UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 27, 2012

 

 

Graco Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Minnesota   001-9249   41-0285640

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

88-11 th Avenue Northeast  
Minneapolis, Minnesota   55413
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (612) 623-6000

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement

On April 2, 2012, Graco Inc. (the “Registrant”), Graco Holdings Inc., Graco Minnesota Inc. and Finishing Brands Holdings Inc. (collectively, the “Purchasers”) and Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC (together, the “Sellers”) entered into an amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 14, 2011 (the “Purchase Agreement”) to modify certain terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with the closing of the Registrant’s acquisition of the Seller’s finishing businesses, which was completed on April 2, 2012, as described below in Item 2.01. The modifications are primarily intended to update certain business matters since the date of the Purchase Agreement and reflect other agreements between the Purchasers and the Sellers to facilitate closing on April 2, 2012.

Amendments to Credit Agreement and Senior Unsecured Notes

On March 27, 2012, the Registrant entered into amendments to its Credit Agreement, dated May 23, 2011, with U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and a lender, and the other lenders parties thereto (the “Credit Agreement”), and its Note Agreement dated March 11, 2011 governing senior unsecured notes issued to certain affiliates, investment funds or managed accounts of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. issued on March 11, 2011 and July 26, 2011. The amendments modify the terms of the debt documents to facilitate the closing of the acquisition of the finishing businesses of the Sellers as described below in Item 2.01. The modifications permit the closing and funding of the acquisition under the terms of the FTC order to hold separate the liquid finishing businesses, modify the definition of EBITDA for purposes of calculating the Registrant’s cash flow leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio to exclude the EBITDA of certain subsidiaries held separate pursuant to the FTC order to the extent that the Registrant does not have access to the EBITDA of such subsidiaries or does not have a pledge of ownership interest of such subsidiaries, and permit the divestiture of the businesses and/or assets pursuant to the final decision and order that will be issued by the FTC. The Credit Agreement amendment also extends the term of the facility until March 27, 2017 and eliminates the requirement of the Company to receive at least $75 million in proceeds from the issuance of additional senior notes.

 

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

On April 2, 2012, the Registrant completed its $650 million cash acquisition of the finishing businesses of the Sellers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, as amended by the amendment described above in Item 1.01. The Registrant previously announced that it had reached an agreement with the United States Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) that allowed for closing to occur while the FTC considers a settlement proposal from Graco. The Company issued a press release on April 2, 2012 announcing the closing of the acquisition, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K.


Item 2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

On April 2, 2012, the Registrant borrowed $350 million under the Credit Agreement. The terms applicable to such borrowed amounts are described in the summary of the Credit Agreement contained in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2011, as modified by the amendment to the Credit Agreement described above in Item 1.01.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired

The financial statements required by this item are not included with this initial report. The required financial statements will be filed by amendment as soon as practicable, but not later than 71 days after the date this Current Report on Form 8-K was required to be filed.

 

  (b) Pro Forma Financial Information

The pro forma financial statements required by this item are not included with this initial report. The required pro forma financial statements will be filed by amendment as soon as practicable, but not later than 71 days after the date this Current Report on Form 8-K was required to be filed.

 

  (d) Exhibits
2.1    First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 2, 2012 by and among Graco Inc., Graco Holdings Inc., Graco Minnesota Inc., Finishing Brands Holdings Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC.
10.1    First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated March 27, 2012 by and among Graco Inc., the Banks signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent.
10.2    Amendment and Restatement of Amendment No. 1 to Note Agreement dated March 27, 2012 between Graco Inc. and the Noteholders.
99.1    Press Release dated April 2, 2012.


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

  

Description

  

Method

of Filing

2.1    First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 2, 2012 by and among Graco Inc., Graco Holdings Inc., Graco Minnesota Inc., Finishing Brands Holdings Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC.   

Filed

Electronically

10.1    First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated March 27, 2012 by and among Graco Inc., the Banks signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent.   

Filed

Electronically

10.2    Amendment and Restatement of Amendment No. 1 to Note Agreement dated March 27, 2012 between Graco Inc. and the Noteholders.   

Filed

Electronically

99.1    Press Release dated April 2, 2012.   

Filed

Electronically


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

GRACO INC.
By   /s/ Karen Park Gallivan
  Karen Park Gallivan
  Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Date: April 2, 2012

Exhibit 2.1

FIRST AMENDMENT TO ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is entered into effective as of April 2, 2012, by and among Graco Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“ Purchaser Parent ”), Graco Holdings Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“ Purchaser Holdco ”), Graco Minnesota Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“ Graco Minnesota ”), Finishing Brands Holdings Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“ Liquid IP Purchaser ”), Illinois Tool Works Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Seller Parent ”), and ITW Finishing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ U.S. Seller ”).

RECITALS

A. Purchaser Parent, Purchaser Holdco, Graco Minnesota, Seller Parent, and U.S. Seller are parties to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 14, 2011 (the “ Asset Purchase Agreement ”) providing for the Purchasers’ purchase of the Finishing Business (other than the Excluded Assets) from the Sellers and other matters related thereto.

B. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment have the meanings given to them in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

C. The parties desire to amend the Asset Purchase Agreement as set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1. Incorporation by Reference . The Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby specifically referred to and incorporated as a part of this Amendment. In all respects other than as specifically herein amended, the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

2. IP Purchaser . All references in the Asset Purchase Agreement to the “IP Purchaser” shall hereafter be references to, collectively, Purchaser Holdco and Liquid IP Purchaser. Graco Minnesota shall no longer be the IP Purchaser, and to the extent that Graco Minnesota is a Purchaser under the Asset Purchase Agreement, it will be a Purchaser solely pursuant to Section 9.7 of the Asset Purchase Agreement.

3. Tech Center Acquired Assets . The definition of “ Acquired Assets ” in Section 2.1 of the Asset Purchase Agreement shall be deemed to include the Business Intellectual Property relating to Finishing Business projects that were conducted at the ITW Technology Center on or before the Closing Date.

4. Acquired Assets .

a. Section 2.1(e) of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:


“(e) all Contracts of any Seller relating to the Finishing Business (the “ Acquired Contracts ”), including the Contracts set forth on Schedule 4.10(e), but excluding (A) any Contract not disclosed in Section 4.11 of the Disclosure Schedules if (i) such non-disclosure constitutes a misrepresentation under Section 4.11 and (ii) the assumption of such Contract by any Purchaser would, in such Purchaser’s reasonable determination, materially and adversely affect such Purchaser, unless Purchaser Parent gives written notice to Seller Parent that it deems such Contract to constitute an Acquired Contract, (B) the Supply and License Agreement and the Settlement Agreement, both dated October 23, 2008, by and among 3M Company, 3M Innovative Properties Company, Illinois Tool Works Inc., and ITW Finishing LLC (the “3M Agreements”), and (C) the Confidential Patent License and Settlement Agreement by and between Dürr Systems Inc., Dürr Systems GmbH, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. (the “Dürr Agreement”);”

b. Section 2.1 of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby further amended by adding the following as Section 2.1(o) thereof:

“(o) all tangible personal property listed on Schedule 2.1(o) .”

5. Excluded Assets . Section 2.2 of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following as Sections 2.2(q) and 2.2(r) thereof:

“(q) the rights of any Seller under the 3M Agreements; and

(r) the rights of any Seller under the Dürr Agreement.”

6. Effective Time . The last sentence of the definition of “ Closing ” in Article 1 of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“The effective time of the Closing shall be deemed to be 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date, local time in each jurisdiction in which the Finishing Business is conducted.”

7. IP Indemnity .

a. Section 2.3(g) of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(g) all Liabilities of Sellers with respect to any Products arising under any intellectual property law at any time, including laws relating to patent infringement and including Liabilities arising out of the matters set forth on Schedule 2.3(g) ; and”

b. Section 8.2(j) of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(j) any Liability of any Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary with respect to any Products arising under any intellectual property law at any time, including,

 

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without limitation, laws relating to patent infringement, but excluding any of the matters set forth on Schedule 2.3(g) ; or”

c. Section 8.4(e) of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for purposes of indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2(i) , Damages shall include only one-half (rather than all) of any court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses; provided , however , that the limitation set forth in this Section 8.4(e) shall not apply if Seller Parent shall have assumed the defense of the Third Party Claim giving rise to the claim under Section 8.2(i) .”

d. The proviso to the first sentence of Section 8.5(b) of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim for which the Indemnifying Party may have an indemnification obligation pursuant to Section 8.2(j) .”

8. Purchase Price . Section 3.1(a) of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

“(a) The purchase price for the Acquired Assets is $650 million, plus any Cash or Cash Equivalents, exclusive of Cash or Cash Equivalents of Ransburg Industrial Finishing KK (“ Excluded Japanese Cash and Cash Equivalents ”), less any Debt of any Seller (to the extent constituting Assumed Liabilities) and any Debt of any Acquired Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, and plus or minus any Net Operating Asset adjustment determined pursuant to this Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 (the “ Purchase Price ”).”

9. Certain Schedules to Asset Purchase Agreement .

a. Seller Parent shall deliver to Purchaser Parent, on or before April 30, 2012, final versions of Schedule 4.10(a) and 4.10(b) to the Asset Purchase Agreement.

b. The draft Schedule 3.3 as delivered by the parties on April 14, 2011, shall remain unchanged except that (i) the Purchase Price allocated to ITW Gema GmbH (Switzerland) shall be reduced from US$199,400,000 to US$198,400,000, and (ii) the Purchase Price allocated to ITW Surfaces & Finitions SAS (France) shall be increased from $US0 to US$1,000,000.

c. Seller Parent shall deliver to Purchaser Parent Schedule 2.1(o) to the Asset Purchase Agreement on or before the Closing Date.

10. Post-Closing Financial Statement Delivery Covenant . The Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following as Section 6.2(i) thereof:

 

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“(i) Financial Statements . Seller Parent shall deliver to Purchaser Parent, on or before April 30, 2012, audited consolidated balance sheets of the Finishing Business as of December 31, 2011 and audited statements of operations, cash flows, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2011, along with the audit report from Deloitte & Touche LLP with respect to such financial statements (the “ 2011 Audit ”). Following Seller Parent’s payment to Deloitte & Touche LLP, Purchaser Parent shall reimburse Seller Parent in an amount equal to $500,000 for the professional fees paid to Deloitte & Touche LLP in connection with the 2011 Audit; such payment to be made, within three Business Days of Seller Parent’s written request therefor, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or accounts designated by Seller Parent. Seller Parent shall deliver to Purchaser Parent, on or before June 29, 2012, an unaudited, unreviewed consolidated balance sheet of the Finishing Business as of March 31, 2012 and unaudited, unreviewed statements of operations, cash flows, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012.”

11. Certain Employee Benefit Matters . The definition of ITW Executive Incentive Program set forth in Article I of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

““ITW Executive Incentive Program” means the award bonus program substantially described in Schedule 1.1

12. Conditions to Purchaser’s Obligations; Seller’s Closing Deliveries . The Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by (a) deleting he word “and” at the end of Section 7.1(g)(xiv), (b) renumbering Section 7.1(g)(xv) as Section 7.1(g)(xvi), and (c) inserting the following as a new Section 7.1(g)(xv):

“(xv) a distributor agreement duly executed by Seller Parent, in a form reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser Parent, granting Purchaser Parent worldwide exclusive distribution rights for certain 3M products identified therein; and”

13. Tax Matters . The last sentence of Section 6.4(a) of the Asset Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

“(a) If Purchaser Parent is required under Section 6.4(b) to file a Tax Return that involves Pre-Closing Taxes, then no later than five Business Days before the filing of any such Tax Return, Seller Parent will pay to Purchaser Parent an amount equal to the amount of Taxes shown due on such Tax Return for which any Seller is obligated under this Section 6.4(a) with respect to such Tax Return, except with respect to tax payments made by Ransburg Industrial Finishing KK or any successor entity for pre-closing periods, where the Seller shall not be responsible to pay to Purchaser Parent income taxes for pre-closing obligations to the extent of the Excluded Japanese Cash and Cash Equivalents. Seller Parent shall remain responsible for paying to Purchaser Parent income taxes due in excess of the Excluded Japanese Cash and Cash Equivalents.”

 

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14. Miscellaneous . This Amendment shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the conflicts of law principles of any jurisdiction. The Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and delivered via facsimile or other form of electronic transmission (including .pdf transmission), each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall constitute one agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement to be executed as of the date set forth above.

 

GRACO INC.     GRACO HOLDINGS INC.
By:  

/s/ Patrick J. McHale

    By:  

/s/ James A. Graner

Name: Patrick J. McHale     Name: James A. Graner
Its: President & Chief Executive Officer     Its: President

 

GRACO MINNESOTA INC.     FINISHING BRANDS HOLDINGS INC.
By:  

/s/ Patrick J. McHale

    By:  

/s/ James A. Graner

Name: Patrick J. McHale     Name: James A. Graner
Its: Chief Executive Officer     Its: President

 

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.     ITW FINISHING LLC
By:  

/s/ Jane L. Warner

    By:  

/s/ Jane L. Warner

Name: Jane L. Warner     Name: Jane L. Warner
Its: Executive Vice President     Its: President

[Signature Page to First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement]

Exhibit 10.1

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), is entered into as of March 27, 2012, by and among GRACO INC. (the “ Company ”), the Banks (as defined in the Credit Agreement) signatory hereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent for the Banks (in such capacity, the “ Agent ”). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meaning given such terms in the Credit Agreement (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company, the Banks and the Agent are party to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2011 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “ Credit Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, the Company’s existing revolving credit agreement shall terminate on July 12, 2012;

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that certain modifications be made to the Credit Agreement in order to facilitate the Finishing Group Acquisition, among other things; and

WHEREAS, the Banks have agreed to amend the Credit Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree to amend the Credit Agreement as follows:

SECTION 1. Amendments to Credit Agreement . Effective as of the Effective Date (as defined in Section 2 below), but subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2 below, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a) The definition of “Applicable Margin” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to delete the sentence reading “Until delivery of the Company’s quarterly financial statements for the first quarter ending after the quarter in which the closing conditions in Section 6.1 have been satisfied, the Applicable Margin for Fixed LIBOR Advances shall be 1.75%, the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances shall be 0.75%, and the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate shall be 0.30%.” and replace it with the following sentence:

“Until delivery of the Company’s quarterly financial statements for the first quarter ending after the quarter in which the closing conditions in Section 6.2 have been satisfied, the Applicable Margin for Fixed LIBOR Advances shall be 1.50%, the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances shall be 0.50%, and the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate shall be 0.25%.”

(b) The definition of “EBITDA” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following sentence at the end thereof:


“Notwithstanding the requirements of GAAP, to the extent the Company does not have access to the EBITDA of the Hold Separate Business or any portion thereof, such EBITDA or such portion thereof shall not be included in the calculation of EBITDA hereunder, and to the extent the Company does have access to the EBITDA of the Hold Separate Business or any portion thereof (regardless of whether the Company actually receives the value of any such earnings of the Hold Separate Business or such portion thereof, either through a dividend, distribution, or otherwise), such EBITDA or such portion thereof shall be included in the calculation of EBITDA hereunder provided that, if the Hold Separate Subsidiary in which such Hold Separate Business is maintained that has generated such EBITDA is a Material Subsidiary, the Ownership Interest of such Hold Separate Subsidiary is pledged to secure the Obligations pursuant to Section 8.13 or Section 8.14 (it being understood and agreed that (i) EBITDA generated by a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary shall in any event be included until the lapse of the 60-day period provided by Section 8.13, and (ii) EBITDA generated by a Hold Separate Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary will at all times be included).”

(c) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “Existing Letters of Credit” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ Existing Letters of Credit ’ means the Letters of Credit set forth on Schedule 1.2 hereto, which were issued under the credit agreement described under Section 6.2(b), but from and after the date upon which the conditions precedent to initial Loans set forth in Section 6.2 are satisfied, shall be deemed to be outstanding under this Agreement.

(d) The definition of “Finishing Group Acquisition” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“‘ Finishing Group Acquisition ’ means the acquisition by the Company of substantially all of the domestic and foreign assets and foreign equity interests relating to the Finishing Business (as defined in the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement) of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and its subsidiaries, through one or a series of transactions.”

(e) The definition of “Finishing Group Purchase Agreement” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“‘ Finishing Group Purchase Agreement ’ means the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2011, by and among the Company, Graco Holdings Inc., Graco Minnesota Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC, as the same may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, in each case in a manner acceptable to the Agent.”

 

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(f) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary ’ means a Foreign Subsidiary, the stock or other Ownership Interests of which are held by the Company or by a Domestic Subsidiary.”

(g) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “Hold Separate Order” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ Hold Separate Order ’ means the Order to Hold Separate and Maintain Assets, dated as of March 27, 2012, issued by the United States Federal Trade Commission in the Matter of Graco Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc., and ITW Finishing LLC, the terms and conditions of which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and each other document or order in connection therewith.”

(h) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “Hold Separate Business” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ Hold Separate Business ’ has the meaning set forth in the Hold Separate Order.”

(i) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “Hold Separate Period” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ Hold Separate Period ’ has the meaning set forth in the Hold Separate Order .”

(j) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “Hold Separate Subsidiary” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ Hold Separate Subsidiary ’ means a Subsidiary all or any part of the assets of which constitute part of the Hold Separate Business.”

(k) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “Material Domestic Subsidiary” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ Material Domestic Subsidiary ’ means any Domestic Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary.”

(l) The definition of “Material Subsidiary” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following sentences at the end thereof:

“Solely for purposes of making any determination under this definition, the book value (net of reserves) of any First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary shall be determined on a combined basis with the book value (net of reserves) of each Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary in which such First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary directly or indirectly holds stock or other Ownership Interests, and the book value (net of

 

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reserves) of each Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary shall in all other respects be disregarded. In no event shall any Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary itself be deemed a Material Subsidiary.”

(m) The definition of “Permitted Acquisition” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following sentence at the end thereof:

“For the avoidance of doubt, regardless of whether the requirements set forth in this definition have been met with respect to the Finishing Group Acquisition, the Finishing Group Acquisition shall be deemed a Permitted Acquisition.”

(n) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following definition of “Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary” in proper alphabetical order therein:

“‘ Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary ’ means a Foreign Subsidiary other than a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary.”

(o) The definition of “Senior Note Agreements” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“‘ Senior Note Agreements ’ means (i) the Note Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2011, evidencing a $300,000,000 note facility, by and among the Company and the Senior Noteholders from time to time party thereto, and (ii) one or more other Note Agreements executed from time to time by and among the Company and the Senior Noteholders party thereto, so long as the aggregate principal amount of the loans advanced under such Note Agreements does not exceed $75,000,000, in each case together with the agreements, documents and instruments delivered together therewith, and in each case as each of the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, or modified from time to time, or as the same may be refinanced or replaced from time to time.”

(p) The definition of “Termination Date” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to replace “May 23, 2016” appearing therein with “March 27, 2017”.

(q) Clause (a) of Section 2.7 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following sentence at the end thereof:

“Each Existing Letter of Credit shall for all purposes be deemed to be a Letter of Credit issued under this Agreement on the date on which the conditions precedent to initial Loans set forth in Section 6.2 are satisfied.”

(r) Section 3.4 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“Section 3.4 Fees . The Company shall pay the fees to the Agent in amounts and at times provided in the letter agreement dated as of April 29, 2011

 

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(as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, renewed or replaced from time to time, the ‘ Agent’s Fee Letter ’) between the Agent and the Company. The Company shall also pay the fees agreed to in the letter agreement dated as of April 29, 2011 between the Company and the Syndication Agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, renewed or replaced from time to time, the ‘ Syndication Agent Fee Letter ’, and together with the Agent’s Fee Letter, the ‘ Fee Letters ’).”

(s) Clause (a) of Section 6.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby revised to replace “$375,000,000” appearing therein with “$300,000,000”.

(t) Clause (c) of Section 6.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(c) Intentionally omitted.”

(u) Clause (d) of Section 6.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(d) Evidence of all governmental, shareholder and third party consents necessary in connection with the making of the initial Loans hereunder.”

(v) Clause (e) of Section 6.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(e) Intentionally omitted.”

(w) Clause (f) of Section 6.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(f) Intentionally omitted.”

(x) Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following sentences at the end thereof:

“To the extent that any action is required by both paragraph (b) of this Section 8.11 and by Section 8.13, the terms of Section 8.13 shall govern. Nothing in this Section 8.11 shall be deemed to require any action with respect to any Hold Separate Subsidiary except to the extent provided in Section 8.13 or 8.14, as the case may be.”

(y) Section 8.13 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

“Section 8.13 Post-Closing Covenant . Within sixty (60) days of the date on which initial Loans are made (or such later date as the Agent shall determine in its sole discretion) unless such action is prohibited by the Hold Separate Order or any related requirement of the Federal Trade Commission or the Federal Trade

 

5


Commission opposes such action, the Agent shall have received supplements or joinders with respect to the Pledge Agreement to the extent necessary to grant the Agent a security interest in 65% of the outstanding stock or other Ownership Interests of each First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary, together (to the extent available and applicable) with certificates evidencing the stock or Ownership Interest of Material Foreign Subsidiaries pledged thereby and executed assignments separate from the certificates (stock powers) for such certificates with respect to any Material Foreign Subsidiary the stock of which is required to be pledged by this Agreement, including Material Foreign Subsidiaries acquired in the Finishing Group Acquisition.”

(z) Article VIII of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to add the following Section 8.14 at the end thereof:

“Section 8.14 Finishing Group Acquisition .

(a) Upon satisfaction of the conditions precedent to initial Loans set forth in Section 6.2, the Company may consummate the Finishing Group Acquisition at any time, provided that the following additional conditions are satisfied:

(i) The Company shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Agent that (x) the Federal Trade Commission has permitted the Finishing Group Acquisition to proceed, subject to the Hold Separate Order, (y) the final terms and conditions of each aspect of the Hold Separate Order and all related documentation shall be satisfactory to the Agent and shall have been approved by the Federal Trade Commission, and (z) the Company has received all other governmental, shareholder and third party consents necessary in connection with the Finishing Group Acquisition, with the exception of any such consents for which the Agent has waived receipt.

(ii) The final terms and conditions of each aspect of the Finishing Group Acquisition shall be satisfactory to the Agent, the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Finishing Group Acquisition is to be consummated shall be satisfactory to the Agent and shall provide for a maximum acquisition consideration of $650,000,000 plus any working capital, net asset, and cash/debt adjustments provided for under the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement plus transaction costs, and the Company will deliver to the Agent a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer confirming that there have been no material modifications to the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement and confirming that the Finishing Group Acquisition will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement.

(iii) The Company shall have delivered to the Agent the audited financial statements for the assets and equity interests being purchased in

 

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the Finishing Group Acquisition for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, which shall not be inconsistent in any material respect with the unaudited financial statements with respect to such assets and equity interests previously delivered to the Company.

(iv) The portions of the Finishing Group Acquisition not subject to the Hold Separate Order shall comply with all terms, conditions and requirements of the definition of ‘Material Subsidiary’ and Section 8.11.

(v) Concurrently with the consummation of the Finishing Group Acquisition:

(A) The Company shall cause any Material Domestic Subsidiary that is not a Hold Separate Subsidiary to become a Guarantor and to execute and deliver a Guaranty (or a joinder to Guaranty) to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks.

(B) Except to the extent that (i) such pledge is prohibited by the Hold Separate Order or any related requirement of the Federal Trade Commission, or (ii) the Federal Trade Commission opposes such pledge, the Company shall pledge, or shall cause any Domestic Subsidiary owning the Ownership Interests of a Material Domestic Subsidiary that is a Hold Separate Subsidiary to pledge all such Ownership Interests in such Material Domestic Subsidiary to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Banks and the other secured parties pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement.

(C) Prior to the end of the Hold Separate Period, the Company shall have no obligation under this Section 8.14(v) with respect to any Material Domestic Subsidiary that is a Hold Separate Subsidiary but for which no pledge is required above.

(b) The Company shall observe all terms, conditions, covenants and obligations under the Hold Separate Order at all times during the Hold Separate Period. To the extent that any pledge of Ownership Interests granted pursuant to Section 8.13 or this Section 8.14 is subsequently prohibited or opposed by the Federal Trade Commission, the Collateral Agent will release such pledge to the extent necessary to conform to the requirements of the Hold Separate Order and the related requirements of the Federal Trade Commission.”

(aa) Clause (g) of Section 9.2 is hereby amended to add the following sentence at the end thereof:

“For the avoidance of doubt, the sale of all or any portion of the Hold Separate Business, the Ownership Interests thereof and the assets thereof, through one or a

 

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series of transactions, shall be permitted, in each case without counting toward the 10.00% Consolidated Asset test set forth in this clause (g).”

(bb) The Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding Schedule 1.2 to this Amendment as Schedule 1.2 thereto.

(cc) The Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting Schedule 7.6 to the Credit Agreement and replacing it in its entirety with Schedule 7.6 to this Amendment.

SECTION 2. Conditions of Effectiveness . This Amendment shall become effective as of the date hereof (the “ Effective Date ”) when, and only when:

(a) the Agent shall have received counterparts of (i) this Amendment duly executed by the Company, the Banks and the Agent and (ii) amended and restated versions of each of the Agent Fee Letter and the Syndication Agent Fee Letter, duly executed by the Company and the Agent and the Syndication Agent, respectively;

(b) all of the Agent’s accrued costs, fees and expenses through the date hereof shall be fully paid; and

(c) the Senior Note Agreements shall have been amended in a manner satisfactory to the Agent.

SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties . Each of the parties hereto represents and warrants that this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such party enforceable against such party in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general equitable principles.

SECTION 4. Reference to and the Effect on the Credit Agreement .

(a) On and after the effective date of this Amendment, each reference in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “hereof”, “herein” or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement and each reference to the Credit Agreement in any certificate delivered in connection therewith, shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, except as specifically amended above, the Credit Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed and shall continue to be in full force and effect and enforceable, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally and general equitable principles.

(c) The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the Agent or the Banks, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the Credit Agreement or any other documents, instruments and agreements executed and/or delivered in connection therewith.

 

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SECTION 5. Headings . Section headings in this Amendment are included herein for convenience only and shall not constitute a part of this Amendment for any other purpose.

SECTION 6. Execution in Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Amendment by signing any such counterpart. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Amendment by facsimile or by e-mail transmission of a PDF or similar copy shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Amendment.

SECTION 7. Governing Law . The validity, construction and enforceability of this Amendment shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Minnesota, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof, but giving effect to federal laws of the United States applicable to national banks.

SECTION 8. Expenses . The Company agrees to pay on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of outside counsel to the Agent) incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and any other document required to be furnished herewith.

SECTION 9. Severability . Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 10. Successors; Enforceability . The terms and provisions of this Amendment shall be binding upon the Company, the Agent and the Banks and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, the Agent and the Banks and the successors and assigns of the Agent and the Banks.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the day and year first above written.

 

GRACO INC.
By:   /s/ James A. Graner
Name: James A. Graner
Title: Chief Financial Officer

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Agent and a Bank

By:   /s/ Ludmila Yakovlev
Name: Ludmila Yakovlev
Title: Assistant Vice President

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Suzanne D. Ergastolo
Name: Suzanne D. Ergastolo
Title: Vice President

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD.

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Victor Pierzchalski
Name: Victor Pierzchalski
Title: Authorized Signatory

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Peter Kiedrowski
Name: Peter Kiedrowski
Title: Director

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


FIFTH THIRD BANK

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Gary S. Losey
Name: Gary S. Losey
Title: VP – Corporate Banking

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


PNC BANK N.A.

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Dale A. Stein
Name: Dale A. Stein
Title: Senior Vice President

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


RBS CITIZENS, N.A.

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Mark A. Wegener
Name: Mark A. Wegener
Title: Senior Vice President

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Olivier Lopez
Name: Olivier Lopez
Title: Vice President

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


THE NORTHERN TRUST CO.

as a Bank

By:   /s/ Molly Drennan
Name: Molly Drennan
Title: Vice President

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Graco Credit Agreement


Schedule 1.2

Existing Letters of Credit

L/C Number: SLCMMSP04229

Beneficiary’s Name: City of Anoka

L/C Amount: $25,000.00

Expiry Date: 08/17/12

L/C Number: SLCMMSP04792

Beneficiary’s Name: Minnesota Department of Commerce

L/C Amount: $1,538,842.00

Expiry Date: 09/19/12


Schedule 7.6

Litigation (Section 7.6)

The Federal Trade Commission commenced an action entitled In the Matter of Graco Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc., and ITW Finishing LLC, FTC Docket No. 9350 (2012), before the Federal Trade Commission, to enjoin or otherwise affect the Finishing Group Acquisition. Such action has been withdrawn from adjudication pursuant to the Hold Separate Order.

Exhibit 10.2

March 27, 2012

Graco Inc.

88 11 th Avenue NE

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413

 

  Re: Amendment and Restatement of Amendment No. 1 to Note Agreement

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain (i) Note Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2011 (the “Note Agreement” ), between Graco Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the “Company” ), on the one hand, and The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Gibraltar Life Insurance Co., Ltd., The Prudential Life Insurance Company, Ltd., Forethought Life Insurance Company, RGA Reinsurance Company, MTL Insurance Company and Zurich American Insurance Company (collectively, the “Noteholders” ), on the other hand, and (ii) Amendment No. 1 to Note Agreement, dated May 23, 2011 (the “Original Amendment No. 1” ), between the Company and the Noteholders. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Note Agreement.

The amendments to the Note Agreement set forth in Section 1 of the Original Amendment No. 1 have not yet become effective since the condition precedent to their effectiveness set forth in Section 2.2 thereof has not yet been satisfied. The Company has requested that the Original Amendment No. 1 be amended and restated as set forth below. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the undersigned holders of the Notes are willing to agree to such request. Accordingly, and in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 11C of the Note Agreement, the parties hereto agree that the Original Amendment No. 1 be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows effective upon the execution and delivery of this letter agreement by the Noteholders, the Company and each Guarantor:

SECTION 1. Amendments to the Note Agreement . Effective upon the Effective Date (as defined in Section 2 below), the parties hereto agree that the Note Agreement is amended as follows:

1.1. The reference to “90” in clause (ii) of paragraph 5A of the Note Agreement is amended to be “75”.

1.2. Paragraphs 5M and 5N of the Note Agreement are added to the Note Agreement to read as follows:

“5M. Pledge Agreements. The Company covenants that if at any time the Company or any Domestic Subsidiary owning stock or Ownership Interests of a Material Foreign Subsidiary is required to secure the obligations under a Primary Credit Facility with a security interest in such stock or Ownership Interest of such Material Foreign Subsidiary, the Company will promptly execute, or cause such


Domestic Subsidiary owning such stock or Ownership Interests of a Material Foreign Subsidiary to promptly execute, a pledge agreement to pledge to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Notes and other secured parties pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement with respect to the lesser of (i) 65% of the outstanding stock or other Ownership Interests of a Material Foreign Subsidiary, or (ii) all of the stock or other Ownership Interests of such Material Foreign Subsidiary owned by the Company or such Domestic Subsidiary at any time. The Company further agrees that within sixty (60) days after the date on which initial loans under the Credit Agreement are made, unless such action is prohibited by the Hold Separate Order or any related requirement of the Federal Trade Commission or the Federal Trade Commission opposes such action, it will deliver to the Collateral Agent all such pledge agreements as may be required to the extent necessary to grant the Collateral Agent a security interest in 65% of the outstanding stock or other Ownership Interests of each First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary, together (to the extent available and applicable) with appropriate corporate resolutions and other documentation (including the certificates representing the stock or Ownership Interests of such Material Foreign Subsidiary subject to such pledge, executed assignments separate from the certificates (stock powers) for such certificates with respect to any such Material Foreign Subsidiary thereto executed in blank, such other documents as shall be reasonably requested to perfect the Lien of such pledge under the laws of the United States or any applicable state thereof, and, if the lenders under a Primary Credit Facility have received similar legal opinions, opinions of counsel addressed to the holders of the Notes), in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Required Holder(s), and in a manner that the Required Holder(s) shall be reasonably satisfied that the Collateral Agent has a first priority perfected pledge of or charge over the Ownership Interest pledged pursuant to such pledge agreements.

5N. Finishing Group Acquisition .

(i) Upon satisfaction of the conditions precedent to initial loans under the Credit Agreement set forth in Section 6.2 thereof, the Company may consummate the Finishing Group Acquisition at any time, provided that the following additional conditions are satisfied:

(a) The Company shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Required Holder(s) that (x) the Federal Trade Commission has permitted the Finishing Group Acquisition to proceed, subject to the Hold Separate Order, (y) the final terms and conditions of each aspect of the Hold Separate Order and all related documentation shall be satisfactory to the Required Holder(s) and shall have been approved by the Federal Trade Commission, and (z) the Company has received all other governmental, shareholder and third party consents necessary in connection with the Finishing Group Acquisition, with the exception of any such consents for which the Required Holder(s) have waived receipt.

 

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(b) The final terms and conditions of each aspect of the Finishing Group Acquisition shall be satisfactory to the Required Holder(s), the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Finishing Group Acquisition is to be consummated shall be satisfactory to the Required Holder(s) and shall provide for a maximum acquisition consideration of $650,000,000 plus any working capital, net asset, and cash/debt adjustments provided for under the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement plus transaction costs, and the Company will deliver to the Required Holder(s) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer confirming that there have been no material modifications to the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement and confirming that the Finishing Group Acquisition will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement.

(c) The Company shall have delivered to the Required Holder(s) the audited financial statements for the assets and equity interests being purchased in the Finishing Group Acquisition for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, which shall not be inconsistent in any material respect with the unaudited financial statements with respect to such assets and equity interests previously delivered to the Company.

(d) The portions of the Finishing Group Acquisition not subject to the Hold Separate Order shall comply with all terms, conditions and requirements of the definition of ‘Material Subsidiary’ and paragraph 5M.

(e) Concurrently with the consummation of the Finishing Group Acquisition:

(A) The Company shall cause any Material Domestic Subsidiary that is not a Hold Separate Subsidiary to become a Guarantor and to execute and deliver a Guaranty Agreement in the form of Exhibit C-1 hereto (or a joinder to Guaranty Agreement in the form of the exhibit attached thereto) to the holders of the Notes.

(B) Except to the extent that (i) such pledge is prohibited by the Hold Separate Order or any related requirement of the Federal Trade Commission, or (ii) the Federal Trade Commission opposes such pledge, the Company shall pledge, or shall cause any Domestic Subsidiary owning the Ownership Interests of a Material Domestic Subsidiary that is a Hold Separate Subsidiary to pledge all such Ownership Interests in such Material Domestic Subsidiary to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Notes and the other secured parties pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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(D) Prior to the end of the Hold Separate Period, the Company shall have no obligation under this paragraph 5N(i)(e) with respect to any Material Domestic Subsidiary that is a Hold Separate Subsidiary but for which no pledge is required above.

(ii) The Company shall observe all terms, conditions, covenants and obligations under the Hold Separate Order at all times during the Hold Separate Period. To the extent that pledge of Ownership Interests granted pursuant to paragraph 5M or this paragraph 5N is subsequently prohibited or opposed by the Federal Trade Commission, the Required Holder(s) will release such pledge to the extent necessary to conform to the requirements of the Hold Separate Order and the related requirements of the Federal Trade Commission.”

1.3. Paragraph 6A of the Note Agreement is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“6A. Financial Covenants .

6A(1). Cash Flow Leverage Ratio . The Company will not permit the Cash Flow Leverage Ratio, as of the end of any fiscal quarter of the Company, to exceed 3.25 to 1.00; provided, however, that, in connection with any Permitted Acquisition for which the purchase consideration equals or exceeds $200,000,000 (including the Finishing Group Acquisition), the maximum Cash Flow Leverage Ratio, with prior notice to the holders of the Notes, shall increase to 3.75 to 1.00 for the four fiscal quarter period beginning with the quarter in which such Permitted Acquisition occurs, so long as (i) the Company is in pro forma compliance herewith at such 3.75 to 1.00 level before and after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition and (ii) after any such Permitted Acquisition that results in an increase to the 3.75 to 1.00 level, the Cash Flow Leverage Ratio permitted under this paragraph 6A(1) shall decrease to 3.25 to 1.00 for at least one fiscal quarter before becoming eligible to again increase to 3.75 to 1.00 for a new period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (with the understanding that any Permitted Acquisition occurring during such fiscal quarter would be required to comply with the 3.25 to 1.00 ratio).

6A(2). Interest Coverage Ratio . The Company will not permit the Interest Coverage Ratio for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to be less than 3.00 to 1.00; provided, however, that, in connection with any Permitted Acquisition for which the purchase consideration equals or exceeds $200,000,000 (including the Finishing Group Acquisition), the minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, with prior notice to the holders of the Notes, shall decrease to 2.50 to 1.00 for the four fiscal quarter period beginning with the quarter in which such Permitted Acquisition occurs, so long as (i) the Company is in pro forma compliance herewith at such 2.50 to 1.00 level before and after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition and (ii) after any such Permitted Acquisition that results in a decrease to the 2.50 to 1.00 level, the Interest Coverage Ratio permitted under this paragraph 6A(2) shall increase to 3.00 to 1.00 for at least one fiscal quarter before becoming eligible to again

 

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decrease to 2.50 to 1.00 for a new period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (with the understanding that any Permitted Acquisition occurring during such fiscal quarter would be required to comply with the 3.00 to 1.00 ratio).”

1.4. Clause (vii) of paragraph 6C of the Note Agreement is amended to add the following sentence at the end thereof:

“For the avoidance of doubt, the sale of all or any portion of the Hold Separate Business, the Ownership Interests thereof and the assets thereof, through one or a series of transactions, shall be permitted, in each case without counting toward the 10.00% Consolidated Asset test set forth in this clause (vii).”

1.5. Clause (iii) of paragraph 6L of the Note Agreement is hereby deleted.

1.6. The reference “subject to paragraph 11W” appearing in clause (iii) of paragraph 7A of the Note Agreement is hereby deleted.

1.7. Clause (xiii) of paragraph 7A of the Note Agreement is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“(xiii) if (a) any Plan shall fail to satisfy the minimum funding standards of ERISA or the Code for any plan year or part thereof or a waiver of such standards or extension of any amortization period is sought or granted under section 412 of the Code, (b) a notice of intent to terminate any Plan shall have been filed with the PBGC or the PBGC shall have instituted proceedings under ERISA section 4042 to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan or the PBGC shall have notified the Company or any ERISA Affiliate that a Plan may become a subject of any such proceedings, or (c) any Plan is in “at-risk status” (within the meaning of section 430(i)(4) of the Code) and the aggregate value of the liabilities of all Plans that are in at-risk status exceeds the aggregate value of the assets of all Plans that are in at-risk status by more than $50,000,000 (with liabilities and assets valued in the manner used to determine the funding target attainment percentage under Section 430 of the Code (disregarding the special rules contained in Section 430(i)(1)(B)), (d) the Company or any ERISA Affiliate shall have incurred or is reasonably expected to incur any liability pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit plans, (e) the Company or any ERISA Affiliate withdraws from any Multiemployer Plan, or (f) the Company or any Subsidiary establishes or amends any employee welfare benefit plan that provides post-employment welfare benefits in a manner that would increase the liability of the Company or any Subsidiary thereunder; and, if such event or events are events described in clauses (a), (b) or (d) through (f) above, either individually or together with any other such event or events, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or”

 

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1.8. Paragraph 10B of the Note Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating, or inserting in the appropriate alphabetical sequence, as the case may be, the following definitions:

“Change of Control” shall mean

(i), either (a) the acquisition by any “person” or “group” (as those terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and any Person acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-4 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, except that a Person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding voting capital stock of the Company; or (b) a change in the composition of the board of directors of the Company such that continuing directors cease to constitute more than 50% of such board of directors. As used in this definition, “continuing directors” means, as of any date, (1) those members of the board of directors of the Company who assumed office prior to such date, and (2) those members of the board of directors of the Company who assumed office after such date and whose appointment or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 50% of the directors of the Company in office immediately prior to such appointment or nomination; or (ii) a “change of control” or any similar event shall occur under, and as defined in documents pertaining to, any Indebtedness in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate (other than the Notes) of the Company or any Material Subsidiary.

“Collateral Agent” shall mean U.S. Bank National Association in its capacity as Collateral Agent under the Intercreditor Agreement, or any successor in such capacity.

“Contingent Obligation” means, with respect to any Person at the time of any determination, without duplication, any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or otherwise: (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any direct or indirect security therefor, (ii) to purchase property, securities, Ownership Interests or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or otherwise to protect the owner thereof against loss in respect thereof, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any manner the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness or to protect the owner against loss in respect thereof; provided, that the term “Contingent Obligation”

 

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shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and shall not include earn-outs in connection with Permitted Acquisitions and other acquisitions not prohibited hereby.

“Credit Agreement” shall mean that certain Credit Agreement dated as of May 23, 2011, among the Company, the Borrowing Subsidiaries defined therein, the Banks named therein, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as Syndication Agent, as amended by First Amendment thereof dated March 27, 2012, and as such agreement is further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or extended, renewed or refinanced from time to time.

“EBITDA” means, for any period of determination, the consolidated net income of the Company and its Subsidiaries, plus, to the extent subtracted in determining consolidated net income and without duplication, (i) Interest Expense, (ii) depreciation, (iii) amortization, (iv) income tax expense, (v) extraordinary, non-operating or noncash charges and expenses for (including but not limited to non-cash stock compensation expense, non-cash pension expense, workforce reduction or other restructuring charges, and transaction costs, fees and charges incurred in connection with the acquisition of any substantial portion of the Ownership Interests or assets of, or a line of business or division of, another Person, including any merger or consolidation with such other Person), minus, the aggregate amount of extraordinary, non-operating or non-cash gains and income (including, without limitation, extraordinary or nonrecurring gains, gains from the discontinuance of operations and gains arising from the sale of assets other than inventory, all as determined in accordance with GAAP). For purposes of calculating EBITDA, with respect to any period of determination, (i) Permitted Acquisitions that have been made by the Company and its Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing transactions, during the period of determination shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the period of determination; provided that only the actual historical results of operations of the Persons so acquired, without adjustment for pro forma expense savings or revenue increases, shall be used for such calculation; and provided, further, that the EBITDA of the Person so acquired attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the end of such period of determination, shall be excluded, and (ii) dispositions that have been made by the Company and its Subsidiaries during the period of determination shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the period of determination; provided that the EBITDA for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if positive) attributable to the property that is the subject of such disposition for such period of increased by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if negative) attributable thereto for such period. Notwithstanding the requirements of GAAP, to the extent the Company does not have access to the EBITDA of the Hold Separate Business or any portion thereof, such EBITDA or such portion thereof shall not be included in the calculation of EBITDA hereunder, and to the extent the Company does have access to the EBITDA of the Hold Separate Business or any portion thereof

 

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(regardless of whether the Company actually receives the value of any such earnings of the Hold Separate Business or such portion thereof, either through a dividend, distribution, or otherwise), such EBITDA or such portion thereof shall be included in the calculation of EBITDA hereunder provided that, if the Hold Separate Subsidiary in which such Hold Separate Business is maintained that has generated such EBITDA is a Material Subsidiary, the Ownership Interest of such Hold Separate Subsidiary is pledged to secure such obligations pursuant to paragraph 5M or paragraph 5N (it being understood and agreed that (i) EBITDA generated by a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary shall in any event be included until the lapse of 60 days after the date which the initial loans are made under the Credit Agreement, and (ii) EBITDA generated by a Hold Separate Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary will at all times be included).

“Finishing Group Acquisition” shall mean the acquisition by the Company of substantially all of the domestic and foreign assets and foreign equity interests relating to the Finishing Business (as defined in the Finishing Group Purchase Agreement) of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and its subsidiaries, through one or a series of transactions.

“Finishing Group Purchase Agreement” means the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2011, by and among the Company, Graco Holdings Inc., Graco Minnesota Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC, as the same may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, in each case in a manner acceptable to the Required Holder(s).

“First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary” shall mean a Foreign Subsidiary, the stock or other Ownership Interests of which are held by the Company or by a Domestic Subsidiary.

“FTC Orders” shall mean (i) the Agreement Containing Consent Orders among the Company, Illinois Tool Works Inc., ITW Finishing LLC and the Federal Trade Commission, entered in Federal Trade Commission Docket No. 9350, (ii) the Agreement among the Company, Illinois Tool Works Inc., ITW Finishing LLC and the Federal Trade Commission, entered in Federal Trade Commission Docket No. 9350, and (iii) the Hold Separate Order.

“Hold Separate Order” shall mean the Order to Hold Separate and Maintain Assets, dated as of March 26, 2012, issued by the United States Federal Trade Commission in the Matter of Graco Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc., and ITW Finishing LLC, the terms and conditions of which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Required Holder(s), and each other document or order in connection therewith.

“Hold Separate Business” has the meaning set forth in the Hold Separate Order.

 

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“Hold Separate Period” has the meaning set forth in the Hold Separate Order.

“Hold Separate Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary all or any part of the assets of which constitute part of the Hold Separate Business.

“Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean that certain Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2011, by and among U.S. Bank National Association, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank National Association, as the collateral agent appointed pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof, and the holders of the Notes, as such agreement is amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time.

“Interest Expense” shall mean, for any period of determination, the aggregate consolidated amount, without duplication, of interest expense determined in accordance with GAAP excluding amortization of financing fees to the extent included in interest expense but specifically including (i) all but the principal component of payments in respect of conditional sale contracts, Capitalized Leases and other title retention agreements, (ii) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financings and (iii) Rate Hedging Obligations, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the first four fiscal quarters following the consummation of a Material Acquisition, Interest Expense shall be adjusted, on a basis acceptable to the Required Holder(s), to give effect to any such acquisition as if it had occurred on the first day of the measurement period.

“Material Acquisition” means a Permitted Acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary where total consideration for such acquisition exceeds $25,000,000.

“Material Domestic Subsidiary” shall mean any Domestic Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary.”

“Material Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary designated as such by the Company to the holders of the Notes from time to time, provided, that if, upon delivery of the annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements of the Company under paragraph 5A(i) or (ii), the book value (net of reserves) of the assets of all Subsidiaries that are not Material Subsidiaries (determined based on the consolidated quarterly or annual balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries, but after giving effect, without duplication, to the elimination of the asset component of minority interests, if any in such Subsidiaries) shall exceed 10% of Consolidated Assets as determined based on such quarterly or annual balance sheet, the Company shall promptly designate an additional Material Subsidiary or additional Material Subsidiaries so that, after giving effect to such designation, such requirement shall have been met. Solely for purposes of making any determination under this definition, the book value (net of reserves) of any First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary shall be determined on a combined basis with

 

9


the book value (net of reserves) of each Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary in which such First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary directly or indirectly holds stock or other Ownership Interests, and the book value (net of reserves) of each Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary shall in all other respects be disregarded. In no event shall any Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary itself be deemed a Material Subsidiary.

“Material Foreign Subsidiary” shall mean any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary.

“Permitted Acquisition” shall mean the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of all or substantially all of the Ownership Interests or assets of any other Person (including by merger) or of all or substantially all of the assets of a division, business unit, product line or line of business of any other Person, provided that (i) following such acquisition, the Company shall be in compliance with paragraph 6G hereof, (ii) such acquisition shall occur at a time that no Event of Default shall have occurred and continued hereunder and no Event of Default shall result therefrom, (iii) if it is an acquisition of Ownership Interests and a new Material Subsidiary is thereby created, such Material Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor or the Company or Subsidiary that is the owner thereof shall have pledged the Ownership Interest thereof, if so required by paragraph 5K or 5M hereof, (iv) such acquisition shall be consummated on a non-hostile basis and shall have been approved by the board of directors (or similar governing body) of any Person acquired, and (v) the Company shall have furnished to the holders of the Notes a certificate signed by a Responsible Employee demonstrating in reasonable detail pro forma compliance with the financial covenants contained in paragraphs 6A(1), 6A(2) and 6J for the applicable calculation period, in each case, calculated as if such acquisition, including the consideration therefor, had been consummated on the first day of such period. For the avoidance of doubt, regardless of whether the requirements set forth in this definition have been met with respect to the Finishing Group Acquisition, the Finishing Group Acquisition shall be deemed a Permitted Acquisition.”

“Pledge Agreement” has the meaning given in Amendment No. 1 to this Agreement.

“Rate Hedging Obligations” means any and all obligations and exposure of the Company and its Subsidiaries under (i) any and all agreements, devices or arrangements designed to protect the Company or any Subsidiary from the fluctuations of interest rates or currencies, including interest rate or foreign exchange agreements, interest rate or currency cap or collar protection agreements, and interest rate and currency options, puts and warrants, determined on a net, mark-to-market basis, and (ii) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any of the foregoing.

“Second-Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means a Foreign Subsidiary other than a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary.”

 

10


“Senior Creditor ” means any Person that (i) from time to time extends credit to the Company that is not subordinate or junior in right of payment or Lien priority to the Notes and the other obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, (ii) extends credit that constitutes a Primary Credit Facility and (iii) becomes a party to and is bound by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement (including, without limitation, all limitations set forth therein).

1.9. The following definition is deleted from paragraph 10B of the Note Agreement:

“Significant Acquisition”

1.10. Paragraph 11V is amended by adding the following sentence to the end thereof:

“In addition, if a Material Foreign Subsidiary, 65% of the Ownership Interests of which are pledged to the Collateral Agent (such Subsidiary referred to as a “Restructured Foreign Subsidiary” ), becomes a direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary (such First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary being referred to herein as a “Foreign Holding Subsidiary” ), the holders of the Notes hereby authorize the Collateral Agent to release such pledge of the Ownership Interests of such Restructured Subsidiary if requested by the Company, provided that (a) at least 65% of the outstanding Ownership Interests of such Foreign Holding Subsidiary are pledged to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Pledge Agreement and (b) no holder of any Indebtedness outstanding under any Primary Credit Facility shall have received any release, waiver or similar fees for the foregoing release unless the holders of the Notes receive fees on a pro rata basis in proportion to the relative outstanding principal amounts of the Notes and the principal amount of the Indebtedness outstanding under such Primary Credit Facility (including, in the case of a revolving credit facility, the aggregate principal amount of additional loans that the lenders are legally committed to fund thereunder).”

1.11. Paragraph 11W of the Note Agreement is hereby deleted.

1.12. Schedule 8A(1) to the Note Agreement is replaced by Schedule 8A(1) attached to this letter agreement.

SECTION 2. Effectiveness . The amendments in Section 1 of this letter agreement shall become effective on the date (the “ Effective Date” ) that each of the following conditions has been satisfied:

2.1. Documents . Each Noteholder shall have received original counterparts of this letter agreement executed by the Noteholders, the Company and each Guarantor.

2.2. Credit Agreement Amendment . Each Noteholder shall have received copies of the executed amendment to the Credit Agreement (as defined in the Note Agreement as amended hereby) in form and substance satisfactory to each Noteholder, the Credit Agreement shall be in full force and effect and all conditions to the obligations of the Banks named therein to make the initial loans thereunder shall have been satisfied.

 

11


2.3 FTC Orders . Each FTC Order shall be satisfactory to each Noteholder, shall have been duly executed and approved by all necessary parties, and shall be in full force and effect.

2.4. Representations . All representations set forth in Section 3 shall be true and correct as of the Effective Date, except for such representations and warranties that speak of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier date.

2.5. Proceedings . All corporate and other proceedings taken or to be taken in connection with the transactions contemplated by this letter agreement shall be satisfactory to each Noteholder and its counsel, and each Noteholder shall have received all such counterpart originals or certified or other copies of such documents as they may reasonably request.

SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties . The Company represents and warrants to each Noteholder that (i) immediately before and after giving effect to the amendments to the Note Agreement in Section 1 hereof, (a) each representation and warranty set forth in paragraph 8 of the Note Agreement is true and correct other than those representations and warranties that speak as of a certain date, in which case such representation and warranty was true and correct as of such earlier date, (b) no Event of Default or Default exists and (ii) all necessary or required consents to this letter agreement have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

SECTION 4. Reference to and Effect on Note Agreement . Upon the effectiveness of the amendments made in this letter agreement, each reference to the Note Agreement in any other document, instrument or agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Note Agreement as modified by this letter agreement. Except as specifically set forth in Section 1 hereof, the Note Agreement and the Notes shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects. Except as specifically stated in Section 1 of this letter agreement, the execution, delivery and effectiveness of this letter agreement shall not (a) amend the Note Agreement, any Note or any other Transaction Document, (b) operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the holder of any Note, or (c) constitute a waiver of, or consent to any departure from, any provision of the Note Agreement, any Note or any of the other Transaction Documents at any time. The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this letter agreement shall not be construed as a course of dealing or other implication that any holder of Notes has agreed to or is prepared to grant any amendment to, waiver of or consent under the Note Agreement, any Note or any other Transaction Document in the future, whether or not under similar circumstances.

SECTION 5. Expenses . The Company hereby confirms its obligations under the Note Agreement, whether or not the transactions hereby contemplated are consummated, to pay, promptly after request by the holders of the Notes, all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by such holders in connection with this letter agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, in enforcing any rights under this letter agreement, or in responding to any subpoena or other legal process or informal investigative demand issued in connection with this letter agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. The obligations of the Company under this Section 5 shall survive transfer by any holder of any Note and payment of any Note.

 

12


SECTION 6. Reaffirmation . Each Guarantor hereby consents to the foregoing amendments to the Note Agreement and hereby ratifies and reaffirms all of its payment and performance obligations, contingent or otherwise, under the Guaranty Agreement after giving effect to such amendments. Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that, notwithstanding the foregoing amendments, that the Guaranty Agreement remains in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor agrees and confirms that the Guaranty Agreement continues to guaranty the obligations arising under or in connection with the Note Agreement, as the same may be amended by this letter agreement.

SECTION 7. Governing Law . THIS LETTER AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS OF SUCH STATE WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE CAUSE THIS LETTER TO BE CONSTRUED OR ENFORCED OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

SECTION 8. Counterparts; Section Titles . This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this letter agreement. The section titles contained in this letter agreement are and shall be without substance, meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of the agreement between the parties hereto.

SECTION 9 Acknowledgement of Status of Existing Credit Agreement . The Company acknowledges that the Credit Agreement (as defined in the Note Agreement prior to giving effect to the amendments contained in Section 1 hereof) has been renewed, extended, refinanced or replaced as contemplated by clause (a) of the definition of “Permitted Foreign Stock Pledge” contained in the Note Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

13


Very truly yours,

THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY

OF AMERICA

By:  

/s/ William Engelking

  Vice President

GIBRALTAR LIFE INSURANCE CO., LTD.

THE PRUDENTIAL LIFE INSURANCE

COMPANY, LTD.

By:  

Prudential Investment Management (Japan), Inc.,

as Investment Manager

By:  

Prudential Investment Management, Inc.,

as Sub-Adviser

By:  

/s/ William Engelking

  Vice President

FORETHOUGHT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

RGA REINSURANCE COMPANY

MTL INSURANCE COMPANY

ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

By:  

Prudential Private Placement Investors, L.P.

(as Investment Advisor)

By:  

Prudential Private Placement Investors, Inc.

(as its General Partner)

By:  

/s/ William Engelking

  Vice President
 
 
 

Signature Page to Amendment and Restatement of Amendment No. 1 to Note Agreement


Accepted and Agreed to:
GRACO INC.
By:  

/s/ James A. Graner

Name:   James A. Graner
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
By:  

/s/ James A. Graner

Name:   James A. Graner
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
GRACO OHIO INC.
By:  

/s/ James A. Graner

Name:   James A. Graner
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
GRACO HOLDINGS INC.
By:  

/s/ Christian E. Rothe

Name:   Christian E. Rothe
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Signature Page to Amendment and Restatement of Amendment No. 1 to Note Agreement


SCHEDULE 8A(1)

SUBSIDIARIES

 

Subsidiary

  

Jurisdiction

  

Holders of Ownership

Interests

  

Liable under a

Contingent Obligation,

or as a Co-Borrower or

Co-Obligor, under a

Primary Credit Facility

Finishing Brands Holdings Inc.

   Minnesota    100% by the Company    No

Finishing Brands UK Limited

   England and Wales    100% by Graco Limited    No

Graco Australia Pty Ltd.

   Australia    100% by the Company    No

Graco BVBA

   Belgium    100% by the Company    No

Graco Canada Inc.

   Canada    100% by the Company    No

Graco do Brasil Ltda.

   Brazil    100% by the Company 1    No

Graco Fluid Equipment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

   People’s Republic of China    100% by the Company    No

Graco Fluid Equipment (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

   People’s Republic of China    100% by Graco Minnesota Inc.    No

Graco Global Holdings S.á.r.l.

   Luxembourg    100% by the Company    No

Graco GmbH

   Germany    100% by the Company    No

Graco Holdings Inc.

   Minnesota    100% by the Company   

Guarantor under the

Credit Agreement

Graco Hong Kong Ltd.

   People’s Republic of China (Special Adm Region)    100% by the Company    No

Graco International Holdings S.á.r.l.

   Luxembourg    100% by Graco Global Holdings S.á.r.l.    No

Graco K.K.

   Japan    100% by the Company    No

Graco Korea Inc.

   Korea    100% by the Company    No

Graco Ltd.

   England and Wales    100% by the Company    No

Graco Minnesota Inc.

   Minnesota    100% by the Company   

Guarantor under the

Credit Agreement

Graco Ohio Inc.

   Ohio    100% by the Company   

Guarantor under the

Credit Agreement

Graco S.A.S.

   France    100% by the Company    No

Graco Trading (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

   People’s Republic of China    100% by Graco Minnesota Inc.    No

Gusmer Sudamerica S.A.

   Argentina    100% by the Company 2    No

 

1  

Includes shares held by executive officers of the Company or the relevant subsidiary to satisfy the requirements of local law.

2  

Shares held by executive officers of the Company to satisfy the requirements of local law.

Schedule 8A(1)-1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Monday, April 2, 2012       Investors: James A. Graner (612) 623-6635

GRACO CLOSES FINISHING BRANDS ACQUISITION

Powder Finishing business to be consolidated with Graco’s Industrial Segment,

while Liquid Finishing businesses to be held separate under FTC order

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 2, 2012) - Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) announced today that it has closed on its $650 million acquisition of the Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) finishing businesses. The Company previously announced that it reached an agreement with the United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), which allowed for closing to occur while the FTC investigates and considers a settlement proposal from Graco.

The acquisition includes complementary powder and liquid finishing equipment operations, technologies and brands. In powder finishing, Graco has added Gema ® , a global leader in superior powder coating technology (the “Powder Finishing” business), and approximately one-third of the purchase price is expected to be allocated to this business. In industrial liquid finishing, the acquisition includes Binks ® spray finishing equipment, DeVilbiss ® spray guns and accessories, Ransburg ® electrostatic equipment and accessories and BGK curing technology (excluding Powder Finishing, collectively known as the “Liquid Finishing” businesses).

As disclosed on March 27, 2012, the FTC has issued an order for Graco to hold the Liquid Finishing assets separate from the Powder Finishing and other Graco businesses while the FTC investigates and considers a settlement proposal from Graco. In compliance with the FTC’s order, the Liquid Finishing businesses have been acquired into a structure that limits commingling of the Liquid Finishing operations with Graco’s other businesses. Although the Liquid Finishing businesses are wholly-owned by Graco, they will be run independently by existing management under the supervision of a trustee who reports directly to the FTC.

At the completion of its review, the FTC will issue a final decision and order that will identify the products, businesses and/or assets that Graco will be required to divest. Such divestiture must be completed in the 180 days following the issuance of the final decision and order and may include up to all of the Liquid Finishing businesses.

Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries. For additional information about Graco Inc., please visit us at www.graco.com .


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

A forward-looking statement is any statement made in this release that reflects the Company’s current thinking on the acquisition of the finishing business from ITW. All forecasts and projections are forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements in light of new information or future events.

The Company desires to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 by making cautionary statements concerning any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company cannot give any assurance that the results forecasted in any forward-looking statement will actually be achieved. Future results could differ materially from those expressed, due to the impact of changes in various factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: whether and when the required regulatory approvals will be obtained, whether and when the Company will be able to realize the expected financial results and accretive effect of the transaction, how customers, competitors, suppliers and employees will react to the transaction, economic changes in global markets, the extent of the acquired businesses required to be divested, whether the Company will be able to find a suitable purchaser(s) and structure the divestiture on acceptable terms, and whether the Company will be able to complete a divestiture in a time frame that is satisfactory to the Federal Trade Commission. Please refer to Item 1A of, and Exhibit 99 to, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2011 for a more comprehensive discussion of other risk factors that relate generally to the Company’s business and financial condition. The Annual Report on Form 10-K is available on the Company’s website at www.graco.com and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov .

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