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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2011

Registration No. 333-

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

ATRICURE, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware  

6217 Centre Park Drive

West Chester, Ohio 45069

(513) 755-4100

  34-1940305

(State Or Other Jurisdiction Of

Incorporation Or Organization)

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

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

 

 

F. Mark Reuter, Esq.

Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

One East Fourth Street, Suite 1400

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Telephone: (513) 579-6469

Facsimile: (513) 579-6457

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public : From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as determined by market conditions and other factors.

 

 

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

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


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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

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

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered (1)

 

Amount

to be

Registered (2)(3)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Unit (3)

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price (3)(4)

  Amount of
Registration Fee (9)

Primary Offering

               

Common Stock

               

Preferred Stock

               

Depositary Shares (5)

               

Debt Securities (6)

               

Warrants (7)

               

Units (8)

               

Total for Primary Offering

  $50,000,000   100%   $50,000,000   $5,805

Secondary Offering

               

Common Stock

 

3,184,535

 

12.66

  $40,316,213   $4,681

Total for Primary and Secondary Offering

          $90,316,213   $10,486
 
 
(1) These offered securities may be sold separately, together or as units with other offered securities.
(2) These offered securities are being registered as an indeterminate number of securities as shall have an aggregate offering price not to exceed $50,000,000. In addition, up to 3,184,535 shares of common stock may be sold from time to time pursuant to this registration statement by the selling securityholders named herein. This total amount also includes such securities as may, from time to time, be issued upon conversion or exchange of securities registered under this Registration Statement, to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible or exchangeable for other securities. This registration statement shall also cover any additional securities to be offered or issued from share splits, share dividends, recapitalizations or similar transactions.
(3)

With respect to the primary offering, this fee is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The proposed maximum offering


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price per unit will be determined from time to time by the registrant in connection with the issuance of securities. The proposed maximum offering price has been estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. The amount registered is not specified as to each class of securities to be registered hereunder pursuant to General Instruction II.D to Form S-3 under the Securities Act.

(4) The proposed maximum aggregate offering price has been estimated for the sole purpose of computing the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act and excludes accrued interest, distributions and dividends, if any.
(5) Each Depositary Share will be issued under a deposit agreement and will be evidenced by a Depositary Receipt representing an interest in all or a specified portion of a share of Preferred Stock. If the Registrant elects to offer to the public fractional interests in shares of the Preferred Stock registered under this Registration Statement, Depositary Receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing such fractional interests and shares of Preferred Stock will be issued to the depositary under the deposit agreement. No separate consideration will be received for Depositary Shares.
(6) An indeterminate number of Debt Securities of the Registrant as may be sold from time to time are being registered under this Registration Statement. Debt Securities may be senior or subordinated. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then such greater amount as may be sold for an aggregate initial offering price of up to the proposed aggregate offering price set forth above.
(7) An indeterminate number of Warrants of the Registrant as may be sold from time to time are being registered under this Registration Statement. Warrants may be exercised to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt Securities or any other securities registered hereunder.
(8) Any securities registered under this Registration Statement may be sold as units with other securities registered under this Registration Statement. Each unit will be issued under a unit agreement and will represent an interest in two or more securities, which may or may not be separable from one another.
(9) With respect to shares of Common Stock to be offered for resale by the selling securityholders in the secondary offering, the proposed maximum offering price per unit and the proposed maximum aggregate offering price have been estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act, based on the average of the high and low prices reported for the shares of Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market as of June 27, 2011.

 

 

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 or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission acting pursuant to Section 8(a) may determine.


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

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED JULY 1, 2011

Prospectus

LOGO

$50,000,000

Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants, Depositary Shares and Units and

3,184,535 Shares of Common Stock

By this prospectus and an accompanying prospectus supplement, we may from time to time offer and sell, in one or more offerings, up to $50,000,000 in any combination of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares and units. Also, selling securityholders identified in this prospectus may, from time to time, offer and sell up to an additional 3,184,535 shares of common stock. See “Selling Securityholders.”

We will provide you with more specific terms of these securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

We or any selling securityholders may offer these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on other terms to be determined at the time of offering. We or any selling securityholders may offer and sell these securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to investors, on a continuous or delayed basis. The supplements to this prospectus will provide the specific terms of the plan of distribution. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ATRC.”

On June 27, 2011, the closing price of our common stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market was $12.82 per share.

The aggregate market value of our outstanding voting common stock held by non-affiliates, based upon a closing sale price of our common stock on June 27, 2011, was $142.5 million.

During the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on, and includes, the date of this prospectus, we have not offered any securities through a primary offering.

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 5.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission 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.

The date of this prospectus is                      , 2011


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     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     2   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     3   

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     3   

RISK FACTORS

     5   

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     5   

ATRICURE, INC.

     5   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     7   

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

     7   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     7   

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

     13   

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

     15   

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

     17   

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

     19   

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

     21   

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

     22   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     23   

LEGAL MATTERS

     24   

EXPERTS

     24   

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we or any selling securityholders may sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities which may be offered. Each time securities are offered for sale, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add or update information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information Incorporated by Reference.”

The registration statement that contains this prospectus (including the exhibits thereto) contains additional important information about us and the selling securityholders and the securities we or any selling securityholders may offer under this prospectus. Specifically, we have filed certain legal documents that establish the terms of the securities offered by this prospectus as exhibits to the registration statement. We will file certain other legal documents that establish the terms of the securities offered by this prospectus as exhibits to reports we file with the SEC. You may obtain copies of that registration statement and the other reports and documents referenced herein as described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making offers to sell or solicitations to buy the securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, as well as the information we file or previously filed with the SEC that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, is accurate as of any date other than its respective date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our” or “AtriCure” refer to AtriCure, Inc. and its subsidiary.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1—800—SEC—0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments to those reports, and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) can also be accessed free of charge through the Internet.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the offering of these securities. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us, and the selling securityholders and the securities. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement from the SEC as described above. The registration statement and the documents referred to below under “Information Incorporation by Reference” and our other SEC filings are also available on our Internet website, http://www.atricure.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus the information on our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus.

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus certain information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC (excluding any portions of any Form 8-K that are not deemed “filed” pursuant to the General Instructions of Form 8-K):

 

   

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010;

 

   

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011;

 

   

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2011 and May 23, 2011 (excluding any information furnished in such reports under Item 2.02, Item 7.01 or Item 9.01); and

 

   

the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A as filed with the SEC on or about August 1, 2005.

We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the completion or termination of the offering, including all such documents we may file with the SEC after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement, but excluding any information deemed furnished and not filed with the SEC. Any statements contained in a previously filed document incorporated by reference into this prospectus is deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus, or in a subsequently filed document also incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes that statement.

This prospectus may contain information that updates, modifies or is contrary to information in one or more of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus or the date of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

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We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, at no cost to the requester, a copy of any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

Requests for such documents should be directed to:

Investor Relations

AtriCure, Inc.

6217 Centre Park Drive

West Chester, Ohio 45069

Telephone: (513) 755-4100

You may also access the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus through our website at http://www.atricure.com. Except for the specific incorporated documents listed above, no information available on or through our website shall be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risk. Please see the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our most recent fiscal year, as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings we make with the SEC, as incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Additional risk factors may be included in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series or offering of securities. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition and cause the value of our securities to decline.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus (including the information incorporated by reference) contains certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. All statements in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement not dealing with historical results or current facts are forward-looking and are based on estimates, assumptions and projections. Statements which include the words “believes”, “seeks”, “expects”, “may”, “should”, “intends”, “likely”, “targets”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “estimates” or the negative version of those words and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements may accompany the statements themselves. In addition, generally applicable factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are and will be discussed in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These risks and uncertainties include the rate and degree of market acceptance of AtriCure’s products, AtriCure’s ability to develop and market new and enhanced products, the timing of and ability to obtain and maintain regulatory clearances and approvals for its products, the timing of and ability to obtain reimbursement of procedures utilizing AtriCure’s products, competition from existing and new products and procedures or AtriCure’s ability to effectively react to other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in AtriCure’s SEC filings, such as fluctuation of quarterly financial results, reliance on third party manufacturers and suppliers, litigation or other proceedings, government regulation and stock price volatility. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement.

ATRICURE, INC.

We are a medical device company and a leader in developing, manufacturing and selling innovative cardiac surgical ablation systems designed to create precise lesions, or scars, in cardiac, or heart, tissue and devices for the exclusion of the left atrial appendage. We have two primary product lines for the ablation of cardiac tissue. Our primary product line for the ablation of cardiac tissue, which accounts for a majority of our revenue, is the Isolator ® Synergy bipolar ablation clamp system, or Isolator system, and related radiofrequency ablation devices. Additionally, we offer a cryoablation product line, which features reusable and disposable cryoablation devices. Additionally, we offer the AtriClip™ ® Gillinov-Cosgrove ® Left Atrial Appendage System, or AtriClip system, which is designed to safely and effectively exclude the left atrial appendage.

 

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Cardiothoracic surgeons have adopted our Isolator and cryoablation systems to treat atrial fibrillation, or AF, in an estimated 100,000 patients since January 2003, and we believe that we are currently the market leader in the surgical treatment of AF. Our products are utilized by cardiothoracic surgeons during concomitant cardiac surgical procedures and also during sole-therapy minimally invasive cardiac ablation procedures. During a concomitant open procedure, the surgeon ablates cardiac tissue and/or treats the left atrial appendage, secondary, or concomitant, to a primary cardiac procedure such as a valve or coronary bypass. Medical journals have described the adoption by leading cardiothoracic surgeons of our Isolator system as a treatment alternative during open-heart surgical procedures to create lesions in cardiac tissue to block the abnormal electrical impulses that cause AF, a rapid, irregular quivering of the upper chambers of the heart. Additionally, leading cardiothoracic surgeons and publications in medical journals have described our Isolator system as a standard treatment alternative for AF patients who may be candidates for sole-therapy minimally invasive surgical procedures. To date, none of our products have been approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, for the treatment of AF or the reduction in stroke risk. We anticipate that substantially all of our revenue for the foreseeable future will relate to products we currently sell, or are in the process of developing, which surgeons generally use to ablate cardiac tissue for the treatment of AF or for the exclusion of the left atrial appendage.

AF affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States. It is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, encountered in clinical practice and accounts for more doctor visits and hospital days than any other cardiac arrhythmia. AF is a condition wherein abnormal electrical impulses cause the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, to fibrillate, or quiver, at rapid rates of 400 to 600 beats per minute. As a result of this quivering, blood in the atria may become static, creating an increased risk that a blood clot will form and cause a stroke or other serious complications. If AF persists, patients often progress from experiencing AF intermittently to having AF continuously, a condition that is more difficult to treat. Symptoms of AF may include heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath, and these symptoms may be debilitating and life threatening in some cases. Although there is often no specific cause of AF, the condition is often associated with high blood pressure and other forms of heart disease. In most cases, AF is associated with cardiovascular disease, in particular hypertension, congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, coronary artery disease and valvular disease.

In the United States we primarily sell our products to medical centers through our direct sales force. AtriCure Europe, B.V., our wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated and based in the Netherlands, markets and sells our products throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, or EMEA, primarily through distributors, while in certain markets, such as Germany and the Netherlands, we sell directly to medical centers. Additionally, we sell our products to other international distributors, primarily in Asia, South America and Canada. Our business is primarily transacted in U.S. dollars with the exception of transactions with our European subsidiary which are substantially transacted in Euros. Our sales outside of the United States represented 19% of our revenue during 2010 and 2009.

We were incorporated in the State of Delaware as AtriCure, Inc. on October 31, 2000 in connection with a spin-off transaction from Enable Medical Corporation, in which shares of our common stock were distributed to the Enable shareholders. The spin-off was intended to allow us to focus on the development of products designed to treat AF and to raise capital for that purpose, while Enable continued its broader research and manufacturing activities. On August 5, 2005, we completed an initial public offering of our common stock. On August 10, 2005, we acquired Enable Medical Corporation, the manufacturer of our Isolator clamps, which are an essential part of our Isolator system. Additionally, in December 2005, we formed AtriCure Europe, B.V.

Our principal executive offices are located at 6217 Centre Park Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069. Our telephone number is (513) 755-4100. SEC filings, news releases, our Code of Ethics applicable to directors, officers and employees and other information may be accessed free of charge through our Internet site at http://www.atricure.com. Other than the information specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus, information on our website is not part of this prospectus.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered by us for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of outstanding debt. Until the net proceeds are used for these purposes, we may deposit them in interest-bearing accounts or invest them in marketable securities. The specific allocations, if any, of the proceeds from the sale of any of the securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the securities.

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling securityholder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

We may issue, in one or more offerings, any combination of senior or subordinated debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares and units.

This prospectus contains a summary of the general terms of the various securities that we may offer. The prospectus supplement relating to any particular securities offered will describe the specific terms of the securities. The summary in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement does not describe every aspect of the securities and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all applicable provisions of the documents relating to the securities offered. These documents are or will be filed as exhibits to or incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

In addition, the prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering, the initial public offering price and net proceeds to us. Where applicable, the prospectus supplement will also describe any material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities offered and indicate whether the securities offered are or will be listed on any securities exchange.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may offer debt securities. The following description sets forth the general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the debt securities offered by that prospectus supplement and any applicable tax considerations and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those debt securities.

Our senior debt securities are to be issued under a senior indenture between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, a form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Our subordinated debt securities are to be issued under a subordinated indenture between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, a form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are sometimes referred to collectively as the “indentures” and each individually as an “indenture.”

Because the following summaries of the material terms and provisions of the indentures and the related debt securities are not complete, you should refer to the forms of the indentures and the debt securities for complete information regarding the terms and provisions of the indentures, including the definitions of some of the terms used below, and the debt securities. Wherever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of an indenture, those articles, sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference. Whenever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of an indenture, without specific reference to an indenture, those articles, sections or defined terms are contained in all indentures. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are substantially identical, except for certain covenants of ours and provisions relating to subordination.

 

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If we had issued senior debt securities on March 31, 2011, except as described below, we would have had no debt outstanding senior to the senior debt securities, no debt outstanding pari passu to the senior debt securities and no debt outstanding junior to the senior debt securities. If we had issued subordinated debt securities on December 31, 2010, except as described below, we would have had no debt outstanding senior to the subordinated debt securities, no debt outstanding pari passu to the subordinated debt securities and no debt outstanding junior to the subordinated debt securities. Under our existing credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank, we have a term loan and a revolving credit facility, which revolving credit facility provides a maximum availability of $10,000,000. $7,500,000 and $7,250,000 were outstanding under the term loan as of March 31, 2011 and May 31, 2011, respectively, and no amounts were outstanding under the $10,000,000 revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2011 and May 31, 2011, respectively. The amount of such loans and commitments may be increased or decreased without the consent of the holder of any debt securities. Amounts due under the credit facility would rank as pari passu with all senior debt securities and senior to all subordinated debt securities. In addition, because our obligations under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of our assets, the lender under the credit facility has a prior claim to such assets upon our default, liquidation or insolvency. As a result all debt securities would be effectively subordinated to our obligation under the credit facility. Any debt securities issued would be effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments of our subsidiary.

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities will describe the following specific financial, legal and other terms particular to such series of debt securities:

 

   

the designation of the debt securities of the series;

 

   

any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series and any limitation on our ability to increase the aggregate principal amount after the initial issuance of the debt securities of that series;

 

   

the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities of the series is payable (which date or dates may be fixed or extendible);

 

   

the annual rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, on which such interest shall be payable and on which a record shall be taken for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable and/or the method by which such rate or rates or date or dates shall be determined;

 

   

the place or places where principal of, premium, if any, and interest on debt securities of the series shall be payable;

 

   

our right, if any, to redeem debt securities of the series, in whole or in part, at our option and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and any terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series may be so redeemed;

 

   

our obligation, if any, to redeem, purchase or repay debt securities of the series pursuant to any mandatory redemption or at the option of a holder and the price or prices at which and the period or periods within which and any of the terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part;

 

   

if other than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000, the denominations in which debt securities of the series shall be issuable;

 

   

if other than the principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity;

 

   

whether the debt securities of the series or any portion thereof will be issuable as registered debt securities or unregistered debt securities (with or without coupons) (and if so, whether such debt securities will be issued in temporary or permanent global form), or any combination of the foregoing;

 

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whether the debt securities of the series may be exchangeable for and/or convertible into our common stock or any other security;

 

   

whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts on the debt securities of the series held by a person who is not a U.S. person in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge withheld or deducted and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem such debt securities rather than pay such additional amounts;

 

   

provisions, if any, for the defeasance of the debt securities of the series (including provisions permitting defeasance of less than all debt securities of the series);

 

   

any other events of default or covenants with respect to the debt securities of the series; and

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture), and any requirement to have our subsidiaries guarantee the debt securities.

Events Of Default

You will have special rights if an “event of default” occurs, with respect to any series of debt securities, and is not cured, as described later in this subsection. Under the indenture, the term “event of default” means any of the following:

 

   

we do not pay the principal on a debt security on its due date;

 

   

we do not pay interest on a debt security within 30 days of its due date;

 

   

we remain in breach of any covenant or warranty described in the indenture for 90 days after we receive a notice stating it is in breach, which notice must be sent by either the trustee or direct holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of outstanding debt securities;

 

   

we or one of our significant subsidiaries fails to pay an amount of indebtedness totaling more than $25,000,000 in principal amount, our obligation to repay is accelerated by its lenders, and this payment obligation remains accelerated for 30 days;

 

   

we or one of our significant subsidiaries fails to pay an amount of indebtedness totaling more than $25,000,000 in principal amount when due, and this payment obligation remains accelerated for 30 days;

 

   

we become subject to one or more final, non-appealable judgments, orders or decrees (not covered by insurance) requiring payments of more than $25,000,000 and such judgments, orders or decrees remain unsatisfied for 60 days during which a stay of enforcement has not been in effect; or

 

   

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

For purposes of the indentures, a “significant subsidiary” means a subsidiary meeting any of the conditions set forth in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

If an event of default has occurred and has not been cured (if a cure period is provided for), the trustee or the direct holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a “declaration of acceleration of maturity.”

Except in cases of default, whereby a trustee has some special duties, a trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any direct holders unless the direct holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from costs, expenses and liability (called an “indemnity”). If reasonable indemnity is

 

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provided, the direct holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. These majority direct holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the indenture.

In general, before you bypass the trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:

 

   

you must give the trustee written notice that an event of default has occurred and remains uncured;

 

   

the direct holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the trustee take action in its own name as trustee because of the default, and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the costs, expenses and other liabilities of taking that action;

 

   

the trustee must have not taken action for 60 days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity; and

 

   

the trustee must not have received from direct holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with the written notice during the 60 day period after receipt of the above notice.

However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt security on or after its due date.

Modification

There are three types of changes we can make to the indentures and the debt securities.

Changes Requiring Your Approval

First, there are changes that cannot be made to the indentures or your debt securities without your specific approval. Following is a list of those types of changes:

 

   

change the payment due date;

 

   

reduce any amounts due on a debt security;

 

   

change the place or currency of payment on a debt security;

 

   

impair your right to sue for payment;

 

   

waive a default in payment on a debt security;

 

   

reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the indenture;

 

   

reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to waive certain defaults; and

 

   

modify any other aspect of the provisions dealing with modification and waiver of the indenture.

Changes Requiring a Majority Vote

The second type of change to the indentures and the debt securities is the kind that requires consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the particular series affected. With a majority vote, the holders may waive past defaults, provided that such defaults are not of the type described previously under “Changes Requiring Your Approval.”

 

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Changes Not Requiring Approval

The third type of change does not require any vote by direct holders of debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities.

Consolidation, Merger And Sale Of Assets

We may consolidate or merge with or into another entity, and we may sell or lease substantially all of our assets to another entity if the following conditions, among others, are met:

 

   

where we merge out of existence or sell or lease substantially all our assets, the other entity must be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction of the United States, and it must agree to be legally responsible for the debt securities; and

 

   

the merger, sale of assets or other transaction must not cause a default or an event of default on the debt securities.

Form, Exchange, Registration And Transfer

Generally, we will issue debt securities only in registered global form. See “Global Securities” below. However, if specified in the prospectus supplement, we may issue certificated securities in definitive form.

You may have your debt securities broken into more debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. This is called an “exchange.”

You may exchange or transfer debt securities at the office of the trustee. The trustee acts as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring debt securities. The trustee may appoint another entity or perform this role itself. The entity performing the role of maintaining the list of registered direct holders is called the “security registrar.” It will also perform transfers. You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange debt securities, but you may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange will only be made if the security registrar is satisfied with your proof of ownership.

If the debt securities are redeemable and we redeem less than all of the debt securities of a particular series, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of debt securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security being partially redeemed.

Global Securities

The debt securities of any series may be represented, in whole or in part, by one or more global securities. Each global security will:

 

   

be registered in the name of a depositary that we will identify in a prospectus supplement;

 

   

be deposited with the depositary or its nominee or custodian; and

 

   

bear any required legends.

 

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No global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities registered in the name of any person other than the depositary or any nominee unless:

 

   

the depositary has notified us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or has ceased to be qualified to act as depositary;

 

   

we elect for any reason in our sole discretion to issue certificated debt securities in exchange for all of any portion of the global debt securities; or

 

   

any other circumstances described in a prospectus supplement occur.

As long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a global security, the depositary or nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except in the above limited circumstances, owners of beneficial interests in a global security:

 

   

will not be entitled to have the debt securities registered in their names;

 

   

will not be entitled to physical delivery of certificated debt securities; and

 

   

will not be considered to be holders of those debt securities under the indenture.

Payments on a global security will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the holder of the global security. Some jurisdictions have laws that require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

Institutions that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee are referred to as “participants.” Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants and to persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants. The depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of its participants. Each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary (and, if such person is not a participant, on procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest) to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on and effected through records maintained by the depositary, with respect to participants’ interests, or by any participant, with respect to interests of persons held by participants on their behalf. Payments, transfers and exchanges relating to beneficial interests in a global security will be subject to policies and procedures of the depositary. The depositary policies and procedures may change from time to time. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the depositary’s or any participant’s records with respect to beneficial interests in a global security.

Notices

Notices to holders of debt securities will be given by mail to the addresses of such holders as they appear in the security register.

The Trustee

U.S. Bank National Association acts as trustee under each of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

This section summarizes the general terms of the common stock that we may offer. The prospectus supplement relating to the common stock offered will set forth the number of shares offered, the initial offering price and recent market prices, dividend information and any other relevant information. The summary in this section and in the prospectus supplement does not describe every aspect of the common stock and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Second Amended and Restated Bylaws and to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporate Law.

The total number of authorized shares of common stock is 90,000,000, par value $0.001 per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred shares or debt securities.

Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred shares having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.

As of June 27, 2011, we had 16,241,934 shares of common stock outstanding. Shares of common stock carry no preemptive or conversion or subscription rights and are not subject to redemption or sinking fund provisions. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and any shares of common stock issued upon conversion of any convertible securities will be, fully paid and non-assessable.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and trades under the symbol “ATRC.” Our registrar and transfer agent is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Second Amended and Restated Bylaws may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of us. Because our shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights, our shareholders representing a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding will be able to elect all of our directors. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Second Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that all shareholder action must be effected at a duly called meeting of shareholders and not by a consent in writing, and that only our board of directors, chairman of the board, chief executive officer or president (in the absence of a chief executive officer) may call a special meeting of shareholders. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires a 66 2/3% shareholder vote for the amendment, repeal or modification of certain provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Second Amended and Restated Bylaws relating to the absence of cumulative voting, limitations of liability of our directors, the requirement that shareholder actions be effected at a duly-called meeting and the designated parties entitled to call a special meeting of the shareholders.

The combination of the lack of cumulative voting and the 66 2/3% shareholder voting requirement will make it more difficult for our existing shareholders to replace our board of directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Since our board of directors has the power to retain

 

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and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing shareholders or another party to effect a change in management. In addition, the authorization of undesignated 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 our control.

These provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in our control or management. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies they implement, and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of our control. 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.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This law prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in any “business combination” with any “interested shareholder” for a period of three years following the date that the shareholder became an interested shareholder unless:

 

   

prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder;

 

   

upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the interested shareholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned by persons who are directors or officers or by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of shareholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested shareholder.

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include:

 

   

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested shareholder;

 

   

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of our assets involving the interested shareholder;

 

   

in general, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by us of any of our stock to the interested shareholder;

 

   

any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock or any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested shareholder; or

 

   

the receipt by the interested shareholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines an “interested shareholder” as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by the entity or person.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

The following briefly summarizes the material terms of the preferred stock that we may offer, other than pricing and related terms which will be disclosed in a prospectus supplement. You should read the particular terms of any series of preferred stock that we offer, which we will describe in more detail in any prospectus supplement relating to such series. You should also read the more detailed provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and the statement with respect to shares relating to each particular series of preferred stock for provisions that may be important to you. The statement with respect to shares relating to each particular series of preferred stock offered by the accompanying prospectus supplement and this prospectus will be filed as an exhibit to a document incorporated by reference in the registration statement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the terms summarized below do not apply to the series of preferred stock being offered.

General

Our board of directors is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not issued any shares of preferred stock. Our board of directors can issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and can specify the following terms for each series:

 

   

the number of shares;

 

   

the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares; and

 

   

the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, except as otherwise stated in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

Before issuing any series of preferred stock, our board of directors will adopt resolutions creating and designating the series as a series of preferred stock, and the resolutions will be filed in a statement with respect to shares as an amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

The rights of holders of the preferred stock offered may be adversely affected by the rights of holders of any shares of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. Our board of directors may cause shares of preferred stock to be issued in public or private transactions for any proper corporate purpose. Examples include issuances to obtain additional financing in connection with acquisitions or otherwise, and issuances to our officers, directors and employees and its subsidiaries pursuant to benefit plans or otherwise. The preferred stock could have the effect of acting as an anti-takeover device to prevent a change in control of us.

Unless the particular prospectus supplement states otherwise, holders of each series of preferred stock will not have any preemptive or subscription rights to acquire more of our stock.

The transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for shares of each series of preferred stock will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.

Rank

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the shares of any series of preferred stock, the shares will rank on an equal basis with each other series of preferred stock and prior to the common stock as to dividends and distributions of assets.

Dividends

Unless the particular prospectus supplement states otherwise, holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. The rates and dates of payment of dividends will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to each series of preferred stock. Dividends will be payable to holders of record of preferred stock as they appear on our books. Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative.

 

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We may not declare, pay or set apart for payment dividends on the preferred stock unless full dividends on any other series of preferred stock that ranks on an equal or senior basis have been paid or sufficient funds have been set apart for payment for:

 

   

all prior dividend periods of the other series of preferred stock that pay dividends on a cumulative basis; or

 

   

the immediately preceding dividend period of the other series of preferred stock that pay dividends on a noncumulative basis.

Partial dividends declared on shares of preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock ranking on an equal basis as to dividends will be declared pro rata. A pro rata declaration means that the ratio of dividends declared per share to accrued dividends per share will be the same for all such series of preferred stock.

Similarly, we may not declare, pay or set apart for payment non-stock dividends or make other payments on the common stock or any other stock ranking junior to the preferred stock unless full dividends on all series of preferred stock have been paid or set apart for payment for:

 

   

all prior dividend periods if the preferred stock pays dividends on a cumulative basis; or

 

   

the immediately preceding dividend period if the preferred stock pays dividends on a noncumulative basis.

Conversion and Exchange

The prospectus supplement for any series of preferred stock will state the terms, if any, on which shares of that series are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock.

Redemption

If so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, a series of preferred stock may be redeemable at any time, in whole or in part, at our option or at the option of the holders, or may be mandatorily redeemed.

Any partial redemptions of preferred stock will be made in a way that our board of directors decides is equitable.

Unless we default in the payment of the redemption price, dividends will cease to accrue after the redemption date on shares of preferred stock called for redemption and all rights of holders of such shares will terminate except for the right to receive the redemption price.

Liquidation Preference

Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive distributions upon liquidation in the amount set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of preferred stock, plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends. Such distributions will be made before any distribution is made on any securities ranking junior to the preferred stock with respect to liquidation, including common stock.

If the liquidation amounts payable relating to the preferred stock of any series and any other securities ranking on a parity regarding liquidation rights are not paid in full, the holders of the preferred stock of such series and such other securities will share in any such distribution of our available assets on a ratable basis in proportion to the full liquidation preferences. Holders of such series of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other amounts from us after they have received their full liquidation preference.

 

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Voting Rights

If we issue voting preferred stock, holders of preferred stock will be entitled to one vote per share on each matter submitted to our shareholders. If we issue non-voting preferred stock, holders of preferred stock will have no voting rights, except as required by applicable law. The prospectus supplement will state the voting rights, if any, applicable to any particular series of preferred stock.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, debt securities or other securities registered pursuant to this registration statement and described in this prospectus. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities that may be attached to or separate from the warrants. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement that will be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, and will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrant of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The following describes certain general terms and provisions of debt warrants or common stock warrants we may offer. We will set forth further terms of the debt warrants, common stock warrants or warrants to purchase other securities and the applicable warrant agreement in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Common Stock Warrants

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any common stock warrants, including the following:

 

   

the title of such warrants;

 

   

the offering price of such warrants, which we may distribute proportionately free of charge to our shareholders (in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may refer to warrants distributed proportionately free of charge to our shareholders as rights to purchase our common stock and any securities not taken by our shareholders may be reoffered to the public);

 

   

the aggregate number of such warrants;

 

   

the designation and terms of the common stock purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

 

   

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;

 

   

if applicable, the date from and after which such warrants and any securities issued therewith will be separately transferable;

 

   

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

 

   

provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price;

 

   

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

 

   

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 

   

the currency, currencies or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

   

if applicable, a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations;

 

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the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants; and

 

   

the anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, if any.

Debt Warrants

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any debt warrants, including the following:

 

   

the title of the debt warrants;

 

   

the offering price for the debt warrants;

 

   

the aggregate number of the debt warrants;

 

   

the designation and terms of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of such debt warrants;

 

   

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such debt warrants are issued and the number of such debt warrants issued with each security;

 

   

if applicable, the date from and after which such debt warrants and any securities issued therewith will be separately transferable;

 

   

the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of a debt warrant and the price at which such principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon exercise;

 

   

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

 

   

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such debt warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 

   

whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the debt warrants will be issued in registered form;

 

   

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

   

the currency, currencies or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

   

if applicable, a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations;

 

   

the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants;

 

   

the anti-dilution provisions of such debt warrants, if any;

 

   

the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to such debt warrants; and

 

   

any additional terms of the debt warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such debt warrants.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following briefly summarizes the provisions of the depositary shares and depositary receipts that we may issue from time to time and which would be important to holders of depositary receipts, other than pricing and related terms, which will be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the general provisions summarized below do not apply to the depositary shares or depositary receipts being offered and provide any additional provisions applicable to the depositary shares or depositary receipts being offered. The following description and any description in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the form of deposit agreement filed as an exhibit to the registration statement which contains this prospectus.

Depositary Shares

We may offer depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts. Each depositary share represents a fraction or a multiple of a share of a particular series of preferred stock that we issue and deposit with a depositary. The fraction or the multiple of a share of preferred stock, which each depositary share represents, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We will deposit the shares of any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares according to the provisions of a deposit agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, which we will select as its preferred stock depositary. We will name the depositary in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each holder of a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the underlying preferred stock in proportion to the applicable fraction or multiple of a share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share. These rights include any applicable dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights. The depositary will send the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications that we deliver to the depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of depositary shares.

Depositary Receipts

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to anyone who is buying the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the applicable prospectus supplement.

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

Unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption, a holder of depositary shares may receive the number of whole shares of the related series of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the holder’s depositary receipts after surrendering the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the depositary, paying any taxes, charges and fees provided for in the deposit agreement and complying with any other requirement of the deposit agreement. Partial shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the surrendered depositary shares exceed the number of depositary shares that represent the number of whole shares of preferred stock the holder wishes to withdraw, then the depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Once the holder has withdrawn the preferred stock, the holder will not be entitled to re-deposit that preferred stock under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary shares in exchange for such preferred stock.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute to record holders of depositary shares any cash dividends or other cash distributions it receives on preferred stock. Each holder will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by the holder. The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents. The depositary will add any fractional cents not distributed to the next sum received for distribution to record holders of depositary shares.

 

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In the event of a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property to the record holders of depositary shares, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such a distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.

The amounts distributed to holders of depositary shares will be reduced by any amounts required to be withheld by the preferred stock depositary or by we on account of taxes or other governmental charges.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

If the series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is subject to redemption, then we will give the necessary proceeds to the depositary. The depositary will then redeem the depositary shares using the funds it received from us for the preferred stock. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price payable per share for the applicable series of the preferred stock and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the preferred stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by one depositary share. Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem the depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock on the same day, provided we have paid in full to the depositary the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed and any accrued and unpaid dividends. If fewer than all the depositary shares of a series are to be redeemed, the depositary shares will be selected by lot or ratably or by any other equitable method as the depositary will decide.

After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be considered outstanding. Therefore, all rights of holders of the depositary shares will cease, except that the holders will still be entitled to receive any cash payable upon the redemption and any money or other property to which the holder was entitled at the time of redemption. To receive this amount or other property, the holders must surrender the depositary receipts evidencing their depositary shares to the preferred stock depositary. Any funds that we deposit with the preferred stock depositary for any depositary shares that the holders fail to redeem will be returned to us after a period of two years from the date we deposit the funds.

Voting the Preferred Stock

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will notify holders of depositary shares of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials to the holders. The record date for determining holders of depositary shares that are entitled to vote will be the same as the record date for the preferred stock. The materials the holders will receive will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how the holders, on a certain date, may instruct the depositary to vote the shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them on or before the date specified. To the extent possible, the depositary will vote the shares as instructed by the holder. We agree to take all reasonable actions that the depositary determines are necessary to enable it to vote as a holder has instructed. The depositary will abstain from voting shares of preferred stock deposited under a deposit agreement if it has not received specific instructions from the holder of the depositary shares representing those shares.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the form of depositary receipt at any time. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts will not be effective unless it has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the affected depositary shares then outstanding. We will make no amendment that impairs the right of any holder of depositary shares, as described above under “—Withdrawal of Preferred Stock,” to receive shares of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by those depositary shares, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. If an amendment becomes effective, holders are deemed to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the amended deposit agreement if they continue to hold their depositary receipts.

 

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The deposit agreement automatically terminates if a final distribution in respect of the preferred stock has been made to the holders of depositary receipts in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. We may also terminate the deposit agreement at any time we wish with at least 60 days prior written notice to the depositary. If we do so, the depositary will give notice of termination to the record holders not less than 30 days before the termination date. Once depositary receipts are surrendered to the depositary, it will send to each holder the number of whole or fractional shares of the series of preferred stock underlying that holder’s depositary receipts.

Charges of Depositary and Expenses

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay all charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the related series of offered preferred stock, the initial issuance of the depositary shares, all withdrawals of shares of the related series of offered preferred stock by holders of the depositary shares and the registration of transfers of title to any depositary shares. However, holders of depositary receipts will pay other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges provided in the deposit agreement to be payable by them.

Limitations on Our Obligations and Liability to Holders of Depositary Receipts

The deposit agreement will expressly limit our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It will also limit our liability and the liability of the depositary as follows:

 

   

we and the depositary are only liable to the holders of depositary receipts for negligence or willful misconduct; and

 

   

we and the depositary have no obligation to become involved in any legal or other proceeding related to the depositary receipts or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other party, unless you provide us with satisfactory indemnity.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by notifying us of its election to do so. In addition, we may remove the depositary at any time. Within 60 days after the delivery of the notice of resignation or removal of the depositary, we will appoint a successor depositary.

Reports to Holders

We will deliver all required reports and communications to holders of the offered preferred stock to the depositary, and it will forward those reports and communications to the holders of depositary shares.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may, from time to time, issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities that may be offered under this prospectus, in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time, or at any time before a specified date.

Any applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

 

   

the material terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

 

   

any material provisions relating to the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and

 

   

any material provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described above.

 

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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

The shares of common stock to be sold pursuant to this prospectus were issued in private placements completed before our initial public offering as follows:

 

Shares beneficially owned
prior to this offering

           Shares beneficially owned
after offering
 

Name and address of beneficial owner

   Common
stock
     Options      Percentage of
shares
    Shares to be
sold in offering
     Common stock
and options
     Percentage
of shares
 

U.S. Venture Partners (1)

     2,252,745         —           13.87     2,252,745         —           —     

Camden Partners (2)

     931,790         —           5.74     931,790         —           —     

 

1. This Selling Securityholder’s holdings consist of 2,202,444 shares held by U.S. Venture Partners VIII, L.P.; 17,031 shares held by USVP VIII Affiliates Fund, L.P; 21,653 shares held by USVP Entrepreneur Partners VIII-A, L.P. and 11,617 shares held by USVP Entrepreneur Partners VIII-B, L.P. Presidio Management Group VIII, LLC is the general partner of U.S. Venture Partners VIII, L.P., USVP VIII Affiliates Fund, L.P., USVP Entrepreneur Partners VIII-A, L.P. and USVP Entrepreneur Partners VIII-B, L.P. The managing members of Presidio Management Group VIII, LLC are Irwin Federman, Winston Fu, Steven Krausz, David Liddle, Jonathan Root, Christopher Rust and Philip Young and each may be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect to the securities held by these entities and disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by these entities, except as to his pecuniary interest therein.
2. This Selling Securityholder’s holdings consist of 868,605 shares held by Camden Partners Strategic Fund II-A, L.P., 51,527 shares held by Camden Partners Strategic Fund II-B, L.P. and 11,658 shares held by Camden Partners Holdings, LLC. Camden Partners Strategic II, LLC is the general partner of Camden Partners Strategic Fund II-A, L.P. and Camden Partners Strategic Fund II-B, L.P. David L. Warnock, Richard M. Berkeley and Donald W. Hughes each may be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect to the securities held by these entities and disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by these entities, except as to his pecuniary interest therein. Richard M. Johnston, who has served as a director of AtriCure since June 2002 and as Chairman of the Board since February 2005, served as a Managing Member of both Camden Partners Holdings, LLC and Camden Partners Strategic II, LLC, and is now a Retired Member of each.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We and the selling securityholders may offer the securities covered by this prospectus in any of the following ways (or in any combination) from time to time:

 

   

to or through underwriters or dealers;

 

   

directly to purchasers or to a single purchaser; or

 

   

through agents; or

 

   

in “at the market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise.

In addition, we and any selling securityholder may enter into derivative or other hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If any applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with such a transaction, such third parties may, pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, sell securities covered by this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We and the selling securityholders may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

Any applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus, including:

 

   

the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any;

 

   

any material relationship with the underwriter and the nature of such relationship, if any;

 

   

the over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities, if any;

 

   

the public offering price or purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us and any discounts, commissions, or concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed, re-allowed or paid to underwriters, dealers or agents, if any;

 

   

any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed, if any; and

 

   

the manner for refunding any excess amount paid (including whether interest will be paid).

Any public offering price or purchase price and any discounts, commissions, concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed or re-allowed or paid to underwriters, dealers or agents may be changed from time to time.

The securities may be offered and sold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed price or prices or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions described above. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters’ obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities.

We and the selling securityholders may sell the securities through agents from time to time. If required by applicable law, any applicable prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, unless otherwise indicated in any applicable prospectus

 

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supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities in respect of which the prospectus is delivered, we or the selling stockholders will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.

We and the selling securityholders may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in any applicable prospectus supplement or other prices pursuant to delayed delivery or other contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Any delayed delivery contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in any applicable prospectus supplement, and any applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these delayed delivery contracts.

Each underwriter, dealer and agent participating in the distribution of any offered securities that are issuable in bearer form will agree that it will not offer, sell, resell or deliver, directly or indirectly, offered securities in bearer form in the United States or to United States persons except as otherwise permitted by Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D).

Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in any applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us or the selling securityholders. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us, and its compensation will be described in any applicable prospectus supplement.

We and the selling securityholders may sell equity securities in an offering “at the market,” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. A post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement will be filed to identify the underwriter(s) at the time of the take-down for “at the market” offerings.

Agents, underwriters and other third parties described above may be entitled under relevant underwriting or other agreements to indemnification by us or the selling securityholders against certain civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents, underwriters or other third parties may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents, underwriters and such other third parties may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us or the selling Securityholders in the ordinary course of business.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL, Cincinnati, Ohio.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated by reference herein. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses Of Issuance And Distribution.

The expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, are estimated below:

 

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

   $ 10,486   

Trustee fees and expenses

      

Legal fees and expenses

      

Accounting fees and expenses

      

Miscellaneous

      
        

Total

   $ 10,486
        

 

* Estimated expenses are presently not known and cannot be estimated.

 

Item 15. Indemnification Of Directors And Officers.

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act.

As permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of its directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

As permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant provide that (1) the Registrant is required to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to certain exceptions, (2) the Registrant is required to advance expenses, as incurred, to its directors and executive officers in connection with a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to certain exceptions and (3) the rights conferred in the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws are not exclusive.

The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers to give such directors and officers additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of the indemnification set forth in the Registrant’s restated certificate of incorporation and to provide additional procedural protections. The Registrant also intends to enter into indemnification agreements with any new directors and executive officers in the future.

The indemnification provisions in the Registrant’s restated certificate of incorporation, restated bylaws and the indemnification agreements entered into between the Registrant and each of its directors and executive officers may be sufficiently broad to permit indemnification of the Registrant’s directors and executive officers for liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

The Registrant has obtained liability insurance for its officers and directors.

 

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Item 16. Exhibits And Financial Statement Schedules.

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description Of Document

  1.1(1)   Form of Underwriting Agreement
  4.1(2)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement File No. 333-124197 filed on April 20, 2005)
  4.2(2)   Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement File No. 333-124197 filed on April 20, 2005)
  4.3(2)   Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-124197) filed on July 7, 2005)
  4.4(1)   Form of Certificate of Designation of Preferred Stock
  4.5(1)   Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate
  4.6   Form of Senior Indenture
  4.7   Form of Subordinated Indenture
  4.8(1)   Form of Debt Security
  4.9(1)   Form of Deposit Agreement
  4.10(1)   Form of Depositary Receipt
  4.11(1)   Form of Warrant Agreement
  4.12(1)   Form of Warrant Certificate
  4.13(1)   Form of Unit Agreement
  4.14(1)   Form of Unit Certificate
  5   Opinion of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL
  8(1)   Opinion of tax counsel
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2   Consent of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL (contained in Exhibit 5)
24   Powers of Attorney (contained on the signature page)
25.1   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Senior Indenture
25.2   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of U. S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture

 

(1) To be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K.
(2) Incorporated by reference from other documents filed with the Commission as indicated.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

(1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

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

 

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(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement.

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

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii) and (iii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

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

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

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

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

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the Registration Statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the Registration Statement relating to the securities in the Registration Statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the Registration Statement or prospectus that was part of the Registration Statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date;

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such

 

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purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

(3) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

(4) If the securities to be registered are to be offered at competitive bidding, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (1) to use its best efforts to distribute prior to the opening of bids, to prospective bidders, underwriters, and dealers, a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus which at that time meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Act, and relating to the securities offered at competitive bidding, as contained in the Registration Statement, together with any supplements thereto, and (2) to file an amendment to the Registration Statement reflecting the results of bidding, the terms of the reoffering and related matters to the extent required by the applicable form, not later than the first use, authorized by the issuer after the opening of bids, of a prospectus relating to the securities offered at competitive bidding, unless no further public offering of such securities by the issuer and no reoffering of such securities by the purchasers is proposed to be made.

 

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

 

(6) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file, if necessary, an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the Trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of such Act.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in West Chester, Ohio, as of the 1st day of July, 2011.

 

ATRICURE, INC.
By:   /s/ Julie A. Piton
  Julie A. Piton
  Vice President, Finance and
  Administration and
  Chief Financial Officer

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints David J. Drachman and Julie A. Piton, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ David J. Drachman

David J. Drachman

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 1, 2011

/s/ Julie A. Piton

Julie A. Piton

   Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   July 1, 2011

/s/ Richard M. Johnston

Richard M. Johnston

   Chairman of the Board of Directors   July 1, 2011

/s/ Mark A. Collar

Mark A. Collar

   Director   July 1, 2011

/s/ Donald C. Harrison

Donald C. Harrison

   Director   July 1, 2011

/s/ Michael D. Hooven

Michael D. Hooven

   Director   July 1, 2011

 

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/s/ Elizabeth D. Krell

Elizabeth D. Krell

   Director   July 1, 2011

/s/ Mark R. Lanning

Mark R. Lanning

   Director   July 1, 2011

/s/ Karen P. Robards

Karen P. Robards

   Director   July 1, 2011

 

II-6

Exhibit 4.6

AtriCure, Inc.,

as the Company,

U.S. Bank National Association,

as Trustee

Senior Indenture

Dated as of July 1, 2011


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
Article 1.    DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE      1   

Section 1.1

   Definitions      1   

Section 1.2

   Other Definitions      4   

Section 1.3

   Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act      5   

Section 1.4

   Rules of Construction      5   
Article 2.    THE SECURITIES      5   

Section 2.1

   Form and Dating      5   

Section 2.2

   Execution And Authentication      5   

Section 2.3

   Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series      7   

Section 2.4

   Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest      8   

Section 2.5

   Registrar and Paying Agent; Agents Generally      9   

Section 2.6

   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust      9   

Section 2.7

   Transfer and Exchange      10   

Section 2.8

   Replacement Securities      12   

Section 2.9

   Outstanding Securities      12   

Section 2.10

   Temporary Securities      13   

Section 2.11

   Cancellation      13   

Section 2.12

   CUSIP Numbers      13   

Section 2.13

   Defaulted Interest      13   

Section 2.14

   Series May Include Tranches      13   
Article 3.    REDEMPTION      14   

Section 3.1

   Applicability of Article      14   

Section 3.2

   Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions      14   

Section 3.3

   Payment Of Securities Called For Redemption      15   

Section 3.4

   Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption      15   

Section 3.5

   Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds      16   
Article 4.    COVENANTS      17   

Section 4.1

   Payment of Securities      17   

Section 4.2

   Maintenance of Office or Agency      18   

Section 4.3

   Certificate to Trustee      18   

Section 4.4

   Additional Amounts      18   
Article 5.    SUCCESSOR CORPORATION      19   

Section 5.1

   When Company May Merge, Etc.      19   

Section 5.2

   Successor Substituted      19   
Article 6.    SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE      19   

Section 6.1

   Securityholders’ Lists      19   

Section 6.2

   Preservation of Information; Communications with Securityholders      19   

Section 6.3

   Reports by the Company      20   

 

i


Section 6.4

   Reports by the Trustee      20   

Article 7.

   DEFAULT AND REMEDIES      20   

Section 7.1

   Events of Default      20   

Section 7.2

   Acceleration      21   

Section 7.3

   Other Remedies      22   

Section 7.4

   Waiver of Past Defaults      22   

Section 7.5

   Control by Majority      22   

Section 7.6

   Limitation on Suits      22   

Section 7.7

   Rights of Holders to Receive Payment      23   

Section 7.8

   Collection Suit by Trustee      23   

Section 7.9

   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      23   

Section 7.10

   Application of Proceeds      23   

Section 7.11

   Restoration of Rights and Remedies      24   

Section 7.12

   Undertaking for Costs      24   

Section 7.13

   Rights and Remedies Cumulative      24   

Section 7.14

   Delay or Omission not Waiver      24   

Article 8.

   TRUSTEE      24   

Section 8.1

   General      24   

Section 8.2

   Certain Rights of Trustee      25   

Section 8.3

   Individual Rights of Trustee      26   

Section 8.4

   Trustee’s Disclaimer      26   

Section 8.5

   Notice of Default      26   

Section 8.6

   Reports by Trustee to Holders      26   

Section 8.7

   Compensation and Indemnity      26   

Section 8.8

   Disqualification; Conflicting Interests      27   

Section 8.9

   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility      27   

Section 8.10

   Replacement of Trustee      27   

Section 8.11

   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor      28   

Section 8.12

   Successor Trustee By Merger, Etc.      28   

Section 8.13

   Eligibility      29   

Section 8.14

   Money Held in Trust      29   

Section 8.15

   Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company      29   

Article 9.

   SECURITYHOLDERS      29   

Section 9.1

   Evidence of Action by Securityholders      29   

Section 9.2

   Proof of Execution by Securityholders      29   

Section 9.3

   Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded      29   

Article 10.

   SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS      30   

Section 10.1

   Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture      30   

Section 10.2

   Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of Securities      30   

Section 10.3

   Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent      31   

Section 10.4

   Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent Unclaimed for Two Years      31   

Section 10.5

   Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture      31   

Section 10.6

   Defeasance of Certain Obligations      32   

Section 10.7

   Reinstatement      33   

Section 10.8

   Indemnity      33   

Section 10.9

   Excess Funds      33   

Section 10.10

   Qualifying Trustee      33   

 

ii


Article 11.

   AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS      33   

Section 11.1

   Without Consent of Holders      33   

Section 11.2

   With Consent of Holders      34   

Section 11.3

   Revocation and Effect of Consent      35   

Section 11.4

   Notation on or Exchange of Securities      35   

Section 11.5

   Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.      35   

Section 11.6

   Conformity with Trust Indenture Act      35   

Article 12.

   MISCELLANEOUS      35   

Section 12.1

   Trust Indenture Act of 1939      35   

Section 12.2

   Notices      35   

Section 12.3

   Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent      36   

Section 12.4

   Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion      37   

Section 12.5

   Evidence of Ownership      37   

Section 12.6

   Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar      37   

Section 12.7

   Payment Date Other Than a Business Day      37   

Section 12.8

   Governing Law      38   

Section 12.9

   No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements      38   

Section 12.10

   Successors      38   

Section 12.11

   Duplicate Originals      38   

Section 12.12

   Separability      38   

Section 12.13

   Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.      38   

Section 12.14

   Exemptions from Individual Liability      38   

Section 12.15

   Judgment Currency      38   

Section 12.16

   Waiver of Jury Trial      38   

Section 12.17

   Force Majeure      39   

 

iii


Cross Reference Table*

 

Section of Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended    Section of
Indenture

310(a)

   7.9

310(b)

   7.8
   7.10

310(c)

   Inapplicable

311(a)

   7.15

311(b)

   7.15

311(c)

   Inapplicable

312(a)

   6.1
   6.2(a)

312(b)

   6.2(b)

312(c)

   6.2(b)

313(a)

   6.4(a)

313(b)

   6.4(b)

313(c)

   6.4(a)
   6.4(b)

313(d)

   6.4(b)

314(a)

   6.3

314(b)

   Inapplicable

314(c)(1)

   12.3

314(c)(2)

   12.4

314(d)

   Inapplicable

314(e)

   7.12

314(f)

   Inapplicable

315(a)

   8.1

315(b)

   6.4

315(c)

   8.1

315(d)

   8.1

315(e)

   7.12

316(a)

   7.5, 9.3

316(b)

   7.6

316(c)

   9.1

317(a)

   7.8

317(b)

   2.5

318(a)

   12.1

 

* This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.


SENIOR INDENTURE, dated as of July 1, 2011, between ATRICURE, INC., a Delaware corporation, as the Company, and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee.

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the issue from time to time of its senior debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series (the “ Securities ”) up to such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and to provide, among other things, for the authentication, delivery and administration thereof, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture;

WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid indenture and agreement according to its terms have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE:

In consideration of the premises and the purchases of the Securities by the holders thereof, the Company and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective holders from time to time of the Securities or of any and all series thereof and of the coupons, if any, appertaining thereto as follows:

ARTICLE 1.

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.1 Definitions .

Affiliate ” of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) when used with respect to any Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agent ” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, transfer agent or Authenticating Agent.

Board Resolution ” means one or more resolutions of the board of directors of the Company or any authorized committee thereof, certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary to have been duly adopted and to be in full force and effect on the date of certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

Business Day ” means, with respect to any series of Securities, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in The City of New York or in the city where the office or agency for payment on the Securities is maintained pursuant to Section 4.2.

Closing Date ” means the date on which any series of Securities was originally issued under this Indenture

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

Company ” means the party named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor replaces it pursuant to Article 5 of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor.

Corporate Trust Office ” means the office of the Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the


Trustee shall, at any particular time, be administered, which office is, at the date of this Indenture, located at 425 Walnut Street, 6 th Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

Default ” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

Depositary ” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, the Person designated as Depositary by the Company pursuant to Section 2.3 until a successor Depositary shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “ Depositary ” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Depositary hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “ Depositary ” as used with respect to the Securities of any such series shall mean the Depositary with respect to the Registered Global Securities of that series.

“Dollars” means or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit of legal tender for payment of public or private debts in the United States of America.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession which are in effect on the date of this Indenture.

Guarantee ” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services (unless such purchase arrangements are on arm’s-length terms and are entered into in the ordinary course of business), to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (2) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Holder ” or “ Securityholder ” means the registered holder of any Security with respect to Registered Securities and the bearer of any Unregistered Security or any coupon appertaining thereto, as the case may be.

Indebtedness ” means with respect to any Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, securities, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof) or banker’s acceptances, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, if and to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as all indebtedness of others secured by a lien on any asset of such Person (whether or not such indebtedness is assumed by such Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the guarantee by such Person of any indebtedness of any other Person. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date; provided that the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount is the full amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP. The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (i) the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount and (ii) the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 

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Indenture ” means this Indenture as originally executed and delivered or as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time by one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture and shall include the forms and terms of the Securities of each series established as contemplated pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.3.

Investment Company Act ” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Officer ” means the president or chief executive officer, any executive vice president, any senior vice president, any vice president (whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added behind or after the title “vice president”), the chief financial officer, the treasurer or any assistant treasurer, or the secretary or any assistant secretary.

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed in the name of the Company (i) by the president or chief executive officer or any vice president (whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added behind or after the title “vice president”) of the Company, and (ii) by the chief financial officer, the treasurer or any assistant treasurer, or the secretary or any assistant secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. Each such certificate shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable, and include (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture) the statements provided in Section 12.4, if applicable.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion signed by legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, satisfactory to the Trustee. Each such opinion shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable, and include the statements provided in Section 12.4, if and to the extent required thereby.

original issue date ” of any Security (or portion thereof) means the earlier of (a) the date of authentication of such Security or (b) the date of any Security (or portion thereof) for which such Security was issued (directly or indirectly) on registration of transfer, exchange or substitution.

Original Issue Discount Security ” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the Principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 7.2.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Principal ” of a Security means the principal amount of, and, unless the context indicates otherwise, includes any premium payable on, the Security.

Registered Global Security ” means a Security evidencing all or a part of a series of Registered Securities, issued to the Depositary for such series in accordance with Section 2.2, and bearing the legend prescribed in Section 2.2.

Registered Security ” means any Security registered on the Security Register (as defined in Section 2.5).

Responsible Officer ” when used with respect to the Trustee, shall mean an officer of the Trustee in the Corporate Trust Office, having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Securities ” means any of the securities, as defined in the first paragraph of the recitals hereof, that are authenticated and delivered under this Indenture and, unless the context indicates otherwise, shall include any coupon appertaining thereto.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

- 3 -


Significant Subsidiary ” means a Subsidiary, including its Subsidiaries, that meets any of the conditions set forth under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Subsidiary ” means with respect to any specified Person, any corporation of which at least a majority of the outstanding stock having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is, or other entity of which at least a majority of the common equity interests are, at the time directly or indirectly owned by that Person, or by one or more other Subsidiaries of that Person, or by that Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of that Person.

Trustee ” means the party named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 and thereafter shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as it may be amended from time to time.

Unregistered Security ” means any Security other than a Registered Security.

U.S. Government Obligations ” means securities that are (1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the full and timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof at any time prior to the stated maturity of the notes, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

Yield to Maturity ” means, as the context may require, the yield to maturity (i) on a series of Securities or (ii) if the Securities of a series are issuable from time to time, on a Security of such series, calculated at the time of issuance of such series in the case of clause (i) or at the time of issuance of such Security of such series in the case of clause (ii), or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series or on such Security, and calculated in accordance with the constant interest method or such other accepted financial practice as is specified in the terms of such Security.

Section 1.2 Other Definitions . Each of the following terms is defined in the section set forth opposite such term:

 

Term    Section

Authenticating Agent

   2.2

cash transaction

   8.3

Event of Default

   7.1

Judgment Currency

   12.15

mandatory sinking fund payment

   3.5

optional sinking fund payment

   3.5

Paying Agent

   2.5

record date

   2.4

Registrar

   2.5

Required Currency

   12.15

Security Register

   2.5

 

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Term    Section

self-liquidating paper

   8.3

sinking fund payment date

   3.5

Surviving Person

   5.1(a)

tranche

   2.14

Section 1.3 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act . Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the Trust Indenture Act, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act have the following meanings:

indenture securities ” means the Securities;

indenture security holder ” means a Holder or a Securityholder;

indenture to be qualified ” means this Indenture;

indenture trustee ” or “ institutional trustee ” means the Trustee; and

obligor ” on the indenture securities means the Company or any other obligor on the Securities.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act, defined by reference in the Trust Indenture Act to another statute or defined by a rule of the Commission and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them therein.

Section 1.4 Rules of Construction . Unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(b) words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular;

(c) “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;

(d) all references to Sections or Articles refer to Sections or Articles of this Indenture unless otherwise indicated; and

(e) use of masculine, feminine or neuter pronouns should not be deemed a limitation, and the use of any such pronouns should be construed to include, where appropriate, the other pronouns.

ARTICLE 2.

THE SECURITIES

Section 2.1 Form and Dating . The Securities of each series shall be substantially in such form or forms (not inconsistent with this Indenture) as shall be established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have imprinted or otherwise reproduced thereon such legend or legends or endorsements, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, as may be required to comply with any law, or with any rules of any securities exchange or usage, all as may be determined by the officers executing such Securities as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. Unless otherwise so established, Unregistered Securities shall have coupons attached.

Section 2.2 Execution And Authentication . One Officer of the Company shall execute the Securities and one Officer of the Company shall execute the coupons appertaining thereto for the Company by facsimile or manual signature in the name and on behalf of the Company. If an Officer of the Company whose signature is on a

 

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Security or coupon appertaining thereto no longer holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated, the Security and such coupon shall nevertheless be valid.

The Trustee, at the expense of the Company, may appoint an authenticating agent (the “ Authenticating Agent ”) to authenticate Securities. The Authenticating Agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such Authenticating Agent.

A Security and the coupons appertaining thereto shall not be valid until the Trustee or Authenticating Agent signs, manually or by facsimile, the certificate of authentication on the Security or on the Security to which such coupon appertains. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security or the Security to which the coupon appertains has been authenticated under this Indenture.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series having attached thereto appropriate coupons, if any, executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication together with the applicable documents referred to below in this Section, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver such Securities to or upon the written order of the Company. In authenticating any Securities of a series, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive prior to the authentication of any Securities of such series, and (subject to Article 8) shall be fully protected in relying upon, unless and until such documents have been superseded or revoked:

(a) any Board Resolution and/or executed supplemental indenture referred to in Section 2.1 and Section 2.3 by or pursuant to which the forms and terms of the Securities of that series were established;

(b) an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the form or forms and terms of the Securities, stating that the form or forms and terms of the Securities of such series have been established in compliance with this Indenture; and

(c) an Opinion of Counsel substantially to the effect that the form or forms and terms of the Securities of such series have been established in compliance with this Indenture and that the supplemental indenture, to the extent applicable, and Securities have been duly authorized and, if executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and delivered to and duly paid for by the purchasers thereof on the date of such opinion, would be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and would be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, general principles of equity, and covering such other matters as shall be specified therein and as shall be reasonably requested by the Trustee.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 2.3 that the Securities of a series or a portion thereof are to be issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver one or more Registered Global Securities that (i) shall represent and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of all of the Securities of such series issued in such form and not yet cancelled, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities or the nominee of such Depositary, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depositary or its custodian or pursuant to such Depositary’s instructions and (iv) shall (unless provided otherwise in the form of such Security) bear a legend substantially to the following effect: “Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, this Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to the nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.”

 

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Section 2.3 Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series . The aggregate Principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The Securities may be issued in one or more series and each such series shall rank equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated debt of the Company.

There shall be established in or pursuant to Board Resolution or one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series, subject to the last sentence of this Section 2.3,

(a) the designation of the Securities of the series, which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from the Securities of all other series;

(b) any limit upon the aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture and any limitation on the ability of the Company to increase such aggregate Principal amount after the initial issuance of the Securities of that series (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, or upon redemption of, other Securities of the series pursuant hereto);

(c) the date or dates on which the Principal of the Securities of the series is payable (which date or dates may be fixed or extendible);

(d) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, on which such interest shall be payable and (in the case of Registered Securities) on which a record shall be taken for the determination of Holders to whom interest is payable and/or the method by which such rate or rates or date or dates shall be determined;

(e) if other than as provided in Section 4.2, the place or places where the Principal of, premium, if any, and any interest on Securities of the series shall be payable, any Registered Securities of the series may be surrendered for exchange, notices, demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served and notice to Holders may be published;

(f) the right, if any, of the Company to redeem Securities of the series, in whole or in part, at its option and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and any terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be so redeemed;

(g) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series pursuant to any mandatory redemption or at the option of a Holder thereof and the price or prices at which and the period or periods within which and any of the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(h) if other than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(i) if other than the Principal amount thereof, the portion of the Principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;

(j) if other than the coin or currency in which the Securities of the series are denominated, the coin or currency in which payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of the series shall be payable or if the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index based on a coin or currency other than that in which the Securities of the series are denominated, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(k) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of the

 

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series shall be payable, and the manner in which any such currencies shall be valued against other currencies in which any other Securities shall be payable;

(l) whether the Securities of the series or any portion thereof will be issuable as Registered Securities (and if so, whether such Securities will be issuable as Registered Global Securities) or Unregistered Securities (with or without coupons) (and if so, whether such Securities will be issued in temporary or permanent global form), or any combination of the foregoing, any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of Unregistered Securities or the payment of interest thereon and, if other than as provided herein, the terms upon which Unregistered Securities of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of such series and vice versa;

(m) whether the Securities of the series may be exchangeable for and/or convertible into the common stock of the Company or any other security;

(n) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay additional amounts on the Securities of the series held by a person who is not a U.S. person in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge withheld or deducted and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such additional amounts;

(o) if the Securities of the series are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Security of such series) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, the form and terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

(p) any trustees, depositaries, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or the registrar or any other agents with respect to the Securities of the series;

(q) provisions, if any, for the defeasance of the Securities of the series (including provisions permitting defeasance of less than all Securities of the series), which provisions may be in addition to, in substitution for, or in modification of (or any combination of the foregoing) the provisions of Article 10;

(r) if the Securities of the series are issuable in whole or in part as one or more Registered Global Securities or Unregistered Securities in global form, the identity of the Depositary or common Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities or Unregistered Securities in global form;

(s) any other Events of Default or covenants with respect to the Securities of the series; and

(t) any other terms of the Securities of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture), and any requirement to have Subsidiaries Guarantee the Securities.

All Securities of any one series and coupons, if any, appertaining thereto shall be substantially identical, except in the case of Registered Securities as to date and denomination and except as may otherwise be provided by or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above or as set forth in any such indenture supplemental hereto. All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Indenture, if so provided by or pursuant to such Board Resolution or in any such indenture supplemental hereto and any forms and terms of Securities to be issued from time to time may be completed and established from time to time prior to the issuance thereof by procedures described in such Board Resolution or supplemental indenture.

Unless otherwise expressly provided with respect to a series of Securities, the aggregate principal amount of a series of Securities may be increased and additional Securities of such series may be issued up to the maximum aggregate principal amount authorized with respect to such series as increased.

Section 2.4 Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest . The Securities of each series shall be issuable as Registered Securities or Unregistered Securities in denominations established as contemplated by Section 2.3 or, if not so established with respect to Securities of any series, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The Securities of each series shall be numbered, lettered or otherwise distinguished in

 

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such manner or in accordance with such plan as the Officers of the Company executing the same may determine, as evidenced by their execution thereof.

Unless otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities, each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Securities of each series shall bear interest, if any, from the date, and such interest and shall be payable on the dates, established as contemplated by Section 2.3.

The person in whose name any Registered Security of any series is registered at the close of business on any record date applicable to a particular series with respect to any interest payment date for such series shall be entitled to receive the interest, if any, payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Registered Security subsequent to the record date and prior to such interest payment date, except if and to the extent the Company shall default in the payment of the interest due on such interest payment date for such series, in which case the provisions of Section 2.13 shall apply. The term “ record date ” as used with respect to any interest payment date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest) for the Securities of any series shall mean the date specified as such in the terms of the Registered Securities of such series established as contemplated by Section 2.3, or, if no such date is so established, the fifteenth day next preceding such interest payment date, whether or not such record date is a Business Day.

Section 2.5 Registrar and Paying Agent; Agents Generally . The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Securities may be presented for registration, registration of transfer or for exchange (the “ Registrar ”) and an office or agency where Securities may be presented for payment (the “ Paying Agent ”), which shall be in the United States of America. The Company shall cause the Registrar to keep a register of the Registered Securities and of their registration, transfer and exchange (the “ Security Register ”). The Company may have one or more additional Paying Agents or transfer agents with respect to any series.

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act that relate to such Agent. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the name and address of any Agent and any change in the name or address of an Agent. If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company may remove any Agent upon written notice to such Agent and the Trustee; provided that no such removal shall become effective until (i) the acceptance of an appointment by a successor Agent to such Agent as evidenced by an appropriate agency agreement entered into by the Company and such successor Agent and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as such Agent until the appointment of a successor Agent in accordance with clause (i) of this proviso. The Company or any Affiliate of the Company may act as Paying Agent or Registrar; provided that neither the Company nor an Affiliate of the Company shall act as Paying Agent in connection with the defeasance of the Securities or the discharge of this Indenture under Article 10.

The Company initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent and Authenticating Agent. If, at any time, the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Registrar shall make available to the Trustee ten days prior to each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request the names and addresses of the Holders as they appear in the Security Register.

Section 2.6 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust . Not later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on each due date or, in the case of Unregistered Securities, 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day prior to the due date, of any Principal or interest on any Securities, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent money in immediately available funds sufficient to pay such Principal or interest. The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Securities and shall promptly notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and account for any funds disbursed, and the Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any payment default, upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. Upon doing so, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money so paid over to the Trustee. If the Company or any affiliate of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it will, on or before each due date of any Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any

 

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Securities, segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders thereof a sum of money sufficient to pay such Principal or interest so becoming due until such sum of money shall be paid to such Holders or otherwise disposed of as provided in this Indenture, and will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of its action or failure to act as required by this Section.

Section 2.7 Transfer and Exchange . Unregistered Securities (except for any temporary global Unregistered Securities) and coupons (except for coupons attached to any temporary global Unregistered Securities) shall be transferable by delivery.

At the option of the Holder thereof, Registered Securities of any series (other than a Registered Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for a Registered Security or Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Registered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 2.5 and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. If the Securities of any series are issued in both registered and unregistered form, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.3, at the option of the Holder thereof, Unregistered Securities of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 4.2, with, in the case of Unregistered Securities that have coupons attached, all unmatured coupons and all matured coupons in default thereto appertaining, and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. At the option of the Holder thereof, if Unregistered Securities of any series, maturity date, interest rate and original issue date are issued in more than one authorized denomination, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.3, such Unregistered Securities may be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 4.2, with, in the case of Unregistered Securities that have coupons attached, all unmatured coupons and all matured coupons in default thereto appertaining, and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. Registered Securities of any series may not be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of a series at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for that purpose in accordance with Section 2.5 and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate Principal amount.

All Registered Securities presented for registration of transfer, exchange, redemption or payment shall be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities. No service charge shall be made for any such transaction.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.7, unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, a Registered Global Security representing all or a portion of the Securities of a series may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such series to a nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary for such series or a nominee of such successor Depositary.

If at any time the Depositary for any Registered Global Securities of any series notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Registered Global Securities or if at any time the Depositary for such Registered Global Securities shall no longer be eligible under applicable law, the Company shall

 

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appoint a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law with respect to such Registered Global Securities. If a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law for such Registered Global Securities is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Company’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and deliver Registered Securities of such series and tenor, in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.

The Company may at any time and in its sole discretion and subject to the procedures of the Depositary determine that any Registered Global Securities of any series shall no longer be maintained in global form. In such event the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Company’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and deliver, Registered Securities of such series and tenor in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.

Any time the Registered Securities of any series are not in the form of Registered Global Securities pursuant to the preceding two paragraphs, the Company agrees to supply the Trustee with a reasonable supply of certificated Registered Securities without the legend required by Section 2.2 and the Trustee agrees to hold such Registered Securities in safekeeping until authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

If established by the Company pursuant to Section 2.3 with respect to any Registered Global Security, the Depositary for such Registered Global Security may surrender such Registered Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for Registered Securities of the same series and tenor in definitive registered form on such terms as are acceptable to the Company and such Depositary. Thereupon, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge to the Depositary,

(a) to the Person specified by such Depositary new Registered Securities of the same series and tenor, of any authorized denominations as requested by such Person, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Registered Global Security; and

(b) to such Depositary a new Registered Global Security in a denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the Principal amount of the surrendered Registered Global Security and the aggregate Principal amount of Registered Securities authenticated and delivered pursuant to clause (a) above.

Registered Securities issued in exchange for a Registered Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.7 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Registered Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or an agent of the Company or the Trustee. The Trustee or such agent shall deliver such Securities to or as directed by the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Company evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

Notwithstanding anything herein or in the forms or terms of any Securities to the contrary, none of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be required to exchange any Unregistered Security for a Registered Security if such exchange would result in adverse Federal income tax consequences to the Company (such as, for example, the inability of the Company to deduct from its income, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, the interest payable on the Unregistered Securities) under then applicable United States Federal income tax laws. The Trustee and any such agent shall be entitled to rely on an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel in determining such result.

The Registrar shall not be required (i) to issue, authenticate, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series for a period of 15 days before a selection of such Securities to be redeemed or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security selected for redemption in whole or in part.

 

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Section 2.8 Replacement Securities . If any mutilated Security or a Security with a mutilated coupon appertaining to it is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for such mutilated Security or in exchange for the Security to which a mutilated coupon appertains, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and Principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if any, appertaining to such mutilated Security or to the Security to which such mutilated coupon appertains.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security or coupon and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of any of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security or coupon has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security or in exchange for the Security to which a destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains (with all appurtenant coupons not destroyed, lost or stolen), a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and Principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if any, appertaining to such destroyed, lost or stolen Security or to the Security to which such destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or coupon has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security or coupon (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Security or coupon) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of any of them harmless, and in the case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee and any agent of them of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security and the ownership thereof; provided, however, that the Principal of, premium, if any, and any interest on Unregistered Securities shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 4.2, be payable only at an office or agency located outside the United States of America.

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any series, with its coupons, if any, issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security or in exchange for any mutilated Security, or in exchange for a Security to which a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains, shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security and its coupons, if any, or the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and any such new Security and coupons, if any, shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series and their coupons, if any, duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities or coupons.

Section 2.9 Outstanding Securities . Securities outstanding at any time are all Securities that have been authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those described in this Section as not outstanding and those that have been defeased pursuant to Section 10.5.

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.8, it ceases to be outstanding unless and until the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a holder in due course.

If the Paying Agent (other than the Company or an affiliate of the Company) holds on the maturity date or any redemption date or date for repurchase of the Securities money sufficient to pay Securities payable or to be redeemed or repurchased on that date, then on and after that date such Securities cease to be outstanding and interest on them shall cease to accrue.

A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or one of its affiliates holds such

 

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Security, provided, however, that, in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Principal amount of the outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned by the Company or any affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities as to which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Any Securities so owned which are pledged by the Company, or by any affiliate of the Company, as security for loans or other obligations, otherwise than to another such affiliate of the Company, shall be deemed to be outstanding, if the pledgee is entitled pursuant to the terms of its pledge agreement and is free to exercise in its or his discretion the right to vote such securities, uncontrolled by the Company or by any such affiliate.

Section 2.10 Temporary Securities . Until definitive Securities of any series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities of such series. Temporary Securities of any series shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities of such series but may have insertions, substitutions, omissions and other variations determined to be appropriate by the Officers of the Company executing the temporary Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such temporary Securities. If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series and tenor upon surrender of such temporary Securities at the office or agency of the Company designated for such purpose pursuant to Section 4.2, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like Principal amount of definitive Securities of such series and tenor and authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.

Section 2.11 Cancellation . The Company at any time may deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold. The Registrar, any transfer agent and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee shall cancel and dispose of in accordance with its customary procedures all Securities surrendered for transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and shall deliver a certificate of disposition to the Company. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities it has paid in full or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.12 CUSIP Numbers . The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” and “CINS” numbers (if then generally in use), and the Trustee shall use CUSIP numbers or CINS numbers, as the case may be, in notices of redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders and no representation shall be made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption or exchange.

Section 2.13 Defaulted Interest . If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Registered Securities, it shall pay, or shall deposit with the Paying Agent money in immediately available funds sufficient to pay, the defaulted interest plus (to the extent lawful) any interest payable on the defaulted interest (as may be specified in the terms thereof, established pursuant to Section 2.3) to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, which shall mean the 15th day next preceding the date fixed by the Company for the payment of defaulted interest, whether or not such day is a Business Day. At least 15 days before such special record date, the Company shall mail to each Holder of such Registered Securities and to the Trustee a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.

Section 2.14 Series May Include Tranches . A series of Securities may include one or more tranches (each a “ tranche ”) of Securities. The Securities of different tranches may have one or more different terms, including authentication dates and public offering prices, but all the Securities within each such tranche shall have identical terms, including authentication date and public offering price. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, with respect to Sections 2.2 (other than the fourth, sixth and seventh paragraphs thereof) through 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 2.10, 3.1 through 3.5, 4.2, 7.1 through 7.14, 10.1 through 10.7, 11.2 and Section 12.7, if any series of Securities

 

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includes more than one tranche, all provisions of such sections applicable to any series of Securities shall be deemed equally applicable to each tranche of any series of Securities in the same manner as though originally designated a series unless otherwise provided with respect to such series or tranche pursuant to Section 2.3. In particular, and without limiting the scope of the next preceding sentence, any of the provisions of such sections which provide for or permit action to be taken with respect to a series of Securities shall also be deemed to provide for and permit such action to be taken instead only with respect to Securities of one or more tranches within that series (and such provisions shall be deemed satisfied thereby), even if no comparable action is taken with respect to Securities in the remaining tranches of that series.

ARTICLE 3.

REDEMPTION

Section 3.1 Applicability of Article . The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to the Securities of any series that are redeemable before their maturity or to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.3 for Securities of such series.

Section 3.2 Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions . Notice of redemption to the Holders of Registered Securities of any series to be redeemed as a whole or in part at the option of the Company shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to such Holders of Registered Securities of such series at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the registry books. Notice of redemption to the Holders of Unregistered Securities of any series to be redeemed as a whole or in part who have filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section 313(c)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act, shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption, by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption, to such Holders at such addresses as were so furnished to the Trustee (and, in the case of any such notice given by the Company, the Trustee shall make such information available to the Company for such purpose). Any notice which is mailed or published in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice. Failure to give notice by mail, or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Security of such series.

The notice of redemption to each such Holder shall specify the Principal amount of each Security of such series held by such Holder to be redeemed, the CUSIP numbers of the Securities to be redeemed, the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price, or if not then ascertainable, the manner of calculation thereof, the place or places of payment, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Securities and, in the case of Securities with coupons attached thereto, of all coupons appertaining thereto maturing after the date fixed for redemption, that such redemption is pursuant to the mandatory or optional sinking fund, or both, if such be the case, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in such notice and that on and after said date interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue. In case any Security of a series is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series and tenor in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.

The notice of redemption of Securities of any series to be redeemed at the option of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

On or before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the redemption date or, in the case of Unregistered Securities, on or before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day prior to the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in this Section, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with one or more Paying Agents (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, set aside, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.6) an amount of money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities of such series so called for redemption at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. If all of the outstanding Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company will deliver to the Trustee at least 10 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given to Holders pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 3.2 (or such shorter period as shall be acceptable to the Trustee) an Officers’

 

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Certificate stating that all such Securities are to be redeemed. If less than all the outstanding Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company will deliver to the Trustee at least 15 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given to Holders pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 3.2 (or such shorter period as shall be acceptable to the Trustee) an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate Principal amount of such Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities (a) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (b) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee, prior to the giving of any notice of redemption to Holders pursuant to this Section, an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.

If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Securities are listed, or, if the Securities are not listed on a national securities exchange, by lot or in such manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair, Securities of such series to be redeemed in whole or in part. Securities may be redeemed in part in Principal amounts equal to authorized denominations for Securities of such series. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities of such series selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities of such series selected for partial redemption, the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the Principal amount of such Security which has been or is to be redeemed.

Section 3.3 Payment Of Securities Called For Redemption . If notice of redemption has been given as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of such Securities at the redemption price, together with interest accrued to such date) interest on the Securities or portions of Securities so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, and the unmatured coupons, if any, appertaining thereto shall be void and, except as provided in Sections 8.14 and 10.2, such Securities shall cease from and after the date fixed for redemption to be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture, and the Holders thereof shall have no right in respect of such Securities except the right to receive the redemption price thereof and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. On presentation and surrender of such Securities at a place of payment specified in said notice, together with all coupons, if any, appertaining thereto maturing after the date fixed for redemption, said Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Company at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption; provided that payment of interest becoming due on or prior to the date fixed for redemption shall be payable in the case of Securities with coupons attached thereto, to the Holders of the coupons for such interest upon surrender thereof, and in the case of Registered Securities, to the Holders of such Registered Securities registered as such on the relevant record date subject to the terms and provisions of Sections 2.4 and 2.13 hereof.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the Principal shall, until paid or duly provided for, bear interest from the date fixed for redemption at the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security) borne by such Security.

If any Security with coupons attached thereto is surrendered for redemption and is not accompanied by all appurtenant coupons maturing after the date fixed for redemption, the surrender of such missing coupon or coupons may be waived by the Company and the Trustee, if there be furnished to each of them such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them harmless.

Upon presentation of any Security of any series redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or Securities of such series and tenor (with any unmatured coupons attached), of authorized denominations, in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented.

Section 3.4 Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption . Unless otherwise provided with respect to any series of Securities, Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for selection for redemption if they are identified by registration and certificate number in a written statement signed by an

 

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Officer of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at least 40 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by, either (a) the Company or (b) an entity specifically identified in such written statement as directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company.

Section 3.5 Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds . The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “ mandatory sinking fund payment ”, and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of the Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “ optional sinking fund payment ”. The date on which a sinking fund payment is to be made is herein referred to as the “ sinking fund payment date ”.

In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to any series of Securities in cash, the Company may at its option (a) deliver to the Trustee Securities of such series theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired (except through a mandatory sinking fund payment) by the Company or receive credit for Securities of such series (not previously so credited) theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired (except as aforesaid) by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to Section 2.11, (b) receive credit for optional sinking fund payments (not previously so credited) made pursuant to this Section, or (c) receive credit for Securities of such series (not previously so credited) redeemed by the Company at the option of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through any optional sinking fund payment. Securities so delivered or credited shall be received or credited by the Trustee at the sinking fund redemption price specified in such Securities.

On or before the thirtieth day next preceding each sinking fund payment date for any series, or such shorter period as shall be acceptable to the Trustee, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate (a) specifying the portion of the mandatory sinking fund payment to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion to be satisfied by credit of specified Securities of such series and the basis for such credit, (b) stating that none of the specified Securities of such series has theretofore been so credited, (c) stating that no defaults in the payment of interest or Events of Default with respect to such series have occurred (which have not been waived or cured) and are continuing and (d) stating whether or not the Company intends to exercise its right to make an optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series and, if so, specifying the amount of such optional sinking fund payment which the Company intends to pay on or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Any Securities of such series to be credited and required to be delivered to the Trustee in order for the Company to be entitled to credit therefor as aforesaid which have not theretofore been delivered to the Trustee shall be delivered for cancellation pursuant to Section 2.11 to the Trustee with such Officers’ Certificate (or reasonably promptly thereafter if acceptable to the Trustee). Such Officers’ Certificate shall be irrevocable, and upon its receipt by the Trustee, the Company shall become unconditionally obligated to make all the cash payments or delivery of Securities therein referred to, if any, on or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Failure of the Company, on or before any such thirtieth day, to deliver such Officer’s Certificate and Securities specified in this paragraph, if any, shall not constitute a default but shall constitute, on and as of such date, the irrevocable election of the Company (i) that the mandatory sinking fund payment for such series due on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date shall be paid entirely in cash without the option to deliver or credit Securities of such series in respect thereof and (ii) that the Company will make no optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series as provided in this Section.

If the sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional or both) to be made in cash on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash shall exceed $50,000 (or a lesser sum if the Company shall so request with respect to the Securities of any series), such cash shall be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date to the redemption of Securities of such series at the sinking fund redemption price thereof together with accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption. If such amount shall be $50,000 (or such lesser sum) or less and the Company makes no such request then it shall be carried over until a sum in excess of $50,000 (or such lesser sum) is available. The Trustee shall select, in the manner provided in Section 3.2, for redemption on such sinking fund payment date a sufficient Principal amount of Securities of such series to absorb said cash, as nearly as may be, and shall (if requested in writing by the Company) inform the Company of the serial numbers of the Securities of such series (or portions thereof) so selected. Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for redemption under this Section if they are identified by registration and certificate number in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 60 days prior to the sinking fund payment date as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or

 

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hypothecated by either (a) the Company or (b) an entity specifically identified in such Officers’ Certificate as directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company. The Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Company (or the Company, if it shall so request the Trustee in writing) shall cause notice of redemption of the Securities of such series to be given in substantially the manner provided in Section 3.2 (and with the effect provided in Section 3.3) for the redemption of Securities of such series in part at the option of the Company. The amount of any sinking fund payments not so applied or allocated to the redemption of Securities of such series shall be added to the next cash sinking fund payment for such series and, together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section. Any and all sinking fund moneys held on the stated maturity date of the Securities of any particular series (or earlier, if such maturity is accelerated), which are not held for the payment or redemption of particular Securities of such series shall be applied, together with other moneys, if necessary, sufficient for the purpose, to the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the Securities of such series at maturity.

On or before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on each sinking fund payment date or, in the case of Unregistered Securities, 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day prior to the sinking fund payment date, the Company shall pay to the Trustee in cash or shall otherwise provide for the payment of all interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption on Securities to be redeemed on the next following sinking fund payment date.

The Trustee shall not redeem or cause to be redeemed any Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys or mail any notice of redemption of Securities of such series by operation of the sinking fund during the continuance of a Default in payment of interest on such Securities or of any Event of Default except that, where the mailing of notice of redemption of any Securities shall theretofore have been made, the Trustee shall redeem or cause to be redeemed such Securities, provided that it shall have received from the Company a sum sufficient for such redemption. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time when any such Default or Event of Default shall occur, and any moneys thereafter paid into the sinking fund, shall, during the continuance of such Default or Event of Default, be deemed to have been collected under Article 7 and held for the payment of all such Securities. In case such Event of Default shall have been waived as provided in Section 7.4 or the Default cured on or before the thirtieth day preceding the sinking fund payment date in any year, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date in accordance with this Section to the redemption of such Securities.

ARTICLE 4.

COVENANTS

Section 4.1 Payment of Securities . The Company shall pay the Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities on the dates and in the manner provided in the Securities and this Indenture. The interest on Securities with coupons attached (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such Securities) shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of the several coupons for such interest installments as are evidenced thereby as they severally mature. The interest on any temporary Unregistered Securities (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such Securities) shall be paid, as to the installments of interest evidenced by coupons attached thereto, if any, only upon presentation and surrender thereof, and, as to the other installments of interest, if any, only upon presentation of such Unregistered Securities for notation thereon of the payment of such interest. The interest on Registered Securities (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such Securities) shall be payable only to the Holders thereof (subject to Section 2.4) and at the option of the Company may be paid by mailing checks for such interest payable to or upon the written order of such Holders at their last addresses as they appear on the Security Register of the Company.

Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture and the Securities of any series to the contrary, if the Company and a Holder of any Registered Security so agree, payments of interest on, and any portion of the Principal of, such Holder’s Registered Security (other than interest payable at maturity or on any redemption or repayment date or the final payment of Principal on such Security) shall be made by the Paying Agent, upon receipt from the Company of immediately available funds by 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed to between the Company and the Paying Agent), directly to the Holder of such Security (by Federal funds wire transfer or otherwise) if the Holder has delivered written instructions to the Trustee 15 days prior to such payment date requesting that such payment will be so made and designating the bank account to which such payments shall

 

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be so made and in the case of payments of Principal, surrenders the same to the Trustee in exchange for a Security or Securities aggregating the same Principal amount as the unredeemed Principal amount of the Securities surrendered. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the last instruction delivered by the Holder pursuant to this Section 4.1 unless a new instruction is delivered 15 days prior to a payment date. The Company will indemnify and hold each of the Trustee and any Paying Agent harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) resulting from any act or omission to act on the part of the Company or any such Holder in connection with any such agreement or from making any payment in accordance with any such agreement.

The Company shall pay interest on overdue Principal, and interest on overdue installments of interest, to the extent lawful, at the rate per annum specified in the Securities.

Section 4.2 Maintenance of Office or Agency . The Company will maintain in the United States of America, an office or agency where Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for payment and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served. The Company hereby initially designates the Corporate Trust Office as such office or agency of the Company. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the address of the Trustee set forth in Section 12.2.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of any series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the United States of America for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

Section 4.3 Certificate to Trustee . The Company will furnish to the Trustee annually, on or before a date not more than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year (which, on the date hereof, is a calendar year), a brief certificate which certificate shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act (but which need not contain the statements required by Section 12.4) from its principal executive, financial or accounting officer certifying (a) that a review has been conducted of the activities of the Company its Subsidiaries and their respective performance under the Indenture and (b) that the Company has fulfilled all obligations under the Indenture (such compliance to be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under this Indenture) or specifying each such Default and the nature and status thereof.

Section 4.4 Additional Amounts . If the Securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first interest payment date with respect to that series of Securities and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of that series if there has been a change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers’ Certificate, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee and the principal paying agent, if other than the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate instructing the Trustee and such paying agent whether such payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of the Securities of that series without withholding or deduction for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of that series. If any such withholding or deduction shall be required, then such Officers’ Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld or deducted on such payments to such Holders and shall certify the fact that additional amounts will be payable and the amounts so payable to each Holder, and the Company shall pay to the Trustee or such paying agent the additional amounts required to be paid by this Section. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any paying agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers’ Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section.

Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest or any other amounts on, or in respect of, any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of additional amounts provided by the terms of such series established hereby or pursuant hereto to the extent that, in such context, additional amounts are, were or would be payable in respect

 

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thereof pursuant to such terms, and express mention of the payment of additional amounts (if applicable) in any provision hereof shall not be construed as excluding the payment of additional amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

ARTICLE 5.

SUCCESSOR CORPORATION

Section 5.1 When Company May Merge, Etc . The Company shall not consolidate with, merge with or into, directly or indirectly, or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and assets (as an entirety or substantially an entirety in one transaction or a series of related transactions) to any Person or Persons, or permit any Person to merge with or into it, unless:

(a) it shall be the continuing Person, or the Person (if other than it) formed by such consolidation or into which it is merged or that acquired or leased such property and assets (the “ Surviving Person ”), shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof;

(b) the Surviving Person shall expressly assume, by supplemental indentures which shall be delivered to the Trustee and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the Company’s obligations under the Securities and this Indenture;

(c) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(d) the Company or the Surviving Person, as applicable, shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel stating that (y) the transaction or series of transactions and such supplemental indenture, if any, complies with this Section 5.1, and (z) all conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to the transaction or series of transactions have been satisfied.

Section 5.2 Successor Substituted . Upon any consolidation, combination or merger, or any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.1 of this Indenture, the Surviving Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such Surviving Person had been named as the Company herein and thereafter the predecessor Person, except in the case of (x) a lease or (y) any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition to one or more Subsidiaries of the Company, shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

ARTICLE 6.

SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE

Section 6.1 Securityholders’ Lists . The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the holders of the Securities pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act (a) semi-annually not more than 15 days after each record date for the payment of semi-annual interest on the Securities, as hereinabove specified, as of such record date, and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within thirty days after receipt by the Company of any such request as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such information is furnished.

Section 6.2 Preservation of Information; Communications with Securityholders .

(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the holders of Securities contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 6.1 and as to the names and addresses of holders of Securities received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (if acting in such capacity).

 

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(b) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities.

Section 6.3 Reports by the Company .

(a) So long as any Securities are outstanding, the Company shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company files with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company shall be deemed to have complied with the previous sentence to the extent that such information, documents and reports are filed with the Commission via EDGAR (or any successor electronic delivery procedure).

(b) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

Section 6.4 Reports by the Trustee .

(a) Any Trustee’s report required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act shall be transmitted on or before July 15 in each year following the date hereof, so long as any Securities are outstanding hereunder, and shall be dated as of a date convenient to the Trustee no more than 60 nor less than 45 days prior thereto.

(b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Securityholders, be filed by the Trustee with the Company, with any stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed and with the Commission. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when any Securities become listed on any stock exchange or delisted therefrom.

ARTICLE 7.

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

Section 7.1 Events of Default . An “ Event of Default ” shall occur with respect to the Securities of any series if:

(a) the Company defaults in the payment of the Principal of any Security of such series when the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or mandatory repurchase, including as a sinking fund installment, or otherwise;

(b) the Company defaults in the payment of interest on any Security of such series when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

(c) the Company defaults in the performance of or breaches any other covenant or agreement in this Indenture with respect to any Security of such series or in the Securities of such series (other than a Default specified in clause (a) and (b) above) and such default or breach continues for a period of 90 consecutive days or more after written notice to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of 25% or more in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of all series affected thereby specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;

(d) there occurs with respect to any issue or issues of Indebtedness of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary having an outstanding principal amount of $25 million or more in the aggregate for all such issues of all such Persons, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, (i) an event of default that has caused the holder thereof to declare such Indebtedness to be due and payable prior to its stated maturity and such Indebtedness has not been discharged in full or such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled within 30 days of such acceleration and/or (ii) the failure to make a principal payment at the final (but not any interim) fixed

 

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maturity and such defaulted payment shall not have been made, waived or extended within 30 days of such payment default;

(e) any final judgment or order (not covered by insurance) for the payment of money in excess of $25 million in the aggregate for all such final judgments or orders against all such Persons (treating any deductibles, self-insurance or retention as not so covered) shall be rendered against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary and shall not be paid or discharged, and there shall be any period of 60 consecutive days following entry of the final judgment or order that causes the aggregate amount for all such final judgments or orders outstanding and not paid or discharged against all such Persons to exceed $25 million during which a stay of enforcement of such final judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;

(f) a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree or order for (i) relief in respect of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or (iii) the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, and, in each case, such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days;

(g) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (i) commences a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, (ii) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or (iii) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or

(h) any other Event of Default established pursuant to Section 2.3 with respect to the Securities of such series occurs.

Section 7.2 Acceleration . (a) If an Event of Default (other than as described in clauses Section 7.1(f) or Section 7.1(g) that occurs with respect to the Company) with respect to the Securities of any series then outstanding occurs and is continuing, then, and in each and every such case, except for any series of Securities the Principal of which shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series then outstanding hereunder by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Securityholders), may declare the entire Principal (or, if the Securities of any such series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 2.3) of all Securities of such series, and the interest accrued thereon, if any, to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become immediately due and payable.

(a) In the event of a declaration of acceleration because an Event of Default set forth in clause Section 7.1(d) has occurred and is continuing, such declaration of acceleration shall be automatically rescinded and annulled if the event of default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to clause Section 7.1(d) shall be remedied or cured by the Company or the relevant Significant Subsidiary or waived by the holders of the relevant Indebtedness within 60 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto.

(b) If an Event of Default described in Section 7.1(f) or Section 7.1(g) occurs and is continuing with respect to the Company, then the Principal amount (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as may be specified in the terms thereof established pursuant to Section 2.3) of all the Securities then outstanding and interest accrued thereon, if any, shall be and become immediately due and payable, without any declaration, notice or other action by any Holder or the Trustee, to the full extent permitted by applicable law.

For all purposes under this Indenture, if a portion of the Principal of any Original Issue Discount Securities shall have been accelerated and declared or become due and payable pursuant to the provisions hereof, then, from and after such declaration, unless such declaration has been rescinded and annulled, the Principal amount of such

 

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Original Issue Discount Securities shall be deemed, for all purposes hereunder, to be such portion of the Principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration, and payment of such portion of the Principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration, together with interest, if any, thereon and all other amounts owing thereunder, shall constitute payment in full of such Original Issue Discount Securities.

Section 7.3 Other Remedies . If a payment default or an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue, in its own name or as trustee of an express trust, any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of such series or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities of such series or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.

Section 7.4 Waiver of Past Defaults . Subject to Sections 7.2, 7.07 and 11.02, the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal amount (or, if the Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as is then accelerable under Section 7.2) of the outstanding Securities of each series affected, by notice to the Trustee, may waive all past Defaults with respect to the Securities of such series and rescind and annul a declaration of acceleration and its consequences, if (a) all existing Events of Default, other than nonpayment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security as specified in clauses Section 7.1(a) and Section 7.1(b) of Section 7.1 that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration have been cured or waived and (b) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

Section 7.5 Control by Majority . Subject to Sections 8.1 and 8.2(e), the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal amount (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as is then accelerable under Section 7.2), of the outstanding Securities of each series affected, determined in accordance with Section 9.3, may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by this Indenture; provided that the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture, that may involve the Trustee in personal liability or that the Trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of Holders not joining in the giving of such direction; and provided further that the Trustee may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any directions received from Holders of Securities pursuant to this Section 7.5.

Section 7.6 Limitation on Suits . No Holder of any Security of any series may institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture or the Securities of such series, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

(a) such Holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series;

(b) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Principal amount of outstanding Securities of all such series affected shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it against any costs, liabilities or expenses to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

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(e) during such 60-day period, the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of all such affected series have not given the Trustee a direction that is inconsistent with such written request.

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over such other Holder.

Section 7.7 Rights of Holders to Receive Payment . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security to receive payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such Holder’s Security on or after the respective due dates expressed on such Security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

Section 7.8 Collection Suit by Trustee . If an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series in payment of Principal or interest specified in clause (a) or (b) of Section 7.1 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount (or such portion thereof as specified in the terms established pursuant to Section 2.3 of Original Issue Discount Securities) of Principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest remaining unpaid on, together with interest on overdue Principal of, and, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest on, the Securities of such series, in each case at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in such Securities, and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover all amounts owing the Trustee under Section 8.7.

Section 7.9 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim . The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for amounts due the Trustee under Section 8.7) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor on the Securities), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect and receive any moneys, securities or other property payable or deliverable upon conversion or exchange of the Securities or upon any such claims and to distribute the same, and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it under Section 8.7. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to empower the Trustee to authorize or consent to, or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 7.10 Application of Proceeds . Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article in respect of the Securities of any series shall be applied in the following order at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of Principal or interest, upon presentation of the several Securities and coupons appertaining to such Securities in respect of which moneys have been collected and noting thereon the payment, or issuing Securities of such series and tenor in reduced Principal amounts in exchange for the presented Securities of such series and tenor if only partially paid, or upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 8.7 applicable to the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected;

SECOND: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected shall not have become and be then due and payable, to the payment of interest on the Securities of such series in default in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in such Securities, such payments to be made ratably to the persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;

THIRD: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected shall have become and shall be then due and payable, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and

 

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unpaid upon all the Securities of such series for Principal and interest, with interest upon the overdue Principal, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series; and in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Securities of such series, then to the payment of such Principal and interest or Yield to Maturity, without preference or priority of Principal over interest or Yield to Maturity, or of interest or Yield to Maturity over Principal, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Security of such series over any other Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such Principal and accrued and unpaid interest or Yield to Maturity; and

FOURTH: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company or any other person lawfully entitled thereto.

Section 7.11 Restoration of Rights and Remedies . If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then, and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Company, Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

Section 7.12 Undertaking for Costs . In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, in either case in respect to the Securities of any series, a court may require any party litigant in such suit (other than the Trustee) to file an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant (other than the Trustee) in the suit having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 7.12 does not apply to a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 7.7, a suit instituted by the Trustee or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such series.

Section 7.13 Rights and Remedies Cumulative . Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Securities in Section 2.8, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 7.14 Delay or Omission not Waiver . No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article 7 or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

ARTICLE 8.

TRUSTEE

Section 8.1 General . The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act and as set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Article 8.

 

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Section 8.2 Certain Rights of Trustee . Subject to Trust Indenture Act Sections 315(a) through (d):

(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel (or both), statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person or persons. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit;

(b) before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate and/or an Opinion of Counsel, which shall conform to Section 12.4 and shall cover such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion. Subject to Sections 8.1 and 8.2, whenever in the administration of the trusts of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof;

(c) the Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents not regularly in its employ and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care;

(d) any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any Board Resolution may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company;

(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against any costs, expenses or liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(f) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers or for any action it takes or omits to take in accordance with the direction of the Holders in accordance with Section 7.5 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture;

(g) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon; and

(h) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default, the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel, Board Resolution, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security, or other paper or document unless requested in writing so to do by the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of all series affected then outstanding; provided that, if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such expenses or liabilities as a condition to proceeding.

 

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Section 8.3 Individual Rights of Trustee . The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Sections 310(b) and 311. For purposes of Trust Indenture Act Section 311(b)(4) and (6), the following terms shall mean:

(a) “ cash transaction ” means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand; and

(b) “ self-liquidating paper ” means any draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Company for the purpose of financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, shipment, storage or sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided the security is received by the Trustee simultaneously with the creation of the creditor relationship with or Company arising from the making, drawing, negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation.

Section 8.4 Trustee’s Disclaimer . The recitals contained herein and in the Securities (except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication) shall be taken as statements of the Company and not of the Trustee and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. Neither the Trustee nor any of its agents (a) makes any representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities or (b) shall be accountable for the Company’s use or application of the proceeds from the Securities.

Section 8.5 Notice of Default . If any Default with respect to the Securities of any series occurs and is continuing and if such Default is known to the actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer with the Corporate Trust Department of the Trustee, the Trustee shall give to each Holder of Securities of such series notice of such Default within 90 days after it occurs to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, unless such Default shall have been cured or waived before the mailing or publication of such notice; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders.

Section 8.6 Reports by Trustee to Holders . The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within 60 days after each May 15 following the date of this Indenture, deliver to Holders a brief report, dated as of such May 15, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a).

A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.

Section 8.7 Compensation and Indemnity . The Company shall pay to the Trustee such compensation as shall be agreed upon in writing from time to time for its services. The compensation of the Trustee shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a Trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee or such predecessor Trustee. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee’s or such predecessor Trustee’s agents, counsel and other persons not regularly in their employ.

The Company shall indemnify the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee for, and hold them harmless against, any loss or liability or expense incurred by them without negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture and the Securities or the issuance of the Securities or of series thereof or the trusts hereunder and the performance of duties under this Indenture and the Securities, including the costs and expenses of defending themselves against or investigating any claim or liability

 

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and of complying with any process served upon them or any of their officers in connection with the exercise or performance of any of their powers or duties under this Indenture and the Securities.

To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section 8.7, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, in its capacity as Trustee, except money or property held in trust to pay Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on particular Securities.

The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the rejection or termination of this Indenture under bankruptcy law. Such additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities or coupons, and the Securities are hereby subordinated to such senior claim. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, if the Trustee renders services and incurs expenses following an Event of Default under Section 7.1(f) or Section 7.1(g) hereof, the parties hereto and the holders by their acceptance of the Securities hereby agree that such expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy law.

Section 8.8 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests . If the Trustee has or shall acquire any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Company shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 8.9 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . There shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Securities issued hereunder which shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or other Person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000, and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State, Territorial, or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 8.9 the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Company may not, nor may any Affiliate of the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8.9, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 8.10.

Section 8.10 Replacement of Trustee . A resignation or removal of the Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and appointment of a successor Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 8.10.

The Trustee may resign as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series at any time by so notifying the Company in writing. The Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any series may remove the Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by so notifying the Trustee in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee with respect thereto with the consent of the Company. The Company may remove the Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series if: (i) the Trustee is no longer eligible under Section 7.13 of this Indenture; (ii) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent; (iii) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or (iv) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

If the Trustee resigns or is removed as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee with respect thereto. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such series may appoint a successor Trustee in respect of such Securities to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series does not deliver its written acceptance required by Section 7.11 within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of a

 

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majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect thereto.

The Company shall give notice of any resignation and any removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee in respect of the Securities of such series to all Holders of Securities of such series. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series pursuant to this Section 7.10 and Section 7.11, the Company’s obligations under Section 8.7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

Section 8.11 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor . In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges and subject to the lien provided for in Section 8.7, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.

No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be eligible under this Article and qualified under Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 8.12 Successor Trustee By Merger, Etc . If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation or national banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or national banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee with the same effect as if the successor Trustee had been named as the Trustee herein.

 

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Section 8.13 Eligibility . This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(a). The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $25,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

Section 8.14 Money Held in Trust . The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law and except for money held in trust under Article 10 of this Indenture.

Section 8.15 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company . The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included therein.

ARTICLE 9.

SECURITYHOLDERS

Section 9.1 Evidence of Action by Securityholders . Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a majority or specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders of such majority or specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such holders of Securities of that series in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing.

If the Company shall solicit from the Securityholders of any series any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the Company, at its option, as evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate, may fix in advance a record date for such series for the determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date, but only the Securityholders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the purposes of determining whether Securityholders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities of that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities of that series shall be computed as of the record date; provided, however, that no such authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.

Section 9.2 Proof of Execution by Securityholders . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or his agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:

(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any instrument may be proved in any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.

(b) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register of such Securities or by a certificate of the Security Registrar thereof.

(c) The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section as it shall deem necessary.

Section 9.3 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded . In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Securities of a particular series have concurred in any direction, consent of waiver under this Indenture, the Securities of that series that are owned by the Company or any other

 

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obligor on the Securities of that series or by an Affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver, only Securities of such series that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. The Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding for the purposes of this Section, if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not an Affiliate. In case of a dispute as to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee. Upon request of the Trustee, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officer’s Certificate listing and identifying all Securities of a particular series, if any known by the Company to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above described Persons and, subject to Sections 7.1 and 7.2, the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officer’s Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Securities of such particular series not listed therein are Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.

ARTICLE 10.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS

Section 10.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture . If at any time (a)(i) all Securities of any series issued that have been authenticated and delivered have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation (other than Securities of such series which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.8); or (ii) all the Securities of any series issued that have not been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by such Trustee in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense, the Company shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in cash (other than moneys repaid by the Trustee or any paying agent to the Company in accordance with Section 10.4) or U.S. Government Obligations, maturing as to principal and interest in such amounts and at such times as will insure (without consideration of the reinvestment of such interest) the availability of cash, or a combination thereof, sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Securities of such series (other than any Securities of such series which shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.8) not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including Principal and interest due or to become due on or prior to such date of maturity or redemption as the case may be; (b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable under this Indenture; and (c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to this Section 8.1 have been complied with, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to Securities of such series (except as to (i) rights of registration of transfer and exchange of securities of such series, and the Company’s right of optional redemption, if any, (ii) substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, (iii) rights of holders to receive payments of Principal thereof and interest thereon, upon the original stated due dates therefor (but not upon acceleration) and remaining rights of the holders to receive mandatory sinking fund payments, if any, (iv) the rights, obligations and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (v) the rights of the Securityholders of such series as beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property so deposited with the Trustee payable to all or any of them), and the Trustee, on demand of the Company accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging such satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture with respect to such series; provided that the rights of Holders of the Securities to receive amounts in respect of Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities held by them shall not be delayed longer than required by then-applicable mandatory rules or policies of any securities exchange upon which the Securities are listed. The Company agrees to reimburse the Trustee for any costs or expenses thereafter reasonably and properly incurred and to compensate the Trustee for any services thereafter reasonably and properly rendered by the Trustee in connection with this Indenture or the Securities of such series.

Section 10.2 Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of Securities . Subject to Section 10.4, all moneys (including U.S. Government Obligations and the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 10.1, Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 shall be held in trust and applied by it to the payment, either directly or through any paying agent to the Holders of the particular Securities of such series for the payment or redemption of which such moneys have been deposited with the Trustee, of all sums due and to become due thereon

 

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for Principal and interest; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

Section 10.3 Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent . In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to Securities of any series, all moneys then held by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture with respect to such series of Securities shall, upon demand of the Company, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.

Section 10.4 Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent Unclaimed for Two Years . Any moneys deposited with or paid to the Trustee or any paying agent for the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security of any series and not applied but remaining unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such Principal or interest shall have become due and payable, shall, upon the written request of the Company and unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law, be repaid to the Company by the Trustee for such series or such paying agent, and the Holder of the Security of such series shall, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property laws, thereafter look only to the Company for any payment which such Holder may be entitled to collect, and all liability of the Trustee or any paying agent with respect to such moneys shall thereupon cease.

Section 10.5 Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture . The Company shall be deemed to have paid and shall be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Securities of any series, after the deposit referred to in clause (i) hereof has been made, and the provisions of this Indenture shall no longer be in effect with respect to the Securities of such series (and the Trustee, at the reasonable written request and expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to: (a) rights of Holders of the Securities of such series to receive payments of Principal thereof, premium thereto, and interest thereon, upon the original stated due dates therefor, (b) the Company’s obligations with respect to the issuance of temporary Securities and the registration of transfer with respect to the Securities of such series, the Company’s right of optional redemption, substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities of such series and the maintenance an office or agency for payment for security payments held in trust pursuant to clause (i) hereof, (c) the rights, obligations and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, and (d) the defeasance provisions contained in Article 10 of this Indenture; provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

(i) with reference to this Section 10.5 the Company irrevocably has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another qualifying trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.13) as trust funds in trust, for the purposes of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (A) money in an amount, (B) U.S. Government Obligations that through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in subclause (x) or (y) of this clause (i), or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the written opinion of an nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, without consideration of reinvestment and after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof, and which shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge (x) all of the Principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the outstanding Securities of such series on the maturity or due dates thereof or if the Company has made irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee, the redemption date, as the case may be, and (y) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of Securities of such series and the Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series;

(ii) the Company has delivered to the Trustee (A) either (x) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, under then applicable U.S. federal income tax law, Holders of Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the Company’s exercise of its option under this Section 10.5 and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred or (y) a ruling directed to the Trustee received from the Internal Revenue Service to the same effect as the aforementioned Opinion of Counsel

 

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and (B) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the creation of the defeasance trust does not violate the Investment Company Act;

(iii) immediately after giving effect to such deposit on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default, of event that after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, and such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(iv) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge under this Section 10.5 have been complied with; and

(v) if the Securities of such series are to be redeemed prior to the final maturity thereof (other than from mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments), notice of such redemption shall have been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made.

Section 10.6 Defeasance of Certain Obligations . The Company may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in, and this Indenture will no longer be in effect with respect to, any covenant established pursuant to Section 2.3(s), Section 7.1(d), Section 7.1(e) and Section 7.1(h) (with respect to any covenants established pursuant to Section 2.3(s)) of Section 7.1 shall be deemed not to constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series, if:

(a) with reference to this Section 10.6, the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another qualifying trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.13) as trust funds in trust, for the purposes of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (i) money in an amount, (ii) U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to below in this clause (a), or (iii) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the written opinion of an nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, without consideration of reinvestment and after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof, and which shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge all of the Principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the outstanding Securities of such series on the maturity or due dates thereof or if the Company has made irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee, the redemption date, as the case may be;

(b) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the creation of the defeasance trust does not violate the Investment Company Act;

(c) immediately after giving effect to such deposit on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default, of event that after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, and such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(d) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the Company’s exercise of its option under this Section 10.6 and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;

(e) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance under this Section have been complied with; and

 

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(f) if the Securities of such series are to be redeemed prior to the final maturity thereof (other than from mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments), notice of such redemption shall have been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made.

Section 10.7 Reinstatement . If the Trustee or paying agent is unable to apply any monies or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Article 10 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article until such time as the Trustee or paying agent is permitted to apply all such monies or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Article 10; provided, however , that if the Company has made any payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Securities because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the monies or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or paying agent.

Section 10.8 Indemnity . The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 10.8 and Section 10.2, the “Trustee”) against any tax, fee or other charge, imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 10.1, Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 or the principal or interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto.

Section 10.9 Excess Funds . Anything in this Article 10 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon request of the Company, any money or U.S. Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in Section 10.1, Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of Independent Public Accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a discharge or defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Article 10.

Section 10.10 Qualifying Trustee . Any trustee appointed pursuant to Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 for the purpose of holding money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to such Sections shall be appointed under an agreement in form acceptable to the Trustee and shall provide to the Trustee a certificate, upon which certificate the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely, that all conditions precedent provided for herein to the related defeasance have been complied with. In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any acts or omissions of said trustee

ARTICLE 11.

AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS

Section 11.1 Without Consent of Holders . The Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities of any series without notice to or the consent of any Holder:

(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in this Indenture; provided that such amendments or supplements shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect;

(b) to comply with Article 5;

(c) to maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(d) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder with respect to the Securities of any or all series by a successor Trustee and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 7.11;

(e) to provide for the issuance of additional Securities;

 

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(f) to establish the form or forms or terms of Securities of any series or of the coupons appertaining to such Securities as permitted by Section 2.3;

(g) to provide for uncertificated or Unregistered Securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose; or

(h) to conform any provision to the “Description of Notes” in the offering memorandum or prospectus for the Securities of such series.

Section 11.2 With Consent of Holders . Subject to Sections 7.4 and 7.7, without prior notice to any Holders, the Company and the Trustee may amend this Indenture and the Securities of any series with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each series affected by such amendment, and the Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each series affected thereby by written notice to the Trustee may waive future compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities of such series.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 11.2, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, an amendment or waiver, including a waiver pursuant to Section 7.4, may not:

(a) change the stated maturity of the Principal of, or any installment of interest on, such Holder’s Security,

(b) reduce the Principal amount of, or the rate of interest on (including any amount in respect of original issue discount), such Holder’s Security;

(c) change the place or currency of payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or any installment of interest on, such Holder’s Security;

(d) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the stated maturity (or in the case of a redemption, on or after the redemption date) of such Holder’s Security;

(e) waive a default in the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, such Holder’s Security;

(f) modify any of the provisions of this Section 11.2 requiring the consent of a requisite number of holders, except to increase any percentage requiring consent or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Securities; and

(g) reduce the percentage or aggregate Principal amount of outstanding Securities of the relevant series the consent of whose Holders is required for any supplemental indenture or for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain Defaults and their consequences provided for in this Indenture.

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series or of the coupons appertaining to such Securities.

It shall not be necessary for the consent of any Holder under this Section 11.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 11.2 becomes effective, the Company shall give to the Holders affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. The Company will mail supplemental indentures to Holders upon request. Any failure of the Company to mail such

 

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notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture or waiver.

Section 11.3 Revocation and Effect of Consent . Until an amendment or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the Security of the consenting Holder, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Security or portion of its Security. Such revocation shall be effective only if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver shall become effective with respect to any Securities affected thereby on receipt by the Trustee of written consents from the requisite Holders of outstanding Securities affected thereby.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date (which may be not less than five nor more than 60 days prior to the solicitation of consents) for the purpose of determining the Holders of the Securities of any series affected entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver. If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were such Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies) and only those Persons shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be such Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 90 days after such record date.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective with respect to the Securities of any series affected thereby, it shall bind every Holder of such Securities unless it is of the type described in any of clauses (a) through(g) of Section 11.2. In case of an amendment or waiver of the type described in clauses clauses (a) through(g) of Section 11.2, the amendment or waiver shall bind each such Holder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Security that evidences the same indebtedness as the Security of the consenting Holder.

Section 11.4 Notation on or Exchange of Securities . If an amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of any Security, the Trustee may require the Holder thereof to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security about the changed terms and return it to the Holder and the Trustee may place an appropriate notation on any Security of such series thereafter authenticated. Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so determines, the Company in exchange for the Security shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Security of the same series and tenor that reflects the changed terms.

Section 11.5 Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc . The Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 11 is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, stating that all requisite consents have been obtained or that no consents are required and stating that such supplemental indenture constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, execute any such amendment, supplement or waiver that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Section 11.6 Conformity with Trust Indenture Act . Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article 11 shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

ARTICLE 12.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1 Trust Indenture Act of 1939 . This Indenture shall incorporate and be governed by the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.

Section 12.2 Notices . Any notice or communication shall be sufficiently given if written and (a) if delivered in person when received or (b) if mailed by first class mail 5 days after mailing, or (c) as between the

 

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Company and the Trustee if sent by facsimile transmission, when transmission is confirmed, in each case addressed as follows:

 

if to the Company:    AtriCure, Inc.
   6217 Centre Park Drive
   West Chester, Ohio 45069
   Facsimile:   (513) 644-1315
   Attention:   Chief Financial Officer
   With a required copy, (which shall
   not constitute notice) to:
   Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL
   One East Fourth Street
   Suite 1400
   Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
   Facsimile:   (513) 579-6457
   Attention:   F. Mark Reuter
if to the Trustee:   

U.S. Bank National Association

425 Walnut Street, 6 th Floor

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

   Facsimile:   (513) 632-5511
   Attention:   Corporate Trust Services

The Company or the Trustee by written notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

Any notice or communication shall be sufficiently given to Holders of any Unregistered Securities by mailing to the Holders thereof who have filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section 313(c)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act at such addresses as were so furnished to the Trustee and to Holders of Registered Securities by mailing to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register. Notice mailed shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed. Copies of any such communication or notice to a Holder shall also be mailed to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, if a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided in this Section 12.2, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

In case it shall be impracticable to give notice as herein contemplated, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

Section 12.3 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent . Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

(a) an Officers’ Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

(b) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

 

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Section 12.4 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion . Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificate required by Section 4.3) shall include:

(a) a statement that each person signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statement or opinion contained in such certificate or opinion is based;

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of each such person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of each such person, such condition or covenant has been complied with; provided, however , that, with respect to matters of fact, an Opinion of Counsel may rely on an Officers’ Certificate or certificates of public officials.

Section 12.5 Evidence of Ownership . The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may deem and treat the Holder of any Unregistered Security and the Holder of any coupon as the absolute owner of such Unregistered Security or coupon (whether or not such Unregistered Security or coupon shall be overdue) for the purpose of receiving payment thereof or on account thereof and for all other purposes, and neither the Company, the Trustee, nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. The fact of the holding by any Holder of an Unregistered Security, and the identifying number of such Security and the date of his holding the same, may be proved by the production of such Security or by a certificate executed by any trust company, bank, banker or recognized securities dealer wherever situated satisfactory to the Trustee, if such certificate shall be deemed by the Trustee to be satisfactory. Each such certificate shall be dated and shall state that on the date thereof a Security bearing a specified identifying number was deposited with or exhibited to such trust company, bank, banker or recognized securities dealer by the person named in such certificate. Any such certificate may be issued in respect of one or more Unregistered Securities specified therein. The holding by the person named in any such certificate of any Unregistered Securities specified therein shall be presumed to continue for a period of one year from the date of such certificate unless at the time of any determination of such holding (1) another certificate bearing a later date issued in respect of the same Securities shall be produced or (2) the Security specified in such certificate shall be produced by some other Person, or (3) the Security specified in such certificate shall have ceased to be outstanding. Subject to Article 8, the fact and date of the execution of any such instrument and the amount and numbers of Securities held by the Person so executing such instrument may also be proven in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in any other manner which the Trustee may deem sufficient.

The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may deem and treat the person in whose name any Registered Security shall be registered upon the Security Register for such series as the absolute owner of such Registered Security (whether or not such Registered Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the Principal of, premium, if any, and, subject to the provisions of this Indenture, interest on such Registered Security and for all other purposes; and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

Section 12.6 Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar . The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Paying Agent or Registrar may make reasonable rules for its functions.

Section 12.7 Payment Date Other Than a Business Day . Except as otherwise provided with respect to a series of Securities, if any date for payment of Principal or interest on any Security shall not be a Business Day at any place of payment, then payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such Security, as the case may be, need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at any place of payment with the same force and effect as if made on such date and no interest shall accrue in respect of such payment for the period from and after such date.

 

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Section 12.8 Governing Law . The laws of the State of New York shall govern this Indenture and the Securities.

Section 12.9 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements . This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture or loan or debt agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company. Any such indenture or agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

Section 12.10 Successors . All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

Section 12.11 Duplicate Originals . The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

Section 12.12 Separability . In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 12.13 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc . The Table of Contents and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms and provisions hereof.

Section 12.14 Exemptions from Individual Liability . No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, or in any Security or any coupons appertaining thereto, or because of any Indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, as such or against any past, present or future stockholder, officer, director, employee or controlling person, as such, of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities and the coupons appertaining thereto by the holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities and the coupons appertaining thereto.

Section 12.15 Judgment Currency . The Company agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so under applicable law, that (a) if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of any series (the “ Required Currency ”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “ Judgment Currency ”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered, unless such day is not a Business Day, then, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the Business Day preceding the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered and (b) its obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency (i) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, or any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with subsection (a)), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments, (ii) shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable and (iii) shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture.

Section 12.16 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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Section 12.17 Force Majeure . In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first written above.

 

ATRICURE, INC.
By:  

/s/ Julie A. Piton

Name:  

Julie A. Piton

Title:  

Vice President, Finance and Administration and

 

Chief Financial Officer

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
By:  

/s/ Dan Boyers

Name:  

Dan Boyers

Title:  

Assistant Vice President

 

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Exhibit 4.7

AtriCure, Inc.,

as the Company,

U.S. Bank National Association,

as Trustee

Subordinated Indenture

Dated as of July 1, 2011


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

Article 1.

   DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE      1   

Section 1.1

   Definitions      1   

Section 1.2

   Other Definitions      5   

Section 1.3

   Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act      5   

Section 1.4

   Rules of Construction      5   

Article 2.

   THE SECURITIES      6   

Section 2.1

   Form and Dating      6   

Section 2.2

   Execution And Authentication      6   

Section 2.3

   Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series      7   

Section 2.4

   Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest      9   

Section 2.5

   Registrar and Paying Agent; Agents Generally      9   

Section 2.6

   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust      10   

Section 2.7

   Transfer and Exchange      10   

Section 2.8

   Replacement Securities      12   

Section 2.9

   Outstanding Securities      13   

Section 2.10

   Temporary Securities      13   

Section 2.11

   Cancellation      13   

Section 2.12

   CUSIP Numbers      14   

Section 2.13

   Defaulted Interest      14   

Section 2.14

   Series May Include Tranches      14   

Article 3.

   REDEMPTION      14   

Section 3.1

   Applicability of Article      14   

Section 3.2

   Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions      14   

Section 3.3

   Payment Of Securities Called For Redemption      15   

Section 3.4

   Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption      16   

Section 3.5

   Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds      16   

Article 4.

   COVENANTS      18   

Section 4.1

   Payment of Securities      18   

Section 4.2

   Maintenance of Office or Agency      18   

Section 4.3

   Certificate to Trustee      18   

Section 4.4

   Additional Amounts      19   

Article 5.

   SUCCESSOR CORPORATION      19   

Section 5.1

   When Company May Merge, Etc      19   

Section 5.2

   Successor Substituted      20   

Article 6.

   SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE      20   

Section 6.1

   Securityholders’ Lists      20   

Section 6.2

   Preservation of Information; Communications with Securityholders      20   

Section 6.3

   Reports by the Company      20   

 

i


Section 6.4

   Reports by the Trustee      20   

Article 7.

   DEFAULT AND REMEDIES      21   

Section 7.1

   Events of Default      21   

Section 7.2

   Acceleration      22   

Section 7.3

   Other Remedies      22   

Section 7.4

   Waiver of Past Defaults      22   

Section 7.5

   Control by Majority      22   

Section 7.6

   Limitation on Suits      23   

Section 7.7

   Rights of Holders to Receive Payment      23   

Section 7.8

   Collection Suit by Trustee      23   

Section 7.9

   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      23   

Section 7.10

   Application of Proceeds      24   

Section 7.11

   Restoration of Rights and Remedies      24   

Section 7.12

   Undertaking for Costs      24   

Section 7.13

   Rights and Remedies Cumulative      25   

Section 7.14

   Delay or Omission not Waiver      25   

Article 8.

   TRUSTEE      25   

Section 8.1

   General      25   

Section 8.2

   Certain Rights of Trustee      25   

Section 8.3

   Individual Rights of Trustee      26   

Section 8.4

   Trustee’s Disclaimer      26   

Section 8.5

   Notice of Default      26   

Section 8.6

   Reports by Trustee to Holders      27   

Section 8.7

   Compensation and Indemnity      27   

Section 8.8

   Disqualification; Conflicting Interests      27   

Section 8.9

   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility      27   

Section 8.10

   Replacement of Trustee      28   

Section 8.11

   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor      28   

Section 8.12

   Successor Trustee By Merger, Etc      29   

Section 8.13

   Eligibility      29   

Section 8.14

   Money Held in Trust      29   

Section 8.15

   Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company      29   

Article 9.

   SECURITYHOLDERS      29   

Section 9.1

   Evidence of Action by Securityholders      29   

Section 9.2

   Proof of Execution by Securityholders      30   

Section 9.3

   Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded      30   

Article 10.

   SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS      30   

Section 10.1

   Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture      30   

Section 10.2

   Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of Securities      31   

Section 10.3

   Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent      31   

Section 10.4

   Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent Unclaimed for Two Years      31   

Section 10.5

   Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture      31   

Section 10.6

   Defeasance of Certain Obligations      32   

Section 10.7

   Reinstatement      33   

Section 10.8

   Indemnity      33   

Section 10.9

   Excess Funds      33   

Section 10.10

   Qualifying Trustee      33   

 

ii


Article 11.

   AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS      34   

Section 11.1

   Without Consent of Holders      34   

Section 11.2

   With Consent of Holders      34   

Section 11.3

   Revocation and Effect of Consent      35   

Section 11.4

   Notation on or Exchange of Securities      35   

Section 11.5

   Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc      36   

Section 11.6

   Conformity with Trust Indenture Act      36   

Section 11.7

   Amendments to Subordination Provisions      36   

Article 12.

   SUBORDINATION      36   

Section 12.1

   Agreement to Subordinate      36   

Section 12.2

   Certain Definitions      36   

Section 12.3

   Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy      36   

Section 12.4

   Default on Senior Debt      37   

Section 12.5

   Acceleration of Securities      37   

Section 12.6

   When Distribution Must be Paid Over      37   

Section 12.7

   Notice by Company      38   

Section 12.8

   Subrogation      38   

Section 12.9

   Relative Rights      38   

Section 12.10

   Subordination May Not Be Impaired By Company      38   

Section 12.11

   Distribution or Notice to Representative      38   

Section 12.12

   Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent      39   

Section 12.13

   Authorization to Effect Subordination      39   

Article 13.

   MISCELLANEOUS      39   

Section 13.1

   Trust Indenture Act of 1939      39   

Section 13.2

   Notices      39   

Section 13.3

   Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent      40   

Section 13.4

   Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion      40   

Section 13.5

   Evidence of Ownership      40   

Section 13.6

   Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar      41   

Section 13.7

   Payment Date Other Than a Business Day      41   

Section 13.8

   Governing Law      41   

Section 13.9

   No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements      41   

Section 13.10

   Successors      41   

Section 13.11

   Duplicate Originals      41   

Section 13.12

   Separability      41   

Section 13.13

   Table of Contents, Headings, Etc      41   

Section 13.14

   Exemptions from Individual Liability      42   

Section 13.15

   Judgment Currency      42   

Section 13.16

   Waiver of Jury Trial      42   

Section 13.17

   Force Majeure      42   

 

iii


Cross Reference Table*

 

Section of Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended    Section of
Indenture

310(a)

   7.9

310(b)

   7.8
   7.10

310(c)

   Inapplicable

311(a)

   7.15

311(b)

   7.15

311(c)

   Inapplicable

312(a)

   6.1
   6.2(a)

312(b)

   6.2(b)

312(c)

   6.2(b)

313(a)

   6.4(a)

313(b)

   6.4(b)

313(c)

   6.4(a)
   6.4(b)

313(d)

   6.4(b)

314(a)

   6.3

314(b)

   Inapplicable

314(c)(1)

   13.3

314(c)(2)

   13.4

314(d)

   Inapplicable

314(e)

   7.12

314(f)

   Inapplicable

315(a)

   8.1

315(b)

   6.4

315(c)

   8.1

315(d)

   8.1

315(e)

   7.12

316(a)

   7.5, 9.3

316(b)

   7.6

316(c)

   9.1

317(a)

   7.8

317(b)

   2.5

318(a)

   13.1

 

* This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.


SUBORDINATED INDENTURE, dated as of July 1, 2011, between ATRICURE, INC., a Delaware corporation, as the Company, and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee.

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the issue from time to time of its subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series (the “ Securities ”) up to such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and to provide, among other things, for the authentication, delivery and administration thereof, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture;

WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid indenture and agreement according to its terms have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE:

In consideration of the premises and the purchases of the Securities by the holders thereof, the Company and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective holders from time to time of the Securities or of any and all series thereof and of the coupons, if any, appertaining thereto as follows:

ARTICLE 1.

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.1 Definitions .

Affiliate ” of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) when used with respect to any Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agent ” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, transfer agent or Authenticating Agent.

Board Resolution ” means one or more resolutions of the board of directors of the Company or any authorized committee thereof, certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary to have been duly adopted and to be in full force and effect on the date of certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

Business Day ” means, with respect to any series of Securities, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in The City of New York or in the city where the office or agency for payment on the Securities is maintained pursuant to Section 4.2.

Closing Date ” means the date on which any series of Securities was originally issued under this Indenture

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

Company ” means the party named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor replaces it pursuant to Article 5 of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor.

Corporate Trust Office ” means the office of the Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the


Trustee shall, at any particular time, be administered, which office is, at the date of this Indenture, located at 425 Walnut Street, 6 th Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

Default ” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

Depositary ” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, the Person designated as Depositary by the Company pursuant to Section 2.3 until a successor Depositary shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “ Depositary ” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Depositary hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “ Depositary ” as used with respect to the Securities of any such series shall mean the Depositary with respect to the Registered Global Securities of that series.

Dollars ” means or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit of legal tender for payment of public or private debts in the United States of America.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession which are in effect on the date of this Indenture.

Guarantee ” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services (unless such purchase arrangements are on arm’s-length terms and are entered into in the ordinary course of business), to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (2) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Holder ” or “ Securityholder ” means the registered holder of any Security with respect to Registered Securities and the bearer of any Unregistered Security or any coupon appertaining thereto, as the case may be.

Indebtedness ” means with respect to any Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, securities, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof) or banker’s acceptances, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, if and to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as all indebtedness of others secured by a lien on any asset of such Person (whether or not such indebtedness is assumed by such Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the guarantee by such Person of any indebtedness of any other Person. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date; provided that the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount is the full amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP. The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (i) the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount and (ii) the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 

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Indenture ” means this Indenture as originally executed and delivered or as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time by one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture and shall include the forms and terms of the Securities of each series established as contemplated pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.3.

Investment Company Act ” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Obligations ” means any principal, premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable (1) under this Indenture or the applicable Securities, or (2) under Senior Debt.

Officer ” means the president or chief executive officer, any executive vice president, any senior vice president, any vice president (whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added behind or after the title “vice president”), the chief financial officer, the treasurer or any assistant treasurer, or the secretary or any assistant secretary.

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed in the name of the Company (i) by the president or chief executive officer or any vice president (whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added behind or after the title “vice president”) of the Company, and (ii) by the chief financial officer, the treasurer or any assistant treasurer, or the secretary or any assistant secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. Each such certificate shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable, and include (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture) the statements provided in Section 13.4, if applicable.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion signed by legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, satisfactory to the Trustee. Each such opinion shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable, and include the statements provided in Section 13.4, if and to the extent required thereby.

original issue date ” of any Security (or portion thereof) means the earlier of (a) the date of authentication of such Security or (b) the date of any Security (or portion thereof) for which such Security was issued (directly or indirectly) on registration of transfer, exchange or substitution.

Original Issue Discount Security ” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the Principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 7.2.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Principal ” of a Security means the principal amount of, and, unless the context indicates otherwise, includes any premium payable on, the Security.

Registered Global Security ” means a Security evidencing all or a part of a series of Registered Securities, issued to the Depositary for such series in accordance with Section 2.2, and bearing the legend prescribed in Section 2.2.

Registered Security ” means any Security registered on the Security Register (as defined in Section 2.5).

Responsible Officer ” when used with respect to the Trustee, shall mean an officer of the Trustee in the Corporate Trust Office, having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Securities ” means any of the securities, as defined in the first paragraph of the recitals hereof, that are authenticated and delivered under this Indenture and, unless the context indicates otherwise, shall include any coupon appertaining thereto.

 

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Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Senior Debt ” means, with respect to the Company, (i) the principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of (A) Indebtedness of the Company for money borrowed, and (B) Indebtedness evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by the Company, (ii) all capital lease obligations of the Company, (iii) all obligations of the Company issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of the Company and all obligations of the Company under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business), (iv) all obligations of the Company for the reimbursement on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction, (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above of other Persons for the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vi) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above of other Persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of the Company (whether or not such obligation is assumed by the Company), except in each case for (1) any such Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated to or pari passu with the Securities, and (2) any Indebtedness in respect of debt securities, issued to any trust or a trustee of such trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with the Company that is a financing entity for the Company (a “financing entity”) in connection with the issuance by such financing entity of securities. Such Senior Debt shall continue to be Senior Debt and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Debt.

Senior Indenture ” means the Senior Indenture dated September 8, 2010 between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Significant Subsidiary ” means a Subsidiary, including its Subsidiaries, that meets any of the conditions set forth under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Subsidiary ” means with respect to any specified Person, any corporation of which at least a majority of the outstanding stock having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is, or other entity of which at least a majority of the common equity interests are, at the time directly or indirectly owned by that Person, or by one or more other Subsidiaries of that Person, or by that Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of that Person.

Trustee ” means the party named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 and thereafter shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as it may be amended from time to time.

Unregistered Security ” means any Security other than a Registered Security.

U.S. Government Obligations ” means securities that are (1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the full and timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof at any time prior to the stated maturity of the notes, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

 

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Yield to Maturity ” means, as the context may require, the yield to maturity (i) on a series of Securities or (ii) if the Securities of a series are issuable from time to time, on a Security of such series, calculated at the time of issuance of such series in the case of clause (i) or at the time of issuance of such Security of such series in the case of clause (ii), or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series or on such Security, and calculated in accordance with the constant interest method or such other accepted financial practice as is specified in the terms of such Security.

Section 1.2 Other Definitions . Each of the following terms is defined in the section set forth opposite such term:

 

Term    Section

Authenticating Agent

   2.2

cash transaction

   8.3

Event of Default

   7.1

Judgment Currency

   13.15

mandatory sinking fund payment

   3.5

optional sinking fund payment

   3.5

Paying Agent

   2.5

Payment Blockage Notice

   12.4(b)(2)

record date

   2.4

Registrar

   2.5

Required Currency

   13.15

Security Register

   2.5

self-liquidating paper

   8.3

sinking fund payment date

   3.5

Surviving Person

   5.1(a)

tranche

   2.14

Section 1.3 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act . Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the Trust Indenture Act, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act have the following meanings:

indenture securities ” means the Securities;

indenture security holder ” means a Holder or a Securityholder;

indenture to be qualified ” means this Indenture;

indenture trustee ” or “ institutional trustee ” means the Trustee; and

obligor ” on the indenture securities means the Company or any other obligor on the Securities.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act, defined by reference in the Trust Indenture Act to another statute or defined by a rule of the Commission and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them therein.

Section 1.4 Rules of Construction . Unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(b) words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular;

 

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(c) “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;

(d) all references to Sections or Articles refer to Sections or Articles of this Indenture unless otherwise indicated; and

(e) use of masculine, feminine or neuter pronouns should not be deemed a limitation, and the use of any such pronouns should be construed to include, where appropriate, the other pronouns.

ARTICLE 2.

THE SECURITIES

Section 2.1 Form and Dating . The Securities of each series shall be substantially in such form or forms (not inconsistent with this Indenture) as shall be established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have imprinted or otherwise reproduced thereon such legend or legends or endorsements, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, as may be required to comply with any law, or with any rules of any securities exchange or usage, all as may be determined by the officers executing such Securities as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. Unless otherwise so established, Unregistered Securities shall have coupons attached.

Section 2.2 Execution And Authentication . One Officer of the Company shall execute the Securities and one Officer of the Company shall execute the coupons appertaining thereto for the Company by facsimile or manual signature in the name and on behalf of the Company. If an Officer of the Company whose signature is on a Security or coupon appertaining thereto no longer holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated, the Security and such coupon shall nevertheless be valid.

The Trustee, at the expense of the Company, may appoint an authenticating agent (the “ Authenticating Agent ”) to authenticate Securities. The Authenticating Agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such Authenticating Agent.

A Security and the coupons appertaining thereto shall not be valid until the Trustee or Authenticating Agent signs, manually or by facsimile, the certificate of authentication on the Security or on the Security to which such coupon appertains. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security or the Security to which the coupon appertains has been authenticated under this Indenture.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series having attached thereto appropriate coupons, if any, executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication together with the applicable documents referred to below in this Section, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver such Securities to or upon the written order of the Company. In authenticating any Securities of a series, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive prior to the authentication of any Securities of such series, and (subject to Article 8) shall be fully protected in relying upon, unless and until such documents have been superseded or revoked:

(a) any Board Resolution and/or executed supplemental indenture referred to in Section 2.1 and Section 2.3 by or pursuant to which the forms and terms of the Securities of that series were established;

(b) an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the form or forms and terms of the Securities, stating that the form or forms and terms of the Securities of such series have been established in compliance with this Indenture; and

(c) an Opinion of Counsel substantially to the effect that the form or forms and terms of the Securities of such series have been established in compliance with this Indenture and that the supplemental indenture, to the extent applicable, and Securities have been duly authorized and, if executed and authenticated in accordance with

 

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the provisions of the Indenture and delivered to and duly paid for by the purchasers thereof on the date of such opinion, would be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and would be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, general principles of equity, and covering such other matters as shall be specified therein and as shall be reasonably requested by the Trustee.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 2.3 that the Securities of a series or a portion thereof are to be issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver one or more Registered Global Securities that (i) shall represent and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of all of the Securities of such series issued in such form and not yet cancelled, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities or the nominee of such Depositary, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depositary or its custodian or pursuant to such Depositary’s instructions and (iv) shall (unless provided otherwise in the form of such Security) bear a legend substantially to the following effect: “Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, this Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to the nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.”

Section 2.3 Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series . The aggregate Principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The Securities may be issued in one or more series and each such series shall rank equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated debt of the Company.

There shall be established in or pursuant to Board Resolution or one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series, subject to the last sentence of this Section 2.3,

(a) the designation of the Securities of the series, which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from the Securities of all other series;

(b) any limit upon the aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture and any limitation on the ability of the Company to increase such aggregate Principal amount after the initial issuance of the Securities of that series (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, or upon redemption of, other Securities of the series pursuant hereto);

(c) the date or dates on which the Principal of the Securities of the series is payable (which date or dates may be fixed or extendible);

(d) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, on which such interest shall be payable and (in the case of Registered Securities) on which a record shall be taken for the determination of Holders to whom interest is payable and/or the method by which such rate or rates or date or dates shall be determined;

(e) if other than as provided in Section 4.2, the place or places where the Principal of, premium, if any, and any interest on Securities of the series shall be payable, any Registered Securities of the series may be surrendered for exchange, notices, demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served and notice to Holders may be published;

 

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(f) the right, if any, of the Company to redeem Securities of the series, in whole or in part, at its option and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and any terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be so redeemed;

(g) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series pursuant to any mandatory redemption or at the option of a Holder thereof and the price or prices at which and the period or periods within which and any of the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(h) if other than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(i) if other than the Principal amount thereof, the portion of the Principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;

(j) if other than the coin or currency in which the Securities of the series are denominated, the coin or currency in which payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of the series shall be payable or if the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index based on a coin or currency other than that in which the Securities of the series are denominated, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(k) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of the series shall be payable, and the manner in which any such currencies shall be valued against other currencies in which any other Securities shall be payable;

(l) whether the Securities of the series or any portion thereof will be issuable as Registered Securities (and if so, whether such Securities will be issuable as Registered Global Securities) or Unregistered Securities (with or without coupons) (and if so, whether such Securities will be issued in temporary or permanent global form), or any combination of the foregoing, any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of Unregistered Securities or the payment of interest thereon and, if other than as provided herein, the terms upon which Unregistered Securities of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of such series and vice versa;

(m) whether the Securities of the series may be exchangeable for and/or convertible into the common stock of the Company or any other security;

(n) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay additional amounts on the Securities of the series held by a person who is not a U.S. person in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge withheld or deducted and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such additional amounts;

(o) if the Securities of the series are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Security of such series) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, the form and terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

(p) any trustees, depositaries, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or the registrar or any other agents with respect to the Securities of the series;

(q) provisions, if any, for the defeasance of the Securities of the series (including provisions permitting defeasance of less than all Securities of the series), which provisions may be in addition to, in substitution for, or in modification of (or any combination of the foregoing) the provisions of Article 10;

(r) if the Securities of the series are issuable in whole or in part as one or more Registered Global Securities or Unregistered Securities in global form, the identity of the Depositary or common Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities or Unregistered Securities in global form;

 

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(s) any other Events of Default or covenants with respect to the Securities of the series; and

(t) any other terms of the Securities of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture), and any requirement to have Subsidiaries Guarantee the Securities.

All Securities of any one series and coupons, if any, appertaining thereto shall be substantially identical, except in the case of Registered Securities as to date and denomination and except as may otherwise be provided by or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above or as set forth in any such indenture supplemental hereto. All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Indenture, if so provided by or pursuant to such Board Resolution or in any such indenture supplemental hereto and any forms and terms of Securities to be issued from time to time may be completed and established from time to time prior to the issuance thereof by procedures described in such Board Resolution or supplemental indenture.

Unless otherwise expressly provided with respect to a series of Securities, the aggregate principal amount of a series of Securities may be increased and additional Securities of such series may be issued up to the maximum aggregate principal amount authorized with respect to such series as increased.

Section 2.4 Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest . The Securities of each series shall be issuable as Registered Securities or Unregistered Securities in denominations established as contemplated by Section 2.3 or, if not so established with respect to Securities of any series, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The Securities of each series shall be numbered, lettered or otherwise distinguished in such manner or in accordance with such plan as the Officers of the Company executing the same may determine, as evidenced by their execution thereof.

Unless otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities, each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Securities of each series shall bear interest, if any, from the date, and such interest and shall be payable on the dates, established as contemplated by Section 2.3.

The person in whose name any Registered Security of any series is registered at the close of business on any record date applicable to a particular series with respect to any interest payment date for such series shall be entitled to receive the interest, if any, payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Registered Security subsequent to the record date and prior to such interest payment date, except if and to the extent the Company shall default in the payment of the interest due on such interest payment date for such series, in which case the provisions of Section 2.13 shall apply. The term “ record date ” as used with respect to any interest payment date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest) for the Securities of any series shall mean the date specified as such in the terms of the Registered Securities of such series established as contemplated by Section 2.3, or, if no such date is so established, the fifteenth day next preceding such interest payment date, whether or not such record date is a Business Day.

Section 2.5 Registrar and Paying Agent; Agents Generally . The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Securities may be presented for registration, registration of transfer or for exchange (the “ Registrar ”) and an office or agency where Securities may be presented for payment (the “ Paying Agent ”), which shall be in the United States of America. The Company shall cause the Registrar to keep a register of the Registered Securities and of their registration, transfer and exchange (the “ Security Register ”). The Company may have one or more additional Paying Agents or transfer agents with respect to any series.

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act that relate to such Agent. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the name and address of any Agent and any change in the name or address of an Agent. If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company may remove any Agent upon written notice to such Agent and the Trustee; provided that no such removal shall become effective until (i) the acceptance of an appointment by a successor Agent to such Agent as evidenced by an appropriate agency agreement entered into by the Company and such successor Agent and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as such Agent until the appointment of a successor Agent in accordance with clause (i) of this proviso. The Company

 

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or any Affiliate of the Company may act as Paying Agent or Registrar; provided that neither the Company nor an Affiliate of the Company shall act as Paying Agent in connection with the defeasance of the Securities or the discharge of this Indenture under Article 10.

The Company initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent and Authenticating Agent. If, at any time, the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Registrar shall make available to the Trustee ten days prior to each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request the names and addresses of the Holders as they appear in the Security Register.

Section 2.6 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust . Not later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on each due date or, in the case of Unregistered Securities, 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day prior to the due date, of any Principal or interest on any Securities, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent money in immediately available funds sufficient to pay such Principal or interest. The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Securities and shall promptly notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and account for any funds disbursed, and the Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any payment default, upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. Upon doing so, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money so paid over to the Trustee. If the Company or any affiliate of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it will, on or before each due date of any Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Securities, segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders thereof a sum of money sufficient to pay such Principal or interest so becoming due until such sum of money shall be paid to such Holders or otherwise disposed of as provided in this Indenture, and will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of its action or failure to act as required by this Section.

Section 2.7 Transfer and Exchange . Unregistered Securities (except for any temporary global Unregistered Securities) and coupons (except for coupons attached to any temporary global Unregistered Securities) shall be transferable by delivery.

At the option of the Holder thereof, Registered Securities of any series (other than a Registered Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for a Registered Security or Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Registered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 2.5 and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. If the Securities of any series are issued in both registered and unregistered form, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.3, at the option of the Holder thereof, Unregistered Securities of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 4.2, with, in the case of Unregistered Securities that have coupons attached, all unmatured coupons and all matured coupons in default thereto appertaining, and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. At the option of the Holder thereof, if Unregistered Securities of any series, maturity date, interest rate and original issue date are issued in more than one authorized denomination, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.3, such Unregistered Securities may be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 4.2, with, in the case of Unregistered Securities that have coupons attached, all unmatured coupons and all matured coupons in default thereto appertaining, and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. Registered Securities of any series may not be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of a series at the agency of the Company that shall be maintained for that purpose in accordance with Section 2.5 and upon payment, if the

 

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Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate Principal amount.

All Registered Securities presented for registration of transfer, exchange, redemption or payment shall be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities. No service charge shall be made for any such transaction.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.7, unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, a Registered Global Security representing all or a portion of the Securities of a series may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such series to a nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary for such series or a nominee of such successor Depositary.

If at any time the Depositary for any Registered Global Securities of any series notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Registered Global Securities or if at any time the Depositary for such Registered Global Securities shall no longer be eligible under applicable law, the Company shall appoint a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law with respect to such Registered Global Securities. If a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law for such Registered Global Securities is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Company’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and deliver Registered Securities of such series and tenor, in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.

The Company may at any time and in its sole discretion and subject to the procedures of the Depositary determine that any Registered Global Securities of any series shall no longer be maintained in global form. In such event the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Company’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and deliver, Registered Securities of such series and tenor in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.

Any time the Registered Securities of any series are not in the form of Registered Global Securities pursuant to the preceding two paragraphs, the Company agrees to supply the Trustee with a reasonable supply of certificated Registered Securities without the legend required by Section 2.2 and the Trustee agrees to hold such Registered Securities in safekeeping until authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

If established by the Company pursuant to Section 2.3 with respect to any Registered Global Security, the Depositary for such Registered Global Security may surrender such Registered Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for Registered Securities of the same series and tenor in definitive registered form on such terms as are acceptable to the Company and such Depositary. Thereupon, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge to the Depositary,

(a) to the Person specified by such Depositary new Registered Securities of the same series and tenor, of any authorized denominations as requested by such Person, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Registered Global Security; and

(b) to such Depositary a new Registered Global Security in a denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the Principal amount of the surrendered Registered Global Security and the aggregate Principal amount of Registered Securities authenticated and delivered pursuant to clause (a) above.

 

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Registered Securities issued in exchange for a Registered Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.7 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Registered Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or an agent of the Company or the Trustee. The Trustee or such agent shall deliver such Securities to or as directed by the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Company evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

Notwithstanding anything herein or in the forms or terms of any Securities to the contrary, none of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be required to exchange any Unregistered Security for a Registered Security if such exchange would result in adverse Federal income tax consequences to the Company (such as, for example, the inability of the Company to deduct from its income, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, the interest payable on the Unregistered Securities) under then applicable United States Federal income tax laws. The Trustee and any such agent shall be entitled to rely on an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel in determining such result.

The Registrar shall not be required (i) to issue, authenticate, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series for a period of 15 days before a selection of such Securities to be redeemed or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security selected for redemption in whole or in part.

Section 2.8 Replacement Securities . If any mutilated Security or a Security with a mutilated coupon appertaining to it is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for such mutilated Security or in exchange for the Security to which a mutilated coupon appertains, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and Principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if any, appertaining to such mutilated Security or to the Security to which such mutilated coupon appertains.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security or coupon and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of any of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security or coupon has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security or in exchange for the Security to which a destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains (with all appurtenant coupons not destroyed, lost or stolen), a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and Principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if any, appertaining to such destroyed, lost or stolen Security or to the Security to which such destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or coupon has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security or coupon (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Security or coupon) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of any of them harmless, and in the case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee and any agent of them of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security and the ownership thereof; provided, however, that the Principal of, premium, if any, and any interest on Unregistered Securities shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 4.2, be payable only at an office or agency located outside the United States of America.

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any series, with its coupons, if any, issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security or in exchange for any mutilated Security, or in exchange for a Security to which a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains, shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of

 

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the Company, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security and its coupons, if any, or the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and any such new Security and coupons, if any, shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series and their coupons, if any, duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities or coupons.

Section 2.9 Outstanding Securities . Securities outstanding at any time are all Securities that have been authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those described in this Section as not outstanding and those that have been defeased pursuant to Section 10.5.

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.8, it ceases to be outstanding unless and until the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a holder in due course.

If the Paying Agent (other than the Company or an affiliate of the Company) holds on the maturity date or any redemption date or date for repurchase of the Securities money sufficient to pay Securities payable or to be redeemed or repurchased on that date, then on and after that date such Securities cease to be outstanding and interest on them shall cease to accrue.

A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or one of its affiliates holds such Security, provided, however, that, in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Principal amount of the outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned by the Company or any affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities as to which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Any Securities so owned which are pledged by the Company, or by any affiliate of the Company, as security for loans or other obligations, otherwise than to another such affiliate of the Company, shall be deemed to be outstanding, if the pledgee is entitled pursuant to the terms of its pledge agreement and is free to exercise in its or his discretion the right to vote such securities, uncontrolled by the Company or by any such affiliate.

Section 2.10 Temporary Securities . Until definitive Securities of any series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities of such series. Temporary Securities of any series shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities of such series but may have insertions, substitutions, omissions and other variations determined to be appropriate by the Officers of the Company executing the temporary Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such temporary Securities. If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series and tenor upon surrender of such temporary Securities at the office or agency of the Company designated for such purpose pursuant to Section 4.2, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like Principal amount of definitive Securities of such series and tenor and authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.

Section 2.11 Cancellation . The Company at any time may deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold. The Registrar, any transfer agent and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee shall cancel and dispose of in accordance with its customary procedures all Securities surrendered for transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and shall deliver a certificate of disposition to the Company. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities it has paid in full or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

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Section 2.12 CUSIP Numbers . The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” and “CINS” numbers (if then generally in use), and the Trustee shall use CUSIP numbers or CINS numbers, as the case may be, in notices of redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders and no representation shall be made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption or exchange.

Section 2.13 Defaulted Interest . If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Registered Securities, it shall pay, or shall deposit with the Paying Agent money in immediately available funds sufficient to pay, the defaulted interest plus (to the extent lawful) any interest payable on the defaulted interest (as may be specified in the terms thereof, established pursuant to Section 2.3) to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, which shall mean the 15th day next preceding the date fixed by the Company for the payment of defaulted interest, whether or not such day is a Business Day. At least 15 days before such special record date, the Company shall mail to each Holder of such Registered Securities and to the Trustee a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.

Section 2.14 Series May Include Tranches . A series of Securities may include one or more tranches (each a “ tranche ”) of Securities. The Securities of different tranches may have one or more different terms, including authentication dates and public offering prices, but all the Securities within each such tranche shall have identical terms, including authentication date and public offering price. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, with respect to Sections 2.2 (other than the fourth, sixth and seventh paragraphs thereof) through 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 2.10, 3.1 through 3.5, 4.2, 7.1 through 7.14, 10.1 through 10.7, 11.2 and Section 13.7, if any series of Securities includes more than one tranche, all provisions of such sections applicable to any series of Securities shall be deemed equally applicable to each tranche of any series of Securities in the same manner as though originally designated a series unless otherwise provided with respect to such series or tranche pursuant to Section 2.3. In particular, and without limiting the scope of the next preceding sentence, any of the provisions of such sections which provide for or permit action to be taken with respect to a series of Securities shall also be deemed to provide for and permit such action to be taken instead only with respect to Securities of one or more tranches within that series (and such provisions shall be deemed satisfied thereby), even if no comparable action is taken with respect to Securities in the remaining tranches of that series.

ARTICLE 3.

REDEMPTION

Section 3.1 Applicability of Article . The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to the Securities of any series that are redeemable before their maturity or to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.3 for Securities of such series.

Section 3.2 Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions . Notice of redemption to the Holders of Registered Securities of any series to be redeemed as a whole or in part at the option of the Company shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to such Holders of Registered Securities of such series at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the registry books. Notice of redemption to the Holders of Unregistered Securities of any series to be redeemed as a whole or in part who have filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section 313(c)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act, shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption, by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption, to such Holders at such addresses as were so furnished to the Trustee (and, in the case of any such notice given by the Company, the Trustee shall make such information available to the Company for such purpose). Any notice which is mailed or published in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice. Failure to give notice by mail, or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Security of such series.

The notice of redemption to each such Holder shall specify the Principal amount of each Security of such series held by such Holder to be redeemed, the CUSIP numbers of the Securities to be redeemed, the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price, or if not then ascertainable, the manner of calculation thereof, the place or places of payment, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Securities and, in the case of

 

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Securities with coupons attached thereto, of all coupons appertaining thereto maturing after the date fixed for redemption, that such redemption is pursuant to the mandatory or optional sinking fund, or both, if such be the case, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in such notice and that on and after said date interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue. In case any Security of a series is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series and tenor in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.

The notice of redemption of Securities of any series to be redeemed at the option of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

On or before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the redemption date or, in the case of Unregistered Securities, on or before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day prior to the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in this Section, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with one or more Paying Agents (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, set aside, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.6) an amount of money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities of such series so called for redemption at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. If all of the outstanding Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company will deliver to the Trustee at least 10 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given to Holders pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 3.2 (or such shorter period as shall be acceptable to the Trustee) an Officers’ Certificate stating that all such Securities are to be redeemed. If less than all the outstanding Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company will deliver to the Trustee at least 15 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given to Holders pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 3.2 (or such shorter period as shall be acceptable to the Trustee) an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate Principal amount of such Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities (a) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (b) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee, prior to the giving of any notice of redemption to Holders pursuant to this Section, an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.

If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Securities are listed, or, if the Securities are not listed on a national securities exchange, by lot or in such manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair, Securities of such series to be redeemed in whole or in part. Securities may be redeemed in part in Principal amounts equal to authorized denominations for Securities of such series. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities of such series selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities of such series selected for partial redemption, the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the Principal amount of such Security which has been or is to be redeemed.

Section 3.3 Payment Of Securities Called For Redemption . If notice of redemption has been given as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of such Securities at the redemption price, together with interest accrued to such date) interest on the Securities or portions of Securities so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, and the unmatured coupons, if any, appertaining thereto shall be void and, except as provided in Sections 8.14 and 10.2, such Securities shall cease from and after the date fixed for redemption to be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture, and the Holders thereof shall have no right in respect of such Securities except the right to receive the redemption price thereof and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. On presentation and surrender of such Securities at a place of payment specified in said notice, together with all coupons, if any, appertaining thereto maturing after the date fixed for redemption, said Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Company at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption; provided that payment of interest becoming due on or prior to the date fixed for redemption shall be payable in the case of Securities with coupons

 

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attached thereto, to the Holders of the coupons for such interest upon surrender thereof, and in the case of Registered Securities, to the Holders of such Registered Securities registered as such on the relevant record date subject to the terms and provisions of Sections 2.4 and 2.13 hereof.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the Principal shall, until paid or duly provided for, bear interest from the date fixed for redemption at the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security) borne by such Security.

If any Security with coupons attached thereto is surrendered for redemption and is not accompanied by all appurtenant coupons maturing after the date fixed for redemption, the surrender of such missing coupon or coupons may be waived by the Company and the Trustee, if there be furnished to each of them such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them harmless.

Upon presentation of any Security of any series redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or Securities of such series and tenor (with any unmatured coupons attached), of authorized denominations, in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented.

Section 3.4 Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption . Unless otherwise provided with respect to any series of Securities, Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for selection for redemption if they are identified by registration and certificate number in a written statement signed by an Officer of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at least 40 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by, either (a) the Company or (b) an entity specifically identified in such written statement as directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company.

Section 3.5 Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds . The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “ mandatory sinking fund payment ”, and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of the Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “ optional sinking fund payment ”. The date on which a sinking fund payment is to be made is herein referred to as the “ sinking fund payment date ”.

In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to any series of Securities in cash, the Company may at its option (a) deliver to the Trustee Securities of such series theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired (except through a mandatory sinking fund payment) by the Company or receive credit for Securities of such series (not previously so credited) theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired (except as aforesaid) by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to Section 2.11, (b) receive credit for optional sinking fund payments (not previously so credited) made pursuant to this Section, or (c) receive credit for Securities of such series (not previously so credited) redeemed by the Company at the option of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through any optional sinking fund payment. Securities so delivered or credited shall be received or credited by the Trustee at the sinking fund redemption price specified in such Securities.

On or before the thirtieth day next preceding each sinking fund payment date for any series, or such shorter period as shall be acceptable to the Trustee, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate (a) specifying the portion of the mandatory sinking fund payment to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion to be satisfied by credit of specified Securities of such series and the basis for such credit, (b) stating that none of the specified Securities of such series has theretofore been so credited, (c) stating that no defaults in the payment of interest or Events of Default with respect to such series have occurred (which have not been waived or cured) and are continuing and (d) stating whether or not the Company intends to exercise its right to make an optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series and, if so, specifying the amount of such optional sinking fund payment which the Company intends to pay on or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Any Securities of such series to be credited and required to be delivered to the Trustee in order for the Company to be entitled to credit therefor as aforesaid which have not theretofore been delivered to the Trustee shall be delivered for cancellation pursuant to Section 2.11 to the Trustee with such Officers’ Certificate (or reasonably promptly thereafter if acceptable to the Trustee). Such Officers’ Certificate shall be irrevocable and, upon its receipt by the Trustee, the

 

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Company shall become unconditionally obligated to make all the cash payments or delivery of Securities therein referred to, if any, on or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Failure of the Company, on or before any such thirtieth day, to deliver such Officer’s Certificate and Securities specified in this paragraph, if any, shall not constitute a default but shall constitute, on and as of such date, the irrevocable election of the Company (i) that the mandatory sinking fund payment for such series due on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date shall be paid entirely in cash without the option to deliver or credit Securities of such series in respect thereof and (ii) that the Company will make no optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series as provided in this Section.

If the sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional or both) to be made in cash on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash shall exceed $50,000 (or a lesser sum if the Company shall so request with respect to the Securities of any series), such cash shall be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date to the redemption of Securities of such series at the sinking fund redemption price thereof together with accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption. If such amount shall be $50,000 (or such lesser sum) or less and the Company makes no such request then it shall be carried over until a sum in excess of $50,000 (or such lesser sum) is available. The Trustee shall select, in the manner provided in Section 3.2, for redemption on such sinking fund payment date a sufficient Principal amount of Securities of such series to absorb said cash, as nearly as may be, and shall (if requested in writing by the Company) inform the Company of the serial numbers of the Securities of such series (or portions thereof) so selected. Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for redemption under this Section if they are identified by registration and certificate number in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 60 days prior to the sinking fund payment date as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by either (a) the Company or (b) an entity specifically identified in such Officers’ Certificate as directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company. The Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Company (or the Company, if it shall so request the Trustee in writing) shall cause notice of redemption of the Securities of such series to be given in substantially the manner provided in Section 3.2 (and with the effect provided in Section 3.3) for the redemption of Securities of such series in part at the option of the Company. The amount of any sinking fund payments not so applied or allocated to the redemption of Securities of such series shall be added to the next cash sinking fund payment for such series and, together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section. Any and all sinking fund moneys held on the stated maturity date of the Securities of any particular series (or earlier, if such maturity is accelerated), which are not held for the payment or redemption of particular Securities of such series shall be applied, together with other moneys, if necessary, sufficient for the purpose, to the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the Securities of such series at maturity.

On or before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on each sinking fund payment date or, in the case of Unregistered Securities, 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day prior to the sinking fund payment date, the Company shall pay to the Trustee in cash or shall otherwise provide for the payment of all interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption on Securities to be redeemed on the next following sinking fund payment date.

The Trustee shall not redeem or cause to be redeemed any Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys or mail any notice of redemption of Securities of such series by operation of the sinking fund during the continuance of a Default in payment of interest on such Securities or of any Event of Default except that, where the mailing of notice of redemption of any Securities shall theretofore have been made, the Trustee shall redeem or cause to be redeemed such Securities, provided that it shall have received from the Company a sum sufficient for such redemption. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time when any such Default or Event of Default shall occur, and any moneys thereafter paid into the sinking fund, shall, during the continuance of such Default or Event of Default, be deemed to have been collected under Article 7 and held for the payment of all such Securities. In case such Event of Default shall have been waived as provided in Section 7.4 or the Default cured on or before the thirtieth day preceding the sinking fund payment date in any year, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date in accordance with this Section to the redemption of such Securities.

 

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ARTICLE 4.

COVENANTS

Section 4.1 Payment of Securities . The Company shall pay the Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities on the dates and in the manner provided in the Securities and this Indenture. The interest on Securities with coupons attached (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such Securities) shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of the several coupons for such interest installments as are evidenced thereby as they severally mature. The interest on any temporary Unregistered Securities (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such Securities) shall be paid, as to the installments of interest evidenced by coupons attached thereto, if any, only upon presentation and surrender thereof, and, as to the other installments of interest, if any, only upon presentation of such Unregistered Securities for notation thereon of the payment of such interest. The interest on Registered Securities (together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to the terms of such Securities) shall be payable only to the Holders thereof (subject to Section 2.4) and at the option of the Company may be paid by mailing checks for such interest payable to or upon the written order of such Holders at their last addresses as they appear on the Security Register of the Company.

Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture and the Securities of any series to the contrary, if the Company and a Holder of any Registered Security so agree, payments of interest on, and any portion of the Principal of, such Holder’s Registered Security (other than interest payable at maturity or on any redemption or repayment date or the final payment of Principal on such Security) shall be made by the Paying Agent, upon receipt from the Company of immediately available funds by 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed to between the Company and the Paying Agent), directly to the Holder of such Security (by Federal funds wire transfer or otherwise) if the Holder has delivered written instructions to the Trustee 15 days prior to such payment date requesting that such payment will be so made and designating the bank account to which such payments shall be so made and in the case of payments of Principal, surrenders the same to the Trustee in exchange for a Security or Securities aggregating the same Principal amount as the unredeemed Principal amount of the Securities surrendered. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the last instruction delivered by the Holder pursuant to this Section 4.1 unless a new instruction is delivered 15 days prior to a payment date. The Company will indemnify and hold each of the Trustee and any Paying Agent harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) resulting from any act or omission to act on the part of the Company or any such Holder in connection with any such agreement or from making any payment in accordance with any such agreement.

The Company shall pay interest on overdue Principal, and interest on overdue installments of interest, to the extent lawful, at the rate per annum specified in the Securities.

Section 4.2 Maintenance of Office or Agency . The Company will maintain in the United States of America, an office or agency where Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for payment and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served. The Company hereby initially designates the Corporate Trust Office, as such office or agency of the Company. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the address of the Trustee set forth in Section 13.2.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of any series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the United States of America for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

Section 4.3 Certificate to Trustee . The Company will furnish to the Trustee annually, on or before a date not more than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year (which, on the date hereof, is a calendar year), a brief certificate which certificate shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act (but which need not contain the statements required by Section 13.4) from its principal executive, financial or accounting officer

 

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certifying (a) that a review has been conducted of the activities of the Company its Subsidiaries and their respective performance under the Indenture and (b) that the Company has fulfilled all obligations under the Indenture (such compliance to be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under this Indenture) or specifying each such Default and the nature and status thereof.

Section 4.4 Additional Amounts . If the Securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first interest payment date with respect to that series of Securities and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of that series if there has been a change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers’ Certificate, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee and the principal paying agent, if other than the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate instructing the Trustee and such paying agent whether such payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of the Securities of that series without withholding or deduction for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of that series. If any such withholding or deduction shall be required, then such Officers’ Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld or deducted on such payments to such Holders and shall certify the fact that additional amounts will be payable and the amounts so payable to each Holder, and the Company shall pay to the Trustee or such paying agent the additional amounts required to be paid by this Section. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any paying agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers’ Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section.

Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest or any other amounts on, or in respect of, any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of additional amounts provided by the terms of such series established hereby or pursuant hereto to the extent that, in such context, additional amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms, and express mention of the payment of additional amounts (if applicable) in any provision hereof shall not be construed as excluding the payment of additional amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

ARTICLE 5.

SUCCESSOR CORPORATION

Section 5.1 When Company May Merge, Etc . The Company shall not consolidate with, merge with or into, directly or indirectly, or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and assets (as an entirety or substantially an entirety in one transaction or a series of related transactions) to any Person or Persons, or permit any Person to merge with or into it, unless:

(a) it shall be the continuing Person, or the Person (if other than it) formed by such consolidation or into which it is merged or that acquired or leased such property and assets (the “ Surviving Person ”), shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof;

(b) the Surviving Person shall expressly assume, by supplemental indentures which shall be delivered to the Trustee and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the Company’s obligations under the Securities and this Indenture;

(c) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(d) the Company or the Surviving Person, as applicable, shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel stating that (y) the transaction or series of transactions and such supplemental indenture, if any, complies with this Section 5.1, and (z) all conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to the transaction or series of transactions have been satisfied.

 

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Section 5.2 Successor Substituted . Upon any consolidation, combination or merger, or any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.1 of this Indenture, the Surviving Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such Surviving Person had been named as the Company herein and thereafter the predecessor Person, except in the case of (x) a lease or (y) any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition to one or more Subsidiaries of the Company, shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

ARTICLE 6.

SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE

Section 6.1 Securityholders’ Lists . The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the holders of the Securities pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act (a) semi-annually not more than 15 days after each record date for the payment of semi-annual interest on the Securities, as hereinabove specified, as of such record date, and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within thirty days after receipt by the Company of any such request as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such information is furnished.

Section 6.2 Preservation of Information; Communications with Securityholders .

(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the holders of Securities contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 6.1 and as to the names and addresses of holders of Securities received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (if acting in such capacity).

(b) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities.

Section 6.3 Reports by the Company .

(a) So long as any Securities are outstanding, the Company shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company files with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company shall be deemed to have complied with the previous sentence to the extent that such information, documents and reports are filed with the Commission via EDGAR (or any successor electronic delivery procedure).

(b) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

Section 6.4 Reports by the Trustee .

(a) Any Trustee’s report required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act shall be transmitted on or before July 15 in each year following the date hereof, so long as any Securities are outstanding hereunder, and shall be dated as of a date convenient to the Trustee no more than 60 nor less than 45 days prior thereto.

(b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Securityholders, be filed by the Trustee with the Company, with any stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed and with the Commission. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when any Securities become listed on any stock exchange or delisted therefrom.

 

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ARTICLE 7.

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

Section 7.1 Events of Default . An “ Event of Default ” shall occur with respect to the Securities of any series if:

(a) the Company defaults in the payment of the Principal of any Security of such series when the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or mandatory repurchase, including as a sinking fund installment, or otherwise;

(b) the Company defaults in the payment of interest on any Security of such series when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

(c) the Company defaults in the performance of or breaches any other covenant or agreement in this Indenture with respect to any Security of such series or in the Securities of such series (other than a Default specified in clause (a) and (b) above) and such default or breach continues for a period of 90 consecutive days or more after written notice to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of 25% or more in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of all series affected thereby specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;

(d) there occurs with respect to any issue or issues of Indebtedness of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary having an outstanding principal amount of $25 million or more in the aggregate for all such issues of all such Persons, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, (i) an event of default that has caused the holder thereof to declare such Indebtedness to be due and payable prior to its stated maturity and such Indebtedness has not been discharged in full or such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled within 30 days of such acceleration and/or (ii) the failure to make a principal payment at the final (but not any interim) fixed maturity and such defaulted payment shall not have been made, waived or extended within 30 days of such payment default;

(e) any final judgment or order (not covered by insurance) for the payment of money in excess of $25 million in the aggregate for all such final judgments or orders against all such Persons (treating any deductibles, self-insurance or retention as not so covered) shall be rendered against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary and shall not be paid or discharged, and there shall be any period of 60 consecutive days following entry of the final judgment or order that causes the aggregate amount for all such final judgments or orders outstanding and not paid or discharged against all such Persons to exceed $25 million during which a stay of enforcement of such final judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;

(f) a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree or order for (i) relief in respect of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or (iii) the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, and, in each case, such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days;

(g) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (i) commences a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, (ii) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or (iii) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or

(h) any other Event of Default established pursuant to Section 2.3 with respect to the Securities of such series occurs.

 

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Section 7.2 Acceleration . (a) If an Event of Default (other than as described in clauses Section 7.1(f) or Section 7.1(g) that occurs with respect to the Company) with respect to the Securities of any series then outstanding occurs and is continuing, then, and in each and every such case, except for any series of Securities the Principal of which shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series then outstanding hereunder by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Securityholders), may declare the entire Principal (or, if the Securities of any such series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 2.3) of all Securities of such series, and the interest accrued thereon, if any, to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become immediately due and payable.

(a) In the event of a declaration of acceleration because an Event of Default set forth in clause Section 7.1(d) has occurred and is continuing, such declaration of acceleration shall be automatically rescinded and annulled if the event of default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to clause Section 7.1(d) shall be remedied or cured by the Company or the relevant Significant Subsidiary or waived by the holders of the relevant Indebtedness within 60 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto.

(b) If an Event of Default described in Section 7.1(f) or Section 7.1(g) occurs and is continuing with respect to the Company, then the Principal amount (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as may be specified in the terms thereof established pursuant to Section 2.3) of all the Securities then outstanding and interest accrued thereon, if any, shall be and become immediately due and payable, without any declaration, notice or other action by any Holder or the Trustee, to the full extent permitted by applicable law.

For all purposes under this Indenture, if a portion of the Principal of any Original Issue Discount Securities shall have been accelerated and declared or become due and payable pursuant to the provisions hereof, then, from and after such declaration, unless such declaration has been rescinded and annulled, the Principal amount of such Original Issue Discount Securities shall be deemed, for all purposes hereunder, to be such portion of the Principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration, and payment of such portion of the Principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration, together with interest, if any, thereon and all other amounts owing thereunder, shall constitute payment in full of such Original Issue Discount Securities.

Section 7.3 Other Remedies . If a payment default or an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue, in its own name or as trustee of an express trust, any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of such series or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities of such series or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.

Section 7.4 Waiver of Past Defaults . Subject to Sections 7.2, 7.07 and 11.02, the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal amount (or, if the Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as is then accelerable under Section 7.2) of the outstanding Securities of each series affected, by notice to the Trustee, may waive all past Defaults with respect to the Securities of such series and rescind and annul a declaration of acceleration and its consequences, if (a) all existing Events of Default, other than nonpayment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security as specified in clauses Section 7.1(a) and Section 7.1(b) of Section 7.1 that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration have been cured or waived and (b) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

Section 7.5 Control by Majority . Subject to Sections 8.1 and 8.2(e), the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal amount (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as is then accelerable under Section 7.2), of the outstanding Securities of each series affected, determined

 

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in accordance with Section 9.3, may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by this Indenture; provided that the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture, that may involve the Trustee in personal liability or that the Trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of Holders not joining in the giving of such direction; and provided further that the Trustee may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any directions received from Holders of Securities pursuant to this Section 7.5.

Section 7.6 Limitation on Suits . No Holder of any Security of any series may institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture or the Securities of such series, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

(a) such Holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series;

(b) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Principal amount of outstanding Securities of all such series affected shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it against any costs, liabilities or expenses to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

(e) during such 60-day period, the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of all such affected series have not given the Trustee a direction that is inconsistent with such written request.

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over such other Holder.

Section 7.7 Rights of Holders to Receive Payment . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security to receive payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such Holder’s Security on or after the respective due dates expressed on such Security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

Section 7.8 Collection Suit by Trustee . If an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series in payment of Principal or interest specified in clause (a) or (b) of Section 7.1 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount (or such portion thereof as specified in the terms established pursuant to Section 2.3 of Original Issue Discount Securities) of Principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest remaining unpaid on, together with interest on overdue Principal of, and, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest on, the Securities of such series, in each case at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in such Securities, and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover all amounts owing the Trustee under Section 8.7.

Section 7.9 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim . The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for amounts due the Trustee under Section 8.7) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor on the Securities), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect and receive any moneys, securities or other property payable or deliverable upon conversion or exchange of the Securities or upon any such claims and to distribute the same, and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby

 

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authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it under Section 8.7. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to empower the Trustee to authorize or consent to, or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 7.10 Application of Proceeds . Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article in respect of the Securities of any series shall be applied in the following order at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of Principal or interest, upon presentation of the several Securities and coupons appertaining to such Securities in respect of which moneys have been collected and noting thereon the payment, or issuing Securities of such series and tenor in reduced Principal amounts in exchange for the presented Securities of such series and tenor if only partially paid, or upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 8.7 applicable to the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected;

SECOND: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected shall not have become and be then due and payable, to the payment of interest on the Securities of such series in default in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in such Securities, such payments to be made ratably to the persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;

THIRD: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected shall have become and shall be then due and payable, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon all the Securities of such series for Principal and interest, with interest upon the overdue Principal, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series; and in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Securities of such series, then to the payment of such Principal and interest or Yield to Maturity, without preference or priority of Principal over interest or Yield to Maturity, or of interest or Yield to Maturity over Principal, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Security of such series over any other Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such Principal and accrued and unpaid interest or Yield to Maturity; and

FOURTH: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company or any other person lawfully entitled thereto.

Section 7.11 Restoration of Rights and Remedies . If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then, and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Company, Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

Section 7.12 Undertaking for Costs . In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, in either case in respect to the Securities of any series, a court may require any party litigant in such suit (other than the Trustee) to file an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant (other than the Trustee) in the suit having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 7.12 does not apply to a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 7.7, a suit instituted by the Trustee or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such series.

 

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Section 7.13 Rights and Remedies Cumulative . Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Securities in Section 2.8, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 7.14 Delay or Omission not Waiver . No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article 7 or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

ARTICLE 8.

TRUSTEE

Section 8.1 General . The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act and as set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Article 8.

Section 8.2 Certain Rights of Trustee . Subject to Trust Indenture Act Sections 315(a) through (d):

(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel (or both), statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person or persons. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit;

(b) before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate and/or an Opinion of Counsel, which shall conform to Section 13.4 and shall cover such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion. Subject to Sections 8.1 and 8.2, whenever in the administration of the trusts of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof;

(c) the Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents not regularly in its employ and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care;

(d) any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any Board Resolution may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company;

(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders shall have offered to the

 

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Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against any costs, expenses or liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(f) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers or for any action it takes or omits to take in accordance with the direction of the Holders in accordance with Section 7.5 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture;

(g) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon; and

(h) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default, the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel, Board Resolution, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security, or other paper or document unless requested in writing so to do by the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of all series affected then outstanding; provided that, if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such expenses or liabilities as a condition to proceeding.

Section 8.3 Individual Rights of Trustee . The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Sections 310(b) and 311. For purposes of Trust Indenture Act Section 311(b)(4) and (6), the following terms shall mean:

(a) “ cash transaction ” means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand; and

(b) “ self-liquidating paper ” means any draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Company for the purpose of financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, shipment, storage or sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided the security is received by the Trustee simultaneously with the creation of the creditor relationship with the Company arising from the making, drawing, negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation.

Section 8.4 Trustee’s Disclaimer . The recitals contained herein and in the Securities (except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication) shall be taken as statements of the Company and not of the Trustee and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. Neither the Trustee nor any of its agents (a) makes any representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities or (b) shall be accountable for the Company’s use or application of the proceeds from the Securities.

Section 8.5 Notice of Default . If any Default with respect to the Securities of any series occurs and is continuing and if such Default is known to the actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer with the Corporate Trust Department of the Trustee, the Trustee shall give to each Holder of Securities of such series notice of such Default within 90 days after it occurs to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, unless such Default shall have been cured or waived before the mailing or publication of such notice; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders.

 

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Section 8.6 Reports by Trustee to Holders . The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within 60 days after each May 15 following the date of this Indenture, deliver to Holders a brief report, dated as of such May 15, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a).

A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.

Section 8.7 Compensation and Indemnity . The Company shall pay to the Trustee such compensation as shall be agreed upon in writing from time to time for its services. The compensation of the Trustee shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a Trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee or such predecessor Trustee. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee’s or such predecessor Trustee’s agents, counsel and other persons not regularly in their employ.

The Company shall indemnify the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee for, and hold them harmless against, any loss or liability or expense incurred by them without negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture and the Securities or the issuance of the Securities or of series thereof or the trusts hereunder and the performance of duties under this Indenture and the Securities, including the costs and expenses of defending themselves against or investigating any claim or liability and of complying with any process served upon them or any of their officers in connection with the exercise or performance of any of their powers or duties under this Indenture and the Securities.

To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section 8.7, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, in its capacity as Trustee, except money or property held in trust to pay Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on particular Securities.

The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the rejection or termination of this Indenture under bankruptcy law. Such additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities or coupons, and the Securities are hereby subordinated to such senior claim. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, if the Trustee renders services and incurs expenses following an Event of Default under Section 7.1(f) or Section 7.1(g) hereof, the parties hereto and the holders by their acceptance of the Securities hereby agree that such expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy law.

Section 8.8 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests . If the Trustee has or shall acquire any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Company shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 8.9 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . There shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Securities issued hereunder which shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or other Person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000, and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State, Territorial, or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 8.9 the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Company may not, nor may any Affiliate of the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in

 

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accordance with the provisions of this Section 8.9, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 8.10.

Section 8.10 Replacement of Trustee . A resignation or removal of the Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and appointment of a successor Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 8.10.

The Trustee may resign as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series at any time by so notifying the Company in writing. The Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any series may remove the Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by so notifying the Trustee in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee with respect thereto with the consent of the Company. The Company may remove the Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series if: (i) the Trustee is no longer eligible under Section 7.13 of this Indenture; (ii) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent; (iii) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or (iv) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

If the Trustee resigns or is removed as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee with respect thereto. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such series may appoint a successor Trustee in respect of such Securities to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series does not deliver its written acceptance required by Section 7.11 within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect thereto.

The Company shall give notice of any resignation and any removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee in respect of the Securities of such series to all Holders of Securities of such series. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series pursuant to this Section 7.10 and Section 7.11, the Company’s obligations under Section 8.7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

Section 8.11 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor . In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges and subject to the lien provided for in Section 8.7, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that

 

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nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.

No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be eligible under this Article and qualified under Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 8.12 Successor Trustee By Merger, Etc . If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation or national banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or national banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee with the same effect as if the successor Trustee had been named as the Trustee herein.

Section 8.13 Eligibility . This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(a). The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $25,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

Section 8.14 Money Held in Trust . The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law and except for money held in trust under Article 10 of this Indenture.

Section 8.15 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company . The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included therein.

ARTICLE 9.

SECURITYHOLDERS

Section 9.1 Evidence of Action by Securityholders . Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a majority or specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders of such majority or specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such holders of Securities of that series in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing.

If the Company shall solicit from the Securityholders of any series any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the Company, at its option, as evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate, may fix in advance a record date for such series for the determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date, but only the Securityholders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the purposes of determining whether

 

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Securityholders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities of that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities of that series shall be computed as of the record date; provided, however, that no such authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.

Section 9.2 Proof of Execution by Securityholders . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or his agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:

(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any instrument may be proved in any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.

(b) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register of such Securities or by a certificate of the Security Registrar thereof.

(c) The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section as it shall deem necessary.

Section 9.3 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded . In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Securities of a particular series have concurred in any direction, consent of waiver under this Indenture, the Securities of that series that are owned by the Company or any other obligor on the Securities of that series or by an Affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver, only Securities of such series that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. The Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding for the purposes of this Section, if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not an Affiliate. In case of a dispute as to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee. Upon request of the Trustee, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officer’s Certificate listing and identifying all Securities of a particular series, if any known by the Company to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above described Persons and, subject to Sections 7.1 and 7.2, the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officer’s Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Securities of such particular series not listed therein are Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.

ARTICLE 10.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS

Section 10.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture . If at any time (a)(i) all Securities of any series issued that have been authenticated and delivered have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation (other than Securities of such series which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.8); or (ii) all the Securities of any series issued that have not been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by such Trustee in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense, the Company shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in cash (other than moneys repaid by the Trustee or any paying agent to the Company in accordance with Section 10.4) or U.S. Government Obligations, maturing as to principal and interest in such amounts and at such times as will insure (without consideration of the reinvestment of such interest) the availability of cash, or a combination thereof, sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Securities of such series (other than any Securities of such series which shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.8) not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including Principal and interest due or to become due on or prior to such date of maturity or redemption as the case may be; (b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable under this Indenture; and (c) the Company has

 

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delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to this Section 8.1 have been complied with, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to Securities of such series (except as to (i) rights of registration of transfer and exchange of securities of such series, and the Company’s right of optional redemption, if any, (ii) substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, (iii) rights of holders to receive payments of Principal thereof and interest thereon, upon the original stated due dates therefor (but not upon acceleration) and remaining rights of the holders to receive mandatory sinking fund payments, if any, (iv) the rights, obligations and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (v) the rights of the Securityholders of such series as beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property so deposited with the Trustee payable to all or any of them), and the Trustee, on demand of the Company accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging such satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture with respect to such series; provided that the rights of Holders of the Securities to receive amounts in respect of Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities held by them shall not be delayed longer than required by then-applicable mandatory rules or policies of any securities exchange upon which the Securities are listed. The Company agrees to reimburse the Trustee for any costs or expenses thereafter reasonably and properly incurred and to compensate the Trustee for any services thereafter reasonably and properly rendered by the Trustee in connection with this Indenture or the Securities of such series.

Section 10.2 Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of Securities . Subject to Section 10.4, all moneys (including U.S. Government Obligations and the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 10.1, Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 shall be held in trust and applied by it to the payment, either directly or through any paying agent to the Holders of the particular Securities of such series for the payment or redemption of which such moneys have been deposited with the Trustee, of all sums due and to become due thereon for Principal and interest; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

Section 10.3 Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent . In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to Securities of any series, all moneys then held by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture with respect to such series of Securities shall, upon demand of the Company, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.

Section 10.4 Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent Unclaimed for Two Years . Any moneys deposited with or paid to the Trustee or any paying agent for the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security of any series and not applied but remaining unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such Principal or interest shall have become due and payable, shall, upon the written request of the Company and unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law, be repaid to the Company by the Trustee for such series or such paying agent, and the Holder of the Security of such series shall, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property laws, thereafter look only to the Company for any payment which such Holder may be entitled to collect, and all liability of the Trustee or any paying agent with respect to such moneys shall thereupon cease.

Section 10.5 Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture . The Company shall be deemed to have paid and shall be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Securities of any series, after the deposit referred to in clause (i) hereof has been made, and the provisions of this Indenture shall no longer be in effect with respect to the Securities of such series (and the Trustee, at the reasonable written request and expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to: (a) rights of Holders of the Securities of such series to receive payments of Principal thereof, premium thereto, and interest thereon, upon the original stated due dates therefor, (b) the Company’s obligations with respect to the issuance of temporary Securities and the registration of transfer with respect to the Securities of such series, the Company’s right of optional redemption, substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities of such series and the maintenance an office or agency for payment for security payments held in trust pursuant to clause (i) hereof, (c) the rights, obligations and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, and (d) the defeasance provisions contained in Article 10 of this Indenture; provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

 

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(i) with reference to this Section 10.5 the Company irrevocably has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another qualifying trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.13) as trust funds in trust, for the purposes of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (A) money in an amount, (B) U.S. Government Obligations that through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in subclause (x) or (y) of this clause (i), or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the written opinion of an nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, without consideration of reinvestment and after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof, and which shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge (x) all of the Principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the outstanding Securities of such series on the maturity or due dates thereof or if the Company has made irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee, the redemption date, as the case may be, and (y) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of Securities of such series and the Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series;

(ii) the Company has delivered to the Trustee (A) either (x) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, under then applicable U.S. federal income tax law, Holders of Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the Company’s exercise of its option under this Section 10.5 and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred or (y) a ruling directed to the Trustee received from the Internal Revenue Service to the same effect as the aforementioned Opinion of Counsel and (B) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the creation of the defeasance trust does not violate the Investment Company Act;

(iii) immediately after giving effect to such deposit on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default, of event that after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, and such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(iv) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge under this Section 10.5 have been complied with; and

(v) if the Securities of such series are to be redeemed prior to the final maturity thereof (other than from mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments), notice of such redemption shall have been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made.

Section 10.6 Defeasance of Certain Obligations . The Company may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in, and this Indenture will no longer be in effect with respect to, any covenant established pursuant to Section 2.3(s), Section 7.1(d), Section 7.1(e) and Section 7.1(h) (with respect to any covenants established pursuant to Section 2.3(s)) of Section 7.1 shall be deemed not to constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series, if:

(a) with reference to this Section 10.6, the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another qualifying trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.13) as trust funds in trust, for the purposes of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (i) money in an amount, (ii) U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to below in this clause (a), or (iii) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the written opinion of an nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, without consideration of reinvestment and after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof, and which shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge all of the Principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the outstanding Securities of such series on the maturity or due dates thereof

 

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or if the Company has made irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee, the redemption date, as the case may be;

(b) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the creation of the defeasance trust does not violate the Investment Company Act;

(c) immediately after giving effect to such deposit on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default, of event that after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, and such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(d) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the Company’s exercise of its option under this Section 10.6 and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;

(e) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance under this Section have been complied with; and

(f) if the Securities of such series are to be redeemed prior to the final maturity thereof (other than from mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments), notice of such redemption shall have been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made.

Section 10.7 Reinstatement . If the Trustee or paying agent is unable to apply any monies or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Article 10 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article until such time as the Trustee or paying agent is permitted to apply all such monies or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Article 10; provided, however , that if the Company has made any payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Securities because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the monies or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or paying agent.

Section 10.8 Indemnity . The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 10.8 and Section 10.2, the “Trustee”) against any tax, fee or other charge, imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 10.1, Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 or the principal or interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto.

Section 10.9 Excess Funds . Anything in this Article 10 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon request of the Company, any money or U.S. Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in Section 10.1, Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of Independent Public Accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a discharge or defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Article 10.

Section 10.10 Qualifying Trustee . Any trustee appointed pursuant to Section 10.5 or Section 10.6 for the purpose of holding money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to such Sections shall be appointed under an agreement in form acceptable to the Trustee and shall provide to the Trustee a certificate, upon which certificate the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely, that all conditions precedent provided for herein to the related defeasance have been complied with. In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any acts or omissions of said trustee

 

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ARTICLE 11.

AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS

Section 11.1 Without Consent of Holders . The Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities of any series without notice to or the consent of any Holder:

(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in this Indenture; provided that such amendments or supplements shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect;

(b) to comply with Article 5;

(c) to maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(d) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder with respect to the Securities of any or all series by a successor Trustee and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 7.11;

(e) to provide for the issuance of additional Securities;

(f) to establish the form or forms or terms of Securities of any series or of the coupons appertaining to such Securities as permitted by Section 2.3;

(g) to provide for uncertificated or Unregistered Securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose; or

(h) to conform any provision to the “Description of Notes” in the offering memorandum or prospectus for the Securities of such series.

Section 11.2 With Consent of Holders . Subject to Sections 7.4 and 7.7, without prior notice to any Holders, the Company and the Trustee may amend this Indenture and the Securities of any series with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each series affected by such amendment, and the Holders of a majority in Principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each series affected thereby by written notice to the Trustee may waive future compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities of such series.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 11.2, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, an amendment or waiver, including a waiver pursuant to Section 7.4, may not:

(a) change the stated maturity of the Principal of, or any installment of interest on, such Holder’s Security,

(b) reduce the Principal amount of, or the rate of interest on (including any amount in respect of original issue discount), such Holder’s Security;

(c) change the place or currency of payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or any installment of interest on, such Holder’s Security;

(d) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the stated maturity (or in the case of a redemption, on or after the redemption date) of such Holder’s Security;

(e) waive a default in the payment of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, such Holder’s Security;

 

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(f) modify any of the provisions of this Section 11.2 requiring the consent of a requisite number of holders, except to increase any percentage requiring consent or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Securities; and

(g) reduce the percentage or aggregate Principal amount of outstanding Securities of the relevant series the consent of whose Holders is required for any supplemental indenture or for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain Defaults and their consequences provided for in this Indenture.

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series or of the coupons appertaining to such Securities.

It shall not be necessary for the consent of any Holder under this Section 11.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 11.2 becomes effective, the Company shall give to the Holders affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. The Company will mail supplemental indentures to Holders upon request. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture or waiver.

Section 11.3 Revocation and Effect of Consent . Until an amendment or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the Security of the consenting Holder, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Security or portion of its Security. Such revocation shall be effective only if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver shall become effective with respect to any Securities affected thereby on receipt by the Trustee of written consents from the requisite Holders of outstanding Securities affected thereby.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date (which may be not less than five nor more than 60 days prior to the solicitation of consents) for the purpose of determining the Holders of the Securities of any series affected entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver. If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were such Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies) and only those Persons shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be such Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 90 days after such record date.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective with respect to the Securities of any series affected thereby, it shall bind every Holder of such Securities unless it is of the type described in any of clauses (a) through(g) of Section 11.2. In case of an amendment or waiver of the type described in clauses (a) through(g) of Section 11.2, the amendment or waiver shall bind each such Holder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Security that evidences the same indebtedness as the Security of the consenting Holder.

Section 11.4 Notation on or Exchange of Securities . If an amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of any Security, the Trustee may require the Holder thereof to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security about the changed terms and return it to the Holder and the Trustee may place an appropriate notation on any Security of such series thereafter authenticated. Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so determines, the Company in exchange for the Security shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Security of the same series and tenor that reflects the changed terms.

 

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Section 11.5 Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc . The Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 11 is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, stating that all requisite consents have been obtained or that no consents are required and stating that such supplemental indenture constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, execute any such amendment, supplement or waiver that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Section 11.6 Conformity with Trust Indenture Act . Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article 11 shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

Section 11.7 Amendments to Subordination Provisions . Any amendment to the provisions of Article 12 hereof will require the consent of each holder of Senior Debt that would be adversely affected by such amendment.

ARTICLE 12.

SUBORDINATION

Section 12.1 Agreement to Subordinate .

(a) The Company agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Security agrees, that the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt (whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed), and that the subordination is for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt.

(b) If any holder of Senior Debt is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company, trustee, or similar official acting in relation to the Company, any amount paid by the Company to such holder of Senior Debt, the provisions of this Article 12, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect; provided, however , that any amounts paid pursuant to this Indenture to Holders of Securities shall not be subject to disgorgement pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (b).

Section 12.2 Certain Definitions .

Representative ” means the indenture trustee or other trustee, agent or representative for any Senior Debt.

A “ distribution ” may consist of cash, securities or other property, by set-off or otherwise.

Section 12.3 Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy . Upon any distribution to creditors of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Company or its property, an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshalling of the Company’s assets and liabilities:

(i) holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all Obligations due in respect of such Senior Debt (including interest after the commencement of any such proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable Senior Debt) before the Holders of Securities shall be entitled to receive any payment with respect to the Securities (except that Holders may receive (i) securities that are subordinated to at least the same extent as the Securities to (a) Senior Debt and (b) any securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt and (ii) payments and other distributions made from any defeasance trust created pursuant to Section 10.5 hereof); and

(ii) until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt (as provided in subsection (i) above) are paid in full, any distribution to which the Holders of Securities would be entitled but for this Article shall be made to holders of Senior Debt (except that Holders may receive (i) securities that are subordinated to at least the same extent as the Securities to (a) Senior Debt and (b) any securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt and

 

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(ii) payments and other distributions made from any defeasance trust created pursuant to Section 10.5 hereof), as their interests may appear.

Section 12.4 Default on Senior Debt .

(a) The Company may not make any payment or distribution to the Trustee or any Holder in respect of the Securities and may not acquire from the Trustee or any Holder any Securities for cash or property (other than (1) securities that are subordinated to at least the same extent as the Securities to (A) Senior Debt and (B) any securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt and (2) payments and other distributions made from any defeasance trust created pursuant to Section 10.5 hereof) until all principal and other Obligations with respect to the Senior Debt have been paid in full if:

(1) a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Senior Debt occurs and is continuing beyond any applicable grace period in the agreement, indenture or other document governing such Senior Debt; or

(2) a default on Senior Debt occurs and is continuing with respect to Senior Debt that then permits holders of the Senior Debt as to which such default relates to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a notice of the default (a “ Payment Blockage Notice ”) from a Person who may give it pursuant to Section 12.12 hereof. If the Trustee receives any such Payment Blockage Notice, no subsequent Payment Blockage Notice shall be effective for purposes of this Section unless and until (I) at least 360 days shall have elapsed since the effectiveness of the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice and (II) all scheduled payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities that have come due (other than by reason of acceleration) have been paid in full in cash. No default described in this paragraph (2) that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment Blockage Notice.

(b) The Company may and shall resume payments on and distributions in respect of the Securities and may acquire them:

(1) in the case of a default described in Section 12.4(a)(1), upon the date on which the default is cured or waived,

(2) in the case of a default referred to in Section 12.4(a)(2) hereof, the earlier of the date on which such default is cured or waived or 179 days after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is received, unless the maturity of any Senior Debt has been accelerated, and

(3) if this Article otherwise permits the payment, distribution or acquisition at the time of such payment, distribution or acquisition.

Section 12.5 Acceleration of Securities . If payment of the Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Company shall promptly notify holders of Senior Debt of the acceleration.

Section 12.6 When Distribution Must be Paid Over . In the event that the Trustee or any Holder receives any payment of any Obligations with respect to the Securities at a time when a Responsible Officer of the Trustee or such Holder, as applicable, has actual knowledge that such payment is prohibited by Section 12.4 hereof, such payment shall be held by the Trustee or such Holder, in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid forthwith over and delivered, upon written request, to, the holders of Senior Debt as their interests may appear or their Representative under the indenture or other agreement (if any) pursuant to which Senior Debt may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, for application to the payment of all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay such Obligations in full in accordance with their terms, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior Debt.

With respect to the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee undertakes to perform only such obligations on the part of the Trustee as are specifically set forth in this Article 12, and no implied covenants or obligations with

 

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respect to the holders of Senior Debt shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt, and shall not be liable to any such holders if the Trustee shall pay over or distribute to or on behalf of Holders or the Company or any other Person money or assets to which any holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled by virtue of this Article 12, except if such payment is made as a result of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Trustee.

Section 12.7 Notice by Company . The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of any facts known to the Company that would cause a payment of any Obligations with respect to the Securities to violate this Article, but failure to give such notice shall not affect the subordination of the Securities to the Senior Debt as provided in this Article.

Section 12.8 Subrogation . After all Senior Debt is paid in full and until the Securities are paid in full, Holders shall be subrogated (equally and ratably with all other Indebtedness pari passu with the Securities) to the rights of holders of Senior Debt to receive distributions applicable to Senior Debt to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to the Holders have been applied to the payment of Senior Debt. A distribution made under this Article to holders of Senior Debt that otherwise would have been made to Holders is not, as between the Company and Holders, a payment by the Company on the Senior Debt.

Section 12.9 Relative Rights . This Article defines the relative rights of Holders and holders of Senior Debt. Nothing in this Indenture shall:

(a) impair, as between the Company and Holders, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities in accordance with their terms;

(b) affect the relative rights of Holders and creditors of the Company other than rights of Holders of the Securities in relation to holders of Senior Debt; or

(c) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default, subject to the rights of holders and owners of Senior Debt to receive distributions and payments otherwise payable to Holders.

If the Company fails because of this Article to pay principal of, premium, if any, or interest on a Security on the due date, the failure is still a Default or Event of Default.

Section 12.10 Subordination May Not Be Impaired By Company . No right of any holder of Senior Debt to enforce the subordination of the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the Company or any Holder or by the failure of the Company or any Holder to comply with this Indenture.

Section 12.11 Distribution or Notice to Representative . Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Debt, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative.

Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article 12, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction or upon any certificate of such Representative (or of any holder of Senior Debt for which there is no Representative) or of the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making any distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt and other Indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article 12. In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Debt to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article 12, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Debt held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article 12 and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.

 

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Section 12.12 Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent . Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 12 or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts that would prohibit the making of any payment or distribution by the Trustee, and the Trustee and any Paying Agent may continue to make payments on the Securities, unless the Trustee shall have received at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee at least five Business Days prior to the date of such payment written notice of facts that would cause the payment of any Obligations with respect to the Securities to violate this Article or a Responsible Officer of the Trustee otherwise has actual knowledge of such facts. Only the Company or a Representative may give the notice, such notice from the Company to be in the form of an Officers’ Certificate. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 12 or any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts that would permit the resumption of payments on or distributions in respect of the Securities or the acquisition of the Securities by the Company unless the Trustee shall have received an Officers’ Certificate or a notice from a Representative to the effect that such resumption is permitted. Nothing in this Article 12 shall impair the claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 8.7 hereof.

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior Debt with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights.

Section 12.13 Authorization to Effect Subordination . Each Holder of a Security by the Holder’s acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on the Holder’s behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article 12, and appoints the Trustee to act as the Holder’s attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

ARTICLE 13.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 13.1 Trust Indenture Act of 1939 . This Indenture shall incorporate and be governed by the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.

Section 13.2 Notices . Any notice or communication shall be sufficiently given if written and (a) if delivered in person when received or (b) if mailed by first class mail 5 days after mailing, or (c) as between the Company and the Trustee if sent by facsimile transmission, when transmission is confirmed, in each case addressed as follows:

 

if to the Company:    AtriCure, Inc.
   6217 Centre Park Drive
   West Chester, Ohio 45069
   Facsimile: (513) 644-1315
   Attention: Chief Financial Officer
   With a required copy, (which shall
   not constitute notice) to:
   Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL
   One East Fourth Street
   Suite 1400
   Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
   Facsimile: (513) 579-6457
   Attention: F. Mark Reuter
if to the Trustee:    U.S. Bank National Association
   425 Walnut Street, 6 th Floor
   Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
   Facsimile: (513) 632-5511
   Attention: Corporate Trust Services

 

- 39 -


The Company or the Trustee by written notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

Any notice or communication shall be sufficiently given to Holders of any Unregistered Securities by mailing to the Holders thereof who have filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section 313(c)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act at such addresses as were so furnished to the Trustee and to Holders of Registered Securities by mailing to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register. Notice mailed shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed. Copies of any such communication or notice to a Holder shall also be mailed to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, if a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided in this Section 13.2, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

In case it shall be impracticable to give notice as herein contemplated, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

Section 13.3 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent . Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

(a) an Officers’ Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

(b) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

Section 13.4 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion . Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificate required by Section 4.3) shall include:

(a) a statement that each person signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statement or opinion contained in such certificate or opinion is based;

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of each such person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of each such person, such condition or covenant has been complied with; provided, however , that, with respect to matters of fact, an Opinion of Counsel may rely on an Officers’ Certificate or certificates of public officials.

Section 13.5 Evidence of Ownership . The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may deem and treat the Holder of any Unregistered Security and the Holder of any coupon as the absolute owner of such Unregistered Security or coupon (whether or not such Unregistered Security or coupon shall be overdue) for the purpose of receiving payment thereof or on account thereof and for all other purposes, and neither the Company, the Trustee, nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the

 

- 40 -


contrary. The fact of the holding by any Holder of an Unregistered Security, and the identifying number of such Security and the date of his holding the same, may be proved by the production of such Security or by a certificate executed by any trust company, bank, banker or recognized securities dealer wherever situated satisfactory to the Trustee, if such certificate shall be deemed by the Trustee to be satisfactory. Each such certificate shall be dated and shall state that on the date thereof a Security bearing a specified identifying number was deposited with or exhibited to such trust company, bank, banker or recognized securities dealer by the person named in such certificate. Any such certificate may be issued in respect of one or more Unregistered Securities specified therein. The holding by the person named in any such certificate of any Unregistered Securities specified therein shall be presumed to continue for a period of one year from the date of such certificate unless at the time of any determination of such holding (1) another certificate bearing a later date issued in respect of the same Securities shall be produced or (2) the Security specified in such certificate shall be produced by some other Person, or (3) the Security specified in such certificate shall have ceased to be outstanding. Subject to Article 8, the fact and date of the execution of any such instrument and the amount and numbers of Securities held by the Person so executing such instrument may also be proven in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in any other manner which the Trustee may deem sufficient.

The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may deem and treat the person in whose name any Registered Security shall be registered upon the Security Register for such series as the absolute owner of such Registered Security (whether or not such Registered Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the Principal of, premium, if any, and, subject to the provisions of this Indenture, interest on such Registered Security and for all other purposes; and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

Section 13.6 Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar . The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Paying Agent or Registrar may make reasonable rules for its functions.

Section 13.7 Payment Date Other Than a Business Day . Except as otherwise provided with respect to a series of Securities, if any date for payment of Principal or interest on any Security shall not be a Business Day at any place of payment, then payment of Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such Security, as the case may be, need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at any place of payment with the same force and effect as if made on such date and no interest shall accrue in respect of such payment for the period from and after such date.

Section 13.8 Governing Law . The laws of the State of New York shall govern this Indenture and the Securities.

Section 13.9 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements . This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture or loan or debt agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company. Any such indenture or agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

Section 13.10 Successors . All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

Section 13.11 Duplicate Originals . The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

Section 13.12 Separability . In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 13.13 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc . The Table of Contents and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms and provisions hereof.

 

- 41 -


Section 13.14 Exemptions from Individual Liability . No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, or in any Security or any coupons appertaining thereto, or because of any Indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, as such or against any past, present or future stockholder, officer, director, employee or controlling person, as such, of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities and the coupons appertaining thereto by the holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities and the coupons appertaining thereto.

Section 13.15 Judgment Currency . The Company agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so under applicable law, that (a) if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the Principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of any series (the “ Required Currency ”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “ Judgment Currency ”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered, unless such day is not a Business Day, then, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the Business Day preceding the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered and (b) its obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency (i) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, or any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with subsection (a)), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments, (ii) shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable and (iii) shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture.

Section 13.16 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 13.17 Force Majeure . In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

- 42 -


SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first written above.

 

ATRICURE, INC.
By:  

/s/ Julie A. Piton

Name:  

Julie A. Piton

Title:  

Vice President, Finance and Administration and

 

Chief Financial Officer

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
By:  

/s/ Dan Boyers

Name:  

Dan Boyers

Title:  

Assistant Vice President

 

- 43 -

Exhibit 5

LOGO

July 1, 2011

AtriCure, Inc.

6271 Centre Park Drive

West Chester, Ohio 45069

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to AtriCure, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”), including a preliminary prospectus (the “Base Prospectus”) relating to the public offering of (1) up to $50,000,000 in securities to be issued and sold by the Company which may include (i) debt securities (collectively, the “Debt Securities”), which may be senior debt securities (the “Senior Debt Securities”) to be issued pursuant to a senior indenture (the “Senior Indenture”) between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Senior Trustee”), or subordinated debt securities (“Subordinated Debt Securities”) to be issued pursuant to a Subordinated Indenture (the “Subordinated Indenture”) between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Subordinated Trustee”), (ii) shares (the “Shares”) of common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”), (iii) shares of preferred stock of the Company (the “Preferred Stock”), (iv) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Senior Debt Securities, Subordinated Debt Securities or other securities of the Company (the “Warrants”), (v) depositary shares representing a fraction or a multiple of a share of a particular series of Preferred Stock (the “Depositary Shares”), and/or (vi) units consisting of more than one of the foregoing securities listed in (i) through (v) (the “Units”) and (2) up to 3,184,535 shares of Common Stock that may be sold by selling securityholders named in supplements to the Base Prospectus (the “Selling Securityholder Shares”).

We have, as counsel, examined such corporate records, certificates of public officials and officers of the Company and other documents and reviewed such questions of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinions expressed below. As to various questions of fact material to such opinions, we have relied upon representations of the Company. We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents, certificates and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein.

In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In making our examination of executed documents, we have assumed that the parties thereto, other than the Company, had the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and the execution and delivery of such documents by the parties to such documents, and the validity and binding effect thereof. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein

One East Fourth Street ¿ Suite 1400 ¿ Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

TEL (513) 579-6400 ¿ FAX (513) 579-6457 ¿ www.kmklaw.com


which we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company.

Based solely on the examination detailed above, we are of the opinion that:

 

(1) When (i) all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of any Debt Securities, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters by the Board of Directors of the Company, a duly constituted and acting committee of such Board or duly authorized officers of the Company has been taken, (ii) the issuance, execution and delivery of the Debt Securities have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, (iii) the Company and the Senior Trustee or the Subordinated Trustee, as applicable, have executed and delivered a Supplemental Indenture in accordance with the Senior Indenture or the Subordinated Indenture, as applicable, or the board of directors of the Company has approved resolutions, in each case, setting forth the terms of such Debt Securities and (iv) the due execution, authentication, issuance and delivery of such Debt Securities has been completed, upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for in the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Indenture and such agreement, such Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.

 

(2) When (i) in the case of Shares issued by the Company, the terms of the issuance and sale of the Shares shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company and/or (ii) the Shares and/or Selling Shareholder Shares shall have been issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and any prospectus supplement relating to the Shares or Selling Securityholder Shares, as applicable, against payment of the consideration in the case of Shares issued by the Company fixed therefor by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof, and if Shares are issued pursuant to Warrants or Units, as contemplated by the terms thereof and of the agreements relating thereto, assuming that the Company has reserved for issuance the requisite number of shares of Common Stock, the Shares and Selling Securityholder Shares will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(3) When (i) the terms of the Preferred Stock and of its issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, (ii) an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation fixing and determining the terms of the Preferred Stock have been filed with and accepted by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and (iii) the Preferred Stock has been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and any prospectus supplement relating thereto, against payment of the consideration fixed therefor by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, the Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(4)

When (i) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Warrants shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, (ii) the Warrants shall have been authenticated by the applicable warrant agent pursuant to the terms of a Warrant Agreement and (iii) the Warrants shall have been issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and any prospectus supplement relating to the Warrants, the Warrants will be validly


 

issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.

 

(5) When (i) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Depositary Shares shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, (ii) the number of Depositary Shares issued by the Company at no time exceeds the maximum amount of shares of Preferred Stock authorized to be issued by the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation the Company and (iii) the Depositary Shares have been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and any prospectus supplement relating thereto, against payment of the consideration fixed therefor by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, the Depositary Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

(6) When (i) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Units shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, (ii) the number of Units constituting Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares issued by the Company at no time exceeds the maximum amount of shares of Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as applicable, authorized to be issued by the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and (iii) the Units have been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and any prospectus supplement relating thereto, against payment of the consideration fixed therefor by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, the Units will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

Our opinions set forth in paragraphs (1) and (4) above are subject to the effects of (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

We have assumed that the execution and delivery of, and the performance of its obligations under, the Debt Securities and the Warrants does not and will not: (A) require any consent or approval of or registration or filing with, or any other action by, any governmental authority or (B) violate or conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under (1) any agreement or instrument to which the Company, or any of its affiliates is a party or by which the Company or any of its affiliates or any of its properties may be bound, (2) any approval of, or registration with, any governmental authority that may be applicable to the Company, or any of its affiliates or any of its properties, (3) any judgment, decree or order that may be applicable to the Company, or any of its affiliates or any of its properties or (4) any law.

Our opinions expressed above are limited to the laws of the State of Delaware and the federal laws of the United States of America.

These opinions are given as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update or supplement these opinions to reflect any facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in laws which may hereafter occur. These opinions are strictly limited to the matters stated herein and no other or more extensive opinions are intended, implied or to be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein.

We hereby consent to be named in the Registration Statement as the attorneys who have passed upon legal matters in connection with the issuance of the common stock and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons who consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

 

Sincerely,
KEATING MUETHING & KLEKAMP PLL
/s/ Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated March 31, 2011 relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of AtriCure, Inc., appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AtriCure, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
July 1, 2011

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER

THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of

a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

31-0841368

I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

 

800 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, Minnesota

  55402
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Daniel Boyers

U.S. Bank National Association

425 Walnut Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

(513) 632-2077

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

ATRICURE, INC.

(Issuer with respect to the Securities)

Delaware   34-1940305
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

6217 Centre Park Drive

West Chester, OH

  45069
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Senior Securities

(Title of the Indenture Securities)

 

 

 


FORM T-1

 

Item 1. GENERAL INFORMATION . Furnish the following information as to the Trustee.

 

  a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

Comptroller of the Currency

Washington, D.C.

 

  b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes

 

Item 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None

 

Items 3-15          Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustee’s knowledge, the obligor is not
          in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.

 

Item 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification.

 

   1. A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee.*

 

   2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business, attached as Exhibit 2.

 

   3. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, attached as Exhibit 3.

 

   4. A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee.**

 

   5. A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. Not applicable.

 

   6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached as Exhibit 6.

 

   7. Report of Condition of the Trustee as of March 31, 2011 published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached as Exhibit 7.

* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to Amendment No. 2 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number
333-128217 filed on November 15, 2005.

** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number 333-166527 filed on May 5, 2010.

 

2


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio on the 17th of June, 2011.

 

By:   /s/ Daniel Boyers
 

Daniel Boyers

Assistant Vice President

 

3


Exhibit 2

LOGO

 

 

Comptroller of the Currency

Administrator of National Banks

 

Washington, DC 20219

CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE EXISTENCE

I, John Walsh, Acting Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:

1. The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq., as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1, et seq., as amended, has possession, custody and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation and supervision of all National Banking Associations.

2. “U.S. Bank National Association,” Cincinnati, Ohio, (Charter No. 24), is a National Banking Association formed under the laws of the United States and is authorized thereunder to transact the business of banking on the date of this Certificate.

 

LOGO

  

IN TESTIMONY WHERE OF, I have

 

hereunto subscribed my name and caused

 

my seal of office to be affixed to these

 

presents at the Treasury Department, in the

 

City of Washington and District of

 

Columbia, this September 9, 2010.

 

  

LOGO

  

 

Acting Comptroller of the Currency

 

4


Exhibit 3

LOGO

 

 

Comptroller of the Currency

Administrator of National Banks

 

Washington, DC 20219

CERTIFICATE OF FIDUCIARY POWERS

I, John Walsh, Acting Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:

1. The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq., as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1, et seq., as amended, has possession, custody and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation and supervision of all National Banking Associations.

2. “U.S. Bank National Association,” Cincinnati, Ohio, (Charter No. 24), was granted, under the hand and seal of the Comptroller, the right to act in all fiduciary capacities authorized under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved September 28, 1962, 76 Stat.668, 12 U.S.C. 92 a, and that the authority so granted remains in full force and effect on the date of this Certificate.

 

LOGO

  

IN TESTIMONY WHERE OF, I have

 

hereunto subscribed my name and caused

 

my seal of office to be affixed to these

 

presents at the Treasury Department, in the

 

City of Washington and District of

 

Columbia, this September 9, 2010.

 

  

LOGO

  

 

Acting Comptroller of the Currency

 

5


Exhibit 6

CONSENT

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the undersigned, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.

Dated: June 17, 2011

 

By:   /s/ Daniel Boyers
 

Daniel Boyers

Assistant Vice President

 

6


Exhibit 7

U.S. Bank National Association

Statement of Financial Condition

As of 3/31/2011

($000’s)

 

Assets    3/31/2011  

Cash and Balances Due From

    Depository Institutions

     $13,798,547   

Securities

     58,784,508   

Federal Funds

     4,446,250   

Loans & Lease Financing Receivables

     188,553,195   

Fixed Assets

     5,071,554   

Intangible Assets

     13,223,551   

Other Assets

     22,091,641   
        

Total Assets

     $305,969,246   

Liabilities

  

Deposits

     $215,206,369   

Fed Funds

     8,615,219   

Treasury Demand Notes

     0   

Trading Liabilities

     579,986   

Other Borrowed Money

     34,076,282   

Acceptances

     0   

Subordinated Notes and Debentures

     7,760,721   

Other Liabilities

     7,772,817   
        

Total Liabilities

     $274,011,394   

Equity

  

Minority Interest in Subsidiaries

     $1,761,010   

Common and Preferred Stock

     18,200   

Surplus

     14,136,872   

Undivided Profits

     16,041,770   
        

Total Equity Capital

     $31,957,852   

Total Liabilities and Equity Capital

     $305,969,246   

 

 

7

Exhibit 25.2

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER

THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of

a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

31-0841368

I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

 

800 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, Minnesota

  55402
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Daniel Boyers

U.S. Bank National Association

425 Walnut Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

(513) 632-2077

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

ATRICURE, INC.

(Issuer with respect to the Securities)

Delaware   34-1940305
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

6217 Centre Park Drive

West Chester, OH

  45069
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Subordinate Securities

(Title of the Indenture Securities)

 

 

 


FORM T-1

 

Item 1. GENERAL INFORMATION . Furnish the following information as to the Trustee.

 

  a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

Comptroller of the Currency

Washington, D.C.

 

  b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes

 

Item 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None

 

Items 3-15         Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustee’s knowledge, the obligor is not
          in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.

 

Item 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification.

 

  1. A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee.*

 

  2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business, attached as Exhibit 2.

 

  3. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, attached as Exhibit 3.

 

  4. A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee.**

 

  5. A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. Not applicable.

 

  6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached as Exhibit 6.

 

  7. Report of Condition of the Trustee as of March 31, 2011 published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached as Exhibit 7.

* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to Amendment No. 2 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number
333-128217 filed on November 15, 2005.

** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number 333-166527 filed on May 5, 2010.

 

2


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio on the 17th of June, 2011.

 

By:   /s/ Daniel Boyers
 

Daniel Boyers

Assistant Vice President

 

3


Exhibit 2

LOGO

 

 

Comptroller of the Currency

Administrator of National Banks

 

Washington, DC 20219

CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE EXISTENCE

I, John Walsh, Acting Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:

1. The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq., as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1, et seq., as amended, has possession, custody and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation and supervision of all National Banking Associations.

2. “U.S. Bank National Association,” Cincinnati, Ohio, (Charter No. 24), is a National Banking Association formed under the laws of the United States and is authorized thereunder to transact the business of banking on the date of this Certificate.

 

LOGO

  

IN TESTIMONY WHERE OF, I have

 

hereunto subscribed my name and caused

 

my seal of office to be affixed to these

 

presents at the Treasury Department, in the

 

City of Washington and District of

 

Columbia, this September 9, 2010.

 

  

LOGO

  

 

Acting Comptroller of the Currency

 

4


Exhibit 3

LOGO

 

 

Comptroller of the Currency

Administrator of National Banks

 

Washington, DC 20219

CERTIFICATE OF FIDUCIARY POWERS

I, John Walsh, Acting Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:

1. The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq., as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1, et seq., as amended, has possession, custody and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation and supervision of all National Banking Associations.

2. “U.S. Bank National Association,” Cincinnati, Ohio, (Charter No. 24), was granted, under the hand and seal of the Comptroller, the right to act in all fiduciary capacities authorized under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved September 28, 1962, 76 Stat.668, 12 U.S.C. 92 a, and that the authority so granted remains in full force and effect on the date of this Certificate.

 

LOGO

  

IN TESTIMONY WHERE OF, I have

 

hereunto subscribed my name and caused

 

my seal of office to be affixed to these

 

presents at the Treasury Department, in the

 

City of Washington and District of

 

Columbia, this September 9, 2010.

 

  

LOGO

  

 

Acting Comptroller of the Currency

 

5


Exhibit 6

CONSENT

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the undersigned, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.

Dated: June 17, 2011

 

By:   /s/ Daniel Boyers
 

Daniel Boyers

Assistant Vice President

 

6


Exhibit 7

U.S. Bank National Association

Statement of Financial Condition

As of 3/31/2011

($000’s)

 

Assets    3/31/2011  

Cash and Balances Due From

    Depository Institutions

     $13,798,547   

Securities

     58,784,508   

Federal Funds

     4,446,250   

Loans & Lease Financing Receivables

     188,553,195   

Fixed Assets

     5,071,554   

Intangible Assets

     13,223,551   

Other Assets

     22,091,641   
        

Total Assets

     $305,969,246   

Liabilities

  

Deposits

     $215,206,369   

Fed Funds

     8,615,219   

Treasury Demand Notes

     0   

Trading Liabilities

     579,986   

Other Borrowed Money

     34,076,282   

Acceptances

     0   

Subordinated Notes and Debentures

     7,760,721   

Other Liabilities

     7,772,817   
        

Total Liabilities

     $274,011,394   

Equity

  

Minority Interest in Subsidiaries

     $1,761,010   

Common and Preferred Stock

     18,200   

Surplus

     14,136,872   

Undivided Profits

     16,041,770   
        

Total Equity Capital

     $31,957,852   

Total Liabilities and Equity Capital

     $305,969,246   

 

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