of the Term Loans shall be allocated among the Term Loan Lenders pro rata based on the principal amount of the Term Loans held by the Term Loan Lenders. Each payment by Borrower on account of principal of the Revolving Loans shall be made pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Revolving Loans then held by the Revolving Credit Lenders. Any priority level set forth in this Section 2.12 that includes interest shall include all such interest, whether or not accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or similar proceeding, and whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in any such proceeding.

Section 2.13 Payments and Computations . (a)  Procedure . The Borrower shall make each payment under any Loan Document not later than 2:00 p.m. on the day when due to the Administrative Agent by wire transfer to the following account (or at such other account or by such other means to such other address as the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Borrower in writing within a reasonable time prior to such payment) in immediately available Dollars without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff:

ABA No. 021-000021

Account Number: 920-1033363

For further credit to A/C 293-7464, Transit 01269

RBCCM Agency Services, New York

Account Name: Royal Bank of Canada, New York

Reference: Francesca’s Collections, Inc

The Administrative Agent shall promptly thereafter cause to be distributed immediately available funds relating to the payment of principal, interest or fees to the Lenders, in accordance with the application of payments set forth in Section 2.12 . The Lenders shall make any payment under any Loan Document in immediately available Dollars and without setoff or counterclaim. Each Revolving Credit Lender shall make each payment for the account of any L/C Issuer required pursuant to Section 2.4 (A) if the notice or demand therefor was received by such Lender prior to 2:00 p.m. on any Business Day, on such Business Day and (B) otherwise, on the Business Day following such receipt. Payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed to be received on the next Business Day.

(b) Computations of Interests and Fees . All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans shall be made by on the basis of a year of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days or three hundred and sixty-six (366) days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a three hundred and sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which such Loan is made, and shall not accrue on such Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which such Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any such Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear

 

49


interest for one (1) day. Each determination of an interest rate or the amount of a fee hereunder shall be made by the Administrative Agent (including determinations of a Eurodollar Rate or Base Rate in accordance with the definitions of “Eurodollar Rate” and “Base Rate”, respectively) or, if applicable in the case of the Eurodollar Rate used to determine interest on Secured Hedging Reimbursement Obligations, the applicable Secured Hedging Counterparty shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

(c) Payment Dates . Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, the due date for such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day without any increase in such payment as a result of additional interest or fees; provided , that such interest and fees shall continue accruing as a result of such extension of time.

(d) Advancing Payments . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower to the Lenders prior to the date on which any payment is due hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon (at the Federal Funds Rate for the first Business Day and thereafter, at the rate applicable to Base Rate Loans under the applicable Facility) for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Administrative Agent.

Section 2.14 Evidence of Debt . (a)  Records of Lenders . Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts evidencing Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan of such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time under this Agreement (the “ Participant Register ”). In addition, each Lender having sold a participation in any of its Obligations or having identified an SPV as such to the Administrative Agent, acting as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower solely for this purpose and solely for tax purposes, shall establish and maintain at its address referred to in Section 11.11 (or at such other address as such Lender shall notify the Borrower) a record of ownership, in which such Lender shall register by book entry (A) the name and address of each such participant and SPV (and each change thereto, whether by assignment or otherwise) and (B) the principal amounts (and related interest amounts), rights, interest or obligation of each such participant and SPV in any Obligation, in any Commitment and in any right to receive any payment hereunder. Each Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.

(b) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 11.11 a copy of each Assignment delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addressed of the Lenders and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, L/C Reimbursement Obligations (specifying the Unreimbursed Amounts), owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrowers, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers, any Agent and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice (but no Lender shall be entitled to view any information in the Register except such information contained therein with respect to the of Obligations owing to such Lender).

 

50


(c) Registered Obligations . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Loans (including any Notes evidencing such Loans and, in the case of Revolving Loans, the corresponding obligations to participate in L/C Obligations) and the L/C Reimbursement Obligations are registered obligations, the right, title and interest of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer and their assignees in and to such Loans or L/C Reimbursement Obligations, as the case may be, shall be transferable only upon notation of such transfer in the Register and no assignment thereof shall be effective until recorded therein. This Section 2.14 and Section 11.2 shall be construed so that the Loans and 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 and any related regulations (and any successor provisions).

(d) Standard of Evidence . The entries made in the Register and in the accounts maintained pursuant to clauses (a)  and (b)  above shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Requirements of Law, be conclusive (absent manifest error) of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided , that no error or omission in such account and no failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain any such account shall affect the obligations of any Loan Party to repay the Loans in accordance with their terms and no Lender or Administrative Agent shall be liable for any such errors or omissions. In addition, the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender or L/C Issuer, as applicable, for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding notice to the contrary. Information contained in the Register with respect to any Lender or any L/C Issuer shall be available for access by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, such Lender or such L/C Issuer at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. No Lender or 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 Lender or L/C Issuer unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent.

(e) Notes . Upon any Lender’s request, the Borrower shall promptly execute and deliver Notes to such Lender evidencing the Loans of such Lender in a Facility and substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.14(e) ; provided , that only one Note for each Facility shall be issued to each Lender, except (i) to an existing Lender exchanging existing Notes to reflect changes in the Register relating to such Lender, in which case the new Notes delivered to such Lender shall be dated the date of the original Notes and (ii) in the case of loss, destruction or mutilation of existing Notes and similar circumstances. Each Note, if issued, shall only be issued as means to evidence the right, title or interest of a Lender or a registered assignee in and to the related Loan, as set forth in the Register, and in no event shall any Note be considered a bearer instrument or obligation.

Section 2.15 Suspension of Eurodollar Rate Option . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Article II , the following shall apply:

(a) Interest Rate Unascertainable or Inadequate . In the event that (A) the Administrative Agent determines that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rates by reference to which the Eurodollar Rate is determined or (B) the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period will not adequately reflect the cost to the Lenders of making or maintaining such Loans for such Interest Period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon the obligation of each Lender to make or to continue Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended as provided in clause (c)  below until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower that the Required Lenders have determined that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

(b) Illegality . If any Lender determines that the introduction of, or any change in or in the interpretation of, any Requirement of Law after the date of this Agreement shall make it unlawful, or any Governmental Authority shall assert that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable lending office

 

51


to make Eurodollar Rate Loans or to continue to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans, then, on notice thereof and demand therefor by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, the obligation of such Lender to make or to continue Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended as provided in clause (c)  below until such Lender shall, through the Administrative Agent, notify the Borrower that it has determined that it may lawfully make Eurodollar Rate Loans.

(c) Effect of Suspension . If the obligation of any Lender to make or to continue Eurodollar Rate Loans is suspended, (A) the obligation of such Lender to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, (B) such Lender shall make a Base Rate Loan at any time such Lender would otherwise be obligated to make a Eurodollar Rate Loan, (C) the Borrower may revoke any pending Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion or Continuation to make or continue any Eurodollar Rate Loan or to convert any Base Rate Loan into a Eurodollar Rate Loan and (D) each Eurodollar Rate Loan of such Lender shall automatically and immediately (or, in the case of any suspension pursuant to clause (a)  above, on the last day of the current Interest Period thereof) be converted into a Base Rate Loan.

Section 2.16 Breakage Costs; Increased Costs; Capital Requirements . (a)  Breakage Costs . The Borrower shall compensate each Lender, upon demand from such Lender to such Borrower (with copy to the Administrative Agent), for all Liabilities (including, in each case, those incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to prepare to fund, to fund or to maintain the Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to the Borrower but excluding any loss of the Applicable Margin on the relevant Loans) that such Lender may incur (A) to the extent, for any reason other than solely by reason of such Lender being a Defaulting Lender, a proposed Borrowing, conversion into or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or a Notice of Conversion or Continuation or in a similar request made by telephone by the Borrower, (B) to the extent any Eurodollar Rate Loan is paid (whether through a scheduled, optional or mandatory prepayment) or converted to a Base Rate Loan (including because of Section 2.15 ) on a date that is not the last day of the applicable Interest Period or (C) as a consequence of any failure by the Borrower to repay Eurodollar Rate Loans when required by the terms hereof. For purposes of this clause (a) , each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it using a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank market.

(b) Increased Costs . If at any time any Lender or L/C Issuer determines that, after the date hereof, the adoption of, or any change in or in the interpretation, application or administration of, or compliance with, any Requirement of Law (other than any imposition or increase of Eurodollar Reserve Requirements) from any Governmental Authority shall have the effect of (i) increasing the cost to such Lender of making, funding or maintaining any Eurodollar Rate Loan or to agree to do so or of participating, or agreeing to participate, in extensions of credit, (ii) increasing the cost to such L/C Issuer of Issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or of agreeing to do so or (iii) imposing any other cost to such Lender or L/C Issuer with respect to compliance with its obligations under any Loan Document, (other than, in each case, with respect to all taxes (including Indemnified Taxes and Other Taxes) which shall be governed by Section 2.17 ), then, upon demand by such Lender or L/C Issuer (with copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or L/C Issuer amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or L/C Issuer for such increased cost.

(c) Increased Capital Requirements . If at any time any Lender or L/C Issuer determines that, after the date hereof, the adoption of, or any change in or in the interpretation, application or administration of, or compliance with, any Requirement of Law (other than any imposition or increase of Eurodollar Reserve Requirements) from any Governmental Authority regarding capital adequacy, reserves, special deposits, compulsory loans, insurance charges against property of, deposits with or for the account of, Obligations owing to, or other credit extended or participated in by, any Lender or L/C

 

52


Issuer or any similar requirement (in each case other than any imposition or increase of Eurodollar Reserve Requirements) shall have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or L/C Issuer (or any corporation controlling such Lender or L/C Issuer) as a consequence of its obligations under or with respect to any Loan Document or Letter of Credit to a level below that which, taking into account the capital adequacy policies of such Lender, L/C Issuer or corporation, such Lender, L/C Issuer or corporation could have achieved but for such adoption or change, then, upon demand from time to time by such Lender or L/C Issuer (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or L/C Issuer amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or L/C Issuer for such reduction.

(d) Compensation Certificate . Each demand for compensation under this Section 2.16 shall be accompanied by a certificate of the Lender or L/C Issuer claiming such compensation, setting forth the amounts to be paid hereunder, which certificate shall be conclusive, binding and final for all purposes, absent manifest error. In determining such amount, such Lender or L/C Issuer may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

Section 2.17 Taxes . (a)  Payments Free and Clear of Taxes . Each payment to any Secured Party by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, assessments, withholdings or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority and all interest. additions to tax or penalties with respect thereto (and without deduction for any of them) (collectively, the “ Taxes ”) other than for (i) Taxes measured by net income (including branch profits taxes and other similar taxes) and franchise taxes imposed in lieu of net income taxes, in each case imposed on any Secured Party by the United States or 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 such recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations or received a payment under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to, or enforced, any Loan Document or any Secured Hedging Support Document), (ii) Taxes that are directly attributable to the failure by any Secured Party to deliver the documentation required to be delivered pursuant to clause (f)  below, or (iii) in the case of a Secured Party making a Loan to the Borrower, any withholding tax (including any backup withholding tax) that is imposed by the United States federal government (or a jurisdiction as a result of such Secured Party being organized or having its principal office or its applicable lending office in such jurisdiction or as a result of such Secured Party engaging in a trade or business in such jurisdiction for tax purposes, other than a trade or business deemed to arise by virtue of entering into this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any of the transactions contemplated under such documents) and is imposed pursuant to any Requirement of Law in effect at the time such Secured Party acquires the applicable interest in such Loan (or designates a new lending office), except to the extent that such Secured Party (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from a Secured Party with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to this Section 2.17(a) or Section 2.17(d) (all such non-excluded Taxes being hereinafter referred to as “ Indemnified Taxes ”).

(b) Gross-Up . If any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes shall be required by law to be deducted by any Secured Party or other applicable withholding agent from or in respect of any amount payable under any Loan Document to any Secured Party (i) such amount shall be increased by the applicable Loan Party as necessary to ensure that, after all required deductions for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes are made (including deductions applicable to any increases to any amount under this Section 2.17 ), such Secured Party receives the amount it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions, (iii) the applicable withholding agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxing authority or other authority in accordance

 

53


with applicable Requirements of Law and (iv) if a Loan Party is the applicable withholding agent, as soon as practicable after such payment is made, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an original or certified copy of a receipt evidencing such payment.

(c) Other Taxes . In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay, and authorizes the Administrative Agent to pay on behalf of the Borrower, any present or future stamp, documentary, excise or property or similar Taxes imposed by any applicable Requirement of Law or Governmental Authority (including by reason of any delay in payment thereof), in each case arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, registration of, or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein (collectively, “ Other Taxes ”). As soon as practicable after the date of any payment of Other Taxes by any Loan Party, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent, at its address referred to in Section 11.11 , the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

(d) Indemnification . The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless, within 30 days after receipt of demand therefor (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), each Secured Party for all Indemnified Taxes and Other Taxes (including any Indemnified Taxes and Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.17 ) paid by such Secured Party and any Liabilities arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate of the Secured Party (or of the Administrative Agent on behalf of such Secured Party) claiming any compensation under this Section 2.17(d) , setting forth the amounts to be paid thereunder, together with reasonable supporting documentation of the imposition of such Indemnified Tax or Other Tax, shall be delivered to the Borrower with copy to the Administrative Agent, and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. In determining such amount, the Administrative Agent and such Secured Party may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods. If the Borrower reasonably believes that any such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes have been incorrectly imposed, the Borrower may request that the relevant Secured Party contest such imposition by the relevant Governmental Authority at the Borrower’s expense (so long as such efforts would not, in the sole determination of such Secured Party, result in any unreimbursed costs or expenses or be otherwise materially disadvantageous to it) and, if such Secured Party successfully contests such imposition and receives a refund therefor, such Secured Party shall use such refund to reimburse the Borrower for the amount of such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Borrower to the extent provided by Section 2.17(g) ; provided , that the Borrower shall not be relieved from its reimbursement and indemnification obligations under this Section 2.17(d) during any such contest. Any amounts payable under this Section 2.17(d) shall be paid within 10 business days after written demand is made by a Secured Party.

(e) Mitigation . Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.17 shall use its reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policies and Requirements of Law) to change the jurisdiction of its applicable 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 reasonable determination of such Lender, result in any unreimbursed costs or expenses or be otherwise materially disadvantageous to such Lender.

(f) Tax Forms . Each Secured Party shall, at such times as are reasonably requested by Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide Borrower and the Administrative Agent with any documentation prescribed by law, or reasonably requested by Borrower or the Administrative Agent, certifying as to any entitlement of such Secured Party to an exemption from, or reduction in, any withholding Tax with respect to any payments to be made to such Secured Party under the Loan Documents. Unless the Borrower and the Administrative Agent have received forms or other documents

 

54


satisfactory to it indicating that payments under any Loan Document to or for a Secured Party are not subject to withholding tax or are subject to such Tax at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty, the Borrower, Administrative Agent or other applicable withholding agent shall withhold amounts required to be withheld by applicable law from such payments at the applicable statutory rate.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(i) Each Secured Party that is a United States person (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall deliver to Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Secured Party is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding.

(ii) Each Lender that is not a United States person (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall deliver to Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter when required by law or upon the reasonable request of Borrower or the Administrative Agent) whichever of the following is applicable:

(I) two duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or any successor forms) claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States of America is a party,

(II) two duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),

(III) in the case of a Secured Party claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate, in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.17(f) (any such certificate a “ United States Tax Compliance Certificate ”), or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent, to the effect that such Secured Party is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and that no payments in connection with the Loan Documents are effectively connected with such Secured Party’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business and (y) two duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or any successor forms),

(IV) to the extent a Secured Party is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Secured Party is a partnership, or is a Secured Party that has granted a participation), Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Secured Party, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY (or other successor forms) or any other required information from each beneficial owner, as applicable ( provided that, if the Secured Party is a partnership (and not a participating Secured Party) and one or more beneficial owners are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate shall be provided by such Secured Party on behalf of such beneficial owner(s)), or

(V) any other form prescribed by applicable requirements of U.S. federal income tax law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable requirements of law to permit Borrower and the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

 

55


Each Secured Party shall, from time to time after the initial delivery by such Secured Party of the forms described above, whenever a lapse in time, change in such Secured Party’s circumstances or change in applicable law renders such forms, certificates or other evidence so delivered expired, invalid, obsolete or inaccurate, promptly (1) deliver to Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) renewals, amendments or additional or successor forms, properly completed and duly executed by such Secured Party, together with any other certificate or statement of exemption required in order to confirm or establish such Secured Party’s status or that such Secured Party is entitled to an exemption from or reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax or (2) notify Administrative Agent and Borrower of its inability to deliver any such forms, certificates or other evidence.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause (f), a Secured Party shall not be required to deliver any form that such Secured Party is not legally eligible to deliver.

(g) [Reserved].

(h) For the avoidance of doubt, any payments made by the Administrative Agent to any Lender shall be treated as payments made by the applicable Loan Party.

(i) Solely for purposes of this Section 2.17 , the term “Loan Documents” shall not include the Secured Hedging Support Documents, the tax gross-up and tax indemnity obligations for which (if any) shall be addressed in such documents.

Section 2.18 Substitution of Lenders . (a)  Substitution Right . In the event that any Lender in any Facility that is not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent (an “ Affected Lender ”), (i) makes a claim under clause (b)  ( Increased Costs ) or (c)  ( Increased Capital Requirements ) of Section 2.16 , (ii) notifies the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.15(b) ( Illegality ) that it becomes illegal for such Lender to continue to fund or make any Eurodollar Rate Loan in such Facility, (iii) makes a claim for payment pursuant to Section 2.17(b) or (d) , (iv) becomes a Defaulting Lender with respect to such Facility, or (v) does not consent to any amendment, waiver or consent to any Loan Document for which the consent of the Required Lenders has been obtained but that requires the consent of other Lenders in such Facility, the Borrower may substitute for such Affected Lender in such Facility any Lender or any Affiliate or Approved Fund of any Lender or any other Person acceptable (which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to the Administrative Agent and, in the case of a Revolving Credit Lender and the L/C Issuer (in each case, a “ Substitute Lender ”); provided that in the case of any such substitution resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.16 (b)  or (c)  or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17 (b)  or (d) , such substitution is reasonably expected to result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to a Lender that is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may obtain a Substitute Lender and execute an Assignment on behalf of such Defaulting Lender at any time and without prior notice to such Defaulting Lender and cause its Loans and Commitments to be sold and assigned at par.

(b) Procedure . To substitute such Affected Lender, the Borrower shall deliver a notice to the Administrative Agent and such Affected Lender. The effectiveness of such substitution shall be subject to the delivery to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower (or, as may be applicable, by the Substitute Lender) of (i) payment for the account of such Affected Lender, of, to the extent accrued through, and outstanding on, the effective date for such substitution, all Obligations owing to such Affected Lender with respect to such Facility (including those that will be owed because of such payment and all Obligations that would be owed to such Lender if it was solely a Lender in such Facility), (ii) in the case of a payment in full of the Obligations owing to such Affected Lender in the Revolving Credit

 

56


Facility, payment of any amount that, after giving effect to the termination of the Commitment of such Affected Lender, is required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.8(d) and 2.11 (as if such date was the Revolving Credit Termination Date), and (iii) (A) payment of the assignment fee set forth in Section 11.2(c) , and (B) an assumption agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent whereby the Substitute Lender shall, among other things, agree to be bound by the terms of the Loan Documents and assume the Commitment of the Affected Lender under such Facility.

(c) Effectiveness . Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in clause (b)  above, the Administrative Agent shall record such substitution or payment in the Register, whereupon (i) in the case of any payment in full in any Facility, such Affected Lender’s Commitments in such Facility shall be terminated and (ii) in the case of any substitution in any Facility, (A) the Affected Lender shall sell and be relieved of, and the Substitute Lender shall purchase and assume, all rights and claims of such Affected Lender under the Loan Documents with respect to such Facility, except that the Affected Lender shall retain such rights expressly providing that they survive the repayment of the Obligations and the termination of the Commitments, (B) the Substitute Lender shall become a “Lender” hereunder having a Commitment in such Facility in the amount of such Affected Lender’s Commitment in such Facility and (C) the Affected Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment to evidence such substitution and deliver any Note in its possession with respect to such Facility; provided , that the failure of any Affected Lender to execute any such Assignment or deliver any such Note shall not render such sale and purchase (or the corresponding assignment) invalid.

Section 2.19 Defaulting Lenders .

(a) Reallocation of Defaulting Lender Commitment, Etc . If a Revolving Credit Lender becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Lender, the following provisions shall apply with respect to any obligations of such Defaulting Lender in respect of outstanding Letters of Credit:

(i) the obligations of such Defaulting Lender in respect of outstanding Letters of Credit will, subject to the limitation in the proviso below, automatically be reallocated (effective on the day such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender) among the Non-Defaulting Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that (a) no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing at the time of such reallocation, (b) the sum of each Non-Defaulting Lender’s total obligations in respect of outstanding Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit may not in any event exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Non-Defaulting Lender as in effect at the time of such reallocation and (c) neither such reallocation nor any payment by a Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant thereto will constitute a waiver or release of any claim the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any other Lender may have against such Defaulting Lender or cause such Defaulting Lender to be a Non-Defaulting Lender;

(ii) to the extent that any portion (the “ unreallocated portion ”) of the Defaulting Lender’s obligations in respect of outstanding Letters of Credit cannot be so reallocated, by reason of the proviso in clause (i) above, the Borrower will, not later than five Business Days after demand by the Administrative Agent (at the direction of the L/C Issuer), Cash Collateralize the obligations of the Borrower to the L/C Issuer in respect of such Letters of Credit in an amount at least equal to the aggregate amount of the unreallocated portion of such Defaulting Lender’s obligations in respect thereof; and

(iii) any amount paid by the Borrower for the account of a Defaulting Lender under this Agreement (whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnity payments or other amounts) will not be paid or distributed to such Defaulting Lender, but will instead be

 

57


retained by the Administrative Agent in a segregated non-interest bearing account until (subject to Section 2.19(d) ) the termination of the Commitments and payment in full of all obligations of the Borrower hereunder and will be applied by the Administrative Agent, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the making of payments from time to time in the following order of priority: first to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, second to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the L/C Issuer under this Agreement, third to the payment of post-default interest and then current interest due and payable to the Lenders hereunder other than Defaulting Lenders, ratably among them in accordance with the amounts of such interest then due and payable to them, fourth to the payment of fees then due and payable to the Non-Defaulting Lenders hereunder, ratably among them in accordance with the amounts of such fees then due and payable to them, fifth to pay principal and unreimbursed Letter of Credit participations funded by, and then due and payable to, the Non-Defaulting Lenders hereunder ratably in accordance with the amounts thereof then due and payable to them, sixth to the ratable payment of other amounts then due and payable to the Non-Defaulting Lenders, and seventh after the termination of the Commitments and payment in full of all obligations of the Borrower hereunder, to pay amounts owing under this Agreement to such Defaulting Lender or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.

(b) Right to Give Drawdown Notices . In furtherance of the foregoing, if any Lender becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Lender, the L/C Issuer is hereby authorized by the Borrower (which authorization is irrevocable and coupled with an interest) to give, in its discretion, through the Administrative Agent, Notices of Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.2 in such amounts and in such times as may be required to (i) reimburse an outstanding L/C Reimbursement Obligation and/or (ii) Cash Collateralize the obligations of the Borrowers in respect of outstanding Letters of Credit in an amount at least equal to the aggregate amount of the obligations (contingent or otherwise) of such Defaulting Lender in respect of such Letter of Credit.

(c) Termination of Defaulting Lender Commitment . The Borrower may terminate the unused amount of the Commitment of a Defaulting Lender upon not less than three Business Days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent (which will promptly notify the Lenders thereof), and in such event the provisions of Section 2.19(a)(iii) will apply to all amounts thereafter paid by the Borrower for the account of such Defaulting Lender that is a Lender under this Agreement (in each case whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnity or other amounts), provided that such termination will not be deemed to be a waiver or release of any claim the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender may have against such Defaulting Lender.

(d) Cure . If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer agree in writing in their discretion that a Lender that is a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any amounts then held in the segregated account referred to in Section 2.19(a) ), such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase such portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders and/or make such other adjustments as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause each Lender’s obligations in respect of outstanding Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit to be on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitments, whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender and will be a Non-Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Non-Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

58


ARTICLE III

CONDITIONS TO LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT

Section 3.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans and Letters of Credit . The obligation of each Lender to make any Loan on the Closing Date and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to Issue any Letter of Credit on the Closing Date is subject to the satisfaction or due waiver of each of the following conditions precedent on or before the Closing Date:

(a) Certain Documents . The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have received on or prior to the Closing Date each of the following, each dated the Closing Date unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender:

(i) this Agreement duly executed by each Loan Party and, for the account of each Lender having requested the same by notice to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower received by each at least 3 Business Days prior to the Closing Date (or such later date as may be agreed by the Borrower), Notes in each applicable Facility conforming to the requirements set forth in Section 2.14(e) ;

(ii) the Guaranty and Security Agreement and any intellectual property security agreements, duly executed by each Loan Party, together with (A) copies of UCC and other appropriate search reports and of all effective prior filings listed therein, together with evidence of the termination of such prior filings and other documents with respect to the priority of the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral, in each case as may be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent, and (B) all documents representing all Securities being pledged pursuant to such Guaranty and Security Agreement and related undated powers or endorsements duly executed in blank;

(iii) duly executed favorable opinions of counsel to the Loan Parties in New York, Delaware and Texas, each addressed to the Agents, the Arrangers, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders and addressing such matters as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(iv) a copy of each Constituent Document of each Loan Party that is on file with any Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction, certified as of a recent date by such Governmental Authority, together with, if applicable, certificates attesting to the good standing of such Loan Party in such jurisdiction and each other jurisdiction where such Loan Party is qualified to do business as a foreign entity or where such qualification is necessary (and, if appropriate in any such jurisdiction, related tax certificates);

(v) a certificate of the secretary, assistant secretary, or other similar officer of each Loan Party certifying (A) as to the names and signatures of each officer of such Loan Party authorized to execute and deliver any Loan Document, (B) that the Constituent Documents of such Loan Party attached to such certificate are complete and correct copies of such Constituent Documents as in effect on the date of such certification (or, for any such Constituent Document delivered pursuant to clause (iv)  above, that there have been no changes from such Constituent Document so delivered), and (C) as to the resolutions of such Loan Party’s board of directors or other appropriate governing body approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of each Loan Document to which such Loan Party is a party;

 

59


(vi) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to the effect that each condition set forth in Sections 3.1(c) , (d)  and (e)  (and, with respect to such certificate, delivered on the date of the initial funding of the Term Loan, Sections 3.1(f) , (g)  and (h) ) and Sections 3.2(b) and (d)  has been satisfied;

(vii) insurance certificates in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent demonstrating that the insurance policies required by Section 7.5 are in full force and effect and have all endorsements required by such Section 7.5 ;

(viii) the Perfection Certificate and all other documents listed in, and required to be delivered on or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to, the Schedule of Documents attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1(a) (notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no landlord waivers nor collateral access agreements shall be required with respect to any property or facility leased by any Loan Party);

(ix) all Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 8.1(e) shall be evidenced by a promissory note or instrument and shall have been pledged pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and the Collateral Agent shall have received all such promissory notes or instruments, together with note powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

(x) evidence satisfactory to the Collateral Agent that Borrower has retained, at its sole cost and expense, a service provider acceptable to the Collateral Agent for the tracking of all of UCC financing statements of Borrower and the Guarantors and that will provide notification to the Collateral Agent of, among other things, the upcoming lapse or expiration thereof; and

(xi) evidence that each Loan Party shall have taken or caused to be taken such actions, including with respect to filings or recordings, reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent with respect to collateral matters.

(b) Fee and Expenses . There shall have been paid to the Administrative Agent, for the respective accounts of the Agents, the Arrangers, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as the case may be, all fees and all reimbursements of costs or expenses, in each case due and payable under any Loan Document on or before the Closing Date.

(c) Consents . On the Closing Date all requisite material governmental approvals and third party consents and other authorizations necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Loan Documents shall have been obtained and shall be in effect.

(d) Financial Statements . The Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received (in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each Lender) (i) on or prior to the Closing Date, (A) audited Consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower at January 31, 2010, and the related audited statements of income and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended, (B) unaudited Consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower at July 31, 2010 and, if available, at any subsequent date, and the related unaudited statements of income and cash flows for the Fiscal Quarter then ended, (C) the Projections, and (ii) on or prior to the Closing Date, a pro forma Consolidated balance sheet based on the unaudited Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, dated as of July 31, 2010, giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis to the Dividend and (D) to the extent unaudited Consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and cash flows of Borrower at October 31, 2010 are not available, monthly flash reports for the month ending October 31, 2010.

 

60


(e) Regulatory Information . On or prior to 5 days before the Closing Date, each Loan Party shall have provided the documentation and other information to the Administrative Agent that is required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the Patriot Act.

(f) No Material Adverse Effect . Since January 31, 2010, there have been no events, circumstances, or developments that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g) No Other Indebtedness . On the Closing Date, no Group Member shall have outstanding any Indebtedness other than (i) the Loans hereunder, (ii) Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 8.1 , and (iii) Indebtedness that complies with Section 8.1(e) .

(h) Solvency Certificate . The Lenders shall have received a solvency certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.1(h) and signed by the chief financial officer of the Borrower and of Parent, and attaching thereto supporting detail therefor reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(i) Organizational and Capital Structure . The organizational structure and capital structure of Parent and its Subsidiaries shall be set forth on Schedule 3.1 .

(j) Letter of Direction . The Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall have received a duly executed letter of direction from Borrower addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers, on behalf of itself and Lenders, directing the disbursement on the Closing Date of the proceeds of the Loans made on such date.

Section 3.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Loan and Letter of Credit . The obligation of each Lender on any date (including the Closing Date) to make any Loan and of the L/C Issuer on any date (including the Closing Date) to Issue any Letter of Credit is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

(a) Request . The Administrative Agent (and, in the case of any Issuance, the relevant L/C Issuer) shall have received, to the extent required by Article II , a written, timely and duly executed and completed Notice of Borrowing or L/C Request, as applicable.

(b) Representations and Warranties . At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Loan or, as applicable, such Issuance, the representations and warranties set forth in Article IV and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that if any representation or warranty is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, such representation shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such date with the same effect as though made on such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly related to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (provided that if any representation or warranty is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, such representation shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such earlier date).

(c) Pro Forma Compliance . With respect to any Borrowing of Term Loans after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder after giving effect to such Borrowing and the application of the proceeds therefrom.

 

61


(d) No Defaults . At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Loan or, as applicable such Issuance, no Default shall be continuing.

The representations and warranties set forth in any Notice of Borrowing or L/C Request (or any certificate delivered in connection therewith) shall be deemed to be made again on and as of the date of the relevant Loan or Issuance and the acceptance of the proceeds thereof or of the delivery of the relevant Letter of Credit.

Section 3.3 Defaulting Lenders . In addition to the other conditions precedent herein set forth, if any Lender becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Lender, the L/C Issuer will not be required to issue any Letter of Credit or to amend any outstanding Letter of Credit unless the L/C Issuer is satisfied that any exposure that would result therefrom is eliminated or fully covered by the Commitments of the Non-Defaulting Lenders or by Cash Collateralization or a combination thereof satisfactory to the L/C Issuer.

Section 3.4 Determinations of Initial Borrowing Conditions . For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 3.1 , each Lender shall be deemed to be satisfied with each document and each other matter required to be satisfactory to such Lender unless, prior to the Closing Date (or, in the case of any Term Loan made following the Closing Date, the date thereof), the Administrative Agent receives notice from such Lender specifying such Lender’s objections and such Lender has not made available its Pro Rata Share of any Borrowing scheduled to be made on the Closing Date (or, in the case of any Term Loan made following the Closing Date, the date thereof).

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each Agent to enter into the Loan Documents, each of Parent and the Borrower (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Loan Party) represents and warrants to each of them each of the following on and as of the Closing Date, the date of each Borrowing and the date of each Issuance of a Letter of Credit:

Section 4.1 Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law . Each Group Member (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) is duly qualified to do business as a foreign entity and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification is necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (c) has all requisite power and authority to own, pledge, mortgage and operate its property, to lease or sublease any property it operates under lease or sublease and to conduct its business as now or currently proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to have such power or authority would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (d) is in compliance with its Constituent Documents, (e) is in compliance with all applicable Requirements of Law (other than Environmental Laws, which are subject to Section 4.14 ), except where the failure to be in compliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (f) has made all necessary filings with, and has given all necessary notices to, each Governmental Authority having jurisdiction, to the extent required for such ownership, lease, sublease, operation, occupation or conduct of business, including reimbursement by each Governmental Authority, except where the failure to make such filings or give such notices would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

62


Section 4.2 Loans . (a)  Power and Authority . The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated therein (i) are within such Loan Party’s corporate or similar powers and, at the time of execution thereof, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and similar action (including, if applicable, consent of holders of its Securities), (ii) do not (A) contravene such Loan Party’s Constituent Documents, (B) violate any applicable Requirement of Law, (C) conflict with, contravene, constitute a default or breach under, or result in or permit the termination or acceleration of, any Contractual Obligation of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (including other Loan Documents) or any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority, other than those that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (D) result in the imposition of any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any property of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) do not require any Permit of, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any consent of, or notice to, any Person, other than (A) the filing of UCC financing statements, (B) filings with the United States Copyright Office and comparable offices in foreign jurisdictions and equivalent filings in foreign jurisdictions, (C) recordation of the Mortgages, if any, (D) such as have been made or obtained and are in full force and effect, (E) those as to which the failure to be obtained or made would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (F) filings or other actions listed on Schedule 4.2 .

(b) Due Execution and Delivery . From and after its delivery to the Administrative Agent, each Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered to the other parties thereto by each Loan Party party thereto, is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party and is enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) any implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing.

Section 4.3 Subsidiaries . (a) Set forth on Schedule 4.3 is a complete and accurate list showing, as of the Closing Date, for each Group Member and each joint venture of any of them, its jurisdiction of organization, the number of shares of each class of Stock authorized (if applicable), the number outstanding on the Closing Date and the number and percentage of the outstanding shares of each such class owned (directly or indirectly) by Parent. All outstanding Stock of each of them has been validly issued, is fully paid and non-assessable (to the extent applicable) and is owned beneficially and of record by a Group Member (or, in the case of the Borrower, Parent) free and clear of all Liens other than the security interests created by the Loan Documents and, in the case of joint ventures, Permitted Liens. There are no Stock Equivalents with respect to the Stock of any Group Member or any Subsidiary of any Group Member or any joint venture of any of them, as of the Closing Date, except as set forth on Schedule 4.3 .

(b) As of the Closing Date, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights or other agreements or commitments (other than stock options in Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent granted to employees or directors and directors’ qualifying shares in Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent) of any nature relating to any Stock of Parent, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries, except as set forth on Schedule 4.3 .

Section 4.4 Financial Statements . (a) Each of (i) the audited Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as at January 31, 2010 and the related Consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower for the Fiscal Year then ended, certified by BDO Seidman, LLP and (ii) subject to the absence of footnote disclosure and normal recurring year-end audit adjustments, the unaudited Consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower as at July 31, 2010 and the related Consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower for the six months then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent, fairly present in all material respects the Consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower as at the dates indicated and for the periods indicated in accordance with GAAP.

 

63


(b) None of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries has any material liability or other obligation (including Guaranty Obligations), contingent liabilities and liabilities for taxes, or any long-term leases or unusual forward or long-term commitments that are not reflected in the financial statements referred to in clause (a)(i). During the period from January 31, 2010 to and including the Closing Date there has been no disposition or acquisition by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries of any material part of its business or property that is not reflected in the financial statements referred to in clause (a)(i) above.

(c) The unaudited pro forma Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date has been prepared as of July 31, 2010 and reflects as of such date on a Pro Forma Basis for the Dividend and the other transactions contemplated herein to occur on the Closing Date, the Consolidated financial condition of the Borrower, and the assumptions expressed therein are reasonable based on the information available to the Borrower at such date and on the Closing Date (it being understood that such assumptions are based on good faith estimates of certain items and the actual amount of such items on the Closing Date is subject to change).

Section 4.5 Material Adverse Effect . Since January 31, 2010, there have been no events, circumstances, or developments that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.6 Solvency . Both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to (a) the Loans and Letters of Credit made or Issued on or prior to the date this representation and warranty is made, (b) the disbursement and use of the proceeds of such Loans (including the payment of the Dividend) and (c) the payment and accrual of all transaction costs in connection with the foregoing, both the Loan Parties taken as a whole and each Loan Party (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) individually are Solvent. The Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of all written analyses, evaluations and opinions with respect to the solvency of the Borrower and of Parent both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the payment of the Dividend that was provided to or presented to the board of directors of the Borrower and the sole member of Parent.

Section 4.7 Litigation . There are no pending (or, to the knowledge of Parent and any Group Member, threatened in writing) actions, investigations, suits, proceedings or arbitrations, affecting Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any property of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries at law or at equity, or with, by or before any Governmental Authority that involve the Obligations, the Loan Documents, the Letters of Credit and the other transactions contemplated therein, or that would reasonably be expected to have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. No Group Member is subject to or in default with respect to any final judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, rules or regulations of any court or any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.8 Taxes . Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax returns, reports and statements (collectively, the “ Tax Returns ”) required to be filed by each Tax Affiliate have been timely filed with the appropriate Governmental Authorities in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be filed, all such Tax Returns are true and correct in all respects, and each Tax Affiliate has timely paid all taxes reflected therein or otherwise due and payable (including in its capacity as a withholding agent) except for those taxes which are being contested in good faith by

 

64


appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves are maintained on the books of the appropriate Tax Affiliate in accordance with GAAP. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Tax Return is under audit or examination by any Governmental Authority and no notice of such an audit or examination or any assertion of any claim for Taxes has been given or made by any Governmental Authority.

Section 4.9 Margin Regulations . Neither Parent nor any Group Member (i) owns, and no proceeds of any Loan or other extensions of credit hereunder will be used for the purpose of buying or carrying, margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board) or (ii) is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such margin stock in contravention of the provisions of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, including Regulation U or X of the Federal Reserve Board. No Group Member owns any margin stock.

Section 4.10 No Burdensome Obligations; No Defaults . Neither Parent nor any Group Member is a party to any Contractual Obligation, nor does any Group Member have Constituent Documents containing obligations, and, to the knowledge of any Group Member, there are no applicable Requirements of Law, in each case the compliance with which would reasonably be expected to have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. No Group Member (and, to the knowledge of each Group Member, no other party thereto) is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation of any Group Member, other than those that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.11 Investment Company Act . No Group Member (i) is a “registered investment company” or a company “controlled” by a “registered investment company” or a “principal underwriter” of a “registered investment company” as such terms are defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940 or (ii) is subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act or under any other federal or state statute or regulation which may limit its ability to incur Indebtedness or which may otherwise render all or any portion of the Obligations unenforceable.

Section 4.12 Labor Matters . There are no strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns or lockouts existing, pending (or, to the knowledge of any Group Member, threatened) against or involving any Group Member, except for those that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.12 , 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 Group Member, (b) no petition for certification or election of any such representative is existing or pending with respect to any employee of any Group Member and (c) no such representative has sought certification or recognition with respect to any employee of any Group Member.

Section 4.13 ERISA . Schedule 4.13 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 material Benefit Plans. Except for those that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Benefit Plan is in compliance with applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Requirements of Law, (ii) there are no existing or pending (or to the knowledge of any Group Member, threatened) claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the normal course), sanctions, actions, lawsuits or other proceedings or investigations involving any Benefit Plan to which any Group Member incurs or otherwise has or would be reasonably likely to have an obligation or any Liability, (iii) no ERISA Event has occurred or, to the knowledge of any Group Member, is reasonably expected to occur, (iv) as of the Closing Date, no ERISA Event has occurred in connection with which obligations and liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of any ERISA Affiliate remain outstanding, (v) no

 

65


Title IV Plan has an Unfunded Current Liability in excess of $1,000,000 million, and (vi) no ERISA Affiliate would have any Withdrawal Liability as a result of a complete withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan on the date this representation is made.

Section 4.14 Environmental Matters . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14 , (a) the operations, property and facilities of each Group Member 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, other than non-compliances that, in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (b) no Group Member is party to, and no Group Member and no property or facility currently (or to the knowledge of any Group Member previously) owned, leased, operated, controlled or otherwise occupied by or for any Group Member is subject to or the subject of, any Contractual Obligation or any pending (or, to the knowledge of any Group Member, threatened) order, action, investigation, suit, proceeding, audit, claim, demand, dispute or notice of violation or of potential liability or similar written notice under or pursuant to any Environmental Law other than those that, in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (c) no Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority securing, in whole or in part, Environmental Liabilities has attached to any asset currently owned by any Group Member and, to the knowledge of any Group Member, no facts, circumstances or conditions exist that would reasonably be expected to result in any such Lien attaching to any such assets, (d) no Group Member has caused or suffered to occur a Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials at, on, under or from any property or facility currently owned, leased, operated or controlled by any Group Member and each such property and facility is free of contamination by any Hazardous Materials except for such Release or contamination that could not reasonably be expected to have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (e) each Group Member has made available to the Administrative Agent copies of all existing material environmental reports, reviews and audits and all material documents pertaining to actual or potential material Environmental Liabilities, in each case to the extent such reports, reviews, audits and documents are in its possession, custody or control, and (f) no Group Member has caused the Release of any Hazardous Materials or is otherwise liable for any Remedial Action at any property owned or operated by any third-party, except for such Release or Remedial Action that could not reasonably be expected to have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.15 Intellectual Property . Each Group Member owns or possesses, or is licensed to use, all Intellectual Property necessary for the present conduct of its business, without any conflict (of which the Borrower has been notified in writing) with the rights of others, and free from any burdensome restrictions on the present conduct of the Business, except where such conflicts and restrictions would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.16 Title; Real Property . (a) Each Group Member has good and marketable fee simple title to or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all its real properties (including all owned real property subject to a Mortgage) except, with regards to owned real property, for defects in title that do not materially (x) interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties and assets for their intended purposes or (y) impair the value of such properties and assets and owns all personal property that is purported to be owned by it, and except where the failure to have such title would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and none of such properties is subject to any Liens, except for Permitted Liens. Each Group Member has valid title to, or leases or other rights to use, its personal property, except for such failures as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for the Lien granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Loan Documents and other Permitted Liens, each Group Member owns their respective personal property free and clear of any and all Liens of others.

 

66


(b) No Casualty Event . Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of, nor has any knowledge of, the occurrence or pendency of any Property Loss Event affecting all or any portion of its property. No Mortgage encumbers improved real property that is located in an area that has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards within the meaning of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 unless flood insurance available under such Act has been obtained in accordance (and to the extent required by) with Section 7.5 .

(c) Mortgages . Each Mortgage is effective to create, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable first priority Lien on, and security interest in, all of the applicable Loan Party’s right, title and interest in and to the owned real property encumbered by such Mortgage and the proceeds thereof, subject only to Permitted Liens or other Liens acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, and when the Mortgages are filed in the applicable offices specified on Schedule 6 to the Perfection Certificate (or, in the case of any Mortgage executed and delivered after the date hereof in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.10 , when such Mortgage is filed in the offices specified in the local counsel opinion delivered with respect thereto in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.10 ), such Mortgage shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Party in the real property encumbered by a Mortgage and the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other person, other than Liens permitted by such Mortgage.

(d) Set forth on Schedule 4.16 is, as of the Closing Date, (i) a complete and accurate list of all real property owned in fee simple by any Group Member or in which any Group Member owns a leasehold interest setting forth, for each such real property, the current street address (including, where applicable, county, state and other relevant jurisdictions), the record owner thereof (for any such owned real property) and (ii) for each such owned real property that the Administrative Agent has requested be subject to a Mortgage or that is otherwise material to the business of any Group Member, each Contractual Obligation by any Group Member, whether contingent or otherwise, to Sell such real property.

Section 4.17 Full Disclosure . The information (other than projections, estimates and information of a general economic nature) prepared or furnished by or on behalf of any Group Member in connection with any Loan Document (including the information contained in any Financial Statement or Disclosure Document) or the consummation of any other transaction contemplated therein, when taken as a whole as of the Closing Date, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances when made, not misleading. The Projections and estimates and information of a general economic nature prepared by or on behalf of any Group Member or any of its representatives and that have been made available to any Lenders or any Agent in connection with any Loan Document (i) have been prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date thereof for the periods set forth therein (it being understood that actual results may vary materially from the Projections), (ii) as of the date such Projections, estimates and information were furnished to the Lenders and as of the Closing Date, reflect the contemplated related estimates by the Borrower of the future Consolidated financial performance of the Borrower and the other information projected therein for the periods set forth therein and (iii) as of the Closing Date, have not been modified in any material respect by the Borrower.

Section 4.18 Permits . The Group Members hold all Permits required to conduct the Business as it is now being conducted. All Permits are valid, in force and effect, and unimpaired, except for such Permits, the absence of which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

67


Section 4.19 Anti-Terrorism Laws . No Loan Party or any of its Affiliates or principals is in violation of any Requirement of Law relating to terrorism, sanctions or money laundering (collectively, “ Anti-Terrorism Laws ”), including Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing, effective September 24, 2001 (the “ Executive Order ”), and the Patriot Act. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental 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, as amended.

Section 4.20 Insurance . Set forth on Schedule 4.20 is, as of the Closing Date, a complete and accurate, in all material respects, list of all material insurance policies maintained by each Loan Party, as well as a listing of the deductibles, coverage limits and term of each such policy.

ARTICLE V

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

As of the dates and during the periods set forth below, the Borrower (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Loan Party) agrees with the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each Agent to each of the following, as long as any Obligation or any Commitment remains outstanding:

Section 5.1 Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio . The Borrower shall not have, on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter set forth below, beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ending January 29, 2011, a Consolidated Leverage Ratio greater than the ratio set forth below for such Fiscal Quarter:

 

Fiscal Quarter Ending                                                     

              Ratio             

January 29, 2011

  4.50 to 1.00

April 30, 2011

  4.50 to 1.00

July 31, 2011

  4.25 to 1.00

October 31, 2011

  4.25 to 1.00

January 28, 2012

  4.00 to 1.00

April 30, 2012

  3.75 to 1.00

July 31, 2012

  3.75 to 1.00

October 31, 2012

  3.50 to 1.00

February 2, 2013

  3.25 to 1.00

April 30, 2013 and thereafter

  3.00 to 1.00

Section 5.2 Maximum Senior Leverage Ratio . The Borrower shall not have, on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter set forth below, beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ending January 29, 2011, a Senior Leverage Ratio greater than the ratio set forth below for such Fiscal Quarter:

 

Fiscal Quarter Ending                                                     

              Ratio             

January 29, 2011

  3.50 to 1.00

April 30, 2011

  3.50 to 1.00

July 31, 2011

  3.25 to 1.00

October 31, 2011

  3.25 to 1.00

January 28, 2012

  3.00 to 1.00

April 30, 2012

  2.75 to 1.00

July 31, 2012

  2.75 to 1.00

October 31, 2012

  2.50 to 1.00

February 2, 2013

  2.25 to 1.00

April 30, 2013 and thereafter

  2.00 to 1.00

 

68


Section 5.3 Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio . The Borrower shall not have, on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter set forth below, beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ending October 31, 2011, a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the four Fiscal Quarter period ending on such day less than the ratio set forth below:

 

Fiscal Quarter Ending                                                     

              Ratio             

October 31, 2011

  1.0 to 1.0

January 28, 2012

  1.1 to 1.0

April 30, 2012

  1.1 to 1.0

July 31, 2012

  1.1 to 1.0

October 31, 2012

  1.1 to 1.0

February 2, 2013

  1.3 to 1.0

April 30, 2013 and thereafter

  2.0 to 1.0

Section 5.4 Interpretation of Financial Covenants . For purposes of determining compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants, any investment made in the Borrower by Parent (which investment shall be made through the issuance by Borrower of common equity or Permitted Cure Securities to Parent) within 10 days after the day on which Financial Statements are required to be delivered in respect of the relevant Fiscal Quarter will, at the request of the Borrower made at the time of such investment, be included in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA solely for the purposes of determining compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants at the end of such Fiscal Quarter and applicable subsequent periods (any such investment so included in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA, a “ Specified Equity Contribution ”); provided , that (a) in any period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters there shall be a period of at least two consecutive Fiscal Quarters in which no Specified Equity Contribution is made and there shall be no more than four Specified Equity Contributions during the term of this Agreement, (b) in any period of eight consecutive Fiscal Quarters there shall be a period of at least four consecutive Fiscal Quarters during which no Specified Equity Contribution is made, (c) the amount of any Specified Equity Contribution shall be not exceed the amount required to cause the Borrower to be in compliance with such Financial Performance Covenants and (d) the Specified Equity Contribution, and the repayment of any Loans required in connection therewith, shall be disregarded for purposes of determining any items in this Agreement (including basket sizes and ratios).

ARTICLE VI

REPORTING COVENANTS

The Borrower (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Loan Party) agrees with the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each Agent to each of the following, as long as any Obligation or any Commitment remains outstanding:

Section 6.1 Financial Statements . The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent each of the following:

(a) Quarterly Reports . As soon as available, and in any event within 50 days after the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Quarter

 

69


ending October 31, 2010, the Consolidated unaudited balance sheet of the Borrower as of the close of such Fiscal Quarter and related Consolidated statements of income and cash flow for such Fiscal Quarter and that portion of the Fiscal Year ending as of the close of such Fiscal Quarter, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period in the prior Fiscal Year and the corresponding portion of the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail, in each case certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the Consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower as at the dates indicated and for the periods indicated in accordance with GAAP (subject to the absence of footnote disclosure and normal year-end audit adjustments).

(b) Annual Reports . As soon as available, and in any event within 100 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as of the end of such year and related Consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flow for such Fiscal Year, each prepared in accordance with GAAP, together with the following: (i) an opinion by the Group Members’ Accountants that (x) such Consolidated Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the Consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower as at the dates indicated and for the periods indicated therein in accordance with GAAP without qualification with respect to going concern or scope of audit or any like qualifications, and (y) in the course of the regular audit of the businesses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which audit was conducted in accordance with (x) at any time prior to a Qualified IPO, the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and (y) thereafter, the standards of the United States’ Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (or any successor entity), such Group Members’ Accountants have obtained no knowledge that a Default in respect of the Financial Performance Covenants is continuing or, if in the opinion of such Group Members’ Accountants such a Default is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof (which statement may be limited to accounting matters and may disclaim responsibility for legal interpretations); and (ii) a summary of such financial statements setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the prior Fiscal Year, certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the Consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower for such Fiscal Year in accordance with GAAP.

(c) Compliance Certificate . Together with each delivery of any Financial Statements pursuant to clause (a)  or (b)  above, a Compliance Certificate duly executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower that, among other things, (i) for each Fiscal Quarter beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ended January 29, 2011, shows in reasonable detail the calculations used in determining the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Senior Leverage Ratio and, if delivered together with any Financial Statement pursuant to clause (b)  above, the calculations used in determining Excess Cash Flow (including line items for each of the deductions and additions described in the definition thereof), (ii) for each Fiscal Quarter beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ended October 31, 2011, shows in reasonable detail the calculations used in determining the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, (iii) for each Fiscal Quarter beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ended January 29, 2011, demonstrates compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants (in the case of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ended October 31, 2011), (iv) shows in reasonable detail the calculation of the ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets at the end of the applicable Fiscal Quarter to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010, and (v) states that no Default is continuing as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate or, if a Default is continuing, states the nature thereof and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

(d) Corporate Chart and Other Collateral Updates . As part of the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to clause (c)  above for Financial Statements delivered pursuant to clause (b)  above, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, a certificate by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower that (i) the Corporate Chart attached thereto (or the last Corporate Chart delivered

 

70


pursuant to this clause (d) ) is correct and complete as of the date of such Compliance Certificate, (ii) the Loan Parties have delivered all documents (including updated schedules as to the acquisition of Intellectual Property or real property) they are required to deliver pursuant to any Loan Document on or prior to the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate and (iii) complete and correct copies of all documents modifying any term of any Constituent Document of any Group Member or Joint Venture thereof on or prior to the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate have been delivered to the Administrative Agent or are attached to such certificate.

(e) Intercompany Loan Balances . Together with each delivery of any Compliance Certificate pursuant to clause (c)  above, a summary of the outstanding balances of all intercompany Indebtedness as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter covered by such Financial Statement, certified as complete and correct by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as part of the Compliance Certificate delivered in connection with such Financial Statements.

(f) Audit Reports, Management Letters, Etc . Together with each delivery of any Financial Statement for any Fiscal Year pursuant to clause (b)  above, copies of each final management letter, audit report or similar letter or report from any independent registered certified public accountant (including the Group Members’ Accountants) in connection with such Financial Statements or any audit thereof (excluding any reports the delivery of which to the Administrative Agent is prohibited by such certified public accountants) and submitted to any Group Member (or such Group Member’s board of directors), each certified to be complete and correct copies by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as part of the Compliance Certificate delivered in connection with such Financial Statements.

(g) Additional Projections . As soon as available, and in any event not later than 30 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, (i) the annual business plan of the Group Members for the Fiscal Year next succeeding such Fiscal Year and (ii) forecasts prepared by management of the Borrower (A) for each Fiscal Quarter in such next succeeding Fiscal Year and (B) for each other succeeding Fiscal Year through the Fiscal Year containing the Scheduled Maturity Date, in each case including in such forecasts (x) a projected year-end Consolidated balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows, (y) a statement of all of the material assumptions on which such forecasts are based and (z) substantially the same type of financial information as that contained in the Projections, accompanied by the statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to the effect that such forecasts have been prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date thereof for the periods set forth therein, (it being understood that actual results may vary materially from the Projections) and, promptly when available, any significant revisions of such business plan or forecasts.

(h) Management Discussion and Analysis . Together with each delivery of any Compliance Certificate pursuant to clause (c) above, a summary narrative discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of the Group Members for the Fiscal Year (or the portion of the Fiscal Year then elapsed) and the previous Fiscal Year (or the corresponding period in the previous Fiscal Year).

(i) Insurance . Together with each delivery of any Financial Statements for any Fiscal Year pursuant to clause (b) above, certified as complete and correct by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as part of the Compliance Certificate delivered in connection with such Financial Statements, a report summarizing the insurance coverage (specifying type, amount and carrier) in effect for the Borrower and each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and containing such additional information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably specify.

(j) Statements of Reconciliation after Change in Accounting Principles . If, as a result of any change in accounting principles and policies from those used in the preparation of the financial

 

71


statements delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(d) , the consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(a) or 6.1(b) will differ in any material respect from the consolidated financial statements that would have been delivered pursuant to such subdivisions had no such change in accounting principles and policies been made, then, together with the first delivery of such financial statements after such change, one or more statements of reconciliation for all such prior financial statements in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Section 6.2 Other Events . The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent notice of each of the following (which may be made by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing) promptly after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtains actual knowledge of it: (a)(i) any Default and (ii) any event that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, specifying, in each case, the nature and anticipated effect thereof and any action proposed to be taken in connection therewith, (b) any event (other than any event involving loss or damage to property) reasonably expected to result in a mandatory payment of the Obligations pursuant to Section 2.8 , stating the material terms and conditions of such transaction and estimating the Net Cash Proceeds thereof, (c) the commencement of, or any material developments in, any action, investigation, suit, proceeding, audit, claim, demand, order or dispute with, by or before any Governmental Authority affecting any Group Member or any property of any Group Member which (i) if adversely determined would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) seeks to enjoin or otherwise prevent the consummation of, or to recover any damages or obtain relief as a result of, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (d) the acquisition of any material real property by any Loan Party, and (e) any notice of any loss of any material permit, accreditation, approval, authorization, license or franchise.

Section 6.3 Copies of Notices and Reports . The Borrower shall promptly deliver to the Administrative Agent copies of each of the following: (a) all reports that the Borrower transmits to its security holders generally, (b) all documents that any Group Member files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any securities exchange or any Governmental Authority exercising similar functions, (c) all press releases not made available directly to the general public and (d) any material document transmitted or received pursuant to, or in connection with, any Contractual Obligation governing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $3.0 million of any Group Member.

Section 6.4 [ Reserved ].

Section 6.5 ERISA Matters . The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent promptly, and in any event within 10 days, after any Responsible Officer of any Group Member knows (a) of any filing by any Group Member or ERISA Affiliate of any notice of intent to terminate any Title IV Plan, if such termination would require material additional contributions to be considered a standard termination under Section 4041(b) of ERISA, a copy of such notice, (b) that a request for a minimum funding standard waiver under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA has been filed with respect to any Title IV Plan or Multiemployer Plan (x) maintained or contributed to by any Group Member, or (y) maintained or contributed to by any other ERISA Affiliate if the aggregate underfunding of such plan would be reasonably likely to result in a material liability of any Group Member, or (c) that an ERISA Event has occurred that would reasonably be expected to result in material liability to a Group Member, in any such case, a notice (which may be made by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing) describing such ERISA Event or notice, waiver request and any action that such Group Member or ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto, together with a copy of any notice filed by such Group Member or ERISA Affiliate with the PBGC or the IRS pertaining thereto.

Section 6.6 Environmental Matters . (a) The Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent notice of each of the following (which may be made by telephone if promptly confirmed by the

 

72


Borrower in writing) promptly after any Responsible Officer of any Group Member knows or has reason to know of it (and, upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, documents and information in connection therewith): (i)(A) unpermitted material Releases, (B) the receipt by any Group Member of any notice of violation of or potential liability or similar notice under, or the existence of any condition that would 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, that, for each of clauses (A) , (B)  and (C)  above (and, in the case of clause (C) , if adversely determined), in the aggregate for each such clause, would reasonably be expected to result in Environmental Liabilities in excess of $500,000, (ii) the receipt by any Group Member of notification that any property of any Group Member is subject to any Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority securing, in whole or in part, Environmental Liabilities and (iii) any proposed acquisition or lease of real property (except as part of any Permitted Acquisition) if such acquisition or lease would have a reasonable likelihood of resulting in aggregate Environmental Liabilities in excess of $500,000.

(b) Upon request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent a report containing an update as to the status of any material environmental, health or safety compliance, hazard or liability issue identified in any document delivered to any Secured Party pursuant to any Loan Document or as to any condition reasonably believed by the Administrative Agent to result in material Environmental Liabilities.

Section 6.7 Labor Matters . The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent notice of (i) each of the following (which may be made by telephone if promptly confirmed by the Borrower in writing) promptly after, and in any event within 30 days after any Responsible Officer of any Group Member knows or has reason to know of it: any strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, lockouts or other labor disputes existing, pending (or, to the knowledge of any Group Member, threatened) against or involving any Group Member, except for those that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) if not set forth on Schedule 4.12 , (a) any collective bargaining or similar agreement with any union, labor organization, works council or similar representative covering any employee of any Group Member, (b) any petition for certification or election of any such representative existing or pending with respect to any employee of any Group Member and (c) any such representative seeking certification or recognition with respect to any employee of any Group Member.

Section 6.8 Other Information . (a) The Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent with such other documents and information with respect to the business, property, condition (financial or otherwise), legal, financial or corporate or similar affairs or operations of any Group Member as the Administrative Agent (or any Lender or the Collateral Agent through the Administrative Agent) may from time to time reasonably request (including with respect to the reasons for any significant variations from the Projections for any period for which Financial Statements are delivered pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) of Section 6.1).

(b) Borrower will furnish to the Collateral Agent prompt written notice of any change (i) in any Loan Party’s corporate name, (ii) in any Loan Party’s identity or corporate structure, (iii) in any Loan Party’s jurisdiction of organization or (iv) in any Loan Party’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or state organizational identification number. Borrower agrees not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless all filings have been made under the UCC or otherwise that are required in order for the Collateral Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral as contemplated in the Loan Documents. Borrower also agrees promptly to notify the Collateral Agent if any material portion of the Collateral is damaged or destroyed.

 

73


(c) Each year, at the time of delivery of annual financial statements with respect to the preceding Fiscal Year pursuant to Section 6.1(b) , Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a certificate of its Responsible Officer (i) either confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Closing Date or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section and/or identifying such changes and (ii) certifying that all UCC financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) and all supplemental intellectual property security agreements or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations, have been filed of record in each governmental, municipal or other appropriate office in each jurisdiction identified pursuant to clause (i) above (or in such Perfection Certificate) to the extent necessary to effect, protect and perfect the security interests under the Loan Documents for a period of not less than 18 months after the date of such certificate (except as noted therein with respect to any continuation statements to be filed within such period).

ARTICLE VII

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

The Borrower (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Loan Party) agrees with the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each Agent to each of the following, as long as any Obligation or any Commitment remains outstanding:

Section 7.1 Maintenance of Corporate Existence . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to (a) preserve and maintain its legal existence, except in the consummation of transactions expressly permitted by Sections 8.4 and 8.7 and (b) preserve and maintain its rights (charter and statutory), privileges, franchises and Permits necessary or desirable in the conduct of its business, except in the case of this clause (b) , where the failure to do so would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.2 Compliance with Laws, Etc . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to comply with all applicable Requirements of Law, Contractual Obligations, and Permits, except for such failures to comply that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to maintain or obtain all qualifications and Permits now held or hereafter required to be held by such Group Member the loss, suspension or revocation of which, or failure to obtain or renew which, would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.3 Payment of Obligations . Parent shall, and the Borrower shall cause each Group Member to, (i) pay or discharge before they become delinquent (a) all material claims, Taxes, assessments, charges and levies imposed by any Governmental Authority and (b) all other lawful claims that if unpaid would, by the operation of applicable Requirements of Law, become a Lien upon any property of any Group Member, except, in each case, for those whose amount or validity is being contested in good faith by proper proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves are maintained on the books of such Group Member in accordance with GAAP, (ii) perform all obligations under any Contractual Obligation by which Parent or such Group Member or any of its Subsidiaries is bound, or to which it or any of its properties is subject, except where the failure to perform would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and (iii) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, timely file all tax returns.

 

74


Section 7.4 Maintenance of Property . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to maintain and preserve (a) in good working order and condition all of its property necessary in the conduct of its business and (b) all rights, permits, licenses, approvals and privileges (including all Permits) necessary, used or useful, whether because of its ownership, lease, sublease or other operation or occupation of property or other conduct of its business, and shall make all necessary or appropriate filings with, and give all required notices to, Government Authorities, except for such failures to maintain and preserve the items set forth in clauses (a)  and (b)  above that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.5 Maintenance of Insurance . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to (a) 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 such Group Member (including, if applicable, 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) with financially sound and reputable insurance companies or associations (in each case that are not Affiliates of the Borrower) of a nature and providing such coverage and deductibles (including replacement value casualty insurance) as is customarily carried by businesses of the size and character of the business of such Group Members and operating in the same or similar locations as the Group Members, (b) maintain or cause to be maintained in full force and effect Flood Insurance with financially sound and reputable insurance companies or associations (in each case that are not Affiliates of the Borrower) and (c) cause all such insurance relating to any property or business of any Loan Party to name the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties as additional insured or loss payee, as appropriate, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent and, to the extent available, to provide that no cancellation, material addition in amount or material change in coverage shall be effective until after 10 days’ notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent. Notwithstanding the requirement in subsection (a) above, except to the extent required by any Requirement of Law, Federal Flood Insurance shall not be required for (x) real property not located in a special flood hazard area, or (y) real property located in a special flood hazard area in a community that does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Section 7.6 Keeping of Books . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to keep proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries shall be made in accordance with GAAP and all other applicable Requirements of Law of all financial transactions and the assets and business of such Group Member.

Section 7.7 Access to Books and Property . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to permit the Administrative Agent, any Arranger and any Related Person of the Administrative Agent or any Arranger and, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Lenders, as often as reasonably requested, at any reasonable time during normal business hours and with reasonable advance notice (except that, during the continuance of an Event of Default, no such notice shall be required) to (a) visit and inspect the property of such Group Member and examine and make copies of and abstracts from, the corporate (and similar), financial, operating and other books and records of such Group Member, (b) discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of such Group Member with any officer or director of such Group Member, and (c) communicate directly with any registered certified public accountants of such Group Member (subject to reasonable and customary requirements of confidentiality, including requirements imposed by law and reasonable and customary requirements imposed by contract). The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to authorize its respective registered certified public accountants to communicate directly with the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders and their Related Persons and to disclose to the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders and their Related Persons all financial statements and other documents and information as they might have and the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any Lender reasonably requests with respect to such Group Member. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Borrower shall only be obligated to pay or reimburse the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent and Arrangers associated with one annual visit and inspection.

 

75


Section 7.8 Environmental . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member to comply with, and maintain its property and facilities, whether owned, leased, subleased, operated, occupied or otherwise controlled, in compliance with, all applicable Environmental Laws (including by implementing any Remedial Action necessary to achieve such compliance or that is required by any Governmental Authority) except for failures to comply that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the foregoing, if an Event of Default is continuing or if the Administrative Agent at any time has a reasonable basis to believe that there exist violations of Environmental Laws by any Group Member or that there exist any Environmental Liabilities, in each case, that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, then the Borrower shall cause each Group Member to, promptly upon receipt of a request from the Administrative Agent, cause the performance of, and allow the Administrative Agent and its Related Persons access to any property or facility which is the subject of such Default or belief for the purpose of conducting, such environmental audits and assessments, including sampling of soil, surface water, groundwater or other environmental media, and cause the preparation of such reports, in each case as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request. Such audits, assessments and reports, to the extent not conducted by the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Persons, shall be conducted and prepared by reputable environmental consulting firms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Section 7.9 Use of Proceeds . The proceeds of: (a) the Term Loans shall be used by the Borrower (and, to the extent distributed to them by the Borrower, each other Group Member) solely (i) to consummate the Dividend, (ii) for the payment of transaction costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Dividend, the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated therein, (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes and (iv) to make Permitted Investments (including Permitted Acquisitions) and capital expenditures; and (b) the Revolving Loans shall be used by the Borrower (and, to the extent distributed to them by the Borrower, each other Group Member) solely (i) for working capital and general corporate and other purposes and (ii) to make Permitted Investments (including Permitted Acquisitions) and capital expenditures. No portion of the proceeds of any Loan shall be used in any manner that causes or might cause such Loan or application of such proceeds to violate Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X of the Federal Reserve Board of any other regulation thereof.

Section 7.10 Additional Collateral and Guaranties . To the extent not delivered to the Administrative Agent on or before the Closing Date (including in respect of after-acquired property and Persons that become Subsidiaries of any Loan Party after the Closing Date), the Borrower shall cause each Group Member to promptly (and in any event within 30 days of acquisition or formation thereof) do each of the following, unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent:

(a) deliver to the Administrative Agent such modifications to the terms of the Loan Documents (or, to the extent applicable as determined by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, such other documents), in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and as the Administrative Agent deems necessary or advisable in order to ensure the following:

(i) each Wholly Owned Subsidiary of any Loan Party that is not a Foreign Subsidiary shall guaranty, as primary obligor and not as surety, the payment of the Obligations of the Borrower;

 

76


(ii) each Subsidiary of any Loan Party that has or enters into any Guaranty Obligation with respect to Indebtedness of any Loan Party shall guaranty, as primary obligor and not as surety, the payment of the Obligations of the Borrower;

(iii) so long as the relevant Permitted Acquisition shall occur, each Proposed Acquisition Target with regard to such Permitted Acquisition and each Subsidiary thereof shall guaranty, as primary obligor and not as surety, the payment of the Obligations of the Borrower; and

(iv) each Loan Party (including any Person required to become a Guarantor pursuant to clause (i) , (ii)  or (iii)  above) shall effectively grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a valid and enforceable security interest in all of its owned property constituting Collateral as security for the Obligations of such Loan Party;

provided , that, unless the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise agree, in no event shall (x) the Loan Parties, individually or collectively, be required to pledge in excess of 66% of the outstanding Voting Stock of any Foreign Subsidiary, or (y) a security interest be required to be granted in any property of any Foreign Subsidiary as security for any Obligation;

(b) deliver to the Collateral Agent all documents representing all Stock, Stock Equivalents and other Securities pledged pursuant to the documents delivered pursuant to clause (a)  above, together with undated powers or endorsements duly executed in blank;

(c) deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) upon its request an appraisal complying with FIRREA (so long as it is reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Borrower that such an appraisal is required pursuant to the terms of FIRREA), (y) within 30 days of receipt of notice from the Collateral Agent that any fee interest in real property of the Loan Parties is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, evidence, which may be in the form of a flood insurance certificate, of Federal Flood Insurance as required by Section 7.5 , and (z) upon request of the Administrative Agent, deliver to it within 60 days of such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree to) a Mortgage on any owned real property with a value at the time of acquisition in excess of $2.0 million, located in the United States, and owned by any Loan Party, together with all Mortgage Supporting Documents relating thereto;

(d) take all other actions necessary to ensure the validity or continuing validity of any guaranty for any Obligation or any Lien securing any Obligation, to perfect, maintain, evidence or enforce any Lien securing any Obligation or to ensure such Liens have the same priority as that of the Liens on similar Collateral set forth in the Loan Documents executed on the Closing Date, including the filing of UCC financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be required by the Loan Documents or applicable Requirements of Law or as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may otherwise reasonably request; and

(e) deliver to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lender Parties (i) an updated Perfection Certificate with respect to any new Guarantor, (ii) all documents set forth in Sections 3.1(a)(iv) and (v) as applicable with respect to each new Guarantor and (iii) if requested by the Administrative Agent, legal opinions relating to the matters described in clauses (a)  and (b)  of this Section 7.10 and the Mortgages described in clause (c)  of this Section 7.10 , which opinions shall be as reasonably required by, and in form and substance and from counsel reasonably satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent.

 

77


The requirements of this Section 7.10 : (i) need not be satisfied with respect to any real property held by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as a lessee under a lease; (ii) do not apply to any Stock (other than Stock of any domestic Wholly Owned Subsidiary) acquired after the Closing Date in accordance with this Agreement if, and to the extent that, and for so long as, (A) doing so would violate applicable law or a Contractual Obligation binding on such Stock, and (B) such law or Contractual Obligation existed at the time of the acquisition thereof and was not created or made binding on such Stock in contemplation of or in connection with the acquisition of such Subsidiary, (iii) do not apply to any assets acquired after the Closing Date, to the extent that, and for so long as, taking such actions would violate a Contractual Obligation binding on such assets that existed at the time of the acquisition thereof and was not created or made binding on such assets in contemplation or in connection with the acquisition of such assets (except in the case of assets acquired with Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 8.1(c) that is secured by a Lien permitted pursuant to Section 8.2(d) ); provided , that, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the Borrower shall, and shall cause any applicable Subsidiary to, use commercially reasonable efforts to have waived or eliminated any such Contractual Obligation (other than a Contractual Obligation of the type described in such clauses (ii) and (iii) in respect of the Stock or assets of a Joint Venture) and (iv) with respect to clause (a)(iii) above only, do not apply to any Foreign Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date by any Loan Party.

Section 7.11 Post Closing Requirements . Not later than sixty (60) days following the date hereof or such date as the Administrative Agent may determine in its sole discretion, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent:

(a) Control Agreements with respect to the Borrower’s deposit accounts with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wachovia Bank N.A., Wells Fargo, National Association and Fifth Third Bank.

(b) an Instruction Letter duly executed by Elavon, Inc. (formerly known as NOVA Information Systems, Inc.) and the Borrower and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

ARTICLE VIII

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

The Borrower (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Loan Party) agrees with the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each Agent to each of the following, as long as any Obligation or any Commitment remains outstanding:

Section 8.1 Indebtedness . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to directly or indirectly incur or otherwise remain liable with respect to or responsible for any Indebtedness except for the following:

(a) the Obligations;

(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 8.1 , together with any Permitted Refinancing of any Indebtedness permitted hereunder in reliance upon this clause (b);

(c) Indebtedness consisting of Capitalized Lease Obligations (other than with respect to a lease entered into as part of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) and Purchase Money Indebtedness, in each case incurred by any Group Member to finance the acquisition, repair, lease, improvement or construction of fixed or capital assets of such Group Member, together with any Permitted Refinancing of

 

78


any Indebtedness permitted hereunder in reliance upon this clause (c) ; provided , that (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness incurred under this clause (c)  shall not exceed the greater of (A) $7.5 million and (B) an amount equal to (1) $7.5 million multiplied by (2) the ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter immediately prior to the date of such incurrence for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010 and (ii) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 120 days after the acquisition, lease, repair, improvement, or construction of the respective asset;

(d) Capitalized Lease Obligations arising under Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted hereunder in reliance upon Section 8.4(b)(ii) ;

(e) Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided , that (i) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Loan Party shall be subject to Section 8.3(e) (including, without limitation, the requirement that such Indebtedness be evidenced by Pledged Notes pledged by such Loan Party as Collateral pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement), and (ii) Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any other Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(f) obligations under Hedging Agreements and Secured Hedging Documents entered into for the sole purpose of hedging in the normal course of business and consistent with industry practices;

(g)(i) Guaranty Obligations of any Group Member that is a Loan Party with respect to Indebtedness permitted hereunder of any other Group Member that is a Loan Party and (ii) Guaranty Obligations of any Group Member that is not a Loan Party with respect to Indebtedness permitted hereunder of any other Group Member;

(h) [reserved];

(i) Indebtedness owed to (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees or similar instruments for the benefit of) any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person (in each case other than for an obligation for money borrowed), provided that upon the incurrence of Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, such obligations are reimbursed not later than 30 days following such incurrence;

(j) Indebtedness in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds, financial assurances and completion guarantees and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business (in each case other than for an obligation for money borrowed), including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business;

(k) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business or other cash management services in the ordinary course of business, provided , that (x) such Indebtedness (other than credit or purchase cards) is extinguished within ten Business Days of its incurrence, and (y) such Indebtedness in respect of credit or purchase cards is extinguished within 60 days from its incurrence;

 

79


(l)(i) Indebtedness of a Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date or a Person merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the Closing Date and Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets, which Indebtedness in each case, exists at the time of such acquisition, merger or consolidation and is not created in contemplation of such event, and where such acquisition, merger or consolidation is permitted by this Agreement, and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing incurred to refinance such Indebtedness; provided , that (x) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness incurred under this clause (l)  at the time of, and after giving effect to, such acquisition, merger or consolidation, such assumption, or such incurrence, as applicable, shall not exceed the greater of (A) $7.5 million and (B) an amount equal to (1) $7.5 million multiplied by (2) the ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter immediately prior to the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation, such assumption or such incurrence, as applicable, for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010 and (y) the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder after giving effect to such Indebtedness;

(m) other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed the greater of (A) $7.5 million and (B) an amount equal to (1) $7.5 million multiplied by (2) the ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter immediately prior to the date of such incurrence for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010; provided , that any Indebtedness under this clause (m)  that is secured Indebtedness shall not, in the aggregate, exceed the limit set forth in clause (g)(ii) of Section 8.2 ;

(n) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Borrower or any Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase or acquisition price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary otherwise permitted under this Agreement, other than Guaranty Obligations with respect to Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

(o) Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business and other than for an obligation for money borrowed;

(p) all premium (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in and permitted by clauses (a)  through (n)  above; and

(q) Indebtedness consisting of Junior Capital; provided , that after giving effect to the incurrence thereof, the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder after giving effect to such Indebtedness.

Section 8.2 Liens . No Group Member shall incur, maintain or otherwise suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any of its property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or assign any right to receive income or profits, except for the following:

(a) Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document;

(b) Customary Permitted Liens of Group Members;

 

80


(c) Liens existing on the date hereof and either set forth on Schedule 8.2 or, to the extent not listed in Schedule 8.2 , where such Liens secure obligations not exceeding $150,000 in the aggregate; provided , that such Liens shall secure only those obligations that they secure on the Closing Date (and extensions, renewals and refinancings of such obligations permitted by Section 8.1(b) ) and shall not subsequently apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(d) Purchase Money Liens on the property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness permitted hereunder in reliance upon Section 8.1(c) ; provided , that (i) such Liens exist prior to the acquisition of, or attach substantially simultaneously with, or within 120 days after, the acquisition, repair, improvement or construction of, such property financed, whether directly or through a Permitted Refinancing, by such Indebtedness, and (ii) such Liens do not extend to any property of any Group Member other than the property (and proceeds thereof) acquired or built, or the improvements or repairs, financed, whether directly or through a Permitted Refinancing, by such Indebtedness (other than to accessions to such equipment or other property or improvements but not to other parts of the property to which any such improvements are made); and provided , further, that individual financings of equipment provided by a single lender may be cross-collateralized to other financings of equipment provided solely by such lender;

(e) Liens on the property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries securing the Permitted Refinancing of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien on such property permitted hereunder in reliance upon clause (c)  or (d)  above or this clause (e)  without any change in the property subject to such Liens; provided , that (i) if the Indebtedness subject to such Permitted Refinancing is secured by any collateral (whether equally and ratably with, or junior to, the Secured Parties or otherwise), such Permitted Refinancing may be secured by such collateral (including in respect of Indebtedness of any Group Member (other than a Loan Party) that is otherwise permitted under this Agreement, any collateral owned by such Group Member pursuant to after-acquired property clauses contained in the agreement governing such Indebtedness being refinanced as in effect at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, to the extent any such collateral secured such Indebtedness) on terms no less favorable to the Secured Parties than those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced and (ii) if the Lien securing such Indebtedness subject to such Permitted Refinancing is subordinated to the Lien securing the Obligations under this Agreement, such Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Lien securing such Indebtedness subject to such Permitted Refinancing;

(f) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary securing Indebtedness or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by clause (l)  of Section 8.1 , provided , that such Lien (i) does not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries not securing such Indebtedness at the date of the acquisition of such property or asset (other than after acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such date and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require a pledge of after acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition), (ii) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, and (iii) in the case of a Lien securing Permitted Refinancing, if the Indebtedness being refinanced is secured by any collateral (whether equally and ratably with, or junior to, the Secured Parties or otherwise), such Permitted Refinancing may be secured by such collateral (including in respect of Indebtedness of any Group Member (other than a Loan Party) that is otherwise permitted under this Agreement only, any collateral owned by such Group Member pursuant to after-acquired property clauses contained in the agreement governing such Indebtedness being refinanced as in effect at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, to the extent any such collateral secured such Indebtedness) on terms no less favorable to the Secured Parties than those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

81


(g) Liens on any property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries securing any of their Indebtedness or their other liabilities; provided , that (i) such property shall not have an aggregate value of more than $1.0 million at any time, (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness and other liabilities shall not exceed $1.0 million at any time and (iii) such Liens shall be subordinated to the Liens securing the Obligations on customary terms pursuant to an intercreditor agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

(h) Liens arising out of capitalized lease transactions permitted under Section 8.4(b)(ii) securing Indebtedness permitted hereunder in reliance upon Section 8.1(d) , so long as such Liens attach only to the property sold and being leased in such transaction and any accessions thereto or proceeds thereof and related property.

Section 8.3 Investments . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to make or maintain, directly or indirectly, any Investment except for the following:

(a) Investments existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 8.3 ;

(b) Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

(c)(i) endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) extensions of trade credit arising or acquired in the ordinary course of business and (iii) Investments received in settlements in the ordinary course of business of such extensions of trade credit;

(d) Investments made as part of a Permitted Acquisition;

(e) Investments by (i) any Loan Party (other than Parent) in any other Loan Party (other than Parent), (ii) [reserved], or (iii) (x) any Loan Party in any Group Member that is not a Loan Party or (y) any Group Member in any Joint Venture; provided , that (A) any Investment consisting of loans or advances to any Loan Party above shall be subordinated in full to the payment of the Obligations of such Loan Party on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (B) any Investments consisting of loans or advances by any Loan Party pursuant to clause (iii)  above shall be evidenced by Pledged Notes pledged by such Loan Party as Collateral pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement; and (C) in the case of any Investment pursuant to clause (iii)  above, (I) before and after giving effect to such Investment, no Default or Event of Default be continuing and (II) the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder after giving effect to such Investment; and provided , further that any Investments pursuant to clause (iii)  shall not exceed the greater of (A) $7.5 million and (B) an amount equal to (1) $7.5 million multiplied by (2) the ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter immediately prior to the date of such incurrence for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010, in the aggregate outstanding at any time;

(f) loans or advances to employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to finance travel, entertainment and relocation expenses and other ordinary business purposes in the ordinary course of business as presently conducted; provided , that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all loans and advances permitted pursuant to this clause (f)  shall not exceed $250,000 at any time;

(g) any Investment by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided , that the aggregate outstanding amount of all such Investments (valued at the time of the making thereof, and

 

82


without giving effect to any write-downs or write-offs thereof) shall not exceed (i) (x) $2.5 million, so long as before and after giving effect to such Investment, no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing or (y) $250,000 (in each case, plus any returns of capital actually received by the respective investor in respect of any Investment theretofore made by it pursuant to this clause (g) , in each case, in an amount not to exceed the original amount of such Investment) plus (ii) the portion, if any, of the Equity Contribution Basket on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply this clause (g)(ii) , provided , that with respect to any Investment made in reliance of this clause (g)(ii) , no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing before or after giving effect to such Investment;

(h) [reserved];

(i) Investments arising out of the receipt by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of noncash consideration for the sale of assets permitted under Section 8.4 ;

(j) Investments resulting from pledges and deposits referred to in clause (c)  of the definition of Customary Permitted Liens;

(k) Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with or judgments against, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(l) Investments of a Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date or of a Person merged into the Borrower or merged into or consolidated with a Subsidiary in accordance with Section 8.7 after the Closing Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

(m) acquisitions by the Borrower of obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000 in any Fiscal Year of one or more officers or other employees of Parent, any direct or indirect parent of Parent, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in connection with such officer’s or employee’s acquisition of Stock of Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, so long as (A) to the extent any party paid cash for such Stock in connection with such acquisition, Parent or such direct or indirect parent of Parent, as the case may be, received such cash and (B) no cash is actually advanced by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries to such officers or employees in connection with the acquisition of any such obligations;

(n) Investments by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the extent they are financed with the proceeds of an issuance of Junior Capital permitted by Section 8.1 not later than 120 days after the receipt of such proceeds by Parent or the Borrower so long as at the time of such Investment no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing;

(o) the purchase and sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; and

(p) any Investment by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided , that (x) the aggregate outstanding amount of all such Investments (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write-downs or write-offs thereof) shall not exceed the portion of the Available Investment Basket on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this clause (p), (y) the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder after giving effect to such Investment and (z) at the time of such Investment, no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing.

 

83


Section 8.4 Asset Sales . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to Sell any of its property (other than cash), including Stock held by it, or issue shares of its own Stock, except for the following:

(a) in each case to the extent entered into in the ordinary course of business for fair market value and made to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower, (i) Sales of Cash Equivalents or inventory, (ii) Sales of surplus, obsolete or worn out property, and (iii) licenses of Intellectual Property;

(b)(i) a true lease or sublease of real property that is no longer necessary or desirable to the business of the Group Members and that does not interfere with the ordinary course business of the Group Members, and (ii) a Sale of property pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction not to exceed property having a fair market value in the aggregate in excess of $250,000; provided , in the case of this clause (ii), that the consideration received in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is at least equal to the fair market value of the property sold and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to such effect;

(c)(i) any Sale of any property (other than its own Stock or Stock Equivalents) by any Group Member to any other Group Member to the extent any resulting Investment constitutes a Permitted Investment allowed under Section 8.3(e) , and (ii) any Restricted Payment by any Group Member permitted pursuant to Section 8.5 ;

(d)(i) any Sale or issuance by the Borrower of its own Stock to Parent, (ii) any Sale or issuance by any Subsidiary of the Borrower of its own Stock to any Group Member, provided , that the proportion of such Stock and of each class of such Stock (both on an outstanding and fully-diluted basis) held by the Loan Parties (other than Parent), taken as a whole, does not change as a result of such Sale or issuance and (iii) to the extent necessary to satisfy any Requirement of Law in the jurisdiction of incorporation of any Subsidiary of the Borrower, any Sale or issuance by such Subsidiary of its own Stock constituting directors’ qualifying shares or nominal holdings;

(e) as long as no Default is continuing or would result therefrom, any Sale of property (other than as part of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) of, or Sale or issuance of its own Stock by, any Group Member for fair market value; provided , that (i) the aggregate consideration received during any Fiscal Year of the Borrower for all such Sales of property shall not exceed the greater of $1.0 million as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter immediately prior to the date of such sale for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 , (ii) any note or other instrument received in consideration for such sale of assets shall be pledged and delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 7.10 , (iii) Borrower may not Sell or issue any Stock to any Person other than Parent and any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary shall not Sell or issue any Stock to any Person that is not a Loan Party and (iv) at least 75% of the consideration received in connection with any transaction permitted by this clause (e) shall be paid in cash; provided , that for purposes of clause (iv), (1) the amount of any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Obligations) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets, (2) any notes or other obligations or other securities or assets received by the Borrower or such Subsidiary of the Borrower from such transferee that are converted by the Borrower or such Subsidiary of the Borrower into cash within 180 days of the receipt thereof (to the extent of the cash received), (3) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in such Sale having an aggregate fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Borrower), taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received

 

84


pursuant to this paragraph (3) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed $500,000 (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value) and (4) with respect to any lease of assets by the Borrower or a Subsidiary that constitutes a disposition, receipt of lease payments over time on market terms (as determined in good faith by the Borrower) where the payment consideration is at least 75% cash consideration shall, in each case, be deemed to be cash; and

(f) the sale for cash of defaulted receivables in the ordinary course of business and not as part of an accounts receivable financing transaction.

Section 8.5 Restricted Payments . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to directly or indirectly, declare, order, pay, make or set apart any sum for any Restricted Payment except for the following (and Parent shall not use the proceeds of any Restricted Payment made in reliance on clause (e) below other than as set forth in such clause (e)):

(a)(i) Restricted Payments by (A) any Group Member that is a Loan Party to any Loan Party other than Parent and (B) any Group Member that is not a Loan Party to any Group Member and (ii) dividends and distributions by any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party to any holder of its Stock, to the extent made to all such holders ratably according to their ownership interests in such Stock;

(b) dividends and distributions declared and paid on the common Stock of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries ratably to the holders of such common Stock and payable only in common Stock of such Group Member;

(c) dividends made by the Borrower in an aggregate amount not to exceed the portion, if any, of the Available Investment Basket or the Equity Contribution Basket on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply pursuant to this clause (c) ; provided , that (i) after giving effect to such dividends on a Pro Forma Basis, the Borrower’s Senior Leverage Ratio shall be no more than 2.25 to 1.00, (ii) prior to the payment of such dividends, the Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer demonstrating compliance with clause (i)  above and (iii) no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing;

(d) the Dividend declared and paid by Parent and/or the Borrower; provided , that (x) on the date of the payment of the Dividend, the Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate dated the date thereof substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.1(h) and, signed by the chief financial officer of the Borrower and of Parent and attaching supporting detail therefor reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (y) at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the payment of the Dividend, no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing or shall result therefrom and (z) at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the payment of the Dividend, the representations and warranties set forth in Article IV shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that if any representation or warranty is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, such representation shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such date with the same effect as though made on such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly related to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (provided that if any representation or warranty is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, such representation shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such earlier date);

(e) cash dividends on the Stock of the Borrower to Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent paid and declared solely for the purpose of funding the following:

(i) Permitted Tax Distributions;

 

85


(ii) the redemption, purchase or other acquisition or retirement for value by Parent or any direct or, to the extent allocable to Parent or Borrower, indirect parent of Parent of its common Stock (or Stock Equivalents with respect to its common Stock) from or with respect to any present or former employee, consultant, director or officer (or the assigns, estate, heirs or current or former spouses thereof) of any Group Member, Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent upon the death, disability or termination of employment of such employee, director or officer, provided , that, no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing and the amount of such cash dividends paid in any Fiscal Year in reliance on this clause (ii)  shall not exceed $250,000 in the aggregate (any unused portion of which for any Fiscal Year may be carried over to and paid as additional dividends in the next two Fiscal Years (but only the next two Fiscal Years));

(iii) in each case, to the extent allocable to the Borrower, and in any event not to exceed $1.0 million in any Fiscal Year, (A) overhead, legal, accounting and other professional fees and expenses of any Group Member, Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, (B) out-of-pocket fees and expenses related to any offering, investment or acquisition permitted hereunder (whether or not successful), and (C) other fees and expenses in connection with the maintenance of the existence of Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, Parent’s ownership of the Borrower and such parent’s ownership of Parent, as the case may be, and in order to permit Parent to make payments permitted by Section 8.9 ; and

(iv) to the extent allocable to the Borrower, fees and expenses in connection with any initial public offering of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower (whether or not consummated).

(f) noncash repurchases of Stock deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options if such Stock represents a portion of the exercise price of such options.

Section 8.6 Payment of Subordinated Debt and Certain Other Debt . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to (x) prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof any Subordinated Debt or Junior Indebtedness, or pay any interest on or with respect thereto, (y) set apart any property for such purpose, whether directly or indirectly and whether to a sinking fund, a similar fund or otherwise, or (z) make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Subordinated Debt or Junior Indebtedness; provided , that each Group Member may, to the extent otherwise permitted by the Loan Documents and to the extent not in violation of the applicable subordination terms, do each of the following:

(a) prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof (or set apart any property for such purpose) any Indebtedness owing to any Loan Party;

(b) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing, make regularly scheduled or otherwise required repayments or redemptions of Subordinated Debt;

(c) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing, make prepayments of Subordinated Debt not to exceed the portion, if any, of the Available Investment Basket or the Equity Contribution Basket on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply pursuant to this clause (c) ;

(d) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing, make regularly scheduled payments of interest when due.

 

86


Section 8.7 Fundamental Changes . Parent shall not and the Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to (a) merge, consolidate or amalgamate with any Person, (b) acquire all or substantially all of the Stock or Stock Equivalents of any Person, (c) acquire any brand or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person or all or substantially all of the assets constituting any line of business, division, branch, operating division or other unit operation of any Person, or (d) liquidate or dissolve any Group Member or Subsidiary of the Borrower, in each case except for the following: (i) to consummate any Permitted Acquisition, (ii) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any Subsidiary of the Borrower into any Loan Party, (iii) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any Group Member that is not a Loan Party with any other Group Member that is not a Loan Party, and (iv) the liquidation or dissolution or change in form of entity of any Foreign Subsidiary if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation, dissolution, or change in form is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided , that (A) in the case of any merger, consolidation or amalgamation involving the Borrower, the Borrower shall be the surviving Person, and (B) in the case of any merger, consolidation or amalgamation involving any other Loan Party, a Loan Party shall be the surviving corporation, and (C) all actions required to maintain the perfection of the Lien of the Collateral Agent on the Stock or property of the Borrower or such Loan Party shall have been made.

Section 8.8 Change in Nature of Business .

(a) The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to carry on any business, operations or activities (whether directly, through a Joint Venture, in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or otherwise) substantially different from those carried on by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at the date hereof and business, operations and activities reasonably related thereto or any business or activity that is reasonably similar thereto or a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or ancillary thereto.

(b) Parent shall not engage in any business, operations or activity, or hold any property, incur or otherwise become liable on any Indebtedness, make or own any Investment, incur, maintain or suffer to exist any Lien or assign any right to receive income or profits other than (i) holding Stock and Stock Equivalents of the Borrower together with activities directly related thereto, (ii) issuing, selling and redeeming its own Stock, (iii) paying dividends and taxes, (iv) holding directors’ and shareholders’ meetings, preparing corporate and similar records and other activities required to maintain its existence and separate corporate or other legal structure, (v) preparing reports to, and preparing and making notices to and filings with, Governmental Authorities and to its holders of Stock and Stock Equivalents, (vi) receiving, and holding proceeds of, Restricted Payments from the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and distributing the proceeds thereof to the extent permitted in Section 8.5 , (vii) as necessary to consummate Permitted Acquisition, (viii) performance of its obligations in connection with, or actions incidental to, the consummation of the Dividend, (ix) performance of its obligations under and in connection with the Loan Documents, and the other agreements contemplated hereby and thereby, and (x) activities incidental to its maintenance and continuance, and to the foregoing activities.

Section 8.9 Transactions with Affiliates . (a) The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to, except as otherwise expressly permitted herein, enter into any other transaction directly or indirectly with, or for the benefit of, Parent or any Affiliate of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party (including Guaranty Obligations with respect to any obligation of any such Affiliate), except for:

(i) to the extent made on a basis no less favorable to such Loan Party than would be obtained in an arm’s-length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower, Indebtedness permitted by the provisions of Section 8.1(b) , (e) , (g)  or (m) ;

 

87


(ii) transactions in the ordinary course of business on a basis no less favorable to such Group Member than would be obtained in an arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate of the Borrower; provided , that this clause (ii) shall not apply to (x) the payment to the Permitted Investors of the monitoring and management fees referred to in Section 8.9(b) or fees payable on the Closing Date, or (y) the indemnification of directors of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in accordance with customary practice;

(iii) [reserved];

(iv) any issuance of securities, or other reasonable payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, employee stock options and employee stock ownership plans approved by the board of directors of such Group Member;

(v)(A) Investments permitted by the provisions of Section 8.3(e) and (m)  and (B) loans or advances to employees or consultants of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries in accordance with Section 8.3(f) ;

(vi) to the extent made on a basis no less favorable to such Loan Party than would be obtained in an arm’s-length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower, transactions among the Borrower and the other Group Members and transactions among the Group Members (other than the Borrower), in each case, otherwise permitted by this Agreement;

(vii) the payment of reasonable and customary fees and indemnities to directors, officers, consultants and employees of Parent, any direct or indirect parent of Parent, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business (limited, in the case of Parent or any direct or indirect parent of Parent, to the portion of such fees and indemnities that are allocable to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries);

(viii) consummation of the Dividend and the payment of all fees, expenses, bonuses and awards related thereto;

(ix)(A) any employment agreements entered into by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (B) any subscription agreement or similar agreement pertaining to the repurchase of Stock pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with employees, officers or directors permitted under Section 8.5 , and (C) any reasonable employee compensation, benefit plan or arrangement, any reasonable health, disability or similar insurance plan which covers employees, and any reasonable employment contract and transactions pursuant thereto;

(x) Restricted Payments permitted by the provisions of Section 8.5 ; provided , that the proceeds of Restricted Payments permitted by Section 8.5(e) shall, if received by the Fund, be used as required by Section 8.5(e);

(xi) any purchase by Parent of, or contributions to, the equity capital of the Borrower; provided , that any Stock of the Borrower purchased by Parent shall be pledged to the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Lenders pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement;

(xii) payments permitted under paragraph (b) below;

 

88


(xiii) to the extent made on a basis no less favorable to such Loan Party than would be obtained in an arm’s-length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower, transactions with Wholly Owned Subsidiaries for the purchase or sale of goods, products, parts and services entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(xiv) any transaction otherwise permitted under this Agreement in respect of which the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent (for delivery to the Lenders) a letter addressed to the board of directors of the Borrower from an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm, in each case of nationally recognized standing that is (A) in the good faith determination of the Borrower qualified to render such letter, and (B) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which letter states that such transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower;

(xv) [reserved]; and

(xvi) transactions with Joint Ventures for the purchase or sale of goods, equipment and services entered into in the ordinary course of business; provided that (a) no Affiliate of the Borrower (other than the Borrower or a Group Member) has a beneficial interest in such Person and (b) such transaction is no less favorable to the Borrower or applicable Group Member than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate of the Borrower.

(b) The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to make payments of or on account of management, consulting, monitoring, transaction and advisory fees or similar fees payable to the Funds or the Fund Affiliates (i) in an aggregate amount in any Fiscal Year in excess of $500,000 ( provided that unused amounts may be carried forward to one or more future periods ), (ii) following the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default or (iii) if, after giving effect to such payments, the Borrower is not in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter for which Financial Statements have been delivered hereunder; provided that reimbursement of expenses and indemnification payments may be made whether or not a Default or Event of Default has occurred and whether or not the Borrower is so in compliance.

Section 8.10 Third-Party Restrictions on Indebtedness, Liens, Investments or Restricted Payments . Parent shall not and the Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to incur or otherwise suffer to exist or become effective or remain liable on or responsible for any Contractual Obligation limiting the ability of (a) any Subsidiary of the Borrower to make Restricted Payments to, or Investments in, or repay Indebtedness or otherwise Sell property to, any Group Member or (b) any Group Member to incur or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property of any Group Member, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, securing any of its Obligations (including any “equal and ratable” clause and any similar Contractual Obligation requiring, when a Lien is granted on any property, another Lien to be granted on such property or any other property), except, for each of clauses (a)  and (b)  above: (i) restrictions imposed by applicable law; (ii) (A) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 8.10 and (B) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Closing Date under Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and permitted by Section 8.1(b) or any agreements related to any permitted renewal, extension or refinancing of any such Indebtedness that does not expand the scope of any such encumbrance or restriction; (iii) any restriction on a Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Stock or assets of a Subsidiary permitted under Section 8.4 pending the closing of such sale or disposition; (iv) customary provisions in Joint Venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to Joint Ventures permitted under this Agreement; (v) customary provisions contained in leases or licenses of

 

89


intellectual property and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; (vi) customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest; (vii) customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business; (viii) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale of any asset permitted under Section 8.4 pending the consummation of such sale; (ix) customary restrictions and conditions contained in the document relating to any Lien, so long as (A) such Lien is permitted under Section 8.2 and such restrictions or conditions relate only to the specific asset subject to such Lien, and (B) such restrictions and conditions are not created for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this Section 8.10 ; (x) customary net worth provisions contained in real property leases entered into by Subsidiaries of the Borrower, so long as the Borrower has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions could not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to meet their ongoing obligations; (xi) any agreement in effect at the time any Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary, so long as such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary; and (xii) Permitted Payment Restrictions contained in any documents evidencing or governing Indebtedness permitted hereunder of any Group Member that is not a Loan Party (provided that such restrictions are not applicable to any Loan Party or the properties of any Loan Party).

Section 8.11 Modification of Certain Documents . Parent shall not and the Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to do any of the following:

(a) waive or otherwise modify any term of, or provide any consent under, any Constituent Document of, or otherwise change the capital structure of, any Group Member (including the terms of any of its outstanding Stock or Stock Equivalents), in each case except for those modifications, consents and waivers that (x) do not elect, or permit the election, to treat the Stock or Stock Equivalents of any limited liability company (or similar entity) as certificated and (y) do not materially and adversely affect the interests of any Secured Party under the Loan Documents or in the Collateral; or

(b) waive or otherwise modify any term of, or provide any consent under, any Subordinated Debt and Junior Indebtedness, except for those modifications, consents and waivers that (x) do not materially and adversely affect the interest of any Secured Party and (y) do not affect the subordination provisions thereof in a manner adverse to the Secured Parties.

Section 8.12 Accounting Changes; Fiscal Year . Parent shall not and the Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to change its fiscal year or its method for determining fiscal quarters or fiscal months, unless such change is necessary in order to conform the fiscal year of a Group Member to the Borrower’s fiscal year.

Section 8.13 Margin Regulations . Parent shall not and the Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to use all or any portion of the proceeds of any credit extended hereunder to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board) in contravention of Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board.

Section 8.14 Compliance with ERISA . The Borrower shall not cause or suffer to exist any ERISA Event that would, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 8.15 Hazardous Materials . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to cause or suffer to exist any Release of any Hazardous Material at, to or from any real property owned, leased, subleased or otherwise operated or occupied by any Group Member that would violate any Environmental Law, form the basis for any Environmental Liabilities or otherwise adversely affect the value or marketability of any real property (whether or not owned by any Group Member), other than such violations, Environmental Liabilities and effects that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

90


Section 8.16 Material Contracts . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to change or amend the terms of any material contract if such change could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 8.17 Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Money Laundering; Embargoed Persons . The Borrower shall cause each Group Member not to (i) knowingly deal in, or otherwise engage in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to the Executive Order or any other Anti-Terrorism Law, (ii) knowingly engage in or conspire to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law, or (iii) cause or permit any of the funds of any Group Member that are used to repay the Loans to be derived from any unlawful activity with the result that the making of any of the Loans would be in violation of any Requirement of Law.

ARTICLE IX

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section 9.1 Definition . Each of the following shall be an Event of Default:

(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay (i) any principal of any Loan or any L/C Reimbursement Obligation when the same becomes due and payable or (ii) any interest on any Loan, any fee under any Loan Document or any other Obligation (other than those set forth in clause (i)  above) and, in the case of this clause (ii) , such non-payment continues for a period of 5 Business Days after the due date therefor; or

(b) any representation, warranty or certification made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in any Loan Document or by or on behalf of any Loan Party (or any Responsible Officer thereof) in connection with any Loan Document (including in any document delivered in connection with any Loan Document) shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or in the case of any representation, warranty or certification that is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, shall prove to have been incorrect in any respect) when made or deemed made; or

(c) any Loan Party shall fail to comply with (i) any provision of Section 2.19(a)(ii) ( Reallocation of Defaulting Lender Commitment, Etc. ), Article V ( Financial Covenants ), Sections 6.1 ( Financial Statements ), 6.2(a)(i) or (ii)  ( Other Events ), 7.1 ( Maintenance of Corporate Existence ), 7.9 ( Use of Proceeds ) or 7.10 ( Additional Collateral and Guaranties ) or Article VIII ( Negative Covenants ), or (ii) any other provision of any Loan Document if, in the case of this clause (ii) , such failure shall remain unremedied for 30 days after the earlier of the date on which (i) notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders and (ii) a Responsible Officer of Parent or the Borrower has actual knowledge of such failure; or

(d)(i) any event or condition occurs that (A) results in any Indebtedness of any Group Member having a principal amount of $3.0 million or more becoming due prior to its stated maturity, or (B) enables or permits (with all applicable grace periods having expired) the holder or holders of any such Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause such Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption, or defeasance thereof (or permits the early termination and requires the repayment thereof), prior to its scheduled maturity, or (ii) any Group Member shall fail to pay the principal of any such Indebtedness at the stated final maturity thereof; provided , that this clause (d) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; or

 

91


(e)(i) Parent or any Group Member shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (ii) any proceeding shall be instituted by or against any Parent or any Group Member seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, composition of it or its debts or any similar order, in each case under any Requirement of Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee, conservator, liquidating agent, liquidator, other similar official or other official with similar powers, in each case for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of any such proceedings instituted against (but not by or with the consent of) Parent or any Group Member, either such proceedings shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 days or more or any action sought in such proceedings shall occur or (iii) Parent or any Group Member shall take any corporate or similar action or any other action to authorize any action described in clause (i)  or (ii)  above; or

(f) one or more judgments, orders or decrees (or other similar process) shall be rendered against Parent or any Group Member (i)(A) in the case of money judgments, orders and decrees, involving an aggregate amount (excluding amounts adequately covered by insurance payable to any Group Member, to the extent an unaffiliated and solvent insurer has not denied or contested coverage therefor, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, a reservation of rights by an insurance company would not in and of itself constitute contested coverage) in excess of $3.0 million, or (B) otherwise, that would reasonably be expected to have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii)(A) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon any such judgment, order or decree, or (B) such judgment, order or decree shall not have been vacated, discharged or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days;

(g) except pursuant to a valid, binding and enforceable termination or release permitted under the Loan Documents and executed by the Administrative Agent or as otherwise expressly permitted under any Loan Document, (i) any provision of any Loan Document shall, at any time after the delivery of such Loan Document, fail to be, or be asserted in writing by Parent or any Group Member not to be valid and binding on, or enforceable against, any Loan Party party thereto, or (ii) any Loan Document purporting to grant a Lien to secure any Obligation shall, at any time after the delivery of such Loan Document, fail to create a valid and enforceable Lien on any material portion of the Collateral and purported to be covered thereby or such Lien shall fail or cease to be a perfected Lien with the priority required in the relevant Loan Document, or Parent or any Group Member shall state in writing that any of the events described in clause (i)  or (ii)  above shall have occurred;

(h) there shall occur any Change of Control;

(i) an ERISA Event occurs which has resulted in liability of a Group Member in an aggregate amount that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(j) the subordination provisions applicable to any Subordinated Debt or Junior Indebtedness having a principal amount of $3.0 million or more shall cease to be in full force.

Section 9.2 Remedies . During the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall, in each case by notice to the Borrower and in addition to any other right or remedy provided under any Loan Document or by any applicable

 

92


Requirement of Law, do each of the following: (a) declare all or any portion of the Commitments terminated, whereupon the Commitments shall immediately be reduced by such portion or, in the case of a termination in whole, shall terminate together with any obligation any Lender may have hereunder to make any Loan and any L/C Issuer may have hereunder to Issue any Letter of Credit or (b) declare immediately due and payable all or part of any Obligation (including any accrued but unpaid interest thereon), whereupon the same shall become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Parent and the Borrower (and, to the extent provided in any other Loan Document, other Loan Parties); provided , that, effective immediately upon the occurrence of the Events of Default specified in Section 9.1(e)(ii) , (x) the Commitments of each Lender to make Loans and the commitment of each L/C Issuer to Issue Letters of Credit shall each automatically be terminated and (y) each Obligation (including in each case any accrued all accrued but unpaid interest thereon) shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice or other requirement of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Parent and the Borrower (and, to the extent provided in any other Loan Document, any other Loan Party).

Section 9.3 [Reserved] .

Section 9.4 Actions in Respect of Letters of Credit . At any time (i) upon the Revolving Credit Termination Date, (ii) after the Revolving Credit Termination Date when the aggregate funds on deposit in L/C Cash Collateral Accounts shall be less than 105% of the L/C Obligations for all Letters of Credit at such time and (iii) as required by Section 2.12 , the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s office referred to in Section 11.11 , for deposit in a L/C Cash Collateral Account, the amount required so that, after such payment, the aggregate funds on deposit in the L/C Cash Collateral Accounts equals or exceeds 105% of the L/C Obligations for all Letters of Credit at such time (not to exceed, in the case of clause (iii)  above, the payment to be applied pursuant to Section 2.12 to provide cash collateral for Letters of Credit).

ARTICLE X

THE AGENTS

Section 10.1 Appointment and Authority . (a) Each Lender Party hereby irrevocably appoints Royal Bank to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent and as the Collateral Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Agents to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Agents by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Each Lender Party hereby irrevocably appoints KeyBank National Association as Syndication Agent hereunder. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or Participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties The provisions of this Article X are solely for the benefit of the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lender Parties, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

 

93


(b) Each L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Agents in this Article X with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and the applications and agreements for letters of credit pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Agent” as used in this Article X included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (ii) as additionally provided herein with respect to such L/C Issuer.

Section 10.2 Agents Individually . (a) Each Person serving as an Agent or Arranger hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender Party as any other Lender Party and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent or an Arranger and the term “Lender Party” or “Lender Parties” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include each Person serving as an Agent or an Arranger hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not an Agent or an Arranger hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lender Parties.

(b) Each Lender Party understands that each Person serving as an Agent or an Arranger, in each case, acting in its individual capacity, and its Affiliates (collectively, such “ Agent’s Group ”) are engaged in a wide range of financial services and businesses (including investment management, financing, securities trading, corporate and investment banking and research) (such services and businesses are collectively referred to in this Section 10.2 as “ Activities ”) and may engage in the Activities with or on behalf of one or more of the Loan Parties or their respective Affiliates. Furthermore, each Agent’s Group may, in undertaking the Activities, engage in trading in financial products or undertake other investment businesses for its own account or on behalf of others (including the Loan Parties and their Affiliates and including holding, for its own account or on behalf of others, equity, debt and similar positions in the Borrower, another Loan Party or their respective Affiliates), including trading in or holding long, short or derivative positions in securities, loans or other financial products of one or more of the Loan Parties or their Affiliates. Each Lender Party understands and agrees that in engaging in the Activities, each Agent’s Group may receive or otherwise obtain information concerning the Loan Parties or their Affiliates (including information concerning the ability of the Loan Parties to perform their respective Obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) which information may not be available to any of the Lender Parties that are not members of such Agent’s Group. No Agent or Arranger nor any member of such Agent’s Group shall have any duty to disclose to any Lender Party or use on behalf of the Lender Parties, and shall not be liable for the failure to so disclose or use, any information whatsoever about or derived from the Activities or otherwise (including any information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any Loan Party or any Affiliate of any Loan Party) or to account for any revenue or profits obtained in connection with the Activities, except that each Agent shall deliver or otherwise make available to each Lender Party such documents as are expressly required by any Loan Document to be transmitted by such Agent to the Lender Parties.

(c) Each Lender Party further understands that there may be situations where members of each Agent’s Group or their respective customers (including the Loan Parties and their Affiliates) either now have or may in the future have interests or take actions that may conflict with the interests of any one or more of the Lender Parties (including the interests of the Lender Parties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents). Each Lender Party agrees that no member of any Agent’s Group is or shall be required to restrict its activities as a result of each Person serving as an Agent or an Arranger being a member of such Agent’s Group, and that each member of such Agent’s Group may undertake any Activities without further consultation with or notification to any Lender Party. None of (i) this Agreement nor any other Loan Document, (ii) the receipt by any Agent’s Group of information (including

 

94


Information) concerning the Loan Parties or their Affiliates (including information concerning the ability of the Loan Parties to perform their respective Obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) nor (iii) any other matter shall give rise to any fiduciary, equitable or contractual duties (including without limitation any duty of trust or confidence) owing by any Agent or Arranger or any member of such Agent’s Group to any Lender Party including any such duty that would prevent or restrict such Agent’s Group from acting on behalf of customers (including the Loan Parties or their Affiliates) or for its own account.

Section 10.3 Duties of the Agents; Exculpatory Provisions . (a) Each Agent’s duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are solely ministerial and administrative in nature and no Agent shall have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no Agent shall have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, but shall be required to act or refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written direction of the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent in the case of the Collateral Agent (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that no Agent shall be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose such Agent or any of its Affiliates to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law.

(b) No Agent shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent in the case of the Collateral Agent (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as such Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.2 or 11.1) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment or order. No Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or the event or events that give or may give rise to any Default unless and until the Borrower or any Lender Party shall have given notice to such Agent describing such Default and such event or events.

(c) No Agent or Arranger nor any member of such Agent’s Group shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty, representation or other information made or supplied in or in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document or the Disclosure Documents, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith or the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of the information contained therein, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created by any Loan Document, (v) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral or (vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article III or elsewhere herein, other than (in the case of the Agent, but subject to the foregoing clause (ii)) to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to such Agent.

(d) Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall require any Agent, Arranger or any of their respective Related Persons to carry out any “know your customer” or other checks in relation to any Person on behalf of any Lender Party and each Lender Party confirms to each Agent and each Arranger that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by such Agent, such Arranger or any of their respective Related Persons.

 

95


Section 10.4 Reliance by Agents . Each Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. Each Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender Party, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender Party unless an officer of the Administrative Agent responsible for the transactions contemplated hereby shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender Party prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit, and in the case of a Borrowing, such Lender Party shall not have made available to the Administrative Agent such Lender Party’s ratable portion of such Borrowing. Each Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower or any other Loan Party), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

Section 10.5 Delegation of Duties . Each Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any Affiliates, agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact, such sub-agents as shall be deemed necessary by such Agent, and shall be entitled to advice of counsel, both internal and external, and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. Each Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Persons. Each such sub-agent and the Related Persons of such Agent and each such sub-agent shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article X (as though such sub-agents were the “Administrative Agent,” “Collateral Agent” or such other “Agent” under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto. No Agent shall be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or sub-agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Section 10.6 Notice of Default . The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrowers referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article IX; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.

Section 10.7 Resignation of Agents . (a) The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lender Parties and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in New York City, or an Affiliate of any such financial institution with an office in New York City. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its resignation (such 30-day period, the “ Lender Party Appointment Period ”), then the retiring Agent may on behalf of the Lender Parties, appoint a successor Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above. In addition and without any obligation on the part of the retiring Agent to appoint, on behalf of the Lender Parties, a successor Agent, the retiring Agent may at any time upon or

 

96


after the end of the Lender Party Appointment Period notify the Borrower and the Lender Parties that no qualifying Person has accepted appointment as successor Agent and the effective date of such retiring Agent’s resignation. Upon the resignation effective date established in such notice and regardless of whether a successor Agent has been appointed and accepted such appointment, the retiring Agent’s resignation shall nonetheless become effective and (i) the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations as Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through such Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender Party directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Agent as provided for above in this paragraph and all Collateral held by the Collateral Agent shall be surrendered to a Lender Party selected by the Required Lenders. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties as Agent of the retiring (or retired) Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations as Agent hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this paragraph). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article X shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Persons in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Agent was acting as Agent.

(b) Any resignation pursuant to this Section by a Person acting as Administrative Agent shall, unless such Person shall notify the Borrower and the Lender Parties otherwise, also act to relieve such Person and its Affiliates of any obligation to advance or issue new, or extend existing, Letters of Credit where such advance, issuance or extension is to occur on or after the effective date of such resignation.

Section 10.8 Resignation of L/C Issuer . In addition to the foregoing, if a Lender becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Lender, the L/C Issuer may, upon prior written notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, resign as L/C Issuer effective at the close of business New York time on a date specified in such notice; provided that such resignation by the L/C Issuer will have no effect on the validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit then outstanding or on the obligations of the Borrower or any Lender under this Agreement with respect to any such outstanding Letter of Credit or otherwise to the L/C Issuer.

Section 10.9 Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lender Parties . (a) Each Lender Party confirms to each Agent, each Arranger, each other Lender Party and each of their respective Related Persons that it (i) possesses (individually or through its Related Persons) such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable, without reliance on any Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender Party or any of their respective Related Persons, of evaluating the merits and risks (including tax, legal, regulatory, credit, accounting and other financial matters) of (x) entering into this Agreement, (y) making Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (z) in taking or not taking actions hereunder and thereunder, (ii) is financially able to bear such risks and (iii) has determined that entering into this Agreement and making Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder and under the other Loan Documents is suitable and appropriate for it.

(b) Each Lender Party acknowledges that (i) it is solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender Party or any of their respective Related Persons, made its own appraisal and investigation of all risks associated with, and its own credit analysis and decision to enter into, this Agreement based on such documents and information, as it has deemed appropriate and (iii) it will,

 

97


independently and without reliance upon any Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender Party or any of their respective Related Persons, continue to be solely responsible for making its own appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with, and its own credit analysis and decision to take or not take action under, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, which may include, in each case:

(i) the financial condition, status and capitalization of the Borrower and each other Loan Party;

(ii) the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Loan Document;

(iii) determining compliance or non-compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit and the form and substance of all evidence delivered in connection with establishing the satisfaction of each such condition; and

(iv) the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of the Disclosure Documents and any other information delivered by any Agent, any Arranger, any other Lender Party or by any of their respective Related Persons under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Loan Document.

Section 10.10 Release of Collateral or Guarantors . Each Lender Party hereby consents to the release and hereby directs the Collateral Agent to release or subordinate any Lien held by the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties against (i) any Collateral that is Sold by a Loan Party in a Sale (other than a Sale to another Loan Party) 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 7.10 after giving effect to such Sale have been granted, (ii) any property subject to a Lien permitted hereunder to the extent such property constitutes “Excluded Property” (as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement) and (iii) all of the Collateral and all Loan Parties, upon (A) termination of the Commitments and all Secured Hedging Support Documents, (B) payment and satisfaction in full of all Loans, all L/C Reimbursement Obligations and all other Obligations that the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent have been notified in writing are then due and payable and (C) deposit of cash collateral with respect to all L/C Obligations (or a back-up letter of credit has been issued), in an amount equal to 105% of such L/C Obligation and with parties satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the applicable L/C Issuer.

Each Lender Party hereby directs the Collateral Agent, and the Collateral Agent hereby agrees at the Borrower’s expense, upon receipt of reasonable advance notice from the 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 10.10 .

Section 10.11 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 Party so long as, by accepting such benefits, such Secured Party agrees, as among the Agents and all other Secured Parties, that such Secured Party agrees to and is bound by (and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, shall confirm such agreement in a writing in form and

 

98


substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent) this Article X , Section 11.8 ( Right of Setoff ), Section 11.9 ( Sharing of Payments, Etc. ) and Section 11.20 ( Confidentiality ) and the decisions and actions of the Agents and the Required Lenders (or, where expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, a greater proportion of the Lenders) to the same extent a Lender is bound; provided , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) such Secured Party shall be bound by Section 10.12 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 be such Secured Party’s pro rata share (based on the amount of Obligations owing to such Secured Party relative to the aggregate amount of all Obligations) of such liabilities, costs and expenses, and (b) except as set forth herein specifically for such Secured Party, (i) each of the Agents and the Lender Parties 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 (ii) 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. The Borrower hereby authorizes each Secured Hedging Counterparty party to a Secured Hedging Support Document to receive confidential and other information from the counterparty to the Hedging Agreement supported by such Secured Hedging Support Document in respect of such Hedging Agreement, Secured Hedging Support Document, or otherwise in respect of the Borrower and its Affiliates. Each party hereto that is a Secured Hedging Counterparty party to any Secured Hedging Support Document or whose Affiliate is such a Secured Hedging Counterparty shall not, and shall not cause such Affiliate to, revoke, cancel or otherwise terminate such Secured Hedging Support Document prior to the earlier of (w) the scheduled expiration or maturity of such Secured Hedging Support Document, (x) the occurrence or continuation of any Event of Default, (y) any breach of the terms of such Secured Hedging Support Document constituting a termination event or otherwise permitting such termination, and (z) the Scheduled Maturity Date.

Section 10.12 Expenses; Indemnities . (a) Each Lender agrees to reimburse each Agent, each Arranger and each of their respective Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by any Loan Party) promptly upon demand for such Lender’s Pro Rata Share with respect to the Facilities of any costs and expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of financial, legal and other advisors paid in the name of, or on behalf of, any Loan Party) that may be incurred by such Agent, such Arranger or any of their respective 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, EACH ARRANGER AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PERSONS (TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY ANY LOAN PARTY), FROM AND AGAINST SUCH LENDER’S AGGREGATE PRO RATA SHARE WITH RESPECT TO THE FACILITIES OF ANY LIABILITIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON, INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST SUCH AGENT, SUCH ARRANGER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PERSONS AND IN ANY MATTER RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS A RESULT OF ANY LOAN 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, SUCH ARRANGER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PERSONS UNDER OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING (IN EACH CASE, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED OR ARISING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF ANY AGENT, ANY ARRANGER

 

99


OR THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PERSONS; PROVIDED, THAT NO LENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO ANY AGENT, ANY ARRANGER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PERSONS TO THE EXTENT SUCH LIABILITY HAS RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH AGENT, SUCH ARRANGER 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. THE AGREEMENTS IN THIS SECTION 10.12 SHALL SURVIVE THE RESIGNATION AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR COLLATERAL AGENT, AS APPLICABLE, ANY ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS BY, OR THE REPLACEMENT OF, A LENDER PARTY, THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE REPAYMENT, SATISFACTION OR DISCHARGE OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS.

Section 10.13 No Other Duties, etc . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Persons acting as Syndication Agent or Arrangers listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent or as a Lender Party hereunder; provided that the Syndication Agent and Arrangers shall be entitled to all benefits of this Article X.

Section 10.14 Withholding Tax . To the extent required by any applicable law, the Administrative Agent may deduct or withhold from any payment to any Secured Party an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding tax. If the Internal Revenue Service or any authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Secured Party (because the appropriate form was not delivered or was not properly executed, or because such Secured Party failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstances that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax ineffective, or for any other reason), such Secured Party shall indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent (to the extent that the Administrative Agent has not already been reimbursed by any Loan Party pursuant to Sections 2.16 and 2.17 and without increasing or limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so) fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as Tax or otherwise, together with all expenses incurred, including legal expenses, allocated staff costs and any out-of-pocket expenses, whether or not such Tax was correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Secured Party by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Secured Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Secured Party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this Section 10.14 . The agreements in this Section 10.14 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Secured Party, the termination of this Agreement and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

Section 10.15 Removal of Agents . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if at any time the Required Lenders determine that the Person serving as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent is (without taking into account any provision in the definition of “Defaulting Lender” requiring notice from the Administrative Agent or any other party) a Defaulting Lender, the Required Lenders (determined after giving effect to Section 11.1(c)) may by notice to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent and appoint a replacement Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder. Such removal will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be effective on the earlier of (i) the date a replacement Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent is appointed and (ii) the date 20 Business Days after the giving of such notice by the Required Lenders (regardless of whether a replacement Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent has been appointed) and, in the case of the Collateral Agent, the Collateral held by the Collateral Agent shall be surrendered to a Lender Party selected by the Required Lenders.

 

100


ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.1 Amendments, Waivers, Etc . (a) No amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document (other than the Fee Letter) and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed (1) in the case of an amendment, consent or waiver to (A) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower or (B) grant a new Lien for the benefit of the Secured Parties or extend an existing Lien over additional property, by the Collateral Agent and the Borrower and (2) in the case of any other amendment, waiver or consent by the Required Lenders (or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders) and the Borrower; provided , that no amendment, consent or waiver described in clause (2)  above shall, unless in writing and signed by each Lender directly affected thereby (or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of such Lender), in addition to any other Person the signature of which is otherwise required pursuant to any Loan Document, be effective to do any of the following:

(i) waive any condition specified in Section 3.1 , except any condition referring to any other provision of any Loan Document;

(ii) increase the Commitment of such Lender or subject such Lender to any additional obligation;

(iii) reduce (including through release, forgiveness, assignment or otherwise) (A) the principal amount of, the interest rate on, or any obligation of the Borrower to repay (whether or not on a fixed date), any outstanding Loan owing to such Lender (excluding mandatory prepayments), (B) any fee or accrued interest payable to such Lender or (C) if such Lender is a Revolving Credit Lender, any L/C Reimbursement Obligation or any obligation of the Borrower to repay (whether or not on a fixed date) any L/C Reimbursement Obligation; provided , that this clause (iii)  does not apply to (x) any change to any provision increasing any interest rate or fee during the continuance of an Event of Default or to any payment of any such increase or (y) any modification to any financial covenant set forth in Article V or in any definition set forth therein or principally used therein;

(iv) extend, waive or postpone any scheduled maturity date or other scheduled date fixed for the payment, in whole or in part, of principal of or interest on any Loan or fee owing to such Lender or for the reduction of such Lender’s Commitment or the stated expiration date of any Letter of Credit beyond the Revolving Credit Termination Date; provided , that this clause (iv)  does not apply to any change to mandatory prepayments, including those required under Section 2.8 , or to the application of any payment, including as set forth in Section 2.12 ;

(v) waive or amend any provision of Section 2.12(c) ( Application of Payments during an Event of Default ) or Section 2.12(d) ( Application of Payments Generally );

(vi) except as provided in Section 10.10 , release all or substantially all of the Collateral or any Guarantor from its guaranty of any Obligation of the Borrower;

 

101


(vii) reduce or increase the proportion of Lenders required for the Lenders (or any subset thereof) to take any action hereunder or change the definition of the terms “Required Lenders”, “Required Revolving Credit Lenders”, “Required Term Loan Lenders”, “Pro Rata Share” or “Pro Rata Outstandings”;

(viii) amend Section 10.10 (Release of Collateral or Guarantors) if the effect of such amendment is a release described in clause (vi) above, Section 11.9 (Sharing of Payments) or this Section 11.1;

(ix) waive any condition set forth in Section 3.2 as to any Borrowing under a particular Facility, directly or indirectly (including by waiving any Default or Event of Default or amending or modifying Section 3.2 or Section 9.1 if the effect thereof is to permit such Borrowing), without the written consent of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders or the Required Term Loan Lenders, as the case may be; or

(x) consent to the assignment by any Loan Party of any of its rights and obligations under any Loan Document.

and provided , further, that (x)(A) any waiver of any payment applied pursuant to Section 2.12(b) ( Application of Mandatory Prepayments ) to, and any modification of the application of any such payment to, (1) the Term Loans shall require the consent of the Required Term Loan Lenders and (2) the Revolving Loans shall require the consent of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, (B) any change to the definition of the term “Required Term Loan Lender” shall require the consent of all of the Term Loan Lenders, (C) any change to the definition of the term “Required Revolving Credit Lender” shall require the consent of all of the Revolving Credit Lenders and (D) any change or amendment to Section 2.8 ( Mandatory Prepayments ) shall require the consent of the Required Term Loan Lenders until payment in full of the Term Loans and, after such full payment, the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, (y) no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties under any Loan Document of, or any payment to, any Agent (or otherwise modify any provision of Article X or the application thereof), any L/C Issuer or any SPV that has been granted an option pursuant to Section 11.2(f) unless in writing and signed by such Agent, such L/C Issuer or, as the case may be, such SPV in addition to any signature otherwise required and (z) the consent of the Borrower shall not be required to change any order of priority set forth in Section 2.12 .

(b) Each waiver or consent under any Loan Document shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given. No notice to or demand on any Loan Party shall entitle any Loan Party to any notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances. No failure on the part of any Secured Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. In the case of any waiver, the Borrower, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and any Default or Event of Default waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing, it being understood that no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon (or reduce the amount of any increased interest or fee payments as a consequence of any such Default or Event of Default).

(c) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, during such period as a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender will not be entitled to vote in respect of amendments and waivers hereunder and the Commitment and the outstanding Loans or other extensions of credit of such Lender hereunder will not be taken into account in determining

 

102


whether the Required Lenders, Required Revolving Credit Lenders, Required Term Loan Lenders or all of the Lenders, as required, have approved any such amendment or waiver (and the definitions of “Required Lenders”, “Required Revolving Credit Lenders” and “Required Term Loan Lenders” will automatically be deemed modified accordingly for the duration of such period); provided , that any such amendment or waiver that would increase or extend the term of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender, extend the date fixed for the payment of principal or interest owing to such Defaulting Lender hereunder, reduce the principal amount of any obligation owing to such Defaulting Lender, reduce the amount of or the rate or amount of interest on any amount owing to such Defaulting Lender or of any fee payable to such Defaulting Lender hereunder, or alter the terms of this proviso, will require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

Section 11.2 Assignments and Participations; Binding Effect . (a)  Binding Effect . This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by Parent, the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Agents and when the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Lender and L/C Issuer that such Lender or L/C Issuer has executed it. Thereafter, it shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Parent, the Borrower (in each case except for Article X ), each Agent, each Lender and L/C Issuer and, to the extent provided in Section 10.12 , each other Indemnitee and Secured Party and, in each case, their respective successors and permitted assigns. None of Parent, the Borrower, any L/C Issuer or any Agent (except to a successor Agent named pursuant to Section 10.7 or otherwise to facilitate a transaction contemplated by such Section 10.7 ) shall have the right to assign any rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein; provided , that each Secured Hedging Counterparty may assign its rights and interests in, but not its obligations under, Secured Hedging Support Provisions.

(b) Right to Assign .

(i) Each Lender may sell, transfer, negotiate or assign 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, (ii) any Affiliate or Approved Fund of any existing Lender, (iii) any Person that is simultaneously purchasing all or substantially all of such Lender’s loan portfolio, or (iv) any other Person reasonably acceptable (which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to the Administrative Agent and, as long as no Event of Default under Section 9.1(a) or (e) is continuing, the Borrower; provided , that (v) no Lender may sell, transfer, negotiate or assign any rights or obligations hereunder to any Permitted Investor, Parent, the Borrower or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of any of the foregoing, except as permitted by clauses (ii) and (iii) below, (w) any Assignment of Revolving Credit Commitments shall require the consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, (x) such Sales do not have to be ratable between the Facilities but must be ratable among the obligations owing to and owed by such Lender with respect to a Facility, (y) for each Facility, the aggregate outstanding principal amount (determined as of the effective date of the applicable Assignment) of the Loans, Commitments and L/C Obligations subject to any such Sale shall be an integral multiple of $1,000,000, unless such Sale is made to an existing Lender or an Affiliate or Approved Fund of any existing Lender, is of the assignor’s entire interest in such Facility or is made with the prior consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of the Borrower (as long as no Event of Default is continuing) and the Administrative Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and (z) the Borrower shall exercise commercially reasonable efforts to respond to a request for consent to an Assignment within ten Business Days after having received notice of such Assignment (provided, that for the avoidance of doubt, failure to respond to such request shall be deemed to be consent). Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Sales by Defaulting Lenders shall be subject to the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent in all instances;

 

103


(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) Permitted Investor, Parent, the Borrower or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of any Permitted Investor, Parent or the Borrower (in such capacity, the “ Offeror ”) may make one or more offers to repurchase all or any portion of the Term Loans of Lenders, in each case, subject to, and solely to the extent permitted in accordance with, the terms, conditions, limitations and procedures set forth in Exhibit 11.2 hereto (and any such repurchase shall occur pursuant to the form of Purchaser Assignment and Acceptance attached as Annex C to Exhibit 11.2) and (b) Assignments to any Permitted Investor, Parent, the Borrower or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of any Permitted Investor, Parent or the Borrower shall be permitted only so long as the acquired Loans and Commitments shall be immediately cancelled upon the effectiveness of the Assignment thereof;

(iii) Following repurchase by Offeror pursuant to this Section 11.2(b), the Term Loans so repurchased shall be deemed cancelled for all purposes and no longer outstanding (and may not be resold by such Offeror), for all purposes of this Agreement and all other Loan Documents, including, but not limited to (A) the making of, or the application of, any payments to the Lenders under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (B) the making of any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or (C) the determination of Required Lenders, or for any similar or related purpose, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document. Any payment made by the Offeror in connection with a repurchase permitted by this Section 11.2(b) shall not be subject to the provisions of either Section 2.13 or Section 11.9. Failure by Borrower to make any payment to a Lender required by an agreement permitted by this Section 11.2(b) shall not constitute an Event of Default under Section 9.1(a).

Notwithstanding any of the provisions set forth in this Agreement to the contrary, Borrower, Parent, the Lenders and Agents hereby agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be understood to mean or suggest that the Term Loans constitute “securities” for purposes of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

(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 Administrative Agent (which shall keep a copy thereof) an Assignment evidencing such Sale (including via an electronic settlement system if so designated by the Administrative Agent), together with any existing Note subject to such Sale (or any affidavit of loss therefor acceptable to the Administrative Agent), any tax forms required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.17(f) and payment by the assignee of an assignment fee in the amount of $3,500; provided , that (i) no assignment or other fee shall be payable in connection with an assignment by an existing Lender to another existing Lender or an Affiliate of such existing Lender, and (ii) only one assignment fee shall be payable with respect to multiple, simultaneous assignments to an Approved Fund and its Affiliates. Upon receipt of all the foregoing, and conditioned upon such receipt and upon the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, as applicable, consenting to such Assignment, from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment, the Administrative Agent shall record or cause to be recorded in the Register the information contained in such Assignment.

(d) Effectiveness . Effective upon the recording of an Assignment by the Administrative Agent in the Register, (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

 

104


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 except that (i) each Lender agrees to remain bound by Article X , Section 11.8 ( Right of Setoff ) and Section 11.9 ( Sharing of Payments ) to the extent provided in Section 10.11 ( Additional Secured Parties ) and (ii) each Lender shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.16 ( Breakage Costs; Increased Costs; Capital Requirements ) and Section 2.17 ( Taxes ) hereto with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment.

(e) Grant of Security Interests . In addition to the other rights provided in this Section 11.2 , each Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, 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 the Administrative Agent or (B) any holder of, or trustee for the benefit of the holders of, such Lender’s Securities, by notice to the Administrative Agent; provided , that no such holder, trustee or other Person, 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 11.2 , each Lender may, (x) with notice to the Administrative Agent, 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 the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, 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 Term Loans, Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit); provided , 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, 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 Loan 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 Sections 2.16 ( Breakage Costs; Increased Costs; Capital Requirements ) and 2.17 ( Taxes ) (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections), but only to the extent of any amount to which such Lender would be entitled in the absence of any such grant or participation, unless the sale of the participation or grant to an SPV is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), 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 the Administrative Agent by such SPV and such Lender, provided , 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 (iii)  and (iv)  of Section 11.1(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 Section 11.1(a)(v) (or amendments, consents and waivers with respect to Section 10.10

 

105


to release all or substantially all of the Collateral), for amendments that would increase the amount of any participant’s participation over the amount then in effect and consents to any assignments or transfers described in Section 11.1(a)(x) . No party hereto shall institute (and each of the Borrower and Parent shall cause each other Loan 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 , 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.

Section 11.3 Costs and Expenses . Any action taken by any Loan Party under or with respect to any Loan Document, even if required under any Loan Document or at the request of any Secured Party, shall be at the expense of such Loan Party, and no Secured Party shall be required under any Loan Document to reimburse any Loan Party or Group Member therefor. In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse upon demand (a) the Agents, the Arrangers and their Related Persons for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including fees and premiums in connection with any title insurance or surveys, search, filing or recording fees) incurred in connection with the investigation, development, preparation, negotiation, syndication, execution, interpretation 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 (including periodic audits in connection therewith and environmental audits and assessments), in each case including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of one legal counsel (and one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction, or two in the case of a conflict preventing the use of only one local counsel) to the Agents, the Arrangers, the Syndication Agent and their Related Persons, fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with Syndtrak or any other E-System and allocated to the Facilities by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion and fees, charges and disbursements of the auditors, appraisers, printers and other of their Related Persons retained by or on behalf of any of them or any of their Related Persons, (b) the Agents, the Arrangers and their Related Persons for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with internal audit reviews, field examinations and Collateral examinations (which shall be reimbursed, in addition to the out-of-pocket costs and expenses of such examiners, at the per diem rate per individual charged by the Collateral Agent for its examiners) and (c) the Arrangers, the Agents, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer and their Related Persons for all costs and 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 Parent or any Group Member, Loan Document or Obligation (or the response to and preparation for any subpoena or request for document production relating thereto), including fees and disbursements of counsel (including allocated costs of internal counsel).

Section 11.4 Indemnities . (a)  THE BORROWER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND EACH AGENT, THE ARRANGERS, EACH LENDER, EACH L/C ISSUER, EACH FORMER LENDER OR L/C ISSUER PARTY TO A SECURED HEDGING DOCUMENT, EACH PERSON THAT EACH L/C ISSUER CAUSES TO ISSUE LETTERS OF CREDIT HEREUNDER 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

 

106


AND IN ANY MATTER RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS A RESULT OF (I) ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, ANY DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, OR 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 GROUP MEMBER, (II) ANY COMMITMENT LETTER, PROPOSAL LETTER OR TERM SHEET WITH ANY PERSON OR ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION, SYNDICATION OF THE CREDIT FACILITIES PROVIDED HEREBY, ANY ENFORCEMENT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING ANY SALES OF, COLLECTION FROM, OR OTHER REALIZATION UPON ANY OF THE COLLATERAL OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY GUARANTY) ARRANGEMENT OR UNDERSTANDING WITH ANY BROKER, FINDER OR CONSULTANT, IN EACH CASE ENTERED INTO BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY GROUP MEMBER 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, THAT THE BORROWER SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY UNDER THIS SECTION 11.4 TO AN INDEMNITEE WITH RESPECT TO, AND NO INDEMNITEE SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY HEREUNDER OTHER THAN (TO THE EXTENT OTHERWISE LIABLE) FOR, ANY INDEMNIFIED MATTER TO THE EXTENT SUCH LIABILITY HAS RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE, AS DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN A FINAL NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OR ORDER. THE FOREGOING INDEMNIFICATION SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT SUCH INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT OWED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, UNDER ANY CLAIM OR THEORY OF STRICT LIABILITY, OR ARE CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY INDEMNITEE. FURTHERMORE, EACH OF PARENT AND THE BORROWER WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, AND SHALL CAUSE EACH OTHER LOAN 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.

(b) WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, “ INDEMNIFIED MATTERS ” INCLUDES ALL ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, INCLUDING THOSE ARISING FROM, OR OTHERWISE INVOLVING, ANY PROPERTY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER 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 PROPERTY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER, WHETHER OR NOT, WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, ANY INDEMNITEE IS A MORTGAGEE IN

 

107


POSSESSION, THE SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ANY GROUP MEMBER OR THE OWNER, LESSEE OR OPERATOR OF ANY PROPERTY OR FACILITY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER THROUGH ANY FORECLOSURE ACTION, IN EACH CASE EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES (I) ARE INCURRED SOLELY FOLLOWING FORECLOSURE BY ANY SECURED PARTY OR FOLLOWING ANY SECURED PARTY HAVING BECOME THE SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ANY LOAN PARTY AND (II) ARE ATTRIBUTABLE SOLELY TO ACTS OF SUCH INDEMNITEE.

Section 11.5 Survival . Any indemnification or other protection provided to any Indemnitee pursuant to any Loan Document or the provisions of Section 2.17 ( Taxes ), Section 2.16 ( Breakage Costs; Increased Costs; Capital Requirements ), Article X ( The Agents ), Section 11.3 ( Costs and Expenses ), Section 11.4 ( Indemnities ), this Section 11.5 , Section 11.8 ( Right of Setoff ), and Section 11.9 ( Sharing of Payments, Etc. ) and all representations and warranties made in any Loan Document shall (A) survive the termination of the Commitments and the payment in full of other Obligations and (B) 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.

Section 11.6 Limitation of Liability for Certain Damages . 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 PARENT AND THE BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES AND AGREES (AND SHALL CAUSE EACH OTHER LOAN 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.

Section 11.7 Lender-Creditor Relationship; No Fiduciary Duty . The relationship between the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Agents, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, is solely that of lender and creditor. Each of the Secured Parties may have economic interests that conflict with those of the Borrower, its stockholders and/or its Affiliates. The Borrower agrees that no Secured Party has any fiduciary or advisory relationship or duty to any Loan Party arising out of or in connection with, and there is no agency, tenancy or joint venture relationship between the Secured Parties and the Loan Parties by virtue of, any Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein. The Borrower agrees that it will not claim that any Secured Party has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owes a fiduciary or similar duty to the Borrower, in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto.

Section 11.8 Right of Setoff . Each Agent, Lender and 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 Parent and the Borrower), at any time and from time to time during the continuance of any Event of Default and to the fullest extent permitted by 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 Parent or the Borrower against any Obligation of any Loan 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. Each Agent, Lender and L/C Issuer agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such setoff and application made by such Lender or its Affiliates; provided , that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights under this Section 11.8 are in addition to any other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Agents, the Arrangers, the Syndication Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer and their Affiliates and other Secured Parties may have.

 

108


Section 11.9 Sharing of Payments, Etc . If any Lender, directly or through an Affiliate or branch office thereof, obtains any payment of any Obligation of any Loan 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 Sections 2.16 ( Breakage Costs; Increased Costs; Capital Requirements ), 2.17 ( Taxes ) and 2.18 ( Substitution of Lenders ) and such payment exceeds the amount such Lender would have been entitled to receive if all payments had gone to, and been distributed by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, such Lender shall purchase for cash from other Secured Parties such participations in their Obligations as necessary for such Lender to share such excess payment with such Secured Parties to ensure such payment is applied as though it had been received by the Administrative Agent and applied in accordance with this Agreement (or, if such application would then be at the discretion of the Borrower, applied to repay the Obligations in accordance herewith); provided , that (a) the provisions of this Section 11.9 shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement, any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in Letters of Credit to any assignee or participant or any payment made as a consent fee for an amendment or waiver to the extent such fee is paid only to consenting Lenders, (b) 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 (c) 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 Borrower in the amount of such participation. If a Defaulting Lender receives any such payment as described in the previous sentence, such Lender shall turn over such payments to the Administrative Agent in an amount that would satisfy the cash collateral requirements set forth in Sections 2.4 and 9.4 .

Section 11.10 Marshaling; Payments Set Aside . No Secured Party shall be under any obligation to marshal any property in favor of any Loan Party or any other party or against or in payment of any Obligation. To the extent that any Secured Party receives a payment from the Borrower, 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.

Section 11.11 Notices . (a)  Addresses . All notices, demands, requests, consents and other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be given in writing, or by any telecommunication device capable of creating a written record (including electronic mail), and addressed to the party to be notified as follows:

 

  (A) If to Administrative Agent, at

Royal Bank of Canada

200 Bay Street, 12th Floor,

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2W7

 

109


Attention: Manager, Agency

Fax: (416) 842-4023

Forward loan requests, interest rate sets, payments and fees to:

Royal Bank of Canada

200 Bay Street, 12th Floor,

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2W7

Attention: Manager, Agency

Fax: (416) 842-4023

 

  (B) If to Borrower or any Group Member, at

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

3480 W. 12th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

Attention: Kal Malik, Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Number: 713.864.1358 x128

Email: KMalik@francescas.net

With copies to:

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

Attention: Sung Pak, Esq.

Times Square Tower

7 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Number: (212) 326-2000

Fax: (212) 326-2061

Email: spak@omm.com

 

  (C) If to Royal Bank of Canada as the L/C Issuer, at

Royal Bank of Canada

One Liberty Plaza, 3 rd Floor

New York, New York 10006-1404

Number: (212) 428-6256

Fax: (212) 428-3015

Email: chandran.panicker@rbccm.com

 

  (D) If to the Collateral Agent, at

Royal Bank of Canada

200 Bay Street, 12th Floor,

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2W7

Attention: Manager, Agency

Fax: (416) 842-4023

 

110


(F) If to any other Lender Party, to it at its address (or telecopier number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire, or (G) at such other address as shall be notified in writing (x) in the case of the Borrower, to the Administrative Agent, (y) in the case of the Administrative Agent, to the other parties hereto and (z) in the case of all other parties, to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(b) Effectiveness . All notices, demands, requests, consents and other communications described in clause (a) shall be effective (i) if delivered by hand, including any overnight courier service, upon personal delivery, (ii) if delivered by mail, when deposited in the mails, (iii) if delivered by posting to an Approved Electronic Platform, an Internet website or a similar telecommunication device requiring that a user have prior access to such Approved Electronic Platform, website or other device (to the extent permitted by Section 11.12 to be delivered thereunder), when such notice, demand, request, consent and other communication shall have been made generally available on such Approved Electronic Platform, Internet website or similar device to the class of Person being notified (regardless of whether any such Person must accomplish, and whether or not any such Person shall have accomplished, any action prior to obtaining access to such items, including registration, disclosure of contact information, compliance with a standard user agreement or undertaking a duty of confidentiality) and such Person has been notified in respect of such posting that a communication has been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform and (iv) if delivered by electronic mail or any other telecommunications device, when transmitted to an electronic mail address (or by another means of electronic delivery) as provided in clause (a); provided , however, that notices and communications to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article II or Article X shall not be effective until received in writing by the Administrative Agent.

(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) (unless the Administrative Agent requests that the provisions of clause (a) and (b) be followed) and any other provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document providing for the delivery of any Approved Electronic Communication by any other means, the Loan Parties shall deliver all Approved Electronic Communications to the Administrative Agent by properly transmitting such Approved Electronic Communications in an electronic/soft medium in a format acceptable to the Administrative Agent to CHANDRAN.PANICKER@RBCCM.COM or such other electronic mail address (or similar means of electronic delivery) as the Administrative Agent may notify to the Borrower. Nothing in this clause (c) shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender Party to deliver any Approved Electronic Communication to any Loan Party in any manner authorized in this Agreement or to request that the Borrower effect delivery in such manner.

Section 11.12 Posting of Approved Electronic Communications . (a) Each of the Lender Parties and each Loan Party agree that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Approved Electronic Communications available to the Lender Parties by posting such Approved Electronic Communications on Syndtrak™ or a substantially similar electronic platform chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “ Approved Electronic Platform ”).

(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Closing Date, a dual firewall and a User ID/Password Authorization System) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a single-user-per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lender Parties and each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. In consideration for the convenience and

 

111


other benefits afforded by such distribution and for the other consideration provided hereunder, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each of the Lender Parties and each Loan Party hereby approves distribution of the Approved Electronic Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. NONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT NOR ANY OTHER MEMBER OF SUCH AGENT’S GROUP WARRANT THE ACCURACY, ADEQUACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EACH EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE AGENT PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, ADVISORS OR REPRESENTATIVES HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY BORROWER, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF THE BORROWER’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE LIABILITY OF ANY AGENT PARTY IS FOUND IN A FINAL NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE RESULTED PRIMARILY FROM SUCH AGENT PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

(d) Each of the Lender Parties and each Loan Party agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Approved Electronic Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally-applicable document retention procedures and policies.

Section 11.13 Confidentiality . Each of the Agent and the Lender Parties agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Related Persons or to any Person that any L/C Issuer causes to Issue Letters of Credit hereunder (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it or its Affiliates (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) or any similar organization, any examiner or any nationally recognized rating agency or otherwise to the extent consisting of general portfolio information, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal or judicial process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document, any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder or any litigation or proceeding to which any Agent, any Lender Party or any of their respective Affiliates may be a party, (f) subject to an agreement no less restrictive than this Section 11.13 ,

 

112


to (i) any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (ii) to current or prospective grantees of any option described in Section 11.2(f) , direct or indirect counterparties to any Secured Hedging Document or any Hedging Agreement permitted hereunder and to their respective Related Persons, (iii) any actual or prospective party (or its managers, administrators, trustees, partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives), surety, reinsurer, guarantor or credit liquidity enhancer (or their advisors) to or in connection with any swap, derivative or other similar transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Obligations or to the Borrower and its obligations or to this Agreement or payments hereunder, (iv) to a trustee, collateral manager, servicer, backup servicer, noteholder, or secured party in a Securitization in connection with the administration, servicing and reporting on the assets serving as collateral for such Securitization, (v) to any rating agency when required by it or (vi) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar organization, (g) with the consent of the Borrower, (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 11.13 or (ii) becomes available to any Agent, any Lender Party or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than a Loan Party or (i) to the extent necessary or customary for inclusion in league table measurements or in any tombstone or other advertising materials (and the Loan Parties consent to the publication of such tombstone or other advertising materials by any Agent, Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their Related Persons). For purposes of this Section 11.13 , “ Information ” means all information received from a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries relating to a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender Party on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that, in the case of information received from a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, such information has been or is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 11.13 shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has (i) exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information or (ii) treated such Information in accordance with such Person’s customary procedures for handling confidential information of such nature. In addition, each Agent and each Lender may disclose the existence of this Agreement and the information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar services providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, in each case in accordance with customary market practice.

Section 11.14 Treatment of Information .

(a) Certain of the Lenders may enter into this Agreement and take or not take action hereunder or under the other Loan Documents on the basis of information that does not contain material non-public information with respect to any of the Loan Parties (“ Restricting Information ”). Other Lenders may enter into this Agreement and take or not take action hereunder or under the other Loan Documents on the basis of information that may contain Restricting Information. Neither any Agent nor any of its Related Persons shall, by making any Communications (including Restricting Information) available to a Lender Party, by participating in any conversations or other interactions with a Lender Party or otherwise, make or be deemed to make any statement with regard to or otherwise warrant that any such information or Communication does or does not contain Restricting Information nor shall any Agent or any of its Related Persons be responsible or liable in any way for any decision a Lender Party may make to limit or to not limit its access to Restricting Information. In particular, no Agent nor any of its Related Persons (i) shall have, and each Agent, on behalf of itself and each of its Related Persons, hereby disclaims, any duty to ascertain or inquire as to whether or not a Lender Party has or has not limited its access to Restricting Information, such Lender Party’s policies or procedures regarding the safeguarding of material, nonpublic information or such Lender Party’s compliance with applicable laws related thereto

 

113


or (ii) shall have, or incur, any liability to any Loan Party or Lender Party or any of their respective Related Persons arising out of or relating to any Agent or any of its Related Persons providing or not providing Restricting Information to any Lender Party.

(b) Each Loan Party agrees that (i) all Communications it provides to any Agent intended for delivery to the Lender Parties whether by posting to the Approved Electronic Platform or otherwise shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” if such Communications do not contain Restricting Information which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof, (ii) by marking Communications “PUBLIC,” each Loan Party shall be deemed to have authorized the Agents and the Lender Parties to treat such Communications as either publicly available information or not material information (although, in this latter case, such Communications may contain sensitive business information and, therefore, remain subject to the confidentiality undertakings of Section 11.13 ) with respect to such Loan Party for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws, (iii) all Communications marked “PUBLIC” may be delivered to all Lender Parties and may be made available through a portion of the Approved Electronic Platform designated “Public Side Information,” and (iv) the Agents shall be entitled to treat any Communications that are not marked “PUBLIC” as Restricting Information and may post such Communications to a portion of the Approved Electronic Platform not designated “Public Side Information.” No Agent nor any of their Affiliates shall be responsible for any statement or other designation by a Loan Party regarding whether a Communication contains or does not contain material non-public information with respect to any of the Loan Parties nor shall any Agent or any of its Affiliates incur any liability to any Loan Party, any Lender Party or any other Person for any action taken by such Agent or any of its Affiliates based upon such statement or designation, including any action as a result of which Restricting Information is provided to a Lender Party that may decide not to take access to Restricting Information. Nothing in this Section 11.14 shall modify or limit a Lender Party’s obligations under Section 11.13 with regard to Communications and the maintenance of the confidentiality of or other treatment of Information.

(c) Each Lender Party acknowledges that circumstances may arise that require it to refer to Communications that might contain Restricting Information. Accordingly, each Lender Party agrees that it will nominate at least one designee to receive Communications (including Restricting Information) on its behalf and identify such designee (including such designee’s contact information) on such Lender Party’s Administrative Questionnaire. Each Lender Party agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time of such Lender Party’s designee’s e-mail address to which notice of the availability of Restricting Information may be sent by electronic transmission.

(d) Each Lender Party acknowledges that Communications delivered hereunder and under the other Loan Documents may contain Restricting Information and that such Communications are available to all Lender Parties generally. Each Lender Party that elects not to take access to Restricting Information does so voluntarily and, by such election, acknowledges and agrees that the Agents and other Lender Parties may have access to Restricting Information that is not available to such electing Lender Party. No Agent nor any Lender Party with access to Restricting Information shall have any duty to disclose such Restricting Information to such electing Lender Party or to use such Restricting Information on behalf of such electing Lender Party, and shall not be liable for the failure to so disclose or use, such Restricting Information.

(e) The provisions of the foregoing clauses of this Section 11.14 are designed to assist the Agents, the Lender Parties and the Loan Parties, in complying with their respective contractual obligations and applicable law in circumstances where certain Lender Parties express a desire not to receive Restricting Information notwithstanding that certain Communications hereunder or under the other Loan Documents or other information provided to the Lender Parties hereunder or thereunder may contain Restricting Information. No Agent nor any of its Related Persons warrants or makes any other

 

114


statement with respect to the adequacy of such provisions to achieve such purpose nor does any Agent or any of its Related Persons warrant or make any other statement to the effect that a Loan Party’s or Lender Party’s adherence to such provisions will be sufficient to ensure compliance by such Loan Party or Lender Party with its contractual obligations or its duties under applicable law in respect of Restricting Information and each of the Lender Parties and each Loan Party assumes the risks associated therewith.

Section 11.15 Governing Law . This Agreement, each other Loan Document that does not expressly set forth its applicable law, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Section 11.16 Jurisdiction . (a)  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 New York located in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan, or of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of Parent and the Borrower 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 the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to commence any proceeding in the federal or state courts of any other jurisdiction to the extent the Administrative Agent or the Collateral 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 Loan 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.

(b) Service of Process . Each of Parent and Borrower (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Loan 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 Borrower specified in Section 11.11 (and shall be effective when such mailing shall be effective, as provided therein). Each of Parent and Borrower (and, to the extent set forth in any other Loan Document, each other Loan 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.

(c) Additional Service of Process . Nothing contained in this Section 11.16 shall affect the right of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender or the L/C Issuer to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Requirements of Law or commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any Loan Party in any other jurisdiction.

Section 11.17 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING (INCLUDING ANY COUNTERCLAIM) 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 THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, AS APPLICABLE, BY THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 11.17 .

 

115


Section 11.18 Severability . Any provision of any Loan Document 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 any Loan Document or any part of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 11.19 Execution in 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 11.20 Entire Agreement . 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, FEE LETTER, CONFIDENTIALITY AND SIMILAR AGREEMENTS INVOLVING ANY LOAN PARTY AND ANY OF THE AGENTS, ANY LENDER OR ANY L/C ISSUER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES RELATING TO A FINANCING OF SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR FORM, PURPOSE OR EFFECT. 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).

Section 11.21 Use of Name . Each of Parent and Borrower agrees, and shall cause each other Loan Party to agree, that it shall not, and none of its Affiliates shall, issue any press release or other public disclosure (other than any document filed with any Governmental Authority relating to a public offering of the Securities of any Loan Party) using the name, logo or otherwise referring to any Agent, Arranger, Syndication Agent or of any of their respective Affiliates, the Loan Documents or any transaction contemplated therein to which the Secured Parties are party without at least 2 Business Days’ prior notice to such Agent, Syndication Agent or Arranger, and without the prior consent of such Agent, Syndication Agent or Arranger except to the extent required to do so under applicable Requirements of Law and then, only after consulting with such Agent, Syndication Agent or Arranger prior thereto.

Section 11.22 Patriot Act Notice . Each Lender subject to the Patriot Act hereby notifies Parent, the Borrower and each Loan Party that, pursuant to Section 326 thereof, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Person, including the name and address of such Person and other information allowing such Lender to identify such Person in accordance with such act.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

116


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

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.

as Borrower

By:  

/s/ John De Meritt

Name: John De Meritt
Title: Chief Executive Officer

FRANCESCA’S LLC,

as Parent

By:  

/s/ John De Meritt

Name: John De Meritt
Title: Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]


ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Administrative Agent

By:  

/s/ Authorized Signatory

  Name:
  Title:
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent

By:  

/s/ Authorized Signatory

  Name:
  Title:
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as L/C Issuer

By:  

/s/ Authorized Signatory

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Syndication Agent

By:  

/s/ Authorized Signatory

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]


GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

as a Lender

By:   /s/ Authorized Signatory
  Name:
  Title:

 

JEFFRIES GROUP, INC.,

as a Lender

By:   /s/ Authorized Signatory
  Name:
  Title:

 

JFIN FUNDING LLC,

as a Lender

By:   /s/ Authorized Signatory
  Name:
  Title:

 

JEFFRIES FINANCE LLC,

as a Lender

By:   /s/ Authorized Signatory
  Name:
  Title:

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as a Lender

By:   /s/ Authorized Signatory
  Name:
  Title:

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as a Lender

By:   /s/ Authorized Signatory
  Name:
  Title:

 

STIFEL BANK & TRUST,

as a Lender

By:   /s/ Authorized Signatory
  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(1)

[FORM OF]

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

This Assignment and Acceptance (the “ Assignment and Acceptance ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [ Insert name of Assignor ] (the “ Assignor ”) and [ Insert name of Assignee ] (the “ Assignee ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Acceptance as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including participations in any Letters of Credit included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “ Assigned Interest ”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.    Assignor:    ______________________________
2.    Assignee:    ______________________________
      [and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [ identify Lender ] 1 ]
3.    Borrower:    Francesca’s Collections, Inc.
4.    Administrative Agent:    Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement.
5.    Credit Agreement:    Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower (the “ Borrower ”),

 

1   Select as applicable.

 

1


      Francesca’s LLC (“Parent”), the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties, and the other parties party thereto
6.   

Assigned Interest:

  

 

Facility Assigned

   Aggregate
Amount of
Commitment/
Loans for all
Lenders
     Amount of
Commitment/
Loans Assigned
     Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment/
Loans 2
 

Term Loans

   $                        $                                  

Revolving Loans

   $                        $                                  

Effective Date:              ,      20      [TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR]. 3

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Acceptance are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR
  [NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
  By:    
    Name:
    Title:
ASSIGNEE
  [NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
  By:    
    Name:
    Title:

 

 

2

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

3  

This date may not be fewer than 5 Business Days after the date of assignment unless the Administrative Agent otherwise agrees.

 

2


[Consented to and] 4 Accepted:

 

Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative
Agent
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

[Consented to:] 5

 

[FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

[Consented to:] 6

 

[              , as L/C Issuer]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

 

4

To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

5  

To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

6  

Consent of the L/C Issuer is required for an assignment of Revolving Credit Commitments.

 

3


ANNEX 1

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

1. Representations and Warranties Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of Parent, the Borrower, any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by Parent, the Borrower, any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

2. Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) subject to receipt of such consents as may be required under the Credit Agreement, it satisfies the requirements specified in the Credit Agreement that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest, (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, (vi) if it is not already a Lender under the Credit Agreement, attached to this Assignment and Acceptance is an Administrative Questionnaire in the form supplied by the Administrative Agent, (vii) the Administrative Agent has received a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 as of the Effective Date and (viii) attached to this Assignment and Acceptance is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to Section 2.17(f) of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and, based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

3. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

4. General Provisions

This Assignment and Acceptance shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Acceptance by telecopy or other electronic delivery shall be effective

 

1


as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Acceptance. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

2


EXHIBIT 1.1(2)

[FORM OF]

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower (the “ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent, and the other parties party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to Section 6.1(c) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned, in his/her capacity as a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifies as follows:

 

  1.

[Attached hereto as Exhibit A is the Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as of [              ], 20[    ] and related Consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flow for the Fiscal Year then ended, each prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by (a) a complete and correct [              ] 1 , (b) an opinion 2 of Group Members’ Accountants and (c) a summary of such financial statements setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the prior Fiscal Year. These Financial Statements fairly present in all material respect the Consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower for such Fiscal Year in accordance with GAAP.] 3

 

  2.

[Attached hereto as Exhibit A is the Consolidated unaudited balance sheet of the Borrower as of [              ], 20[    ] and the related Consolidated statements of income and cash flow for such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period in the prior Fiscal Year and the corresponding portion of the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail. These Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the Consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower as at the dates indicated and for the periods indicated in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnote disclosure.] 4

 

 

1  

To include each final management letter, audit report from any independent registered certified public accountant (including the Group Members’ Accountants) or similar letter or report in connection with such Financial Statements or any audit thereof and submitted to any Group Member (or such Group Member’s board of directors).

2  

Such opinion is to indicate that: (x) such Consolidated Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the Consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower as at the dates indicated and for the periods indicated therein in accordance with GAAP without qualification with respect to going concern or scope of audit or any like qualifications, and (y) in the course of the regular audit of the businesses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which audit was conducted in accordance with (x) at any time prior to a Qualified IPO, the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and (y) thereafter, the standards of the United States’ Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (or any successor entity), such Group Members’ Accountants have obtained no knowledge that a Default in respect of the Financial Performance Covenants is continuing or, if in the opinion of the Group Members’ Accountants such a Default is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof (which statement may be limited to accounting matters and may disclaim responsibility for legal interpretations).

3  

To be included if accompanying annual financial statements only.

4  

To be included if accompanying quarterly financial statements only.

 

1


  3. Attached hereto as Exhibit B is a summary narrative discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of the Group Members for [the portion of] the Fiscal Year ended [    ] and [the corresponding period in] the previous Fiscal Year.

 

  4. No Default has occurred and is continuing as of the date hereof. [If unable to provide the foregoing certification, fully describe the nature of any such Default and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto on Annex A attached hereto.]

 

  5.

[Attached hereto as Annex [B] is a complete and correct report 5 summarizing the insurance coverage in effect for the Borrower and each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries.] 6

 

  6. The following represent true and accurate calculations, as of [        ], to be used to determine compliance with the covenants set forth in Article 5 of the Credit Agreement:

 

Consolidated Leverage Ratio:

  

Consolidated Total Debt=

     [            ]   
Consolidated EBITDA=      [            ]   
Actual Ratio=      [            ] to 1.0   
Required Ratio=      No more than   
     [            ] to 1.0   
Borrower in compliance with   
Financial Performance Covenant:      [Yes / No]   
Senior Leverage Ratio:   
Senior Debt=      [            ]   
Consolidated EBITDA=      [            ]   
Actual Ratio=      [            ] to 1.0   
Required Ratio=      No more than   
     [            ] to 1.0   
Borrower in compliance with   
Financial Performance Covenant:      [Yes / No]   
Consolidated Fixed Charge   
Coverage Ratio:   
Consolidated EBITDA (as adjusted)=      [            ]   
Consolidated Fixed Charges=      [            ]   
Actual Ratio=      [            ] to 1.0   
Required Ratio=      At least   
     [            ] to 1.0   
Borrower in compliance with   

Financial Performance Covenant:

     [Yes / No]   

 

5

Such report to specify type, amount and carrier of insurance and to contain such additional information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably specify.

6

To be included if accompanying annual financial statements only.

 

2


Supporting detail showing the calculation of Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Senior Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is attached hereto as Schedule 1 . 7

 

  7. Attached hereto as Schedule 2 are calculations setting forth the ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets at the end of the applicable Fiscal Quarter to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010.

 

  8. Attached hereto as Schedule 3 is a summary of the outstanding balances of all intercompany Indebtedness as of the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter included in the Financial Statements attached hereto, which summary is complete and correct.

 

  9.

[Attached hereto as Schedule 4 are detailed calculations setting forth Excess Cash Flow for the Excess Cash Flow Period ended [        ].] 8

  10.

[[The Corporate Chart previously delivered on [            ], 20[    ], pursuant to Section 6.1(d) of the Credit Agreement, is correct and complete as of the date hereof.] [Attached hereto as Exhibit C is a Corporate Chart, which Corporate Chart is correct and complete as of the date hereof.]] 9

 

  11.

[The Loan Parties have delivered to the Administrative Agent (i) all documents (including updated schedules as to the acquisition of Intellectual Property or real property) they are required to deliver pursuant to any Loan Document on or prior to the date hereof and (ii) complete and correct copies of all documents modifying any term of any Constituent Document of any Group Member or Joint Venture thereof on or prior to the date hereof. [Any such documents not previously delivered prior to the date hereof are attached hereto as Exhibit [D] .] 10

 

 

7  

Which calculations shall be in reasonable detail.

8  

To be included only in annual Compliance Certificate.

9  

To be included only in annual Compliance Certificate.

10  

To be included only in annual Compliance Certificate.

 

3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, in his/her capacity as a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, has executed this certificate for and on behalf of the Borrower and has caused this certificate to be delivered this              day of              .

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

4


SCHEDULE 1

Calculation of Covenant Compliance

 

(A) Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA

 

(1) Consolidated Total Debt of the Borrower as of [                    ], 20[    ]:

(a)     the sum of all Indebtedness of a type described in clauses (i) through (vi) below of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis:

    

(i)     all indebtedness for borrowed money

     _______________

(ii)    all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments,

     _______________

(iii)  the principal component of all obligations with respect to letters of credit (other than to the extent undrawn), bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances,

     _______________

(iv)   all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services 1 ,

     _______________

(v)    all Capitalized Lease Obligations, and

     _______________

(vi)   all obligations (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to the Dividend), whether or not contingent, to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value, or pay any dividends or other amounts with respect to, or convert into or exchange for Indebtedness, any of the Stock or Stock Equivalents of Borrower and its Subsidiaries (or any Stock or Stock Equivalent of a direct or indirect parent entity thereof) prior to the date that is 180 days after the Scheduled Maturity Date, 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,

     _______________

(b)     plus , all Guaranty Obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis with respect to any Indebtedness of any other Person of a type described in clause (a) above,

     _______________

 

 

1  

Other than current trade liabilities and current intercompany liabilities (but not any refinancings, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof) incurred in the ordinary course of business and maturing within 180 days after the incurrence thereof.


(c)    minus, unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents (excluding cash and Cash Equivalents from a Specified Equity Contribution) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (reduced, in the case of any Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, to reflect the extent of the relative aggregate direct and indirect beneficial ownership interest of the Borrower therein) on such date in an amount not to exceed $7,500,000 less the outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans on such date. 2

     _______________

          Consolidated Total Debt

     _______________

(2)    Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending [            ], 20[    ] 3 :

    

(a)     Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower for such period determined in accordance with GAAP: the aggregate of the Net Income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries attributable to the Borrower (after giving effect to non-controlling interests) for such period, on a Consolidated basis, excluding, without duplication:

     _______________

(A)    any net after-tax extraordinary, nonrecurring, or unusual gains or losses or income or expenses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), including any severance expenses, and fees, expenses or charges related to any offering of the Stock of Parent, any Investment, acquisition or Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement (in each case, whether or not successful), including any such fees, expenses, charges or change in control payments related to any acquisition consummated after the Closing Date,

     _______________

(B)    any net after-tax income or loss from discontinued operations and any net after-tax gain or loss on disposal of discontinued operations,

     _______________

(C)    any net after-tax gain or loss (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by the board of directors (or equivalent) of the Borrower), other than write downs of current assets in the ordinary course of business,

     _______________

 

 

2  

Such unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents that reduces Consolidated Total Debt pursuant to this clause (c) shall be maintained in an account subject to a Control Agreement (as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement).

3  

Determined on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

-2-


(D)    any net after-tax income or loss (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness,

      

(E)    the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period,

      

(F)     any increase in amortization or depreciation or any one-time non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition that is consummated after the Closing Date,

      

(G)    any non-cash impairment charges resulting from the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 and 144, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to No. 141,

      

(H)    the effect of mark-to-market accounting for derivatives contracts under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157,

      

(I)      any non-cash compensation expenses realized from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options or other rights to officers, directors and employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,

      

(J)     any pre-opening expenses, and

      

(K)    the net income for such period of any entity (other than a Subsidiary of the Borrower) in which any Person other than the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest, except to the extent that cash in an amount equal to any such income has actually been received by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries during such period,

      

(b)      plus , to the extent applicable to the Borrower in such period, the sum of the following (without duplication and only to the extent the amounts described in clauses (i) through (vi) below decreased such Consolidated Net Income for such period):

    

(i)      provision for Taxes based on income, profits or capital of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes,

      

(ii)     Consolidated Interest Expense of the Borrower for such period,

      

 

-3-


(iii)   depreciation and amortization expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period,

      

(iv)    business optimization expenses and other restructuring charges of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period 4 ,

      

(v)     any other non-cash charges of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period (but excluding (a) any such charges which represent the accrual of, or a cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any future period and (b) any such non-cash charge to the extent that it represents the amortization of a prepaid cash charge that was paid in a prior period unless such non- cash charge represents an amount that was not recognized in any prior period),

      

(vi)    management, consulting, monitoring, transaction, and advisory fees and related expenses for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period paid to the Permitted Investors (or any accruals related to such fees and related expenses), 5

      

(c)      minus, the sum (without duplication and only to the extent the amounts described in this clause (c) increased such Consolidated Net Income for such period) of non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower for such period (but excluding any such items (i) in respect of which cash was received in a prior period or will be received in a future period, or (ii) which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period).

      

Consolidated EBITDA

      

Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA

     [    ]:1.00

Covenant Requirement

     No more than [    ]:1.00

 

(B) Senior Leverage Ratio: Senior Debt to Consolidated EBITDA

 

(1) Senior Debt of the Borrower as of [        ], 20[    ]:

 

4  

(A) With respect to each business optimization expense or other such restructuring charge, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower specifying and quantifying such expense or charge and stating that such expense or charge is a business optimization expense or other restructuring charge, as the case may be, and (B) the aggregate amount of cash business optimization expenses and other cash restructuring charges for purposes of this clause (iv) shall not exceed 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as calculated prior to giving effect to the addition of amounts specified in this clause (iv)).

5  

The aggregate amount of such fees and related expenses for purposes of this clause (vi) shall not exceed in any period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters $500,000 as of the date of determination.

 

-4-


(a)     Consolidated Total Debt of the Borrower (See item (A)(1) above),

      

(b)      minus , the sum of all Indebtedness of a type described in clauses (i) through (vi) below of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, in each case to the extent such Indebtedness is subordinated to the payment in full of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement 6 :

    

(i)      indebtedness for borrowed money

      

(ii)     all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments,

      

(iii)   the principal component of all obligations with respect to letters of credit (other than to the extent undrawn), bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances,

      

(iv)    all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services 7 ,

      

(v)     all Capitalized Lease Obligations, and

      

(vi)    all obligations (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to the Dividend), whether or not contingent, to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value, or pay any dividends or other amounts with respect to, or convert into or exchange for Indebtedness, any Stock or Stock Equivalents of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (or any Stock or Stock Equivalent of a direct or indirect parent entity thereof) prior to the date that is 180 days after the Scheduled Maturity Date, 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,

      

(c)      minus , all Guaranty Obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis with respect to any Indebtedness of any other Person of a type described in clause (b) above, in each case to the extent such Indebtedness is subordinated to the payment in full of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement. 8

      

Senior Debt

      

 

6  

Must be subordinated on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

7  

Other than current trade liabilities and current intercompany liabilities (but not any refinancings, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof) incurred in the ordinary course of business and maturing within 180 days after the incurrence thereof.

8  

Must be subordinated on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

-5-


(2)     Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending [            ], 20[    ] (See Item A(2) above)

      

Senior Debt to Consolidated EBITDA

     [    ]:1.00

Covenant Requirement

     No more than [    ]:1.00

(C)    Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: Consolidated EBITDA (as adjusted) to Consolidated Fixed Charges

    

(1)     Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending [            ], 20[    ] (See Item A(2) above)

      

(a)      minus, cash Capital Expenditures 9 of the Borrower for such period (excluding any Capital Expenditures financed with Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans),

      

(b)      minus, the aggregate amount of United States federal income taxes and other taxes, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes, actually payable in cash by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period,

      

(c)      minus, the aggregate amount of Permitted Tax Distributions made in such period.

      

Consolidated EBITDA (as adjusted)

      

(2)    Consolidated Fixed Charges of the Borrower for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending [         ], 20[    ] 10 :

    

the sum of the following, determined on a Consolidated basis:

    

(a)     the aggregate of all interest expense paid or accrued during such period, plus

      

(b)     scheduled payments of principal with respect to Indebtedness during such period (excluding principal payments paid or payable on the Revolving Loan), plus

      

(c)     Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 8.5(e) of the Credit Agreement to the extent such Restricted Payments are not otherwise reflected as a reduction or expense in determining the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower (other than Restricted Payments for Permitted Tax Distributions).

      

 

9  

See the definition of “Capital Expenditures” in the Credit Agreement for calculations and exclusions.

10  

To be determined on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

-6-


Consolidated Fixed Charges

      

Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

     [    ]:1.00

Covenant Requirement

     At least [    ]:1.00

 

-7-


SCHEDULE 2

Change in Consolidated Total Assets

Ratio of (x) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets at the end of applicable Fiscal Quarter to (y) the amount of Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010

 

(1)    Consolidated Total Assets 1 at the end of Fiscal Quarter ending [            ], 20[    ]

      

(2)    Consolidated Total Assets as of October 31, 2010

     $52,965,111

Ratio of (1) to (2)

      

 

1  

Consolidated Total Assets means, as of any date, the total assets of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP, set forth on the Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as of such date. In no event shall Consolidated Total Assets include the amount of goodwill that would be recorded from the acquisition of the Borrower by the Fund and the Fund Affiliates to the extent purchase accounting treatment was given or is given to such acquisition.


SCHEDULE 3

Summary of Intercompany Indebtedness

[To set forth a summary of the outstanding balances of all intercompany Indebtedness.]

 

-2-


SCHEDULE 4

Calculation of Excess Cash Flow

Excess Cash Flow Calculation for Excess Cash Flow Period ended [            ]:

 

(a)     Consolidated EBITDA of Borrower for such Excess Cash Flow Period;

      

(b)      minus , without duplication

    

(i)      any mandatory cash principal payment on the Loans during such Excess Cash Flow Period (in the case of payment in respect of Revolving Loans, to the extent that the Revolving Credit Commitments are permanently reduced by the amount of such payment) other than any mandatory prepayment required pursuant to Section 2.8(a) of the Credit Agreement because of the existence of Excess Cash Flow,

      

(ii)     any cash principal payment, whether scheduled or otherwise, and whether mandatory or voluntary, made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries during such Excess Cash Flow Period on any Capitalized Lease Obligation or other Indebtedness (other than with respect to voluntary payments, the Term Loans, any Subordinated Debt and any unsecured Indebtedness) but only, if such Indebtedness may be reborrowed, to the extent such payment results in a permanent reduction in commitments thereof,

      

(iii)   Capital Expenditures by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis during such Excess Cash Flow Period that are paid in cash to the extent permitted under the Credit Agreement to the extent not financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans,

      

(iv)    the aggregate consideration paid in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period in respect of Permitted Acquisitions and other Investments permitted under the Credit Agreement to the extent not financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans (less any amounts received in respect thereof as a return of capital or utilizing the Equity Contribution Basket),

      

(v)     Capital Expenditures that the Borrower or any Subsidiary becomes obligated to make, or that are committed to be made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary during such Excess Cash Flow Period and that are paid in cash, to the extent permitted under the Credit Agreement and to the extent not financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans, during the 180 day period immediately following the last day of such Excess

      

 

-3-


Cash Flow Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for any Excess Cash Flow Period),

    

(vi)    the Consolidated Interest Expense of Borrower for such Excess Cash Flow Period to the extent paid in cash,

      

(vii)  the amount of any obligations for United States federal income taxes or other taxes measured by net income payable with respect to such period,

      

(viii) cash expenditures made in respect of Hedging Agreements during such Excess Cash Flow Period, to the extent not reflected in the computation of Consolidated EBITDA,

      

(ix)    solely to the extent paid with internally generated cash, dividends or distributions or repurchases of its Stock permitted under the Credit Agreement and paid in cash by the Borrower during such Excess Cash Flow Period, and dividends permitted under the Credit Agreement and paid by any Subsidiary to any Person other than Parent, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries during such Excess Cash Flow Period, in each case pursuant to Section 8.5 of the Credit Agreement, other than pursuant to clause (c) of such Section 8.5 ,

      

(x)     amounts paid in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period on account of (A) items that were accounted for as noncash reductions of Consolidated Net Income that increased Consolidated EBITDA and were included in Excess Cash Flow of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in a prior Excess Cash Flow Period, and (B) reserves or accruals established in purchase accounting,

      

(xi)    noncash items (A) that increased Consolidated Net Income, but were not deducted from Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”, for such Excess Cash Flow Period (excluding any such items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period) and (B) in respect of which cash will be received in a future Cash Flow Period, and

      

(xii)  any increase in the Working Capital of the Borrower during such period (measured as the excess of such Working Capital at the end of such period over such Working Capital at the beginning of such period);

      

(c)      plus , without duplication

      

(i)      to the extent included in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(i) of the definition thereof in the Credit Agreement, any provision for United States federal income taxes

      

 

-4-


or other taxes measured by net income,

    

(ii)     amounts deducted from the calculation of “Excess Cash Flow” for the immediately preceding Excess Cash Flow Period pursuant to clause (b)(v) above,

      

(iii)   cash payments received in respect of Hedging Agreements during such Excess Cash Flow Period to the extent not included in the computation of Consolidated EBITDA,

      

(iv)    any decrease in the Working Capital of Borrower during such Excess Cash Flow Period (measured as the excess of such Working Capital at the beginning of such Excess Cash Flow Period over such Working Capital at the end thereof), and

      

(v)     amounts received in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period on account of items that were accounted for as noncash items that reduced Excess Cash Flow in a prior Excess Cash Flow Period.

      

Excess Cash Flow

      

 

-5-


EXHIBIT A

Financial Statements

Attached.

 

-6-


EXHIBIT B

Management’s Summary Narrative Discussion and Analysis

Attached.

 

-7-


EXHIBIT C

Corporate Chart

Attached.

 

-8-


EXHIBIT D

Documents

Attached.

 

-9-


EXHIBIT 1.1(3)

 

 

 

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 17, 2010

by and among

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.

and

EACH OTHER GRANTOR

FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO

and

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent

and

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 


     TABLE OF CONTENTS       
          Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS

     1   

Section 1.1

  

Definitions

     1   

Section 1.2

  

Certain Other Terms

     4   

ARTICLE II GUARANTY

     4   

Section 2.1

  

Guaranty

     4   

Section 2.2

  

Limitation of Guaranty

     4   

Section 2.3

  

Contribution

     4   

Section 2.4

  

Authorization; Other Agreements

     5   

Section 2.5

  

Guaranty Absolute and Unconditional

     5   

Section 2.6

  

Waivers

     6   

Section 2.7

  

Reliance

     6   

ARTICLE III GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

     7   

Section 3.1

   Collateral      7   

Section 3.2

   Grant of Security Interest in Collateral      7   

Section 3.3

   Continuing Liability Under Collateral      7   

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     8   

Section 4.1

   Title; No Other Liens      8   

Section 4.2

   Perfection and Priority      8   

Section 4.3

   Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office      8   

Section 4.4

   Locations of Inventory, Equipment and Books and Records      9   

Section 4.5

   Pledged Collateral      9   

Section 4.6

   Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts      9   

Section 4.7

   Intellectual Property      9   

Section 4.8

   Commercial Tort Claims      10   

Section 4.9

   Specific Collateral      10   

Section 4.10

   Enforcement      10   

Section 4.11

   Representations and Warranties of the Credit Agreement      10   

ARTICLE V COVENANTS

     10   

Section 5.1

   Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation and Consents      10   

Section 5.2

   Reserved      11   

Section 5.3

   Pledged Collateral      11   

Section 5.4

   Accounts      12   

Section 5.5

   Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper      12   

Section 5.6

   Intellectual Property      12   

Section 5.7

   Notices      13   

Section 5.8

   Notice of Commercial Tort Claims      14   

Section 5.9

   Compliance with Credit Agreement      14   

Section 5.10

   Controlled Securities Account      14   

Section 5.11

   Cash Management Systems      14   

 

i


ARTICLE VI REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

  

     14   

Section 6.1

   Code and Other Remedies         14   

Section 6.2

   Accounts and Payments in Respect of General Intangibles         17   

Section 6.3

   Pledged Collateral         18   

Section 6.4

   Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by Collateral Agent         18   

Section 6.5

   Registration Rights         19   

Section 6.6

   Deficiency         19   

ARTICLE VII THE COLLATERAL AGENT

  

     20   

Section 7.1

   Collateral Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact         20   

Section 7.2

   Authorization to File Financing Statements         21   

Section 7.3

   Authority of Collateral Agent         21   

Section 7.4

   Duty; Obligations and Liabilities         22   

Section 7.5

   Replacement of Collateral Agent         24   

ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS

  

     24   

Section 8.1

   Reinstatement         24   

Section 8.2

   Release of Collateral         24   

Section 8.3

   Independent Obligations         25   

Section 8.4

   No Waiver by Course of Conduct         25   

Section 8.5

   Amendments in Writing         26   

Section 8.6

   Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral         26   

Section 8.7

   Notices         26   

Section 8.8

   Successors and Assigns         26   

Section 8.9

   Counterparts         26   

Section 8.10

   Severability         26   

Section 8.11

   Governing Law         26   

Section 8.12

   Waiver of Jury Trial         26   

Section 8.13

   Indemnities         26   

 

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

   UCC Filings   

Schedule 3

   Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office   

Schedule 4

   Locations of Inventory and Equipment   

Schedule 5

   Pledged Collateral   

Schedule 6

   Intellectual Property   


GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of November 17, 2010, by and among FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC. (the “ Borrower ”), each of the other entities listed on the signature pages hereof or that becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.6 (together with the Borrower, the “ Grantors ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Administrative Agent ”), and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “Collateral Agent”) for the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each other 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 the date hereof (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among the Borrower, Francesca’s LLC (“ Parent ”), the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, each Grantor (other than the Borrower) has agreed to guaranty the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Borrower;

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 Issuer to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement that the Grantors shall have executed and delivered this Agreement to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders and the L/C Issuer to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrower thereunder, each Grantor hereby agrees with the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.1 Definitions . (a) Capital terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Credit Agreement.

(b) 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 and, if defined in more than one Article of the UCC, shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 thereof).

(c) The following terms shall have the following meanings:

Agreement ” means this Guaranty and Security Agreement, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

1


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.

Collateral ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1 .

Control Agreement ” means, with respect to any deposit account, securities account, commodity account, securities entitlement or commodity contract, an agreement among the Collateral Agent, the financial institution or other Person at which such account is maintained or with which such entitlement or contract is carried, and the Loan Party maintaining such account effective to grant “control” (as defined under the applicable UCC) over such account to the Collateral Agent in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

Excluded Equity ” means (a) Voting Stock in excess of 66% of the outstanding Voting Stock of any Foreign Subsidiary and (b) any Stock to the extent that, and for so long as, the requirements of Section 7.10 of the Credit Agreement do not apply thereto by reason of clause (ii) of the final paragraph of such Section.

Excluded Property ” means, collectively: (i) Vehicles; (ii) Excluded Equity; (iii) any permit or license or any Contractual Obligation entered into by any Grantor (A) that prohibits, terminates or permits termination by any Person other than the Borrower and its Affiliates of such permit, license or Contractual Obligation upon, or requires the consent of any Person other than the Borrower and its Affiliates 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 or (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, termination provision or requirement for consent is not terminated or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other Requirement of Law or required consent is not obtained (and immediately upon the lapse, termination, unenforceability or ineffectiveness of any such prohibition, termination provision or requirement for consent or grant of such required consent, the Collateral shall include, and the Grantors shall be deemed to have automatically granted a security interest in, all such permits, licenses, Contractual Obligations or Stock or Stock Equivalents no longer subject to such prohibition or termination provision or required consent); (iv) fixed or capital assets owned by any Grantor that are 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 the Borrower and its Affiliates (which consent has not been obtained) as a condition to the creation of any other Lien on such equipment; (v) any “intent to use” Trademark applications for which a statement of use has not been filed with and accepted by the Applicable IP Office (but only until such statement is filed and accepted); and (vi) any assets to the extent that, and for so long as, the requirements of Section 7.10 of the Credit Agreement do not apply thereto by reason of clause (iii) of the final paragraph of such Section; provided , that “ 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).

Guaranteed Obligations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .

Guarantor ” means each Grantor other than the Borrower.

Guaranty ” means the guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations made by the Guarantors as set forth in this Agreement.

 

2


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.

Pledged Certificated Stock ” means all certificated securities and any other Stock or Stock Equivalent of any Person evidenced by a certificate, instrument or 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 securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements 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 owed to such Grantor, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including all such instruments described on Schedule 5 , issued by the obligors named therein. Pledged Debt Instruments excludes any Cash Equivalents that are not held in securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements 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 any Cash Equivalents that are not held in securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements 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 Constituent 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 securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements to the extent permitted by Section 5.10 hereof.

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.2 .

Security Cash Collateral Account ” means a Cash Collateral Account that is not a L/C Cash Collateral Account.

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.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” means any Guarantor that is a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

3


UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York; provided , 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, 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) Section 1.5 ( Interpretation ) of the Credit Agreement is applicable to this Agreement as and to the extent set forth therein.

ARTICLE II

GUARANTY

Section 2.1 Guaranty . To induce the Lenders to make the Loans and the L/C Issuer to Issue Letters of Credit, each Guarantor hereby, jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and not merely as surety, to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the other Secured Parties 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 of the Borrower whether existing on the date hereof or hereinafter incurred or created (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 Subsidiary Guarantor shall be liable hereunder shall not exceed the maximum amount for which such Subsidiary Guarantor can be liable without rendering this Guaranty or any other Loan Document, as it relates to such Subsidiary 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 Subsidiary Guarantor shall be required hereunder to pay any portion of any Guaranteed Obligation exceeding the greater of (a) the amount of the economic benefit actually received by such Subsidiary Guarantor and its Subsidiaries from the Loans and other Obligations, and (b) the amount such Subsidiary Guarantor would otherwise have paid if such Subsidiary Guarantor had paid the aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding the

 

4


amount thereof repaid by the Borrower and Parent) in the same proportion as such Subsidiary Guarantor’s net worth on the date enforcement is sought hereunder bears to the aggregate net worth of all the Subsidiary Guarantors on such date, then such Guarantor shall be reimbursed by such other Subsidiary Guarantors for the amount of such excess, pro rata, based on the respective net worth of such other Subsidiary 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;

(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 the 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 and agrees not to assert any defense, 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 Collateral Agent):

(a) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation of the Borrower or any other Guarantor 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 the Borrower or any other Guarantor 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;

 

5


(d) any workout, insolvency, bankruptcy proceeding, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or dissolution by or against the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any of the Borrower’s other Subsidiaries or any procedure, 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 of any Collateral or any election following the occurrence 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, setoff, counterclaim or any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any of the Borrower’s other Subsidiaries, in each case other than the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations.

Section 2.6 Waivers . Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives 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, (d) any rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies by Collateral Agent or any Secured Party, even if such election has destroyed such Grantor’s rights of subrogation and reimbursement against the Borrower or any other Guarantor, and (e) 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 the Borrower or any other Guarantor. Each Guarantor further unconditionally and irrevocably agrees not to (x) enforce or otherwise exercise any right of subrogation or any right of reimbursement or contribution or similar right against the 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 Loan Party or set off any of its obligations to such other Loan Party against obligations of such Loan Party to such Guarantor. No obligation of any Guarantor hereunder shall be discharged other than by complete performance.

Section 2.7 Reliance . Each Guarantor hereby assumes responsibility for keeping itself informed of the financial condition of the Borrower, 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 Secured Party shall be under no obligation to (a) undertake any investigation, (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.

 

6


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 interest is collectively referred to as the “ Collateral ”:

(a) all accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, documents (as defined in the UCC), equipment, general intangibles, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter-of-credit rights and any supporting obligations 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 5.8 ;

(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;

provided , that “ Collateral ” shall not include any Excluded Property; and provided , further , that if and when any property shall cease to be Excluded Property, such property shall be deemed at all times from and after the date thereof to constitute Collateral.

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 (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.

Section 3.3 Continuing Liability Under Collateral . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) each Grantor shall remain liable for all obligations under the Collateral and nothing contained herein is intended to be or shall be a delegation of duties to the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party, (ii) each Grantor shall remain liable under each of the agreements included in the Collateral, including, without limitation, any agreements relating to pledged partnership interests or pledged limited liability company interests, to perform all of the obligations undertaken by it thereunder all in accordance with and pursuant to the terms and provisions thereof and neither the Collateral Agent nor any Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any of such agreements by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or any other document related thereto nor shall the Collateral Agent nor any Secured Party have any obligation to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by it or have any obligation to take any action to collect or enforce any rights under any agreement included in the Collateral, including, without limitation, any agreements relating to pledged

 

7


partnership interests or pledged limited liability company interests, and (iii) the exercise by the Collateral Agent of any of its rights hereunder shall not release any Grantor from any of its duties or obligations under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Loan Documents, each Grantor hereby represents and warrants each of the following to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the other Secured Parties:

Section 4.1 Title; No Other Liens . Except for the Lien granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Agreement and other Permitted Liens, such Grantor owns each item of the Collateral free and clear of any and all Liens or claims of others. 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 transfer each other item of Collateral in which a Lien is granted by it hereunder, free and clear of any other Lien.

Section 4.2 Perfection and Priority . The security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement constitutes a valid and continuing perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties 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 specified on Schedule 2 (which, in the case of all filings referred to on such schedule, have been duly authorized by each Grantor and delivered to the Collateral Agent in completed form), (ii) with respect to any deposit account, the execution of a Control Agreement, (iii) in the case of all Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents for which UCC filings are insufficient, all appropriate filings having been made with the Applicable IP Office, (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, 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. Such security interest shall be prior to all other Liens on the Collateral except for Customary Permitted Liens having priority over the Collateral Agent’s Lien by operation of law or permitted pursuant to clause (c) , (e) or (j)  of the definition of “Customary Permitted Liens” in the Credit Agreement or subsection 8.2(c) , 8.2(d) , 8.2(e) , 8.2(f) or 8.2(h) of the Credit Agreement upon (i) in the case of all Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property, the delivery thereof to the Collateral Agent of such Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property consisting of instruments and certificates, in each case properly endorsed for transfer to the Collateral Agent or in blank, (ii) in the case of all Pledged Investment Property not in certificated form, the execution of a Control Agreement with respect to such investment property, 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 to the Collateral Agent of such instruments and tangible chattel paper. Except as set forth in this Section 4.2 , all actions by each Grantor necessary to 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

 

8


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) and books and records concerning the Collateral are kept at the locations listed on Schedule 4 and such Schedule 4 also lists the locations of such inventory, equipment and books and records for the five years preceding the date hereof.

Section 4.5 Pledged Collateral . (a) The Pledged Stock of all Subsidiaries pledged by such Grantor hereunder and all other Pledged Stock in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (i) is, as of the Closing Date, listed on Schedule 5 and, as of the Closing Date, constitutes that percentage of the issued and outstanding equity of all classes of each issuer thereof as set forth on Schedule 5 , (ii) has been duly authorized, validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable (other than Pledged Stock in limited liability companies and partnerships), (iii) constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor with respect thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms and (iv) in the case of Pledged Certificated Stock, has been delivered to the Collateral Agent in accordance with Section 5.3(a) as of the Closing Date.

(b) As of the Closing Date, all Pledged Collateral (other than Pledged Stock) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, all Pledged Debt Instruments required to be pledged hereunder pursuant to Section 8.1(e) or 8.3(e) of the Credit Agreement, and all Pledged Investment Property consisting of instruments and certificates in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, in each case has been delivered to the Collateral Agent in accordance with Section 5.3(a) .

(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent, at the direction of the Administrative 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.

Section 4.6 Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts . No amount payable to such Grantor under or in connection with any Collateral is evidenced by any instruments or tangible chattel paper in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate that has not been delivered to the Collateral Agent, properly endorsed for transfer, to the extent delivery is required by Section 5.5(a) .

Section 4.7 Intellectual Property . (a) As of the Closing Date, Schedule 6 sets forth a true and complete list of the following Intellectual Property such Grantor owns (or, in the case of Material Intellectual Property, licenses): (i) Intellectual Property that is registered or subject to applications for registration, 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, and (4) as applicable, the registration or application number and registration or application date, (ii) Internet Domain Names and (iii) Material Intellectual Property.

(b) On the Closing Date, all Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor is in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired and, to such Grantor’s knowledge, valid and enforceable, and no Material Intellectual Property has been abandoned. The consummation of the transactions

 

9


contemplated by the Loan Documents shall not limit or impair the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of, or any rights of such Grantor in, any Material Intellectual Property. There are no pending (or, to the knowledge of such Grantor, threatened) actions, investigations, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, 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 impairing any Material Intellectual Property owned by 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.

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 definitively determined and regardless of whether such commercial tort claim has been asserted, threatened or has otherwise been made known to the obligee thereof or whether litigation has been commenced for such claims) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate are those listed on Schedule 1 , which sets forth such information separately for each Grantor.

Section 4.9 Specific Collateral . As of the Closing Date, none of the Collateral is or is proceeds or products of farm products, “as-extracted collateral” (as defined in the UCC), 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 other Person or any consent from any Person is required 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 generally or any approvals that may be required to be obtained from any bailees or landlords to collect the Collateral.

Section 4.11 Representations and Warranties of the Credit Agreement . The representations and warranties as to such Grantor and its Subsidiaries made by the Borrower in Article IV ( Representations and Warranties ) of the Credit Agreement are true and correct on each date as required by Section 3.2(b) of the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

Each Grantor agrees with the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to the following, as long as any Obligation or Commitment remains outstanding and, in each case, unless the Required Lenders otherwise consent in writing:

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 Requirement of Law or any policy of insurance covering the Collateral and (ii) not enter into any Contractual Obligation or undertaking restricting the right or ability of such Grantor or the Collateral Agent to Sell any Collateral if such restriction could, either individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) 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 defend such security interest and such priority against the claims and demands of all Persons.

 

10


(c) Such Grantor shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and 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 Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

(d) At any time and from time to time, upon the reasonable written request of the Collateral Agent (as so directed by the Administrative 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 Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may reasonably request.

(e) 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 the 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.

Section 5.2 [Reserved] .

Section 5.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Delivery of Pledged Collateral . Such Grantor shall, within 30 days of the acquisition or formation thereof, (i) deliver to the Collateral Agent, in suitable form for transfer and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (A) all Pledged Certificated Stock of Subsidiaries, (B) all other Pledged Certificated Stock, (C) all Pledged Debt Instruments and (D) all certificates and instruments evidencing Pledged Investment Property, in each case of clauses (B), (C), and (D) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate; provided that Pledged Certificated Stock of Subsidiaries and Pledged Debt Instruments required to be pledged hereunder pursuant to Section 8.1(e) or 8.3(e) of the Credit Agreement shall be delivered regardless of their value and (ii) maintain all other Pledged Investment Property in a securities account subject to a Control Agreement.

(b) Event of Default . During the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, at any time at the direction of the Administrative Agent (in the Administrative Agent’s 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 , 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 , that no vote shall be cast, consent given or right exercised or other action taken by such Grantor that would impair the Collateral or be inconsistent with or result in any

 

11


violation of any provision of any Loan Document. The Collateral Agent shall have no duty or obligation to exercise or monitor such voting rights.

Section 5.4 Accounts . 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 could adversely affect the value thereof.

Section 5.5 Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper. (a) If any amounts 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 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 Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent”, shall promptly (and in any event within 30 days) provide a notice of acquisition of such instrument or chattel paper to the Collateral Agent, and, at the request of the Administrative Agent, shall immediately deliver such instrument or tangible chattel paper to the Collateral Agent, duly indorsed in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative 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 Collateral Agent.

(c) If such Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter or letters 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, then such Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within 2 Business Days after becoming a beneficiary, notify the Collateral Agent thereof. Such Grantor shall 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 assign proceeds of such letters of credit to the Collateral Agent in a manner 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 such Contractual Obligation shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(d) If any amounts 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 electronic chattel paper, such Grantor shall 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 related to such electronic chattel paper.

Section 5.6 Intellectual Property . (a) Within 60 days after any change to Schedule 6 for such Grantor, such Grantor shall provide the Collateral Agent notification thereof and the short-form intellectual property agreements and assignments as described in this Section 5.6 and other documents that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests with respect thereto.

(b) Such Grantor shall (and shall exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cause all of its licensees to), to the extent the applicable Intellectual Property remains, in the reasonable

 

12


judgment of such Grantor, necessary for or useful in the conduct of such Grantor’s business: (i) (1) continue to use each Trademark included in the Material Intellectual Property 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, (2) maintain at least the same standards of quality of products and services offered under such Trademark as are currently maintained, (3) use such Trademark, where commercially practicable, with the appropriate notice of registration and all other notices and legends required by applicable Requirements of Law, and (4) 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) any Trademark included in the Material Intellectual Property (or any goodwill associated therewith) may become destroyed, invalidated, impaired or harmed in any way, (x) any Patent included in the Material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, (y) any 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 be disclosed to an unauthorized third party or become publicly available or otherwise unprotectable.

(c) Such Grantor shall notify the Collateral Agent immediately if it knows, or has reason to know, that any application or registration relating to any Material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any 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). Such Grantor shall take all actions that are necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration or recordation) and to maintain each registration and recordation included in the Material Intellectual Property.

(d) Such Grantor shall not do any act or omit to do any act to infringe, misappropriate, dilute, violate or otherwise impair the Intellectual Property of any other Person, except for any such action or omission as would not be expected to have 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, if any, 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 Administrative Agent and suitable for (i) filing in the Applicable IP Office the short-form intellectual property security agreements in the form attached hereto as Annex 3 for all Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents and IP Licenses of such Grantor, and (ii) if requested by the Collateral Agent at the direction of the Administrative Agent during the continuation of an Event of Default, recording with the appropriate Internet domain name registrar, a duly executed form of assignment for all Internet Domain Names of such Grantor, in each case, together with appropriate supporting documentation as may be requested by the Collateral Agent.

Section 5.7 Notices . Such Grantor shall promptly (and in any event within 30 days of the acquisition thereof) 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.

 

13


Section 5.8 Notice of Commercial Tort Claims . Such Grantor agrees that, if it shall acquire any interest in any commercial tort claims in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (whether from another Person or because such commercial tort claim shall have come into existence), (i) such Grantor shall, immediately upon such acquisition, deliver to the Collateral Agent, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative 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 Collateral Agent, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, any document, and take all other action, deemed by the Administrative Agent to be reasonably necessary or appropriate for the Collateral Agent to obtain, on behalf of the Lenders, a perfected security interest having at least the priority set forth in Section 4.2 in all such commercial tort claims. Any supplement to Schedule 1 delivered pursuant to this Section 5.8 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 5.9 Compliance with Credit Agreement . Such Grantor agrees to comply with all covenants and other provisions applicable to it under the Credit Agreement, including Sections 2.17 ( Taxes ) and 11.3 ( Costs and Expenses ) of the Credit Agreement, and agrees to the same submission to jurisdiction as that agreed to by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.10 Controlled Securities Account . Each Grantor shall deposit all of its Cash

Equivalents in securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements except for (i) Cash Equivalents the value of which does not exceed $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate and (ii) Cash Equivalents which are deposited in accounts that are the subject of Section 5.11.

Section 5.11 Cash Management Systems . Each Grantor 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 any payroll account, withholding tax and fiduciary accounts and other accounts containing less than $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate) as of or after the Closing Date.

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

Section 6.1 Code and Other Remedies . (a)  UCC Remedies . 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 Secured 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, the Collateral Agent may at the written direction of the Administrative Agent, 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, grant an 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

 

14


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, (i) at the Administrative 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 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 . The Collateral Agent shall apply the cash proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Section 6.1 , after deducting all of its reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred in connection therewith or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any Collateral or in any way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Collateral Agent and any other Secured Party hereunder, including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and disbursements of any third party agent and reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, 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 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.

(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, any other Loan 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 Collateral 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 Collateral Agent or any other 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

 

15


Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it is commercially reasonable 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) fail to obtain Permits, or other consents, for access to any Collateral to Sell or for the collection or Sale of any Collateral, or, if not required by other Requirements of Law, fail to obtain Permits or other consents for 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;

(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 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 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 6.1 .

(g)  IP Licenses . For the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative 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 or grant options to purchase any Collateral) at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of

 

16


the Secured Parties, (i) an irrevocable, 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 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.

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 Collateral Agent at any time during the continuance of (A) an Event of Default under clause (a)  or clause (e)(ii) of Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement or (B) any other Event of Default in connection with the exercise of remedies by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement, (i) any payment of accounts or payment in respect of general intangibles, when collected by any Grantor, shall be promptly (and, in any event, within 2 Business Days) deposited by such Grantor in the exact form received, duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent, in a Security Cash Collateral Account, subject to withdrawal by the Collateral Agent as provided in Section 6.4 , and (ii) 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) At any time during the continuance of (A) an Event of Default under clause (a)  or clause (e)(ii) of Section 9. 1 of the Credit Agreement or (B) any other Event of Default in connection with the exercise of remedies by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement:

(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; and

(ii) the Collateral Agent may, without notice, 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 the direction of the Administrative Agent) at any time enforce such Grantor’s rights against such account debtors and obligors of general intangibles.

(c) At any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor shall take all actions, deliver all documents and provide all information necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) to ensure any Internet Domain Name is registered.

(d) 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

 

17


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.

Section 6.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Voting Rights . 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 (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) (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; provided , 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.

(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 (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.

(c) Authorization of Issuers . Each Grantor hereby expressly and 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, pay any dividend or make any other payment with respect to the Pledged Collateral directly to the Collateral Agent.

Section 6.4 Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by Collateral Agent . Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Credit Agreement or this Agreement, during the continuance of an Event of Default, 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

 

18


from other funds of such Grantor, and shall, promptly upon receipt by any Grantor, be turned over to the Collateral 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 Security Cash Collateral Account. All proceeds being held by the Collateral Agent in a Security 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 Credit Agreement.

Section 6.5 Registration Rights . (a) If, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, it is necessary or advisable to Sell any portion of the Pledged Collateral by registering such Pledged Collateral under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “ Securities Act ”), each relevant Grantor shall cause the issuer thereof to do or cause to be done all acts as may be, in the opinion of the Collateral Agent, necessary or advisable to register such Pledged Collateral or that portion thereof to be Sold under the provisions of the Securities Act, all as directed by the Administrative Agent in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable thereto and in compliance with the securities or “ Blue Sky ” laws of any jurisdiction that the Administrative Agent shall designate.

(b) 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 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 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.

(c) Each Grantor agrees to use its best 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 in Section 6.1 and this Section 6.5 will cause irreparable injury to the Collateral Agent and 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 in Section 6.1 and this Section 6.5 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. 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 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 Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to collect such deficiency.

 

19


ARTICLE VII

THE COLLATERAL AGENT

Section 7.1 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, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of the Loan Documents, to, upon the occurrence of and during the continuation of an Event of Default, 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 Collateral Agent (as so directed by the Administrative 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, in all cases solely, 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;

(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;

(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 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

 

20


and conditions and in such manner as the Administrative Agent shall in its sole discretion determine, including the execution and filing by the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) of any document necessary to effectuate or record such assignment and (H) generally, Sell, grant a Lien on, make any Contractual Obligation with respect to and otherwise deal with, any Collateral as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes and do, at the Administrative Agent’s option, at any time or from time to time, all acts and things that the Administrative 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.

(b) If any Grantor fails to perform or comply with any Contractual Obligation contained herein, 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.

(c) The expenses of the Collateral Agent incurred in connection with actions undertaken as provided in this Section 7.1 , together with interest thereon at a rate set forth in Section 2.9 ( Interest ) of the Credit Agreement, from the date of payment by the Collateral Agent to the date reimbursed by the relevant Grantor, shall be payable by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent on demand.

(d) Each Grantor hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Section 7.1 . 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 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 Administrative 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” or words of similar effect. 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 7.3 (a)  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 Credit Agreement 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 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.

(b) Reliance by Collateral Agent . Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to any action by, consent, designation, specification, requirement or approval of, notice, request or other communication from, or other direction given or action to be undertaken or to be (or not to be) suffered or

 

21


omitted by the Collateral Agent or to any election, decision, opinion, acceptance, use of judgment, expression of satisfaction or other exercise of discretion, rights or remedies to be made (or not to be made) by the Collateral Agent, it is understood that in all cases the Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any such action under this Agreement if it shall not have received such advice or concurrence of the Administrative Agent as it deems appropriate. This provision is intended solely for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and its successors and permitted assigns and is not intended to and will not entitle the other parties hereto to any defense, claim or counterclaim, or confer any rights or benefits on any party hereto.

Section 7.4 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 or Secured Party for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence 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 or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) The Collateral Agent shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond the control of the Collateral Agent (including but not limited to any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, any act of God or war, civil unrest, local or national disturbance or disaster, any act of terrorism, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire facility or other wire or communication facility).

(d) The Borrower shall pay to the Collateral Agent from time to time such compensation as is agreed to in writing by the Collateral Agent and the Borrower for the services hereunder.

(e) Each Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to take such action on such Grantor’s behalf and to exercise such powers hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and under the other instruments and agreements referred to herein and therein as are specifically delegated to it by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have only

 

22


those duties and responsibilities which are expressly specified in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and it may perform such duties by or through its agents or employees.

(f) The Collateral Agent shall not be responsible to any Grantor for the execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, collectability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or for any Lien or guarantee granted by, or purported to be granted by, any of the Loan Documents, or for any representations, warranties, recitals or statements made herein or therein or made in any written or oral statement or in any financial or other statements, instruments, reports, certificates or any other documents in connection herewith or therewith furnished or made by the Collateral Agent to any Grantor or by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Grantor, or be required to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, provisions, covenants or agreements contained herein or therein or as to the use of the proceeds of the Loans or the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default.

(g) Neither the Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, investigators, consultants, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates shall be liable to any Lender for any action taken or omitted hereunder, under any of the other Loan Documents or in connection herewith or therewith unless caused by its or their gross negligence or willful misconduct. If the Collateral Agent shall request instructions from the Administrative Agent with respect to any act or action (including the failure to take an action) in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or taking such action unless and until it shall have received instructions from the Administrative Agent. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, (i) the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to conclusively rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any communication, instrument or document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person or Persons, and shall be entitled to conclusively rely and shall be protected in relying on opinions and judgments of attorneys (who may be attorneys for the Borrower or its Affiliates), accountants, experts and other professional advisors selected by it; and (ii) no Lender shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Collateral Agent as a result of the Collateral Agent acting or (where so instructed) refraining from acting under this Agreement or the other instruments and agreements referred to herein in accordance with the instructions of the Administrative Agent. The Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from exercising any power, discretion or authority vested in it under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the other instruments and agreements referred to herein or therein unless and until it has obtained the instructions of the Administrative Agent or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expenses which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take such action. The Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the Administrative Agent, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.

(h) The agency hereby created shall in no way impair or affect any of the rights and powers of, or impose any duties or obligations upon, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender hereunder. With respect to its participation in the Loans, each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not performing the duties and functions of delegated to it hereunder, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” or any similar term shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its individual capacity. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and their respective Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money and to generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory or other business with the Borrower or its Affiliates as if it were not performing the duties specified herein, and may accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower or any Affiliates thereof for

 

23


services in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and otherwise without having to account for the same to the Lenders.

(i) Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or to inspect the properties, books or records of the Borrower.

(j) Without limiting the foregoing, each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Loan as the owner thereof for all purposes unless and until an Assignment with respect thereto shall have been filed with, and recorded by, the Administrative Agent. Any request, authority or consent of any Person or entity who, at the time of making such request or giving such authority or consent, is a Lender shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent transferee or assign of that Lender.

(k) In no event shall the Collateral Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder directly or indirectly caused by events beyond its control, including general labor disputes, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, or interruptions, losses or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services, provided , that lack of funds or other financial circumstances and labor disputes only by the personnel of the affected party shall not constitute an event beyond its control hereunder and provided , further , that the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performances as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

Section 7.5 Replacement of Collateral Agent . The Collateral Agent may resign from the performance of all its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents in accordance with Section 10.6 of the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Reinstatement . Each Grantor agrees that, if any payment made by any Loan 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 Loan 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.

Section 8.2 Release of Collateral . (a) At the time provided in clause (iii)  of Section 10.9 ( Release of Collateral or Guarantors ) of the Credit Agreement, the Collateral shall be released from the Lien created hereby and this Agreement and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive

 

24


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 is hereby authorized to file UCC amendments at such time evidencing the termination of the Liens so released. 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 clause (i)  or (ii)  of Section 10.9 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 clauses (i)  and (ii) . 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.

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 upon 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 or Guaranteed Obligation then due, without first proceeding against any other Grantor, any other Loan Party or any other Collateral and without first joining any other Grantor or any other Loan 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 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 11.1 of the Credit Agreement; provided , that schedules to this Agreement may be supplemented (but no existing provisions may be modified and no Collateral may be released) in accordance with Section 5.6 and 5.8 and through Pledge Amendments and Joinder Agreements, in substantially the form of Annex 1 and Annex 2 , respectively, in accordance with Section 8.6 hereof.

Section 8.6 Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral . (a)  Joinder Agreements . If, at the option of the Borrower or as required pursuant to Section 7.10 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower shall cause any Subsidiary that is not a Grantor to become a Grantor hereunder, such Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a joinder agreement substantially in the form of Annex 2 (each, a “ Joinder Agreement ”) 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 has not been delivered as of the Closing Date, such Grantor shall deliver a pledge amendment duly executed by the

 

25


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 8.7 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 11.11 of the Credit Agreement; provided , that any such notice, request or demand to or upon any Grantor shall be addressed to the Borrower’s notice address set forth in such Section 11.11 .

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 successors and assigns; provided , that no Grantor may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

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.

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 New York.

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 .

Section 8.13 INDEMNITIES . (a) THE BORROWER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND EACH AGENT, THE ARRANGERS, EACH LENDER, EACH L/C ISSUER, EACH FORMER LENDER OR L/C ISSUER PARTY TO A SECURED HEDGING DOCUMENT, EACH PERSON THAT EACH L/C ISSUER CAUSES TO ISSUE LETTERS OF CREDIT UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT 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

 

26


ASSERTED AGAINST ANY SUCH INDEMNITEE AND IN ANY MATTER RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS A RESULT OF (I) ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, ANY DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, OR 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 GROUP MEMBER, (II) ANY COMMITMENT LETTER, PROPOSAL LETTER OR TERM SHEET WITH ANY PERSON OR ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION, SYNDICATION OF THE CREDIT FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, ANY ENFORCEMENT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING ANY SALES OF, COLLECTION FROM, OR OTHER REALIZATION UPON ANY OF THE COLLATERAL OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY GUARANTY) ARRANGEMENT OR UNDERSTANDING WITH ANY BROKER, FINDER OR CONSULTANT, IN EACH CASE ENTERED INTO BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY GROUP MEMBER 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, THAT THE BORROWER SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY UNDER THIS SECTION 8.13 TO AN INDEMNITEE WITH RESPECT TO, AND NO INDEMNITEE SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY HEREUNDER OTHER THAN (TO THE EXTENT OTHERWISE LIABLE) FOR, ANY INDEMNIFIED MATTER TO THE EXTENT SUCH LIABILITY HAS RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE, AS DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN A FINAL NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OR ORDER. THE FOREGOING INDEMNIFICATION SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT SUCH INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT OWED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, UNDER ANY CLAIM OR THEORY OF STRICT LIABILITY, OR ARE CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY INDEMNITEE. FURTHERMORE, EACH OF PARENT AND THE BORROWER WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, AND SHALL CAUSE EACH OTHER LOAN 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.

(b) WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, “INDEMNIFIED MATTERS” INCLUDES ALL ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, INCLUDING THOSE ARISING FROM, OR OTHERWISE INVOLVING, ANY PROPERTY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER 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 PROPERTY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER, WHETHER OR NOT, WITH RESPECT TO ANY

 

27


SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, ANY INDEMNITEE IS A MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION, THE SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ANY GROUP MEMBER OR THE OWNER, LESSEE OR OPERATOR OF ANY PROPERTY OR FACILITY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER THROUGH ANY FORECLOSURE ACTION, IN EACH CASE EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES (I) ARE INCURRED SOLELY FOLLOWING FORECLOSURE BY ANY SECURED PARTY OR FOLLOWING ANY SECURED PARTY HAVING BECOME THE SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ANY LOAN PARTY AND (II) ARE ATTRIBUTABLE SOLELY TO ACTS OF SUCH INDEMNITEE.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

28


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.

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.,

as Grantor

By:    
  Name:
  Title:
FRANCESCA’S LLC,

as Grantor

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Security Agreement]

 


ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Security Agreement]

 


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 November 17, 2010, by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (the “ Borrower ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise 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 of the Obligations of the undersigned.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that 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 on and as of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

 

[GRANTOR]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED
as of the date first above written:

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

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


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 November 17, 2010, by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (the “ Borrower ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise 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.

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, the undersigned (i) 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 and (ii) hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and 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 Guaranteed Obligations on the terms set forth in the Guaranty and Security Agreement. The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound as a Grantor for the purposes of the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

The information set forth in Annex A to this Joinder Agreement 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 Pledged Collateral listed on Annex 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 of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

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:

 

A2-1


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED
as of the date first above written:
[EACH GRANTOR PLEDGING ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

A2-2


ANNEX 3

TO

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT

THIS [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of                    , 20       , is entered into by and among each of the entities listed on the signature pages hereof (each a “ Grantor ” and, collectively, the “ Grantors ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent (“ Administrative Agent ”), and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each other Secured Party (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 November 17, 2010 (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, Parent, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, each undersigned Grantor has agreed, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, by and among the Borrower, the undersigned Grantor(s) and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as grantors, Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”), to guarantee the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Borrower; 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 [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders and the L/C Issuer to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrower thereunder, 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 Guaranty and Security Agreement.

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 (the “ [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Collateral ”):

(a) [all of its Copyrights and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Copyright, including, without limitation, those Copyright registrations, applications for registration and IP Licenses referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all renewals, reversions and extensions of the foregoing; and

 

A3-1


(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 Patents and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Patent, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all reissues, reexaminations, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, renewals 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

(d) [all of its Trademarks and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Trademark, including, without limitation, those Trademark registrations, applications for registration and IP Licenses referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(e) all renewals and extensions of the foregoing;

(f) all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each such Trademark; and

(g) 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. Guaranty and Security Agreement . The security interest granted pursuant to this [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and each Grantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights and remedies of the Collateral 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] and IP Licenses subject to a security interest hereunder.

Section 5. Counterparts . This [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security 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

 

A3-2


and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart.

Section 6. Governing Law . This [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security 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.

[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:

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative 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

REGISTERED [COPYRIGHTS] [PATENTS] [TRADEMARKS]

[Include Registration Number and Date]

[COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] APPLICATIONS

[Include Application Number and Date]

IP LICENSES

[Include complete legal description of agreement (name of agreement, parties and date)]

 

A3-5


EXHIBIT 1.1(5)

[FORM OF]

PERFECTION CERTIFICATE

In connection with that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as it may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”; the terms defined therein and not otherwise defined herein being used herein as therein defined), by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower (the “ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada as Administrative Agent, Royal Bank of Canada as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties, and the other parties party thereto, the Borrower hereby certifies on behalf of itself and the Guarantors as follows:

 

I. CURRENT INFORMATION

A. Legal Names, Organizations, Jurisdictions of Organization and Organizational Identification Numbers. The full and exact legal name 1 (as it appears in each respective certificate or articles of incorporation, limited liability membership agreement or similar organizational documents, in each case as amended to date), the type of organization (or if the Borrower or a particular Guarantor is an individual, please indicate so), the jurisdiction of organization (or formation, as applicable), and the organizational identification number 2 (not tax i.d. number) of the Borrower and each other Guarantor are as follows:

 

Name of Borrower/Guarantor

   Type of Organization (e.g.
corporation, limited

liability company, limited
partnership)
   Jurisdiction of
Organization/
Formation
   Organizational
Identification
Number 3


B. Chief Executive Offices and Mailing Addresses . The chief executive office address (or the principal residence if the Borrower or a particular Guarantor is a natural person) and the preferred mailing address (if different than chief executive office or residence) of the Borrower and each other Guarantor are as follows:

 

Name of

Borrower/Guarantor

   Address of Chief Executive Office
(or  for natural persons, residence)
   Mailing Address (if different than
CEO or residence)

C. Special Borrowers . Except as specifically identified below none of the Guarantors is a: (i) transmitting utility (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(80)), (ii) primarily engaged in farming operations (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(35)), (iii) a trust, (iv) a foreign air carrier within the meaning of the federal aviation act of 1958, as amended or (v) a branch or agency of a bank which bank is not organized under the law of the United States or any state thereof.

 

Name of

Borrower/Guarantor

   Type of Special Guarantor

D. Trade Names/Assumed Names.

Current Trade Names. Set forth below is each trade name or assumed name currently used by the Borrower or any other Guarantor or by which the Borrower or any Guarantor is known or is transacting any business:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Trade/Assumed Name

 

B-2


E. Changes in Names, Jurisdiction of Organization or Corporate Structure.

Except as set forth below, neither the Borrower nor any other Guarantor has changed its name, jurisdiction of organization or its corporate structure in any way (e.g. by merger, consolidation, change in corporate form, change in jurisdiction of organization or otherwise) within the past five (5) years:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Date of Change    Description of Change

F. Prior Addresses .

Except as set forth below, neither the Borrower nor any other Guarantor has changed its chief executive office, or principal residence if the Borrower or a particular Guarantor is a natural person, within the past five (5) years:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Prior Address/City/State/Zip Code

G. Acquisitions of Equity Interests or Assets .

Except as set forth below, neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor has acquired the equity interests of another entity or substantially all the assets of another entity within the past five (5) years:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Date of Acquisition    Description of Acquisition

H. Corporate Ownership and Organizational Structure .

Attached as Exhibit H hereto is a true and correct chart showing the ownership relationship of the Borrower and all of its affiliates.

 

B-3


II. INFORMATION REGARDING CERTAIN COLLATERAL

A. Investment Related Property

1. Equity Interests . Set forth below is a list of all equity interests owned by the Borrower and each Guarantor together with the type of organization which issued such equity interests (e.g. corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust):

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Issuer    Type of
Organization
   # of
Shares
Owned
   Total
Shares
Outstanding
   % of
Interest
Pledged
   Certificate No.
(if uncertificated,
please indicate so)
   Par Value

2. Securities Accounts . Set forth below is a list of all securities accounts in which the Borrower or any other Guarantor customarily maintains securities or other assets having an aggregate value in excess of $10,000:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Type of Account    Name & Address of
Financial Institutions

 

B-4


3. Deposit Accounts . Set forth below is a list of all bank accounts (checking, savings, money market or the like) in which the Borrower or any other Guarantor customarily maintains in excess of $10,000:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Type of Account    Name & Address of
Financial Institutions

4. Debt Securities & Instruments . Set forth below is a list of all debt securities and instruments owed to the Borrower or any other Guarantor in the principal amount of greater than $10,000:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Issuer of Instrument    Principal Amount of Instrument    Maturity Date

B. Intellectual Property . Set forth below is a list of all copyrights, patents, and trademark, all applications and licenses thereof and other intellectual property owned or used, or hereafter adopted, held or used, by the Borrower and each other Guarantor:

1. Copyrights, Copyright Applications and Copyright Licenses

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Title    Filing Date/Issued Date    Status    Application/
Registration No.

2. Patents, Patent Applications and Patent Licenses

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Title    Filing Date/Issued Date    Status    Application/
Registration No.

3. Trademarks, Trademark Applications and Trademark Licenses

 

B-5


Borrower/Guarantor

   Title    Filing Date/Issued Date    Status    Application/
Registration No.

C. Tangible Personal Property in Possession of Warehousemen, Bailees and Other Third Parties . Except as set forth below, no persons (including, without limitation, warehousemen and bailees) other than the Borrower or any other Guarantor have possession of any material amount (fair market value of $10,000 or more) of tangible personal property of the Borrower or any other Guarantor:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Address/City/State/Zip Code    County    Description of
Assets and Value

D. Tangible Personal Property in Former Article 9 Jurisdictions and Canada . Set forth below are all the locations within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and any Province of Canada where the Borrower or any other Guarantor currently maintains or has maintained any material amount (fair market value of $10,000 or more) of its tangible personal property (including goods, inventory and equipment) of such Borrower or any other Guarantor (whether or not in the possession of such Borrower or any other Guarantor) within the past five (5) years:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Address/City/Province
or Commonwealth

E. Real Estate Related UCC Collateral

1. Fixtures . Set forth below are all the locations where the Borrower or any other Guarantor owns or leases any real property:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Address/City/State/Zip Code    County    Owned or
Leased

 

B-6


Borrower/Guarantor

   Address/City/State/Zip Code    County    Owned or
Leased

2. “As Extracted” Collateral . Set forth below are all the locations where the Borrower or any other Guarantor owns, leases or has an interest in any wellhead or minehead:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Address/City/State/Zip Code    County

3. Timber to be Cut . Set forth below are all locations where the Borrower or any other Guarantor owns goods that are timber to be cut:

 

Borrower/Guarantor

   Address/City/State/Zip Code    County

 

B-7


III. AUTHORITY TO FILE FINANCING STATEMENTS

The undersigned, on behalf of the Borrower and each Guarantor, hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to file financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, in all jurisdictions and with all filing offices as the Collateral Agent may determine, in its sole discretion, are necessary or advisable to perfect the security interest granted or to be granted to the Collateral Agent under the Guaranty and Security Agreement. Such financing statements may describe the collateral in the same manner as described in the Guaranty and Security Agreement or may contain an indication or description of collateral that describes such property in any other manner as the Collateral Agent may determine, in its sole discretion, is necessary, advisable or prudent to ensure the perfection of the security interest in the collateral granted to the Collateral Agent, including, without limitation, describing such property as “all assets” or “all personal property.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereto has caused this Perfection Certificate to be executed as of this      day of              , 20      by its officer thereunto duly authorized.

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

FRANCESCA’S LLC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

B-8


End Notes

1. It is crucial that the full and exact name of each Grantor is given. Even seemingly minor errors such as substituting “n.a.” for “national association” or “inc.” for “incorporated” may be seriously misleading in some states.

2. Please note that the organizational identification number is not the same as the federal employer’s tax identification number. The organizational identification number is customarily issued by the Secretary of State or State Corporations Department in the State under which the particular entity had been organized or formed and may be found on its organizational documents.

3. If a Grantor does not have an organizational identification number, please indicate “none.” Additionally, organizational identification numbers are not required for entities organized under the laws of New York, Delaware, Connecticut, Georgia or Ohio for financing statements filed in such states. Such organizational identification numbers nevertheless may be required for financing statements filed in respect of entities organized under the foregoing states but filed in other states, e.g. in respect of fixtures.


EXHIBIT 2.2(a)

[FORM OF]

NOTICE OF BORROWING

Royal Bank of Canada,

as Administrative Agent for

the Lenders referred to below

200 Bay Street, 12th Floor

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J2W7

Attention: Manager, Agency

[Date] 1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower (the “ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent, Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties, and the other parties party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the terms on which such Borrowing is requested to be made:

 

(A)

   Date of Borrowing   
   (which is a Business Day):     

(B)

   Principal Amount of Borrowing:     

(C)

   Facility 2 :     

(D)

   Type of Borrowing 3 :     

(E)

   Interest Period and the last day thereof 4   
   (in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing):     

 

1  

Notice must be received prior to (i) 12:00 p.m. on the Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans and (ii) 2:00 p.m. on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans.

2  

Specify a Borrowing under the Term Loan Facility or the Revolving Credit Facility.

3  

Specify a Eurodollar Rate Borrowing or a Base Rate Borrowing.

4  

Subject to the definition of “Interest Period” in the Credit Agreement.

 

1


       

(F)

       Account Number and Location:     

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that the conditions to lending specified in Sections 3.2(b) , (c)  and (d)  of the Credit Agreement are satisfied as of the date hereof.

[ Signature page follows ]

 

2


FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

3


EXHIBIT 2.4(b)

[FORM OF]

L/C REQUEST

Royal Bank of Canada,

    as Administrative Agent for

    the Lenders referred to below

200 Bay Street, 12th Floor

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J2W7

Attention: Manager, Agency

[Name and Address of the

respective L/C Issuer]

[Date] 1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower (the “ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent, Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties, and the other parties party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby requests that [              ], as L/C Issuer, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the undersigned, as follows:

 

(A)

   Date of Issuance:     

(B)

   Aggregate Amount of Letter of Credit:     

(C)

   Beneficiary: 2     

(D)

   Supported Transaction: 3     

(E)

   Stated Termination Date:     

 

1  

Notice must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. on the third Business Day prior to the date of the requested Issuance.

2  

Insert name and address of beneficiary.

3  

Insert description of obligation or commercial transaction to which Letter of Credit relates.


The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that the conditions to Issuance specified in Sections 3.2(b) , (c)  and (d)  of the Credit Agreement are satisfied as of the date hereof.

[ Signature page follows ]


Very truly yours,

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT 2.10(b)

[FORM OF]

NOTICE OF CONVERSION OR CONTINUATION

Royal Bank of Canada,

as Administrative Agent for

the Lenders referred to below

200 Bay Street, 12th Floor

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J2W7

Attention: Manager, Agency

[Date] 1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower (the “ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent, Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties, and the other parties party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.10 of the Credit Agreement that it elects to (a) continue a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a portion thereof under the Credit Agreement; (b) convert a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a portion thereof into a Base Rate Loan; or (c) convert a Base Rate Loans or a portion thereof into Eurodollar Rate Loans, and in that connection sets forth below the terms on which such conversion or continuation is requested to be made:

 

(A)

   Date of proposed conversion or continuation   
   (which is a Business Day):     

(B)

   Aggregate amount of Eurodollar Loans or Base
Rate Loans to be converted or continued
2 :
    

(C)

  

Nature of the proposed conversion or continuation

(including identification of Loans to be converted or continued):

    

(E)

   Interest Period and the last day thereof 3   
   (if the Loans are to be converted into or continued as Eurodollar Loans):     

 

1  

Notice must be provided upon 3 Business Days’ prior notice.

2  

For each Interest Period, the aggregate amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans having such Interest Period must be an integral multiple of $1,000,000.

 

1


[The Borrower hereby certifies that the following statements are true on the date hereof, and will be true on the date of the proposed conversion or continuation, both before and after giving effect thereto:

(a) the foregoing conversion or continuation complies with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 2.10 of the Credit Agreement);

(b) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such proposed conversion or continuation.] 4

[ Signature page follows ]

 

3  

Subject to the definition of “Interest Period” in the Credit Agreement.

4  

Include if the Loans are to be converted into or continued as Eurodollar Loans.

 

2


FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

3


EXHIBIT 2.14(e)

[FORM OF]

[TERM][REVOLVING] LOAN NOTE

 

Lender: [NAME OF LENDER]

   New York, New York

Principal Amount: [$            ]

   [              ], 2010

FOR VALUE RECEIVED , the undersigned, FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), hereby promises to pay the Lender set forth above (the “ Lender ”), the Principal Amount set forth above, or, if less, the then aggregate unpaid principal amount of all [Term][Revolving] Loans made by the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Company, Francesca’s LLC, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties, and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The Company also promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of such [Term][Revolving] Loan from the date made until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates, and payable at such times, as are specified in the Credit Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is subject to the terms and entitled to the benefits of thereof and of the other Loan Documents. This Note is secured and guaranteed as provided in the Guaranty and Security Agreement and by the other security documents. This Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the [Term Loan Maturity Date][Scheduled Revolving Credit Termination Date], in whole or in part, as provided in the Credit Agreement.

If an Event of Default shall occur, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may become or be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.

All parties now and hereafter liable with respect to this Note, whether maker, principal, surety, guarantor, endorser or otherwise, hereby waive presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind in connection with this Note.

THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR AMENDED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.

THIS NOTE, AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE LENDER HEREUNDER, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year and at the place set forth above.

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.
By:    
Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT 2.17(f)

[FORM OF]

UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation, as the borrower (the “ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent, Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent, and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.                                      (the “ Non-U.S. Lender Party ”) is providing this certificate pursuant to subsection 2.17(f)(ii)(III) of the Credit Agreement. The Non-U.S. Lender Party hereby represents and warrants that:

1. The Non-U.S. Lender Party is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loans or the obligations evidenced by Note(s) in respect of which it is providing this certificate.

2. The Non-U.S. Lender Party is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code. In this regard, the Non-U.S. Lender Party further represents and warrants that:

(a) the Non-U.S. Lender Party is not subject to regulatory or other legal requirements as a bank in any jurisdiction; and

(b) the Non-U.S. Lender Party has not been treated as a bank for purposes of any tax, securities law or other filing or submission made to any Governmental Authority, any application made to a rating agency or qualification for any exemption from tax, securities law or other legal requirements.

3. The Non-U.S. Lender Party is not a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower, within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code.

4. The Non-U.S. Lender Party is not a controlled foreign corporation described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

5. No payments in connection with the Loan Documents are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Lender Party’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

[Signature page follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this certificate.

 

[NAME OF NON-U.S. LENDER PARTY]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

Date:                     


EXHIBIT 3.1(a)

CLOSING CHECKLIST

for

$100,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

among

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC., as Borrower,

FRANCESCA’S LLC, as Parent,

THE LENDERS PARTY THERETO,

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Syndication Agent

*******************

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC, and JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC,

as Joint Lead Arrangers and as Joint Bookrunners

Closing Date: November 17, 2010


LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

 

Parties:    Full Name:
Borrower    FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC., a Texas corporation
Parent    FRANCESCA’S LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Loan Parties    Borrower and Parent
Agent    ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
Counsel to Lenders    LATHAM & WATKINS LLP ( “LW” )
Counsel to Borrower    O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP ( “OMM” )
Texas Counsel to Borrower    LORD BISSELL & LIDDELL LLP ( “LBL” )

Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Credit Agreement.


No.

  

Document/Action

  

Responsible Party

  

Document Number

  

Signatories

I.    CREDIT AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS         
A.    Credit Agreement    OMM       Loan Parties, Lenders, Agent
1.    Exhibits to Credit Agreement         
a    Exhibit 1.1(1) – Form of Assignment    LW    1196023   
b    Exhibit 1.1(2) – Form of Compliance Certificate    LW    1196029   
c    Exhibit 1.1(3) – Form of Guaranty and Security Agreement    LW    1196035   
d    Exhibit 1.1(5) – Form of Perfection Certificate    LW    1194505   
e    Exhibit 2.2(a) – Form of Notice of Borrowing    LW    1196020   
f    Exhibit 2.4(b) – Form of L/C Request    LW    1196045   
g    Exhibit 2.10(b) – Form of Notice of Conversion or Continuation    LW    1196046   
h    Exhibit 2.14(e) – Form of Note    LW    1196047   
i    Exhibit 2.17(f) – Form of United States Tax Compliance Certificate    LW    1196623   
j    Exhibit 3.1(a) – Schedule of Documents    LW    1195910   
k    Exhibit 3.1(h) – Form of Solvency Certificate    LW    1197211   
l    Exhibit 11.2 – Dutch Auction Mechanics    LW    1196097   
m    Annexes A, B and C to Exhibit 11.2 – Auction Notice, Return Bid, Purchaser Assignment and Acceptance    LW    1196140   
2.    Schedules to Credit Agreement         
a    Schedule 1 – Commitments    LW    1201200   
b    Schedule 3.1 – Organizational and Capital Structure    OMM      
c    Schedule 4.2 – Consents    OMM      


No.

  

Document/Action

  

Responsible Party

  

Document Number

  

Signatories

d    Schedule 4.3 – Ownership of Borrower and Subsidiaries    OMM      
e    Schedule 4.12 – Labor Matters    OMM      
f    Schedule 4.13 – List of Plans    OMM      
g    Schedule 4.14 – Environmental Matters    OMM      
h    Schedule 4.16 – Real Property    OMM      
i    Schedule 4.20 – Insurance    OMM      
j    Schedule 8.1 – Existing Indebtedness    OMM      
k    Schedule 8.2 – Existing Liens    OMM      
l    Schedule 8.3 – Existing Investments    OMM      
m    Schedule 8.10 – Existing Third-Party Restrictions    OMM      
B.    Term Note by Borrower to each of the following:         
a    Stifel Bank & Trust    LW    1200973    Borrower
b    KeyBank    LW    1200960    Borrower
C.    Revolving Note by Borrower to each of the following:         
a    Stifel Bank & Trust    LW    1200985    Borrower
b    KeyBank    LW    1200966    Borrower
II.    SECURITY DOCUMENTS         
A.    Guaranty and Security Agreement    LW    1196035    Loan Parties, Agent
1.    Annexes to Guaranty and Security Agreement         
a    Annex 1 – Form of Pledge Amendment    LW    1196035   
b    Annex 2 – Form of Joinder Agreement    LW    1196035   
c    Annex 3 – Form of Intellectual Property Security Agreement    LW    1196035   

 

4


No.

  

Document/Action

  

Responsible Party

  

Document Number

  

Signatories

2.    Schedules to Guaranty and Security Agreement         
a    Schedule 1 – Commercial Tort Claims    OMM      
b    Schedule 2 – Filings    OMM      
c    Schedule 3 – Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office    OMM      
d    Schedule 4 – Locations of Inventory and Equipment    OMM      
e    Schedule 5 – Pledged Collateral    OMM      
f    Schedule 6 – Intellectual Property    OMM      
B.    Trademark Security Agreement    LW    1200849    Borrower, Agent
III.    FILINGS AND RECORDINGS         
A.    UCC-1 Financing Statements against each of Borrower and Parent, naming the Collateral Agent as secured party    LW      
IV.    LEGAL OPINIONS         
A.    Opinion of OMM (NY and DE law)    OMM       OMM
B.    Opinion of Texas counsel    LBL       LBL
V.    PLEDGED COLLATERAL         
A.    Master Intercompany Note with allonge    OMM       Loan Parties
B.    Stock Certificate No. 2 for 1000 shares of stock of Borrower owned by Parent, together with blank stock power    OMM       Stock power signed by Parent
VI.    CORPORATE AND ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS/CERTIFICATES         
A.    Certificate from secretary, assistant secretary or other similar officer of Borrower certifying:    OMM       Borrower
1.    Incumbency    OMM       Borrower

 

5


No.

  

Document/Action

  

Responsible Party

  

Document Number

  

Signatories

2.    Certified charter documents         
3.    Bylaws    OMM      
4.    Board Resolutions          Borrower
B.    Certificate from secretary, assistant secretary or other similar officer of Parent certifying:    OMM       Borrower
1.    Incumbency    OMM       Borrower
2.    Certified charter documents    OMM      
3.    Limited Liability Company Agreement    OMM      
4.    Board Resolutions    OMM       Borrower
C.    Certificates of good standing and qualifications to do business as set forth in Annex I    OMM      
D.    Certificate of a Responsible Officer of Borrower to the effect that each condition set forth in Sections 3.1(c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h), and Sections 3.2(b) and (c) have been satisfied    OMM       Borrower
E.    Perfection Certificate    OMM       Loan Parties
F.    Solvency Certificate    OMM       Loan Parties
1.    Supporting materials    OMM      
VII.    OTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO INITIAL LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT         
A.    UCC lien search results    LW      
B.    IP lien search results    LW      
C.    Insurance Certificates with Loss Payable and Additional Insured Endorsement Clauses    Borrower      
D.    Evidence of retention of service provider for tracking of UCC financing statements    Borrower      

 

6


No.

  

Document/Action

  

Responsible Party

  

Document Number

  

Signatories

E.    Financial Statements:         
1.    Audited Consolidated financial statements    Borrower      
2.    Unaudited Consolidated financial statements    Borrower      
3.    Projections    Borrower      
4.    Pro forma Consolidated financial statements    Borrower      
5.    Monthly flash reports for month ending 10/31/10    Borrower      
F.    “Know Your Customer” Documentation    Borrower      
G.    Letter of Direction    LW    1197355    Borrower
1.    Schedule I to Letter of Direction: Flow of Funds Memorandum    Borrower/OMM      
H.    Notice of Borrowing    Borrower       Borrower
I.    Fee Letter    LW    1195395    Lenders, Borrower
J.    RBC Fee Letter    RBC       RBC, Borrower
K.    Third-Party and Governmental Consents/Approvals    Borrower      
VIII.    POST CLOSING         
A.    Blocked Account Control Agreements from the following institutions:         
1.    Wachovia Bank, N.A./Wells Fargo Bank    Wachovia Bank, N.A. /
Wells Fargo Bank
      Borrower, Agent, Wachovia Bank, N.A. /Wells Fargo Bank
2.    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.    JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A.
      Borrower, Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
3.    Fifth Third Bank    Fifth Third Bank       Borrower, Agent, Fifth Third Bank
4.    Bank of America, N.A.    Bank of America, N.A.       Borrower, Agent, Bank of America, N.A.
B.    Credit Card Processor Letter    LW       Elavon, Inc., Borrower, Agent

 

7


Annex I

GOOD STANDINGS AND FOREIGN QUALIFICATIONS TO DO BUSINESS

 

Entity

  

Good Standing/Existence

  

Foreign Qualifications

Francesca’s LLC    DE x    None


Entity

  

Good Standing/Existence

  

Foreign Qualifications

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.    TX - SOS x    Alabama x
      Arkansas x
   TX - Comptroller x    Arizona x
      California x
      Colorado x
      Connecticut x
      Delaware ¨
      Florida x
      Georgia x
      Illinois x
      Indiana x
      Iowa x
      Kansas x
      Kentucky x
      Maine x
      Maryland x
      Massachusetts x
      Michigan x
      Minnesota x
      Mississippi x
      Missouri x
      Nebraska x
      Nevada x
      New Jersey x
      New Mexico x
      New York x
      North Carolina x
      Ohio x
      Oklahoma x
      Pennsylvania x
      Rhode Island x
      South Carolina x
      Tennessee x
      Virginia x
      Washington x

 

9


EXHIBIT 3.1(h)

[FORM OF]

SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES, SOLELY IN HIS CAPACITY AS AN OFFICER, AS FOLLOWS:

1. I am the chief financial officer of Francesca’s LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( “Parent” ), and Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Borrower ”).

2. Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as it may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Credit Agreement ”; the terms defined therein and not otherwise defined herein being used herein as therein defined), by and among the Borrower, Parent, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the L/C Issuer, Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent, Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent, and the other parties thereto.

3. For purposes of this certificate, the term below shall have the following definitions:

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 (including contingent and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person as such liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is generally paying its debts and liabilities as they become due, and (d) such Person does not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted following the Closing Date (including such businesses reflected in the Projections). 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.

4. I acknowledge that, as contemplated by Section 3.1 of the Credit Agreement, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders are relying on the truth and accuracy of this certificate in connection with the making of Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement on the Closing Date.

5. I have reviewed such documents and made such investigations as I have deemed relevant for the purposes of this Solvency Certificate and necessary to enable me to express an informed opinion as to the matters referred to herein. Among other things, I have reviewed the Financial Statements, the Projections and the pro forma financial statements referenced in Section 3.1(d) of the Credit Agreement (collectively, the “ Financial Information ”), the terms of Articles III and IV of the Credit Agreement and the definitions and provisions contained in, and the schedules and exhibits to, the Credit Agreement relating thereto, and I have made inquiries of certain officers and other employees of Holdings and the Borrower who have responsibility for

 

1


financial reporting and accounting matters regarding the preparation of the Financial Information.

6. Based upon my review and examination described in paragraph 5 above, I certify that, as of the date hereof, the Projections were prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date thereof for the periods set forth therein.

7. Based upon my review and examination described in paragraph 5 above, I certify that, as of the date hereof, both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to (a) the Loans and Letters of Credit made or Issued on the date hereof, (b) the disbursement and use of the proceeds of such Loans (including for the payment of the Dividend) and (c) the payment and accrual of all transaction costs in connection with the foregoing, both the Loan Parties taken as a whole and each Loan Party individually are and will be Solvent.

8. Parent and the Borrower do not intend, in consummating the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including payment of the Dividend), to delay, hinder, or defraud either present or future creditors.

9. Attached hereto as Exhibit A are true and correct copies of the written analyses, evaluations and opinions with respect to the solvency of Parent and the Borrower both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the payment of the Dividend that was provided to or presented to the board of directors of Parent or the Borrower.

This Solvency Certificate is being delivered by the undersigned officer only in his capacity as Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower and of Parent and not individually, and the undersigned shall have no personal liability to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Lenders with respect thereto.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

2


The foregoing certifications are made and delivered as of [              ] , 2010.

 

 
Name:  
Title:   Chief Financial Officer of Francesca’s LLC and Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

[Signature Page to Solvency Certificate]

 


EXHIBIT 11.2

MODIFIED DUTCH AUCTION PROCEDURES

This Outline is intended to summarize certain basic terms of the modified Dutch auction procedures pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 11.2 of the Credit Agreement, of which this Exhibit 11.2 is a part. It is not intended to be a definitive statement of all of the terms and conditions of a modified Dutch auction, the definitive terms and conditions for which shall be set forth in the applicable Auction Procedures set for each Auction (the “ Offer Documents ”) 1 . None of the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager and any other Agent, or any of their respective affiliates, makes any recommendation pursuant to the Offer Documents as to whether or not any Lender should sell its Term Loans to Offeror pursuant to the Offer Documents, nor shall the decision by the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager or any other Agent (or any of their affiliates) in its capacity as a Lender be deemed to constitute such a recommendation. Each Lender should make its own decision on whether to sell any of its Term Loans and, if it decides to do so, the principal amount of and price to be sought for such Term Loans. In addition, each Lender should consult its own attorney, business advisor or tax advisor as to legal, business, tax and related matters concerning this Auction and the Offer Documents. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Exhibit have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

Summary . From time to time, subject to the conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement and this Exhibit, an Offeror may conduct one or more modified Dutch auctions during the term of the Credit Agreement in order to purchase Term Loans (each, an “ Auction ”) pursuant to the procedures described herein. There shall be no limit on the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans purchased pursuant to such Auctions, however, in connection with each such offer, the minimum principal amount of Term Loans repurchased by the applicable Offeror through Auctions shall not be less than $1,000,000 (the “ Minimum Permitted Auction Amount ”) and each such Auction Notice (as defined below) shall specify the maximum principal amount of Term Loans to be repurchased by the applicable Offeror in any Auction (the “ Maximum Permitted Auction Amount ”). Each Auction shall be conducted through an auction manager (the “ Auction Manager ”) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (and which may be the Administrative Agent in such capacity).

Notice Procedures. In connection with each Auction, Offeror will provide notification to the Auction Manager 2 (for distribution to the Lenders) of the Term Loans

 

 

1  

The Offer Documents are anticipated to include the form of Auction Notice, Return Bid and Form of Assignment and Acceptance and any additional documentation establishing or effecting procedures necessary for the applicable Auction, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

2

The applicable Auction Manager may require an engagement letter appointing such Person as Auction Manager, with appropriate authorizations and indemnification.

 


that will be the subject of the Auction (an “ Auction Notice ”) in substantially the form of Annex A to this Exhibit 11.2. Each Auction Notice shall contain (i) the maximum principal amount of Term Loans Offeror is willing to purchase in the Auction (the “ Auction Amount ”), which shall be no less than $1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess of thereof; (ii) the range of discounts to par (the “ Discount Range ”), expressed as a range of prices per $1,000 (in increments of $5), at which Offeror would be willing to purchase Term Loans in the Auction; and (iii) the date on which the Auction will conclude, on which date Return Bids (as defined below) will be due by 1:00 p.m. New York time, as such date and time may be extended (such time, the “ Expiration Time ”) for a period not exceeding three Business Days upon notice by the Offeror to the Auction Manager received not less than 24 hours before the original Expiration Time; provided , however , that only one extension per Offer shall be permitted. An Auction shall be regarded as a “Failed Auction” in the event that either (x) Offeror withdraws such Auction in accordance with the terms hereof or (y) the Expiration Time occurs with no Qualifying Bids having been received. In the event of a Failed Auction, Offeror shall not be permitted to deliver a new Auction Notice prior to the date occurring five (5) Business Days after such withdrawal or Expiration Time, as the case may be.

In connection with any assignment pursuant to any auction, Offeror shall make representations and warranties to the Auction Manager, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, as of the launch date of the related Auction and the effective date of such assignment, it is not in possession of any information regarding any Loan Party, its assets, its ability to perform its Obligations or any other matter that may be material to a decision by any Lender to participate in any Auction or enter into any Offeror Assignment and Acceptance, or participate in any of the transactions contemplated thereby, that has not previously been disclosed to the Auction Manager, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. In the event that any assigning Lender has determined for itself to not access any information so disclosed, such assigning Lender acknowledges that (i) other Lenders may have availed themselves of such information and (ii) neither the Offeror, the Auction Manager nor the Administrative Agent has any responsibility for such Lender’s decision to limit the scope of the information it has obtained in connection with its evaluation of the Auction or entering into the Offeror Assignment and Acceptance.

Reply Procedures . In connection with any Auction, each Lender holding Term Loans wishing to participate in such Auction shall, prior to the Expiration Time, provide the Auction Manager with a notice of participation (the “ Return Bid ”, in the form included in the Offer Document, which shall be substantially in the form of Annex B to this Exhibit 11.2) which shall specify (i) a discount to par expressed as a price per $1,000 (in increments of $5) of Term Loans (the “ Reply Price ”) within the Discount Range and (ii) the principal amount of Term Loans, in an amount not less than US $1,000,000 or an integral multiple in excess thereof, that such Lender is willing to offer for sale at its Reply Price (the “ Reply Amount ”); provided , that Lender may submit a Reply Amount that is less than the minimum amount and/or incremental amount requirements described above only if the Reply Amount comprises the entire amount of Term Loans held by such Lender. Lenders may only submit one Return Bid per Auction but each Return Bid may contain up to three component bids, each of which may result in a separate Qualifying

 

2


Bid (as defined below) and each of which will not be contingent on any other component bid submitted by such Lender resulting in a Qualifying Bid. In addition to the Return Bid, the participating Lender must execute and deliver, to be held by the Auction Manager, an Assignment and Acceptance in the form included in the Offer Document (the “ Offeror Assignment and Acceptance ”), which shall be substantially in the form of Annex C to this Exhibit 11.2. Offeror will not purchase any Term Loans at a price that is outside of the applicable Discount Range, nor will any Return Bids (including any component bids specified therein) submitted at a price that is outside such applicable Discount Range be considered in any calculation of the Applicable Threshold Price or satisfaction of the Maximum Permitted Auction Amount.

Acceptance Procedures . Based on the Reply Discounts and Reply Amounts received by the Auction Manager, the Auction Manager, in consultation with the Offeror, will calculate the lowest purchase price (the “ Applicable Threshold Price” ) for the Auction within the Discount Range for the Auction that will allow Offeror to complete the Auction by purchasing the full Auction Amount (or such lesser amount of Term Loans for which Offeror has received Qualifying Bids (as defined below)), provided that the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans purchased by Offeror in any Auction shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Auction Amount therefor. The Offeror shall purchase Term Loans from each Lender whose Return Bid is within the Discount Range and contains a Reply Price that is equal to or less than the Applicable Threshold Price (each, a “ Qualifying Bid ”). All Term Loans included in Qualifying Bids (including multiple component Qualifying Bids contained in a single Return Bid) received at a Reply Price lower than the Applicable Threshold Price will be purchased at the applicable Reply Price and shall not be subject to proration.

Proration Procedures . All Term Loans offered in Return Bids (or, if applicable, any component bid thereof) constituting Qualifying Bids at the Applicable Threshold Price will be purchased at the Applicable Threshold Price; provided that if (a) the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans for which Qualifying Bids have been submitted in any given Auction at the Applicable Threshold Price would exceed the remaining portion of the Auction Amount (after deducting all Term Loans to be purchased below the Applicable Threshold Price), or (b) the aggregate amount of Term Loans purchased pursuant to such Auction would exceed the Maximum Permitted Auction Amount therefor, Offeror shall purchase the Term Loans for which the Qualifying Bids submitted were at the Applicable Threshold Price ratably based on the respective principal amounts offered and in an aggregate amount equal to the lower of (x) the amount necessary to complete the purchase of the Auction Amount and (y) the highest amount that would not cause Offeror to exceed the Maximum Permitted Auction Amount. No Return Bids (or any component thereof) will be accepted above the Applicable Threshold Price.

Notification Procedures . Auction Manager will calculate the Applicable Threshold Price and post the Applicable Threshold Price and proration factor onto an internet site (including an IntraLinks, SyndTrak or other electronic workspace) in accordance with the Auction Manager’s standard dissemination practices by 4:00 p.m. New York time on the same Business Day as the date the Return Bids were due. The

 

3


Auction Manager will insert the principal amount of Term Loans to be assigned and the applicable settlement date into each applicable Assignment and Acceptance received in connection with a Qualifying Bid. Upon request of the submitting Lender, the Auction Manager will promptly return any Assignment and Acceptance received in connection with a Return Bid that is not a Qualifying Bid.

Additional Procedures . Once initiated by an Auction Notice, Offeror may withdraw an Auction only in the event that, as of such time, no Qualifying Bid has been received by the Auction Manager. Furthermore, in connection with any Auction, upon submission by a Lender of a Return Bid, such Lender will not have any withdrawal rights. Any Return Bid (including any component bid thereof) delivered to the Auction Manager may not be modified, revoked, terminated or cancelled by a Lender. However, an Auction may become void if the conditions to the purchase of Term Loans by Offeror required by the terms and conditions of Section 11.2 of the Credit Agreement are not met. The purchase price for each Term Loan to be purchased shall be paid by Offeror directly to the respective assigning Lender on a settlement date as determined by the Auction Manager in consultation with Offeror (which shall be no later than ten (10)  3 Business Days after the date Return Bids are due). 4 Offeror shall execute each applicable Assignment and Acceptance received in connection with a Qualifying Bid.

All questions as to the form of documents and validity and eligibility of Term Loans that are the subject of an Auction will be determined by the Auction Manager, in consultation with Offeror, which determination will be final and binding. The Auction Manager’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Offer Document, in consultation with Offeror, will be final and binding.

None of the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager, any other Agent or any of their respective affiliates assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning Offeror, the Loan Parties, or any of their affiliates (whether contained in the Offer Documents or otherwise) or for any failure to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information.

This Exhibit shall not require Offeror to initiate any Auction.

 

3  

Administrative Agent to confirm.

4  

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the Credit Agreement, interest accrued through the settlement date of any assignment made in connection with an Auction may be payable to the seller on the applicable settlement date.

 

4


Annex A to Exhibit 11.2

AUCTION NOTICE

[Purchaser Letterhead]

Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent

200 Bay Street, 12 th Floor,

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2W7

Attention: Manager, Agency

Fax No.: (416) 842-4023

Re: Loan Auction

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “ Borrower ”), FRANCESCA’S LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (“ Holdings ”), the other guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned (“the “ Purchaser ”) hereby gives notice to the Lenders that it desires to conduct the following Auction:

 

   

Auction Amount: $[              ] in principal amount of Term Loans

 

   

Discount Range: Not less than $[              ] nor greater than $[              ] per $1,000 principal amount of Term Loans.

The Purchaser acknowledges that this Auction Notice may not be withdrawn other than in accordance with the Auction Procedures. The Auction shall be consummated in accordance with the Auction Procedures with all Return Bids due no later than [1:00] p.m. (New York time) on [              ].

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants that it is not in possession of any information regarding any Loan, its assets, its ability to perform its Obligations or any other matter that may be material to a decision by any Lender to participate in any Auction or enter into any [Purchaser Assignment and Acceptance] or participate in any of the transactions contemplated thereby that has not previously been disclosed to the Auction Manager, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

Very truly yours,

 

[PURCHASER]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 


Annex B to Exhibit 11.2

RETURN BID

Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent

200 Bay Street, 12 th Floor,

South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2W7

Attention: Manager, Agency

Fax No.: (416) 842-4023

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), the other guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ), Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned Lender hereby gives notice of its participation in the Auction by submitting the following Return Bid 1 :

 

Reply Price

(price per $1,000)

   Reply Amount
(principal amount of Term Loans)

US$             

   US$             

US$             

   US$             

US$             

   US$             

The undersigned Lender acknowledges that the submission of this Return Bid along with an executed Purchaser Assignment and Acceptance, to be held in escrow by the [Administrative Agent][Auction Manager], obligates the Lender to sell the entirety or its pro rata portion of the Reply Amount in accordance with the Auction Procedures, as applicable.

 

Very truly yours,
[Name of Lender]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

1  

Lender may submit up to three component bids but need not submit more than one. The sum of Lender’s bid(s) may not exceed the aggregate principal face amount of Term Loans held by it as lender of record on the date of submission of its Return Bid.

 


Annex C to Exhibit 11.2

PURCHASER ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

This Purchaser Assignment and Acceptance (the “ Assignment ”) is dated as of the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [ Insert name of Assignor ] (the “ Assignor ”) and [PURCHASER] (the “ Assignee ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as it may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto (the “ Standard Terms and Conditions ”) are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date inserted by the Auction Manager as contemplated in the Auction Procedures, the interest in and to all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto that represents the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of the Assignor’s outstanding rights and obligations under the facility identified below (the “ Assigned Interest ”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and the Credit Agreement, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.    Assignor:    ____________________________
2.    Assignee:    [PURCHASER]
3.    Borrower:    FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.
4.    Administrative Agent:    Royal Bank of Canada, as the administrative
      agent under the Credit Agreement
5.    Credit Agreement:   

The Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Borrower ”), Francesca’s LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), the other guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and

collateral agent, and the other parties party thereto.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
6.    Assignor’s Interest under the Credit Agreement:

 

Facility

   Aggregate Principal Face Amount of
Term Loans of Assignor
     Percentage of Term Loans
of Assignor 1
 
     

Term Loans

   $ ___________         ___________

 

7.    Assigned Interest:   

 

1

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Loans of all Lenders thereunder. To be completed by Assignor.

 


List below the Term Loans to be assigned by Assignor to Assignee, which shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Auction, including, without limitation, the pro rata reduction procedures set forth in the Auction Procedures.

 

Reply Price with respect to

Term Loans being offered

for assignment to Assignee

(price per $1,000 principal

amount) 2

   Reply Amount
(principal face amount
of Term Loans to be
Assigned to Assignee
at relevant Reply
Price)

(subject to pro rata
reduction) 3
     Pro Rated Principal
Face Amount of
Term Loans Assigned 4
     Percentage
Assigned

of Term Loans 5
 

$______________

   $ ______________       $ ______________         ____________

$______________

   $ ______________       $ ______________         ____________

$______________

   $ ______________       $ ______________         ____________

Purchaser Assignment Effective Date:              , 20      [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR AUCTION MANAGER AND WHICH SHALL BE THE PURCHASER ASSIGNMENT EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

2  

To be completed by Assignor.

3  

To be completed by Assignor. The sum of Lender’s Reply Amount(s) may not exceed the aggregate principal face amount of Term Loans held by it as lender of record on the date of submission of its Return Bid.

4  

To be completed by the Administrative Agent or Auction Manager, if necessary, based on the proration procedures set forth in the Auction Procedures.

5  

To be completed by the Administrative Agent or Auction Manager to at least 9 decimals as a percentage of the Term Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 


8. Notice and Wire Instructions:

 

ASSIGNOR:     ASSIGNEE:
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]     [PURCHASER]
Notices:     Notices:
           
           
           
  Attention:       Attention:
  Telecopier:       Telecopier:
with a copy to:     with a copy to:
           
           
           
  Attention:       Attention:
  Telecopier:       Telecopier:
Wire Instructions:    

9. The Assignor acknowledges and agrees that (i) submission of a Return Bid in respect of the Term Loans will constitute a binding agreement between the Assignor and the Assignee in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Auction Procedures and the Credit Agreement; (ii) Term Loans will be deemed to have been accepted by the Assignee to the extent such Term Loans are validly offered by Assignor to Assignee in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Auction Procedures and the Credit Agreement upon notification by the [Administrative Agent] [Auction Manager] to the Assignor that such Term Loans are part of a Qualifying Bid (subject to applicable proration in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Auction); and (iii) it does not have any withdrawal rights with respect to any offer to assign of its Term Loans.

Subject to and effective upon the acceptance by the Assignee for purchase of the principal amount of the Term Loans to be assigned by the Assignor to the Assignee, the Assignor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the [Administrative Agent] [Auction Manager] as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the Assignor with respect to such Term Loans, with full powers of substitution and revocation (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest) to complete or fill-in the blanks in this Assignment and deliver the completed Assignment to the Assignee and the Assignor.

[Signature page follows]

 


The Assignor acknowledges and agrees that its offer to assign Term Loans pursuant to the Auction Procedures constitute the Assignor’s acceptance of the terms and conditions (including the proration procedures) contained in the Auction Procedures, the Credit Agreement and this Assignment.

The terms set forth in this Assignment are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

ASSIGNEE
[PURCHASER]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

Accepted:

                                                                           , as

[Administrative Agent] [Auction Manager]

 

By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 


ANNEX 1

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BORROWER

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

1. Representations and Warranties.

 

  1.1 Assignor . The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is, and on the applicable Purchaser Assignment Effective Date will be, free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim; (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (iv) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own decision to enter into this Assignment and to sell and assign the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such decision, (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document delivered pursuant thereto, other than this Assignment (herein collectively the “ Loan Documents ”), or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of Holdings, Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by Holdings, Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document, and (c) has read and agrees to all of the terms and conditions (including the pro ration procedures) of the Auction Procedures set forth in the Offer Documents. The Assignor will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Administrative Agent or the Assignee to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Assigned Interest. In the event that the Assignor has determined for itself to not access any information disclosed by Assignee in connection with the Auction or this Assignment, the Assignor acknowledges that (i) other Lenders may have availed themselves of such information and (ii) none of the Borrower, [the Auction Manager,] and the Administrative Agent has any responsibility for the Assignor’s decision to limit the scope of the information it has obtained in connection with its evaluation of the Auction or its decision to enter into this Assignment.

 

  1.2

Assignee . The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement until such time as the Loans are automatically cancelled without further action by any Person on the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date, (ii) it has transmitted same day funds to the Assignor on the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date, (iii) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision and (vi) it is not in possession of any information regarding any Loan Party, its assets, its ability to perform its Obligations or any other matter that may be material to a decision by Assignor to participate in any Auction or enter into this Assignment or participate in any of the transactions contemplated hereby that has not previously been disclosed to [the Auction Manager,] the Administrative Agent and the Lenders; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at that time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it acknowledges that the


 

Assigned Interest shall, from and after the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date, and without further action by any Person, be deemed cancelled for all purposes and no longer outstanding and that the Assignee shall have no ability to vote or receive payments in respect of the Assigned Interest.

 

  1.3 No Violation of Laws . Each of the Assignor and Assignee acknowledges that it has not violated any applicable laws relating to this Assignment or the transactions contemplated herein.

2. Payments . Payment to the Assignor by the Assignee in respect of the settlement of the assignment of the Assigned Interest shall be paid by Assignee directly to the Assignor and shall include all unpaid interest that has accrued in respect of the Assigned Interest through the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date. No interest shall accrue with respect to the Assigned Interest from and after the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date and such Assigned Interest shall, from and after the Purchaser Assignment Effective Date, and without further action by any Person, be deemed cancelled for all purposes and no longer outstanding.

3. General Provisions . This Assignment shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment. This Assignment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of laws principles thereof that would require the application of laws other than those of the State of New York.


SCHEDULE I

Commitments

 

Lender

   Term Loan
Commitment
     Revolving  Credit
Commitment
     Total  
        

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

   $ 20,583,333.33       $ 1,083,333.33       $ 21,666,666.67   

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 20,583,333.33       $ 1,083,333.33       $ 21,666,666.67   

Jefferies Finance LLC

   $ 0       $ 1,083,333.33       $ 1,083,333.33   

JFIN Funding LLC

   $ 8,916,666.67       $ 0       $ 8,916,666.67   

Jefferies Group, Inc.

   $ 11,666,666.67       $ 0       $ 11,666,666.67   

Royal Bank of Canada

   $ 14,250,000.00       $ 750,000.00       $ 15,000,000.00   

KeyBank National Association

   $ 9,500,000.00       $ 500,000.00       $ 10,000,000.00   

Stifel Bank & Trust

   $ 9,500,000.00       $ 500,000.00       $ 10,000,000.00   
                          

Total:

   $ 95,000,000.00       $ 5,000,000.00       $ 100,000,000.00   

 

1


SCHEDULE 3.1

Organizational and Capital Structure

LOGO

 

2


SCHEDULE 4.2

Consents

None.

 

3


SCHEDULE 4.3

Ownership of Borrower and Subsidiaries

 

Name of Subsidiary

   Direct Owner    Number of
Shares
Authorized
     Number of
Shares
Outstanding
     Ownership
Percentage
    Jurisdiction
of
Organization
             
             

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   Francesca’s LLC      1,000         1,000         100   Texas

 

4


SCHEDULE 4.12

Labor Matters

None.

 

5


SCHEDULE 4.13

List of Plans

Francesca’s Collections, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan, effective on October 1, 2009.

 

6


SCHEDULE 4.14

Environmental Matters

None.

 

7


SCHEDULE 4.16

Real Property

Owned Real Property

None

Leased Real Property

 

1. See attached list for leases relating to boutiques.

 

2. See below for leases relating to office and warehouse.

 

Borrower/Guarantor

  

Address/City/State/Zip Code

  

County

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3480 West 12 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3482 West 12 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3484 12 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3233 West 11 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris

 

8


LOGO

Corporate Office/ Warehouse: 3480 W. 12th Street, Houston, TX 77008

PHONE: 713-864-1358    FAX: 713-426-2751

 

Francesca’s # 01

Woodway Village

6514 Woodway

Houston, TX 77057

Tel: 713-722-0754

Harris

(Debbie Flores)

   

Francesca’s # 03

Champion Forest Plaza

5468 W. FM 1960

Houston, TX 77069

Tel: 832-249-6534

Harris

(Stacy Loomis)

 

Francesca’s # 04

Mockingbird Station

5307 E Mockingbird Ln #105 Dallas, TX 75206

Tel: 214-370-3646

Dallas County

(Sherene Kutach)

 

Francesca’s # 05

Preston Oaks

10720 Preston Rd. #1005

Dallas, TX 75230

Tel: 214-891-9866

Dallas County

(Vicki Berry)

 

Francesca’s # 06

Uptown Park

1141-08 Uptown Park Blvd. Houston, TX 77056

Tel: 713-622-1254

Harris County

(Debbie Flores)

Francesca’s # 07

University Park

1600 S. University #604

Fort Worth, TX 76107

Tel: 817-882-8077

Tarrant County

(Adriana Gonzalez)

 

Francesca’s # 08

Montana

1230 Montana Ave. #106

Santa Monica, CA 90403

Tel: 310-255-1988

Los Angles County

(Veronica Chacon)

 

Francesca’s # 09

Plano

1900 Preston #320

Plano, TX 75093

Tel: 214-473-8133

Collin County

(Melanie Symons)

 

Francesca’s # 10

Canal Place

333 Canal St. #219

New Orleans, LA 70130

Tel: 504-581-4402

Orleans Parish

(Ashley Sieving)

 

Francesca’s # 11

Geneva Commons

1520 Commons Dr.

Geneva, IL 60134

Tel: 630-262-9470

Kane County

(Linda Rodriguez)

 

Francesca’s # 12

Church Street Plaza

1706 Maple Ave.

Evanston, IL 60201

Tel: 847-328-5459

Cook County

(Theresa Mariano)

Francesca’s # 13

Manhattan Village

3200 N. Sepulveda #D10

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Tel: 310-546-4700

Los Angles County

(Michelle Giacalone)

 

Francesca’s # 14

Alamo Quarry Market

255 E. Basse Rd. #420

San Antonio, TX 78209

Tel: 210-822-1598

Bexar County

(Lindsey Ramos)

 

Francesca’s # 15

Westbank

3300 Bee Cave Rd. #420

Austin, TX 78746

Tel: 512-347-7508

Travis County

(Jennifer Brown)

 

Francesca’s # 16

Highland Village

4022 Westheimer

Houston, TX 77027

Tel: 713-961-3399

Harris County

(Valjeanne Daniels)

 

Francesca’s # 17

Arboretum

10000 Research Blvd #122 C-01

Austin, TX 78759

Tel: 512-795-9840

Travis County

(Ashley Whitehead)

 

Francesca’s # 18

Lincoln Park

2012 N. Halsted Ave.

Chicago, IL 60614

Tel: 773-244-4075

Cook County

(Michael Masella)

Francesca’s # 19

La Jolla

1025 Prospect St. #160

La Jolla, CA 92037

Tel: 858-729-0350

San Diego County

(Vanessa Wyatt)

 

Francesca’s # 20

Southlake

214 State St.

Southlake, TX 76092

Tel: 817-424-5353

Tarrant County

(Brianna Weldon)

 

Francesca’s # 21

Carlsbad 1923

Calle Barcelona #146

Carlsbad, CA 92024

Tel: 760-943-8644

San Diego County

(Laura Stockwell)

 

Francesca’s # 22

Green Valley

2260 Village Walk, Suite 112

Henderson, NV 89052

Tel: 702-435-3288

Clark County

(Kimberly Patterson)

 

Francesca’s # 23

Central Park

4001 N. Lamar, Suite 490

Austin, TX 78756

Tel: 512-323-2499

Travis County

(Katie Kaiser)

 

Francesca’s # 25

Long Beach

5257 E. 2nd St.

Long Beach, CA 90803

Tel: 562-856-3257

Los Angles County

(Daisy Aldaco)

 

Francesca’s # 26

Rancho Cucamonga

7839 Kew Ave. Suite 5620

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Tel: 909-899-5751

San Bernardino County

(Angelica De La Rocha)

 

Francesca’s # 27

Edmond

1470 S Bryant Ave

Edmond, OK 73034

Tel: 405-359-7576

Oklahoma County

(Reem Bahouth)

 

Francesca’s # 28

Rennaisance Place

1850 2nd St #106

Highland Park, IL 60035

Tel: 847-926-8278

Lake County

(Molly McCarty)

 

Francesca’s # 29

Saddle Creek

7615 W. Farmington Blvd. Ste. 33

Germantown, TN 38138

Tel: 901-753-6847

Shelby County

(Cassandra Bradshaw)

 

Francesca’s # 30

Bellemead

6535 Youree Dr. Suite 501

Shreveport, LA 71105

Tel: 318-798-8484

Caddo Parish

(Krystle Smith)

Francesca’s # 31

Village Pointe

17151 Davenport #113

Omaha, NE 68118

Tel: 402-359-1312

Douglas County

(Jennifer Rowland)

 

Francesca’s # 32

Arbor Lake

12121 Elm Creek Blvd.

Maple Grove, MN 55369

Tel: 763-425-3252

Hennepin County

(Jennifer Dimitroff)

 

Francesca’s # 33

The Shoppes at Buckland Hills

194 Buckland Hills Dr, Suite 1056 Manchester, CT 06042

Tel: 860-648-9465

Town of Hartford

(Jennifer Beer)

 

Francesca’s # 34

Summit

200 Summit Blvd. Ste #600

Birmingham, AL 35243

Tel: 205-969-2432

Jefferson County

(Acting-Heather Williams)

 

Francesca’s # 35

Deer Park

20530 N. Rand Rd. Ste #344

Deer Park, IL 60010

Tel: 847-726-2363

Lake County

(Azita Kakvand)

 

Francesca’s # 36

Greenway Station

1650 Deming Way Ste #108

Middleton, WI 53562

Tel: 608-831-6630

Dane County

(Sara Streb-Virnig)

Francesca’s # 37

Woodbury Lake

9020 Hudson Rd Ste 412

Woodbury, MN 55125

Tel: 651-730-2012

Washington County

(Mollie Loechler)

 

Francesca’s # 38

Carriage Crossing

4610 Merchant’s Park Cir.#557

Collierville, TN. 38017

Tel: 901-861-3287

Shelby County

(Cassandra Bradshaw)

 

Francesca’s # 39

Orland Park

14215 La Grange Rd. Space 124

Orland Park, IL 60462

Tel: 708-349-8490

Cook County

(Kristen Monroe)

 

Francesca’s # 40

Easton Town Center

108 Easton Town Center

Columbus, OH. 43219

Tel: 614-476-6410

Franklin County

(Kimberly Argobright)

 

Francesca’s # 41

Crestview Hills Town Center

2868 Town Center Blvd. St. 7055

Crestview Hills, KY. 41017

Tel: 859-341-4426

Kenton County

(Ashley Royer)

 

Francesca’s # 42

Simi Valley Mall

1555

SimiTwn.Crt. Wy.Ste.#605

Simi Valley, CA. 93063

Tel: 805-584-1631

Ventura County

(Breeanne Beeby)

Francesca’s # 43

Shoppes at Eastchase

6830 Eastchase Pkwy

Montgomery, AL. 36117

Tel: 334-271-2110

Montgomery County

(Elizabeth Arrington)

 

Francesca’s # 44

Southpoint Pavillions

2910 Pine Lake Road Suite L

Lincoln, NE. 68516

Tel: 402-421-1589

Lancaster County

(Kim Kendall)

 

Francesca’s # 45

Promenade Shops at Centerra

5855 Sky Pond Dr. Ste. # F124

Loveland, CO. 80538

Tel: 970-663-9004

Larimer County

(Amber Eckels)

 

Francesca’s # 46

Brookhaven Village Plaza

3720 West Robinson Suite 128

Norman, OK 73072

Tel: 405-360-2891

Cleveland County

(Daphene Gorman)

 

Francesca’s# 47

Levis Common

3195 Levis Commons Blv.#285

Perrysburg, OH. 43551

Tel: 419-874-3580

Wood County

(Cathy Goodenough)

 

Francesca’s# 48

Hamilton Corner

2115 Gunbarrel Rd. #C

Chattanoga, TN. 37421

Tel: 423-893-8978

Hamilton County

(Courtney Gravett)

Francesca’s# 49

Turkey Creek

11347 Parkside Ave.

Knoxville, TN 37934

Tel: 865-675-6361

Knox County

(Mary Burleson)

 

Francesca’s # 50

Turtle Creek

3000 E. Highland Dr. Ste#413

Jonesboro, AR 72401

Tel: 870 336-2674

Craighead County

(Rebekah Carter)

 

Francesca’s # 51

Eastern Shore Center

30500 State Hwy 181 Ste# 313

Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Tel: 251-621-5740

Baldwin County

(Amber Turner)

 

Francesca’s # 52

The Avenue

2261 Town Center Ave. Suite 105

Viera, FL 32940

Tel: 321-639-3200

Brevard County

(Marlina Rhodes)

 

Francesca’s # 53

Alex Webb

1350 Scenic Highway, Spc 316

Snellville, GA 30078

Tel: 678 344 0112

Gwinnett County

(Stacy Barrett)

 

Francesca’s # 54

Woodlands Market Street

9595 Six Pines Dr. Ste 870

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Tel: 281-419-3750

Montgomery County

(Stacy Loomis)

Francesca’s # 55

Branson Landing

319 Branson Landing

Branson, MO 65616

Tel: 417-335-4342

Taney County

(Elizabeth Cizek)

 

Francesca’s # 56

Beachcliff Market

19344 Detriot Rd Spc #A-112

Rocky River, OH 44116

Tel: 440-333-3418

Cuyahoga County

(Kristin Knight)

 

Francesca’s # 57

Legacy Village

24639 Cedar Rd.

Lyndhurst, OH 44124

Tel: 216-381-5390

Cuyahoga County

(Amanda Dodge)

 

Francesca’s # 58

West Cobb

3625 Dallas Hwy SW Spc #850

Marietta, GA 30064

Tel: 770-218-9351

Cobb County

(Ashley Campbell)

 

Francesca’s # 59

Friendly Center

3326 W. Friendly Ste# 118

Greensboro, NC 27410

Tel: 336-856-1934

Guilford County

(Linaya McMillian)

 

Francesca’s # 60

Dos Lagos

2780 Cabot Dr. Ste 150

Corona, CA 92882

Tel: 951-277-7545

Riverside County

(Shana Hudson)

Francesca’s # 61

Boulder

1850 29TH St Ste# 1012

Boulder, CO 80301

Tel: 303-442-1722

Boulder County

(Jessica Serowski)

 

Francesca’s # 62

Southland Shopping Center

6235 S. Main St. Ste#108

Aurora, CO 80016

Tel: 720-274-5338

Arapahoe County

(Sharon Lavery)

 

Francesca’s # 63

Saucon Valley

2960 Center Valley Parkway #733

Center Valley, PA 18034

Tel: 610-798-9901

Lehigh County

(Eve Kabay)

 

Francesca’s # 64

Little Rock Ark

207 N. University Ave. #180

Little Rock,AR 72205

Tel: 501-660-4203

Pulaski County

(Courtney Lyle)

 

Francesca’s # 66

Inwood Village

5330 West Lover’s Lane #112

Dallas TX. 75209

Tel: 214-351-0649

Dallas County

(Cammie Guzman)

 

Francesca’s # 67

Abercorn Walk Shopping Center

5525 Abercorn St. Suite#55

Savannah, GA 31405

Tel: 912-355-7181

Chatham County

(Brooke Wanex)

Francesca’s # 68

Bell Tower

13499 US 41 SE #119 Space C-304

Fort Myers, FL 33907

Tel: 239-267-5050

Lee County

(Carrie Baxter)

 

Francesca’s # 69

Mount Pleasant Town Center

1237 Belk Drive Suite S-2

Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Tel: 843 884 3958

Charleston County

(Erica Scott)

 

Francesca’s # 70

Blakeney Center

9830 Rea Road Suite C

Charlotte, NC 28277

Tel: 704-544-3104

Mecklenburg County

(Cherish Lawrence)

 

Francesca’s # 71

Arlington Highlands

3900 Arlington Highlands Blvd. #177

Arlington, TX 76018

Tel: 817-419-0371

Tarrant County

(Amanda Mudd)

 

Francesca’s # 72

La Palmera Shopping Center

5488 South Padre Island Sp# 1430

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Tel: 361-994-4818

Nueces County

(Brittany Lee)

 

Francesca’s # 73

Shops at Highland Village

1400 Shoal Creek, Suite 170

Highland Village, TX 75077

Tel: 972-966-0400

Denton County

(Brianne Gilbert)

Francesca’s # 74

Stone Oak

22702 US 281, Suite 110

San Antonio, TX 78259

Tel: 210-481-1382

Bexar County

(Michelle Shelton)

 

Francesca’s # 75

Town Center Plaza

5256 W. 119th St., Suite 2000

Leawood, KS 66209

Tel: 913-696-1272

Johnson County

(Lane Cowan - Acting Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s # 76

Hill Center

4017 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 308

Nashville, TN 37215

Tel: 615-783-0960

Davidson County

(Lacee Maxedon)

 

Francesca’s # 77

The Avenue

2615 Medical Center Pkwy Suite 1430

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Tel: 615-893-7217

Rutherford County

(Acting: Andrea Kehoe)

 

Francesca’s # 78

Southport Row

3539 N. Southport unti 15

Chicago, IL 60657

Tel: 773-248-4558

Cook County

(Ashley Sydow)

 

Francesca’s # 79

Mayfaire Town Center

6823 Main Street

Wilmington, NC 28405

Tel: 910-509-0083

New Hanover County

(Kisha Jennings)

Francesca’s # 80

King’s Street Charleston

338 King Street Unit A

Charleston, SC 29401

Tel: 843-577-6848

Charleston County

(Seanna Reis - Acting Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s # 81

Hill Country Galleria

12821 Hill Country Blvd.,

Suite C2-115

Bee Cave, TX 78738

Tel: 512-263-1993

Travis County

(Mariah Hildebrand)

 

Francesca’s # 82

Pembroke Gardens

505 SW 145th Terrace

Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

Tel: 954-885-5051

Broward County

(Melissa Pitstick)

 

Francesca’s # 83

Perkins Rowe

10156 Perkins Rowe, Suite 120

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Tel: 225-766-0274

East Baton Rouge Parish

(Liana Narcisse)

 

Francesca’s # 84

Parke West

9828 Northern Ave., Suite 1750

Peoria, AZ 85345

623-772-0428

Maricopa County

(Terrie Humeniuk -Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s # 85

Bridge Street Town Center

340 The Bridge Street, Suite 140

Huntsville, AL 35806

Tel: 256-327-8595

Madison County

(Veronica Hawsman)

Francesca’s # 86

Indian Lake Speciality Center

300 Indian Lake Blvd. Bldg. A Ste 160

Hendersonville, TN 37075

Tel: 615-822-1266

Sumner County

 

Francesca’s # 87

Vinings Jubilee

4300 Paces Ferry, Ste 257

Atlanta, GA 30339

Tel- 770-431-9672

Fulton County

 

Francesca’s # 88

Kierland Commons

15211 N. Kierland Blvd. Suite 140

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Tel- 480-991-9481

Maricopa County

 

Francesca’s # 89

Village at Arrowhead

20022 North 67th Ave. Suite #122

Glendale, AZ 85308

Tel- 623-376-2555 Maricopa County

 

Francesca’s # 90

BuckTown

1920 W. North Ave.

Chicago, IL 60622

Tel- 773-486-0293

Cook County

 

Francesca’s # 91

Zelda Place

2920-F Zelda Road

Montgomery, AL 36106

Tel- 334-277-9049

Montgomery County


LOGO

 

(Lindsay Melton)   (Taneisha Hughes)   (Lauretta Berchiatti)   (Kyle Thibault)   (Jennifer Harris-Dailey)   (Toni Fowler)


LOGO

 

Francesca’s # 92

3333 Magazine Street

New Orleans, LA 70115

Tel- 504-899-2118

Orleans Parish

(Jodi Asher)

 

Francesca’s # 93

Watter Creek

843 Market Street

Allen, TX 75013

Tel- 214-495-0003

Collin County

(Carol Rumberger)

 

Francesca’s # 94

Dogwood Festival

110 Dogwood Blvd., suite G 3B

Flowood, MS 39232

Tel- 601-992-9119

Hinds County

(Constance Davis)

 

Francesca’s # 95

Rennisance Place

1000 Highland Colony Pkwy. Ste 1012

Ridgeland, MS 39157

Tel- 601-856-2266

Madison County

(Alison Hashaw)

 

Francesca’s # 96

Birkdale

16845-B Birkdale Commons Pkwy.

Huntersville, NC 28078

Tel- 704-896-9644

Mecklenburg County

(Beth Cosner)

 

Francesca’s # 97

Legacy Village

9 DuRhu Dr. Suite 350

Mobile, AL 36608

Tel- 251-342-1959

Mobile County

(Ben McCormick-Acting Area Mgr)

Francesca’s #98

Village Square @ Dana Park

1660 S. Val Vista Dr. Ste. 116

Mesa, AZ 85204

Tel- 480-545-2685

Maricopa County

(Shannon McGuire)

 

Francesca’s #99

Columbia Cameron Village

424 Woodburn Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27605

Tel- 919-829-8250

Wake County

(Alissa Lapen)

 

Francesca’s #100

Aspen Grove

7301 S. Santa Fe Dr. Unit 420 B

Littleton, CO 80120

Tel- 303-794-4783

Arapahoe County

(Melisa House)

 

Francesca’s #101

Promenade at Sagemore

500 Route 73 South, Suite C-1

Marlton, NJ 08053

Tel- 856-983-1146

Burlington County

(Ashley McAllister -Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s #102

Mizner Park

322 Plaza Real suite 1322

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Tel- 561-544-6892

Palm Beach County

(Val Bravo)

 

Francesca’s #103

Casa Paloma

7131 West Rag Road, suite 26

Chandler, AZ 85226

Tel- 480-753-3511

Maricopa County

(Marcella Daniels)

Francesca’s #104

Market Common

3323 Reed Ave., Space A6-700

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Tel- 843-238-9320

Horry County

(Shelia Zazinski)

 

Francesca’s #105

The Avenue Forsythe

410 Peachtree Pkwy, Bldg 100, suite 13

Cumming, GA 30041

Tel- 678-513-7001

Forsyth County

(Meaghan Shork)

 

Francesca’s #106

Memorial City Mall

303 Memorial City Mall, space 707A

Houston, TX 77024

Tel- 713-468-2108

Harris County

(Jessica Gonzalez)

 

Francesca’s #107

Arboretum @ South Barrington

100 West Higgins Road, suite F-35

South Barrington, IL 60010

Tel- 847-426-1847

Lake County

(Tania Diaz)

 

Francesca’s #108

Regency Court

120 Regency Parkway suite 152

Omaha, NE 68114

Tel: 402-397-0740

Douglas County

(Rachel Haas)

 

Francesca’s #109

Crabtree Valley Mall

4325 Glenwood Ave. suite 1084

Raleigh, NC 27612

Tel: 919-783-8602

Wake County

( Ashley Sommerkamp)

Francesca’s #110

Pinnacle Hills Promenade

2203 Promenade Blvd. Suite 2112

Rogers, AR 72758

Tel: 479-246-0298

Benton County

(Danielle Wolf)

 

Francesca’s #111

Thruway Center

284 South Stratford Rd.

Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Tel: 336-722-9598

Forsyth County

(Tobi Foster)

 

Francesca’s #112

Promenade Lyons @ Coconut Creek

4425 Lyons Rd. suite F-104

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Tel: 954-973-4830

Broward County

(Melissa Bergknoff)

 

Francescas’s #113

La Cantera

15900 LaCantera Pkwy, suite 20100

San Antonio, TX 78256

Tel: 210-641-0221

Bexar County

(Natalie Silva)

 

Francesca’s #114

Greenville Center

3801 Kennett Pike, Suite 236

Greenville, DE 19807

Tel: 302-655-5222

New Castle County

(Nicole White)

 

Francesca’s #115

Palladium @ City Place

701 S. Rosemary Ave. Suite 157

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Tel: 561-650-0320

Palm Beach County

(Cynthia Davin)

Francesca’s #116

La Encantada

2905 E. Skyline Dr. Suite #143

Tucson, AZ 85718

Tel: 520-615-1700

Pima County

(Stacy Lybeck)

 

Francesca’s #117

Wheaton Town Square

231a Town Square Wheaton

Wheaton, IL 60187

Tel: 630-588-8780

DuPage County

(Acting-Lauren Hansen)

 

Francesca’s #118

Baybrook Mall

500 Baybrook Mall, Suite 1198

Friendswood, TX 77546

Tel: 281-480-3082

Galveston County

(Ryssa Nord)

 

Francescas’s #119

Destin Commons

4138 Legendary Dr. Space B-104

Destin, FL 32541

Tel: 850-269-1070

Okaloosa County

(Lisa McTyre)

 

Francescas’s #120

Penn Square Mall

1901 NW Expressway suite 1009A

Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Tel: 405-842-8163

Oklahoma County

(Lisa McKinnon)

 

Francesca’s #121

The Falls

8888 SW 136 St. Suite 368

Miami, FL 33176

Tel: 786-242-8056

Pinellas County

(Peter Kasen)

Francesca’s #122

St Louis Galleria

1155 St Louis Galleria, Space #1162

St Louis, MO 63117

Tel: 314-862-2677

St. Louis County

(Erin Hawkins)

 

Francesca’s #123

The Forum on Peachtree Pkwy

5165 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite #235

Norcross, GA 30092

Tel: 678-291-9455

Gwinnett County

(Eileen Chua)

 

Francesca’s #124

Country Club Plaza

4724 Broadway

Kansas City, MO 64112

Tel: 816-531-5141

Jackson County

(Sarah Merritt)

 

Francesca’s #125

Southpark Mall

4400 Sharon Rd Ste E07B

Charlotte, NC 28211

Tel: 704-366-3160

Mecklenburg County

(April Key)

 

Francesca’s #126

Woodland Hills

7021 South Memorial Dr Ste 184A

Tulsa, OK 74133

Tel: 918-294-0430

Tulsa County

(Laura Owens)

 

Francesca’s #127

Oak Park Mall

11445 W 95th Street

Overland Park, KS 66214

Tel: 913-492-3100

Johnson County

(Maegen Mastalski)

Francesca’s #128

Eastview Mall

180 Eastview Mall

Victor, NY 14564

Tel: 585-223-7932

Ontario County

(Stephanie Major)

 

Francesca’s #129

Walnut Street

5426 Walnut St

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Tel: 412-621-0355

Allegheny County

(Emily Glova)

 

Francesca’s #130

Oxmoor Mall

7900 Shelbyville Rd #D06

Louisville, KY 40222

Tel: 502-425-3385

Jefferson County

(Jennifer Berelowitz)

 

Francesca’s #131

Bridgewater Commons

400 Bridgewater Commons, Ste 250

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Tel: 908-203-9333

Somerset County

(Melissa Maltby)

 

Francesca’s #132

Bradley Fair

2000 North Rock Rd, Ste 134

Wichita, KS 67206

Tel: 316-630-0272

Sedgwick County

(Kasey Diehl)

 

Francesca’s #133

ABQ Uptown

2261 Q Street NE, Ste 2F

Albuquerque, NM 87110

Tel: 505-888-9515

Bernalillo County

(Sheryl Mizicko)

Francesca’s #134

Village at Merrick Park

370 San Lorenzo Ave, Ste 2430

Coral Gables, FL 33146

Tel: 305-461-5839

Miami-Dade County

(Cheryl Hinton)

 

Francesca’s #135

Rosedale Mall

111 Rosedale Center Space 195

Roseville, MN 55113

Tel: 651-639-3911

Ramsey County

(Jennifer Dobbe - Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s #136

Bayshore

5709 N Centerpark Way

Glendale, WI 53217

Tel: 414-906-8568

Milwaukee County

(Rebecca Young)

 

Francesca’s #137

The Avenue

10300 Southside Blvd, Ste 1490B

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Tel: 904-363-8818

Duval County

(Andrea Girard)

 

Francesca’s #138

Northpoint Mall

1190 North Point Circle, Ste 1190

Alpharetta, GA 30022

Tel: 678-319-0331

Fulton County

(Heather Skop)

 

Francesca’s #139

West Shore Plaza

286 West Shore Plaza, Ste B.6.A

Tampa, FL 33609

Tel: 813-289-5319

Hillsborough County

(Crystal Melton)

Francesca’s #140

West County Mall

80 West County Center #1194

St Louis, MO 63131

Tel: 314-909-6664

St. Louis County

(Michele Donoho)

 

Francesca’s #141

Castleton Square

6020 East 82nd St, Ste 878

Indianapolis, IN 46250

Tel: 317-841-0411

Marion County

(Brandi Jo Kelin)

 

Francesca’s #142

Park City Center

214 Park West Center

Lancaster, PA 17601

Tel: 717-392-5256

Lancaster County

(Jamie Thomes)

 

Francesca’s #143

West Towne Mall

42 West Towne Mall, A10

Madison, WI 53719

Tel: 608-833-0052

Dane County

(Sara Streb-Virnig)

 

Francesca’s #144

Derby St

92 Derby St #113

Hingham, MA 02043

Tel: 781-740-2860

Plymouth

(Soledad Kelly)

 

Francesca’s #145

Galleria @ Ft Lauderdale

2414 E Sunrise Blvd Rm 2089

Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304-3102

Tel: 954-561-2797

Broward County

(Miriah Rizzo)

Francesca’s #146

Southpoint

6910 Fayetteville Rd Ste 177

Durham, NC 27713

Tel: 919-806-8400

Durham County

(Kimberly Bustillo)

 

Francesca’s #147

Danbury Fair Mall

7 Backus Ave Space G109

Danbury, CT 06810

Tel: 203-730-0613

Fairfield County

(Deborah White)

 

Francesca’s #148

Paramus Park Mall

1105 Paramus Park

Paramus, NJ 07652

Tel: 201-265-4441

Bergen County

(Andrea Vander Plaat)

 

Francesca’s #149

Providence Place

One Providence Place, Ste 3080

Providence, RI 02903

Tel: 401-228-7655

Providence County

(Maribeth Fabiano)

 

Francesca’s #150

The Summit

4262 Summit Plaza Dr #C-9

Louisville, KY 40241

Tel: 502-423-1770

Jefferson County

(Kathryn Blair)

 

Francesca’s #151

The Village at Rochester Hills

160 N Adams Rd

Rochester Hills, MI 48309

Tel: 248-375-2306

Oakland County

(Kasey Hendricks)

Francesca’s #152

Scottsdale Fashion

7014 E Camelback Rd Space B156 Ste #1100

Cambridge Place #W324

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Tel: 480-945-2006

Maricopa County

(Roxane Kyte)

 

Francesca’s #153

Cambridgeside Galleria

Cambridge, MA 02141

Tel: 617-374-9400

Middlesex County

(Michelle Pinto)

 

Francesca’s #154

Clay Terrace Center

14395 Clay Terrace Blvd Ste 140

Space C-31

Carmel, IN 46032

Tel: 317-815-6650

Hamilton County

(Brandi Jo Kelin)

 

Francesca’s #155

Town Square

6593 Las Vegas Blvd, Suite 167

Las Vegas, NV 89119

Tel: 702-263-4485

Clark County

(Erin Plumlee)

 

Francesca’s #156

Northbrook Court

2171 Northbrook Ct Ste 2056

Northbrook, IL 60062

Tel: 847-291-4046

Cook County

(Lauren Schroeder)

 

Francesca’s #157

Shops at Somerset Square

140 Glastonbury Blvd Ste 34

Glastonbury, CT 06033

Tel: 860-652-8877

Hartford County

(Jessica Begin)

Francesca’s #158

The Avenue at East Cobb

4475 Roswell Rd Ste 915

Marietta, GA 30062

Tel: 770-321-7878

Cobb County

(Krytstal Carpenter)

 

Francesca’s #159

Polaris Town Center

1500 Polaris Pkwy, Ste 1042

Columbus, OH 43240

Tel: 614-846-1982

Franklin County

(Shovon Agnew)

 

Francesca’s #160

Short Pump Town Center

11800 West Broad St, Ste 1044

Richmond, VA 23233

Tel: 804-360-9550

Henrico County

(Victoria Leftwich)

 

Francesca’s #161

Rockaway Townsquare

301 Mt Hope Ave #1018

Rockaway, NJ 07866

Tel: 973-366-9400

Morris County

(Jennifer Baker)

 

Francesca’s #162

The Shoppes @ Legacy Place

640 Legacy Place

Dedham, MA 02026

Tel: 781-326-7008

Norfolk County

(Kim Evers)

 

Francesca’s #163

Annapolis Mall

2002 Annapolis Mall, Ste 1484

Annapolis, MD 21401

Tel: 410-266-5061

Anne Arundel County

(Acting:DeAnna Paige)

Francesca’s #164

Columbiana

100 Columbiana Circle, Ste 1214

Columbia, SC 29212

Tel: 803-407-5744

Lexington County

(Ashley Aaron)

 

Francesca’s #165

Park Place

5870 E. Broadway Blvd, Ste 416

Tucson, AZ 85711

Tel: 520-514-2161

Pima County

(Christina Butler)

 

Francesca’s #166

Brookfield Mall

95 N. Moorland Rd. D-22

Brookfield, WI 53005

Tel: 262-784-0107

Waukesha County

(Susan Paasch)

 

Francesca’s #167

The Grove at Shrewsbury

555 Route 35

Shrewsbury NJ 07702

Tel: 732-741-5022

Monmouth County

(Wendy Jennings)

 

Francesca’s #168

Haywood Mall

106 Haywood Road Suite#1018

Greenville, South Carolina 29607

Tel: 864-284-0720

Greenville County

(Timothy Norris)

 

Francesca’s #169

Menlo Park

100 Menlo Park Suite#2425

Edison, New Jersey 08837

Tel: 732-205-0300

Middlesex County

(Ashley Arcangelo)

Francesca’s #170

South Shore Plaza

250 Granite Street Suite#1250

Braintree, Massachusetts 02184

Tel: 781-843-7008

Norfolk County

(Michelle Pinto)

 

Francesca’s #171

Mall of America

116 South Blvd

Bloomington, MN 55425

Tel: 952-854-9985

Hennepin County

 

Francesca’s #172

Independence Center

1704 Independence Ctr. Sp#2024

Independence, MO 64057

Tel: 816-795-0803

Jackson County

(Kelli Luce)

 

Francesca’s #173

Barracks Road Shopping Center

1127A Emmet St.

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Tel: 434-296-9556

Charlottesville City County

(Christy Green)

 

Francesca’s #174

Old Orchard Center

4999 Old Orchard Ctr (space E-45)

Skokie, IL 60077

Tel: 847-568-1290

Cook County

(Erin Collier)

 

Francesca’s #175

Bay Street

5659 Bay Street

Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel: 510-655-1515

Alameda County

(Shani Pierce)

Francesca’s #176

Oakbrook Center

34 Oakbrook Center

Oak Brook, IL 60523

Tel: 630-368-1440

DuPage County

(Kara Scott)

 

Francesca’s #177

Natick Collection

1245 Worcester St., Suite #1032

Natick, MA 01760

Tel: 508-655-7008

Middlesex County

(Renee Azulay)

 

Francesca’s #178

Lakeside Mall

3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 89

Metairie, LA 70002

Tel: 504-831-7772

Jefferson Parish

(Jennifer Bryan)

 

Francesca’s #179

Rivertown Crossing

3700 Rivertown Pkwy SW Suite 1050

Grandville, MI 49418

Tel: 616-534-5254

Kent County

(Brooke Kasul)

 

Francesca’s #180

Garden City Center

37 Hillside Drive

Cranston, RI 02920

Tel: 401-270-3257

Providence County

(Jillian Kunofsky)

 

Francesca’s #181

Waterford Lakes

497 N Alafaya Tr

Orlando, FL 32828

Tel: 407-382-7040

Orange County

(Christine McKenna)

Francesca’s #182

Newport Centre

30 Mall Drive West, BO9A

Jersey City, NJ 07310

Tel: 201-420-0880

Hudson County

(Kelly Machusky)

 

Francesca’s #183

The Greene

73 Plum Street

Beavercreek OH 45440
Tel: 937-320-9720

Montgomery County

(Miranda McBride)

 

Francesca’s #184

Old Towne

29 University Avenue, Ste. E29

Los Gatos, CA 95030

Tel: 408-395-7562

Santa Clara County

 

Francesca’s #185

Stonestown Galleria

3251 20th Ave #118

San Francisco CA 94132

Tel: 415-564-7800

San Francisco County

(Shannon Damlos Mitchell)

 

Francesca’s #186

Coolsprings Galleria

1800 Galleria Blvd. Suite #1515

Franklin TN 37067

Tel: 615-771-9267

Williamson County

(Ashley Johnson)

 

Francesca’s #187

Kenwood Town Center

7875 Montgomery Rd.

#R061

Cincinnati, OH 45236

Tel: 513-791-0062

Hamilton County

(Kristin Geraci)


LOGO

 

Francesca’s #188

Riverchase Galleria

2000 Riverchase Space 118

Hoover, Al 35244

Tel: 205-985-8800

Jefferson County

(Elisabeth McGill)

 

Francesca’s #189

Jordan Creek

101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, Ste#11172

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Tel: 515-222-5818

Polk County

(Leslie Bauman)

 

Francesca’s #190

Oakridge Mall

925 Blossom Hill Rd #1204

San Jose, CA 95123

Tel: 408-225-4700

San Joaquin County

(Ann Van Aken)

 

Francesca’s #191

Maine Mall

364 Maine Mall Rd S-174

South Portland, ME 04106

Tel: 207-774-9050

Cumberland County

(Meghan Dyer)

 

Francesca’s #192

Horton Plaza

173 Horton Plaza

San Diego, CA 92101

Tel: 619-236-0297

San Diego County

(Sara Facundo)

 

Francesca’s #193

Watertower Place

835 N. Michigan Space #6020

Chicago, IL 60611

Tel: 312-202-1798

Cook County

(Sabrina Abney)

Francesca’s #194

Altamonte Mall

451 East Altamonte Dr #2333

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Tel: 407-265-0002

Seminole County

(Stephanie Jarvis)

 

Francesca’s #195

Alderwood Mall

3000 184th St SW #494

Lynnwood, WA 98037

Tel: 425-775-4712

Snohomish County

(Diane Pastor)

 

Francesca’s #196

Glendale Galleria

1155 Glendale Galleria

Glendale, CA 91210

Tel: 818-241-0203

Los Angeles County

(Michelle Mancha)

 

Francesca’s #197

Cherry Hill Mall

2000 Route 38 #1260

Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Tel: 856-665-7600

Camden County

(Kimberly Johnson)

 

Francesca’s #198

Crocker Park

161 Main Street

Westlake, OH 44145

Tel: 440-899-2860

Cuyahoga County

(Jannelle Harris)

 

Francesca’s #199

North County Mall

200 E Via Rancho Pkwy #325

Escondido, CA 92025

Tel: 760-781-5541

San Diego County

(Jeanette Cloakey)

Francesca’s #200

Deerbrook Mall

20131 Hwy 59 N #2328

Humble, TX 77338

Tel: 281-446-0826

Harris County

(D’Naya Johnson)

 

Francesca’s #201

Pacific Place

600 Pine Street #253

Seattle WA 98101

Tel: 206-245-1000

King County

(Acting: Kimberly Phommachanh)

 

Francesca’s #202

Lynnhaven Mall

701 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Space C15B

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Tel: 757-340-4104

Virginia Beach City

(Madeline Vitug)

 

Francesca’s #203

West Town Mall

7600 Kingston Pike #1544A

Knoxville TN 37932

Tel: 865-470-7296

Knox County

(Kayla Hyder)

 

Francesca’s #204

Coral Ridge Mall

1451 Coral Ridge Ave. Space 402

Coralville, IA 52241

Tel: 319-338-5566

Johnson County

(Ashley Russell)

 

Francesca’s #205

Del Monte Center

690 Del Monte Center

Monterey, CA 93940

Tel: 831-649-1764

Monterey County

Francesca’s #206

Twelve Oaks Mall

27220 Novi Road

Novi, MI 48377

Tel: 248-305-9440

Oakland County

(Fannita King)

 

Francesca’s #207

The Oaks

6391 Newberry Rd.

Gainesville, FL 32605

Tel: 352-332-5257

Alachua County

(Tanya Wells)

 

Francesca’s #208

Galleria @ Roseville

1151 Galleria Blvd. Ste. 150

Roseville, CA 95678

Tel: 916-780-1200

Placer County

(Sharon Richards)

 

Francesca’s #209

Southcenter Mall

611 Southcenter Mall

Seattle, WA 98188

Tel: 206-444-8955

King County

(Lindsey Crane)

 

Francesca’s #210

Village at Corte Madera

1614 Redwood Highway

Corte Madera, CA 94925

Tel: 415-945-9337

Marin County

 

Francesca’s #211

Valencia Mall

24201 Valencia Blvd, Suite 3537

Valencia, CA 91355

Tel: 661-255-9331

Los Angeles County


SCHEDULE 4.20

Insurance

See attached.

 

9


2010 Summary of Coverage for:

LOGO

 

LOGO    1


Summary of Coverage

 

COVERAGE

   POLICY
PERIOD
     CARRIER/
POLICY NO.
    

LIMITS

  

DEDUCTIBLE

           

Workers’

Compensation

  

 
 

10/01/10-
10/01/11

 
  

  

 

The Hartford

  

  

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Accident – each

accident

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease – each

employee

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease – policy limit

  

N/A

           
           
           
           

General Liability

(Includes

Employee

Benefits)

  

 
 

10/01/10-
10/01/11

 
  

  

 

The Hartford

  

  

$2,000,000 General Aggregate

$2,000,000 Products / Completed Operations Agg

$1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Liability

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit

$300,000 Fire Legal Liability

$10,000 Medical Expenses (any one person)

 

Employee Benefits :

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence

$2,000,000 Aggregate

  

Employee Benefits :

$1,000

           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

Business

Automobile

  

 
 

10/01/10-
10/01/11

 
  

  

 

The Hartford

  

  

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury / Property Damage Limit (CSL)

$1,000,000 Hired / Borrowed Auto Liability

$1,000,000 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists

$50,000 Hired Car Physical Damage Limit

$2,500 Personal Injury Protection

$5,000 Medical Payments

$50 Rental Reimbursement ($1,000 max per day)

  

Physical Damage :

$500 Comp/Collision

 

Deductible for Hired Car

Physical Damage

($50,000 limit) - $500

Comp/Collision

           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

 

LOGO    2


Summary of Coverage

 

Umbrella

   10/01/10-10/01/11    The Hartford   

Limits of Liability :

$5,000,000 Each Occurrence

$5,000,000 Annual Aggregate

$10,000 SIR (Self Insured Retention only applies if the loss is paid

by the excess policy when the underlying policy does not provide coverage.)

 

Underlying Limits of Liability :

 

General Liability :

$2,000,000 General Aggregate

$2,000,000 Products / Completed Operations Agg

$1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Liability

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit

 

Employee Benefits :

$1,000,000 Aggregate

 

Automobile :

$1,000,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL)

 

Employers’ Liability:

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Accident – each accident

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease – each employee

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease – policy limit

        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        

 

LOGO    3


Summary of Coverage

 

Commercial Property

   10/01/10-10/01/11    The Hartford   

$11,374,000 Blanket Contents & Betterments & Improvements

 

$2,300,000 Blanket Business Interruption incl. Extra Expense

 

$10,000 Utility Services (incl. Overhead Transmission Lines)

 

$25,000 Leasehold Improvements

 

Flood - Sublimit equal to individual location Business Personal Property values and $100,000 Business Income each.

 

•        500 Baybrook Mall, Suite 1198 Friendswood TX 77546

 

•        15900 LaCantera Pkwy, Ste 20100 San Antonio TX 78256

 

•        1155 Glendale Galleria Space C006 Glendale CA 91210

 

•        20131 Hwy 59 N. Space 2328 Humble, TX 77338

  

$25,000 AOP Deductible

$2,500 Wind/Hail

 

•        except the following which are included in the blanket limit but have separate Wind/Hail Ded:

 

•        $5,000 – 92 Derby Street, Hingham, MA

 

•        $5,000 – 250 Granite Street, Braintree, MA

 

•        $5,000 – 100 Menlo Park, Edison, NJ

 

•        $5,000 – 701 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA

 

•        $10,000 – 700 Memorial City Mall, Houston, TX

 

•        2%/72 Hr. Waiting Period – 3480 and 3842 W. 12th Street, Houston, TX

 

•        2%/72 Hr. Waiting Period – 3233 W. 11 th Street, Houston, TX

 

*Please see page 5 & 6 where properties are written on a specific basis, not blanketed and separate wind/hail deductibles apply

 

Flood with $25,000 deductible for:

 

•        500 Baybrook Mall, Suite 1198 Friendswood TX 77546

 

•        15900 LaCantera Pkwy, Ste 20100 San Antonio TX 78256

 

•        1155 Glendale Galleria Space C006 Glendale CA 91210

 

•        20131 Hwy 59 N. Space 2328 Humble, TX 77338

           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

 

LOGO    4


Summary of Coverage

 

Address

         

$25,000 AOP Deductible except the

Wind/hail deductible

   Specific Limits
BPP Limit
     Business  Income
Limit
 
           

6514 Woodway, Houston

     TX       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

5468 West FM 1960, Houston

     TX       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

1141-08 Uptown Blvd, Houston

     TX       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

333 Canal St, New Orleans

     LA       10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

4022 Westheimer, Houston

     TX       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

30500 Ste Hwy 181, Spanish Fort

     AL       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

5525 Abercorn St, Savannah

     GA       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

13499 US 41 SE, Fort Myers

     FL       10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

1237 Belk Dr, Mount Pleasant

     SC       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

3820 S. Alameda St, Corpus Christi

     TX       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

6823 Main St, Wilmington

     NC       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

338 King St, Charleston

     SC       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

505 SW 145 th Terrace, Pembroke Pines

     FL       10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

10156 Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge

     LA       10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

3333 Magazine St, New Orleans

     LA       10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

9 Durhu Dr, Mobile

     AL       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

500 Route 73 S, Marlton

     NJ       $5,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

322 Plaza Real, Boca Raton

     FL       10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

3323 Reed Ave, Myrtle Beach

     SC       $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

4425 Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek

     FL       10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

 

LOGO    5


Summary of Coverage

 

Address

       

Wind/hail deductible

   BPP Limit      Business  Income
Limit
 
           

701 S. Rosemary Ave, W. Palm Beach

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

4300 Legendary Dr., Destin

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

500 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood

   TX    $10,000    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

8888 SW 136 St., Miami

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

370 San Lorenzo Ave, Coral Gables

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

286 West Shore Plaza, Tampa

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

2261 Town Center Ave, Viera

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

2414 E Sunrise Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

413 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

451 E. Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs,

   FL    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

3301 Veterans Blvd, Metairie

   LA    10% / 72 hr waiting period    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge

   MA    $5,000    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

597 Route 35, Shrewsbury,

   NJ    $5,000    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

30 Mall Dr, Jersey City

   NJ    $5,000    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

1155 Glendale Galleria, Glendale

   CA    $2,500    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   

15300 LaCantera Pkwy, San Antonio

   TX    $2,500    $ 59,500       $ 100,000   

20131 Hwy 59 N., Humble

   TX    $2,500    $ 67,500       $ 100,000   
                       

TOTAL

         $ 2,357,000       $ 3,800,000   
                       

 

LOGO    6


Summary of Coverage

 

Directors & Officers Liability

Employment Practices Liability

Fiduciary Liability

  

 

04/16/10-04/16/11

  

  

Chartis

  

D&O / EPL

$5,000,000 Aggregate Limit

 

Fiduciary

$1,000,000 Limit

  

D&O

$50,000

 

EPL

$50,000

 

Fiduciary

N/A

ERISA Compliance Bond

     10/01/09-10/01/12       Travelers    $15,000 Per Occurrence    Not Applicable

 

LOGO    7


SCHEDULE 8.1

Existing Indebtedness

None.

 

10


SCHEDULE 8.2

Existing Liens

 

1. Liens granted pursuant to the Terms of Service, effective as of July 5, 2008, by and among Francesca’s Collections, Elavon (f/k/a NOVA Information System, Inc.) and Wachovia Bank, National Association.

 

11


SCHEDULE 8.3

Existing Investments

None.

 

12


SCHEDULE 8.10

Existing Third-Party Restrictions

None.

 

13

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 17, 2010

by and among

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.

and

EACH OTHER GRANTOR

FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO

and

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent

and

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page   

ARTICLE I        DEFINED TERMS

     1   

Section 1.1

     Definitions      1   

Section 1.2

     Certain Other Terms      4   
ARTICLE II       GUARANTY      4   

Section 2.1

     Guaranty      4   

Section 2.2

     Limitation of Guaranty      4   

Section 2.3

     Contribution      4   

Section 2.4

     Authorization; Other Agreements      5   

Section 2.5

     Guaranty Absolute and Unconditional      5   

Section 2.6

     Waivers      6   

Section 2.7

     Reliance      6   
ARTICLE III       GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST      7   

Section 3.1

     Collateral      7   

Section 3.2

     Grant of Security Interest in Collateral      7   

Section 3.3

     Continuing Liability Under Collateral      7   
ARTICLE IV       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      8   

Section 4.1

     Title; No Other Liens      8   

Section 4.2

     Perfection and Priority      8   

Section 4.3

     Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office      8   

Section 4.4

     Locations of Inventory, Equipment and Books and Records      9   

Section 4.5

     Pledged Collateral      9   

Section 4.6

     Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts      9   

Section 4.7

     Intellectual Property      9   

Section 4.8

     Commercial Tort Claims      10   

Section 4.9

     Specific Collateral      10   

Section 4.10

     Enforcement      10   

Section 4.11

     Representations and Warranties of the Credit Agreement      10   
ARTICLE V       COVENANTS      10   

Section 5.1

     Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation and Consents      10   

Section 5.2

     Reserved      11   

Section 5.3

     Pledged Collateral      11   

Section 5.4

     Accounts      12   

Section 5.5

     Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper      12   

Section 5.6

     Intellectual Property      12   

Section 5.7

     Notices      13   

Section 5.8

     Notice of Commercial Tort Claims      14   

Section 5.9

     Compliance with Credit Agreement      14   

Section 5.10

     Controlled Securities Account      14   

Section 5.11

     Cash Management Systems      14   

 

i


ARTICLE VI     REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

     14   

Section 6.1

   Code and Other Remedies      14   

Section 6.2

   Accounts and Payments in Respect of General Intangibles      17   

Section 6.3

   Pledged Collateral      18   

Section 6.4

   Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by Collateral Agent      18   

Section 6.5

   Registration Rights      19   

Section 6.6

   Deficiency      19   
ARTICLE VII   THE COLLATERAL AGENT      20   

Section 7.1

   Collateral Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact      20   

Section 7.2

   Authorization to File Financing Statements      21   

Section 7.3

   Authority of Collateral Agent      21   

Section 7.4

   Duty; Obligations and Liabilities      22   

Section 7.5

   Replacement of Collateral Agent      24   

ARTICLE VIII   MISCELLANEOUS

     24   

Section 8.1

   Reinstatement      24   

Section 8.2

   Release of Collateral      24   

Section 8.3

   Independent Obligations      25   

Section 8.4

   No Waiver by Course of Conduct      25   

Section 8.5

   Amendments in Writing      25   

Section 8.6

   Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral      25   

Section 8.7

   Notices      26   

Section 8.8

   Successors and Assigns      26   

Section 8.9

   Counterparts      26   

Section 8.10

   Severability      26   

Section 8.11

   Governing Law      26   

Section 8.12

   Waiver of Jury Trial      26   

Section 8.13

   Indemnities      26   

 

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

     UCC Filings

Schedule 3

     Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office

Schedule 4

     Locations of Inventory and Equipment

Schedule 5

     Pledged Collateral

Schedule 6

     Intellectual Property


GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of November 17, 2010, by and among FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC. (the “ Borrower ”), each of the other entities listed on the signature pages hereof or that becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.6 (together with the Borrower, the “ Grantors ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Administrative Agent ”), and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each other 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 the date hereof (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among the Borrower, Francesca’s LLC (“ Parent ”), the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, each Grantor (other than the Borrower) has agreed to guaranty the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Borrower;

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 Issuer to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement that the Grantors shall have executed and delivered this Agreement to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders and the L/C Issuer to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrower thereunder, each Grantor hereby agrees with the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.1 Definitions . (a) Capital terms used herein without definition are used as defined in the Credit Agreement.

(b) 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 and, if defined in more than one Article of the UCC, shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 thereof).

(c) The following terms shall have the following meanings:

Agreement ” means this Guaranty and Security Agreement, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

1


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.

Collateral ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1 .

Control Agreement ” means, with respect to any deposit account, securities account, commodity account, securities entitlement or commodity contract, an agreement among the Collateral Agent, the financial institution or other Person at which such account is maintained or with which such entitlement or contract is carried, and the Loan Party maintaining such account effective to grant “control” (as defined under the applicable UCC) over such account to the Collateral Agent in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

Excluded Equity ” means (a) Voting Stock in excess of 66% of the outstanding Voting Stock of any Foreign Subsidiary and (b) any Stock to the extent that, and for so long as, the requirements of Section 7.10 of the Credit Agreement do not apply thereto by reason of clause (ii) of the final paragraph of such Section.

Excluded Property ” means, collectively: (i) Vehicles; (ii) Excluded Equity; (iii) any permit or license or any Contractual Obligation entered into by any Grantor (A) that prohibits, terminates or permits termination by any Person other than the Borrower and its Affiliates of such permit, license or Contractual Obligation upon, or requires the consent of any Person other than the Borrower and its Affiliates 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 or (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, termination provision or requirement for consent is not terminated or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other Requirement of Law or required consent is not obtained (and immediately upon the lapse, termination, unenforceability or ineffectiveness of any such prohibition, termination provision or requirement for consent or grant of such required consent, the Collateral shall include, and the Grantors shall be deemed to have automatically granted a security interest in, all such permits, licenses, Contractual Obligations or Stock or Stock Equivalents no longer subject to such prohibition or termination provision or required consent); (iv) fixed or capital assets owned by any Grantor that are 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 the Borrower and its Affiliates (which consent has not been obtained) as a condition to the creation of any other Lien on such equipment; (v) any “intent to use” Trademark applications for which a statement of use has not been filed with and accepted by the Applicable IP Office (but only until such statement is filed and accepted); and (vi) any assets to the extent that, and for so long as, the requirements of Section 7.10 of the Credit Agreement do not apply thereto by reason of clause (iii) of the final paragraph of such Section; provided , that “ 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).

Guaranteed Obligations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .

Guarantor ” means each Grantor other than the Borrower.

Guaranty ” means the guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations made by the Guarantors as set forth in this Agreement.

 

2


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.

Pledged Certificated Stock ” means all certificated securities and any other Stock or Stock Equivalent of any Person evidenced by a certificate, instrument or 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 securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements 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 owed to such Grantor, and any distribution of property made on, in respect of or in exchange for the foregoing from time to time, including all such instruments described on Schedule 5 , issued by the obligors named therein. Pledged Debt Instruments excludes any Cash Equivalents that are not held in securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements 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 any Cash Equivalents that are not held in securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements 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 Constituent 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 securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements to the extent permitted by Section 5.10 hereof.

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.2 .

Security Cash Collateral Account ” means a Cash Collateral Account that is not a L/C Cash Collateral Account.

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.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” means any Guarantor that is a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

3


UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York; provided , 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, 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) Section 1.5 ( Interpretation ) of the Credit Agreement is applicable to this Agreement as and to the extent set forth therein.

ARTICLE II

GUARANTY

Section 2.1 Guaranty . To induce the Lenders to make the Loans and the L/C Issuer to Issue Letters of Credit, each Guarantor hereby, jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and not merely as surety, to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the other Secured Parties 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 of the Borrower whether existing on the date hereof or hereinafter incurred or created (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 Subsidiary Guarantor shall be liable hereunder shall not exceed the maximum amount for which such Subsidiary Guarantor can be liable without rendering this Guaranty or any other Loan Document, as it relates to such Subsidiary 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 Subsidiary Guarantor shall be required hereunder to pay any portion of any Guaranteed Obligation exceeding the greater of (a) the amount of the economic benefit actually received by such Subsidiary Guarantor and its Subsidiaries from the Loans and other Obligations, and (b) the amount such Subsidiary Guarantor would otherwise have paid if such Subsidiary Guarantor had paid the aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding the

 

4


amount thereof repaid by the Borrower and Parent) in the same proportion as such Subsidiary Guarantor’s net worth on the date enforcement is sought hereunder bears to the aggregate net worth of all the Subsidiary Guarantors on such date, then such Guarantor shall be reimbursed by such other Subsidiary Guarantors for the amount of such excess, pro rata, based on the respective net worth of such other Subsidiary 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;

(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 the 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 and agrees not to assert any defense, 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 Collateral Agent):

(a) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation of the Borrower or any other Guarantor 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 the Borrower or any other Guarantor 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;

 

5


(d) any workout, insolvency, bankruptcy proceeding, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or dissolution by or against the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any of the Borrower’s other Subsidiaries or any procedure, 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 of any Collateral or any election following the occurrence 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, setoff, counterclaim or any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any of the Borrower’s other Subsidiaries, in each case other than the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations.

Section 2.6 Waivers . Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives 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, (d) any rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies by Collateral Agent or any Secured Party, even if such election has destroyed such Grantor’s rights of subrogation and reimbursement against the Borrower or any other Guarantor, and (e) 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 the Borrower or any other Guarantor. Each Guarantor further unconditionally and irrevocably agrees not to (x) enforce or otherwise exercise any right of subrogation or any right of reimbursement or contribution or similar right against the 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 Loan Party or set off any of its obligations to such other Loan Party against obligations of such Loan Party to such Guarantor. No obligation of any Guarantor hereunder shall be discharged other than by complete performance.

Section 2.7 Reliance . Each Guarantor hereby assumes responsibility for keeping itself informed of the financial condition of the Borrower, 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 Secured Party shall be under no obligation to (a) undertake any investigation, (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.

 

6


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 interest is collectively referred to as the “ Collateral ”:

(a) all accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, documents (as defined in the UCC), equipment, general intangibles, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter-of-credit rights and any supporting obligations 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 5.8 ;

(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;

provided , that “ Collateral ” shall not include any Excluded Property; and provided , further , that if and when any property shall cease to be Excluded Property, such property shall be deemed at all times from and after the date thereof to constitute Collateral.

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 (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.

Section 3.3 Continuing Liability Under Collateral . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) each Grantor shall remain liable for all obligations under the Collateral and nothing contained herein is intended to be or shall be a delegation of duties to the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party, (ii) each Grantor shall remain liable under each of the agreements included in the Collateral, including, without limitation, any agreements relating to pledged partnership interests or pledged limited liability company interests, to perform all of the obligations undertaken by it thereunder all in accordance with and pursuant to the terms and provisions thereof and neither the Collateral Agent nor any Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any of such agreements by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or any other document related thereto nor shall the Collateral Agent nor any Secured Party have any obligation to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by it or have any obligation to take any action to collect or enforce any rights under any agreement included in the Collateral, including, without limitation, any agreements relating to pledged

 

7


partnership interests or pledged limited liability company interests, and (iii) the exercise by the Collateral Agent of any of its rights hereunder shall not release any Grantor from any of its duties or obligations under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Loan Documents, each Grantor hereby represents and warrants each of the following to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the other Secured Parties:

Section 4.1 Title; No Other Liens . Except for the Lien granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Agreement and other Permitted Liens, such Grantor owns each item of the Collateral free and clear of any and all Liens or claims of others. 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 transfer each other item of Collateral in which a Lien is granted by it hereunder, free and clear of any other Lien.

Section 4.2 Perfection and Priority . The security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement constitutes a valid and continuing perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties 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 specified on Schedule 2 (which, in the case of all filings referred to on such schedule, have been duly authorized by each Grantor and delivered to the Collateral Agent in completed form), (ii) with respect to any deposit account, the execution of a Control Agreement, (iii) in the case of all Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents for which UCC filings are insufficient, all appropriate filings having been made with the Applicable IP Office, (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, 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. Such security interest shall be prior to all other Liens on the Collateral except for Customary Permitted Liens having priority over the Collateral Agent’s Lien by operation of law or permitted pursuant to clause (c) , (e)  or (j)  of the definition of “Customary Permitted Liens” in the Credit Agreement or subsection 8.2(c) , 8.2(d) , 8.2(e) , 8.2(f) or 8.2(h) of the Credit Agreement upon (i) in the case of all Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property, the delivery thereof to the Collateral Agent of such Pledged Certificated Stock, Pledged Debt Instruments and Pledged Investment Property consisting of instruments and certificates, in each case properly endorsed for transfer to the Collateral Agent or in blank, (ii) in the case of all Pledged Investment Property not in certificated form, the execution of a Control Agreement with respect to such investment property, 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 to the Collateral Agent of such instruments and tangible chattel paper. Except as set forth in this Section 4.2 , all actions by each Grantor necessary to 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.

 

8


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) and books and records concerning the Collateral are kept at the locations listed on Schedule 4 and such Schedule 4 also lists the locations of such inventory, equipment and books and records for the five years preceding the date hereof.

Section 4.5 Pledged Collateral . (a) The Pledged Stock of all Subsidiaries pledged by such Grantor hereunder and all other Pledged Stock in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (i) is, as of the Closing Date, listed on Schedule 5 and, as of the Closing Date, constitutes that percentage of the issued and outstanding equity of all classes of each issuer thereof as set forth on Schedule 5 , (ii) has been duly authorized, validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable (other than Pledged Stock in limited liability companies and partnerships), (iii) constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor with respect thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms and (iv) in the case of Pledged Certificated Stock, has been delivered to the Collateral Agent in accordance with Section 5.3(a) as of the Closing Date.

(b) As of the Closing Date, all Pledged Collateral (other than Pledged Stock) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, all Pledged Debt Instruments required to be pledged hereunder pursuant to Section 8.1(e) or 8.3(e) of the Credit Agreement, and all Pledged Investment Property consisting of instruments and certificates in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, in each case has been delivered to the Collateral Agent in accordance with Section 5.3(a) .

(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent, at the direction of the Administrative 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.

Section 4.6 Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper Formerly Accounts . No amount payable to such Grantor under or in connection with any Collateral is evidenced by any instruments or tangible chattel paper in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate that has not been delivered to the Collateral Agent, properly endorsed for transfer, to the extent delivery is required by Section 5.5(a) .

Section 4.7 Intellectual Property . (a) As of the Closing Date, Schedule 6 sets forth a true and complete list of the following Intellectual Property such Grantor owns (or, in the case of Material Intellectual Property, licenses): (i) Intellectual Property that is registered or subject to applications for registration, 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, and (4) as applicable, the registration or application number and registration or application date, (ii) Internet Domain Names and (iii) Material Intellectual Property.

(b) On the Closing Date, all Material Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor is in full force and effect, subsisting, unexpired and, to such Grantor’s knowledge, valid and enforceable, and no Material Intellectual Property has been abandoned. The consummation of the transactions

 

9


contemplated by the Loan Documents shall not limit or impair the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of, or any rights of such Grantor in, any Material Intellectual Property. There are no pending (or, to the knowledge of such Grantor, threatened) actions, investigations, suits, proceedings, audits, claims, demands, 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 impairing any Material Intellectual Property owned by 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.

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 definitively determined and regardless of whether such commercial tort claim has been asserted, threatened or has otherwise been made known to the obligee thereof or whether litigation has been commenced for such claims) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate are those listed on Schedule 1 , which sets forth such information separately for each Grantor.

Section 4.9 Specific Collateral . As of the Closing Date, none of the Collateral is or is proceeds or products of farm products, “as-extracted collateral” (as defined in the UCC), 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 other Person or any consent from any Person is required 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 generally or any approvals that may be required to be obtained from any bailees or landlords to collect the Collateral.

Section 4.11 Representations and Warranties of the Credit Agreement . The representations and warranties as to such Grantor and its Subsidiaries made by the Borrower in Article IV ( Representations and Warranties ) of the Credit Agreement are true and correct on each date as required by Section 3.2(b) of the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

Each Grantor agrees with the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to the following, as long as any Obligation or Commitment remains outstanding and, in each case, unless the Required Lenders otherwise consent in writing:

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 Requirement of Law or any policy of insurance covering the Collateral and (ii) not enter into any Contractual Obligation or undertaking restricting the right or ability of such Grantor or the Collateral Agent to Sell any Collateral if such restriction could, either individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) 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 defend such security interest and such priority against the claims and demands of all Persons.

 

10


(c) Such Grantor shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and 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 Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

(d) At any time and from time to time, upon the reasonable written request of the Collateral Agent (as so directed by the Administrative 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 Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may reasonably request.

(e) 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 the 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.

Section 5.2 [Reserved] .

Section 5.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Delivery of Pledged Collateral . Such Grantor shall, within 30 days of the acquisition or formation thereof, (i) deliver to the Collateral Agent, in suitable form for transfer and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (A) all Pledged Certificated Stock of Subsidiaries, (B) all other Pledged Certificated Stock, (C) all Pledged Debt Instruments and (D) all certificates and instruments evidencing Pledged Investment Property, in each case of clauses (B), (C), and (D) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate; provided that Pledged Certificated Stock of Subsidiaries and Pledged Debt Instruments required to be pledged hereunder pursuant to Section 8.1(e) or 8.3(e) of the Credit Agreement shall be delivered regardless of their value and (ii) maintain all other Pledged Investment Property in a securities account subject to a Control Agreement.

(b) Event of Default . During the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, at any time at the direction of the Administrative Agent (in the Administrative Agent’s 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 , 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 , that no vote shall be cast, consent given or right exercised or other action taken by such Grantor that would impair the Collateral or be inconsistent with or result in any violation of any provision of any Loan Document. The Collateral Agent shall have no duty or obligation to exercise or monitor such voting rights.

 

11


Section 5.4 Accounts . 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 could adversely affect the value thereof.

Section 5.5 Delivery of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper . (a) If any amounts 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 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 Royal Bank of Canada, as Collateral Agent”, shall promptly (and in any event within 30 days) provide a notice of acquisition of such instrument or chattel paper to the Collateral Agent, and, at the request of the Administrative Agent, shall immediately deliver such instrument or tangible chattel paper to the Collateral Agent, duly indorsed in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative 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 Collateral Agent.

(c) If such Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter or letters 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, then such Grantor shall promptly, and in any event within 2 Business Days after becoming a beneficiary, notify the Collateral Agent thereof. Such Grantor shall 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 assign proceeds of such letters of credit to the Collateral Agent in a manner 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 such Contractual Obligation shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(d) If any amounts 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 electronic chattel paper, such Grantor shall 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 related to such electronic chattel paper.

Section 5.6 Intellectual Property . (a) Within 60 days after any change to Schedule 6 for such Grantor, such Grantor shall provide the Collateral Agent notification thereof and the short-form intellectual property agreements and assignments as described in this Section 5.6 and other documents that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests with respect thereto.

(b) Such Grantor shall (and shall exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cause all of its licensees to), to the extent the applicable Intellectual Property remains, in the reasonable

 

12


judgment of such Grantor, necessary for or useful in the conduct of such Grantor’s business: (i) (1) continue to use each Trademark included in the Material Intellectual Property 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, (2) maintain at least the same standards of quality of products and services offered under such Trademark as are currently maintained, (3) use such Trademark, where commercially practicable, with the appropriate notice of registration and all other notices and legends required by applicable Requirements of Law, and (4) 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) any Trademark included in the Material Intellectual Property (or any goodwill associated therewith) may become destroyed, invalidated, impaired or harmed in any way, (x) any Patent included in the Material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, (y) any 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 be disclosed to an unauthorized third party or become publicly available or otherwise unprotectable.

(c) Such Grantor shall notify the Collateral Agent immediately if it knows, or has reason to know, that any application or registration relating to any Material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, misused, unenforceable, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any 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). Such Grantor shall take all actions that are necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration or recordation) and to maintain each registration and recordation included in the Material Intellectual Property.

(d) Such Grantor shall not do any act or omit to do any act to infringe, misappropriate, dilute, violate or otherwise impair the Intellectual Property of any other Person, except for any such action or omission as would not be expected to have 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, if any, 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 Administrative Agent and suitable for (i) filing in the Applicable IP Office the short-form intellectual property security agreements in the form attached hereto as Annex 3 for all Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents and IP Licenses of such Grantor, and (ii) if requested by the Collateral Agent at the direction of the Administrative Agent during the continuation of an Event of Default, recording with the appropriate Internet domain name registrar, a duly executed form of assignment for all Internet Domain Names of such Grantor, in each case, together with appropriate supporting documentation as may be requested by the Collateral Agent.

Section 5.7 Notices . Such Grantor shall promptly (and in any event within 30 days of the acquisition thereof) 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.

 

13


Section 5.8 Notice of Commercial Tort Claims . Such Grantor agrees that, if it shall acquire any interest in any commercial tort claims in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (whether from another Person or because such commercial tort claim shall have come into existence), (i) such Grantor shall, immediately upon such acquisition, deliver to the Collateral Agent, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative 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 Collateral Agent, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, any document, and take all other action, deemed by the Administrative Agent to be reasonably necessary or appropriate for the Collateral Agent to obtain, on behalf of the Lenders, a perfected security interest having at least the priority set forth in Section 4.2 in all such commercial tort claims. Any supplement to Schedule 1 delivered pursuant to this Section 5.8 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 5.9 Compliance with Credit Agreement . Such Grantor agrees to comply with all covenants and other provisions applicable to it under the Credit Agreement, including Sections 2.17 ( Taxes ) and 11.3 ( Costs and Expenses ) of the Credit Agreement, and agrees to the same submission to jurisdiction as that agreed to by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.10 Controlled Securities Account . Each Grantor shall deposit all of its Cash Equivalents in securities accounts that are subject to Control Agreements except for (i) Cash Equivalents the value of which does not exceed $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate and (ii) Cash Equivalents which are deposited in accounts that are the subject of Section 5.11.

Section 5.11 Cash Management Systems . Each Grantor 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 any payroll account, withholding tax and fiduciary accounts and other accounts containing less than $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate) as of or after the Closing Date.

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

Section 6.1 Code and Other Remedies . (a)  UCC Remedies . 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 Secured 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, the Collateral Agent may at the written direction of the Administrative Agent, 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, grant an 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

 

14


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, (i) at the Administrative 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 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 . The Collateral Agent shall apply the cash proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Section 6.1 , after deducting all of its reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred in connection therewith or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any Collateral or in any way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Collateral Agent and any other Secured Party hereunder, including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and disbursements of any third party agent and reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, 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 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.

(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, any other Loan 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 Collateral 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 Collateral Agent or any other 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.

 

15


(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 commercially reasonable 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) fail to obtain Permits, or other consents, for access to any Collateral to Sell or for the collection or Sale of any Collateral, or, if not required by other Requirements of Law, fail to obtain Permits or other consents for 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;

(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 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 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 6.1 .

(g) IP Licenses . For the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative 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 or grant options to purchase any Collateral) at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of

 

16


the Secured Parties, (i) an irrevocable, 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 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.

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 Collateral Agent at any time during the continuance of (A) an Event of Default under clause (a)  or clause (e)(ii) of Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement or (B) any other Event of Default in connection with the exercise of remedies by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement, (i) any payment of accounts or payment in respect of general intangibles, when collected by any Grantor, shall be promptly (and, in any event, within 2 Business Days) deposited by such Grantor in the exact form received, duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent, in a Security Cash Collateral Account, subject to withdrawal by the Collateral Agent as provided in Section 6.4 , and (ii) 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) At any time during the continuance of (A) an Event of Default under clause (a)  or clause (e)(ii) of Section 9. 1 of the Credit Agreement or (B) any other Event of Default in connection with the exercise of remedies by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement:

(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; and

(ii) the Collateral Agent may, without notice, 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 the direction of the Administrative Agent) at any time enforce such Grantor’s rights against such account debtors and obligors of general intangibles.

(c) At any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor shall take all actions, deliver all documents and provide all information necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) to ensure any Internet Domain Name is registered.

(d) 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

 

17


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.

Section 6.3 Pledged Collateral . (a)  Voting Rights . 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 (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) (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; provided , 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.

(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 (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.

(c) Authorization of Issuers . Each Grantor hereby expressly and 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, pay any dividend or make any other payment with respect to the Pledged Collateral directly to the Collateral Agent.

Section 6.4 Proceeds to be Turned over to and Held by Collateral Agent . Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Credit Agreement or this Agreement, during the continuance of an Event of Default, all proceeds of any Collateral received by any Grantor hereunder in cash or Cash Equivalents

 

18


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 shall, promptly upon receipt by any Grantor, be turned over to the Collateral 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 Security Cash Collateral Account. All proceeds being held by the Collateral Agent in a Security 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 Credit Agreement.

Section 6.5 Registration Rights . (a) If, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, it is necessary or advisable to Sell any portion of the Pledged Collateral by registering such Pledged Collateral under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “ Securities Act ”), each relevant Grantor shall cause the issuer thereof to do or cause to be done all acts as may be, in the opinion of the Collateral Agent, necessary or advisable to register such Pledged Collateral or that portion thereof to be Sold under the provisions of the Securities Act, all as directed by the Administrative Agent in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable thereto and in compliance with the securities or “ Blue Sky ” laws of any jurisdiction that the Administrative Agent shall designate.

(b) 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 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 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.

(c) Each Grantor agrees to use its best 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 in Section 6.1 and this Section 6.5 will cause irreparable injury to the Collateral Agent and 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 in Section 6.1 and this Section 6.5 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. 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 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 Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to collect such deficiency.

 

19


ARTICLE VII

THE COLLATERAL AGENT

Section 7.1 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, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of the Loan Documents, to, upon the occurrence of and during the continuation of an Event of Default, 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 Collateral Agent (as so directed by the Administrative 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, in all cases solely, 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;

(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;

(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 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

 

20


and conditions and in such manner as the Administrative Agent shall in its sole discretion determine, including the execution and filing by the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) of any document necessary to effectuate or record such assignment and (H) generally, Sell, grant a Lien on, make any Contractual Obligation with respect to and otherwise deal with, any Collateral as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes and do, at the Administrative Agent’s option, at any time or from time to time, all acts and things that the Administrative 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.

(b) If any Grantor fails to perform or comply with any Contractual Obligation contained herein, 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.

(c) The expenses of the Collateral Agent incurred in connection with actions undertaken as provided in this Section 7.1 , together with interest thereon at a rate set forth in Section 2.9 ( Interest ) of the Credit Agreement, from the date of payment by the Collateral Agent to the date reimbursed by the relevant Grantor, shall be payable by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent on demand.

(d) Each Grantor hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Section 7.1 . 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 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 Administrative 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” or words of similar effect. 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 7.3 (a)  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 Credit Agreement 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 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.

(b) Reliance by Collateral Agent . Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to any action by, consent, designation, specification, requirement or approval of, notice, request or other communication from, or other direction given or action to be undertaken or to be (or not to be) suffered or

 

21


omitted by the Collateral Agent or to any election, decision, opinion, acceptance, use of judgment, expression of satisfaction or other exercise of discretion, rights or remedies to be made (or not to be made) by the Collateral Agent, it is understood that in all cases the Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any such action under this Agreement if it shall not have received such advice or concurrence of the Administrative Agent as it deems appropriate. This provision is intended solely for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and its successors and permitted assigns and is not intended to and will not entitle the other parties hereto to any defense, claim or counterclaim, or confer any rights or benefits on any party hereto.

Section 7.4 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 or Secured Party for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence 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 or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) The Collateral Agent shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond the control of the Collateral Agent (including but not limited to any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, any act of God or war, civil unrest, local or national disturbance or disaster, any act of terrorism, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire facility or other wire or communication facility).

(d) The Borrower shall pay to the Collateral Agent from time to time such compensation as is agreed to in writing by the Collateral Agent and the Borrower for the services hereunder.

(e) Each Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to take such action on such Grantor’s behalf and to exercise such powers hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and under the other instruments and agreements referred to herein and therein as are specifically delegated to it by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have only

 

22


those duties and responsibilities which are expressly specified in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and it may perform such duties by or through its agents or employees.

(f) The Collateral Agent shall not be responsible to any Grantor for the execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, collectability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or for any Lien or guarantee granted by, or purported to be granted by, any of the Loan Documents, or for any representations, warranties, recitals or statements made herein or therein or made in any written or oral statement or in any financial or other statements, instruments, reports, certificates or any other documents in connection herewith or therewith furnished or made by the Collateral Agent to any Grantor or by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Grantor, or be required to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, provisions, covenants or agreements contained herein or therein or as to the use of the proceeds of the Loans or the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default.

(g) Neither the Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, investigators, consultants, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates shall be liable to any Lender for any action taken or omitted hereunder, under any of the other Loan Documents or in connection herewith or therewith unless caused by its or their gross negligence or willful misconduct. If the Collateral Agent shall request instructions from the Administrative Agent with respect to any act or action (including the failure to take an action) in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or taking such action unless and until it shall have received instructions from the Administrative Agent. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, (i) the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to conclusively rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any communication, instrument or document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person or Persons, and shall be entitled to conclusively rely and shall be protected in relying on opinions and judgments of attorneys (who may be attorneys for the Borrower or its Affiliates), accountants, experts and other professional advisors selected by it; and (ii) no Lender shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Collateral Agent as a result of the Collateral Agent acting or (where so instructed) refraining from acting under this Agreement or the other instruments and agreements referred to herein in accordance with the instructions of the Administrative Agent. The Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from exercising any power, discretion or authority vested in it under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the other instruments and agreements referred to herein or therein unless and until it has obtained the instructions of the Administrative Agent or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expenses which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take such action. The Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the Administrative Agent, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.

(h) The agency hereby created shall in no way impair or affect any of the rights and powers of, or impose any duties or obligations upon, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender hereunder. With respect to its participation in the Loans, each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not performing the duties and functions of delegated to it hereunder, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” or any similar term shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its individual capacity. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and their respective Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money and to generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory or other business with the Borrower or its Affiliates as if it were not performing the duties specified herein, and may accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower or any Affiliates thereof for services in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and otherwise without having to account for the same to the Lenders.

 

23


(i) Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or to inspect the properties, books or records of the Borrower.

(j) Without limiting the foregoing, each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Loan as the owner thereof for all purposes unless and until an Assignment with respect thereto shall have been filed with, and recorded by, the Administrative Agent. Any request, authority or consent of any Person or entity who, at the time of making such request or giving such authority or consent, is a Lender shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent transferee or assign of that Lender.

(k) In no event shall the Collateral Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder directly or indirectly caused by events beyond its control, including general labor disputes, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, or interruptions, losses or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services, provided , that lack of funds or other financial circumstances and labor disputes only by the personnel of the affected party shall not constitute an event beyond its control hereunder and provided , further , that the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performances as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

Section 7.5 Replacement of Collateral Agent . The Collateral Agent may resign from the performance of all its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents in accordance with Section 10.6 of the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Reinstatement . Each Grantor agrees that, if any payment made by any Loan 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 Loan 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.

Section 8.2 Release of Collateral . (a) At the time provided in clause (iii) of Section 10.9 ( Release of Collateral or Guarantors ) of the Credit Agreement, the Collateral shall be released from the Lien created hereby and this Agreement and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive

 

24


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 is hereby authorized to file UCC amendments at such time evidencing the termination of the Liens so released. 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 clause (i)  or (ii)  of Section 10.9 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 clauses (i)  and (ii) . 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.

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 upon 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 or Guaranteed Obligation then due, without first proceeding against any other Grantor, any other Loan Party or any other Collateral and without first joining any other Grantor or any other Loan 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 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 11.1 of the Credit Agreement; provided , that schedules to this Agreement may be supplemented (but no existing provisions may be modified and no Collateral may be released) in accordance with Section 5.6 and 5.8 and through Pledge Amendments and Joinder Agreements, in substantially the form of Annex 1 and Annex 2 , respectively, in accordance with Section 8.6 hereof.

Section 8.6 Additional Grantors; Additional Pledged Collateral . (a)  Joinder Agreements . If, at the option of the Borrower or as required pursuant to Section 7.10 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower shall cause any Subsidiary that is not a Grantor to become a Grantor hereunder, such Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a joinder agreement substantially in the form of Annex 2 (each, a “ Joinder Agreement ”) 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 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 Collateral Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement.

 

25


Section 8.7 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 11.11 of the Credit Agreement; provided , that any such notice, request or demand to or upon any Grantor shall be addressed to the Borrower’s notice address set forth in such Section 11.11 .

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 successors and assigns; provided , that no Grantor may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

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.

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 New York.

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 .

Section 8.13 INDEMNITIES . (a) THE BORROWER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND EACH AGENT, THE ARRANGERS, EACH LENDER, EACH L/C ISSUER, EACH FORMER LENDER OR L/C ISSUER PARTY TO A SECURED HEDGING DOCUMENT, EACH PERSON THAT EACH L/C ISSUER CAUSES TO ISSUE LETTERS OF CREDIT UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT 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

 

26


ASSERTED AGAINST ANY SUCH INDEMNITEE AND IN ANY MATTER RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS A RESULT OF (I) ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, ANY DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, OR 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 GROUP MEMBER, (II) ANY COMMITMENT LETTER, PROPOSAL LETTER OR TERM SHEET WITH ANY PERSON OR ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION, SYNDICATION OF THE CREDIT FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, ANY ENFORCEMENT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING ANY SALES OF, COLLECTION FROM, OR OTHER REALIZATION UPON ANY OF THE COLLATERAL OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY GUARANTY) ARRANGEMENT OR UNDERSTANDING WITH ANY BROKER, FINDER OR CONSULTANT, IN EACH CASE ENTERED INTO BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY GROUP MEMBER 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, THAT THE BORROWER SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY UNDER THIS SECTION 8.13 TO AN INDEMNITEE WITH RESPECT TO, AND NO INDEMNITEE SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY HEREUNDER OTHER THAN (TO THE EXTENT OTHERWISE LIABLE) FOR, ANY INDEMNIFIED MATTER TO THE EXTENT SUCH LIABILITY HAS RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE, AS DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN A FINAL NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OR ORDER. THE FOREGOING INDEMNIFICATION SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT SUCH INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES ARE IN ANY WAY OR TO ANY EXTENT OWED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, UNDER ANY CLAIM OR THEORY OF STRICT LIABILITY, OR ARE CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY INDEMNITEE. FURTHERMORE, EACH OF PARENT AND THE BORROWER WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, AND SHALL CAUSE EACH OTHER LOAN 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.

(b) WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, “INDEMNIFIED MATTERS” INCLUDES ALL ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, INCLUDING THOSE ARISING FROM, OR OTHERWISE INVOLVING, ANY PROPERTY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER 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 PROPERTY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER, WHETHER OR NOT, WITH RESPECT TO ANY

 

27


SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, ANY INDEMNITEE IS A MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION, THE SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ANY GROUP MEMBER OR THE OWNER, LESSEE OR OPERATOR OF ANY PROPERTY OR FACILITY OF ANY GROUP MEMBER THROUGH ANY FORECLOSURE ACTION, IN EACH CASE EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES (I) ARE INCURRED SOLELY FOLLOWING FORECLOSURE BY ANY SECURED PARTY OR FOLLOWING ANY SECURED PARTY HAVING BECOME THE SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ANY LOAN PARTY AND (II) ARE ATTRIBUTABLE SOLELY TO ACTS OF SUCH INDEMNITEE.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

28


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.

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.,

      as Grantor

By:  

/s/ John De Meritt

  Name: John De Meritt
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
FRANCESCA’S LLC,
      as Grantor
By:  

/s/ John De Meritt

  Name: John De Meritt
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Security Agreement]


ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

By:  

/s/ Authorized Signatory

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Guaranty and Security Agreement]


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 November 17, 2010, by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (the “ Borrower ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise 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 of the Obligations of the undersigned.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that 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 on and as of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

 

[GRANTOR]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

        as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

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


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 November 17, 2010, by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (the “ Borrower ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise 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.

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, the undersigned (i) 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 and (ii) hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and 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 Guaranteed Obligations on the terms set forth in the Guaranty and Security Agreement. The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound as a Grantor for the purposes of the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

The information set forth in Annex A to this Joinder Agreement 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 Pledged Collateral listed on Annex 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 of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

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:

 

A2-1


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

[EACH GRANTOR PLEDGING
ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL]
By:  

 

 

Name:

Title:

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

        as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

By:  

 

 

Name:

Title:

 

A2-2


ANNEX 3

TO

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT

THIS [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of               , 20      , is entered into by and among each of the entities listed on the signature pages hereof (each a “ Grantor ” and, collectively, the “ Grantors ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent (“ Administrative Agent ”), and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each other Secured Party (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 November 17, 2010 (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, Parent, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, each undersigned Grantor has agreed, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, by and among the Borrower, the undersigned Grantor(s) and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as grantors, Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”), to guarantee the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Borrower; 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 [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders and the L/C Issuer to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrower thereunder, 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 Guaranty and Security Agreement.

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 (the “ [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Collateral ”):

(a) [all of its Copyrights and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Copyright, including, without limitation, those Copyright registrations, applications for registration and IP Licenses referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all renewals, reversions and extensions of the foregoing; and

 

A3-1


(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 Patents and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Patent, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all reissues, reexaminations, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, renewals 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

(d) [all of its Trademarks and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Trademark, including, without limitation, those Trademark registrations, applications for registration and IP Licenses referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(e) all renewals and extensions of the foregoing;

(f) all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each such Trademark; and

(g) 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. Guaranty and Security Agreement . The security interest granted pursuant to this [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and each Grantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights and remedies of the Collateral 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] and IP Licenses subject to a security interest hereunder.

Section 5. Counterparts. This [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security 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.

 

A3-2


Section 6. Governing Law . This [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security 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.

[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:

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

  as Collateral Agent and Administrative 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

REGISTERED [COPYRIGHTS] [PATENTS] [TRADEMARKS]

[Include Registration Number and Date]

[COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] APPLICATIONS

[Include Application Number and Date]

IP LICENSES

[Include complete legal description of agreement (name of agreement, parties and date)]

 

A3-5


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 November 17, 2010, by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (the “ Borrower ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise 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 of the Obligations of the undersigned.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that 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 on and as of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

 

[GRANTOR]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

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


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 November 17, 2010, by and among Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (the “ Borrower ”), the undersigned Grantor and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as Grantors, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise 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.

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, the undersigned (i) 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 and (ii) hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and 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 Guaranteed Obligations on the terms set forth in the Guaranty and Security Agreement. The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound as a Grantor for the purposes of the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

The information set forth in Annex A to this Joinder Agreement 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 Pledged Collateral listed on Annex 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 of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date.

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:

 

A2-1


ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED

as of the date first above written:

[EACH GRANTOR PLEDGING

ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL]

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

A2-2


ANNEX 3

TO

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT

THIS [COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of                   , 20      , is entered into by and among each of the entities listed on the signature pages hereof (each a “ Grantor ” and, collectively, the “ Grantors ”), Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent (“ Administrative Agent ”), and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and each other Secured Party (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 November 17, 2010 (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, Parent, the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, the Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, each undersigned Grantor has agreed, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, by and among the Borrower, the undersigned Grantor(s) and the other Affiliates of the Borrower from time to time party thereto as grantors, Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”), to guarantee the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Borrower; 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 [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders and the L/C Issuer to make their respective extensions of credit to the Borrower thereunder, 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 Guaranty and Security Agreement.

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 (the “ [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Collateral ”):

(a) [all of its Copyrights and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Copyright, including, without limitation, those Copyright registrations, applications for registration and IP Licenses referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all renewals, reversions and extensions of the foregoing; and

 

A3-1


(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 Patents and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Patent, including, without limitation, those referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(b) all reissues, reexaminations, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, renewals 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

(d) [all of its Trademarks and all IP Licenses providing for the grant by or to such Grantor of any right under any Trademark, including, without limitation, those Trademark registrations, applications for registration and IP Licenses referred to on Schedule 1 hereto;

(e) all renewals and extensions of the foregoing;

(f) all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each such Trademark; and

(g) 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. Guaranty and Security Agreement . The security interest granted pursuant to this [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and each Grantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights and remedies of the Collateral 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] and IP Licenses subject to a security interest hereunder.

Section 5. Counterparts . This [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security 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

 

A3-2


and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart.

Section 6 . Governing Law . This [Copyright] [Patent] [Trademark] Security 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.

[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:

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

as Collateral Agent and Administrative 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

REGISTERED [COPYRIGHTS] [PATENTS] [TRADEMARKS]

[Include Registration Number and Date]

[COPYRIGHT] [PATENT] [TRADEMARK] APPLICATIONS

[Include Application Number and Date]

IP LICENSES

[Include complete legal description of agreement (name of agreement, parties and date)]

 

A3-5


Schedule 1

Commercial Tort Claims

None.


Schedule 2

UCC Filings

 

Grantor

  

Filing

  

Filing Jurisdiction

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   UCC-1 Financing Statement    Texas

Francesca’s LLC

   UCC-1 Financing Statement    Delaware


Schedule 3

Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office

 

A. Current Jurisdiction of Organization and Chief Executive Office

 

Legal Name of Grantor

  

Jurisdiction

of

Organization

  

Organizational
Identification
Number

    

Location of Chief Executive

Office

        
        

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   Texas      0800750778       3480 West 12 th Street
         Houston, TX 77008

Francesca’s LLC

   Delaware      4895087       3480 West 12 th Street
         Houston, TX 77008

 

B. Previous Legal Names, Jurisdictions of Incorporation, and Locations of Chief Executive Office

 

Grantor

  

Prior Name

  

Description and Date of Change

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   Francesca’s Collections, Ltd.   

On June 15, 2006, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. converted from a Texas corporation to a Texas limited partnership under the name “Francesca’s Collections, Ltd.”

 

On December 27, 2006, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. converted from a Texas limited partnership to a Texas corporation

     

 

Grantor

  

Prior Location of

Chief Executive Office

  

Date of Change

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

  

4709 Allen Street,

Houston, TX 77007

   December 2007
     


Schedule 4

Locations of Inventory and Equipment

 

1. See attached list of locations of store boutiques.

 

2. See below for locations of office and warehouse.

 

Grantor

  

Address/City/State/Zip Code

  

County

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3480 West 12 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3482 West 12 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3484 12 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   3233 West 11 th Street, Houston, TX 77008    Harris


LOGO

Corporate Office/ Warehouse: 3480 W. 12th Street, Houston, TX 77008

PHONE: 713-864-1358     FAX: 713-426-2751

 

Francesca’s # 01

Woodway Village

6514 Woodway

Houston, TX 77057

Tel: 713-722-0754

Harris

(Debbie Flores)

   

Francesca’s # 03

Champion Forest Plaza

5468 W. FM 1960

Houston, TX 77069

Tel: 832-249-6534

Harris

(Stacy Loomis)

 

Francesca’s # 04

Mockingbird Station

5307 E Mockingbird Ln #105

Dallas, TX 75206

Tel: 214-370-3646

Dallas County

(Sherene Kutach)

 

Francesca’s # 05

Preston Oaks

10720 Preston Rd. #1005

Dallas, TX 75230

Tel: 214-891-9866

Dallas County

(Vicki Berry)

 

Francesca’s # 06

Uptown Park

1141-08 Uptown Park Blvd.

Houston, TX 77056

Tel: 713-622-1254

Harris County

(Debbie Flores)

Francesca’s # 07

University Park

1600 S. University #604

Fort Worth, TX 76107

Tel: 817-882-8077

Tarrant County

(Adriana Gonzalez)

 

Francesca’s # 08

Montana

1230 Montana Ave. #106

Santa Monica, CA 90403

Tel: 310-255-1988

Los Angles

County

(Veronica Chacon)

 

Francesca’s # 09

Plano

1900 Preston #320

Plano, TX 75093

Tel: 214-473-8133

Collin County

(Melanie Symons)

 

Francesca’s # 10

Canal Place

333 Canal St. #219

New Orleans, LA 70130

Tel: 504-581-4402

Orleans Parish

(Ashley Sieving)

 

Francesca’s # 11

Geneva Commons

1520 Commons Dr.

Geneva, IL 60134

Tel: 630-262-9470

Kane County

(Linda Rodriguez)

 

Francesca’s # 12

Church Street Plaza

1706 Maple Ave.

Evanston, IL 60201

Tel: 847-328-5459

Cook County

(Theresa Mariano)

Francesca’s # 13

Manhattan Village

3200 N. Sepulveda #D10

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Tel: 310-546-4700

Los Angles County

(Michelle Giacalone)

 

Francesca’s # 14

Alamo Quarry Market

255 E. Basse Rd. #420

San Antonio, TX 78209

Tel: 210-822-1598

Bexar County

(Lindsey Ramos)

 

Francesca’s # 15

Westbank

3300 Bee Cave Rd. #420

Austin, TX 78746

Tel: 512-347-7508

Travis County

(Jennifer Brown)

 

Francesca’s # 16

Highland Village

4022 Westheimer

Houston, TX 77027

Tel: 713-961-3399

Harris County

(Valjeanne Daniels)

 

Francesca’s # 17

Arboretum

10000 Research Blvd #122 C-01

Austin, TX 78759

Tel: 512-795-9840

Travis County

(Ashley Whitehead)

 

Francesca’s # 18

Lincoln Park

2012 N. Halsted Ave.

Chicago, IL 60614

Tel: 773-244-4075

Cook County

(Michael Masella)

Francesca’s # 19

La Jolla

1025 Prospect St. #160

La Jolla, CA 92037

Tel: 858-729-0350

San Diego County

(Vanessa Wyatt)

 

Francesca’s # 20

Southlake

214 State St.

Southlake, TX 76092

Tel: 817-424-5353

Tarrant County

(Brianna Weldon)

 

Francesca’s # 21

Carlsbad

1923 Calle Barcelona #146

Carlsbad, CA 92024

Tel: 760-943-8644

San Diego County

(Laura Stockwell)

 

Francesca’s # 22

Green Valley

2260 Village Walk, Suite 112

Henderson, NV 89052

Tel: 702-435-3288

Clark County

(Kimberly Patterson)

 

Francesca’s # 23

Central Park

4001 N. Lamar, Suite 490

Austin, TX 78756

Tel: 512-323-2499

Travis County

(Katie Kaiser)

 

Francesca’s # 25

Long Beach

5257 E. 2nd St.

Long Beach, CA 90803

Tel: 562-856-3257

Los Angles County

(Daisy Aldaco)

 

Francesca’s # 26

Rancho Cucamonga

7839 Kew Ave. Suite 5620

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Tel: 909-899-5751

San Bernardino County

(Angelica De La Rocha)

 

Francesca’s # 27

Edmond

1470 S Bryant Ave

Edmond, OK 73034

Tel: 405-359-7576

Oklahoma County

(Reem Bahouth)

 

Francesca’s # 28

Rennaisance Place

1850 2nd St #106

Highland Park, IL 60035

Tel: 847-926-8278

Lake County

(Molly McCarty)

 

Francesca’s # 29

Saddle Creek

7615 W. Farmington Blvd.

Ste. 33 Germantown, TN 38138

Tel: 901-753-6847

Shelby County

(Cassandra Bradshaw)

 

Francesca’s # 30

Bellemead

6535 Youree Dr. Suite 501

Shreveport, LA 71105

Tel: 318-798-8484

Caddo Parish

(Krystle Smith)

Francesca’s # 31

Village Pointe

17151 Davenport #113

Omaha, NE 68118

Tel: 402-359-1312

Douglas County

(Jennifer Rowland)

 

Francesca’s # 32

Arbor Lake

12121 Elm Creek Blvd.

Maple Grove, MN 55369

Tel: 763-425-3252

Hennepin County

(Jennifer Dimitroff)

 

Francesca’s # 33

The Shoppes at Buckland Hills

194 Buckland Hills Dr, Suite 1056

Manchester, CT 06042

Tel: 860-648-9465

Town of Hartford

(Jennifer Beer)

 

Francesca’s # 34

Summit

200 Summit Blvd. Ste #600

Birmingham, AL 35243

Tel: 205-969-2432

Jefferson County

(Acting-Heather Williams)

 

Francesca’s # 35

Deer Park

20530 N. Rand Rd. Ste #344

Deer Park, IL 60010

Tel: 847-726-2363

Lake County

(Azita Kakvand)

 

Francesca’s # 36

Greenway Station

1650 Deming Way Ste #108

Middleton, WI 53562

Tel: 608-831-6630

Dane County

(Sara Streb-Virnig)

Francesca’s # 37

Woodbury Lake

9020 Hudson Rd Ste 412

Woodbury, MN 55125

Tel: 651-730-2012

Washington County

(Mollie Loechler)

 

Francesca’s # 38

Carriage Crossing

4610 Merchant’s Park Cir. #557

Collierville, TN. 38017

Tel: 901-861-3287

Shelby County

(Cassandra Bradshaw)

 

Francesca’s # 39

Orland Park

14215 La Grange Rd. Space 124

Orland Park, IL 60462

Tel: 708-349-8490

Cook County

(Kristen Monroe)

 

Francesca’s # 40

Easton Town Center

108 Easton Town Center

Columbus, OH. 43219

Tel: 614-476-6410

Franklin County

(Kimberly Argobright)

 

Francesca’s # 41

Crestview Hills Town Center

2868 Town Center Blvd. St. 7055

Crestview Hills, KY. 41017

Tel: 859-341-4426

Kenton County

(Ashley Royer)

 

Francesca’s # 42

Simi Valley Mall

1555 SimiTwn.Crt. Wy.Ste.# 605

Simi Valley, CA. 93063

Tel: 805-584-1631

Ventura County

(Breeanne Beeby)

Francesca’s # 43

Shoppes at Eastchase

6830 Eastchase Pkwy

Montgomery, AL. 36117

Tel: 334-271-2110

Montgomery County

(Elizabeth Arrington)

 

Francesca’s # 44

Southpoint Pavillions

2910 Pine Lake Road Suite L

Lincoln, NE. 68516

Tel: 402-421-1589

Lancaster County

(Kim Kendall)

 

Francesca’s # 45

Promenade Shops at Centerra

5855 Sky Pond Dr. Ste. # F124

Loveland, CO. 80538

Tel: 970-663-9004

Larimer County

(Amber Eckels)

 

Francesca’s # 46

Brookhaven Village Plaza

3720 West Robinson Suite 128

Norman, OK 73072

Tel: 405-360-2891

Cleveland County

(Daphene Gorman)

 

Francesca’s# 47

Levis Common

3195 Levis Commons Blv.#285

Perrysburg, OH. 43551

Tel: 419-874-3580

Wood County

(Cathy Goodenough)

 

Francesca’s# 48

Hamilton Corner

2115 Gunbarrel Rd. #C

Chattanoga, TN. 37421

Tel: 423-893-8978

Hamilton County

(Courtney Gravett)

Francesca’s# 49

Turkey Creek

11347 Parkside Ave.

Knoxville, TN 37934

Tel: 865-675-6361

Knox County

(Mary Burleson)

 

Francesca’s # 50

Turtle Creek

3000 E. Highland Dr. Ste#413

Jonesboro, AR 72401

Tel: 870 336-2674

Craighead County

(Rebekah Carter)

 

Francesca’s # 51

Eastern Shore Center

30500 State Hwy 181 Ste# 313

Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Tel: 251-621-5740

Baldwin County

(Amber Turner)

 

Francesca’s # 52

The Avenue

2261 Town Center Ave. Suite 105

Viera, FL 32940

Tel: 321-639-3200

Brevard County

(Marlina Rhodes)

 

Francesca’s # 53

Alex Webb

1350 Scenic Highway, Spc 316

Snellville, GA 30078

Tel: 678 344 0112

Gwinnett County

(Stacy Barrett)

 

Francesca’s # 54

Woodlands Market Street

9595 Six Pines Dr. Ste 870

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Tel: 281-419-3750

Montgomery County

(Stacy Loomis)

Francesca’s # 55

Branson Landing

319 Branson Landing

Branson, MO 65616

Tel: 417-335-4342

Taney County

(Elizabeth Cizek)

 

Francesca’s # 56

Beachcliff Market

19344 Detriot Rd Spc #A-112

Rocky River, OH 44116

Tel: 440-333-3418

Cuyahoga County

(Kristin Knight)

 

Francesca’s # 57

Legacy Village

24639 Cedar Rd.

Lyndhurst, OH 44124

Tel: 216-381-5390

Cuyahoga County

(Amanda Dodge)

 

Francesca’s # 58

West Cobb

3625 Dallas Hwy SW Spc #850

Marietta, GA 30064

Tel: 770-218-9351

Cobb County

(Ashley Campbell)

 

Francesca’s # 59

Friendly Center

3326 W. Friendly Ste# 118

Greensboro, NC 27410

Tel: 336-856-1934

Guilford County

(Linaya McMillian)

 

Francesca’s # 60

Dos Lagos

2780 Cabot Dr. Ste 150

Corona, CA 92882

Tel: 951-277-7545

Riverside County

(Shana Hudson)

Francesca’s # 61

Boulder

1850 29TH St Ste# 1012

Boulder, CO 80301

Tel: 303-442-1722

Boulder County

(Jessica Serowski)

 

Francesca’s # 62

Southland Shopping Center

6235 S. Main St. Ste#108

Aurora, CO 80016

Tel: 720-274-5338

Arapahoe County

(Sharon Lavery)

 

Francesca’s # 63

Saucon Valley

2960 Center Valley Parkway #733

Center Valley, PA 18034

Tel: 610-798-9901

Lehigh County

(Eve Kabay)

 

Francesca’s # 64

Little Rock Ark

207 N. University Ave. #180

Little Rock, AR 72205

Tel: 501-660-4203

Pulaski County

(Courtney Lyle)

 

Francesca’s # 66

Inwood Village

5330 West Lover’s Lane #112

Dallas TX. 75209

Tel: 214-351-0649

Dallas County

(Cammie Guzman)

 

Francesca’s # 67

Abercorn Walk Shopping

Center 5525 Abercorn St. Suite#55

Savannah, GA 31405

Tel: 912-355-7181

Chatham County

(Brooke Wanex)

Francesca’s # 68

Bell Tower

13499 US 41 SE #119 Space C-304

Fort Myers, FL 33907

Tel: 239-267-5050

Lee County

(Carrie Baxter)

 

Francesca’s # 69

Mount Pleasant Town Center

1237 Belk Drive Suite S-2

Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Tel: 843 884 3958

Charleston County

(Erica Scott)

 

Francesca’s # 70

Blakeney Center

9830 Rea Road Suite C

Charlotte, NC 28277

Tel: 704-544-3104

Mecklenburg County

(Cherish Lawrence)

 

Francesca’s # 71

Arlington Highlands

3900 Arlington Highlands Blvd. #177

Arlington, TX 76018

Tel: 817-419-0371

Tarrant County

(Amanda Mudd)

 

Francesca’s # 72

La Palmera Shopping Center

5488 South Padre Island Sp# 1430

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Tel: 361-994-4818

Nueces County

(Brittany Lee)

 

Francesca’s # 73

Shops at Highland Village

1400 Shoal Creek, Suite 170

Highland Village, TX 75077

Tel: 972-966-0400

Denton County

(Brianne Gilbert)

Francesca’s # 74

Stone Oak

22702 US 281, Suite 110

San Antonio, TX 78259

Tel: 210-481-1382

Bexar County

(Michelle Shelton)

 

Francesca’s # 75

Town Center Plaza

5256 W. 119th St., Suite 2000

Leawood, KS 66209

Tel: 913-696-1272

Johnson County

(Lane Cowan -Acting Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s # 76

Hill Center

4017 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 308

Nashville, TN 37215

Tel: 615-783-0960

Davidson County

(Lacee Maxedon)

 

Francesca’s # 77

The Avenue

2615 Medical Center Pkwy Suite 1430

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Tel: 615-893-7217 ]

Rutherford County

(Acting: Andrea Kehoe)

 

Francesca’s # 78

Southport Row

3539 N. Southport unti 1S

Chicago, IL 60657

Tel: 773-248-4558

Cook County

(Ashley Sydow)

 

Francesca’s # 79

Mayfaire Town Center

6823 Main Street

Wilmington, NC 28405

Tel: 910-509-0083

New Hanover County

(Kisha Jennings)

Francesca’s # 80

King’s Street Charleston

338 King Street Unit A

Charleston, SC 29401

Tel: 843-577-6848

Charleston County

(Seanna Reis -Acting Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s # 81

Hill Country Galleria

12821 Hill Country Blvd.,

Suite C2-115

Bee Cave, TX 78738

Tel: 512-263-1993

Travis County

(Mariah Hildebrand)

 

Francesca’s # 82

Pembroke Gardens

505 SW 145th Terrace

Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

Tel: 954-885-5051

Broward County

(Melissa Pitstick)

 

Francesca’s # 83

Perkins Rowe

10156 Perkins Rowe, Suite 120

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Tel: 225-766-0274

East Baton Rouge Parish

(Liana Narcisse)

 

Francesca’s # 84

Parke West

9828 Northern Ave., Suite

1750

Peoria, AZ 85345

623-772-0428

Maricopa County

(Terrie Humeniuk -Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s # 85

Bridge Street Town Center

340 The Bridge Street, Suite 140

Huntsville, AL 35806

Tel: 256-327-8595

Madison County

( Veronica Hawsman)

Francesca’s # 86

Indian Lake Speciality Center

300 Indian Lake Blvd. Bldg. A Ste 160

Hendersonville, TN 37075

Tel: 615-822-1266

Sumner County

 

Francesca’s # 87

Vinings Jubilee

4300 Paces Ferry, Ste 257

Atlanta, GA 30339

Tel- 770-431-9672

Fulton County

 

Francesca’s # 88

Kierland Commons

15211 N. Kierland Blvd. Suite 140

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Tel- 480-991-9481

Maricopa County

 

Francesca’s # 89

Village at Arrowhead

20022 North 67th Ave. Suite #122

Glendale, AZ 85308

Tel- 623-376-2555

Maricopa County

 

Francesca’s # 90

BuckTown

1920 W. North Ave.

Chicago, IL 60622

Tel- 773-486-0293

Cook County

 

Francesca’s # 91

Zelda Place

2920 -F Zelda Road

Montgomery, AL 36106

Tel- 334-277-9049

Montgomery County


LOGO

 

(Lindsay Melton)

 

(Taneisha Hughes)

 

(Lauretta Berchiatti)

 

(Kyle Thibault)

 

(Jennifer Harris-Dailey)

 

(Toni Fowler)


LOGO

 

Francesca’s # 92

3333 Magazine Street

New Orleans, LA 70115

Tel- 504-899-2118

Orleans Parish

(Jodi Asher)

 

Francesca’s # 93

Watter Creek

843 Market Street

Allen, TX 75013

Tel- 214-495-0003

Collin County

(Carol Rumberger)

 

Francesca’s # 94

Dogwood Festival

110 Dogwood Blvd., suite G 3B

Flowood, MS 39232

Tel- 601-992-9119

Hinds County

(Constance Davis)

 

Francesca’s # 95

Rennisance Place

1000 Highland Colony Pkwy. Ste 1012

Ridgeland, MS 39157

Tel- 601-856-2266

Madison County

(Alison Hashaw)

 

Francesca’s # 96

Birkdale

16845-B Birkdale Commons Pkwy.

Huntersville, NC 28078

Tel- 704-896-9644

Mecklenburg County

(Beth Cosner)

 

Francesca’s # 97

Legacy Village

9 DuRhu Dr. Suite 350

Mobile, AL 36608

Tel- 251-342-1959

Mobile County

(Ben McCormick-Acting Area Mgr)

Francesca’s #98

Village Square @ Dana Park

1660 S. Val Vista Dr. Ste. 116

Mesa, AZ 85204

Tel- 480-545-2685

Maricopa County

(Shannon McGuire)

 

Francesca’s #99

Columbia Cameron Village

424 Woodburn Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27605

Tel- 919-829-8250

Wake County

(Alissa Lapen)

 

Francesca’s #100

Aspen Grove

7301 S. Santa Fe Dr. Unit 420 B

Littleton, CO 80120

Tel- 303-794-4783

Arapahoe County

(Melisa House)

 

Francesca’s #101

Promenade at Sagemore

500 Route 73 South, Suite C-1

Marlton, NJ 08053

Tel- 856-983-1146

Burlington County

(Ashley McAllister - Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s #102

Mizner Park

322 Plaza Real suite 1322

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Tel- 561-544-6892

Palm Beach County

(Val Bravo)

 

Francesca’s #103

Casa Paloma

7131 West Rag Road, suite 26

Chandler, AZ 85226

Tel- 480-753-3511

Maricopa County

(Marcella Daniels)

Francesca’s #104

Market Common

3323 Reed Ave., Space A6-700

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Tel- 843-238-9320

Horry County

(Shelia Zazinski)

 

Francesca’s #105

The Avenue Forsythe

410 Peachtree Pkwy, Bldg 100, suite 13

Cumming, GA 30041

Tel- 678-513-7001

Forsyth County

(Meaghan Shork)

 

Francesca’s #106

Memorial City Mall

303 Memorial City Mall, space 707A

Houston, TX 77024

Tel- 713-468-2108

Harris County

(Jessica Gonzalez)

 

Francesca’s #107

Arboretum @ South Barrington

100 West Higgins Road, suite F-35

South Barrington, IL 60010

Tel- 847-426-1847

Lake County

(Tania Diaz)

 

Francesca’s #108

Regency Court

120 Regency Parkway suite 152

Omaha, NE 68114

Tel: 402-397-0740

Douglas County

(Rachel Haas)

 

Francesca’s #109

Crabtree Valley Mall

4325 Glenwood Ave. suite 1084

Raleigh, NC 27612

Tel: 919-783-8602

Wake County

(Ashley Sommerkamp)

Francesca’s #110

Pinnacle Hills Promenade

2203 Promenade Blvd. Suite 2112

Rogers, AR 72758

Tel: 479-246-0298

Benton County

(Danielle Wolf)

 

Francesca’s #111

Thruway Center

284 South Stratford Rd.

Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Tel: 336-722-9598

Forsyth County

(Tobi Foster)

 

Francesca’s #112

Promenade Lyons @ Coconut Creek

4425 Lyons Rd. suite F-104

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Tel: 954-973-4830

Broward County

(Melissa Bergknoff)

 

Francescas’s #113

La Cantera

15900 LaCantera Pkwy, suite 20100

San Antonio, TX 78256

Tel: 210-641-0221

Bexar County

(Natalie Silva)

 

Francesca’s #114

Greenville Center

3801 Kennett Pike, Suite 236

Greenville, DE 19807

Tel: 302-655-5222

New Castle County

(Nicole White)

 

Francesca’s #115

Palladium @ City Place

701 S. Rosemary Ave. Suite 157

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Tel: 561-650-0320

Palm Beach County

(Cynthia Davin)

Francesca’s #116

La Encantada

2905 E. Skyline Dr. Suite #143

Tucson, AZ 85718

Tel: 520-615-1700

Pima County

(Stacy Lybeck)

 

Francesca’s #117

Wheaton Town Square

231a Town Square Wheaton

Wheaton, IL 60187

Tel: 630-588-8780

DuPage County

(Acting-Lauren Hansen)

 

Francesca’s #118

Baybrook Mall

500 Baybrook Mall, Suite 1198

Friendswood, TX 77546

Tel: 281-480-3082

Galveston County

(Ryssa Nord)

 

Francescas’s #119

Destin Commons

4138 Legendary Dr. Space B-104

Destin, FL 32541

Tel: 850-269-1070

Okaloosa County

(Lisa McTyre)

 

Francescas’s #120

Penn Square Mall

1901 NW Expressway suite 1009A

Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Tel: 405-842-8163

Oklahoma County

(Lisa McKinnon)

 

Francesca’s #121

The Falls

8888 SW 136 St. Suite 368

Miami, FL 33176

Tel: 786-242-8056

Pinellas County

(Peter Kasen)

Francesca’s #122

St Louis Galleria

1155 St Louis Galleria,

Space #1162

St Louis, MO 63117

Tel: 314-862-2677

St. Louis County

(Erin Hawkins)

 

Francesca’s #123

The Forum on Peachtree Pkwy

5165 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite #235

Norcross, GA 30092

Tel: 678-291-9455

Gwinnett County

(Eileen Chua)

 

Francesca’s #124

Country Club Plaza

4724 Broadway

Kansas City, MO 64112

Tel: 816-531-5141

Jackson County

(Sarah Merritt)

 

Francesca’s #125

Southpark Mall

4400 Sharon Rd Ste E07B

Charlotte, NC 28211

Tel: 704-366-3160

Mecklenburg County

(April Key)

 

Francesca’s #126

Woodland Hills

7021 South Memorial Dr Ste 184A

Tulsa, OK 74133

Tel: 918-294-0430

Tulsa County

(Laura Owens)

 

Francesca’s #127

Oak Park Mall

11445 W 95th Street

Overland Park, KS 66214

Tel: 913-492-3100

Johnson County

(Maegen Mastalski)

Francesca’s #128

Eastview Mall

180 Eastview Mall

Victor, NY 14564

Tel: 585-223-7932

Ontario County

(Stephanie Major)

 

Francesca’s #129

Walnut Street

5426 Walnut St

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Tel: 412-621-0355

Allegheny County

(Emily Glova)

 

Francesca’s #130

Oxmoor Mall

7900 Shelbyville Rd #D06

Louisville, KY 40222

Tel: 502-425-3385

Jefferson County

(Jennifer Berelowitz)

 

Francesca’s #131

Bridgewater Commons

400 Bridgewater Commons, Ste 250

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Tel: 908-203-9333

Somerset County

(Melissa Maltby)

 

Francesca’s #132

Bradley Fair

2000 North Rock Rd, Ste 134

Wichita, KS 67206

Tel: 316-630-0272

Sedgwick County

(Kasey Diehl)

 

Francesca’s #133

ABQ Uptown

2261 Q Street NE, Ste 2F

Albuquerque, NM 87110

Tel: 505-888-9515

Bernalillo County

(Sheryl Mizicko)

Francesca’s #134

Village at Merrick Park

370 San Lorenzo Ave, Ste 2430

Coral Gables, FL 33146

Tel: 305-461-5839

Miami-Dade County

(Cheryl Hinton)

 

Francesca’s #135

Rosedale Mall

111 Rosedale Center Space 195

Roseville, MN 55113

Tel: 651-639-3911

Ramsey County

(Jennifer Dobbe - Area Mgr)

 

Francesca’s #136

Bayshore

5709 N Centerpark

Way

Glendale, WI 53217

Tel: 414-906-8568

Milwaukee County

(Rebecca Young)

 

Francesca’s #137

The Avenue

10300 Southside Blvd, Ste 1490B

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Tel: 904-363-8818

Duval County

(Andrea Girard)

 

Francesca’s #138

Northpoint Mall

1190 North Point Circle, Ste 1190

Alpharetta, GA 30022

Tel: 678-319-0331

Fulton County

(Heather Skop)

 

Francesca’s #139

West Shore Plaza

286 West Shore Plaza, Ste B.6.A

Tampa, FL 33609

Tel: 813-289-5319

Hillsborough County

(Crystal Melton)

Francesca’s #140

West County Mall

80 West County Center #1194

St Louis, MO 63131

Tel: 314-909-6664

St. Louis County

(Michele Donoho)

 

Francesca’s #141

Castleton Square

6020 East 82nd St, Ste 878

Indianapolis, IN 46250

Tel: 317-841-0411

Marion County

(Brandi Jo Kelin)

 

Francesca’s #142

Park City Center

214 Park West Center

Lancaster, PA 17601

Tel: 717-392-5256

Lancaster County

(Jamie Thomes)

 

Francesca’s #143

West Towne Mall

42 West Towne Mall, A10

Madison, WI 53719

Tel: 608-833-0052

Dane County

(Sara Streb-Virnig)

 

Francesca’s #144

Derby

St 92 Derby St #113

Hingham, MA 02043

Tel: 781-740-2860

Plymouth

(Soledad Kelly)

 

Francesca’s #145

Galleria @ Ft Lauderdale

2414 E Sunrise Blvd Rm 2089

Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304-3102

Tel: 954-561-2797

Broward County

(Miriah Rizzo)

Francesca’s #146

Southpoint

6910 Fayetteville Rd Ste 177

Durham, NC 27713

Tel: 919-806-8400

Durham County

(Kimberly Bustillo)

 

Francesca’s #147

Danbury Fair Mall

7 Backus Ave Space G109

Danbury, CT 06810

Tel: 203-730-0613

Fairfield County

(Deborah White)

 

Francesca’s #148

Paramus Park Mall

1105 Paramus Park

Paramus, NJ 07652

Tel: 201-265-4441

Bergen County

(Andrea Vander Plaat)

 

Francesca’s #149

Providence Place

One Providence Place, Ste 3080

Providence, RI 02903

Tel: 401-228-7655

Providence County

(Maribeth Fabiano)

 

Francesca’s #150

The Summit

4262 Summit Plaza Dr #C-9

Louisville, KY 40241

Tel: 502-423-1770

Jefferson County

(Kathryn Blair)

 

Francesca’s #151

The Village at Rochester Hills

160 N Adams Rd

Rochester Hills, MI 48309

Tel: 248-375-2306

Oakland County

(Kasey Hendricks)

Francesca’s #152

Scottsdale Fashion

7014 E Camelback Rd Space B156 Ste #1

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Tel: 480-945-2006

Maricopa County

(Roxane Kyte)

 

Francesca’s #153

Cambridgeside Galleria

100 Cambridge Place #W324

Cambridge, MA 02141

Tel: 617-374-9400

Middlesex County

(Michelle Pinto)

 

Francesca’s #154

Clay Terrace Center

14395 Clay Terrace Blvd Ste 140

Space C-31

Carmel, IN 46032

Tel: 317-815-6650

Hamilton County

(Brandi Jo Kelin)

 

Francesca’s #155

Town Square

6593 Las Vegas Blvd, Suite 167

Las Vegas, NV 89119

Tel: 702-263-4485

Clark County

(Erin Plumlee)

 

Francesca’s #156

Northbrook Court

2171 Northbrook Ct Ste 2056

Northbrook, IL 60062

Tel: 847-291-4046

Cook County

(Lauren Schroeder)

 

Francesca’s #157

Shops at Somerset Square

140 Glastonbury Blvd Ste 34

Glastonbury, CT 06033

Tel: 860-652-8877

Hartford County

(Jessica Begin)

Francesca’s #158

The Avenue at East Cobb

4475 Roswell Rd Ste 915

Marietta, GA 30062

Tel: 770-321-7878

Cobb County

(Krytstal Carpenter)

 

Francesca’s #159

Polaris Town Center

1500 Polaris Pkwy, Ste 1042

Columbus, OH 43240

Tel: 614-846-1982

Franklin County

(Shovon Agnew)

 

Francesca’s #160

Short Pump Town Center

11800 West Broad St, Ste 1044

Richmond, VA 23233

Tel: 804-360-9550

Henrico County

(Victoria Leftwich)

 

Francesca’s #161

Rockaway Townsquare

301 Mt Hope Ave #1018

Rockaway, NJ 07866

Tel: 973-366-9400

Morris County

(Jennifer Baker)

 

Francesca’s #162

The Shoppes @ Legacy Place

640 Legacy Place

Dedham, MA 02026

Tel: 781-326-7008

Norfolk County

(Kim Evers)

 

Francesca’s #163

Annapolis Mall

2002 Annapolis Mall, Ste 1484

Annapolis, MD 21401

Tel: 410-266-5061

Anne Arundel County

(Acting:DeAnna Paige)

Francesca’s #164

Columbiana

100 Columbiana Circle, Ste 1214

Columbia, SC 29212

Tel: 803-407-5744

Lexington County

(Ashley Aaron)

 

Francesca’s #165

Park Place

5870 E. Broadway Blvd, Ste 416

Tucson, AZ 85711

Tel: 520-514-2161

Pima County

(Christina Butler)

 

Francesca’s #166

Brookfield Mall

95 N. Moorland Rd. D-22

Brookfield, WI 53005

Tel: 262-784-0107

Waukesha County

(Susan Paasch)

 

Francesca’s #167

The Grove at Shrewsbury

555 Route 35

Shrewsbury NJ 07702

Tel: 732-741-5022

Monmouth County

(Wendy Jennings)

 

Francesca’s #168

Haywood Mall 106

Haywood Road Suite#1018

Greenville, South Carolina 29607

Tel: 864-284-0720

Greenville County

(Timothy Norris)

 

Francesca’s #169

Menlo Park

100 Menlo Park Suite#2425

Edison, New Jersey 08837

Tel: 732-205-0300

Middlesex County

(Ashley Arcangelo)

Francesca’s #170

South Shore Plaza

250 Granite Street Suite#1250

Braintree, Massachusetts 02184

Tel: 781-843-7008

Norfolk County

(Michelle Pinto)

 

Francesca’s #171

Mall of America

116 South Blvd

Bloomington, MN 55425

Tel: 952-854-9985

Hennepin County

 

Francesca’s #172

Independence Center

1704 Independence Ctr. Sp#2024

Independence,MO 64057

Tel: 816-795-0803

Jackson County

(Kelli Luce)

 

Francesca’s #173

Barracks Road Shopping Center

1127A Emmet St.

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Tel: 434-296-9556

Charlottesville City County

(Christy Green)

 

Francesca’s #174

Old Orchard Center

4999 Old Orchard Ctr (space E-45)

Skokie, IL 60077

Tel: 847-568-1290

Cook County

(Erin Collier)

 

Francesca’s #175

Bay Street

5659 Bay Street

Emeryville, CA 94608

Tel: 510-655-1515

Alameda County

(Shani Pierce)

Francesca’s #176

Oakbrook Center

34 Oakbrook Center

Oak Brook, IL 60523

Tel: 630-368-1440

DuPage County

(Kara Scott)

 

Francesca’s #177

Natick Collection

1245 Worcester St., Suite #1032

Natick, MA 01760

Tel: 508-655-7008

Middlesex County

(Renee Azulay)

 

Francesca’s #178

Lakeside Mall

3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 89

Metairie, LA 70002

Tel: 504-831-7772

Jefferson Parish

(Jennifer Bryan)

 

Francesca’s #179

Rivertown Crossing

3700 Rivertown Pkwy SW Suite 1050

Grandville, MI 49418

Tel: 616-534-5254

Kent County

(Brooke Kasul)

 

Francesca’s #180

Garden City Center

37 Hillside Drive

Cranston, RI 02920

Tel: 401-270-3257

Providence County

(Jillian Kunofsky)

 

Francesca’s #181

Waterford Lakes

497 N Alafaya Tr

Orlando, FL 32828

Tel: 407-382-7040

Orange County

(Christine McKenna)

Francesca’s #182

Newport Centre

30 Mall Drive West, BO9A

Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

Francesca’s #183

The Greene

73 Plum Street

Beavercreek OH 45440

 

Francesca’s #184

Old Towne

29 University Avenue, Ste. E29

Los Gatos, CA 95030

 

Francesca’s #185

Stonestown Galleria

3251 20th Ave #118

San Francisco CA 94132

 

Francesca’s #186

Coolsprings Galleria

1800 Galleria Blvd. Suite #1515

Franklin TN 37067

 

Francesca’s #187

Kenwood Town Center

7875 Montgomery Rd. #R061

Cincinnati, OH 45236

LOGO

Tel: 201-420-0880

Hudson County

(Kelly Machusky)

 

Tel: 937-320-9720

Montgomery County

(Miranda McBride)

 

Tel: 408-395-7562

Santa Clara County

 

Tel: 415-564-7800

San Francisco County

(Shannon Damlos Mitchell)

 

Tel: 615-771-9267

Williamson County

(Ashley Johnson)

 

Tel: 513-791-0062

Hamilton County

(Kristin Geraci)


LOGO

 

Francesca’s #188

Riverchase Galleria

2000 Riverchase Space 118

Hoover, Al 35244

Tel: 205-985-8800

Jefferson County

(Elisabeth McGill)

 

Francesca’s #189

Jordan Creek

101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, Ste#11172

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Tel: 515-222-5818

Polk County

(Leslie Bauman)

 

Francesca’s #190

Oakridge Mall

925 Blossom Hill Rd #1204

San Jose, CA 95123

Tel: 408-225-4700

San Joaquin County

(Ann Van Aken)

 

Francesca’s #191

Maine Mall

364 Maine Mall Rd S-174

South Portland, ME 04106

Tel: 207-774-9050

Cumberland County

(Meghan Dyer)

 

Francesca’s #192

Horton Plaza

173 Horton Plaza San

Diego, CA 92101

Tel: 619-236-0297

San Diego County

(Sara Facundo)

 

Francesca’s #193

Watertower Place

835 N. Michigan Space #6020

Chicago, IL 60611

Tel: 312-202-1798

Cook County

(Sabrina Abney)

Francesca’s #194

Altamonte Mall

451 East Altamonte Dr #2333

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Tel: 407-265-0002

Seminole County

(Stephanie Jarvis)

 

Francesca’s #195

Alderwood Mall

3000 184th St SW #494

Lynnwood, WA 98037

Tel: 425-775-4712

Snohomish County

(Diane Pastor)

 

Francesca’s #196

Glendale Galleria

1155 Glendale Galleria

Glendale, CA 91210

Tel: 818-241-0203

Los Angeles County

(Michelle Mancha)

 

Francesca’s #197

Cherry Hill Mall

2000 Route 38 #1260

Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Tel: 856-665-7600

Camden County

(Kimberly Johnson)

 

Francesca’s #198

Crocker Park

161 Main Street

Westlake, OH 44145

Tel: 440-899-2860

Cuyahoga County

(Jannelle Harris)

 

Francesca’s #199

North County Mall

200 E Via Rancho Pkwy #325

Escondido, CA 92025

Tel: 760-781-5541

San Diego County

(Jeanette Cloakey)

Francesca’s #200

Deerbrook Mall

20131 Hwy 59 N #2328

Humble, TX 77338

Tel: 281-446-0826

Harris County

(D’Naya Johnson)

 

Francesca’s #201

Pacific Place

600 Pine Street #253

Seattle WA 98101

Tel: 206-245-1000

King County

(Acting: Kimberly Phommachanh)

 

Francesca’s #202

Lynnhaven Mall

701 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Space C15B

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Tel: 757-340-4104

Virginia Beach City

(Madeline Vitug)

 

Francesca’s #203

West Town Mall

7600 Kingston Pike #1544A

Knoxville TN 37932

Tel: 865-470-7296

Knox County

(Kayla Hyder)

 

Francesca’s #204

Coral Ridge Mall

1451 Coral Ridge Ave. Space 402

Coralville, IA 52241

Tel: 319-338-5566

Johnson County

(Ashley Russell)

 

Francesca’s #205

Del Monte Center

690 Del Monte Center

Monterey, CA 93940

Tel: 831-649-1764

Monterey County

Francesca’s #206

Twelve Oaks Mall

27220 Novi Road

Novi, MI 48377

Tel: 248-305-9440

Oakland County

(Fannita King)

 

Francesca’s #207

The Oaks

6391 Newberry Rd.

Gainesville, FL 32605

Tel: 352-332-5257

Alachua County

(Tanya Wells)

 

Francesca’s #208

Galleria @ Roseville

1151 Galleria Blvd. Ste. 150

Roseville, CA 95678

Tel: 916-780-1200

Placer County

(Sharon Richards)

 

Francesca’s #209

Southcenter Mall

611 Southcenter Mall

Seattle, WA 98188

Tel: 206-444-8955

King County

(Lindsey Crane)

 

Francesca’s #210

Village at Corte Madera

1614 Redwood Highway

Corte Madera, CA 94925

Tel: 415-945-9337

Marin County

 

Francesca’s #211

Valencia Mall

24201 Valencia Blvd, Suite 3537

Valencia, CA 91355

Tel: 661-255-9331

Los Angeles County


Schedule 5

Pledged Collateral

Pledged Stock

 

Issuer

   Grantor    Certificate
No.
   No. Shares    Percent
Pledged
 
           

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

   Francesca’s LLC    2    1,000      100

Pledged Debt

 

  1. Global Intercompany Note, dated as of November 17, 2010, by the Issuers from time to time party thereto in favor of the Holders from time to time party thereto.


Schedule 6

Intellectual Property

 

A. Trademarks

 

Owner

   Title   Issued Date    Application/
Registration No.
Francesca’s Collections, Inc.    Francesca’s
Collections
(word mark)
  Issued December 9, 2008    No. 3,542,854

 

B. Internet Domain Names

Francescascollections.com

Francescascollections.net

Francescasintra.net

Francescas-collections.com

Francescas.net

Francescascollection.com

Francescascollection.net

francesca-collections.com

francescacollections.net

boycottfrancescas.com

shopfrancescas.com

shopfrancescas.net

ihatefrancescas.com

francescassucks.com

francescascollectionssucks.com

franchescacollection.com

Exhibit 10.5

 

 

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

 


FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE 1

PURPOSE

ARTICLE 2

DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 3

EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN

ARTICLE 4

ADMINISTRATION

 

4.1

   COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEE      3   

4.2

   POWERS      3   

4.3

   ADDITIONAL POWERS      4   
  

ARTICLE 5

SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; GRANT OF AWARDS

  

5.1

   SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN      4   

5.2

   GRANT OF AWARDS      4   

5.3

   STOCK OFFERED      4   
  

ARTICLE 6

ELIGIBILITY

  
  

ARTICLE 7

STOCK OPTIONS

  

7.1

   OPTION PERIOD      5   

7.2

   LIMITATIONS ON EXERCISE OF OPTION      5   

7.3

   SPECIAL LIMITATIONS ON INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS      5   

7.4

   OPTION AGREEMENT      5   

7.5

   OPTION PRICE AND PAYMENT      6   

7.6

   STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES      6   

7.7

   OPTIONS AND RIGHTS IN SUBSTITUTION FOR OPTIONS GRANTED BY OTHER EMPLOYERS      6   
  

ARTICLE 8

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS

  

8.1

   FORFEITURE RESTRICTIONS TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMITTEE      6   

8.2

   OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS      7   

8.3

   PAYMENT FOR RESTRICTED STOCK      7   

8.4

   COMMITTEE’S DISCRETION TO ACCELERATE VESTING OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS      7   

8.5

   RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENTS      7   

 

-i-


  

ARTICLE 9

PHANTOM STOCK AWARDS

  

9.1

   PHANTOM STOCK AWARDS      8   

9.2

   AWARD CRITERIA      8   

9.3

   PAYMENT      8   

9.4

   TERMINATION OF AWARD      8   

9.5

   PHANTOM STOCK AWARD AGREEMENTS      8   
  

ARTICLE 10

RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION

  

10.1

   NO EFFECT ON RIGHT OR POWER      9   

10.2

   SUBDIVISION OR CONSOLIDATION OF SHARES; STOCK DIVIDENDS      9   

10.3

   RECAPITALIZATIONS AND CORPORATE CHANGES      9   

10.4

   CHANGE OF CONTROL VALUE      10   

10.5

   OTHER CHANGES IN THE COMMON STOCK      10   

10.6

   STOCKHOLDER ACTION      11   

10.7

   NO ADJUSTMENTS UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED      11   
  

ARTICLE 11

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

  
  

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS

  

12.1

   NO RIGHT TO AN AWARD      11   

12.2

   NO EMPLOYMENT/MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS CONFERRED      12   

12.3

   OTHER LAWS; WITHHOLDING      12   

12.4

   NO RESTRICTION ON CORPORATE ACTION      12   

12.5

   RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER      12   

12.6

   GOVERNING LAW      12   

 

-ii-


FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

ARTICLE 1

PURPOSE

The purpose of the FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (the “Plan”) is to provide a means through which FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and its Affiliates may attract able persons to serve as Directors or Consultants or to enter the employ of the Company or its Affiliates and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities of the successful administration and management of the Company and its Affiliates rest, and whose present and potential contributions to the Company and its Affiliates are of importance, can acquire and maintain stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the welfare of the Company and its Affiliates. A further purpose of the Plan is to provide such individuals with additional incentive and reward opportunities designed to enhance the profitable growth of the Company and its Affiliates. Accordingly, the Plan provides for granting Incentive Stock Options, options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Phantom Stock Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, as is best suited to the circumstances of the particular employee, Consultant, or Director as provided herein.

ARTICLE 2

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan unless specifically modified by any paragraph herein:

“Affiliate” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or partnership, association, trust, or other organization which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any entity or organization, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power (i) to vote more than 50% of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the controlled entity or organization or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the controlled entity or organization, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.

“Award” means, individually or collectively, any Option, Restricted Stock Award, or Phantom Stock Award.

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such section and any regulations under such section.

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

1


“Committee” means a committee of the Board that is selected by the Board as provided in Section 4.1.

“Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, or any security into which such common stock may be changed by reason of any transaction or event of the type described in Article 10.

“Company” means Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

“Consultant” means any person who is not an employee or a Director and who is providing advisory or consulting services to the Company or any Affiliate.

“Corporate Change” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.3.

“Director” means an individual who is a member of the Board.

An “employee” means any person (including a Director) in an employment relationship with the Company or any Affiliate.

“Fair Market Value” means, as of any specified date, the mean of the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock (i) reported by the National Market System of NASDAQ on that date or (ii) if the Common Stock is listed on a national stock exchange, reported on the stock exchange composite tape on that date (or such other reporting service approved by the Committee); or, in either case, if no prices are reported on that date, on the last preceding date on which such prices of the Common Stock are so reported. If the Common Stock is traded over the counter at the time a determination of its fair market value is required to be made hereunder, its fair market value shall be deemed to be equal to the average between the reported high and low or closing bid and asked prices of Common Stock on the most recent date on which Common Stock was publicly traded. In the event Common Stock is not publicly traded at the time a determination of its value is required to be made hereunder, the determination of its fair market value shall be made by the Committee in such manner as it deems appropriate and as is consistent with the requirements of section 409A of the Code.

“Incentive Stock Option” means an incentive stock option within the meaning of section 422 of the Code.

“Option” means an Award granted under Article 7 and includes both Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock and Options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock.

“Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to an Option.

“Participant” means an employee, Consultant, or Director who has been granted an Award.

“Phantom Stock Award” means an Award granted under Article 9.

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

2


“Phantom Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to a Phantom Stock Award.

“Plan” means this Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended or restated from time to time,

“Restricted Stock Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to a Restricted Stock Award.

“Restricted Stock Award” means an Award granted under Article 8.

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

“Stock Appreciation Right” means a right to acquire, upon exercise of the right, Common Stock and/or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, cash having an aggregate value equal to the then excess of the Fair Market Value of the shares with respect to which the right is exercised over the exercise price therefor.

ARTICLE 3

EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN

The Plan shall become effective upon the date of its adoption by the Board, provided the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months thereafter. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan, no Option shall be exercisable, no Restricted Stock Award shall be granted, and no Phantom Stock Award shall vest or become satisfiable prior to such stockholder approval. No further Awards may be granted under the Plan after 10 years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. The Plan shall remain in effect until all Options granted under the Plan have been exercised or expired, all Restricted Stock Awards granted under the Plan have vested or been forfeited, and all Phantom Stock Awards have been satisfied or expired.

ARTICLE 4

ADMINISTRATION

4.1 Composition of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by a committee of, and appointed by, the Board. In the absence of the Board’s appointment of a committee to administer the Plan, the Board shall serve as the Committee.

4.2 Powers. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have authority, in its discretion, to determine which employees, Consultants or Directors shall receive an Award, the time or times when such Award shall be made, the type of Award that shall be made, the number of shares to be subject to each Option or Restricted Stock Award, and the number of shares subject to or the value of each Phantom Stock Award. In making such determinations, the Committee shall take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective employees, Consultants, or Directors, their present and potential contribution to the Company’s success and such other factors as the Committee in its sole discretion shall deem relevant.

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

3


4.3 Additional Powers. The Committee shall have such additional powers as are delegated to it by the other provisions of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, this shall include the power to construe the Plan and the respective agreements executed hereunder, to prescribe rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the terms, restrictions and provisions of the agreement relating to each Award, including such terms, restrictions and provisions as shall be requisite in the judgment of the Committee to cause designated Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any agreement relating to an Award in the manner and to the extent the Committee shall deem expedient to carry the Plan or any such agreement into effect. The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Article 4 shall be conclusive.

ARTICLE 5

SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; GRANT OF AWARDS

5.1 Shares Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Article 10 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options then outstanding, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan, and the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options, shall not exceed 5,263 shares. shares shall be deemed to have been issued under the Plan only to the extent actually issued and delivered pursuant to an Award. To the extent that an Award lapses or the rights of its holder terminate, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award shall again be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan. In addition, shares issued under the Plan and forfeited back to the Plan, shares surrendered in payment of the exercise price or purchase price of an Award, and shares withheld for payment of applicable employment taxes and/or withholding obligations associated with an Award shall again be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan.

5.2 Grant of Awards. The Committee may from time to time grant Awards to one or more employees, Consultants, or Directors determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

5.3 Stock Offered. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.1, the stock to be offered pursuant to the grant of an Award may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or Common Stock previously issued and outstanding and reacquired by the Company. Any of such shares which remain unissued and which are not subject to outstanding Awards at the termination of the Plan shall cease to be subject to the Plan but, until termination of the Plan, the Company shall at all times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan.

ARTICLE 6

ELIGIBILITY

Awards may be granted only to persons who, at the time of grant, are employees, Consultants, or Directors. An Award may be granted on more than one occasion to the same

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

4


person, and, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, such Award may include an Incentive Stock Option, an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Phantom Stock Award, or any combination thereof.

ARTICLE 7

STOCK OPTIONS

7.1 Option Period. The term of each Option shall be as specified by the Committee at the date of grant.

7.2 Limitations on Exercise of Option. An Option shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as determined by the Committee.

7.3 Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to an individual who is employed by the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in section 424 of the Code) of the Company at the time the Option is granted. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar year under all incentive stock option plans of the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations exceeds $100,000, such Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Options which do not constitute Incentive Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of a Participant’s Incentive Stock Options will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation and shall notify the Participant of such determination as soon as practicable after such determination. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an individual if, at the time the Option is granted, such individual owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, within the meaning of section 422(b)(6) of the Code, unless (i) at the time such Option is granted the option price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option and (ii) such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant. Except as otherwise provided in sections 421 or 422 of the Code, an Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

7.4 Option Agreement. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to time shall approve, including, without limitation, provisions to qualify an Option as an Incentive Stock Option under section 422 of the Code. Each Option Agreement shall specify the effect of termination of (i) employment, (ii) the consulting or advisory relationship, or (iii) membership on the Board, as applicable, on the exercisability of the Option. An Option Agreement may provide for the payment of the option price, in whole or in part, by the delivery of a number of shares of Common Stock (plus cash if necessary) having a Fair Market Value equal to such option price. Moreover, an Option Agreement may provide for a “cashless exercise” of the Option by establishing procedures satisfactory to the Committee with

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

5


respect thereto. Further, an Option Agreement may provide, on such terms and conditions as the Committee in its sole discretion may prescribe, for the grant of a Stock Appreciation Right in connection with the grant of an Option and, in such case, the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right shall result in the surrender of the right to purchase a number of shares under the Option equal to the number of shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised (and vice versa). In the case of any Stock Appreciation Right that is granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option, such right shall be exercisable only when the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock exceeds the price specified therefor in the Option or the portion thereof to be surrendered. The terms and conditions of the respective Option Agreements need not be identical. Subject to the consent of the Participant, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Option Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, an amendment that accelerates the time at which the Option, or a portion thereof, may be exercisable).

7.5 Option Price and Payment. The price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Committee but, subject to adjustment as provided in Article 10, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, such purchase price shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date such Option is granted. The Option or portion thereof may be exercised by delivery of an irrevocable notice of exercise to the Company, as specified by the Committee. The purchase price of the Option or portion thereof shall be paid in full in the manner prescribed by the Committee. Separate stock certificates shall be issued by the Company for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of any Option that does not constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

7.6 Stockholder Rights and Privileges. The Participant shall be entitled to all the privileges and rights of a stockholder only with respect to such shares of Common Stock as have been purchased under the Option and for which certificates of stock have been registered in the Participant’s name.

7.7 Options and Rights in Substitution for Options Granted by Other Employers. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for options and such rights held by individuals providing services to corporations or other entities who become employees, Consultants, or Directors as a result of a merger or consolidation or other business transaction with the Company or any Affiliate.

ARTICLE 8

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS

8.1 Forfeiture Restrictions To Be Established by the Committee. Shares of Common Stock that are the subject of a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to restrictions on disposition by the Participant and an obligation of the Participant to forfeit and surrender the shares to the Company under certain circumstances (the “Forfeiture Restrictions” ). The Forfeiture Restrictions shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and the Committee may provide that the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse upon (i) the attainment of one or more performance targets established by the Committee, (ii) the Participant’s continued

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

6


employment with the Company or an Affiliate or continued service as a Consultant or Director for a specified period of time, (iii) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Committee in its sole discretion, or (iv) a combination of any of the foregoing. Each Restricted Stock Award may have different Forfeiture Restrictions, in the discretion of the Committee.

8.2 Other Terms and Conditions. Common Stock awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award shall be represented by a stock certificate registered in the name of the Participant. Unless provided otherwise in a Restricted Stock Agreement, the Participant shall have the right to receive dividends with respect to Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, to vote Common Stock subject thereto and to enjoy all other stockholder rights, except that (i) the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (ii) the Company shall retain custody of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iii) the Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iv) a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Committee pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award and (v) with respect to the payment of any dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award directly to the Participant, each such dividend shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividends are paid to stockholders of such class of shares or, if later, the fifteenth day of the third month following the date the dividends are paid to stockholders of such class of shares. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms, conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the termination of employment or service as a Consultant or Director (by retirement, disability, death or otherwise) of a Participant prior to expiration of the Forfeitures Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall be set forth in a Restricted Stock Agreement made in conjunction with the Award.

8.3 Payment for Restricted Stock. The Committee shall determine the amount and form of any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, provided that in the absence of such a determination, a Participant shall not be required to make any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.

8.4 Committee’s Discretion to Accelerate Vesting of Restricted Stock Awards . The Committee may, in its discretion and as of a date determined by the Committee, fully vest any or all Common Stock awarded to a Participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award and, upon such vesting, all restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock Award shall terminate as of such date. Any action by the Committee pursuant to this Section 8.4 may vary among individual Participants and may vary among the Restricted Stock Awards held by any individual Participant.

8.5 Restricted Stock Agreements. At the time any Award is made under this Article 8, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Restricted Stock Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Restricted Stock Agreements need

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

7


not be identical. Subject to the consent of the Participant, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Restricted Stock Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.

ARTICLE 9

PHANTOM STOCK AWARDS

9.1 Phantom Stock Awards. Phantom Stock Awards are rights to receive shares of Common Stock (or the Fair Market Value thereof), or rights to receive an amount equal to any appreciation or increase in the Fair Market Value of Common Stock over a specified period of time, which vest upon (i) the attainment of one or more performance targets established by the Committee, (ii) the Participant’s continued employment with the Company or an Affiliate or continued service as a Consultant or Director for a specified period of time, (iii) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Committee in its sole discretion, or (iv) a combination of any of the foregoing. The Committee may, in its discretion, require payment or other conditions of the Participant respecting any Phantom Stock Award. A Phantom Stock Award may include, without limitation, a Stock Appreciation Right that is granted independently of an Option.

9.2 Award Criteria. The Committee shall establish, with respect to and at the time of grant of each Phantom Stock Award, the terms and conditions applicable to such Award. In determining the terms and conditions of Phantom Stock Awards, the Committee shall take into account a Participant’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other Awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate.

9.3 Payment. Following the end of the vesting or performance period for a Phantom Stock Award (or at such other time as the applicable Phantom Stock Award Agreement may provide), the holder of a Phantom Stock Award shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount, not exceeding the maximum value of the Phantom Stock Award, based on the then vested value of the Award. Payment of a Phantom Stock Award may be made in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Committee. Payment shall be made in a lump sum or in installments as prescribed by the Committee. Any payment to be made in cash shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the payment date or such other date as may be specified by the Committee in the Phantom Stock Award Agreement. Cash dividend equivalents may be paid during or after the vesting or performance period with respect to a Phantom Stock Award, as determined by the Committee.

9.4 Termination of Award. A Phantom Stock Award shall terminate if the Participant does not remain continuously in the employ of the Company and its Affiliates or does not continue to perform services as a Consultant or a Director for the Company and its Affiliates at all times during the applicable vesting or performance period, except as may be otherwise determined by the Committee.

9.5 Phantom Stock Award Agreements. At the time any Award is made under this Article 9, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Phantom Stock Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby, and such additional matters as the

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

8


Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Phantom Stock Award Agreements need not be identical.

ARTICLE 10

RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION

10.1 No Effect on Right or Power. The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s or any Affiliate’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate, any issue of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting Common Stock or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Affiliate, any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding.

10.2 Subdivision or Consolidation of Shares; Stock Dividends. The shares with respect to which Awards may be granted are shares of Common Stock as presently constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of an Award theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of shares of Common Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Common Stock without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such Award may thereafter be exercised or satisfied, as applicable (i) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately increased, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately reduced, and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately increased. Any fractional share resulting from such adjustment shall be rounded up to the next whole share.

10.3 Recapitalizations and Corporate Changes. If the Company recapitalizes, reclassifies its capital stock, or otherwise changes its capital structure (a recapitalization ”), the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by an Award theretofore granted shall be adjusted so that such Award shall thereafter cover the number and class of shares of stock and securities to which the Participant would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to the recapitalization, the Participant had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock then covered by such Award. If (i) the Company shall not be the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of an entity), (ii) the Company sells, leases or exchanges or agrees to sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of its assets to any other person or entity, (iii) the Company is to be dissolved and liquidated, (iv) any person or entity, including a “group” as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, acquires or gains ownership or control (including, without limitation, power to vote) of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s voting stock (based upon voting power), or (v) as a result of or in connection with a contested election of Directors, the persons who were Directors of the Company before such election shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board (each such event is referred to herein as a “Corporate Change” ), no later than (x) 10 days after the approval by the stockholders of the Company of such merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale, lease or exchange of assets or dissolution or such election of Directors or (y) 30 days after a Corporate

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

9


Change of the type described in clause (iv), the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any Participant, shall effect one or more of the following alternatives, which alternatives may vary among individual Participants and which may vary among Options or Stock Appreciation Rights held by any individual Participant: (1) accelerate the time at which Options or Stock Appreciation Rights then outstanding may be exercised so that such Awards may be exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before a specified date (before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee, after which specified date all such unexercised Awards and all rights of Participants thereunder shall terminate, (2) require the mandatory surrender to the Company by all or selected Participants of some or all of the outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participants (irrespective of whether such Awards are then exercisable under the provisions of the Plan) as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Awards and the Company shall pay (or cause to be paid) to each Participant an amount of cash per share equal to the excess, if any, of the amount calculated in Section 10.4 below (the “Change of Control Value” ) of the shares subject to such Awards over the exercise price(s) under such Awards for such shares, or (3) make such adjustments to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Corporate Change (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to such Awards then outstanding), including, without limitation, adjusting such an Award to provide that the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by such Award shall be adjusted so that such Award shall thereafter cover securities of the surviving or acquiring corporation or other property (including, without limitation, cash) as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

10.4 Change of Control Value. For the purposes of clause (2) in Section 10.3 above, the “Change of Control Value” shall equal the amount determined in clause (i), (ii) or (iii), whichever is applicable, as follows: (i) the per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any such merger, consolidation, sale of assets or dissolution transaction, (ii) the price per share offered to stockholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a Corporate Change takes place, or (iii) if such Corporate Change occurs other than pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, the fair market value per share of the shares into which such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights being surrendered are exercisable, as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the date of cancellation and surrender of such Awards. In the event that the consideration offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction described in this Section 10.4 or Section 10.3 above consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered which is other than cash.

10.5 Other Changes in the Common Stock. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock by reason of recapitalizations, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, split-ups, split-offs, spin-offs, exchanges or other relevant changes in capitalization or distributions to the holders of Common Stock occurring after the date of the grant of any Award and not otherwise provided for by this Article 10, such Award and any agreement evidencing such Award shall be subject to adjustment by the Committee at its sole discretion as to the number and price of shares of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Award. In the event of any such change in the outstanding Common Stock or

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

10


distribution to the holders of Common Stock, or upon the occurrence of any other event described in this Article 10, the aggregate maximum number of shares available under the Plan and the aggregate maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options shall be appropriately adjusted to the extent, if any, determined by the Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive.

10.6 Stockholder Action. Any adjustment provided for in this Article 10 shall be subject to any required stockholder action.

10.7 No Adjustments unless Otherwise Provided. Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per share, if applicable.

ARTICLE 11

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares of Common Stock for which Awards have not theretofore been granted. The Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof from time to time; provided that no change in the Plan may be made that would impair the rights of a Participant with respect to an Award theretofore granted without the consent of the Participant, and provided, further, that the Board may not, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend the Plan to (a) increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan (unless such increase occurs by reason of the adjustment described in Article 10), (b) increase the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options (unless such increase occurs by reason of the adjustment described in Article 10), or (c) change the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the Plan.

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS

12.1 No Right To An Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any action of the Board or of the Committee shall be deemed to give any individual any right to be granted an Option, a right to a Restricted Stock Award or a right to a Phantom Stock Award, or any other rights hereunder except as may be evidenced by an Award agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company, and then only to the extent and on the terms and conditions expressly set forth therein. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of funds or assets to assure the performance of its obligations under any Award.

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

11


12.2 No Employment/Membership Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan shall (i) confer upon any employee or Consultant any right with respect to continuation of employment or of a consulting or advisory relationship with the Company or any Affiliate or (ii) interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate his or her employment or consulting or advisory relationship at any time. Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation of membership on the Board.

12.3 Other Laws; Withholding. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any Common Stock pursuant to any Award granted under the Plan at any time when the shares covered by such Award have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such other state and federal laws, rules and regulations as the Company or the Committee deems applicable and, in the opinion of legal counsel for the Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of such laws, rules and regulations available for the issuance and sale of such shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be delivered, nor shall any cash in lieu of fractional shares be paid. The Company shall have the right to deduct in connection with all Awards any taxes required by law to be withheld and to require any payments required to enable it to satisfy its withholding obligations.

12.4 No Restriction on Corporate Action. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Affiliate from taking any action which is deemed by the Company or such Affiliate to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No Participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Affiliate as a result of any such action.

12.5 Restrictions on Transfer. An Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option, which shall be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 7.3) shall not be transferable otherwise than (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder, or (iii) with the consent of the Committee. In addition, Awards may be subject to additional transfer restrictions and obligations in connection with transfer to the extent set forth in each Participant’s Option Agreement, Phantom Stock Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Agreement, as applicable.

12.6 Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

2007 S TOCK I NCENTIVE P LAN

12

Exhibit 10.6

EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Agreement made as of the 1 st day of December, 2007 (the “Date of Grant” ), between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company” ), and Theresa Backes ( “Employee” ).

To carry out the purposes of the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan” ), the Company desires to grant to Employee an option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share ( “Common Stock” ). In consideration of the mutual agreements and other matters set forth herein and in the Plan, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:

1. Capitalized Terms; Section References . Capitalized terms used in this Agreement that are not defined in the body of this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms under the Plan. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this Agreement to Sections refer to the Sections of this Agreement.

2. Grant of Option . The Company hereby irrevocably grants to Employee the right and option ( “Option” ) to purchase all or any part of an aggregate of 1,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Option Shares” ) on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan, which Plan is incorporated herein by reference as a part of this Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall control. This Option shall not be treated as an incentive stock option within the meaning of section 422(b) of the Code.

3. Purchase Price . The purchase price of Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of this Option shall be $571.43 per share.

4. Exercise of Option . Subject to the provisions of Section 5, the Option may be exercised, by written notice to the Company at its principal executive office addressed to the attention of its Corporate Secretary (or such other officer or employee of the Company as the Company may designate from time to time), at any time and from time to time after the Date of Grant, but, except as otherwise provided below, the Option shall not be exercisable for more than a percentage of the aggregate number of Option Shares determined by the number of full years from the Vesting Commencement Date to the date of such exercise, in accordance with the following schedule:

 

Number of Full Years

   Percentage of Option Shares
That May Be Purchased
 

Less than 1 year

     0

1 year

     20

2 years

     40

3 years

     60

4 years

     80

5 years or more

     100


For purposes of this Agreement, the “Vesting Commencement Date” means October 15, 2007. Notwithstanding the exercise schedule in this Section 4 or any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if Employee has been continuously employed by the Company from the Vesting Commencement Date to immediately prior to the consummation of any Change of Control Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock), the Option shall be exercisable for all of the Option Shares upon the consummation of such Change of Control Transaction.

5. Effect of Termination of Employment; General Terms of Exercise . This Option may be exercised only while Employee remains an employee of the Company and will terminate and cease to be exercisable upon Employee’s termination of employment with the Company, except that:

(a) If Employee’s employment with the Company terminates by reason of disability (within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code), this Option may be exercised by Employee (or Employee’s estate or the Person who acquires this Option by will or the laws of descent and distribution or otherwise by reason of the death of Employee) at any time during the period of one year following such termination, but only as to the number of shares Employee was entitled to purchase hereunder as of the date Employee’s employment so terminates.

(b) If Employee dies while in the employ of the Company, Employee’s estate, or the Person who acquires this Option by will or the laws of descent and distribution or otherwise by reason of the death of Employee, may exercise this Option at any time during the period of one year following the date of Employee’s death, but only as to the number of shares Employee was entitled to purchase hereunder as of the date of Employee’s death.

(c) If Employee’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason other than as described in (a) or (b) above, unless Employee voluntarily terminates such employment or such employment is terminated for cause, this Option may be exercised by Employee at any time during the period of three months following such termination, or by Employee’s estate (or the Person who acquires this Option by will or the laws of descent and distribution or otherwise by reason of the death of Employee) during a period of one year following Employee’s death if Employee dies during such three month period, but in each case only as to the number of shares Employee was entitled to purchase hereunder as of the date Employee’s employment so terminates. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, advise Employee in writing, prior to a voluntary termination of Employee’s employment, that such termination will be treated for purposes of this paragraph as an involuntary termination for a reason other than cause. As used in this paragraph, the term “cause” shall mean Employee (i) has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or of a felony, (ii) has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of the duties of Employee’s employment, (iii) has willfully disregarded any written corporate policies established by the Company, (iv) has materially breached any material provision of any written agreement between Employee and the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (v) failure to meet established goals or objectives, whether individual or corporate.

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

E MPLOYEE S TOCK O PTION A GREEMENT

2


This Option shall not be exercisable in any event after the expiration of 10 years from the date of grant hereof. The purchase price of shares as to which this Option is exercised shall be paid in full at the time of exercise (a) in cash (including check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company) or (b) if acceptable to the Board, any of the following, (i) if the Common Stock is readily tradable on a national securities market, by delivering or constructively tendering to the Company shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the purchase price (provided such shares used for this purpose must have been held by Employee for such minimum period of time as may be established from time to time by the Committee), (ii) if the Common Stock is readily tradable on a national securities market, through a “cashless exercise” in accordance with a Company established policy or program for the same, (iii) “net issue exercise,” pursuant to which the Company will issue to Employee (or the Person permitted to exercise this Option in the event of Employee’s death) a number of shares of Common Stock as to which this Option is exercised less a number of shares with a Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise equal to the purchase price for such shares, or (iv) any combination of cash and/or any of the foregoing. No fraction of a share of Common Stock shall be issued by the Company upon exercise of this Option or accepted by the Company in payment of the exercise price thereof; rather, Employee shall provide a cash payment for such amount as is necessary to effect the issuance and acceptance of only whole shares of Common Stock. Unless and until a certificate or certificates representing such shares shall have been issued by the Company to Employee, Employee (or the Person permitted to exercise this Option in the event of Employee’s death) shall not be or have any of the rights or privileges of a shareholder of the Company with respect to shares acquirable upon an exercise of this Option.

6. Transfer Restrictions: Repurchases. Shares of Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of this Option shall be subject to the transfer restrictions, repurchase provisions and other terms and conditions set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended and restated from time to time, including without limitation all amendments thereto effected by certificates of designation of any class of capital stock that may be issued from time to time by the Company (for example, the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock) (collectively, the “Stock Restrictions”), copies of which have previously been provided to Employee. Employee agrees that Employee and Employee’s spouse, if any, will, at any time and from time to time as requested by the Company, execute and deliver to the Company such other documents and instruments, if any, as the Committee or the Board, in their discretion, may require to evidence such Persons’ agreement to be bound by such transfer restrictions, repurchase provisions and other terms and conditions applicable to the Common Stock.

7. Withholding of Tax . To the extent that the exercise of this Option or the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired by exercise of this Option results in compensation income or wages to Employee for federal, state or local tax purposes, Employee shall deliver to the Company at the time of such exercise or disposition such amount of money or, with the consent of the Committee, shares of Common Stock (including shares previously held or shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of this Option, valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of surrender or withholding of such shares) as the Company may require to meet its minimum obligation under applicable tax laws or regulations. No exercise of this Option shall

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

E MPLOYEE S TOCK O PTION A GREEMENT

3


be effective until Employee (or the Person entitled to exercise this Option, as applicable) has made arrangements approved by the Company to satisfy all applicable minimum tax withholding requirements of the Company.

8. Status of Common Stock . Employee understands that at the time of the execution of this Agreement the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of this Option have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities law, and that the Company does not currently intend to effect any such registration. Until the shares of Common Stock acquirable upon the exercise of the Option have been registered for issuance under the Securities Act, the Company will not issue such shares unless the holder of the Option provides the Company with a written opinion of legal counsel, who shall be satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company and satisfactory in form and substance to the Company’s counsel, to the effect that the proposed issuance of such shares to such Option holder may be made without registration under the Securities Act. In the event exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available upon an exercise of this Option, Employee (or the Person permitted to exercise this Option in the event of Employee’s death or incapacity), if requested by the Company to do so, will execute and deliver to the Company in writing an agreement containing such provisions as the Company may require to assure compliance with applicable securities laws.

Employee agrees that the shares of Common Stock which Employee may acquire by exercising this Option shall be acquired for investment without a view to distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, and shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in the absence of an effective registration statement for the shares under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Employee also agrees that the shares of Common Stock which Employee may acquire by exercising this Option will not be sold or otherwise disposed of in any manner which would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities laws.

In addition, Employee agrees that (i) the certificates representing the shares of Common Stock purchased under this Option may bear such legend or legends as the Committee deems appropriate in order to assure compliance with the Stock Restrictions and applicable securities laws, (ii) the Company may refuse to register the transfer of the shares of Common Stock purchased under this Option on the stock transfer records of the Company if such proposed transfer would in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company constitute a violation of the Stock Restrictions or any applicable securities law and (iii) the Company may give related instructions to its transfer agent, if any, to stop registration of the transfer of the shares of Common Stock purchased under this Option.

9. Employment Relationship . For purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as long as Employee remains an employee of either the Company, an Affiliate, or a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation assuming or substituting a new option for this Option. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, it is expressly provided that Employee shall be considered to have terminated employment with the Company at the time of the termination of the “Affiliate” status

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

E MPLOYEE S TOCK O PTION A GREEMENT

4


under the Plan of the entity or other organization that employs Employee. Any question as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment, and the cause of such termination, shall be determined by the Committee and its determination shall be final.

10. Surrender of Option . At any time and from time to time prior to the termination of this Option, Employee may surrender all or a portion of this Option to the Company for no consideration by providing written notice to the Company at its principal executive office addressed to the attention of its Corporate Secretary (or such other officer or employee of the Company as the Company may designate from time to time). Such notice shall specify the number of shares with respect to which this Option is being surrendered and, if this Option is being surrendered with respect to less than all of the shares then subject to this Option, then such notice shall also specify the date upon which, or the circumstances under which, this Option became (or would become) exercisable in accordance with Section 4 or Section 5 with respect to the shares being surrendered.

11. Acknowledgements Regarding Section 409A of the Code . Employee understands that if the purchase price of the Common Stock under this Option is less than the fair market value of such Common Stock on the date of grant of this Option, then Employee may incur adverse tax consequences under section 409A of the Code. Employee acknowledges and agrees that (a) he is not relying upon any determination by the Company, its Affiliates, or any of their respective employees, directors, officers, attorneys or agents (collectively, the “Company Parties”) of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of this Option, (b) he is not relying upon any written or oral statement or representation of the Company Parties regarding the tax effects associated with Employee’s execution of this Agreement and his receipt, holding and exercise of this Option, and (c) in deciding to enter into this Agreement, Employee is relying on his own judgment and the judgment of the professionals of his choice with whom he has consulted. Employee hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges the Company Parties from all actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, obligations, liabilities, claims, damages, losses, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, on account of, arising out of, or in any way related to the tax effects associated with Employee’s execution of this Agreement and his receipt, holding and exercise of this Option.

12. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors to the Company and all Persons lawfully claiming under Employee.

13. Entire Agreemen t. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and contains all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to the Option granted hereby. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, all prior understandings and agreements, if any, among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof are hereby null and void and of no further force and effect. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by both Employee and an authorized officer of the Company.

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

E MPLOYEE S TOCK O PTION A GREEMENT

5


14. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

[Signatures on following page.]

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

E MPLOYEE S TOCK O PTION A GREEMENT

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized, and Employee has executed this Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION
By:   /s/ John De Meritt
  Name:   John De Meritt
  Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Theresa R. Backes
Employee

Notice Addresses:

If to Company, to:

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 West 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

Attn: President and Chief Executive Officer

If to Employee, to:

[Address on file]

SPOUSAL CONSENT

Employee’s spouse, if any, is fully aware of, understands and fully consents and agrees to the provisions of this Agreement and its binding effect upon any marital or community property interests he/she may now or hereafter own, and agrees that the termination of his/her and Employee’s marital relationship for any reason shall not have the effect of removing this Option or any Common Stock purchased under this Agreement from coverage hereunder and that his/her awareness, understanding, consent and agreement are evidenced by his/her signature below.

 

/s/ Mark J. Backes
Signature of Spouse
Mark J. Backes
Printed Name of Spouse

 

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

E MPLOYEE S TOCK O PTION A GREEMENT

7

Exhibit 10.7

EXECUTION

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; DEFINITIONS. The purpose of this Plan is to promote the success of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”) and the interests of its stockholders by providing a means through which the Corporation may grant equity-based incentives to attract, motivate, retain and reward certain officers, employees, directors and other eligible persons and to further link the interests of Award recipients with those of the Corporation’s stockholders generally. Section 8 of this Plan provides definitions for certain capitalized terms used in this Plan and not defined herein.

2. ADMINISTRATION.

2.1 Administrator. This Plan shall be administered by and all Awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator. The “Administrator” means the Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan. Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted. The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and its Affiliates who will receive grants of Awards under this Plan, and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to, and the other terms and conditions of, such Awards. The Board may delegate different levels of authority to different committees with administrative authority and authority to grant Awards under this Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation or the applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator.

2.2 Plan Awards; Interpretation; Powers of Administrator. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of Awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within the authority delegated to that committee or officer(s)), including, without limitation, the authority to:

 

  (a) determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, the particular Eligible Persons who will receive Awards;

 

  (b) grant Awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price and number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons, determine the other specific terms and conditions of Awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installments (if any) in which such Awards will become exercisable or will vest (which may include, without

 

1


 

limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules) or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance targets, and establish the events of termination or reversion of such Awards;

 

  (c) approve the forms of Award Agreements, which need not be identical either as to type of Award or among Participants;

 

  (d) construe and interpret this Plan and any Award Agreement or other agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, its Affiliates, and Participants under this Plan, make factual determinations with respect to the administration of this Plan, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the Awards;

 

  (e) cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding Awards, subject to any required consent under Section 7.7.4;

 

  (f) accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all outstanding Awards (within the maximum ten-year term of Awards under Sections 5.4.2 and 6.5) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a termination of employment or services or other events of a personal nature);

 

  (g) determine Fair Market Value for purposes of this Plan and Awards;

 

  (h) determine the duration and purposes of leaves of absence that may be granted to Participants without constituting a termination of their employment for purposes of this Plan; and

 

  (i) determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof and authorize the termination, conversion, substitution or succession of awards upon the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7.3.

2.3 Binding Determinations. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Affiliate, the Board or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Neither the Board nor the Administrator, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any Award), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.

 

2


2.4 Reliance on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including employees of and professional advisors to the Corporation. No director, officer or agent of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith.

3. ELIGIBILITY. Awards may be granted under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An “Eligible Person” means any person who qualifies as one of the following at the time of grant of the respective Award:

 

  (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates;

 

  (b) any member of the Board; or

 

  (c) any director of one of the Corporation’s Affiliates, or any individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or one of its Affiliates, as applicable, in a capital raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of that entity’s securities) to the Corporation or one of its Affiliates.

An advisor or consultant may be selected as an Eligible Person pursuant to clause (c) above only if such person’s participation in this Plan would not adversely affect (1) the Corporation’s eligibility to rely on the Rule 701 exemption from registration under the Securities Act for the offering of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation, or (2) the Corporation’s compliance with any other applicable laws.

An Eligible Person may, but need not, be granted one or more Awards pursuant to Section 5 and/or one or more Awards pursuant to Section 6. An Eligible Person who has been granted an Award under this Plan may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Awards under this Plan if the Administrator so determines. However, a person’s status as an Eligible Person is not a commitment that any Award will be granted to that person under this Plan. Furthermore, an Eligible Person who has been granted an Award under Section 5 is not necessarily entitled to an Award under Section 6, or vice versa, unless otherwise expressly determined by the Administrator.

Each Award granted under this Plan must be approved by the Administrator at or prior to the grant of the Award.

4. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

4.1 Shares Available. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.3.1, the capital stock that may be delivered under this Plan will be shares of the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Stock and any of its shares of Common Stock held as treasury shares. The shares of Common Stock issued and delivered may be issued and delivered for any lawful consideration.

 

3


4.2 Share Limit. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.3.1 and further subject to the share counting rules of Section 4.3, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan will not exceed 5,051 shares (the “Share Limit” ) in the aggregate. As required under Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-2(b)(3)(i), in no event will the number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan exceed the Share Limit.

4.3 Replenishment and Reissue of Unvested Awards. To the extent that an Award is settled in cash or a form other than shares of Common Stock, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall not be counted against the shares available for issuance under this Plan. No Award may be granted under this Plan unless, on the date of grant, the sum of (a) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable at any time pursuant to such Award, plus (b) the number of shares of Common Stock that have previously been issued pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan, plus (c) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued at any time after such date of grant pursuant to Awards that are outstanding on such date, does not exceed the Share Limit. Shares of Common Stock that are subject to or underlie Options granted under this Plan that expire or for any reason are canceled or terminated without having been exercised (or shares of Common Stock subject to or underlying the unexercised portion of such Options in the case of Options that were partially exercised), as well as shares of Common Stock that are subject to Stock Awards made under this Plan that are forfeited to the Corporation or otherwise repurchased by the Corporation prior to the vesting of such shares for a price not greater than the original purchase or issue price of such shares (as adjusted pursuant to Section 7.3.1) will again, except to the extent prohibited by law or applicable listing or regulatory requirements, be available for subsequent Award grants under this Plan. Shares that are exchanged by a Participant or withheld by the Corporation as full or partial payment in connection with any Award under this Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a Participant or withheld by the Corporation or one of its Affiliates to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any Award, shall be available for subsequent Awards under this Plan. Adjustments to the Share Limit pursuant to this Section 4.3 are subject to any applicable limitations of the Code in the case of Awards intended to be Incentive Stock Options.

4.4 Reservation of Shares. The Corporation shall at all times reserve a number of shares of Common Stock sufficient to cover the Corporation’s obligations and contingent obligations to deliver shares with respect to Awards then outstanding under this Plan.

 

5. OPTION GRANT PROGRAM

5.1 Option Grants in General. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in the form approved by the Administrator. The Award Agreement evidencing an Option shall contain the terms established by the Administrator for that Award, as well as any other terms, provisions, or restrictions that the Administrator may impose on the Option or any shares of Common Stock subject to the Option; in each case subject to the applicable provisions and limitations of this Section 5 and the other

 

4


applicable provisions and limitations of this Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement. The Administrator may require that the recipient of an Option promptly execute and return to the Corporation his or her Award Agreement evidencing the Award. In addition, the Administrator may require that the spouse of any married recipient of an Option also promptly execute and return to the Corporation the Award Agreement evidencing the Award granted to the recipient or such other spousal consent form that the Administrator may require in connection with the grant of the Award.

5.2 Incentive Stock Option Status. The Administrator will designate each Option granted under this Plan as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, and such designation shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Any Option granted under this Plan that is not expressly designated in the applicable Award Agreement as an Incentive Stock Option will be deemed to be designated a Nonqualified Stock Option under this Plan and not an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. Incentive Stock Options shall be subject to the provisions of Section 5.5 in addition to the provisions of this Plan applicable to Options generally.

5.3 Option Price.

 

  5.3.1 Option Pricing Limits . Subject to the following provisions of this Section 5.3.1, the Administrator will determine the purchase price per share of the Common Stock covered by each Option (the “exercise price” of the Option) at the time of the grant of the Option, which exercise price will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. In no case will the exercise price of an Option be less than the greatest of:

 

  (a) the par value of the Common Stock;

 

  (b) subject to clause (c) below, 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant; or

 

  (c) in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant described in Section 5.5.4, 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

  5.3.2 Payment Provisions . The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver certificates for the shares of Common Stock to be purchased on exercise of an Option unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise price therefor, all related withholding obligations under Section 7.6 have been satisfied, and all other conditions to the exercise of the Option set forth herein, in the Award Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement have been satisfied. The purchase price of any shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of an Option must be paid in full at the time of each purchase in such lawful consideration as may be permitted or required by the Administrator, which may include, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:

 

5


  (a) cash, check payable to the order of the Corporation, or electronic funds transfer;

 

  (b) notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator;

 

  (c) the delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock;

 

  (d) by a reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable pursuant to the Award;

 

  (e) subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise”; or

 

  (f) if authorized by the Administrator or specified in the applicable Award Agreement, by a promissory note of the Participant consistent with the requirements set forth by the Administrator or the Award Agreement, as applicable.

 

     In no event shall any shares newly-issued by the Corporation be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable state law. Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the exercise price of an Option (whether previously-owned shares or shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the terms of the Option) shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Administrator may eliminate or limit a Participant’s ability to pay the purchase or exercise price of any Award by any method other than cash payment to the Corporation.

 

  5.4 Vesting; Term; Exercise Procedure.

 

  5.4.1 Vesting . An Option may be exercised only to the extent that it is vested and exercisable. The Administrator will determine the vesting and/or exercisability provisions of each Option (which may be based on performance criteria, passage of time or other factors or any combination thereof), which provisions will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Unless the Administrator otherwise expressly provides, once exercisable an Option will remain exercisable until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

  5.4.2 Term . Each Option shall expire not more than 10 years after its date of grant. Each Option will be subject to earlier termination as provided in or pursuant to Sections 5.6 and 7.3 or the terms of the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  5.4.3

Exercise Procedure . Any exercisable Option will be deemed to be exercised when (a) the applicable exercise procedures in the related Award

 

6


 

Agreement have been satisfied (or, in the absence of any such procedures in the related Award Agreement, the Corporation has received written notice of such exercise from the Participant), (b) the Corporation has received any required payment made in accordance with Section 5.3, (c) the Company has received a Joinder Agreement, signed by the Participant or the Participant’s Personal Representative, as applicable, (d) all withholding obligations arising in connection with the exercise have been satisfied in accordance with Section 7.6, and (e) the Corporation has received any written statement required pursuant to Section 7.5.1.

 

  5.4.4 Fractional Shares/Minimum Issue . Fractional share interests will be disregarded, but may be accumulated. The Administrator, however, may determine that cash, other securities, or other property will be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional share interests. No Option may be exercised as to fewer than 10 shares (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7.3.1) at one time unless the number as to which the Award is exercised is the total number at the time then subject to the vested and exercisable portion of the Award.

 

  5.5 Limitations on Grant and Terms of Incentive Stock Options.

 

  5.5.1 $100,000 Limit . To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of stock with respect to which incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) first become exercisable by a Participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Stock subject to Incentive Stock Options under this Plan and stock subject to incentive stock options under all other plans of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, such options will be treated as nonqualified stock options. For this purpose, the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to options will be determined as of the date the options were awarded. In reducing the number of options treated as incentive stock options to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted options will be reduced ( i.e., recharacterized as nonqualified stock options) first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which shares of Common Stock are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option.

 

  5.5.2 Other Code Limits . Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to individuals that are employees of the Corporation or one of its Affiliates and satisfy the other eligibility requirements of the Code. Any Award Agreement relating to Incentive Stock Options will contain or shall be deemed to contain such other terms and conditions as from time to time are required in order that the Option be an “incentive stock option” as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code.

 

7


  5.5.3 ISO Notice of Sale Requirement . Any Participant who exercises an Incentive Stock Option shall give prompt written notice to the Corporation of any sale or other transfer of the shares of Common Stock acquired on such exercise if the sale or other transfer occurs within (a) one year after the exercise date of the Option, or (b) two years after the grant date of the Option.

 

  5.5.4 Limits on 10% Holders . No Incentive Stock Option may be granted to any person who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) shares of outstanding stock of the Corporation (or any of its Affiliates) possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation (or any of its Affiliates), unless the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option and the Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable more than five years after the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted.

 

  5.6 Effects of Termination of Employment on Options.

 

  5.6.1 Dismissal for Cause . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement and subject to earlier termination pursuant to or as contemplated by Section 5.4.2 or 7.3, if a Participant’s employment by or service to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates is terminated by such entity for Cause, the Participant’s Option will terminate on the Participant’s Severance Date, whether or not the Option is then vested and/or exercisable.

 

  5.6.2 Death or Disability . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement (consistent with applicable securities laws) and subject to earlier termination pursuant to or as contemplated by Section 5.4.2 or 7.3, if a Participant’s employment by or service to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates terminates as a result of the Participant’s death or Total Disability:

 

  (a) the Participant (or his or her Personal Representative or Beneficiary, in the case of the Participant’s Total Disability or death, respectively), will have until the date that is 12 months after the Participant’s Severance Date to exercise the Participant’s Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested and exercisable on the Severance Date;

 

  (b) the Option, to the extent not vested and exercisable on the Participant’s Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date; and

 

8


  (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 12-month period following the Participant’s Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 12-month period.

 

  5.6.3 Other Terminations of Employment . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement (consistent with applicable securities laws) and subject to earlier termination pursuant to or as contemplated by Section 5.4.2 or 7.3, if a Participant’s employment by or service to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates terminates for any reason other than a termination by such entity for Cause or because of the Participant’s death or Total Disability:

 

  (a) the Participant will have until the date that is 3 months after the Participant’s Severance Date to exercise his or her Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested and exercisable on the Severance Date;

 

  (b) the Option, to the extent not vested and exercisable on the Participant’s Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date; and

 

  (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 3-month period following the Participant’s Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-month period.

5.7 Option Repricing/Cancellation and Regrant/Waiver of Restrictions. Subject to Section 4 and Section 7.7 and the specific limitations on Options contained in this Plan, the Administrator from time to time may authorize, generally or in specific cases only, for the benefit of any Eligible Person, any adjustment in the exercise or base price, the vesting schedule, the number of shares subject to, or the term of, an Option granted under this Plan by cancellation of an outstanding Option and a subsequent regranting of the Option, by amendment, by substitution of an outstanding Option, by waiver or by other legally valid means. Such amendment or other action may result in, among other changes, an exercise or base price that is higher or lower than the exercise or base price of the original or prior Option, provide for a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, or provide for a longer or shorter vesting or exercise period.

 

6. STOCK AWARD PROGRAM.

6.1 Stock Awards in General. Each Stock Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in the form approved by the Administrator. The Award Agreement evidencing a Stock Award shall contain the terms established by the Administrator for that Stock Award, as well as any other terms, provisions, or restrictions that the Administrator may impose on the Stock Award; in each case subject to the applicable

 

9


provisions and limitations of this Section 6 and the other applicable provisions and limitations of this Plan. The Administrator may require that the recipient of a Stock Award promptly execute and return to the Corporation his or her Award Agreement evidencing the Stock Award. In addition, the Administrator may require that the spouse of any married recipient of a Stock Award also promptly execute and return to the Corporation the Award Agreement evidencing the Stock Award granted to the recipient or such other spousal consent form that the Administrator may require in connection with the grant of the Stock Award.

6.2 Types of Stock Awards. The Administrator shall designate whether a Stock Award shall be a Restricted Stock Award, and such designation shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

6.3 Purchase Price.

 

  6.3.1 Pricing Limits . Subject to the following provisions of this Section 6.3, the Administrator will determine the purchase price per share of the Common Stock covered by each Stock Award at the time of grant of the Award. In no case will such purchase price be less than the par value of the Common Stock.

 

  6.3.2 Payment Provisions . The Corporation will not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock awarded under this Section 6 unless and until it receives full payment of the purchase price therefor and all other conditions to the purchase, as determined by the Administrator, have been satisfied. The purchase price of any shares subject to a Stock Award must be paid in full at the time of the purchase in such lawful consideration as may be permitted or required by the Administrator, which may include, without limitation, one or a combination of the methods set forth in clauses (a) through (f) in Section 5.3.2 and/or past services rendered to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates.

6.4 Vesting. The restrictions imposed on the shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award (which may be based on performance criteria, passage of time or other factors or any combination thereof) will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

6.5 Term. A Stock Award shall either vest or be forfeited not more than 10 years after the date of grant. Each Stock Award will be subject to earlier termination as provided in or pursuant to Sections 6.8 and 7.3. Any payment of cash or delivery of stock in payment for a Stock Award may be delayed until a future date if specifically authorized by the Administrator in writing and by the Participant.

6.6 Stock Certificates; Fractional Shares. Stock certificates evidencing Restricted Shares will bear a legend making appropriate reference to the restrictions imposed hereunder and will be held by the Corporation or by a third party designated by the

 

10


Administrator until the restrictions on such shares have lapsed, the shares have vested in accordance with the provisions of the Award Agreement and Section 6.4, and any related loan has been repaid. Fractional share interests will be disregarded, but may be accumulated. The Administrator, however, may determine that cash, other securities, or other property will be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional share interests.

6.7 Dividend and Voting Rights. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant receiving Restricted Shares will not be entitled to cash dividend and voting rights for all Restricted Shares issued until such shares are vested.

6.8 Termination of Employment; Return to the Corporation. Unless the Administrator otherwise expressly provides, Restricted Shares subject to an Award that remain subject to vesting conditions that have not been satisfied by the time specified in the applicable Award Agreement (which may include, without limitation, the Participant’s Severance Date), will not vest and will be reacquired by the Corporation in such manner and on such terms as the Administrator provides, which terms shall include, to the extent not prohibited by law, return or repayment of the lower of (a) the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Shares at the time of the termination, or (b) the original purchase price of the Restricted Shares, without interest, to the Participant. The Award Agreement shall specify any other terms or conditions of the repurchase if the Award fails to vest. Any other Stock Award that has not been exercised as of a Participant’s Severance Date shall terminate on that date unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement.

6.9 Waiver of Restrictions. Subject to Sections 4 and 7.7 and the specific limitations on Stock Awards contained in this Plan, the Administrator from time to time may authorize, generally or in specific cases only, for the benefit of any Eligible Person, any adjustment in the vesting schedule, or the restrictions upon or the term of, a Stock Award granted under this Plan by amendment, by substitution of an outstanding Stock Award, by waiver or by other legally valid means.

 

7. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL AWARDS.

 

  7.1 Rights of Eligible Persons, Participants and Beneficiaries.

 

  7.1.1 Employment Status . No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an Award (or additional Awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary.

 

  7.1.2 No Employment/Service Contract . Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or related to any Award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or Participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate to change such

 

11


person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause at any time. Nothing in this Section 7.1.2, or in Section 7.3 or 7.15, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract. An Award Agreement shall not constitute a contract of employment or service.

 

  7.1.3 Plan Not Funded . Awards payable under this Plan will be payable in shares of Common Stock or from the general assets of the Corporation, and (except as to the share reservation provided in Section 4.4) no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit will be made to assure payment of such Awards. No Participant, Beneficiary or other person will have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock, except as expressly provided) of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates by reason of any Award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan will create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and any Participant, Beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a Participant, Beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any Award hereunder, such right will be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

 

  7.1.4 Charter Documents . The Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Corporation and the Stockholders’ Agreement, as each of them may lawfully be amended from time to time, may provide for additional restrictions and limitations with respect to the Common Stock (including additional restrictions and limitations on the voting or transfer of Common Stock) or priorities, rights and preferences as to securities and interests prior in rights to the Common Stock. These restrictions and limitations are in addition to (and not in lieu of) those set forth in this Plan or any Award Agreement, and are incorporated herein by this reference.

 

  7.2 No Transferability; Limited Exception to Transfer Restrictions.

 

  7.2.1 Limit on Exercise and Transfer . Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 7.2, by applicable law and by the Award Agreement, as the same may be amended:

 

  (a) all Awards are non-transferable and will not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge;

 

  (b) Awards will be exercised only by the Participant; and

 

12


  (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to an Award will be delivered only to (or for the account of) the Participant.

In addition, the Awards shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  7.2.2  Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer . The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 7.2.1 will not apply to:

 

  (a) transfers to the Corporation;

 

  (b) transfers by gift or domestic relations order to one or more “family members” (as that term is defined in SEC Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act) of the Participant;

 

  (c) the designation of a Beneficiary to receive benefits if the Participant dies or, if the Participant has died, transfers to or exercises by the Participant’s Beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated Beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution; or

 

  (d) if the Participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the Participant by the Participant’s duly authorized legal representative.

Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 7.2.2 to the contrary, but subject to compliance with all applicable laws, Incentive Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards will be subject to any and all transfer restrictions under the Code applicable to such awards or necessary to maintain the intended tax consequences of such Awards. Notwithstanding clause (b) above but subject to compliance with all applicable laws, any contemplated transfer by gift or domestic relations order to one or more “family members” of a Participant as referenced in clause (b) above is subject to the condition precedent that the transfer be approved by the Administrator in order for it to be effective. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, withhold its approval of any such proposed transfer.

 

  7.3 Adjustments; Changes in Control.

 

  7.3.1 

Adjustments . Subject to Section 7.3.2 below, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to): any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation, or other reorganization; any split-up, spin-off, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Stock; or any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; then the Administrator shall equitably and

 

13


 

proportionately adjust (1) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of Awards (including the specific share limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any outstanding Awards, (3) the grant, purchase, or exercise or base price of any outstanding Awards, and/or (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or vesting of any outstanding Awards, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding Awards.

Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to) any event or transaction described in the preceding paragraph or a sale of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation as an entirety, the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust the performance standards applicable to any then-outstanding performance-based Awards to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding performance-based Awards.

It is intended that, if possible, any adjustments contemplated by the preceding two paragraphs be made in a manner that satisfies applicable U.S. legal, tax (including, without limitation and as applicable in the circumstances, Section 424 of the Code and Section 409A of the Code) and accounting (so as to not trigger any charge to earnings with respect to such adjustment) requirements.

Without limiting the generality of Section 2.3, any good faith determination by the Administrator as to whether an adjustment is required in the circumstances pursuant to this Section 7.3.1, and the extent and nature of any such adjustment, shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, in no event shall a conversion of one or more outstanding shares of the Corporation’s preferred stock (if any) or any new issuance of securities by the Corporation for consideration be deemed, in and of itself, to require an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7.3.1.

 

  7.3.2  

Consequences of a Change in Control Event . Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Event, the Administrator may make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding Awards (or the cash, securities or other property deliverable to the holder(s) of any or all outstanding Awards) based upon, to the extent relevant in the circumstances, the distribution or

 

14


 

consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock upon or in respect of such event.

The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide in the applicable Award Agreement or by an amendment thereto for the accelerated vesting of one or more Awards to the extent such Awards are outstanding upon a Change in Control Event or such other events or circumstances as the Administrator may provide.

The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding Awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash, securities or other property settlement. In the case of Options, but without limitation on other methodologies, the Administrator may base such settlement solely upon the excess (if any) of the amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the Option, as applicable, to the extent of the then vested and exercisable shares subject to the Option.

In any of the events referred to in this Section 7.3.2, the Administrator may take such action contemplated by this Section 7.3.2 prior to such event (as opposed to on the occurrence of such event) to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the Participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and/or reinstate the original terms of the Award if an event giving rise to an acceleration does not occur.

 

  7.3.3 

Early Termination of Awards . Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Event, each then-outstanding Award (whether or not vested and/or exercisable), shall terminate, subject to any provision that has been expressly made by the Administrator, through a plan of reorganization or otherwise, for the survival, substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation or settlement of such Award and provided that, in the case of Options that will not survive or be substituted for, assumed, exchanged, or otherwise continued or settled in the Change in Control Event, the holder of such Award shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding and vested Options in accordance with their terms before the termination of the Awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of the impending termination be required). For purposes of this Section 7.3, an Award shall be deemed to have been “assumed” if (without limiting other circumstances in which an Award is assumed) the Award continues after the Change in Control Event, and/or is assumed and continued by a Parent (as such term is defined in the definition of Change in Control Event) following a Change in Control Event, and confers the right to purchase or receive, as applicable and subject to vesting and the other

 

15


 

terms and conditions of the Award, for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control Event, the consideration (whether cash, shares, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control Event by the stockholders of the Corporation for each share of Common Stock sold or exchanged in such transaction (or the consideration received by a majority of the stockholders participating in such transaction if the stockholders were offered a choice of consideration); provided , however , that if the consideration offered for a share of Common Stock in the transaction is not solely the ordinary common stock of a successor corporation or a Parent, the Board may provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise or payment of the Award, for each share subject to the Award, to be solely ordinary common stock of the successor corporation or a Parent equal in Fair Market Value (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Administrator) to the per share consideration received by the stockholders participating in the Change in Control Event.

 

  7.3.4  Other Acceleration Rules . The Administrator may override the provisions of this Section 7.3 as to any Award by express provision in the applicable Award Agreement and may accord any Participant a right to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the Award Agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances as the Administrator may approve. The portion of any Incentive Stock Option accelerated in connection with a Change in Control Event (or such other circumstances as may trigger accelerated vesting of the Incentive Stock Option) shall remain exercisable as an Incentive Stock Option only to the extent the applicable $100,000 limitation on Incentive Stock Options is not exceeded. To the extent exceeded, the accelerated portion of the Option shall be exercisable as a Nonqualified Stock Option.

 

  7.3.5

  Golden Parachute Limitation . Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Section 7.3 to the contrary, in no event shall any Award or payment be accelerated under this Section 7.3 to an extent or in a manner so that such Award or payment, together with any other compensation and benefits provided to, or for the benefit of, the Participant under any other plan or agreement of the Corporation or one of its Affiliates, would not be fully deductible by the Corporation or one of its Affiliates for federal income tax purposes because of Section 280G of the Code. If a holder of an Award would be entitled to benefits or payments hereunder and under any other plan or program that would constitute “parachute payments” as defined in Section 280G of the Code, then the holder may by written notice to the Corporation designate the order in which such parachute payments will be reduced or modified so that the Corporation or one of its Affiliates is not denied federal income tax deductions for any “parachute payments” because of Section 280G of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant is a party to an employment or other agreement with the Corporation or one of its Affiliates, or is a participant in a

 

16


 

severance program sponsored by the Corporation or one of its Affiliates that contains express provisions regarding Section 280G and/or Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar successor provision), or the applicable Award Agreement includes such provisions, the Section 280G and/or Section 4999 provisions of such employment or other agreement or plan, as applicable, shall control as to the Awards held by that Participant (for example, and without limitation, a Participant may be a party to an employment agreement with the Corporation or one of its Affiliates that provides for a “gross-up” as opposed to a “cut-back” in the event that the Section 280G thresholds are reached or exceeded in connection with a change in control and, in such event, the Section 280G and/or Section 4999 provisions of such employment agreement shall control as to any Awards held by that Participant).

 

  7.4 Termination of Employment or Services.

 

  7.4.1  Events Not Deemed a Termination of Employment . Unless the Administrator otherwise expressly provides with respect to a particular Award, if a Participant’s employment by or service to the Corporation or an Affiliate terminates but immediately thereafter the Participant continues in the employ of or service to another Affiliate or the Corporation, as applicable, the Participant shall be deemed to have not had a termination of employment or service for purposes of this Plan and the Participant’s Awards. Unless the express policy of the Corporation or the Administrator otherwise provides, a Participant’s employment relationship with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates shall not be considered terminated solely due to any sick leave, military leave, or any other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation or any Affiliate or the Administrator; provided that , unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law, such leave is for a period of not more than three months. In the case of any Participant on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the Award while on leave from the employ of or service with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates will be suspended until the Participant returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an Award be exercised after the expiration of the term of the Award set forth in the Award Agreement.

 

  7.4.2  Effect of Change of Affiliate Status . For purposes of this Plan and any Award, if an entity ceases to be an Affiliate, a termination of employment or service will be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Affiliate who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of another Affiliate that continues as such after giving effect to the transaction or other event giving rise to the change in status.

 

  7.4.3

  Administrator Discretion . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.6 or 6.8, in the event of, or in anticipation of, a termination of employment

 

17


 

or service with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates for any reason, the Administrator may accelerate the vesting and exercisability of all or a portion of the Participant’s Award, and/or, subject to the provisions of Sections 5.4.2 and 7.3, extend the exercisability period of the Participant’s Option upon such terms as the Administrator determines and expressly sets forth in or by amendment to the Award Agreement.

 

  7.4.4  Termination of Consulting or Affiliate Services . If the Participant is an Eligible Person solely by reason of clause (c) of Section 3, the Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Participant continues to render services to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, unless a written contract or the Award Agreement otherwise provides. If, in these circumstances, the Corporation or any Affiliate notifies the Participant in writing that a termination of the Participant’s services to the Corporation or any Affiliate has occurred for purposes of this Plan, then (unless the contract or the Award Agreement otherwise expressly provides), the Participant’s termination of services with the Corporation or Affiliate for purposes of this Plan shall be the date which is 10 days after the mailing of the notice by the Corporation or Affiliate or, in the case of a termination for Cause, the date of the mailing of the notice.

 

  7.5 Compliance with Laws.

 

  7.5.1  General . This Plan, the granting and vesting of Awards under this Plan, and the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, the acceptance of promissory notes and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under Awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities laws, and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.

 

  7.5.2  Compliance with Securities Laws . No Participant shall sell, pledge or otherwise transfer shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Award or any interest in such shares except in accordance with the express terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement. Any attempted transfer in violation of this Section 7.5 shall be void and of no effect. Without in any way limiting the provisions set forth above, no Participant shall make any disposition of all or any portion of shares of Common Stock acquired or to be acquired pursuant to an Award, except in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and unless and until:

 

18


  (a) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement;

 

  (b) such disposition is made in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or

 

  (c) such Participant notifies the Corporation of the proposed disposition and furnishes the Corporation with a statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, and, if requested by the Corporation, furnishes to the Corporation an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Corporation’s counsel, that such disposition will not require registration under the Securities Act and will be in compliance with all applicable state securities laws.

Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, except as set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, neither the Corporation or any Affiliate has any obligation to register the Common Stock or file any registration statement under either federal or state securities laws, nor does the Corporation or any Affiliate make any representation concerning the likelihood of a Public Offering of the Common Stock or any other securities of the Corporation or any Affiliate. No provisions hereof shall be construed as prohibiting or otherwise restricting any transfer of Common Stock effected in accordance with the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

  7.5.3 Share Legends . Except as may otherwise be provided to the contrary in an applicable Award Agreement, all certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock issued or delivered under this Plan shall bear the following legends and/or any other appropriate or required legends under applicable laws:

“OWNERSHIP OF THIS CERTIFICATE, THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND ANY INTEREST THEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, THE STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT AND UNDER AGREEMENTS WITH THE CORPORATION, INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON SALE, ASSIGNMENT, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER DISPOSITION.”

“THE SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL AND CALL RIGHTS TO REPURCHASE THE SHARES UNDER THE CORPORATION’S STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN, AGREEMENTS WITH THE CORPORATION THEREUNDER, AND THE STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT, COPIES OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION.”

 

19


“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES WILL BE PERMITTED UNLESS A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT IS IN EFFECT AS TO SUCH TRANSFER, THE TRANSFER IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144 UNDER THE ACT, OR IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE CORPORATION, REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT IS UNNECESSARY IN ORDER FOR SUCH TRANSFER TO COMPLY WITH THE ACT AND WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.”

 

  7.5.4 Confidential Information . Any financial or other information relating to the Corporation obtained by Participants in connection with or as a result of this Plan or their Awards shall be treated as confidential.

7.6 Tax Withholding. Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any Award or upon the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the Corporation or any of its Affiliates shall have the right at its option to:

 

  (a) require the Participant (or the Participant’s Personal Representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or Affiliate may be required to withhold with respect to such Award event or payment;

 

  (b) deduct from any amount otherwise payable (in respect of an Award or otherwise) in cash to the Participant (or the Participant’s Personal Representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or Affiliate may be required to withhold with respect to such Award event or payment; or

 

  (c) reduce the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire shares held by the Participant) the appropriate number of shares of Common Stock, valued at their then Fair Market Value, to satisfy the minimum withholding obligation.

In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of shares of Common Stock under this Plan, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 7.5) grant (either at the time of the Award or thereafter) to the Participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, to have the Corporation reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their Fair Market Value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable

 

20


withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment. In no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law. The Corporation may, with the Administrator’s approval, accept one or more promissory notes from any Eligible Person in connection with taxes required to be withheld upon the exercise, vesting or payment of any Award under this Plan; provided that any such note shall be subject to terms and conditions established by the Administrator and the requirements of applicable law.

7.7 Plan and Award Amendments, Termination and Suspension.

 

  7.7.1 Board Authorization . The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No Awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.

 

  7.7.2 Stockholder Approval . To the extent then required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency or required under Sections 162, 422 or 424 of the Code to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval.

 

  7.7.3 Amendments to Awards . Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on Awards to Participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a Participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 2.2 and 7.7.4) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of Awards.

 

  7.7.4 Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards . No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or amendment of any outstanding Award Agreement shall, without written consent of the Participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the Participant any rights or benefits of the Participant or obligations of the Corporation under any Award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7.3 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 7.7.

7.8 Privileges of Stock Ownership. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator, a Participant will not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any shares of Common Stock not actually delivered to and held of record by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of an Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights and privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of any part of an Option unless and until such holder has signed a Joinder Agreement. Except as expressly required by

 

21


Section 7.3.1, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a stockholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.

7.9 Stock-Based Awards in Substitution for Awards Granted by Other Corporation . Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or other stock-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Corporation or one of its Affiliates, in connection with a distribution, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or one of its Affiliates, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity. The Awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the Awards reflect only adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with the conversion applicable to the Common Stock in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security. Any shares that are delivered and any Awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Corporation, as a result of the assumption by the Corporation of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired company (or previously granted by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Corporation or one of its Affiliates in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan.

7.10 Effective Date of the Plan. This Plan is effective upon the Effective Date, subject to approval by the stockholders of the Corporation within twelve months after the date the Board approves this Plan.

7.11 Term of the Plan. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan will terminate at the close of business on the day before the 10 th anniversary of the Effective Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated expiration date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional Awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted Awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such Awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

7.12 Governing Law/Severability.

 

  7.12.1   Choice of Law . This Plan, the Awards, all documents evidencing Awards and all other related documents will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of Delaware.

 

  7.12.2   Severability . If it is determined that any provision of this Plan or an Award Agreement is invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan and/or the Award Agreement, as applicable, will continue in effect provided that the essential economic terms of this Plan and the Award can still be enforced.

 

22


7.13 Captions. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings will not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.

7.14 Non-Exclusivity of Plan. Nothing in this Plan will limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Stock, under any other plan or authority.

7.15 No Restriction on Corporate Powers. The existence of this Plan, the Award Agreements, and the Awards granted hereunder, shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Corporation to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Corporation’s or any Affiliate’s capital structure or its business; (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Affiliate; (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stocks ahead of or affecting the Corporation’s capital stock or the rights thereof; (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Affiliate; (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the Corporation or any Affiliate’s assets or business; or (f) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Affiliate. No Participant, Beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any Award or Award Agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Affiliate, solely as a result of any such action.

7.16 Other Company Compensation or Benefit Programs. Payments and other benefits received by a Participant under an Award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a Participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Affiliate, except where the Administrator or the Board expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements of the Corporation or any Affiliate.

 

8. DEFINITIONS.

“Administrator” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1.

“Affiliate” means (a) any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Corporation if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the Corporation owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain, or (b) any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Corporation if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken

 

23


chain owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

“Award” means an award of any Option or Stock Award, or any combination thereof, whether alternative or cumulative, authorized by and granted under this Plan.

“Award Agreement” means any writing, approved by the Administrator, setting forth the terms of an Award that has been duly authorized and approved.

“Award Date” means the date upon which the Administrator took the action granting an Award or such later date as the Administrator designates as the Award Date at the time of the grant of the Award.

“Beneficiary” means the person, persons, trust or trusts designated by a Participant, or, in the absence of a designation, entitled by will or the laws of descent and distribution, to receive the benefits specified in the Award Agreement and under this Plan if the Participant dies, and means the Participant’s executor or administrator if no other Beneficiary is designated and able to act under the circumstances.

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

“Cause” with respect to a Participant means (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, or an employment or other applicable contract with the Participant that defines such term for purposes of determining the effect that a “for cause” termination has on the Participant’s Awards) a termination of employment or service based upon a finding by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, acting in good faith and based on its reasonable belief at the time, that the Participant:

 

  (a) has been negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Corporation or any Affiliate, has refused to perform stated or assigned duties or is incompetent in or (other than by reason of a disability or analogous condition) incapable of performing those duties;

 

  (b) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information;

 

  (c) has breached a fiduciary duty, or willfully and materially violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates; or has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses);

 

  (d) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates;

 

  (e) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Corporation or any of its Affiliates; or

 

24


  (f) has improperly induced a vendor or customer to break or terminate any contract with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates or induced a principal for whom the Corporation or any Affiliate acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.

A termination for Cause shall be deemed to occur (subject to reinstatement upon a contrary final determination by the Administrator) on the date on which the Corporation or any Affiliate first delivers written notice to the Participant of a finding of termination for Cause.

“Change in Control Event” means any of the following, unless otherwise set forth in an Award Agreement:

 

  (a) Approval by stockholders of the Corporation (or, if no stockholder approval is required, by the Board alone) of the complete dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, other than in the context of a Business Combination that does not constitute a Change in Control Event under paragraph (c) below;

 

  (b) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act (a “Person” )) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (1) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock” ) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities” ); provided, however, that, for purposes of this paragraph (b), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control Event; (A) any acquisition directly from the Corporation, (B) any acquisition by the Corporation, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Corporation or any Affiliate or a successor, (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a Business Combination, (E) any acquisition by a Person described in and satisfying the conditions of Rule 13d-1(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act, or (F) any acquisition by a Person who, together with its Affiliates, is the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and/or the Outstanding Company Voting Securities on the Effective Date (or an affiliate, heir, descendant, or related party of or to such Person);

 

  (c)

Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Corporation or any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation (a “Subsidiary” ), a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination” ), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities

 

25


 

immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Corporation or all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (a “Parent” )), and (2) no Person (excluding any individual or entity described in clauses (C), (E) or (F) of paragraph (b) above) beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that the ownership in excess of 50% existed prior to the Business Combination;

provided , however , that a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control Event if it is in connection with a Public Offering.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

“Common Stock” means the shares of the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of Awards, or become subject to Awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.3.1 of this Plan.

“Corporation” means Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its successors.

“Effective Date” means March 26, 2010, the date the Board approved this Plan.

“Eligible Person” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3 of this Plan.

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

“Fair Market Value,” for purposes of this Plan and unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, means as follows:

 

  (a)

If the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trade on the New York Stock Exchange or other national securities exchange (the “Exchange”), the Fair Market Value shall equal the closing price of a share of Common Stock as reported on the composite tape for securities on the Exchange for the date in question, or, if no sales of Common Stock were made on the Exchange on that date, the closing price of a share of Common Stock as reported on said composite tape for the next preceding day on which sales of Common Stock were made on the Exchange. The Administrator may, however, provide with respect to one or more Awards that the Fair Market Value shall equal the closing price of a share of

 

26


 

Common Stock as reported on the composite tape for securities listed on the Exchange on the last trading day preceding the date in question or the average of the high and low trading prices of a share of Common Stock as reported on the composite tape for securities listed on the Exchange for the date in question or the most recent trading day.

 

  (b) If the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trade on a national securities exchange, the Fair Market Value shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the Award in the circumstances.

The Administrator also may adopt a different methodology for determining Fair Market Value with respect to one or more Awards if a different methodology is necessary or advisable to secure any intended favorable tax, legal or other treatment for the particular Award(s) (for example, and without limitation, the Administrator may provide that Fair Market Value for purposes of one or more Awards will be based on an average of closing prices (or the average of high and low daily trading prices) for a specified period preceding the relevant date).

Any determination as to Fair Market Value made pursuant to this Plan shall be made without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which, by its terms, will never lapse, and shall be conclusive and binding on all persons with respect to Awards granted under this Plan.

“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that is designated and intended as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, the award of which contains such provisions (including but not limited to the receipt of stockholder approval of this Plan, if the award is made prior to such approval) and is made under such circumstances and to such persons as may be necessary to comply with that section.

“Joinder Agreement” means a joinder agreement in substantially the form attached to the Stockholders’ Agreement as Exhibit A thereto, as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time.

“Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and includes any Option designated or intended as a Nonqualified Stock Option and any Option designated or intended as an Incentive Stock Option that fails to meet the applicable legal requirements thereof.

“Option” means an option to purchase Common Stock granted under Section 5 of this Plan. The Administrator will designate any Option granted to an employee of the Corporation or an Affiliate as a Nonqualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option.

“Participant” means an Eligible Person who has been granted and holds an Award under this Plan.

“Personal Representative” means the person or persons who, upon the disability or incompetence of a Participant, has acquired on behalf of the Participant, by legal

 

27


proceeding or otherwise, the power to exercise the rights or receive benefits under this Plan by virtue of having become the legal representative of the Participant.

“Plan” means this Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan, as it may hereafter be amended from time to time.

“Public Offering” shall have the meaning set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement.

“Restricted Shares” or “Restricted Stock” means shares of Common Stock awarded to a Participant under this Plan, subject to payment of such consideration and such conditions on vesting (which may include, among others, the passage of time, specified performance objectives or other factors) and such transfer and other restrictions as are established in or pursuant to this Plan and the related Award Agreement, to the extent such remain unvested and restricted under the terms of the applicable Award Agreement.

“Restricted Stock Award” means an award of Restricted Stock.

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

“Severance Date” with respect to a particular Participant means, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement:

 

  (a) if the Participant is an Eligible Person under clause (a) of Section 3 and the Participant’s employment by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates terminates (regardless of the reason), the last day that the Participant is actually employed by the Corporation or such Affiliate (unless, immediately following such termination of employment, the Participant is a member of the Board or, by express written agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, continues to provide other services to the Corporation or any Affiliate as an Eligible Person under clause (c) of Section 3, in which case the Participant’s Severance Date shall not be the date of such termination of employment but shall be determined in accordance with clause (b) or (c) below, as applicable, in connection with the termination of the Participant’s other services);

 

  (b) if the Participant is not an Eligible Person under clause (a) of Section 3 but is an Eligible Person under clause (b) thereof, and the Participant ceases to be a member of the Board (regardless of the reason), the last day that the Participant is actually a member of the Board (unless, immediately following such termination, the Participant is an employee of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates or, by express written agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, continues to provide other services to the Corporation or any Affiliate as an Eligible Person under clause (c) of Section 3, in which case the Participant’s Severance Date shall not be the date of such termination but shall be determined in accordance with clause (a) above or (c) below, as applicable, in connection with the termination of the Participant’s employment or other services);

 

  (c)

if the Participant is not an Eligible Person under clause (a) or clause (b) of Section 3 but is an Eligible Person under clause (c) thereof, and the Participant ceases to

 

28


 

provide services to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates as determined in accordance with Section 7.4.4 (regardless of the reason), the last day that the Participant actually provides services to the Corporation or such Affiliate as an Eligible Person under clause (c) of Section 3 (unless, immediately following such termination, the Participant is an employee of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates or is a member of the Board, in which case the Participant’s Severance Date shall not be the date of such termination of services but shall be determined in accordance with clause (a) or (b) above, as applicable, in connection with the termination of the Participant’s employment or membership on the Board).

“Stock Award” means an award of shares of Common Stock under Section 6 of this Plan. A Stock Award may be a Restricted Stock Award or an award of unrestricted shares of Common Stock.

“Stockholders’ Agreement” means the Stockholders’ Agreement between the Company and each of the other parties thereto, dated as of February 26, 2010, as may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

“Total Disability” means a “total and permanent disability” within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and, with respect to Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, such other disabilities, infirmities, afflictions, or conditions as the Administrator may include.

 

29

Exhibit 10.8

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Option Agreement”) dated March 31, 2010 by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”) , and John De Meritt (the “Participant”) evidences the stock option (the “Option”) granted by the Corporation to the Participant as to the number of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, first set forth below.

 

Number of Shares of Common Stock: 1

 

 2,045

   Award Date:   March 26, 2010

Exercise Price per Share: 1

 

$2,452.97

   Expiration Date: 1,2   March 25, 2020

Vesting 1,2  Set forth on Schedule 1 hereto.

  

The Option is granted under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and subject to the Terms and Conditions or Stock Option (the “Terms ”) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Participant in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Participant. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms, the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement and specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 11 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“PARTICIPANT”    

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

/s/ John De Meritt     By:   /s/ Greg Brenneman
Signature     Its:  

Chairman, Compensation Committee

Board of Directors

J OHN D E M ERITT      
Print Name      
[Address on file]      
Address      
     
City, State, Zip Code      

 

 

1  

Subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan.

2  

Subject to early termination under Section 5.6 or 7.3 of the Plan.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

   

Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Participant has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

   

No Fractional Shares . Fractional share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.

 

   

Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 10 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exereisable under the Option.

 

2. Accelerated Vesting .

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Plan, the Option shall vest in full and shall become exercisable immediately upon the occurrence of each of the following events, to the extent the Option is then outstanding at the applicable time:

 

   

On the Participant’s Severance Date (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement by and among the Corporation, Francesca’s Collections Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Francesca’s ”) and the Participant, dated as of February 26, 2010, as may be amended modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Employment Agreement ”); provided , however that such Severance Date is as a result of (a) the Company’s delivery to the Participant of a Nonrenewal Notice (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreements or (b) the Company’s termination of the Participant’s employment without Cause or a resignation by the Participant for Good Reason (as each such term is defined in the Employment Agreement). For the avoidance of doubt, the Option will not accelerate upon a Severance Date under any other circumstances other than those described in the immediately preceding sentence. If the Employment Agreement is still in effect at the time a determination of the Severance Date is being made, the term “Severance Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Employment Agreement for all purposes under the Plan and this Award Agreement.

 

   

On a Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, for purposes of these Terms, a “ Change in Control ” shall mean the consummation of a transaction whereby: (i) the Corporation or Francesca’s sells substantially all of its consolidated assets to any other Person (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement), (ii) the Corporation or Francesca’s is dissolved and liquidated, or (iii) any Person (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement), including a

 

1


 

“group” as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, acquires or gains ownership or control (including, without limitation, power to vote) of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Corporation’s or Francesca’s voting stock (based upon voting power), other than the Investors (as such term is defined in Schedule 1 hereto) and their Affiliates. A Public Offering shall not constitute a Change in Control.

 

3. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date (as the same may be accelerated hereunder) as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement, Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting as to such vesting period or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 5 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, affects the Participant’s status, as an employee who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Participant any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Affiliate, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate to increase or decrease the Participant’s other compensation.

 

4. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of:

 

   

an executed Exercise Agreement (stating the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “Exercise Agreement” );

 

   

payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

   

any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 7.5.1 of the Plan; and

 

   

satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 7.6 of the Plan.


The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

5. Early Termination of Option .

The Option, to the extent not previously exercised, and all other rights in respect thereof, whether vested and exercisable or not, shall terminate and become null and void prior to the Expiration Date in the event of:

 

   

the termination of the Participant’s employment or services as provided in Section 5.6 of the Plan, or

 

   

the termination of the Option pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Plan.

 

6. Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions .

The Option and any other rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Participant, except as set forth in Section 7.2 of the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to [call,] rights of first refusal, and other rights in favor of the Corporation and its stockholders as set forth herein, in the Exercise Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

7. Securities Law Compliance .

The Participant acknowledges that the Option and the shares of Common Stock are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Participant, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

   

The Participant is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the shares of Common Stock solely for the Participant’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and/or any applicable state securities laws.

 

   

The Participant has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Participant has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase shares of Common Stock. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Stock, the Participant has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 


   

The Participant is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

   

The Participant understands that any shares of Common Stock acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Participant is familiar.

 

   

The Participant has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), and the Exercise Agreement, which are imposed on the Option and any shares of Common Stock which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

   

At no time was an oral representation made to the Participant relating to the Option or the purchase of shares of Common Stock and the Participant was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Stock.

 

8. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement or the Exercise Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Participant at the address reflected or last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records. Any notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope, addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Participant is no longer an Eligible Person, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.

 

9. Plan; Stockholders’ Agreement .

The Option and all rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Stockholder’s Agreement, incorporated herein by this reference. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Stockholders’ Agreement. The Participant acknowledges having read and understood the Plan, the Stockholders’ Agreement, and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the

 


Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Participant unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

10. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms and together with the form of Exercise Agreement attached hereto) the Plan, and the Stockholders, Agreement together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation. Sections 3.3 and Section 5.3(b)(ii) of the Employment Agreement. The Plan, this Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may. however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Exercise Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Participant hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement and the Plan shall arise, the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement shall govern.

 

11. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Participant may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) stock options or stock awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates (other than preemptive rights set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement). This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. Except as set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Participant shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 11 shall not adversely affect the Participant’s rights under any prior stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as a stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

12. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

12.1. Delaware Law; Construction . This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be

 


construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

12.2. Limited Rights. The Participant has no rights as a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 7.8 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 7.15 of the Plan.

12.3. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore it is the parties’ intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

13. Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THESE TERMS).

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 


SCHEDULE I

VESTING

Vesting : Subject to the Participant’s continued service to the Corporation through the applicable vesting date, the Option shall vest in equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the Award Date over a four year period, such that the Option is fully vested on the fourth yearly anniversary of the Award Date. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Schedule I, vesting of the Option shall be accelerated based upon the achievement of performance targets upon a Realization Event as follows:(x) upon the Investors’ achievement of 2.0x of their Invested Capital, 33.3% of the Option shall be then vested to the extent the Option is then outstanding and unvested; (y) upon the Investors, achievement of 2.5x of their Invested Capital, 66.6% of the Option shall be then vested to the extent the Option is then outstanding and unvested and (z) upon the Investors, achievement of 3.0x of their Invested Capital, 100% of the Option shall be then vested to the extent the Option is then outstanding and unvested: provided , that , in each case, to the extent the Option is vested at the time of the Realization Event (based on the passage of time) by a percentage that equals or exceeds die percentage of the Option that would be vested as a result of the achievement of the multiple of Invested Capital, the Option’s vesting shall not accelerate, but the Option will remain outstanding and eligible for continued vesting contingent upon the Participant’s continued service. For example, if the Option is 50% vested at a time when a Realization Event occurs in which the Investors achieve 2.0x of their Invested Capital, the Option shall not be eligible for accelerated vesting but shall remain outstanding and eligible for continued vesting contingent upon the Participant’s continued service.

Applicable Rules : For purposes of the determinations of performance achievement set forth in this Scheduled 1 , the following rules apply:

 

  1. Realization Event . Performance based accelerated vesting shall only be eligible and measured upon one Realization Event; subsequent Realization Events following an initial Realization Event will not be considered for performance-based vesting.

 

  2. Calculations of Invested Capital . For purposes of testing whether the applicable multiples of Invested Capital criteria have been met, in the event of (i) a Liquidity Event (as such term is defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) involving less than all of the issued and outstanding Stockholder Shares (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement), the multiple of Invested Capital will be determined as if such event were a complete sale (i.e. any consideration received by Investors will be deemed to be grossed up as it such event were a complete sale or (ii) a Public Offering, the multiple of invested capital will be measured by reference to the 20 day trailing average stock prices for the listed shares on the applicable exchange following such Public Offering.

 

  3.

Determinations of Administrator . The Administrator shall, in its reasonable discretion, reasonably determine whether, and the extent to which, the applicable multiples of Invested Capital have been achieved. In addition, the Administrator shall, in its reasonable discretion, reasonably value any non-cash consideration received by the

 

1


 

Investors in respect of their Investment. Any determinations made by the Administrator reasonably and in good faith shall be final and binding on the Participant.

A pplicable Definitions : For purposes of this Schedule 1 , the following definitions apply:

Invested Capital ” means the aggregate U.S. dollar value of all Investments made by the Investors. The U.S. dollar value of each Investment shall be measured at the time of any such Investment.

Investment ” means any investment by the Investors in the equity of the Corporation, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective successor entities, whether in the form of capital stock of the Corporation or otherwise (including, for purposes of clarity, any Investments that may be made after the Award Date).

Investors ” shall refer to, collectively, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P. CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. and any other Investor that is an Affiliate of either CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P. or CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II L.P.

Realization Event ” shall be the first to occur of a (x) Liquidity Event (as such term is defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) and (y) a Public Offering.

 

2


EXHIBIT A

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “ Purchaser ”) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Stock Option Agreement dated as of              (the Option Agreement ”) under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan” as follows:

 

   

the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase                                          shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Shares ”), (of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and

 

   

such purchase shall be at the price of $                      per share, for an aggregate amount of $                      .

The Purchaser agrees and acknowledges that this purchase is subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Plan. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate. The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                     

2. Investment Representations. The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 7 of the “Terms and Conditions of Stock Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “ Terms ”) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser also understands and acknowledges (a) that the certificates representing the Shares will be legended as provided for in Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, and the that, subject to the provisions of the Shareholders’ Agreement, the Corporation has no obligation to register the Shares or file any registration statement under federal or state securities laws.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions. The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

   

any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 7.5 of the Plan and applicable law: and

 

1


   

the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by the terms and conditions of the Exercise Agreement, the Plan, the Terms and the Stockholders’ Agreement including, without limitation, the lock-up provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement the right of first offer provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement the share legend requirements of Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, the waiver of jury trial provisions in Section 13 of the Terms and the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.

4. Plan, Option Agreement and Stockholders’ Agreement. The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Stockholders’ Agreement each of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them.

5. Entire Agreement. This Exercise Agreement the Option Agreement (including the Terms), the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof including without limitation the Employment Agreement (as such term is defined in the Terms). The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Company. The Company may however unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Purchaser hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof,

 

“PURCHASER”    

ACCEPTED BY:

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

Signature        
      By:    
Print Name     Its:    
       
Date     (To be completed by the corporation after the price (including applicable withholding taxes). value (if explicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)

 

2

Exhibit 10.9

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Option Agreement” ) dated March 31, 2010 by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation” ), and Khalid M. (Kal) Malik (the “Participant” ) evidences the stock option (the “Option” ) granted by the Corporation to the Participant as to the number of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, first set forth below.

 

Number of Shares of Common Stock: 1   511    Award Date: March 26, 2010
Exercise Price per Share: 1   $2,452.97    Expiration Date: 1,2 March 25, 2020

Vesting 1,2 Subject to the Participant’s continued service through the applicable vesting date, the Option shall vest in equal installments on the last day of each month following February 26, 2010 so that the Option shall be fully vested on February 26, 2014.

The Option is granted under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan” ) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option (the “Terms” ) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Participant in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Participant. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms, the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement and specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 12 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“PARTICIPANT”     

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

/s/ KM Malik

      

Signature

     By:    /s/ Greg Brenneman

K HALID M M ALIK

     Its:    Chairman, Compensation Committee

Print Name

       Board of Directors

[Address on file]

      

Address

      
      
City, State, Zip Code       

 

 

1  

Subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan.

2

Subject to early termination under Section 5.6 or 7.3 of the Plan.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

   

Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Participant has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

   

No Fractional Shares . Fractional share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.

 

   

Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 10 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting as to such vesting period or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, affects the Participant’s status, as an employee who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Participant any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Affiliate, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate to increase or decrease the Participant’s other compensation.

 

3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of:

 

   

an executed Exercise Agreement (stating the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as

 

1


 

Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “Exercise Agreement” );

 

   

payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

   

any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 7.5.1 of the Plan; and

 

   

satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 7.6 of the Plan.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

4. Early Termination of Option .

The Option, to the extent not previously exercised, and all other rights in respect thereof, whether vested and exercisable or not, shall terminate and become null and void prior to the Expiration Date in the event of:

 

   

the termination of the Participant’s employment or services as provided in Section 5.6 of the Plan, or

 

   

the termination of the Option pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Plan.

 

5. Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions .

The Option and any other rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Participant, except as set forth in Section 7.2 of the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to call, rights of first refusal, and other rights as set forth herein, in the Exercise Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

6. Securities Law Compliance .

The Participant acknowledges that the Option and the shares of Common Stock are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Participant, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

   

The Participant is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the shares of Common Stock solely for the Participant’s own account, for

 

2


  investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and/or any applicable state securities laws.

 

   

The Participant has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Participant has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase shares of Common Stock. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Stock, the Participant has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 

   

The Participant is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

   

The Participant understands that any shares of Common Stock acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Participant is familiar.

 

   

The Participant has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), and the Exercise Agreement, which are imposed on the Option and any shares of Common Stock which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

   

At no time was an oral representation made to the Participant relating to the Option or the purchase of shares of Common Stock and the Participant was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Stock.

 

7. Limited Call Right; Mandatory Sale; Transfer Restrictions .

7.1 Corporation’s Call Right. The Corporation shall have the right (but not the obligation), subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 7, to repurchase in one or more transactions, and the Participant (or any permitted transferee) shall be obligated to sell any of the Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option at the Repurchase Price (as defined below) (the “Call Right” ). To exercise the Call Right, the Corporation must give written notice thereof to the Participant (the “Call Notice” ) during the Call Period determined under Section 7.4. The Call Notice is irrevocable by the Corporation and must (a) be in writing and signed by an

 

3


authorized officer of the Corporation, (b) set forth the Corporation’s intent to exercise the Call Right and contain the total number of Shares to be sold to the Corporation pursuant to the Call Right, and (c) be mailed or delivered in accordance with Section 9.

7.2 Repurchase Price. The price per Share to be paid by the Corporation upon settlement of the Corporation’s Call Right (the “Repurchase Price” ) shall equal the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice; provided , however , that if the Participant’s separation from the Company is for Cause, the Repurchase Price shall equal the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice and (y) the Exercise Price paid for the Share.

7.3 Closing. The closing of any repurchase under this Section 7 shall be at a date to be specified by the Corporation, such date to be no later than 30 days after the date of the Call Notice. The purchase price shall be paid at the closing in the form of a check or by cancellation of money purchase indebtedness against surrender by the Participant of a stock certificate evidencing the Shares with duly endorsed stock powers. No adjustments (other than pursuant to Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the fair market value of the Common Stock after the date of the Call Notice.

7.4 Call Period; Termination of Call Right. The “Call Period” is the period of time during which the Call Notice must be delivered to the Participant in the event the Corporation wants to exercise its Call Right. The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall commence on the later of:

 

  (a) the Participant’s Severance Date (determined in accordance with the Plan); or

 

  (b) the date that is six months and one day after the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option.

The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall terminate on the first to occur of:

 

  (x) twelve (12) months after the later of (i) the Participant’s Severance Date or (ii) the date that the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option; or

 

  (y) the Public Offering.

7.5 Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Corporation may assign any or all of its rights under this Section 7 to one or more stockholders of the Corporation.

 

4


8. No Stockholder Rights Following Exercise of a Call .

If the Participant (or any permitted transferee) holds Shares as to which the Call Right has been exercised, the Participant shall be entitled to payment in accordance with the provisions of Section 7, but (unless otherwise required by law) shall no longer be entitled to participation in the Corporation or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to the call or repurchase. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Participant’s rights following the exercise of the Call Right shall, with respect to the call and the Shares covered thereby, be solely the rights that he or she has as a general creditor of the Corporation to receive payment of the amount specified in Section 7.

 

9. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement or the Exercise Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Participant at the address reflected or last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records. Any notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope, addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Participant is no longer an Eligible Person, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.

 

10. Plan; Stockholders’ Agreement .

The Option and all rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement, incorporated herein by this reference. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Stockholders’ Agreement. The Participant acknowledges having read and understood the Plan, the Stockholders’ Agreement, and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Participant unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

11. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms and together with the form of Exercise Agreement attached hereto) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, that certain Employment Letter Agreement by and between the Corporation and the Participant dated September 25, 2009, as amended

 

5


February 26, 2010. The Plan, this Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Exercise Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Participant hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement and the Plan shall arise, the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement shall govern.

 

12. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Participant may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) stock options or stock awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates (other than preemptive rights set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement). This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. Except as set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Participant shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 12 shall not adversely affect the Participant’s rights under any prior stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as a stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

13. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

13.1. Delaware Law; Construction. This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

13.2. Limited Rights. The Participant has no rights as a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 7.8 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 7.15 of the Plan.

13.3. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore, it is the parties’

 

6


intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the ( Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

14. Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THESE TERMS).

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 

7


EXHIBIT A

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “Purchaser”) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Stock Option Agreement dated as of                      (the “Option Agreement”) under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as follows:

 

   

the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase                      shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares”), of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and

 

   

such purchase shall be at the price of $                      per share, for an aggregate amount of $                      .

The Purchaser agrees and acknowledges that this purchase is subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Plan. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate. The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                                     

2. Investment Representations. The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 6 of the “Terms and Conditions of Stock Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “Terms”) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser also understands and acknowledges (a) that the certificates representing the Shares will be legended as provided for in Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, and (b) that, subject to the provisions of the Shareholders’ Agreement, the Corporation has no obligation to register the Shares or file any registration statement under federal or state securities laws.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions. The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

   

any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 7.5 of the Plan and all applicable laws; and

 

1


   

the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement, the Plan, the Terms and the Stockholders’ Agreement, including, without limitation, the lock-up provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the right of first offer provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Corporation’s call right set forth in Sections 7 of the Terms, the share legend requirements of Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, the waiver of jury trial provisions in Section 14 of the Terms and the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.

4. Plan, Option Agreement and Stockholders’ Agreement. The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Stockholders’ Agreement, each of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise, the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them.

5. Entire Agreement. This Exercise Agreement, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Company. The Company may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Purchaser hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

“PURCHASER”     ACCEPTED BY:
      FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,
Signature     a Delaware corporation
       
Print Name     By:    
      Its:    
Date    
    (To be completed by the corporation after the price (including applicable withholding taxes), value (if applicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)

 

2

Exhibit 10.10

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Option Agreement”) dated May 1, 2010 by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and Cynthia Thomassee (the “Participant”) evidences the stock option (the “Option”) granted by the Corporation to the Participant as to the number of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, first set forth below.

 

Number of Shares of Common Stock: 1 80,000   Award Date: May 1, 2010

Exercise Price per Share: 1 $6.13

  Expiration Date: 1,2 April 30, 2020

Vesting 1,2 Subject to the Participant’s continued service through the applicable vesting date, the Option shall vest in equal installments on each of the first five (5) anniversaries of the Award Date, such that twenty percent (20%) of the Option vests on each such anniversary.

The Option is granted under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option (the “Terms”) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Participant in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Participant. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms, the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement and specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 12 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“PARTICIPANT”    

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

/s/ Cynthia Thomassee     By:   /s/ John De Meritt
Signature       John De Meritt, President/CEO
Cynthia Thomassee      
Print Name      
[Address on file]      
Address      
     
City, State, Zip Code      

 

1  

Subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan.

2  

Subject to early termination under Section 5.6 or 7.3 of the Plan.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

   

Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Participant has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

   

No Fractional Shares . Fractional share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.

 

   

Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 1,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required: No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting as to such vesting period or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, affects the Participant’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Participant any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Affiliate, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate to increase or decrease the Participant’s other compensation.

 

3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of:

 

1


   

an executed Exercise Agreement (stating the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “Exercise Agreement” );

 

   

payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

   

any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 7.5.1 of the Plan;

 

   

satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 7.6 of the Plan; and

 

   

a duly executed Joinder Agreement.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

4. Early Termination of Option .

The Option, to the extent not previously exercised, and all other rights in respect thereof, whether vested and exercisable or not, shall terminate and become null and void prior to the ) Expiration Date in the event of:

 

   

the termination of the Participant’s employment or services as provided in Section 5.6 of the Plan, or

 

   

the termination of the Option pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Plan.

 

5. Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions .

The Option and any other rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Participant, except as set forth in Section 7.2 of the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to call, rights of first refusal, and other rights as set forth herein, in the Exercise Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

6. Securities Law Compliance .

The Participant acknowledges that the Option and the shares of Common Stock are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Participant, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

2


   

The Participant is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the shares of Common Stock solely for the Participant’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and/or any applicable state securities laws.

 

   

The Participant has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Participant has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase shares of Common Stock. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Stock, the Participant has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 

   

The Participant is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

   

The Participant understands that any shares of Common Stock acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Participant is familiar.

 

   

The Participant has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), and the Exercise Agreement, which are imposed on the Option and any shares of Common Stock which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

   

At no time was an oral representation made to the Participant relating to the Option or the purchase of shares of Common Stock and the Participant was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Stock.

 

7. Limited Call Right; Mandatory Sale; Transfer Restrictions .

7.1 Corporation’s Call Right. The Corporation shall have the right (but not the obligation), subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 7, to repurchase in one or more transactions, and the Participant (or any permitted transferee) shall be obligated to sell any of the Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option at the Repurchase Price (as defined below) (the “Call Right” ). To exercise the Call Right, the Corporation must give written notice thereof to

 

3


the Participant (the “Call Notice”) during the Call Period determined under Section 7.4. The Call Notice is irrevocable by the Corporation and must (a) be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation, (b) set forth the Corporation’s intent to exercise the Call Right and contain the total number of Shares to be sold to the Corporation pursuant to the Call Right, and (c) be mailed or delivered in accordance with Section 9.

7.2 Repurchase Price. The price per Share to be paid by the Corporation upon settlement of the Corporation’s Call Right (the “Repurchase Price” ) shall equal the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice; provided , however , that if the Participant’s separation from the Company is for Cause, the Repurchase Price shall equal the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice and (y) the Exercise Price paid for the Share.

7.3 Closing. The closing of any repurchase under this Section 7 shall be at a date to be specified by the Corporation, such date to be no later than 30 days after the date of the Call Notice. The purchase price shall be paid at the closing in the form of a check or by cancellation of money purchase indebtedness against surrender by the Participant of a stock certificate evidencing the Shares with duly endorsed stock powers. No adjustments (other than pursuant to Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the fair market value of the Common Stock after the date of the Call Notice.

7.4 Call Period; Termination of Call Right. The “Call Period” is the period of time during which the Call Notice must be delivered to the Participant in the event the Corporation wants to exercise its Call Right. The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall commence on the later of:

 

  (a) the Participant’s Severance Date (determined in accordance with the Plan); or

 

  (b) the date that is six months and one day after the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option.

The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall terminate on the first to occur of:

 

  (x) twelve (12) months after the later of (i) the Participant’s Severance Date or (ii) the date that the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option; or

 

  (y) the Public Offering.

7.5 Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Corporation may assign any or all of its rights under this Section 7 to one or more stockholders of the Corporation.

 

8. No Stockholder Rights Following Exercise of a Call .

If the Participant (or any permitted transferee) holds Shares as to which the Call Right has been exercised, the Participant shall be entitled to payment in accordance with the provisions of Section 7, but (unless otherwise required by law) shall no longer be entitled to participation in

 

4


the Corporation or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to the call or repurchase. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Participant’s rights following the exercise of the Call Right shall, with respect to the call and the Shares covered thereby, be solely the rights that he or she has as a general creditor of the Corporation to receive payment of the amount specified in Section 7.

 

9. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement or the Exercise Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Participant at the address reflected or last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records. Any notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope, addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Participant is no longer an Eligible Person, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.

 

10. Plan; Stockholders’ Agreement .

The Option and all rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement, incorporated herein by this reference. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Stockholders’ Agreement (once a Joinder Agreement has been duly executed). The Participant acknowledges having read and understood the Plan, the Stockholders’ Agreement, and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Participant unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

11. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms and together with the form of Exercise Agreement attached hereto) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, this Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Exercise Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Participant hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

5


12. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Participant may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) stock options or stock awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. The Participant shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 12 shall not adversely affect the Participant’s rights under any prior stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as a stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

13. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

13.1. Delaware Law; Construction. This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

13.2. Limited Rights. The Participant has no rights as a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 7.8 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 7.15 of the Plan.

13.3. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore, it is the parties’ intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

14. Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THESE TERMS).

 

6


15. Non-Solicitation .

During the employment period and during the twelve (12) month period following Participant’s termination of employment for any reason, Participant agree not to directly or indirectly through any other person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Corporation or such affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Corporation or any such affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation until twelve (12) months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Corporation or such affiliate has been terminated.

 

16. Obligation to Maintain Confidentiality .

“Confidential Information” means as all information of any sort (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form) that is (i) related to the Corporation’s or its subsidiaries’ prior, current or potential business and (ii) not generally or publicly known. Participant agrees that Participant shall not disclose or use for Participant’s own account any of the Confidential Information, except as reasonably necessary for the performance of Participant’s duties as an employee of the Corporation and its subsidiaries unless and to the extent that any Confidential Information (i) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Participant’s improper acts or omissions to act or (ii) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law, regulatory action or court order; provided, however, that Participant must give the Corporation prompt written notice of any such legal requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate fully with all efforts by the Corporation (at the Corporation’s sole expense) to obtain a protective order or similar confidentiality treatment for such information. Upon the termination of the employment period, Participant agree to deliver to the Corporation, upon request, all equipment, memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports and other documents (and copies thereof) relating to the business of the Corporation or its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information) that Participant may then possess or have under Participant’s control, other than such documents as are generally or publicly known other than as a result of Participant’s breach or actions in violation of this Agreement.

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 

7


EXHIBIT A

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “Purchaser”) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Stock Option Agreement dated as of                      (the “Option Agreement”) under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as follows:

 

   

the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase                      shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares”), of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and

 

   

such purchase shall be at the price of $                      per share, for an aggregate amount of $                      .

The Purchaser agrees and acknowledges that this purchase is subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Plan. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate. The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                          .

2. Investment Representations. The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 6 of the “Terms and Conditions of Stock Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “Terms”) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser also understands and acknowledges (a) that the certificates representing the Shares will be legended as provided for in Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, and (b) that the Corporation has no obligation to register the Shares or file any registration statement under federal or state securities laws.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions. The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

   

any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 7.5 of the Plan and all applicable laws;

 

1


   

the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement, the Plan, the Terms and the Stockholders’ Agreement, including, without limitation, the lock-up provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the right of first offer provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Corporation’s call right set forth in Sections 7 of the Terms, the share legend requirements of Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, the waiver of jury trial provisions in Section 14 of the Terms and the foregoing provisions of this Section 3;

 

   

as required by Section 3 of the Terms, the Purchaser has enclosed herewith a duly executed Joinder Agreement; and

 

   

as a condition to any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Corporation may require the transferee to execute a written agreement, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, that the transferee acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and restrictions imposed on the Shares.

4. Plan, Option Agreement and Stockholders’ Agreement. The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Stockholders’ Agreement, each of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise, the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them.

5. Entire Agreement. This Exercise Agreement, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Company. The Company may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Purchaser hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

2


“PURCHASER”     ACCEPTED BY:
      FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,
Signature     a Delaware corporation
     
Print Name     By:    
      Its:    
Date      
    (To be completed by the corporation after the price (including applicable withholding taxes), value (if applicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)

 

3

Exhibit 10.11

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Option Agreement”) dated December 14, 2010 by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation” ), and Gene Morphis (the “Participant ) evidences the stock option (the “Option”) granted by the Corporation to the Participant as to the number of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, first set forth below.

 

Number of Shares of Common Stock: 1    192,217      Award Date: December 1, 2010
Exercise Price per Share: 1    $10.19      Expiration Date: 1,2 November 30, 2020

Vesting 1,2 Subject to the Participant’s continued service through the applicable vesting date, the Option shall vest in equal installments on the last day of each month following October 18, 2010 so that the Option shall be fully vested on October 18, 2015.

The Option is granted under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option (the “Terms” ) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Participant in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Participant. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms, the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement and specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 12 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“PARTICIPANT”    

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

/s/ Gene Morphis     By:   /s/ John De Meritt
Signature       John De Meritt, President/CEO
Gene Morphis      
Print Name      
[Address on file]      
Address      
     
City, State, Zip Code      

 

1  

Subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan.

2  

Subject to early termination under Section 5.6 or 7.3 of the Plan.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION

 

1. Vesting: Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

   

Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Participant has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

   

No Fractional Shares . Fractional share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.

 

   

Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 1,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting as to such vesting period or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, affects the Participant’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Participant any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Affiliate, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate to increase or decrease the Participant’s other compensation.

 

3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of:

 

1


   

an executed Exercise Agreement (stating the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “Exercise Agreement” );

 

   

payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

   

any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 7.5.1 of the Plan;

 

   

satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 7.6 of the Plan; and

 

   

a duly executed Joinder Agreement.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

4. Early Termination of Option .

The Option, to the extent not previously exercised, and all other rights in respect thereof, whether vested and exercisable or not, shall terminate and become null and void prior to the Expiration Date in the event of:

 

   

the termination of the Participant’s employment or services as provided in Section 5.6 of the Plan, or

 

   

the termination of the Option pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Plan.

 

5. Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions .

The Option and any other rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Participant, except as set forth in Section 7.2 of the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to call, rights of first refusal, and other rights as set forth herein, in the Exercise Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

6. Securities Law Compliance .

The Participant acknowledges that the Option and the shares of Common Stock are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Participant, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

2


   

The Participant is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the shares of Common Stock solely for the Participant’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and/or any applicable state securities laws.

 

   

The Participant has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Participant has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase shares of Common Stock. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Stock, the Participant has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 

   

The Participant is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

   

The Participant understands that any shares of Common Stock acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Participant is familiar.

 

   

The Participant has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), and the Exercise Agreement, which are imposed on the Option and any shares of Common Stock which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

   

At no time was an oral representation made to the Participant relating to the Option or the purchase of shares of Common Stock and the Participant was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Stock.

 

7. Limited Call Right; Mandatory Sale; Transfer Restrictions .

7.1 Corporation’s Call Right. The Corporation shall have the right (but not the obligation), subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 7, to repurchase in one or more transactions, and the Participant (or any permitted transferee) shall be obligated to sell any of the Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option at the Repurchase Price (as defined below) (the “Call Right”). To exercise the Call Right, the Corporation must give written notice thereof to

 

3


the Participant (the “Call Notice ”) during the Call Period determined under Section 7.4. The Call Notice is irrevocable by the Corporation and must (a) be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation, (b) set forth the Corporation’s intent to exercise the Call Right and contain the total number of Shares to be sold to the Corporation pursuant to the Call Right, and (c) be mailed or delivered in accordance with Section 9.

7.2 Repurchase Price. The price per Share to be paid by the Corporation upon settlement of the Corporation’s Call Right (the “Repurchase Price”) shall equal the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice; provided , however , that if the Participant’s separation from the Company is for Cause, the Repurchase Price shall equal the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice and (y) the Exercise Price paid for the Share.

7.3 Closing. The closing of any repurchase under this Section 7 shall be at a date to be specified by the Corporation, such date to be no later than 30 days after the date of the Call Notice. The purchase price shall be paid at the closing in the form of a check or by cancellation of money purchase indebtedness against surrender by the Participant of a stock certificate evidencing the Shares with duly endorsed stock powers. No adjustments (other than pursuant to Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the fair market value of the Common Stock after the date of the Call Notice.

7.4 Call Period; Termination of Call Right. The “Call Period” is the period of time during which the Call Notice must be delivered to the Participant in the event the Corporation wants to exercise its Call Right. The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall commence on the later of:

 

  (a) the Participant’s Severance Date (determined in accordance with the Plan); or

 

  (b) the date that is six months and one day after the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option.

The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall terminate on the first to occur of:

 

  (x) twelve (12) months after the later of (i) the Participant’s Severance Date or (ii) the date that the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option; or

 

  (y) the Public Offering.

7.5 Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Corporation may assign any or all of its rights under this Section 7 to one or more stockholders of the Corporation.

 

8. No Stockholder Rights Following Exercise of a Call .

If the Participant (or any permitted transferee) holds Shares as to which the Call Right has been exercised, the Participant shall be entitled to payment in accordance with the provisions of Section 7, but (unless otherwise required by law) shall no longer be entitled to participation in

 

4


the Corporation or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to the call or repurchase. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Participant’s rights following the exercise of the Call Right shall, with respect to the call and the Shares covered thereby, be solely the rights that he or she has as a general creditor of the Corporation to receive payment of the amount specified in Section 7.

 

9. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement or the Exercise Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Participant at the address reflected or last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records. Any notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope, addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Participant is no longer an Eligible Person, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.

 

10. Plan; Stockholders’ Agreement .

The Option and all rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement, incorporated herein by this reference. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Stockholders’ Agreement (once a Joinder Agreement has been duly executed). The Participant acknowledges having read and understood the Plan, the Stockholders’ Agreement, and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Participant unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

11. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms and together with the form of Exercise Agreement attached hereto) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, this Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Exercise Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Participant hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

5


12. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Participant may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) stock options or stock awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. The Participant shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 12 shall not adversely affect the Participant’s rights under any prior stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as a stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

13. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

13.1. Delaware Law; Construction. This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

13.2. Limited Rights. The Participant has no rights as a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 7.8 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 7.15 of the Plan.

13.3. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore, it is the parties’ intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

14. Waiver of Jury Trial .

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THESE TERMS).

 

6


15. Non-Solicitation .

During the employment period and during the twelve (12) month period following Participant’s termination of employment for any reason, Participant agree not to directly or indirectly through any other person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Corporation or such affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Corporation or any such affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation until twelve (12) months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Corporation or such affiliate has been terminated.

 

16. Obligation to Maintain Confidentiality .

“Confidential Information” means as all information of any sort (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form) that is (i) related to the Corporation’s or its subsidiaries’ prior, current or potential business and (ii) not generally or publicly known. Participant agrees that Participant shall not disclose or use for Participant’s own account any of the Confidential Information, except as reasonably necessary for the performance of Participant’s duties as an employee of the Corporation and its subsidiaries unless and to the extent that any Confidential Information (i) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Participant’s improper acts or omissions to act or (ii) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law, regulatory action or court order; provided, however, that Participant must give the Corporation prompt written notice of any such legal requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate fully with all efforts by the Corporation (at the Corporation’s sole expense) to obtain a protective order or similar confidentiality treatment for such information. Upon the termination of the employment period, Participant agree to deliver to the Corporation, upon request, all equipment, memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports and other documents (and copies thereof) relating to the business of the Corporation or its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information) that Participant may then possess or have under Participant’s control, other than such documents as are generally or publicly known other than as a result of Participant’s breach or actions in violation of this Agreement.

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 

7


EXHIBIT A

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “Purchaser”) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Stock Option Agreement dated as of              (the “Option Agreement”) under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as follows:

 

   

the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase              shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares” ), of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and

 

   

such purchase shall be at the price of $              per share, for an aggregate amount of $              .

The Purchaser agrees and acknowledges that this purchase is subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Plan. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate. The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                          .

2. Investment Representations. The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 6 of the “Terms and Conditions of Stock Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “Terms”) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser also understands and acknowledges (a) that the certificates representing the Shares will be legended as provided for in Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, and (b) that the Corporation has no obligation to register the Shares or file any registration statement under federal or state securities laws.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions. The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

   

any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 7.5 of the Plan and all applicable laws;

 

1


   

the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement, the Plan, the Terms and the Stockholders’ Agreement, including, without limitation, the lock-up provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the right of first offer provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Corporation’s call right set forth in Sections 7 of the Terms, the share legend requirements of Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, the waiver of jury trial provisions in Section 14 of the Terms and the foregoing provisions of this Section 3;

 

   

as required by Section 3 of the Terms, the Purchaser has enclosed herewith a duly executed Joinder Agreement; and

 

   

as a condition to any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Corporation may require the transferee to execute a written agreement, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, that the transferee acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and restrictions imposed on the Shares.

4. Plan, Option Agreement and Stockholders’ Agreement. The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Stockholders’ Agreement, each of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise, the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them.

5. Entire Agreement. This Exercise Agreement, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Company. The Company may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Purchaser hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

2


“PURCHASER”     ACCEPTED BY:
    FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS
      CORPORATION,

Signature

 

 

    a Delaware corporation
Print Name     By:    
    Its:    
Date     (To be completed by the corporation after the price (including applicable withholding taxes), value (if applicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)

 

3

Exhibit 10.12

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Option Agreement” ) dated March 31, 2010 by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation” ), and Richard J. Emmett (the “Participant” ) evidences the stock option (the “Option” ) granted by the Corporation to the Participant as to the number of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, first set forth below.

 

Number of Shares of Common Stock: 1

   100    Award Date:   March 26, 2010

Exercise Price per Share : 1

   $2.452.97    Expiration Date: 1 ,2 March 25, 2020
Vesting 1 , 2 Subject to the Participant’s continued service through the applicable vesting date, the Option shall vest in equal installments on each of the first five (5) anniversaries of the Award Date, such that twenty percent (20%) of the Option vests on each such anniversary.

The Option is granted under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan” ) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option (the “Terms” ) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Participant in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Participant. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms, the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement and specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 12 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“PARTICIPANT”

 

/s/ Richard J. Emmett

   

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

 

Signature    
Richard J. Emmett     By:   /s/ Greg Brenneman
Print Name      
    Its:   Chairman, Compensation Committee
[Address on file]       Board of Directors
Address      
     
City, State, Zip Code      

 

1  

Subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan.

2  

Subject to early termination under Section 5.6 or 7.3 of the Plan.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

   

Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Participant has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

   

No Fractional Shares . Fractional share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.

 

   

Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 10 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting as to such vesting period or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, affects the Participant’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Participant any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Affiliate, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Affiliate to increase or decrease the Participant’s other compensation.

 

3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of:

 

   

an executed Exercise Agreement (stating the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as

 

1


 

Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “Exercise Agreement” );

 

   

payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

   

any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 7.5.1 of the Plan;

 

   

satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 7.6 of the Plan; and

 

   

a duly executed Joinder Agreement.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

4. Early Termination of Option .

The Option, to the extent not previously exercised, and all other rights in respect thereof, whether vested and exercisable or not, shall terminate and become null and void prior to the Expiration Date in the event of:

 

   

the termination of the Participant’s employment or services as provided in Section 5.6 of the Plan, or

 

   

the termination of the Option pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Plan.

 

5. Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions .

The Option and any other rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Participant, except as set forth in Section 7.2 of the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to call, rights of first refusal, and other rights as set forth herein, in the Exercise Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

2


6. Securities Law Compliance .

The Participant acknowledges that the Option and the shares of Common Stock are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Participant, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

   

The Participant is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the shares of Common Stock solely for the Participant’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and/or any applicable state securities laws.

 

   

The Participant has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Participant has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase shares of Common Stock. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Stock, the Participant has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 

   

The Participant is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

   

The Participant understands that any shares of Common Stock acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Participant is familiar.

 

   

The Participant has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), and the Exercise Agreement, which are imposed on the Option and any shares of Common Stock which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

3


   

At no time was an oral representation made to the Participant relating to the Option or the purchase of shares of Common Stock and the Participant was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Stock.

 

7. Limited Call Right; Mandatory Sale; Transfer Restrictions .

7.1 Corporation’s Call Right. The Corporation shall have the right (but not the obligation), subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 7, to repurchase in one or more transactions, and the Participant (or any permitted transferee) shall be obligated to sell any of the Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option at the Repurchase Price (as defined below) (the “Call Right” ). To exercise the Call Right, the Corporation must give written notice thereof to the Participant (the “Call Notice” ) during the Call Period determined under Section 7.4. The Call Notice is irrevocable by the Corporation and must (a) be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation, (b) set forth the Corporation’s intent to exercise the Call Right and contain the total number of Shares to be sold to the Corporation pursuant to the Call Right, and (c) be mailed or delivered in accordance with Section 9.

7.2 Repurchase Price. The price per Share to be paid by the Corporation upon settlement of the Corporation’s Call Right (the “Repurchase Price” ) shall equal the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice; provided , however , that if the Participant’s separation from the Company is for Cause, the Repurchase Price shall equal the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice and (y) the Exercise Price paid for the Share.

7.3 Closing. The closing of any repurchase under this Section 7 shall be at a date to be specified by the Corporation, such date to be no later than 30 days after the date of the Call Notice. The purchase price shall be paid at the closing in the form of a check or by cancellation of money purchase indebtedness against surrender by the Participant of a stock certificate evidencing the Shares with duly endorsed stock powers. No adjustments (other than pursuant to Section 7.3.1 of the Plan) shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the fair market value of the Common Stock after the date of the Call Notice.

7.4 Call Period; Termination of Call Right. The “Call Period” is the period of time during which the Call Notice must be delivered to the Participant in the event the Corporation wants to exercise its Call Right. The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall commence on the later of:

 

  (a) the Participant’s Severance Date (determined in accordance with the Plan); or

 

  (b) the date that is six months and one day after the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option.

 

4


The Call Period as to any particular Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall terminate on the first to occur of:

 

  (x) twelve (12) months after the later of (i) the Participant’s Severance Date or (ii) the date that the Participant acquired the Shares from the Corporation upon exercise of the Option; or

 

  (y) the Public Offering.

7.5 Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Corporation may assign any or all of its rights under this Section 7 to one or more stockholders of the Corporation.

 

8. No Stockholder Rights Following Exercise of a Call .

If the Participant (or any permitted transferee) holds Shares as to which the Call Right has been exercised, the Participant shall be entitled to payment in accordance with the provisions of Section 7, but (unless otherwise required by law) shall no longer be entitled to participation in the Corporation or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to the call or repurchase. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Participant’s rights following the exercise of the Call Right shall, with respect to the call and the Shares covered thereby, be solely the rights that he or she has as a general creditor of the Corporation to receive payment of the amount specified in Section 7.

 

9. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement or the Exercise Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Participant at the address reflected or last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records. Any notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope, addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Participant is no longer an Eligible Person, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.

 

10. Plan; Stockholders’ Agreement .

The Option and all rights of the Participant under this Option Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement, incorporated herein by this reference. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Stockholders’ Agreement (once a Joinder Agreement has been duly executed). The Participant acknowledges having read and understood the Plan, the Stockholders’ Agreement, and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary

 

5


authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Participant unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

11. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms and together with the form of Exercise Agreement attached hereto) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, this Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Exercise Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Participant hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

12. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Participant may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) stock options or stock awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. The Participant shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 12 shall not adversely affect the Participant’s rights under any prior stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as a stock option or stock award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

13. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

13.1. Delaware Law; Construction. This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

13.2. Limited Rights. The Participant has no rights as a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 7.8 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 7.15 of the Plan.

 

6


13.3. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore, it is the parties’ intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

14. Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THESE TERMS).

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 

7


EXHIBIT A

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “Purchaser” ) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Stock Option Agreement dated as of                      (the “Option Agreement” ) under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan” ), as follows:

 

   

the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase                      shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares” ), of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation” ), and

 

   

such purchase shall be at the price of $                      per share, for an aggregate amount of $                      .

The Purchaser agrees and acknowledges that this purchase is subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Plan. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate. The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .

2. Investment Representations. The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 6 of the “Terms and Conditions of Stock Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “Terms” ) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser also understands and acknowledges (a) that the certificates representing the Shares will be legended as provided for in Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, and (b) that the Corporation has no obligation to register the Shares or file any registration statement under federal or state securities laws.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions. The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

   

any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 7.5 of the Plan and all applicable laws;

 

1


   

the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement, the Plan, the Terms and the Stockholders’ Agreement, including, without limitation, the lock-up provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the right of first offer provisions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Corporation’s call right set forth in Sections 7 of the Terms, the share legend requirements of Section 7.5.3 of the Plan, the waiver of jury trial provisions in Section 14 of the Terms and the foregoing provisions of this Section 3;

 

   

as required by Section 3 of the Terms, the Purchaser has enclosed herewith a duly executed Joinder Agreement; and

 

   

as a condition to any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Corporation may require the transferee to execute a written agreement, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, that the transferee acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and restrictions imposed on the Shares.

4. Plan, Option Agreement and Stockholders’ Agreement. The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Stockholders’ Agreement, each of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Exercise Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise, the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them.

5. Entire Agreement. This Exercise Agreement, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), the Plan and the Stockholders’ Agreement together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, that certain Letter Agreement by and between the Corporation and the Participant dated November 12, 2009 as amended February 26, 2010. The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Exercise Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Company. The Company may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Purchaser hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

2


“PURCHASER”     ACCEPTED BY:
    FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS
      CORPORATION,
Signature     a Delaware corporation
      By:    
Print Name     Its:    
       
Date     (To be completed by the corporation after the price (including applicable withholding taxes), value (if applicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)

 

3

Exhibit 10.17

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “ Agreement ”‘) is made and entered into this 26th day of February 2010, by and among Francesca’s. Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”). Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Francesca’s ”). and John De Meritt, an individual (the “ Executive ”). Parent and Francesca’s are herein collectively referred to as the “ Company ”.

RECITALS

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

A. Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. (CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., together the “ Investors ”), the Executive, as Stockholders’ Representative and as a stockholder of Parent, and the other individual stockholders of Parent have entered into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”).

B. The Company desires to provide for the continued services of the Executive upon and following the Closing (as such term is defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Executive and the Company desire to supersede the existing employment letter agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Employment Agreement ”), and the existing Non-Competition and Non- Solicitation Agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Non- Competition Agreement ”).

C. This Agreement shall be effective immediately following the Closing (the date on which such Closing occurs, the “ Effective Date” ), shall govern the employment relationship between the Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes and negates all previous agreements with respect to such relationship (including, without limitation, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement); provided , that , for purposes of clarity, this Agreement shall not affect the Executive’s obligations in the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement, by and among Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, Francesca’s, the Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stockholders’ Agreement ”).

D. The Executive desires to continue in the employ of the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.


E. This Agreement is a material inducement to the willingness of the parties to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Retention and Duties .

 

1.1 Retention . The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive for the Period of Employment (as defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

1.2 Duties . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall serve both the Parent and Francesca’s as their respective President and Chief Executive Officer and shall have the powers, authorities, and duties of management usually vested in the office of the president and chief executive officer of a corporation of a similar size and nature to the Parent and Francesca’s (together with such additional powers as may be granted to the Executive pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement), as applicable, subject to the legal directives of Parent’s Board of Directors (the “ Parent Board ”) in exercising its general oversight function. The Executive shall report to the Parent Board during the Period of Employment.

 

1.3 No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of the Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner to the best of his abilities, and (iii) hold no other employment. The Executive’s service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business entities is subject to the approval of the Parent Board. The Parent Board shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic or charitable board or similar body) which he may then serve if the Parent Board reasonably determines that the Executive’s service on such board or body substantially interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), successors or assigns.

 

1.4

No Breach of Contract . The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the Company and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which the Executive is subject; (ii) that the

 

2


 

Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other Person (as such term is defined in Section 5,5) which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder; (iii) the Executive is not bound by any employment,, consulting, non-compete, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement) with any other Person; and (iv) the Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of the Executive set forth herein and the Executive consents to such reliance.

 

2.

Period of Employment . The “ Period of Employment ” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided , however , that this Agreement shall be automatically renewed, and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year on each anniversary of the Effective Date (commencing with the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date), unless either party gives notice, in writing, at least ninety (90) days prior to such anniversary, that the Period of Employment shall not be extended (or further extended, as the case may be) (any such notice, a “ Nonrenewal Notice ”). The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of a Nonrenewal Notice shall not be a breach of this Agreement and shall not constitute either a termination by the Company without Cause or resignation by the Executive for Good Reason. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 5 of this Agreement.

 

3. Compensation .

 

3.1 Base Salary . The Executive’s base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than in semi-monthly installments. The Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00). The Parent Board will review the Executive’s Base Salary at least annually and, after such review, may increase (but not decrease) the Executive’s Base Salary from the level then in effect.

 

3.2

Incentive Bonus . The Executive shall be eligible to receive an incentive bonus for each fiscal year of the Company that occurs during the Period of Employment (“ Incentive Bonus ”); provided , that , the Executive must be employed by the Company at the time the Company pays its annual bonuses generally with respect to any such fiscal year in order to be eligible for an Incentive Bonus with respect to that fiscal year (and, if the Executive is not so employed at such time, in no event shall he have been considered to have “earned” any Incentive Bonus with respect to the fiscal year in question). The Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company shall equal 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company to the Executive for that fiscal year; provided, that, the Executive’s actual Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year shall be determined by the Parent Board (or a committee thereof) in its sole discretion, based upon the achievement by the Company of specified EBITDA (as

 

3


 

hereinafter defined) hurdles for such fiscal year set forth annually by the Parent Board. For purposes of this Agreement, “ EBITDA ” means the consolidated earnings of Parent and its subsidiaries before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Parent Board may modify the applicable EBITDA targets to the extent that it determines that an adjustment is appropriate to preserve the intended incentives and benefits to reflect (1) any change in corporate capitalization, any corporate transaction (such as a reorganization, combination, separation, merger, acquisition, or any combination of the foregoing), or any complete or partial liquidation of Parent or Francesca’s, as applicable, (2) any change in accounting policies or practices, or (3) the effects of any non-recurring, extraordinary or special gains or charges to the earnings of Parent or Francesca’s, as applicable.

 

3.3

Equity Incentive Grant . Within thirty (30) days following the Effective Date, the Executive shall be granted an option to purchase shares of Parent common stock (the “ Option ”). The number of shares of Parent common stock subject to such Option at the time of grant of the Option shall equal 2% of Parent’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock (on a non-fully diluted basis) at the time of grant of the Option. The Option shall vest based on the passage of time in equal monthly installments over a four year period; so that on the fourth yearly anniversary of the grant, the Option, to the extent then unvested, shall vest in full; provided , however that the Option shall be eligible for accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance objectives established by the Parent Board (or a committee thereof); 1 provided , further , that , in each case, the Executive remains employed by the Company as of each such vesting date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) if the Company delivers to the Executive a Nonrenewal Notice, the Option, to the extent then outstanding and not theretofore vested shall vest in full on the Executive’s Severance Date (as defined in Section 5.3) and (ii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), the Option, to the extent then outstanding and not theretofore vested shall vest in full. The per share exercise price of the Option shall be the fair market value of a share of Parent common stock, as determined by the Parent Board, on the date of grant of the Option. The maximum term of the Option shall be 10 years from the date of grant of the Option, subject to earlier termination in accordance with the provisions of the applicable stock option agreement. The Option shall be granted pursuant to a stock option plan and

 

1  

Performance-based vesting to be 1/3 rd of the Option upon the achievement by the Investors of each of a 2.0x, 2.5x and 3.0x multiple of invested capital. The determination of any accelerated vesting as a result of the achievement of performance vesting shall be as follows: at a measurement event (as described below), the Option shall vest to the extent the applicable performance threshold is met, if it is not theretofore vested. For example, if the Option is 50% vested (as a result of the passage of time) at a performance measurement event and a 2.5x multiple is achieved, an additional 16.6% of the Option shall vest If, however, a 2.0x multiple is achieved, the Option will not vest as a result of the measurement event, but will remain 50% vested and will be eligible for additional vesting based on the passage of time. Multiples of invested capital will be measured once, upon the earlier to occur of a Liquidity Event (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) or an initial public offering of Parent For purposes of testing whether the performance criteria have been met, in the event of (i) a Liquidity Event (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) involving less than all of the issued and outstanding Stockholder Shares (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement), the multiple of invested capital will be determined as if such event were a complete sale or (ii) an initial public offering, the multiple of invested capital will be measured by reference to the 20 day trailing average stock price for the listed shares following such initial public offering.

 

4


 

subject to the terms and conditions of a written stock option agreement in a form used by the Company to evidence its employee stock option grants. For purposes of this Agreement and the written stock option agreement, “ Change of Control ” shall mean the consummation of a transaction whereby: (i) Parent or Francesca’s sells substantially all of its consolidated assets to any other Person (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), (ii) Parent or Francesca’s is dissolved and liquidated, or (iii) any Person, including a “group” as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, acquires or gains ownership or control (including, without limitation, power to vote) of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Parent’s or Francesca’s voting stock (based upon voting power).

 

4. Benefits .

 

4.1 Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

 

4.2 Term Life Insurance . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall at its expense procure and keep in effect term life insurance on the life of the Executive, payable to such beneficiaries as the Executive may from time to time designate, in the aggregate amount of $10,000,000; provided , that , the Executive is insurable on reasonable terms and conditions as determined by the Parent Board in its reasonable discretion.

 

4.3 Long-Term Disability . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall at its expense provide the Executive with long-term disability benefit coverage, subject to the terms of such long-term disability plan as may be in effect from time to time; provided , that , the Executive is insurable on reasonable terms and conditions as determined by the Parent Board in its reasonable discretion.

 

4.4 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses the Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect from time to time.

 

4.5

Vacation and Other Leave . During the Period of Employment, the Executive’s annual rate of vacation accrual shall be four (4) weeks per year; provided , that , such vacation shall accrue and be subject to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time. Upon any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay the Executive for all accrued and unused vacation up to the maximum rate of vacation accrual (4 weeks per year) based on his Base Salary

 

5


 

immediately prior to such termination. The Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company.

 

5. Termination .

 

5.1 Termination by the Company . The Executive’s employment by the Company and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Company: (i) immediately upon notice, with Cause (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance notice to the Executive, without Cause, or (iii) in the event of the Executive’s Disability (as defined in Section 5.5). The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, shall automatically terminate upon the Executive’s death.

 

5.2 Termination by the Executive . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Executive: (i) for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) for any reason with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to the Company.

 

5.3 Benefits upon Termination . If the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Period of Employment for any reason by the Company or by the Executive, or upon or following the expiration of the Period of Employment (in any case, the date that the Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the Severance Date ”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to the Executive, and the Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

 

  (a) The Company shall pay the Executive (or, in the event of his death, the Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as such term is defined in Section 5.5);

 

  (b) If, during the Period of Employment, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of a termination by the Company without Cause or a resignation by the Executive with Good Reason (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 

  (i)

The Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to two times his Base Salary at the annualized rate in effect on the Severance Date. Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “ Severance Benefit .” Subject to Section 5.8(a), the Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices over a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) occurs. (For purposes of clarity, each such installment shall equal the applicable fraction of the aggregate Severance Benefit. For example, if such installments were to be

 

6


  made on a monthly basis, each installment would equal one-twenty-fourth (1/24 th ) of the Severance Benefit.)

 

  (ii) The Option, to the extent then outstanding and not theretofore vested, shall automatically vest on the Severance Date.

 

  (iii) The Company will pay or reimburse the Executive for his premiums charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“ COBRA ”), at the same or reasonably equivalent medical coverage for the Executive (and, if applicable, the Executive’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, to the extent that the Executive elects such continued coverage; provided , that, the Company’s obligation to make any payment or reimbursement pursuant to this clause (iii) shall, subject to Section 5.8(a), commence with continuation coverage for the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs and shall cease with continuation coverage in the twenty-fourth month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs (or, if earlier, shall cease upon the first to occur of the Executive’s death, the date the Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the health plan of a future employer, or the date the Company ceases to offer group medical coverage to its active executive employees or the Company is otherwise under no obligation to offer COBRA continuation coverage to the Executive). To the extent that the Executive elects COBRA coverage, he shall notify the Company in writing of such election prior to such coverage taking effect and complete any other continuation coverage enrollment procedures the Company may then have in place.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit or to any continued Company-paid or reimbursed coverage pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(iii). In such event, the first installment of the Severance Benefit contemplated by Section 5.3(b)(i) shall, in and of itself, constitute good and sufficient consideration for the Executive’s release contemplated by Section 5.4(a).

 

  (d) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (ii) the Executive’s rights under COBRA to continue participation in medical, dental, hospitalization and life insurance coverage; or (iii) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any).

 

7


5.4 Release; Exclusive Remedy .

 

  (a) This Section 5.4 shall apply notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement or any stock option or other equity-based award agreement to the contrary. As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b) or any other obligation to accelerate vesting of any equity-based award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall, upon or promptly following (and in all events, within twenty-one (21) days of, unless a longer period of time is required by applicable law) his last day of employment with the Company, provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, and such release agreement shall have not been revoked by the Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law. The Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and any Affiliate of Parent or Francesca, as applicable, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate of Parent or Francesca, as applicable, and to promptly execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignation.

 

  (b) The Executive agrees that the payments and benefits contemplated by Section 5.3 (and any applicable acceleration of vesting of an equity-based award in accordance with the terms of such award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment) shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of his employment and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of the Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether the Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages.

 

5.5 Certain Defined Terms .

 

  (a) As used herein, “ Accrued Obligations ” means:

 

  (i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date;

 

  (ii) any accrued and unused vacation that had had not been paid, up to a maximum of 4 weeks; and

 

  (iii) any reimbursement due to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date.

 

  (b)

As used herein, “ Affiliate ” shall refer to any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with either Parent or Francesca’s. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and

 

8


 

“under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person. For the avoidance of doubt, Bear Growth Capital Partners, L.P. (“ BGCP ”) shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of either of the Investors, and neither Investor shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of BGCP.

 

  (c) As used herein, “ Cause ” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Parent Board (excluding the Executive, if he is then a member of the Parent Board) based on the information then known to it, that one or more of the following has occurred:

 

  (i) the Executive has committed a felony (under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction);

 

  (ii) the Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of material willful misconduct in the course of his duties hereunder;

 

  (iii) the Executive willfully fails to perform or uphold his duties under this Agreement and/or willfully fails to comply with reasonable directives of the Parent Board, in either case after there has been delivered to the Executive a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s belief that the Executive has violated his obligations to the Company or has failed to comply with any such directives, as applicable; or

 

  (iv) any breach by the Executive of any provision of Section 6, or any material breach by the Executive of this Agreement or any other contract he is a party to with the Company.

 

  (d) As used herein, “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply.

 

  (e) As used herein, “ Good Reason ” shall mean a resignation by the Executive after the occurrence (without the Executive’s consent) of any one or more of the following conditions:

 

  (i) a material diminution in the Executive’s rate of Base Salary;

 

  (ii) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;

 

9


  (iii) a material change in the geographic location of the Executive’s principal office with the Company (for this purpose, in no event shall a relocation of such office to a new location that is not more than fifty (50) miles from the current location of the Company’s executive offices constitute a “material change”); or

 

  (iv) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement;

provided , however , that any such condition or conditions, as applicable, shall not constitute grounds for a Good Reason unless both (x) the Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such condition(s) (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided , further , that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a Good Reason unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason.

 

  (f) As used herein, the term “ Person ” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, 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.

 

  (g) As used herein, a “ Separation from Service ” occurs when the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

 

5.6 Notice of Termination . Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with Section 18 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

5.7 Limitation on Benefits .

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive by the Company or any of its Affiliates, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (including, without limitation, any accelerated vesting of stock options or other equity-based awards) (collectively, the “ Total Payments ”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), then the Total

 

10


 

Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the Executive shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Total Payments if such a reduction is required, any such notice consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of stock options or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of restricted stock or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments. The preceding provisions of this Section 5.7(a) shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing the Executive’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

 

  (b) Any determination that Total Payments to the Executive must be reduced or eliminated in accordance with Section 5.7(a) and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Parent Board in the exercise of its reasonable, good faith discretion based upon the advice of such professional advisors it may deem appropriate in the circumstances. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Parent Board hereunder, it is possible that Total Payments to the Executive which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“ Underpayment ”). If an Underpayment has occurred, the amount of any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive together with interest on such amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto). In the event that any Total Payment made to the Executive shall be determined to otherwise result in the imposition of any tax under Section 4999 of the Code and a reduction in Total Payments is required pursuant to Section 5.7(a), then the Executive shall promptly repay to the Company the amount of any such overpayment together with interest on such amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto), from the date the reimbursable payment was received by the Executive to the date the same is repaid to the Company.

 

  (c)

If any portion of the Total Payments would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (before giving effect to any reduction in Total Payments contemplated by Section 5.7(a)), the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to seek (in a manner which satisfies all applicable requirements of such Section 280G(b)(5)(B) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, including Q-7 of Section 1.280G-1 of such Treasury Regulations) the approval by such number of shareholders of the Company as is required by the terms of Section 280G(b)(5)(B) of the Code so as to render the parachute payment

 

11


 

provisions of Section 280G of the Code inapplicable to the Total Payments that would be reduced or eliminated by operation of Section 5.7(a) if such shareholder approval was not obtained.

 

5.8 Section 409A .

 

  (a) If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 5.3(b) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after his or her Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death. The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 5.8(a) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within twenty (20) days) after the date that is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of the Executive’s death).

 

  (b) To the extent that any reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.4 or any benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(iii) are taxable to the Executive, any reimbursement payment due to the Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The Executive agrees to provide prompt notice to the Company of any such expenses (and any other documentation that the Company may reasonably require to substantiate such expenses) in order to facilitate the Company’s timely reimbursement of the same. The reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.4 and the benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(iii) are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits that the Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such reimbursements or benefits that the Executive receives in any other taxable year,

 

  (c) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Company’s and the Executive’s exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.

 

6. Protective Covenants .

 

6.1 Confidential Information; Inventions .

 

  (a)

The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the course of his past employment with the Company and its Affiliates, he was provided, and became

 

12


 

familiar, with the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) belonging to the Company and its Affiliates because he had contractually agreed, inter alia, not to disclose such information, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities; and that the Company and its Affiliates would not have provided him access to such information but for his non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements; which agreements are hereby superseded by this Agreement. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Affiliates. shall provide to him, and he shall become familiar with, additional Trade Secrets and Confidential Information belonging to the Company and its Affiliates only if he contractually agrees, pursuant to this Agreement, not to disclose any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of the Company and its Affiliates, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities (as described below); and that the Company and its Affiliates would not provide him access to such information but for his non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (b) The Executive shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of. Employment or thereafter, any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) of which the Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by him, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by the Executive’s performance in good faith of duties for the Company. The Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information in his possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. The Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Period of Employment, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates which the Executive may then possess or have under his control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company and its counsel the documents and other information sought, and shall assist the Company and such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process.

 

  (c)

As used in this Agreement, the term “ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information ” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by the Executive while employed by the Company or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the Effective Date) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases,

 

13


 

(x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients and customer or client lists, (xiii) other copyrightable works, (xiv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xv) all similar and related information in whatever form. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by the Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date the Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.

 

  (d) As used in this Agreement, the term “ Work Product ” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by the Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that the Executive may have discovered, invented or originated during his employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that he may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. Executive shall promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, shall execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and shall assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. The Executive hereby appoints the Company as his attorney-in-fact to execute on bis behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the Company, the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product.

 

14


6.2 Restriction on Competition . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that (a) the value of the consideration received directly or indirectly by him pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement is substantial and that preservation of the goodwill associated with the Company is a part of the consideration which the Investors are receiving in the Stock Purchase Agreement and (b) if the Executive were to become employed by, or substantially involved in, the business of a competitor of the Company or any of its Affiliates during the Restricted Period, it would be impossible for the Executive not to disclose, rely on, or use the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. Thus, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure, and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in, enter the employ of, render any services to, have any ownership interest in, nor participate in the financing, operation, management or control of, any Competing Business (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in” shall include, without limitation, any direct or indirect ownership or profit participation interest in such enterprise, whether as an owner, stockholder, member, partner, joint venturer or otherwise, and shall include any direct or indirect participation in such enterprise as an employee, consultant, director, officer, licensor of technology or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competing Business ” means a Person anywhere in the continental United States and Canada (the “ Restricted Area ”) that at any time during the Period of Employment, or any and time during the Restricted Period engages in the business of operating retail stores for the sale of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts, greeting cards, picture frames and related items. The parties hereto agree that the Company intends to engage in business throughout the Restricted Area, even if it does not currently do so, and therefore its scope is reasonable. For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Restricted Period ” shall refer to (i) the twenty-four month period after the Severance Date if the severance event is as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or his resignation for Good Reason, and (ii) the twelve month period after the Severance Date, if the severance event is as a result of any other reason (other than a termination of employment by the Company without Cause or a resignation for Good Reason). Nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as the Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.

 

6.3

Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) induce or attempt to induce any

 

15


 

employee or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company until twelve months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such Affiliate has been terminated.

 

6.4 Non-Solicitation of Customers . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate; and (ii) interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors,. lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand.

 

6.5 Understanding of Covenants . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “ Restrictive Covenants ”) are: (i) reasonable in all respects, including in temporal and geographical scope; (ii) necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, including its and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, good will, contractual and business relationships, investment in its workforce, and customer relations; and (iii) narrowly tailored, based upon input from all parties, to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests without unduly circumscribing Executive’s rights and interests. The Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that he would not reap the benefits of the Stock Purchase Agreement but for the Executive’s entering into this Agreement. Finally, the Executive and the Company intend that Restrictive Covenants shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each county or province of each and every state or jurisdiction within the Restricted Area and one for each month of the Restricted Period.

Without limiting the generality of the Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, the Executive (i) represents that he is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that he is fully aware of his obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, (iv) agrees that the Company and its Affiliates currently conducts business throughout the Restricted Area, and (v) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether the Executive is then entitled to receive severance

 

16


pay or benefits from the Company. The Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given his education, skills and ability), the Executive does not believe would prevent him from otherwise earning a living. The Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Executive.

 

6.6 Enforcement . The Executive agrees that the Executive’s services are unique and that he has access to Confidential Information and Work Product. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of Section 17, the Executive agrees that a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, the Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6, if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction is so entered against the Executive. The Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, such period of time shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant.

 

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

8. Successors and Assigns .

 

  (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.

 

  (b)

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by

 

17


 

purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee, as applicable, which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

 

9. Number and Gender; Examples . Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates.

 

10. Section Headings . The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

11. Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BE APPLIED. IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY.

 

12.

Severability . It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining

 

18


 

provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement embody the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement include provisions related to the same or similar rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, including with respect to non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality restrictions, among others, and (ii) all such provisions, whether contained in this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement are intended by the Parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, to co-exist with and apply in addition to, and not in lieu or modification of, any provisions contained in any other agreement. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein. For purposes of clarity, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement are each superseded in their entirety and are of no further force or effect after the Effective Time.

 

14. Modifications . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.

 

15. Waiver . Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

16. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

17.

Remedies . Each of the parties to this Agreement and any such person or entity granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights

 

19


 

existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party.

 

18. Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.

if to the Company:

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 W. 12th Street

Houston, TX 77008

Attention: General Counsel

Telephone: (713) 864-1358

Facsimile: (713)426-2751

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2200

Dallas, TX 75201

Attention: Donald A. Hammett, Jr., Esq.

Telephone: (214)740-8582

Facsimile: (214)740-8800

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC

245 Park Avenue, 16 th Floor

New York, NY 10167

Attention: Stephen P. Murray

Telephone: (212) 600-9600

Facsimile: (212)599-3481

 

20


and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Times Square Tower

7 Times Square

New York, NY 10036.

Attention: Harvey M. Eisenberg, Esq.

Telephone: (212)326-2000

Facsimile: (212)326-2061

if to the Executive, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.

 

19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

20. Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting . Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Executive acknowledges that O’Melveny & Myers LLP is counsel to the Company and does not represent (and has not provided any advice or counsel to) Executive. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

[The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank.]

 

21


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Francesca’s and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

“PARENT”

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation

By:   /s/ Kal Malik
Name:   Kal Malik
Title:   Exec: VP

“FRANCESCA’S”

 

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC., a Texas corporation

By:   /s/ Kal Malik
Name:   Kal Malik
Title:   Exec. VP
“EXECUTIVE”
/s/ JOHN DE MERITT
JOHN DE MERITT

 

De Meritt Employment Agreement

Exhibit 10.18

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

3480 W EST 12 TH S TREET

H OUSTON , T EXAS 77008

September 9, 2010

Dear Gene:

The purpose of this letter is to memorialize the salary and certain benefits that you are entitled to receive from Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company ), or an applicable subsidiary of the Company, in connection with your employment with the Company or its subsidiaries. Your execution of this letter agreement (this Agreement ) will confirm your understanding of such terms and serve as your acceptance of them.

1. Nature of Agreement and Relationship. You will be employed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company under the supervision of the CEO and the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board ). This Agreement does NOT represent an employment contract for any specified term. YOUR EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP THUS WILL ALWAYS BE “AT WILL,” meaning that, subject to the terms hereof, either party to this Agreement may terminate your employment at any time for any lawful reason; provided , however , if your employment with the Company is terminated without “Cause” (as defined in Section 8 ) during the first 36 months of the Employment Period, the Company will pay you, subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to one times your “Base Salary” (as defined in Section  2 ) at the annualized rate in effect on the date of such termination (the Severance Payment ). In no event will you voluntarily resign without notifying the Company of the date you intend to resign, which date must not be less than 60 days after the date the Company receives your notice.

2. Salary, Bonus and Other Compensation. For the period beginning on the date hereof and continuing until the earlier of (i) termination of your employment with the Company or (ii) 36 months beginning October 18, 2010 (the Employment Period ), your base salary will be $325,000 per annum (the Base Salary ). During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending December 31, 2010, the Base Salary will be pro rated on an annualized basis. You will be paid by the Company or its subsidiaries in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s or such subsidiary’s general payroll policies and practices. During the Employment Period, you will be entitled to receive an annual bonus payment of up to 60% of your annual Base Salary beginning in fiscal year 2011 (which begins February 1, 2011) based on the achievement of goals and objectives established prior to the review period and established by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the CEO ). Any bonus payments shall be made in cash at the same time annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s employees generally; provided, that, you must be employed by the Company at the time the Company pays its annual bonuses generally with respect to any such fiscal year in order to be eligible for an annual bonus (and, if you are not so employed at such time, in no event shall you have been considered to have “earned” any such annual bonus). No later than thirty (30) days following the date you report for work, the Company will grant you an option (the Equity Incentive ) to acquire up to 202,030 shares of Company’s Common Stock (equals one-half percent (1/2%) of currently issued and outstanding shares), evidenced by a stock option award agreement between you and the Company (the Option Agreement ). The Equity Incentive shall be issued pursuant and subject to the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. The Equity Incentive will vest in


equal monthly installments (as of the last day of each month) during the period beginning on the date hereof and ending as of the fifth (5 th ) yearly anniversary of the date hereof, provided that you remain employed by the Company on each applicable vesting date. The Equity Incentive will not be eligible for accelerated vesting; provided, you will have an opportunity to purchase up to $100,000 of the Company’s Common Stock (based on fair market value as of the start date of your employment and such purchase will be charged against the Equity Incentive amount of 202,030 referenced above) within the first thirty (30) days of the Employment Period. The Option Agreement will provide that upon your termination for Cause, any outstanding options that you may be entitled to (whether vested or unvested) will terminate immediately upon such termination. The per-share strike price of the Equity Incentive shall be the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant, as determined by the Board.

3. Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse you for your actual out-of- pocket moving expenses in connection with your move from Amber, Pennsylvania to Houston, Texas for the purposes of the employment with the Company in an amount not to exceed $35,000 (the Moving Expenses ). Additionally, the Company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses associated with up to 8-months (beginning with your start date) of temporary housing in Houston. You will be required to provide adequate back up documentation prior to receiving reimbursement for the Moving Expenses. Any reimbursement of Moving Expenses may be subject to required tax withholdings.

4. Withholding. All amounts payable to you as compensation hereunder shall be subject to all required and customary withholding by the Company or the applicable subsidiary of the Company.

5. Non-Solicitation. During the Employment Period and during the twelve (12) month period following your termination of employment for any reason, you agree not to directly or indirectly through any other person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any affiliate of the Company until twelve (12) months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such affiliate has been terminated.

6. Confidential Information .

(a) Obligation to Maintain Confidentiality . You acknowledge that the continued success of the Company and its subsidiaries depends upon the use and protection of a large body of confidential and proprietary information, including confidential and proprietary information now existing or to be developed in the future. Confidential Information will be defined as all information of any sort (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form) that is (i) related to the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ prior, current or potential business and (ii) not generally or publicly known. Confidential Information includes, without specific limitation, the information, observations and data of the Company and its subsidiaries including, without limitation, designs, drawings, photographs and reports; flow charts, manuals, documentation and databases; inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or

 

2


unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice; all technology and trade secrets; information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ business or industry of which you are aware or become aware during the Employment Period, the persons or entities that are current, former or prospective suppliers or customers of any one or more of them during the Employment Period; development, transition and transformation plans, methodologies and methods of doing business, strategic, marketing and expansion plans, including plans regarding planned and potential sales, financial and business plans, employee lists and telephone numbers, locations of sales representatives, new and existing programs and services, prices and terms, customer service, integration processes, requirements and costs of providing service, support and equipment; and all similar and related information in whatever form. Therefore, you agree that you shall not disclose or use for your own account any of such Confidential Information, except as reasonably necessary for the performance of your duties as an employee of the Company and its subsidiaries, without prior written consent of the Board, unless and to the extent that any Confidential Information (i) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of your improper acts or omissions to act or (ii) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law, regulatory action or court order; provided , however , that you must give the Company prompt written notice of any such legal requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate fully with all efforts by the Company (at the Company’s sole expense) to obtain a protective order or similar confidentiality treatment for such information. Upon the termination of the Employment Period, you agree to deliver to the Company, upon request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports and other documents (and copies thereof) relating to the business of the Company or its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information) that you may then possess or have under your control, other than such documents as are generally or publicly known other than as a result of your breach or actions in violation of this Agreement.

(b) Ownership of Intellectual Property . If you create, invent, design, develop, contribute to or improve any works of authorship, inventions, materials, documents or other work product or other intellectual property, either alone or in conjunction with third parties, at any time during the Employment Period (collectively, Works ), to the extent that such Works were created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to, or improved with the use of any Company resources and/or within the scope of such employment (collectively, the Company Works ), you shall promptly and fully disclose such Company Works to the Company. Any copyrightable work falling within the definition of Company Works shall be deemed a “work made for hire” as such term is defined in 17 U.S.C. § 101. You hereby (i) irrevocably assign, transfer and convey, to the extent permitted by applicable law, all right, title and interest in and to the Company Works on a worldwide basis (including, without limitation, rights under patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company or such other entity as the Company shall designate, to the extent ownership of any such rights does not automatically vest in the Company under applicable law and (ii) waive any moral rights therein to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law. You agree that you will not use any Company Works for your personal benefit, the benefit of a competitor, or for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or its subsidiaries. You agree to execute any further documents and take any further reasonable actions requested by the Company to assist it in validating, effectuating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of its rights hereunder, all at the Company’s sole expense. Upon termination of the Employment Period, you shall deliver to the Company all originals and all duplicates and copies of all documents, records, notebooks, and similar repositories

 

3


of or containing Confidential Information then in your possession, whether prepared by you or not; and at any time thereafter, if any such materials are brought to your attention or you discover them in your possession, you shall deliver such materials to the Company immediately upon such notice or discovery.

(c) Third Party Information . You understand that the Company and its subsidiaries will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“ Third Party Information ”) subject to a duty on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Period and at all times thereafter, and without in any way limiting any provision of this Agreement, you will hold information which you know, or reasonably should know, to be Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel of the Company or its subsidiaries who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company or such subsidiaries) or use, except in connection with your work for the Company or its subsidiaries, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized in writing by the Board or the information (i) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of your improper acts or omissions or (ii) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law, regulatory action or court order.

(d) Use of Information of Prior Employers . During the Employment Period, you shall not use or disclose any Confidential Information including trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality, and shall not bring onto the premises of the Company or its subsidiaries any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. You shall use in the performance of your duties only information that is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to yours and that is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) is otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries or (iii) in the case of materials, property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person.

(e) Disparaging Statements . During the Employment Period and at all times thereafter, you shall not disparage the Company or its subsidiaries or any of their respective investors, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives, or any of such entities’ products or services; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prohibit you from making any general competitive statements or communications about the Company or its subsidiaries or their businesses in the ordinary course of competition after the non-solicitation period has expired. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 6(e) shall prevent you or the Company and its subsidiaries from enforcing your or their rights under this Agreement or any other agreement to which you and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) are party, or otherwise limit such enforcement.

7. Enforcement. If, at the time of enforcement of Section 5 or Section 6 , a court holds that the restrictions stated therein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period or scope reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated period or scope and the covenants should be interpreted and enforced to the maximum extent which such court deems reasonable. You agree that money damages would not

 

4


be an adequate remedy for any breach of this Agreement by you and same would result in irreparable injury and damage to the Company and for which the Company would have no adequate remedy at law. Therefore, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement by you, the Company or its successors or assigns, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, shall be entitled to specific performance and/or immediate injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security), without having to prove damages, and to the payment of all of the Company’s costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, in addition to any other remedies to which the Company may be entitled at law or in equity. In addition, in the event of an alleged breach or violation by you of Section 5 or Section 6 , the non-solicitation period shall be tolled until such breach or violation has been duly cured. The terms of this Section 7 shall not prevent either party from pursuing any other available remedies for any breach or threatened breach hereof, including but not limited to the recovery of damages from the other party.

8. Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause exists if: (i) you for any reason are unable to render or fail to render your duties for the Company and its subsidiaries, (ii) you violate the policies or procedures of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as such policies and procedures are adopted or modified from time to time, or you fail to follow directives of a higher level executive or the Board, (iii) you are negligent or engage in willful misconduct in connection with the performance of your duties for the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iv) you commit any act of personal dishonesty intended to result in your personal enrichment at the expense of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any act of fraud or misappropriation of property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (v) you are convicted of or have entered a plea bargain or settlement admitting guilt for any felony, (vi) you are convicted of or have entered a plea bargain or settlement admitting guilt for any misdemeanor involving financial misconduct or matters relating to the business of the Company, (vii) you are the subject of any order, judicial or administrative, obtained or issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any similar regulatory body of the United States or of any State of the United States, for any securities violation involving fraud, including, for example, any such order consented to by you in which findings of facts or any legal conclusions establishing liability are neither admitted nor denied or (viii) there is any material breach by you of this Agreement which after a reasonable cure period under the applicable circumstances remains uncured. You have represented to the Company that you have not heretofore suffered any of the matters set forth in sub-clauses (v) through (vii) of this Section 8 .

9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes your entire agreement with the Company relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements. For the avoidance of doubt, the covenants contained herein are separate and apart from any covenants not solicit set forth in any non-solicitation agreement between you and the Company (or its subsidiaries).

10. Amendment. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and you.

11. Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect

 

5


to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Texas or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Texas.

12. Waiver of Jury Trial. A S A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS A GREEMENT ( AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL ), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS A GREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY . The losing party in any lawsuit or proceeding relating to or arising in any way from this Agreement or the matters contemplated hereby shall pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of the prevailing party in such lawsuit or proceeding.

13. Code Section 4999. _Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for your benefit by the Company or any of its affiliates, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (including, without limitation, any vesting of stock options or other equity-based awards) (collectively, the Total Payments ) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code ), then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Unless you shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Total Payments if such a reduction is required, any such notice consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), then by reducing or eliminating any vesting of stock options or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any vesting of restricted stock or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments. The provisions of this Section 13 shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing your rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation. Any determination that Total Payments to you must be reduced or eliminated and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Board in the exercise of its reasonable, good faith discretion based upon the advice of such professional advisors it may deem appropriate in the circumstances.

14. Code Section 409A.

(a) If you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of your separation from employment with the Company, you shall not be entitled to any Severance Payment until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after your separation from employment with the Company for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of the your death. The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to you upon or in the six (6) month period following your separation from employment with the Company that are not so paid by reason of this Section

 

6


14(a) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within twenty (20) days) after the date that is six (6) months after your separation from employment with the Company (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of your death).

(b) To the extent that any reimbursements or any benefits provided to you by the Company are taxable to you, any reimbursement payment due you shall be paid to you on or before the last day of your taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. You agree to provide prompt notice to the Company of any such expenses (and any other documentation that the Company may reasonably require to substantiate such expenses) in order to facilitate the Company’s timely reimbursement of the same. Any reimbursements to which you may be entitled are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Company’s and your exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.

Signature page follows.

 

7


If the above correctly reflects our understanding and agreement with respect to the foregoing matters, please so confirm by executing this letter agreement in the space provided below.

 

Sincerely,
FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION
By:   /s/ John De Meritt
  John De Meritt, President/CEO
Acknowledged and agreed as of the date first above written:
  /s/ Gene S. Morphis
  Gene S. Morphis

 

8

Exhibit 10.19

Theresa Backes

 

START DATE:    No later than January 1, 2008
ANNUAL SALARY:    $195,000
EQUITY PARTICIPATION:    You will be eligible to participate in the Francesca’s Holding Corporation Stock Incentive Plan. As such, you will be awarded a one percent (1%) equity position upon employment. These shares will vest 20% each year for the following five years resulting in ownership of one percent. The equity will be non-transferable and have no value until a Liquidity Event has taken place.
RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:    Up to $10,000 to be paid to Executive upon submittal of receipts to cover moving, relocation and any temporary housing expenses from Philadelphia to Houston.
BONUS OPPORTUNITY:    You shall be entitled to receive a bonus payment of 40% of Annual Salary beginning fiscal year 2008 based 50% on the company achievement of target EBITDA (to be defined) and 50% on the Performance Review of Goals and Objectives established prior to the Review Period and agreed to by you and the CEO. In the event that the Company’s EBITDA for 2008 is less than the target, the CEO shall determine the amount of the bonus (if any) to be paid to the Executive.
   Payment of Bonus. Provided that the Executive is employed by the Company as of January 1, 2009 and becomes entitled to payment of a bonus pursuant to the preceding paragraph, such payment shall be made in cash to the Executive at the same time annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s employees generally. The Executive will have no right to any bonus under this offer letter if her employment with the Company terminates for any reason at any time before January 1, 2009.
   Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to deduct from any bonus amount otherwise payable under this Exhibit A the amount of any and all required income, employment and other tax withholding required with respect to Such payment.
INSURANCE:    You will immediately be eligible for enrollment in the Company’s insurance coverage as stated below.
Health:   

We currently offer a PPO health plan administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. The Company pays 75% of the premium related to you and your dependents that are on the plan. The 25% that the employee is responsible for varies depending on the rates then in effect

by the insurance provider.

Dental:    A dental component is separately provided by Mutual of Omaha. It includes adult & dependent orthodontia. All preventive care such as cleanings (one cleaning every six months) and annual x-rays are covered at 100%. The Company pays 75% of the premium related to you and your dependents that are on the plan. The 25% that the employee is responsible for varies depending on the rates then in effect by the insurance provider.
Vision:    A vision component is provided by Superior Vision. It


     covers/contributes to the costs or annual eye exams and offers an eye wear/contact lens annual
allowance.
Prescription Plan:    A prescription plan component is included with this health plan. It includes a mail-order option that results in lesser employee co-pays.
Life Insurance:    In conjunction with the health, dental, vision and prescription components of this program all insured employees are automatically enrolled for $15,000.00 worth of life insurance coverage at the employer’s expense. The life insurance component is an A.D.D.(Accidental Death and Dismemberment) plan. Additional Life Insurance coverage is available to employees at a minimal cost.
OTHER BENEFITS:    Please refer to the Company Policies for detailed information about vacation, holiday, sick or bereavement benefits.
401(k):    After 1 year of service with at least 1000 hours worked and at a minimum age of 21 years of age, employees may contribute to the Corporate 401(k) plan that includes discretionary matching. Our plan will be established prior to January 2008 and will have a 3% employer matching contribution for the year 2008.
Paid Time Off (PTO):    Beginning immediately with the commencement of full-time employment, you will accrue the equivalent of 20 days of paid time off (PTO) during your employment year. Given supervisor approval, our paid time off (PTO) benefit may be taken at anytime and for any reason including personal/sick, vacation or bereavement. In addition a current balance of paid time off (PTO) available to you will be printed on each pay stub yon receive.
Paid Holidays:    There are eight paid holidays in one calendar year including one floating holiday.
Merchandise Discount:    The merchandise discount for corporate and management employees is 50%.


TITLE:    Senior Real Estate Director
START DATE:    No later than March 3, 2008
ANNUAL SALARY:    $125,000
BONUS OPPORTUNITY:    You shall be entitled to receive $125,000 annually based upon:
  

1. FCI executing Leases that provide for the payment of at least $125,000 in TI Allowances each year (includes pending deals)

  

2. Securing 30, 40 and 50 signed leases that provide for the delivery of the space such that FCI has the ability to open 30, 40 and 50 stores in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively (includes pending deals).

  

3. Your development of the Real Estate Department infrastructure and processes as agreed upon by CEO and reflected in annual Goals set forth and agreed to in January of each year.

   Quarterly Payment of Bonus . Provided that the Executive is employed by the Company at the conclusion of each fiscal quarter and becomes entitled to payment of a bonus pursuant to the preceding paragraph, such payment shall be made in cash to the Executive with 30 days from the conclusion of each Quarter in a proportionate amount based on the production and or progress of that Quarter. The Executive will have no right to any bonus under this offer letter if her employment with the Company terminates for any reason at any time prior to the conclusion of a quarter.
   Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to deduct from any bonus amount otherwise payable under this Exhibit A the amount of any and all required income, employment and other tax withholding required with respect to such payment .
Relocation Allowance:    $12,000 to be paid upon Employee’s certification of relocation from Atlanta to Houston.
INSURANCE:    FCI will pay for Executive’s COBRA coverage for the month’s of March and April in the amount of $924.57 each month.
   You will be eligible for enrollment in the Company’s insurance coverage as stated below after a 60 day waiting period for new hires.
Health:    We currently offer a PPO health plan administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. The Company pays 75% of the premium related to you and your dependents that are on the plan. The 25% that the employee is responsible for varies depending on the rates then in effect by the insurance provider.
Dental:    A dental component is separately provided by Mutual of Omaha. It includes adult & dependent orthodontia. All preventive care such as cleanings (one cleaning every six months) and annual x-rays are covered at 100%. The Company pays 75% of the premium related to you and your dependents that are on the plan. The 25% that the employees is responsible for varies depending on the rates then in effect by the insurance provider.


Vision:    A vision component is provided by Superior Vision. It covers/contributes to the costs of annual eye exams and offers an eye wear/contact lens annual allowance.
Prescription Plan:    A prescription plan component is included with this health plan. It includes a mail-order option that results in lesser employee co-pays.
Life Insurance:    In conjunction with the health dental, vision and prescription components of this program all insured employees are automatically enrolled for $15,000.00 worth of life insurance coverage at the employer’s expense. The life insurance component is an A.D.D. (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) plan. Additional Life Insurance coverage is available to employees at a minimal cost.
OTHER BENEFITS:    Please refer to the Company Policies for detailed information about vacation, holiday, sick or bereavement benefits.
401(k):    Employees may contribute to the Corporate 401(k) plan that includes discretionary matching. Our plan will be established in March 2008 and will have a 100% employer matching contribution up to 3% of employee total comp for the year 2008.
Paid Time Off (PTO):    Beginning immediately with the commencement of full-time employment, you will accrue the equivalent of 20 days of paid time off (PTO) during your employment year. Given approval, our paid time off (PTO) benefit may be taken at anytime and for any reason including personal/sick, vacation or bereavement.
Paid Holidays:    There are eight paid holidays in one calendar year including one floating holiday.
Merchandise Discount:    The merchandise discount for corporate and management employees is 50%.

Accept Job Offer

By signing and dating this letter below. I, Clary Groen, accept the job offer of Senior Real Estate Director by Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

 

Signature:   /s/ Clary M. Groen     Date:   2/24/08
       

Exhibit 10.20

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into this 26th day of February 2010, by and among Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Francesca’s ”), and Kyong Yi Gill, an individual (the “ Executive ”). Parent and Francesca’s are herein collectively referred to as the “ Company ”.

RECITALS

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

A. Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. (CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., together the “ Investors ”), the Executive, as Stockholders’ Representative and as a stockholder of Parent, and the other individual stockholders of Parent have entered into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”).

B. The Company desires to provide for the continued services of the Executive upon and following the Closing (as such term is defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Executive and the Company desire to supersede the existing employment letter agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Employment Agreement ”), and the existing Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Non-Competition Agreement ”).

C. This Agreement shall be effective immediately following the Closing (the date on which such Closing occurs, the “ Effective Date ”), shall govern the employment relationship between the Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes and negates all previous agreements with respect to such relationship (including, without limitation, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement); provided , that , for purposes of clarity, this Agreement shall not affect the Executive’s obligations in the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement, by and among Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, Francesca’s, the Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stockholders’ Agreement ”).

D. The Executive desires to continue in the employ of the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.


E. This Agreement is a material inducement to the willingness of the parties to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Retention and Duties .

 

1.1 Retention . The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive for the Period of Employment (as defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

1.2 Duties . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall serve Francesca’s as its Chief Merchandising Officer and shall have the powers, authorities, and duties of management usually vested in such position of a corporation of a similar size and nature Francesca’s, as applicable, subject to the legal directives of Francesca’s CEO and Parent’s Board of Directors (the “ Parent Board ”) in exercising its general oversight function. The Executive shall report to Francesca’s CEO during the Period of Employment.

 

1.3 No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of the Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner to the best of her abilities, and (iii) hold no other employment. The Executive’s service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business entities is subject to the approval of the Parent Board. The Parent Board shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic or charitable board or similar body) which he may then serve if the Parent Board reasonably determines that the Executive’s service on such board or body substantially interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), successors or assigns.

 

1.4 No Breach of Contract . The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the Company and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which the Executive is subject; (ii) that the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other Person (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) which

 

2


 

would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out her duties hereunder; (iii) the Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-compete, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement) with any other Person; and (iv) the Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of the Executive set forth herein and the Executive consents to such reliance.

 

2.

Period of Employment . The “ Period of Employment ” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided , however, that this Agreement shall be automatically renewed, and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year on each anniversary of the Effective Date (commencing with the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date), unless either party gives notice, in writing, at least ninety (90) days prior to such anniversary, that the Period of Employment shall not be extended (or further extended, as the case may be) (any such notice, a “ Nonrenewal Notice ”), The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of a Nonrenewal Notice shall not be a breach of this Agreement and shall not constitute either a termination by the Company without Cause or resignation by the Executive for Good Reason. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 5 of this Agreement.

 

3. Compensation .

 

3.1 Base Salary . The Executive’s base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than in semi-monthly installments. The Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Two Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($275,000.00). The Parent Board will review the Executive’s Base Salary at least annually and, after such review, may increase (but not decrease) the Executive’s Base Salary from the level then in effect.

 

3.2 Incentive Bonus . The Executive shall be eligible to receive an incentive bonus for each fiscal year of the Company that occurs during the Period of Employment (“ Incentive Bonus ”); provided , that , the Executive must be employed by the Company at the time the Company pays its annual bonuses generally with respect to any such fiscal year in order to be eligible for an Incentive Bonus with respect to that fiscal year (and, if the Executive is not so employed at such time, in no event shall he have been considered to have “earned” any Incentive Bonus with respect to the fiscal year in question). The Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company shall equal 75% of the Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company to the Executive for that fiscal year; provided , that, the Executive’s actual Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year (which may, in part, be based on Francesca’s achievement of certain EBITDA targets) shall be determined by the CEO and approved by the Parent Board. For purposes of this Agreement, “ EBITDA ” means the consolidated earnings of Parent and its subsidiaries before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Parent Board

 

3


 

may modify the applicable EBITDA targets to the extent that it determines that an adjustment is appropriate to preserve the intended incentives and benefits to reflect (1) any change in corporate capitalization, any corporate transaction (such as a reorganization, combination, separation, merger, acquisition, or any combination of the foregoing), or any complete or partial liquidation of Parent or Francesca’s, as applicable, (2) any change in accounting policies or practices, or (3) the effects of any non-recurring, extraordinary or special gains or charges to the earnings of Parent or Francesca’s, as applicable.

 

3.3 Equity Incentive Grant . From time to time, the Parent Board may consider the Executive’s eligibility for and may award the Executive equity-based incentive awards, subject to the applicable plan, written award agreement and other documentation that the Parent Board may implement.

 

4. Benefits .

 

4.1 Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

 

4.2 Term Life Insurance . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall at its expense procure and keep in effect term life insurance on the life of the Executive, payable to such beneficiaries as the Executive may from time to time designate, in the aggregate amount of $3,000,000; provided , that the Executive is insurable on reasonable terms and conditions as determined by the Parent Board in its reasonable discretion.

 

4.3 Long-Term Disability . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall at its expense provide the Executive with long-term disability benefit coverage, subject to the terms of such long-term disability plan as may be in effect from time to time; provided , that the Executive is insurable on reasonable terms and conditions as determined by the Parent Board in its reasonable discretion.

 

4.4 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses the Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect from time to time.

 

4.5

Vacation and Other Leave . During the Period of Employment, the Executive’s annual rate of vacation accrual shall be four (4) weeks per year; provided , that , such vacation shall accrue and be subject to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time. Upon any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay the Executive for all accrued and unused vacation

 

4


 

up to the maximum rate of vacation accrual (4 weeks per year) based on her Base Salary immediately prior to such termination. The Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company.

 

5. Termination .

 

5.1 Termination by the Company . The Executive’s employment by the Company and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Company: (i) immediately upon notice, with Cause (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance notice to the Executive, without Cause, or (iii) in the event of the Executive’s Disability (as defined in Section 5.5). The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, shall automatically terminate upon the Executive’s death.

 

5.2 Termination by the Executive . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Executive: (i) for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) for any reason with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to the Company.

 

5.3 Benefits upon Termination . If the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Period of Employment for any reason by the Company or by the Executive, or upon or following the expiration of the Period of Employment (in any case, the date that the Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “ Severance Date ”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to the Executive, and the Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

 

  (a) The Company shall pay the Executive (or, in the event of her death, the Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as such term is defined in Section 5.5);

 

  (b) If, during the Period of Employment, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of a termination by the Company without Cause or a resignation by the Executive with Good Reason (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 

  (i)

The Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to two times her Base Salary at the annualized rate in effect on the Severance Date. Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “ Severance Benefit .” Subject to Section 5.8(a), the Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices over a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) occurs. (For purposes of clarity, each such installment shall equal the applicable fraction of the aggregate Severance Benefit. For example, if such installments were to be

 

5


 

made on a monthly basis, each installment would equal one-twenty-fourth (l/24 th ) of the Severance Benefit.)

 

  (ii) The Company will pay or reimburse the Executive for her premiums charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“ COBRA ”), at the same or reasonably equivalent medical coverage for the Executive (and, if applicable, the Executive’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, to the extent that the Executive elects such continued coverage; provided , that , the Company’s obligation to make any payment or reimbursement pursuant to this clause (iii) shall, subject to Section 5.8(a), commence with continuation coverage for the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs and shall cease with continuation coverage in the twenty-fourth month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs (or, if earlier, shall cease upon the first to occur of the Executive’s death, the date the Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the health plan of a future employer, or the date the Company ceases to offer group medical coverage to its active executive employees or the Company is otherwise under no obligation to offer COBRA continuation coverage to the Executive). To the extent that the Executive elects COBRA coverage, he shall notify the Company in writing of such election prior to such coverage taking effect and complete any other continuation coverage enrollment procedures the Company may then have in place.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive breaches her obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit or to any continued Company-paid or reimbursed coverage pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii). In such event, the first installment of the Severance Benefit contemplated by Section 5.3(b)(i) shall, in and of itself, constitute good and sufficient consideration for the Executive’s release contemplated by Section 5.4(a).

 

  (d) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (ii) the Executive’s rights under COBRA to continue participation in medical, dental, hospitalization and life insurance coverage; or (iii) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any);

 

5.4 Release; Exclusive Remedy .

 

6


  (a) This Section 5.4 shall apply notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement or any stock option or other equity-based award agreement to the contrary, if any. As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b) or any other obligation to accelerate vesting of any equity-based award, if any, in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall, upon or promptly following (and in all events, within twenty-one (21) days of, unless a longer period of time is required by applicable law) her last day of employment with the Company, provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, and such release agreement shall have not been revoked by the Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law. The Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and any Affiliate of Parent or Francesca, as applicable, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate of Parent or Francesca, as applicable, and to promptly execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignation.

 

  (b) The Executive agrees that the payments and benefits contemplated by Section 5.3 (and any applicable acceleration of vesting of an equity-based award, if any, in accordance with the terms of such award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment) shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of her employment and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of the Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether the Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages.

 

5.5 Certain Defined Terms .

 

  (a) As used herein, “ Accrued Obligations ” means:

 

  (i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date;

 

  (ii) any accrued and unused vacation that had had not been paid, up to a maximum of 4 weeks; and

 

  (iii) any reimbursement due to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date.

 

  (b)

As used herein, “ Affiliate ” shall refer to any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with either Parent or Francesca’s. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the

 

7


 

power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person. For the avoidance of doubt, Bear Growth Capital Partners, L.P. (“ BGCP ”) shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of either of the Investors, and neither Investor shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of BGCP.

 

  (c) As used herein, “ Cause ” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Parent Board (excluding the Executive, if he is then a member of the Parent Board) based on the information then known to it, that one or more of the following has occurred:

 

  (i) the Executive has committed a felony (under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction);

 

  (ii) the Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of material willful misconduct in the course of her duties hereunder;

 

  (iii) the Executive willfully fails to perform or uphold her duties under this Agreement and/or willfully fails to comply with reasonable directives of the Parent Board, in either case after there has been delivered to the Executive a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s belief that the Executive has violated her obligations to the Company or has failed to comply with any such directives, as applicable; or

 

  (iv) any breach by the Executive of any provision of Section 6, or any material breach by the Executive of this Agreement or any other contract he is a party to with the Company.

 

  (d) As used herein, “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of her employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply.

 

  (e) As used herein, “ Good Reason ” shall mean a resignation by the Executive after the occurrence (without the Executive’s consent) of any one or more of the following conditions:

 

  (i) a material diminution in the Executive’s rate of Base Salary;

 

  (ii) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;

 

  (iii)

a material change in the geographic location of the Executive’s principal office with the Company (for this purpose, in no event shall a relocation of

 

8


 

such office to a new location that is not more than fifty (50) miles from the current location of the Company’s executive offices constitute a “material change”); or

 

  (iv) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement;

provided , however , that any such condition or conditions, as applicable, shall not constitute grounds for a Good Reason unless both (x) the Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such condition(s) (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided , further, that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a Good Reason unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason.

 

  (f) As used herein, the term “ Person ” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, 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.

 

  (g) As used herein, a “ Separation from Service ” occurs when the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

 

5.6 Notice of Termination . Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with Section 18 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

5.7 Limitation on Benefits .

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive by the Company or any of its Affiliates, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (including, without limitation, any accelerated vesting of stock options or other equity-based awards, if any) (collectively, the “ Total Payments ”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the

 

9


 

amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the Executive shall have given prior Written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Total Payments if such a reduction is required, any such notice consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of stock options or similar awards, if any, then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of restricted stock or similar awards, if any, then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments. The preceding provisions of this Section 5.7(a) shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing the Executive’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

 

  (b) Any determination that Total Payments to the Executive must be reduced or eliminated in accordance with Section 5.7(a) and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Parent Board in the exercise of its reasonable, good faith discretion based upon the advice of such professional advisors it may deem appropriate in the circumstances. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Parent Board hereunder, it is possible that Total Payments to the Executive which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“ Underpayment ”). If an Underpayment has occurred, the amount of any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive together with interest on such amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto). In the event that any Total Payment made to the Executive shall be determined to otherwise result in the imposition of any tax under Section 4999 of the Code and a reduction in Total Payments is required pursuant to Section 5.7(a), then the Executive shall promptly repay to the Company the amount of any such overpayment together with interest on such amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto), from the date the reimbursable payment was received by the Executive to the date the same is repaid to the Company.

 

  (c)

If any portion of the Total Payments would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (before giving effect to any reduction in Total Payments contemplated by Section 5.7(a)), the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to seek (in a manner which satisfies all applicable requirements of such Section 280G(b)(5)(B) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, including Q-7 of Section 1.280G-1 of such Treasury Regulations) the approval by such number of shareholders of the Company as is required by the terms of Section 280G(b)(5)(B) of the Code so as to render the parachute payment provisions of Section 280G of the Code inapplicable to the Total Payments that

 

10


 

would be reduced or eliminated by operation of Section 5.7(a) if such shareholder approval was not obtained.

 

5.8 Section 409A .

 

  (a) If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 5.3(b) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after her or her Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death. The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 5.8(a) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within twenty (20) days) after the date that is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of the Executive’s death).

 

  (b) To the extent that any reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.4 or any benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) are taxable to the Executive, any reimbursement payment due to the Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The Executive agrees to provide prompt notice to the Company of any such expenses (and any other documentation that the Company may reasonably require to substantiate such expenses) in order to facilitate the Company’s timely reimbursement of the same. The reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.4 and the benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits that the Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such reimbursements or benefits that the Executive receives in any other taxable year.

 

  (c) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Company’s and the Executive’s exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.

 

6. Protective Covenants .

 

6.1 Confidential Information; Inventions .

 

  (a)

The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the course of her past employment with the Company and its Affiliates, she was provided, and became familiar, with the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below)

 

11


 

belonging to the Company and its Affiliates because she had contractually agreed, inter alia, not to disclose such information, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities; and that the Company and its Affiliates would not have provided her access to such information but for her non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements; which agreements are hereby superseded by this Agreement. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Affiliates shall provide to her, and she shall become familiar with, additional Trade Secrets and Confidential Information belonging to the Company and its Affiliates only if she contractually agrees, pursuant to this Agreement, not to disclose any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of the Company and its Affiliates, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities (as described below); and that the Company and its Affiliates would not provide her access to such information but for her non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (b) The Executive shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of Employment or thereafter, any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) of which the Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by her, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by the Executive’s performance in good faith of duties for the Company. The Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information in her possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. The Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Period of Employment, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates which the Executive may then possess or have under her control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company and its counsel the documents and other information sought, and shall assist the Company and such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process.

 

  (c)

As used in this Agreement, the term ‘ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information ” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by the Executive while employed by the Company or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the Effective Date) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments,

 

12


  methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients and customer or client lists, (xiii) other copyrightable works, (xiv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xv) all similar and related information in whatever form. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by the Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date the Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.

 

  (d) As used in this Agreement, the term “ Work Product ” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by the Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that the Executive may have discovered, invented or originated during-her employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that she may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. Executive shall promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, shall execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and shall assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. The Executive hereby appoints the Company as her attorney-in-fact to execute on her behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the Company, the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product.

 

13


6.2 Restriction on Competition . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that (a) the value of the consideration received directly or indirectly by her pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement is substantial and that preservation of the goodwill associated with the Company is a part of the consideration which the Investors are receiving in the Stock Purchase Agreement and (b) if the Executive were to become employed by, or substantially involved in, the business of a competitor of the Company or any of its Affiliates during the Restricted Period, it would be impossible for the Executive not to disclose, rely on, or use the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. Thus, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in, enter the employ of, render any services to, have any ownership interest in, nor participate in the financing, operation, management or control of, any Competing Business (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in” shall include, without limitation, any direct or indirect ownership or profit participation interest in such enterprise, whether as an owner, stockholder, member, partner, joint venturer or otherwise, and shall include any direct or indirect participation in such enterprise as an employee, consultant, director, officer, licensor of technology or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competing Business ” means a Person anywhere in the continental United States and Canada (the “ Restricted Area ”) that at any time during the Period of Employment, or any and time during the Restricted Period engages in the business of operating retail stores for the sale of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts, greeting cards, picture frames and related items. The parties hereto agree that the Company intends to engage in business throughout the Restricted Area, even if it does not currently do so, and therefore its scope is reasonable. For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Restricted Period ” shall refer to (i) the twenty-four month period after the Severance Date if the severance event is as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or her resignation for Good Reason, and (ii) the twelve month period after the Severance Date, if the severance event is as a result of any other reason (other than a termination of employment by the Company without Cause or a resignation for Good Reason). Nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as the Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.

 

6.3

Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) induce or attempt to induce any

 

14


 

employee or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company until twelve months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such Affiliate has been terminated.

 

6.4 Non-Solicitation of Customers . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate; and (ii) interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand.

 

6.5 Understanding of Covenants . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “ Restrictive Covenants ”) are: (i) reasonable in all respects, including in temporal and geographical scope; (ii) necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, including its and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, good will, contractual and business relationships, investment in its workforce, and customer relations; and (iii) narrowly tailored, based upon input from all parties, to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests without unduly circumscribing Executive’s rights and interests. The Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that she would not reap the benefits of the Stock Purchase Agreement but for the Executive’s entering into this Agreement. Finally, the Executive and the Company intend that Restrictive Covenants shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each county or province of each and every state or jurisdiction within the Restricted Area and one for each month of the Restricted Period.

Without limiting the generality of the Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, the Executive (i) represents that she is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that he is fully aware of her obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, (iv) agrees that the Company and its Affiliates currently conducts business throughout the Restricted Area, and (v) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether the Executive is then entitled to receive severance

 

15


 

pay or benefits from the Company. The Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit her ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but she nevertheless believes that she has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given her education, skills and ability), the Executive does not believe would prevent her from otherwise earning a living. The Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Executive.

 

6.6 Enforcement . The Executive agrees that the Executive’s services are unique and that she has access to Confidential Information and Work Product. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of Section 17, the Executive agrees that a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, the Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6, if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction is so entered against the Executive. The Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, such period of time shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant.

 

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

8. Successors and Assigns .

 

  (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.

 

  (b)

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by

 

16


 

purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee, as applicable, which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

 

9. Number and Gender; Examples . Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates.

 

10. Section Headings . The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

11. Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BE APPLIED. IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY.

 

12.

Severability . It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible. Notwithstanding, the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining

 

17


 

provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement embody the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement include provisions related to the same or similar rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, including with respect to non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality restrictions, among others, and (ii) all such provisions, whether contained in this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement are intended by the Parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, to co-exist with and apply in addition to, and not in lieu or modification of, any provisions contained in any other agreement. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein. For purposes of clarity, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement are each superseded in their entirety and are of no further force or effect after the Effective Time.

 

14. Modifications . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.

 

15. Waiver . Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

16. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

17. Remedies . Each of the parties to this Agreement and any such person or entity granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights

 

18


 

existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party.

 

18. Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.

if to the Company:

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 W. 12th Street

Houston, TX 77008

Attention: General Counsel

Telephone: (713)864-1358

Facsimile: (713)426-2751

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2200

Dallas, TX 75201

Attention: Donald A. Hammett, Jr., Esq.

Telephone: (214)740-8582

Facsimile: (214)740-8800

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC

245 Park Avenue, 16 th Floor

New York, NY 10167

Attention: Stephen P. Murray

Telephone: (212)600-9600

Facsimile: (212) 599-3481

 

19


and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Times Square Tower

7 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Harvey M. Eisenberg, Esq.

Telephone: (212) 326-2000

Facsimile: (212) 326-2061

if to the Executive, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.

 

19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

20. Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting . Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Executive acknowledges that O’Melveny & Myers LLP is counsel to the Company and does not represent (and has not provided any advice or counsel to) Executive. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

[The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank.]

 

20


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Francesca’s and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

“PARENT”

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

By:   /s/ John De Meritt
Name:   John De Meritt
Title:   President/CEO
“FRANCESCA’S”

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.,

a Texas corporation

By:   /s/ John De Meritt
Name:   John De Meritt
Title:   President

 

“EXECUTIVE”
/s/ KYONG YI GILL
KYONG YI GILL

Gill Employment Agreement

 

Exhibit 10.21

F RANCESCA S H OLDINGS C ORPORATION

3480 W 12th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

September 25, 2009

Dear Kal:

The purpose of this letter agreement is to memorialize the salary and certain benefits that you are entitled to receive from Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company” ) or an applicable subsidiary of the Company, in connection with your employment with the Company or its subsidiaries. Your execution of this letter agreement (this “Agreement” ) will confirm your understanding of such terms and serve as your acceptance of them. In consideration of your agreement to the terms and conditions of employment as stated below, you will assume the title and responsibilities of Executive Vice President, General Counsel; effective October 5, 2009. You will report to the Company CEO. You will carry out your employment responsibilities in accordance with business principles and strategies approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

1. Nature of Agreement and Relationship. This Agreement does not represent an employment contract for any specified term. Your employment relationship thus will remain “at-will,” meaning that, subject to the terms hereof, either party to this Agreement may terminate your employment at any time for any lawful reason; provided , however , that (a) in no event will the Company terminate your employment without Cause (as defined in Section 8 ) within the 48-month period following the date hereof and (b) in no event will you voluntarily resign without notifying the Company of the date you intend to resign, which date must not be less than 60 days after the date the Company receives your notice.

2. Salary, Bonus and Equity Incentive . For the period beginning on the date hereof and continuing until the termination of your employment with the Company (the “ Employment Period ”) your base salary will be $150,000 per annum (the “Base Salary” ). During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending December 31, 2009, the Base Salary will be pro rated on an annualized basis. You will be paid by the Company or its subsidiaries in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s or such subsidiary’s general payroll policies and practices. The Base Salary will be reviewed on an annual basis for potential upward adjustments. In addition to the Base Salary, during the Employment Period, you shall be entitled to receive a bonus payment of $40,000 beginning in fiscal year 2010; based 50% on the Company achievement of target EBITDA (as reasonably determined by the CEO in consistency with past practices) and 50% on the performance review of goals and objectives established prior to the review period and agreed to by you and the CEO. In the event that the Company’s EBITDA for each fiscal year is less than the target, the CEO shall determine the amount of the bonus to be paid to you. Any bonus payments shall be made in cash at the same time annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s employees generally. Effective October 5, 2009, you are awarded a one percent (1%) equity position in the Company ( “Equity Incentive” ) pursuant to a separate Employee Stock Option Agreement ( Option Agreement ) of even date herewith a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes. If following an acceleration


and related information in whatever form. Therefore, you agree that you shall not disclose or use for your own account any of such Confidential Information, except as reasonably necessary for the performance of your duties as an employee of the Company and its subsidiaries, without prior written consent of the Board of Directors, unless and to the extent that any Confidential Information (i) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of your improper acts or omissions to act or (ii) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law (including without limitations any rules of professional responsibility applicable to lawyers), regulatory action or court order; provided , however , that you must give the Company prompt written notice of any such legal requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate fully with all efforts by the Company (at the Company’s sole expense) to obtain a protective order or similar confidentiality treatment for such information. Upon the termination of the Employment Period, you agree to deliver to the Company, upon request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports and other documents (and copies thereof) relating to the business of the Company or its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information) that you may then possess or have under your control, other than such documents as are generally or publicly known other than as a result of your breach or actions in violation of this Agreement; provided , however , that you may maintain copies of any documents which you are required to retain under rules of professional responsibility applicable to lawyers.

(b) Ownership of Intellectual Property . If you create, invent, design, develop, contribute to or improve any works of authorship, inventions, materials, documents or other work product or other intellectual property, either alone or in conjunction with third parties, at any time during the Employment Period (collectively, “Works” ), to the extent that such Works were created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to, or improved with the use of any Company resources and/or within the scope of such employment (collectively, the “Company Works” ), you shall promptly and fully disclose such Company Works to the Company. Any copyrightable work falling within the definition of Company Works shall be deemed a “work made for hire” as such term is defined in 17 U.S.C. § 101. You hereby (i) irrevocably assign, transfer and convey, to the extent permitted by applicable law, all right, title and interest in and to the Company Works on a worldwide basis (including, without limitation, rights under patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company or such other entity as the Company shall designate, to the extent ownership of any such rights does not automatically vest in the Company under applicable law and (ii) waive any moral rights therein to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law. You agree that you will not use any Company Works for your personal benefit, the benefit of a competitor, or for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or its subsidiaries. You agree to execute any further documents and take any further reasonable actions requested by the Company to assist it in validating, effectuating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of its rights hereunder, all at the Company’s sole expense. Upon termination of the Employment Period, you shall deliver to the Company all originals and all duplicates and copies of all documents, records, notebooks, and similar repositories of or containing Confidential Information then in your possession, whether prepared by you or not; and at any time thereafter, if any such materials are brought to your attention or you discover them in your possession, you shall deliver such materials to the Company immediately upon such notice or discovery.

 

3


no adequate remedy at law. Therefore, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of Section 6 by you or of Section 6(e) by the Company, the Company or its successors or assigns or you, as applicable, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their or your favor, shall be entitled to specific performance and/or immediate injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of Section 6 (in the case of a breach by you) or Section 6(e) (in the case of a breach by the Company) (without posting a bond or other security), without having to prove damages, and to the payment by the breaching party of all of the other party’s costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, in addition to any other remedies to which the other party may be entitled at law or in equity. The terms of this Section shall not prevent either party from pursuing any other available remedies for any breach or threatened breach hereof, including but not limited to the recovery of damages from the other party.

8. Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” exists if: (i) you for any reason (other than death or disability) are materially unable to render or materially fail to render your duties for the Company and its subsidiaries, (ii) you materially violate the policies or procedures of the Company and its subsidiaries (subject to a reasonable notice and opportunity to cure any such violation unless such violation is of the nature that notice and an opportunity to cure would be unreasonable), as such policies and procedures are adopted or modified from time to time, or you fail to follow lawful directives of a higher level executive or the Company’s Board of Directors, (iii) you are grossly negligent or engage in willful misconduct in connection with the performance of your duties for the Company and its subsidiaries, (iv) you commit any act of personal dishonesty intended to result in your personal enrichment at the expense of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any act of fraud or misappropriation of property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in each instance to the material detriment of the Company, (v) you are convicted of or have entered a plea bargain or settlement admitting guilt for, any felony or any misdemeanor, in each case, involving financial misconduct or matters relating to the business of the Company, (vi) you are the subject of any order, judicial or administrative, obtained or issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for any securities violation involving fraud (other than any order attributable to the Company or its subsidiaries), including, for example, any such order consented to by you in which findings of facts or any legal conclusions establishing liability are neither admitted nor denied or (vii) there is any material breach by you of this Agreement which after a reasonable cure period under the applicable circumstances remains uncured. This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon your death or disability neither of which shall be deemed a termination for Cause.

9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Option Agreement) constitutes your entire agreement with the Company relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements.

10. Amendment. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and you.

11. Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Texas or

 

5


If the above correctly reflects our understanding and agreement with respect to the foregoing matters, please so confirm by executing this letter agreement in the space provided below.

 

Sincerely,

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

By:   /s/ John De Meritt
Name:   John De Meritt
Title:   President/CEO

 

Acknowledged and agreed as of the date first above written:
/s/ Khalid (Kal) M. Malik
Khalid (Kal) M. Malik

 

7

Exhibit 10.22

AGREEMENT

AND

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

EMPLOYMENT LETTER AGREEMENT

This Agreement and First Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 26, 2010 is entered into by Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Khalid M. (Kal) Malik (“ Executive” ). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Employment Agreement (as defined below). The recitals set forth below are incorporated into this Agreement and made a part hereof.

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive are parties to an Employment Letter Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2009 (the “ Employment Agreement ”) and that certain Employee Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2009 (the “ Original Option Agreement ”), pursuant to the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”).

WHEREAS, reference is made to (i) that certain Stock Purchase Agreement (the “ Founder Purchase Agreement ”), dated as of February 26, 2010, by and among CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (collectively, “ CCMP ”), and the Company and certain other holders of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), and (ii) that certain Stock Purchase Agreement (the “ BGCP Purchase Agreement ”), dated as of February 26, 2010 by and among CCMP, Bear Growth Capital Partners, LP and BGCP/Francesca’s Holdings, LP (the transactions contemplated by the Founder Purchase Agreement and the BGCP Purchase Agreement are collectively referred to as the “ Stock Transactions ”).

WHEREAS, effective immediately prior to the closing of the Stock Transactions, the Executive has validly exercised the options granted to him under the Original Option Agreement (the “ Company Options ”) through the payment in full of the aggregate purchase price in cash (by a check payable to the order of the Company) as contemplated in Section 5 of the Original Option Agreement (the “ Option Exercise ”) and has thereby acquired 1,015 shares of Common Stock in the Company (the “ Option Shares ”).

WHEREAS, Executive is a party to the Founder Purchase Agreement, and pursuant thereto, shall sell approximately one-half (the same constituting 515 shares) of the Common Stock owned by him.

WHEREAS, Executive is a party to that certain Stockholders’ Agreement, by and among the Company, CCMP, Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation, the Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and any other persons signatory thereto from time to time, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “Stock h olders’ Agreement” ).

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company desire to amend the Employment Agreement immediately prior to the closing of the Stock Transactions, as further described herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein and other valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

1. Compensation Adjustment . Effective February 26, 2010, Section 2 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

2. Salary, Bonus and Equity Incentive. For the period beginning as of February 1, 2010 and continuing until the termination of your employment with the Company (the Employment Period ), your base salary will be $225,000 per annum (the Base Salary ), payable in


accordance with the Company’s payroll policies and practices. The Base Salary will be reviewed on an annual basis for potential upward adjustments. Additionally, you will be entitled to receive an annual bonus payment of up to 40% of your annual Base Salary beginning in fiscal year 2010 based on the achievement of goals and objectives established prior to the review period and established by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the CEO ), and approved by the Company’s board of directors. Any bonus payments shall be made in cash at the same time annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s employees generally; provided, that, you must be employed by the Company at the time the Company pays its annual bonuses generally with respect to any such fiscal year in order to be eligible for an annual bonus (and, if you are not so employed at such time, in no event shall you have been considered to have “earned” any such annual bonus). No later than thirty (30) days following the closing of the Stock Transactions, the Company will grant you an option (the Equity Incentive ) to acquire up to one-half of one percent (0.50%) of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (on a non-fully diluted basis) at the grant, evidenced by an Employee Stock Option Agreement between you and the Company (the New Option Agreement ), which will be pursuant to either the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan or a new equity incentive plan, as determined in the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. The Equity Incentive will vest in equal monthly installments (as of the last day of each month) during the period beginning on the date hereof and ending as of the fourth yearly anniversary of the date hereof, provided that you remain employed by the Company on each applicable vesting date. The Equity Incentive will not be eligible for accelerated vesting. The New Option Agreement will provide that upon your termination for Cause, any outstanding options that you have (whether vested or unvested) will terminate immediately upon such termination. The per-share price of the Equity Incentive shall be the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant, as reasonably determined by the Company’s board of directors.”

2. Restrictive Covenants .

(a) Non-Solicitation . During the period during which Executive is employed ‘by the Company and during the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination of employment for any reason, Executive will not directly or indirectly through any other person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any affiliate of the Company until twelve months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such affiliate has been terminated.

(b) Understanding of Covenants . Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the course of his past employment, with the Company and its affiliates, he was provided, and became familiar, with the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) belonging to the Company and its affiliates because he had contractually agreed, inter alia, not to disclose such information and that the Company and its affiliates would not have provided him access to such information but for his non-disclosure agreement contained in the Employment Agreement. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its affiliates shall provide to him, and he shall become familiar with, additional Trade Secrets and Confidential Information belonging to the Company and its affiliates only if he contractually agrees, pursuant to this Agreement, not to disclose any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of the Company and its affiliates, and not to engage in certain post-employment solicitation activities (as described above); and that the Company and its affiliates would not provide him access to such information but for his non-solicitation agreement set forth in this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “ trade Secrets and Confidential Information ” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by the Executive while employed by the Company or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the date

 

2


hereof) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients and customer or client lists, (xiii) other copyrightable works, (xiv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xv) all similar and related information in whatever form. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.

(c) Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing non-solicitation covenant set forth in Section 2(a) (the “ Restrictive Covenant ”) is: (i) reasonable in all respects, including in temporal scope; (ii) necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, including it and its affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, goodwill, contractual and business relationships, investment in its workforce, and customer relations; and (iii) narrowly tailored, based upon input from all parties, to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests without unduly circumscribing Executive’s rights and interests.

Without limiting the generality of Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, the Executive (i) represents that he is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenant, (ii) represents that he is fully aware of his obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time and scope, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenant, and (iv) agrees that the Restrictive Covenant will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 2 regardless of whether Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenant may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its affiliates, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given his education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent him from otherwise earning a living. Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenant does not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Executive.

3. Enforcement . Executive agrees that the provisions of Section 7 of the Employment Agreement “Enforcement” shall apply to Section 2 of this Agreement as if set forth herein.

4. Acknowledgement . Executive acknowledges that upon the Company’s issuance of the Option Shares to him, he shall have no further right to acquire any additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock under the Original Option Agreement. Executive acknowledges and agrees that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Original Option Agreement or the Plan, the Option Shares are subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement.

5. Release; Indemnity .

(a) Executive hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective predecessors, successors, assigns, officers, directors, partners, members, managers, stockholders, employees and agents (for the benefit of the Company, its subsidiaries, and their affiliates) (i) from all actions, causes of action, demands, suits, contracts, agreements, encumbrances, Liabilities (as such term is defined in the Founder Purchase Agreement), or losses of any type, on account of, arising out of, or in any way related to Executive’s receipt, holding and exercise of any Company Options or the issuance of any securities in connection with the exercise thereof, including any and all

 

3


Taxes (as such term is defined in the Founder Purchase Agreement) related thereto, and (ii) from any and all obligations of the Company with respect to any “Liquidity Bonus” (as such term is used in the Employment Agreement).

(b) Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that the consideration received by him herein and in connection with the Stock Transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Founder Purchase Agreement shall be deemed to satisfy in full all such “Liquidity Bonus” obligations of the Company, and that the terms of the Employment Agreement applicable to such “Liquidity Bonus” are hereby terminated, declared null and void, and of no further force or effect.

(c) From and after the Closing (as such term is defined in the Founder Purchase Agreement), Executive shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates from any Liability (as such term is defined in the Founder Purchase Agreement) related to any Taxes (as such term is defined in the Founder Purchase Agreement) incurred by the Company and its affiliates as a result of the issuance, holding or exercise of any Company Options or the issuance of any securities in connection with the exercise thereof (it being understood that the Company shall not be entitled to a deduction related to the Company Options until such options are exercised).

6. Entire Agreement . The Employment Agreement, this Agreement, the Original Option Agreement, the Founder Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement constitute the entire agreement between Executive and the Company relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersede, in their entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements.

7. Ratification . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Employment Agreement and the Original Option Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

8. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. A counterpart transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed an original for all purposes.

[The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank.]

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

By:   /s/ John De Meritt
  John De Meritt, President/CEO
Executive:
  /s/ Khalid (Kal) M. Malik
  Khalid (Kal) M. Malik

 

Malik Amendment to Employment Agreement

Exhibit 10.23

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 West 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

November 12, 2009

Mr. Richard J. Emmett

[Address on file]

 

RE: Service as a member of the Board of Directors of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and subsidiary.

Dear Rich:

On behalf of the shareholders and the Boards of Directors of Francesca’s, I am pleased to inform you of your election to the Boards of Directors of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation and its wholly-owned Texas corporation Francesca’s Collections, Inc. (collectively the “Company”).

As discussed, following are the key terms which we have agreed will govern your service on the Boards:

Compensation and Benefits . The effective date of your election is                      , 2009. You will receive $40,000 per annum (prorated for partial year of service) as compensation for your services, payable on the          day of the end of each calendar/fiscal quarter. Upon your acceptance of the position you will be granted an option to acquire 250 share of common equity of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation in accordance with the terms of its 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The vesting period for the option is five years. The option and the underlying common-equity are non-transferable and may only be monetized upon a liquidity event and after the existing shareholders (preferred and common) have received a return of their original investment. You will be required to execute the Option Agreement required under the Plan. You will be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses approved by the Boards in connection with your services. You will be eligible to receive a 50% discount for any purchases of Francesca’s Collections ® merchandise.

Duties . You will be required to attend (in person) four (4) meetings of the Boards annually as the same may be scheduled from time to time by the Boards. As one of the Independent directors, you will be required to serve on the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Governance Committee; each of the Board of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation. You agree to perform your duties in compliance with the rules established by the Boards for itself and each of the Committees on which you are required to serve, the organic documents of the Company, and applicable law. Your actions taken within the scope of your duties on the Boards and its Committees will be covered by the Company’s Directors and Officers insurance policy.


Mr. Richard J. Emmett

November 12, 2009

Page 2 of 2

Termination . You may resign from the Boards at any time as you may deem appropriate. The shareholders of the Company reserve the right to terminate your services at any time by requisite action of the shareholders.

Confidentiality Agreement . As a director of the Company you are required to execute the Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement attached to this letter. Please review it and let me know if you have any concerns.

If the above terms accurately describe our mutual understanding, please execute this letter where indicated below and return it to me at your earliest convenience. Upon receipt of the executed letter and confidentiality agreement, I will forward to you a package containing additional information regarding the Company’s business and the operations of the Boards.

We are very excited to have you as a Board member and look forward to working with you. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

By:   /s/ John De Meritt
 

John De Meritt

President/CEO

 

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By:   /s/ Richard J. Emmett
  Richard J. Emmett
Date:   11/12/09

Attachment

Exhibit 10.24

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 West 12 th Street

Houston, TX 77008

February 26, 2010

Mr. Richard J. Emmett

[Address on file]

Re: Amendment to Letter Agreement.

Dear Rich,

Reference is made to that certain letter agreement by and between you and Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings ”) (together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. collectively, the “ Company ”) dated November 12, 2009 (the “ November Agreement ”). The purpose of this letter is to confirm our mutual understanding regarding the amendment to your November Agreement, as set forth herein. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the November Agreement.

 

  1. Equity Award Adjustment . As of the date hereof, you agree that the paragraph entitled “Compensation and Benefits” shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Compensation and Benefits . The effective date of your election is November 15, 2009. You will receive $40,000 per annum (prorated for partial year of service) as compensation for your services, payable on the last day of the end of each calendar quarter. No later than thirty (30) days following the closing of the transactions contemplated in (i) that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010, by and among CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, and Holdings and certain other holders of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), and (ii) that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010 by and among CCMP, Bear Growth Capital Partners, LP and BGCP/Francesca’s Holdings, LP, Holdings will grant you an option (the “ Equity Incentive ”) to acquire up to 100 issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, which will be pursuant to either the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan or a new equity incentive plan, as determined in the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, and subject to the terms and conditions of a written stock option agreement in a form used by the Company to evidence its stock option grants. The Equity Incentive shall be subject to vesting as determined by the Company’s board of directors and set forth in the written stock option agreement. The per-share price of the Equity Incentive shall be the fair market value of a share of


Common Stock on the date of grant, as reasonably determined by the Company’s board of directors. You will be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses approved by the Boards in connection with your services. You will be eligible to receive a 50% discount for any purchases of Francesca’s ® Collections merchandise.”

2. No Breach of November Agreement . You hereby agree that the Company’s failure to grant you an option in accordance with the terms of the November Agreement shall not be a breach of the November Agreement and that the grant of the Equity Incentive contemplated by Section 1 hereof fully satisfies the Company’s obligation to grant you an option in accordance with the terms of the November Agreement.

3. Effect on November Agreement; Entire Agreement; Amendments . Except as expressly amended hereby, the November Agreement remains in full force and effect. The November Agreement and this letter agreement constitute the entire agreement and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This letter agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by each of the parties hereto. For the avoidance of doubt, the Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement by and between you and the Company, dated November 12, 2009, remains in full force and effect.

* * * * *

 

2


Sincerely,

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation
By:   /s/ John De Meritt
  John De Meritt
  President/CEO

 

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By:   /s/ Richard J. Emmett
  Richard J. Emmett
Date: 2/25/10

Emmett Amendment to Letter Agreement

Exhibit 10.25

EXECUTION VERSION

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

Lock-Up Agreement

                         , 2011

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

200 West Street

New York, New York 10282

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

383 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10179

 

  Re: Francesca’s Holdings Corporation - Lock-Up Agreement

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned understands that you, as representatives (the “Representatives”), propose to enter into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) on behalf of the several Underwriters named in Schedule I to such agreement (collectively, the “Underwriters”), with Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and with the selling stockholders named in Schedule II to such agreement, providing for a public offering (the “Public Offering”) of shares (the “Shares”) of common stock of the Company with a par value of $0.01 (the “Common Stock”) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

In consideration of the agreement by the Underwriters to offer and sell the Shares, and of other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees that, during the period specified in the following paragraph (the “Lock-Up Period”), the undersigned will not offer, sell, contract to sell, announce the intention to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock of the Company, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of Common Stock of the Company, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of Common Stock of the Company, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, owned directly by the undersigned (including holding as a custodian) or with respect to which the undersigned has beneficial ownership within the rules and regulations of the SEC (collectively the “Undersigned’s Shares”), or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any of the Undersigned’s Shares, or demand or cause to be filed any registration statement in connection therewith, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The foregoing restriction is expressly agreed to preclude the undersigned from engaging in any hedging or other transaction which is designed to or which reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of the Undersigned’s Shares even if such Shares would be disposed of by someone other than the undersigned. Such prohibited hedging or other transactions would include without limitation any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including without limitation any put or call


option) with respect to any of the Undersigned’s Shares or with respect to any security that includes, relates to, or derives any significant part of its value from such Shares.

The initial Lock-Up Period will commence on the date of this Lock-Up Agreement and continue for 180 days after the Public Offering date set forth on the final prospectus used to sell the Shares (the “Public Offering Date”) pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement; provided, however, that if (1) during the last 17 days of the initial Lock-Up Period, the Company releases earnings results or announces material news or a material event or (2) prior to the expiration of the initial Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the initial Lock-Up Period, then in each case the Lock-Up Period will be automatically extended until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the date of release of the earnings results or the announcement of the material news or material event, as applicable, unless the Representatives waive, in writing, such extension.

The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to provide written notice of any event that would result in an extension of the Lock-Up Period pursuant to the previous paragraph to the undersigned (in accordance with Section 13 of the Underwriting Agreement) and agrees that any such notice properly delivered will be deemed to have been given to, and received by, the undersigned. The undersigned hereby further agrees that, prior to engaging in any transaction or taking any other action that is subject to the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement during the period from the date of this Lock-Up Agreement to and including the 34th day following the expiration of the initial Lock-Up Period, it will give notice thereof to the Company and will not consummate such transaction or take any such action unless it has received written confirmation from the Company that the Lock-Up Period (as such may have been extended pursuant to the previous paragraph) has expired.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the undersigned may (i) transfer the Undersigned’s Shares as a bona fide gift or gifts, provided that the donee or donees thereof agree to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, (ii) transfer the Undersigned’s Shares to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned, provided that the trustee of the trust agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, and provided further that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (iii) sell shares of Common Stock acquired by the Undersigned in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering, or (iv) transfer the Undersigned’s Shares with the prior written consent (a “Waiver”) of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, provided that in the case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), no filing under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with such transfer during the Lock-Up Period. The foregoing restrictions shall also not apply (a) to the registration of or sale to the Underwriters of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement as part of the Public Offering and (b) the exercise by the Undersigned of any stock options granted under any Company stock incentive plan as described in the prospectus related to the Public Offering (other than any disposition of shares of Common Stock as a result of a “cashless” exercise of any such stock options) provided that in each case all shares of Common Stock received by the Undersigned upon such exercise shall thereafter be subject to the restrictions contained in this Lock-Up Agreement. For purposes of this Lock-Up Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, if the undersigned is a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity, the undersigned may transfer shares of Common Stock to its limited partners, members or stockholders, or any wholly-


owned subsidiary of the undersigned; provided, however, that in any such case, it shall be a condition to the transfer that the transferee execute an agreement stating that the transferee is receiving and holding such shares of Common Stock subject to the provisions of this Lock-Up Agreement and there shall be no further transfer of such shares of Common Stock except in accordance with this Lock-Up Agreement, and provided further that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and no filing under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with such transfer during the Lock-Up Period. The undersigned now has, and, except as contemplated by clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, for the duration of this Lock-Up Agreement will have, good and marketable title to the Undersigned’s Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, and claims whatsoever. The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the Undersigned’s Shares except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.

For any Waiver to be granted by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, at least two business days before such Waiver takes effect, the Representatives will notify the Company of the impending Waiver and announce the impending Waiver through a major news service as referred to in FINRA Rule 5131(d)(2)(B), except where the Waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer of shares of Common Stock that is not for consideration and where the transferee has agreed in writing that the transferee is receiving and holding such shares of Common Stock subject to the provisions of this Lock-Up Agreement.

If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed Shares, as referred to in FINRA Rule 5131(d)(2)(A), the undersigned may purchase in the Public Offering pursuant to an allocation of Shares that is directed in writing by the Company.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Underwriters and their affiliates, other than the undersigned, may engage in brokerage, investment advisory, financial advisory, anti-raid advisory, merger advisory, financing, asset management, trading, market making, arbitrage, principal investing and other similar activities conducted in the ordinary course of their affiliates’ business.

The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters are relying upon this Lock-Up Agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the offering. The undersigned further understands that this Lock-Up Agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

This agreement and any matters related to this Lock-Up 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 laws that would result in the application of any law other than the laws of the State of New York. The undersigned agrees that any suit or proceeding arising in respect of this Lock-Up Agreement will be tried exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York or, if that court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, in any state court located in the City and County of New York and the undersigned agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of, and to venue in, such courts.


Very truly yours,
   
Exact Name of Shareholder
   
Authorized Signature
   
Title

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 April 15, 2011, in this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (No. 333-173581) and related Prospectus of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation for the registration of shares of its common stock.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

May 23, 2011

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

Houston, Texas

We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our report dated June 22, 2010, except for footnotes 2 and 9, which are as of April 15, 2011, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, which is contained in that Prospectus.

We also consent to the reference to us under the caption “Experts” in the Prospectus.

 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

(formerly known as

BDO Seidman, LLP)

Houston, Texas

May 23, 2011