UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 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): August 7, 2013

 

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-7677   73-1015226

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

FileNumber)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

16 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma   73107
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (405) 235-4546

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

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))

 

 

 


Section 1 – Registrant’s Business and Operations

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Sale of Senior Secured Notes due 2019

On August 7, 2013, LSB Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) completed the issuance and sale of $425 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “Notes”) in a private offering. The Company’s obligations under the Notes are, jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the “Guarantees”), by each of the Company’s current and future domestic restricted subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”).

The Notes and the Guarantees, other than the unsecured guarantees issued by Zena Energy, L.L.C. (“Zena”) and El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P. (“EDN”) (the “Unsecured Guarantees”), are secured, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, (a) on a first-priority basis by a substantial portion of the Company’s and certain Guarantors’ assets (other than the assets securing the Company’s Working Capital Revolver (defined below), subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, and (b) on a second-priority basis by certain of the Company’s and certain Guarantors’ assets (other than certain general intangibles) that secure the Company’s senior secured working capital facility (the “Working Capital Revolver”), including accounts receivable, inventories and certain other related asset proceeds thereof.

The net proceeds from the Notes offering were approximately $418.0 million, after deducting certain discounts and the estimated expenses of the Notes offering. The Company (a) used approximately $67.5 million of the net proceeds from the Notes offering to repay the unpaid principal balance plus all accrued and unpaid interest due thereon and the prepayment penalty under its existing term loan facility (b) intends to use the balance of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which the Company expects to include, among other things, the construction of an ammonia plant, nitric acid plant and concentrator at its chemical facility located in El Dorado, Arkansas; improvement of reliability, mechanical integrity, and safety at all of its chemical facilities; and development of its acquired natural gas leaseholds during the next three years. Pending application of proceeds in accordance with clause (b), the net proceeds will be invested in investments with highly rated money market funds, U.S. government securities, treasury bills, and/or short-term commercial paper.

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws. The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including the exhibits hereto, is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase any of the securities referenced herein.

The Company has sold the Notes in accordance with exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act.


Intercreditor Agreement

The Company and the Guarantors acknowledged and agreed to a intercreditor agreement dated August 7, 2013 (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) by and among UMB Bank, n.a. (“UMB”), as collateral agent for the Note holders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Inc., as agent for the lenders under the Working Capital Revolver. The Intercreditor Agreement, among other things, provides (a) that the first-priority liens (which are subject to certain exceptions) on the collateral securing the Notes and related obligations will be senior in all respects to the liens on the collateral securing the Working Capital Revolver and related obligations and (b) certain other matters relating to the administration of security interests securing the Notes, Guarantees, and the Working Capital Revolver.

A copy of the Intercreditor Agreement is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Indenture

The Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated August 7, 2013, among the Company, the Guarantors, and UMB, as trustee. The Notes are senior secured debt obligations of the Company and will mature on August 1, 2019. Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of 7.75% per annum and will be payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1, beginning on February 1, 2014. Each of the Guarantors has guaranteed the obligations of the Company under the Notes. The Notes may be guaranteed by additional subsidiaries in the future under certain circumstances. The guarantees are senior secured obligations of the Guarantors, subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture.

The Notes and Guarantees:

The Notes and the Guarantees (other than the Unsecured Guarantees) will be the Company’s and the Guarantors’ senior secured obligations. The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes and the Guarantees (other than the Unsecured Guarantees):

 

 

ranks equally in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ existing and future senior obligations, including their obligations under the Working Capital Revolver;

 

 

ranks senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and the Guarantees;

 

 

is effectively subordinated to (a) the Company’s and the Guarantors’ existing and future indebtedness and obligations that are secured by first-priority liens under our Working Capital Revolver, to the extent of the value of the collateral subject to such liens and (ii) any existing and future indebtedness that is secured by permitted liens on assets that do not constitute collateral securing the Notes, to the extent of the value of such assets;


 

is effectively senior to the Company’s and the guarantors’ existing and future indebtedness and obligations under our Working Capital Revolver to the extent of the value of the collateral that is subject to first-priority liens securing the Notes;

 

 

is equal in priority as to the collateral with respect to the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under any future pari passu lien obligations incurred in accordance with the terms of the Indenture governing the Notes;

 

 

is effectively senior to any existing and future unsecured indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the Notes owned by the Company or such Guarantors (after giving effect to any senior lien on such collateral); and

 

 

is structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future indebtedness, preferred stock obligations and other liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Notes in the future.

The Unsecured Guarantees are the senior unsecured obligations of the relevant guarantor ranking equally in right of payment with all other senior obligations of such guarantor.

Redemption

On or after August 1, 2016, the Company may on one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the Notes at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, on the Notes redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on August 1 st of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2016

     103.875

2017

     101.938

2018 and thereafter

     100.000

At any time prior to August 1, 2016, the Company may at its option redeem the Notes at a “make-whole” redemption price to be determined as described in the Indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Before August 1, 2016, the Company also may, at its option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes using net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a price equal to 107.75% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

Changes of Control and Asset Sales

If the Company experiences certain specific kinds of changes in control described in the Indenture, the Company must offer to purchase the Notes at 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any.


Under some circumstances as described in the Indenture, if the Company sells certain assets and does not repay certain debt or reinvest the proceeds of such sales within certain time periods, the Company must offer to repurchase the Notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.

Certain Covenants

The Indenture contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to:

 

 

incur additional indebtedness;

 

 

declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders;

 

 

make other restricted payments, including, without limitation, investments;

 

 

create dividend and other payment restrictions affecting our subsidiaries;

 

 

create liens or use assets as security in other transactions;

 

 

merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of our assets;

 

 

engage in certain sale/leaseback transactions; and

 

 

enter into transactions with affiliates.

As of the date of the Indenture, all of the Company’s subsidiaries will be restricted subsidiaries. The restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture are subject to important exceptions and qualifications.

Other Provisions

The Indenture provides for customary events of default, including the following (subject to any applicable cure period): nonpayment, breach of covenants in the Indenture, breach of provisions in the security documents, payment defaults under or acceleration of certain other indebtedness, failure to discharge certain judgments, certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization and the invalidity or unenforceability of any guarantee of the Notes or any security document. If an event of default occurs or is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to be due and payable immediately, except that an event of default by reason of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization will accelerate the maturity of the Notes without further action or notice, and cause all indebtedness thereunder to be immediately due and owing.

In connection with granting security interests in favor of the Notes indebtedness, the Company and the Guarantors entered into various agreements and instruments related to such security interests, including a security agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement described above.


A copy of the Indenture is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Registration Rights Agreement

On August 7, 2013, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as representatives of the Initial Purchasers.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to register the offer and sale of exchange notes having substantially identical terms as the Notes under the Securities Act as part of an offer to exchange freely tradable exchange notes for the Notes. The Company will file a registration statement for the exchange offer with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause that registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC not later than 365 days after the issue date of the Notes. In certain instances, the Company may be required to file a shelf registration statement relating to resales of the Notes. The Company will pay liquidated damages in the form of additional interest (or, “special interest”) on the Notes upon the occurrence of any of the following registration defaults: (a) any registration statement required by the Registration Rights Agreement is not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness (the “Effectiveness Target Date”); (b) notwithstanding that the Company has consummated or will consummate an exchange offer, the Company is required to file a shelf registration statement and such shelf registration statement is not declared effective or does not automatically become effective within the time periods specified in the registration rights agreement; (c) the Company and the guarantors fail to consummate the exchange offer within 30 business days of the Effectiveness Target Date with respect to the exchange offer registration statement; or (d) the shelf registration statement or the exchange offer registration statement is declared effective but thereafter ceases to be effective or usable (subject to customary exceptions) during the periods specified in the registration rights agreement.

If a registration default described above occurs, the annual interest rate on the Notes will increase initially by 0.25% for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of such registration default. The annual interest rate on the Notes will increase by an additional 0.25% for each subsequent 90 day period until all registration defaults have been cured, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.0% per year. If the Company corrects all registration defaults, the accrual of such additional interest will cease.

A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is filed as Exhibit 4.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The descriptions and provisions of the Purchase Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement set forth above are summaries only, are not necessarily complete, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full and complete terms thereof contained in the Purchase Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement.


The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, any other federal securities laws or the securities laws of any jurisdiction, and until so registered, the Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, any United States person except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

Section 2 – Financial Information

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

The information included in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Section 3 – Securities and Trading Markets

Item 3.03. Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders .

The information included in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Section 8 – Other Events

Item 8.01. Other Events.

On August 7, 2013, the Company issued a press release announcing the closing of the sale of the Notes offering disclosed in Item 1.01. A copy of this press release is filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information contained in Item 8.01 and Exhibit 99.2 of this Current Report shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

  4.1    Indenture, dated August 7, 2013, among LSB Industries, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, UMB Bank, n.a., as trustee.


  4.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 7, 2013, among LSB Industries, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein.
99.1    Intercreditor Agreement by and among Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Inc., as agent and UMB Bank, n.a., as collateral agent, and acknowledged and agreed to by LSB Industries, Inc. and the other grantors named therein.
99.2    Press Release dated August 7, 2013.

SIGNATURES

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

Dated: August 13, 2013

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:  

Executive Vice President of Finance and

Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 4.1

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issuer

and

THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of August 7, 2013

 

 

UMB BANK, n.a.

Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent

 

 

 


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

 

TIA

Section

           Indenture
Section
  310(a)(1)         7.10
        (a)(2)         7.10
        (a)(3)         N.A.
        (a)(4)         N.A.
        (a)(5)         7.10
        (b)         7.10
  311(a)         7.11
        (b)         7.11
  312(a)         2.05
        (b)         12.03
        (c)         12.03
  313(a)         7.06
        (b)(1)         N.A.
        (b)(2)         7.06
        (c)         12.02
        (d)         7.06
  314(a)         4.02; 4.14
        (b)         N.A.
        (c)(1)         12.04
        (c)(2)         12.04
        (c)(3)         N.A.
        (d)         N.A.
        (e)         12.05
        (f)         4.14; 6.01
  315(a)         7.01
        (b)         7.05; 12.02


           (c)

     7.01

           (d)

     7.01

           (e)

     6.10

316(a)(last sentence)

     11.06

 (a)(1)(A)

     6.05

 (a)(1)(B)

     6.04

      (a)(2)

     N.A.

          (b)

     6.07

317(a)(1)

     6.08

      (a)(2)

     6.09

          (b)

     2.04

    318(a)

     12.01

N.A. means Not Applicable.

 

Note: This Cross-Reference Table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of this Indenture.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  
Article 1   
Definitions and Incorporation by Reference   

SECTION 1.01. Definitions

     1   

SECTION 1.02. Other Definitions

     31   

SECTION 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act

     32   

SECTION 1.04. Rules of Construction

     32   
Article 2   
The Securities   

SECTION 2.01. Form and Dating

     33   

SECTION 2.02. Execution and Authentication

     34   

SECTION 2.03. Registrar and Paying Agent

     34   

SECTION 2.04. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust

     35   

SECTION 2.05. Securityholder Lists

     35   

SECTION 2.06. Transfer and Exchange

     35   

SECTION 2.07. Replacement Securities

     35   

SECTION 2.08. Outstanding Securities

     36   

SECTION 2.09. Temporary Securities

     36   

SECTION 2.10. Cancellation

     36   

SECTION 2.11. Defaulted Interest

     36   

SECTION 2.12. CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, etc

     37   

SECTION 2.13. Issuance of Additional Securities

     37   
Article 3   
Redemption   

SECTION 3.01. Notices to Trustee

     37   

SECTION 3.02. Selection of Securities to Be Redeemed

     38   

SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption

     38   

SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption

     39   

SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price

     39   

SECTION 3.06. Securities Redeemed in Part

     39   


Article 4   
Covenants   

SECTION 4.01. Payment of Securities

     39   

SECTION 4.02. Reports to Holders

     40   

SECTION 4.03. Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness

     40   

SECTION 4.04. Limitation on Restricted Payments

     44   

SECTION 4.05. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

     47   

SECTION 4.06. Limitation on Asset Sales

     48   

SECTION 4.07. Limitation on Affiliate Transactions

     55   

SECTION 4.08. Conduct of Business

     57   

SECTION 4.09. Change of Control

     57   

SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Liens

     58   

SECTION 4.11. Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions

     60   

SECTION 4.12. Future Guarantors

     60   

SECTION 4.13. Payments for Consent

     60   

SECTION 4.14. Compliance Certificate

     61   

SECTION 4.15. Information Regarding Collateral

     61   

SECTION 4.16. Further Assurances and After-Acquired Property

     61   

SECTION 4.17. Further Instruments and Acts

     62   
Article 5   
Surviving Entity   

SECTION 5.01. Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets

     63   
Article 6   
Defaults and Remedies   

SECTION 6.01. Events of Default

     66   

SECTION 6.02. Acceleration

     68   

SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies

     69   

SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults

     70   

SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority

     70   

SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits

     70   

SECTION 6.07. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment

     71   

SECTION 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee

     71   

SECTION 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

     71   

SECTION 6.10. Undertaking for Costs

     72   

SECTION 6.11. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws

     72   
Article 7   
Trustee   

SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee

     72   

SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee

     73   

SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee

     74   

 

ii


SECTION 7.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer

     74   

SECTION 7.05. Notice of Defaults

     74   

SECTION 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders

     74   

SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity

     75   

SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee

     75   

SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger

     76   

SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification

     77   

SECTION 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company

     77   

SECTION 7.12. Security Documents; Intercreditor Agreement

     77   
Article 8   
Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance   

SECTION 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance

     77   

SECTION 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance

     79   

SECTION 8.03. Application of Trust Money

     80   

SECTION 8.04. Repayment to Company

     80   

SECTION 8.05. Indemnity for Government Obligations

     81   

SECTION 8.06. Reinstatement

     81   
Article 9   
Amendments   

SECTION 9.01. Without Consent of Holders

     81   

SECTION 9.02. With Consent of Holders

     83   

SECTION 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act

     85   

SECTION 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers

     85   

SECTION 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities

     85   

SECTION 9.06. Trustee To Sign Amendments

     85   
Article 10   
Guarantees   

SECTION 10.01. Guarantees

     86   

SECTION 10.02. Limitation on Liability

     87   

SECTION 10.03. Successors and Assigns

     88   

SECTION 10.04. No Waiver

     88   

SECTION 10.05. Modification

     88   

SECTION 10.06. Release of Guarantor

     88   

SECTION 10.07. Contribution

     89   

 

iii


Article 11   
Collateral   

SECTION 11.01. Collateral and Security Documents

     89   

SECTION 11.02. Non-Impairment of Liens

     90   

SECTION 11.03. Release of Collateral

     90   

SECTION 11.04. Suits to Protect the Collateral

     91   

SECTION 11.05. Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents

     92   

SECTION 11.06. Purchaser Protected

     92   

SECTION 11.07. Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee

     92   

SECTION 11.08. Release Upon Termination of the Company’s Obligations

     92   

SECTION 11.09. Notes Collateral Agent

     93   

SECTION 11.10. Designations

     94   

SECTION 11.11. Limitation on Stock Collateral

     94   
Article 12   
Miscellaneous   

SECTION 12.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls

     95   

SECTION 12.02. Notices

     95   

SECTION 12.03. Communication by Holders with Other Holders

     95   

SECTION 12.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

     95   

SECTION 12.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

     96   

SECTION 12.06. When Securities Disregarded

     96   

SECTION 12.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar

     96   

SECTION 12.08. Legal Holidays

     96   

SECTION 12.09. Governing Law

     97   

SECTION 12.10. No Recourse Against Others

     97   

SECTION 12.11. Successors

     97   

SECTION 12.12. Multiple Originals

     97   

SECTION 12.13. Table of Contents; Headings

     97   

SECTION 12.14. Electronic Transactions

     97   

SECTION 12.15. Intercreditor Agreement Governs

     97   

Rule 144A/Regulation S Appendix

  

Exhibit 1 – Form of Initial Security

  

Exhibit A – Form of Exchange Security

  

 

iv


INDENTURE dated as of August 7, 2013, among LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors and UMB Bank, n.a., a national banking association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Notes Collateral Agent”).

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company’s Initial Securities and Exchange Securities (collectively, the “Securities”):

Article 1

Definitions and Incorporation by Reference

SECTION 1.01. Definitions.

“ABL Priority Collateral” means “ABL Priority Collateral” as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

“Acquired Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or at the time it merges or consolidates with or into the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person and in each case not incurred by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or such acquisition, merger or consolidation.

“Additional Securities” means Securities issued under this Indenture after the Issue Date and in compliance with Section 2.13 and 4.03, it being understood that any Securities issued in exchange for or replacement of any Initial Security issued on the Issue Date shall not be an Additional Security, including any such Securities issued pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement.

“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, (i) the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities”, for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after August 1, 2016, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue shall be determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month) or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per year equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date, in each case calculated on the third business day immediately preceding the redemption date, plus 0.5%.


“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person. The term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative of the foregoing.

“Applicable Premium” means with respect to a Security at any redemption date, the greater of (1) 1.00% of the principal amount of such Security and (2) the excess of (if any) (A) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of such Security on August 1, 2016 (such redemption price being described in the first paragraph of section 5 of the Securities, exclusive of any accrued interest) plus (ii) all required remaining scheduled interest payments due on such Security through August 1, 2016 (but excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Adjusted Treasury Rate, over (B) the principal amount of such Security on such redemption date.

“Asset Acquisition” means (1) an Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any other Person pursuant to which such Person shall become a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or shall be merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or (2) the acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of the assets of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) which constitute all or substantially all of the assets of such Person or comprises any division or line of business of such Person or any other properties or assets of such Person other than in the ordinary course of business.

“Asset Sale” means any direct or indirect sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease (other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business), assignment or other transfer for value by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of:

(1) any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary);

(2) all or substantially all the assets of any division or line of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

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(3) any other property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than in the ordinary course of business provided , however , that asset sales or other dispositions shall not include (A) a transaction or series of related transactions for which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries receive aggregate consideration of less than $2,500,000, (B) the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company as permitted under Section 5.01, (C) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 4.04, (D) the sale or discount, in each case without recourse, of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, but only in connection with the compromise or collection thereof, (E) disposals or replacements of obsolete or worn out equipment, (F) a disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents, and (G) the creation of a Lien (but not the sale or other disposition of the property subject to such Lien).

“Attributable Debt” in respect of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest rate borne by the Securities, compounded annually) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended); provided , however , that if such Sale/Leaseback Transaction results in a Capitalized Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby shall be determined in accordance with the definition of “Capitalized Lease Obligation”.

“Bank Collateral Agent” means Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and any successor under the Credit Agreement, or if there is no Credit Agreement, the “Bank Collateral Agent” designated pursuant to the terms of the Lenders Debt.

“Board of Directors” means, as to any Person, the board of directors (or similar governing body) of such Person or any duly authorized committee thereof.

“Board Resolution” means, with respect to any Person, a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Person to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of such Person and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

“business day” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

“Capital Stock” means:

(1) with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated and whether or not voting) of corporate stock, including each class of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of such Person, and all options, warrants or other rights to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing; and

(2) with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, any and all partnership, membership or other equity interests of such Person, and all options, warrants or other rights to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing.

 

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“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, as to any Person, the obligations of such Person under a lease that are required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease obligations under GAAP and, for purposes of this definition, the amount of such obligations at any date shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP.

“Cash Equivalents” means:

(1) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(2) marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”);

(3) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s;

(4) certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia or any U.S. branch of a foreign bank having at the date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000;

(5) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (1) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above; and

(6) investments in money market funds which invest substantially all their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (5) above.

“Change of Control” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events:

(1) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or group of related Persons for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (a “Group”), together with any Affiliates thereof (whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this Indenture);

(2) the approval by the holders of Capital Stock of the Company of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company (whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this Indenture);

 

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(3) any Person or Group shall become the owner, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, of shares representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of the Company;

(4) any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person or the merger of another Person with or into the Company other than a transaction following which holders of securities that represented 100% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction (or other securities into which such securities are converted as part of such merger or consolidation transaction) own directly or indirectly at least a majority of the voting power of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of the surviving Person in such merger or consolidation transaction immediately after such transaction and in substantially the same proportion as before the transaction; or

(5) the replacement of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company over a two-year period from the directors who constituted the Board of Directors of the Company at the beginning of such period, and such replacement shall not have been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then still in office who either were members of such Board of Directors at the beginning of such period or whose election as a member of such Board of Directors was previously so approved.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Collateral” means all the properties and assets subject to the Liens created by the Security Documents.

“Collateral Account” means one or more deposit accounts or securities accounts under the control of the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent holding only the proceeds of any sale or disposition of any Notes Priority Collateral.

“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Commodity Agreement” means any commodity swap agreement, commodity cap agreement or commodity collar agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against fluctuations in commodity prices.

“Common Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or non-voting) of such Person’s common stock, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date, and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.

 

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“Company” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor and, for purposes of any provision contained herein and required by the TIA, each other obligor on the indenture securities.

“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities from the redemption date to August 1, 2016, that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of a maturity most nearly equal to August 1, 2016.

“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date, if clause (ii) of the Adjusted Treasury Rate is applicable, the average of three, or such lesser number as is obtained by the Trustee, Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date.

“Consolidated EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person, for any period, the sum (without duplication) of:

(1) Consolidated Net Income; and

(2) to the extent Consolidated Net Income has been reduced thereby:

(a) all income taxes of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries paid or accrued in accordance with GAAP for such period;

(b) Consolidated Interest Expense; and

(c) Consolidated Non-cash Charges less any non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for income taxes of, and the Consolidated Non-cash Charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated EBITDA only to the extent (and in the same proportion, including by reason of minority interests) that the net income or loss of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating Consolidated Net Income.

“Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person during the four full fiscal quarters (the “Four Quarter Period”) ending prior to the date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for which financial statements are available (the “Transaction Date”) to Consolidated Fixed Charges of such Person for the Four Quarter Period. In addition to and without limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this definition, “Consolidated EBITDA” and “Consolidated Fixed Charges” shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to:

 

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(1) the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the application of the proceeds thereof) giving rise to the need to make such calculation and any incurrence or repayment of other Indebtedness (and the application of the proceeds thereof), other than the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes pursuant to working capital facilities, occurring during the Four Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such incurrence or repayment, as the case may be (and the application of the proceeds thereof), occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period; and

(2) any asset sales or other dispositions or Asset Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving rise to the need to make such calculation as a result of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Person who becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable for Acquired Indebtedness and also including any Consolidated EBITDA (including any pro forma expense and cost reductions calculated on a basis consistent with Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act) attributable to the assets which are the subject of the Asset Acquisition or asset sale or other disposition during the Four Quarter Period) occurring during the Four Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such asset sale or other disposition or Asset Acquisition (including the incurrence, assumption or liability for any such Acquired Indebtedness) occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period. If such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries directly or indirectly guarantees Indebtedness of a third Person, the preceding sentence shall give effect to the incurrence of such guaranteed Indebtedness as if such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person had directly incurred or otherwise assumed such guaranteed Indebtedness.

Furthermore, in calculating “Consolidated Fixed Charges” for purposes of determining the denominator (but not the numerator) of this “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”:

(1) interest on outstanding Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis as of the Transaction Date and which shall continue to be so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per annum equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on the Transaction Date; and

(2) notwithstanding clause (1) above, interest on Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent such interest is covered by agreements relating to Interest Swap Obligations, shall be deemed to accrue at the rate per annum resulting after giving effect to the operation of such agreements.

 

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“Consolidated Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense; plus

(2) the product of (A) the amount of all dividend payments on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person and, to the extent permitted under this Indenture, its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than dividends paid in Qualified Capital Stock and other than dividends paid by a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person to such Person or to a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person) paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period times (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current effective consolidated federal, state and local income tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal.

“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of, without duplication:

(1) the aggregate of the interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, including without limitation: (a) any amortization of debt discount and amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs; (b) the net costs under Interest Swap Obligations; (c) all capitalized interest; and (d) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation;

(2) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, the interest portion of rent expense associated with Attributable Debt in respect of the relevant lease giving rise thereto, determined as if such lease were a capitalized lease in accordance with GAAP, and the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, in each case paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued by such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;

(3) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing;

(4) net payments pursuant to Interest Swap Obligations; and

(5) interest accruing on any Indebtedness of any other Person to the extent such Indebtedness is Guaranteed by (or secured by a Lien on the assets of) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

“Consolidated Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination the ratio of (1) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of determination to (2) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA for the Four Quarter Period, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and Consolidated EBITDA as are consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

 

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“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person (“referent Person”), for any period, the aggregate net income (or loss) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded therefrom:

(1) after-tax gains (or losses) from Asset Sales or abandonments or reserves relating thereto;

(2) after-tax items classified as extraordinary or nonrecurring gains (or losses);

(3) the net income (but not loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) of the referent Person to the extent that the declaration of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that income is restricted by a contract, operation of law or otherwise, except that:

(a) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (1) above, the Company’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income (to the extent not already included therein) up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause); and

(b) the Company’s equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included (to the extent not already included therein) in determining such Consolidated Net Income;

(4) the net income of any Person, other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the referent Person, except to the extent of cash dividends or distributions paid to the referent Person or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the referent Person by such Person;

(5) any restoration to income of any contingency reserve, except to the extent that provision for such reserve was made out of Consolidated Net Income accrued at any time following the Issue Date;

(6) income or loss attributable to discontinued operations (including, without limitation, operations disposed of during such period whether or not such operations were classified as discontinued);

(7) any net after-tax gain (or loss) attributable to the early retirement or conversion of Indebtedness;

(8) any net gain or loss attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments;

 

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(9) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; and

(10) in the case of a successor to the referent Person by consolidation or merger or as a transferee of the referent Person’s assets, any earnings of the successor corporation prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.04 only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any repurchases, repayments or redemptions of Investments, proceeds realized on the sale of Investments or return of capital to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such repurchases, repayments, redemptions, proceeds or returns increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such Section pursuant to Section 4.04(a)(3)(E).

“Consolidated Non-cash Charges” means, with respect to any Person, for any period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding any such charges constituting an extraordinary item or loss or any such charge which requires an accrual of or a reserve for cash charges for any future period).

“Consolidated Secured Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the Consolidated Total Indebtedness as of such date that is then secured by Liens on property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary plus, the aggregate additional Indebtedness that the Company could incur as of such date pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(2).

“Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination the ratio of (1) Consolidated Secured Indebtedness to (2) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA for the Four Quarter Period, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Secured Indebtedness and Consolidated EBITDA as are consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio; provided , however , that for purposes of the calculation of the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio, in connection with the incurrence of any Lien pursuant to clause (20) of the definition of “Permitted Liens”, the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries may elect, pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness which is to be secured by such Lien as being incurred at such time and any subsequent incurrence of Indebtedness under such commitment shall not be deemed, for purposes of this calculation, to be an incurrence at such subsequent time.

“Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, as of any date determination, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

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“Credit Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 5, 2007, by and among the Company, ThermaClime, L.L.C. and each of its subsidiaries thereto, the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as arranger and administrative agent, together with the related documents thereto (including, without limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents), in each case as such agreements may be amended (including any amendment and restatement thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including one or more credit agreements, loan agreements, indentures or similar agreements extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, renewing or otherwise restructuring (including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder) all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

“Currency Agreement” means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company against fluctuations in currency values.

“Default” means an event or condition the occurrence of which is, or with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

“Discharge of ABL Obligations” means “Discharge of ABL Obligations” as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

“Disqualified Capital Stock” means that portion of any Capital Stock which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event (other than an event which would constitute a Change of Control), matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the sole option of the holder thereof on or prior to the final maturity date of the Securities; provided , however , that any Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to purchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or “change of control” occurring prior to the first anniversary after the final maturity date of the Securities shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock if:

(1) the “asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are not more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the terms applicable to the Securities under Section 4.06 and Section 4.09; and

(2) any such requirement only becomes operative after compliance with such terms applicable to the Securities, including the purchase of any Securities tendered pursuant thereto.

 

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“Domestic Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person other than a Foreign Subsidiary.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute or statutes thereto.

“Excluded Assets” means the collective reference to:

(1) any fee-owned real property with a fair market value equal to or less than $10,000,000 (other than any Existing Lien Real Property Collateral and any Issue Date Real Property Collateral (as defined in the Security Documents);

(2) all leasehold interests in real property;

(3) motor vehicles, airplanes and other assets subject to certificates of title;

(4) except as expressly provided in the Security Documents, letter of credit rights and commercial tort claims;

(5) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations to the extent a security interest is prohibited or restricted thereby;

(6) pledges and security interests prohibited or restricted by applicable law (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any governmental authority or third party);

(7) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to such agreement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto or otherwise require consent thereunder (after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law) (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the collateral securing the Secured Equipment Note), other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition;

(8) any assets to the extent a security interest in such assets would reasonably be expected to result in material adverse tax consequences as reasonably determined by the Company;

(9) any intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely during the period, if any, in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law;

(10) stock and assets of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

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(11) interests in joint ventures and non-wholly owned subsidiaries which cannot be pledged without the consent of third parties after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law;

(12) Capital Stock representing voting stock in excess of 65% of the outstanding voting stock of any Foreign Subsidiary;

(13) rolling stock;

(14) property and assets of Zena and El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P.;

(15) with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral, general intangibles (other than those equity interest of each limited liability company, limited partnership or other business entity that is a Restricted Subsidiary);

(16) with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral, intellectual property; and

(17) assets where the cost of obtaining a security interest therein exceeds the practical benefit to the Securityholder Secured Parties afforded thereby.

“Existing Lien Real Property Collateral” means, collectively, (a) the “Property” as defined in the Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated as of January 19, 2007, between Prime Financial Corporation and GE Commercial Finance Business Property Corporation and (b) the “Property” as defined in the Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated as of December 20, 2006 between Prime Holdings Corporation and GE Commercial Finance Business Property Corporation (the Liens arising under the filings described in (a) and (b), collectively the “Existing Liens”). Notwithstanding anything in the Notes Documents (as defined in the Security Documents) to the contrary, (a) no Grantor shall be required to take any action to perfect the security interests of the Note Claimholders (as defined in the Security Documents) on any Existing Lien Real Property Collateral and (b) the Notes Collateral Agent shall release its Liens and security interests on the applicable Existing Lien Real Property Collateral when the applicable Existing Lien is terminated and released; provided that, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), the fair market value of the applicable Existing Lien Real Property Collateral is equal to or less than $10,000,000.

“fair market value” means, with respect to any asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair market value shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company acting reasonably and in good faith and shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company delivered to the Trustee.

 

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“Foreign Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof of the District of Columbia, and any Subsidiary of such Subsidiary.

“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 may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, which are in effect as of the Issue Date, except with respect to any reports or financial information required to be delivered pursuant to Section 4.02, which shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date thereof.

“Grantor” means the Company and the Guarantors.

“Guarantee” means a guarantee of the Securities by a Guarantor.

“Guarantee Agreement” means a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, pursuant to which a Guarantor guarantees the Company’s obligations with respect to the Securities on the terms provided for in this Indenture.

“Guarantor” means (1) the Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company on the Issue Date and (2) each of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that in the future executes a Guarantee Agreement in which such Restricted Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms of this Indenture as a Guarantor; provided that any Person constituting a Guarantor as described above shall cease to constitute a Guarantor when its respective Guarantee is released in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

“Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any Interest Swap Obligations and the obligations of such Person under any Commodity Agreement or Currency Agreement.

“Holder” or “Securityholder” means the Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar’s books.

“Indebtedness” means with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) all Obligations of such Person for borrowed money;

(2) all Obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;

(3) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person and all Attributable Debt in respect of Sale/Leaseback Transactions entered into by such Person;

 

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(4) all Obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all Obligations under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business that are not overdue by 90 days or more or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted);

(5) all Obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than Obligations described in clauses (1) through (4) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth business day following payment on the letter of credit);

(6) guarantees and other contingent obligations in respect of Indebtedness referred to in clauses (1) through (5) above and clause (8) below;

(7) all Obligations of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) above which are secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person, the amount of such Obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the fair market value of such property or asset or the amount of the Obligation so secured;

(8) all net Hedging Obligations of such Person (the amount of any such obligations to be equal at any time to the termination value of such agreement or arrangement giving rise to such obligation that would be payable by such Person at such time); and

(9) all Disqualified Capital Stock issued by such Person with the amount of Indebtedness represented by such Disqualified Capital Stock being equal to the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price, but excluding accrued dividends, if any.

For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Capital Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock as if such Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Capital Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board of Directors of the issuer of such Disqualified Capital Stock.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with the purchase by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of any business, the term “Indebtedness” shall exclude post-closing payment adjustments to which the seller may become entitled to the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance sheet or such payment depends on the performance of such business after the closing; provided , however , that at the time of closing, the amount of any such payment is not determinable and, to the extent such payment thereafter becomes fixed and determined, the amount is paid within 30 days thereafter.

 

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The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all obligations as described above; provided , however , that in the case of Indebtedness sold at a discount, the amount of such Indebtedness at any time shall be the accreted value thereof at such time.

“Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time.

“Independent Financial Advisor” means an investment banking firm, accounting firm or appraisal firm of national standing:

(1) which does not, and whose directors, officers and employees or Affiliates do not, have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Company; and

(2) which, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, is otherwise independent and qualified to perform the task for which it is to be engaged.

“Intercreditor Agreement” means the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Issue Date, among the Bank Collateral Agent, the Notes Collateral Agent, the Company and each Guarantor, as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Indenture.

“Interest Swap Obligations” means the obligations of any Person pursuant to any arrangement with any other Person, whereby, directly or indirectly, such Person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic payments calculated by applying either a floating or a fixed rate of interest on a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such other Person calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same notional amount and shall include, without limitation, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements.

“Investment” means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect advance, loan or other extension of credit (including, without limitation, a guarantee) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition by such Person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other Person. “Investment” shall exclude extensions of trade credit by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Common Stock of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, the Company no longer owns, directly or indirectly, greater than 50% of the outstanding Common Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of. Except as otherwise provided for herein, the amount of an Investment shall be its fair market value at the time the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value.

 

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“Issue Date” means the date of original issuance of the Securities.

“Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.

“Lenders Debt” means all Obligations and all amounts owing, due or secured under the terms of the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Agreement security document, whether now existing or arising hereafter, including all principal, premium, interest, fees, attorneys fees, costs, charges, expenses or reimbursement obligations, obligations to post cash collateral in respect of letters of credit, certain cash management services or indemnities in respect thereof, any other indemnities or guarantees, and all other amounts payable under or secured by any Credit Agreement security document (including, in each case, all Obligations thereunder, certain cash management services and all amounts accruing on or after the commencement of any insolvency proceeding relating to any Grantor, or that would have accrued or become due under the terms of the Credit Agreement security document but for the effect of the insolvency proceeding and irrespective of whether a claim for all or any portion of such amounts is allowable or allowed in such insolvency proceeding).

“Lien” means any lien (statutory or otherwise), mortgage or deed of trust, charge, pledge, lien, security interest, assignment, easement, hypothecation, claim, preference, priority or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any priority of any kind (including any conditional sale, capital lease or other title retention agreement, any leases in the nature thereof) real or personal, moveable or immovable, now owned or hereafter acquired; provided , however , that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien. A Person shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any property which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capitalized Lease Obligation or other title retention agreement.

“Net Cash Proceeds” means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (other than the portion of any such deferred payment constituting interest) received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from such Asset Sale net of:

(1) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and fees relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees and sales commissions);

 

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(2) taxes paid or payable after taking into account any reduction in consolidated tax liability due to available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements;

(3) repayment of Indebtedness that is secured by the property or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon or other security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Sale, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Sale; and

(4) appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale.

“Note Documents” means the Securities (including Additional Securities), the Guarantees, this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

“Notes Collateral Agent” means UMB Bank, n.a., in its capacity as collateral agent appointed and authorized under this Indenture and any successor thereto in such capacity.

“Notes Priority Collateral” means “Notes Priority Collateral” as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

“Obligations” means all obligations for principal, premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

“Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company.

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers.

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee.

“Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations” means any Indebtedness or other Obligations (including Hedging Obligations) having Pari Passu Lien Priority relative to the Securities with respect to the Collateral and that is not secured by any other assets and, in the case of Indebtedness for borrowed money, has a stated maturity that is equal to or longer than the Securities; provided that an authorized representative of the holders of such Indebtedness (other than Additional Securities) shall have executed a joinder to the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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“Pari Passu Lien Priority” means, relative to specified Indebtedness, having equal Lien priority on specified Collateral and either subject to the Intercreditor Agreement on a substantially identical basis as the holders of such specified Indebtedness or subject to intercreditor agreements providing holders of the Indebtedness intended to have Pari Passu Lien Priority with substantially the same rights and obligations that the holders of such specified Indebtedness have pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement as to the specified Collateral.

“Permitted Collateral Liens” means:

(1) Liens securing the Securities outstanding on the Issue Date, Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to such Securities, the Guarantees relating thereto and any obligations with respect to such Securities, Refinancing Indebtedness and the Guarantees;

(2) Liens existing on the Issue Date (other than Liens specified in clause (1) above or securing Lenders Debt)

(3) Liens described in clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (13), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20) and (22) of the definition of Permitted Liens;

(4) Liens securing any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations incurred pursuant to Section 4.03; provided , however , that at the time of Incurrence of such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio would be no greater than 2.75 to 1.00; and

(5) Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral in favor of any collateral agent relating to such collateral agent’s administrative expenses with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral.

“Permitted Investments” means:

(1) Investments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any Person that is or will become immediately after such Investment a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or that will merge or consolidate into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided , however , that the primary business of such Person is a Related Business;

(2) Investments in the Company by any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that any Indebtedness evidencing such Investment and held by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor is unsecured and subordinated, pursuant to a written agreement, to the Company’s obligations under the Securities and this Indenture;

(3) investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

 

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(4) loans and advances to employees, directors and officers of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business for bona fide business purposes not in excess of $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

(5) Currency Agreements and Interest Swap Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of the Company’s or its Restricted Subsidiaries’ businesses and otherwise in compliance with this Indenture;

(6) Investments in securities of trade creditors or customers received pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of such trade creditors or customers or in good faith settlement of delinquent obligations of such trade creditors or customers;

(7) Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of consideration received in connection with an Asset Sale made in compliance with Section 4.06;

(8) Investments represented by guarantees that are otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(9) Investments the payment for which is Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;

(10) joint ventures to the extent such Investments, when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (10) (including the fair market value of any assets transferred thereto), do not exceed $35,000,000; provided , however , that at the time of, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(11) receivables owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided , however , that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;

(12) payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business;

(13) any Person to the extent such Investments consist of prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers’ compensation, performance and other similar deposits made in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(14) stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments; and

 

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(15) additional Investments not to exceed $50,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

“Permitted Liens” means the following types of Liens:

(1) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims either (A) not delinquent or (B) contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have set aside on its books such reserves as may be required pursuant to GAAP;

(2) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by law incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, if such reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;

(3) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, including any Lien securing letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection therewith, or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money);

(4) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated shall not have expired;

(5) easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances in respect of real property not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(6) any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease Obligation; provided that such Liens do not extend to any property or assets which is not leased property subject to such Capitalized Lease Obligation;

(7) Liens securing (A) Purchase Money Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(5); provided , however , that (a) such Purchase Money Indebtedness shall not exceed the purchase price or other cost of such property or equipment and shall not be secured by any property or equipment of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than the property and equipment so acquired and (b) the Lien securing such Purchase Money Indebtedness shall be created within 90 days of such acquisition and (B) the Secured Equipment Note;

 

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(8) Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

(9) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit which encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof;

(10) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual, or warranty requirements of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and set-off;

(11) Liens securing Interest Swap Obligations which Interest Swap Obligations relate to Indebtedness that is otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(12) Liens securing Indebtedness under Currency Agreements;

(13) Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness incurred in accordance with Section 4.03; provided that:

(A) such Liens secured such Acquired Indebtedness at the time of and prior to the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and were not granted in connection with, or in anticipation of, the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; and

(B) such Liens do not extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company or of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than the property or assets that secured the Acquired Indebtedness prior to the time such Indebtedness became Acquired Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and are no more favorable to the lienholders than those securing the Acquired Indebtedness prior to the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

(14) Liens on assets of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor to secure Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary that is otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(15) leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses granted to others that do not materially interfere with the ordinary cause of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

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(16) banker’s Liens, rights of setoff and similar Liens with respect to cash and Cash Equivalents on deposit in one or more bank accounts in the ordinary course of business;

(17) Liens arising from filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements regarding operating leases entered into by such Person in the ordinary course of business;

(18) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payments of custom duties in connection with the importation of goods;

(19) other Liens securing Obligations which do not exceed $50,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

(20) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(3); provided , that such Indebtedness shall not be secured by any property or other assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than such property or assets whose acquisition or development is financed by such Indebtedness;

(21) other Liens securing Indebtedness; provided , however , that at the time of incurrence after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio would be no greater than 2.0 to 1.0; and

(22) Liens on the Collateral in favor of any collateral agent relating to such collateral agent’s administrative expenses with respect to the Collateral.

“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, unincorporated organization, trust or joint venture, or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

“Preferred Stock” of any Person means any Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or redemptions or upon liquidation.

“principal” of a Security means the principal of the Security plus the premium, if any, payable on the Security which is due or overdue or is to become due at the relevant time.

“Public Equity Offering” means an underwritten public offering of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company by the Company pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Commission in accordance with the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Public Equity Offering” shall not include:

(1) any issuance and sale with respect to common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8; or

 

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(2) any issuance and sale to any Subsidiary of the Company.

“Purchase Money Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the normal course of business:

(1) consisting of the deferred purchase price of property, conditional sale obligations, obligations under any title retention agreement, other purchase money obligations and obligations in respect of industrial revenue bonds or similar Indebtedness, in each case where the maturity of such Indebtedness does not exceed the anticipated useful life of the asset being financed; and

(2) incurred to finance the acquisition by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of such asset, including additions and improvements, in the ordinary course of business

provided , however , that any Lien arising in connection with any such Indebtedness shall be limited to the specific asset being financed or, in the case of real property or fixtures, including additions and improvements, the real property on which such asset is attached; provided further , however , that such Indebtedness is incurred within 180 days after such acquisition of such assets.

“Qualified Capital Stock” means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Capital Stock; provided , however , that such Capital Stock shall not be deemed Qualified Capital Stock to the extent sold to a Subsidiary of such Person or financed, directly or indirectly, using funds:

(1) borrowed from such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person; or

(2) contributed, extended, guaranteed or advanced by such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person (including, in respect of any employee stock ownership or benefit plan).

Unless otherwise specified, Qualified Capital stock refers to Qualified Capital Stock of the Company.

“Quotation Agent” means the Reference Treasury Dealer selected by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and its successors and assigns and two other nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by the Company that are primary U.S. Government securities dealers.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue, expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount, quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day immediately preceding such redemption date.

 

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“Refinance” means, in respect of any security or Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue a security or Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such security or Indebtedness in whole or in part. “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

“Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Refinancing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Indebtedness incurred in accordance with Section 4.03 (other than pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (14)), in each case that does not:

(1) result in an increase in the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of such Person as of the date of such proposed Refinancing (plus the amount of any premium required to be paid under the terms of the instrument governing such Indebtedness and plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred by the Company in connection with such Refinancing); or

(2) create Indebtedness with: (A) a Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is less than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced; or (B) a final maturity earlier than the final maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced; provided that (x) if such Indebtedness being Refinanced is Indebtedness solely of the Company (and is not otherwise guaranteed by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company), then such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be Indebtedness solely of the Company and (y) if such Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinate or junior to the Securities or any Guarantee, then such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinate to the Securities or such Guarantee, as the case may be, at least to the same extent and in the same manner as the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

provided further , however , that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include (i) Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of the Company or (ii) Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

“Related Businesses” means any businesses which are the same, similar, ancillary or reasonably related to the businesses in which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the Issue Date.

“Restricted Payment” with respect to any Person means:

(1) the declaration or payment of any dividend or making of any distribution (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving such Person) or similar payments on or in respect of shares of the Company’s Capital Stock to holders of such Capital Stock (other than (A) dividends or distributions payable in Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, (B) dividends or distributions payable solely to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary and (C)  pro rata dividends or other distributions made by a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary to minority stockholders (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation));

 

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(2) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company held by any Person (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary) or of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of the Company (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary), including in connection with any merger or consolidation and including the exercise of any option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than into Qualified Capital Stock of the Company);

(3) the making of any principal payment on, the purchase, defeasance, redemption, prepayment, decrease or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to any scheduled final maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, of any Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantors (other than (A) from the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or (B) the payment, purchase, defeasance, redemption, prepayment, decrease or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to any scheduled final maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, purchase, defeasance, redemption, prepayment, decrease or other acquisition or retirement); or

(4) the making of any Investment (other than Permitted Investments).

“Restricted Subsidiary” of any Person means any Subsidiary of such Person which at the time of determination is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

“Sale/Leaseback Transaction” means an arrangement relating to property owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary on the Issue Date or thereafter acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

“Secured Equipment Note” means the note evidencing the loan made pursuant to that certain Business Loan Agreement dated as of May 15, 2013, between Chemical Properties L.L.C. and CrossFirst Bank.

“Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute or statutes thereto.

“Security Documents” means the security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, collateral assignments, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt and related agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, repaid, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, creating the security interests in the Collateral in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Securityholder Secured Parties as contemplated by this Indenture.

 

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“Securityholder Secured Parties” means the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent, each Holder of Securities and each holder of, or obligee in respect of, any obligations in respect of the Securities outstanding at such time.

“Series B Preferred Stock” means the Company’s 12% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $100 par value and a liquidation preference of $100 per share on 20,000 shares issued and outstanding on the Issue Date, convertible, in whole or in part, into shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

“Series D Preferred Stock” means the Company’s 6% cumulative convertible preferred stock, no par value and a liquidation preference of $1.00 per share on 1,000,000 shares issued and outstanding on the Issue Date, convertible, in whole or in part, into shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

“Significant Subsidiary” with respect to any Person, means any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that satisfies the criteria for a “significant subsidiary” set forth in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.

“Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to the Securities or the Guarantee of such Guarantor, as the case may be.

“Subsidiary”, with respect to any Person, means:

(1) any corporation of which the outstanding Capital Stock having at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors under ordinary circumstances shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person; or

(2) any other Person of which at least a majority of the voting interest under ordinary circumstances is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person.

“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15  U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture.

“Total Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the total assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as shown on the most recently prepared consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which such balance sheet is available, prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, with such pro forma adjustments for transactions consummated on or prior to or simultaneously with the date of the calculation as are consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

 

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“Trust Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the President or any other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters.

“Trustee” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

“U.S. Dollar Equivalent” means with respect to any monetary amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars, at any time for determination thereof, the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such foreign currency involved in such computation into U.S. dollars at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable foreign currency as published in The Wall Street Journal in the “Exchange Rates” column under the heading “Currency Trading” on the date two business days prior to such determination.

Except as described under Section 4.03, whenever it is necessary to determine whether the Company has complied with any covenant in this Indenture or that a Default or Event of Default has occurred and an amount is expressed in a currency other than U.S. dollars, such amount shall be treated as the U.S. Dollar Equivalent determined as of the date such amount is initially determined in such currency.

“Uniform Commercial Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

“Unrestricted Subsidiary” of any Person means:

(1) any Subsidiary of such Person that at the time of determination shall be or continue to be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of such Person in the manner provided below; and

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary owns any Capital Stock of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided that:

(1) the Company certifies to the Trustee that such designation complies with Section 4.04; and

(2) each Subsidiary to be so designated and each of its Subsidiaries has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

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For purposes of making the determination of whether any such designation of a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary complies with Section 4.04, the portion of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary that is represented by the interest of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, shall be deemed to be an Investment. Such designation shall be permitted only if such Investment would be permitted at such time under Section 4.04.

The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary only if:

(1) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Company is able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 4.03(b)) in compliance with Section 4.03; and

(2) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the total of the products obtained by multiplying (A) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payment of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (B) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) which will elapse between such date and the making of such payment by (2) the then outstanding aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness.

“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary all the Capital Stock of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) is owned by the Company or one or more other Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.

 

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“Zena Agreements” means that certain Promissory Note, dated February 1, 2013, in the principal face amount of $35,000,000, executed by Zena Energy L.L.C. (“Zena”) in favor of International Bank of Commerce (“IBC”), and that certain Leasehold Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment and Fixture Filing, dated February 1, 2013 from Zena to IBC, in each case entered into in connection with the acquisition or development of working interests in certain natural gas properties, together with the related documents thereto, in each case as such agreements may be amended (including any amendment and restatement thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including one or more promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, indentures or similar agreements extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, renewing or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements and whether by the same or any other lender or group of lenders.

 

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SECTION 1.02. Other Definitions.

 

Term

   Defined in
Section

“Acceptable Commitment”

   4.06(I)(b)

“Affiliate Transaction”

   4.07(a)

“Appendix”

   2.01

“Bankruptcy Law”

   6.01

“Change of Control Offer”

   4.09(a)

“Change of Control Payment Date”

   4.09(b)(3)

“Covenant Defeasance”

   8.01(b)

“Custodian”

   6.01

“Depository”

   Appendix

“Event of Default”

   6.01

“Guaranteed Obligations”

   10.01

“incur”

   4.03(a)

“Increased Amount”

   4.10(d)

“Initial Lien”

   4.10(a)

“Legal Defeasance”

   8.01(b)

“Net ABL Proceeds Offer”

   4.06(II)(c)

“Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount”

   4.06(II)(c)

“Net ABL Proceeds Offer Trigger Date”

   4.06(II)(c)

“Net Proceeds Offer”

   4.06(I)(c)

“Net Proceeds Offer Amount”

   4.06(I)(c)

“Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date”

   4.06(I)(c)

“Non-ABL Priority Collateral”

   4.06(I)(a)

“Non-Cash Consideration”

   4.06(I)(a)(2)(b)

“Notice of Default”

   6.01

“Offer Period”

   4.06(V)

“Offer Payment Date”

   4.06(V)(2)

“Paying Agent”

   2.03

“Reference Date”

   4.04(a)(3)(b)

“Registrar”

   2.03

“Registration Rights Agreement”

   Appendix

“Replacement Assets”

   4.06(I)(b)(2)

“Surviving Entity”

   5.01(a)(1)(B)

 

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SECTION 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. This Indenture is subject to the mandatory provisions of the TIA which are incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms have the following meanings:

“Commission” means the SEC.

“indenture securities” means the Securities and the Guarantees;

“indenture security holder” means 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, each Guarantor and any other obligor on the indenture securities.

All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule have the meanings assigned to them by such definitions.

SECTION 1.04. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

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

(3) “or” is not exclusive;

(4) “including” means including without limitation;

(5) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;

(6) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely by virtue of its nature as unsecured Indebtedness;

(7) Secured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to any other Secured Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral;

(8) the principal amount of any noninterest bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the Company dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP;

(9) the principal amount of any Preferred Stock shall be (A) the maximum liquidation value of such Preferred Stock or (B) the maximum mandatory redemption or mandatory repurchase price with respect to such Preferred Stock, whichever is greater; and

(10) all references to the date the Securities were originally issued shall refer to the Issue Date.

Article 2

The Securities

SECTION 2.01. Form and Dating. Provisions relating to the Initial Securities and the Exchange Securities are set forth in the Rule 144A/Regulation S Appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”) which is hereby incorporated in, and expressly made part of, this Indenture. The Initial Securities and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit 1 to the Appendix which is hereby incorporated in, and expressly made a part of, this Indenture. The Exchange Securities and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company). Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the Securities set forth in the Appendix and Exhibit A are part of the terms of this Indenture.

 

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SECTION 2.02. Execution and Authentication. Two Officers shall sign the Securities for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Security, the Security shall be valid nevertheless.

A Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Security. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.

On the Issue Date, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver $425,000,000 of 7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 and, at any time and from time to time thereafter, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver Securities for original issue in an aggregate principal amount specified in such order, in each case upon a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of the Company. Such order shall specify the amount of the Securities to be authenticated and the date on which the original issue of Securities is to be authenticated and, in the case of an issuance of Additional Securities pursuant to Section 2.13 after the Issue Date, shall certify that such issuance is in compliance with Section 4.03.

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Company to authenticate the Securities. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an 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 agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

SECTION 2.03. Registrar and Paying Agent. The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Securities may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”) and an office or agency where Securities may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Securities and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent.

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar not a party to this Indenture, which shall incorporate the terms of the TIA. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent. If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.07. The Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary incorporated or organized within the United States of America may act as Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or transfer agent.

 

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The Company initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar and Paying Agent in connection with the Securities.

SECTION 2.04. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust. Prior to each due date of the principal and interest on any Security, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such principal and interest when so becoming due. The Company shall require each Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Securityholders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of or interest on the Securities and shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.

SECTION 2.05. Securityholder Lists. The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Securityholders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee, in writing at least five business days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Securityholders.

SECTION 2.06. Transfer and Exchange. The Securities shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Security for registration of transfer. When a Security is presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested if the requirements of this Indenture and Section 8-401(1) of the Uniform Commercial Code are met. When Securities are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met.

SECTION 2.07. Replacement Securities. If a mutilated Security is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a Security claims that the Security has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Security if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code are met and the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee. If required by the Trustee or the Company, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Trustee to protect the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar and any co-registrar from any loss which any of them may suffer if a Security is replaced. The Company and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Security.

Every replacement Security is an additional Obligation of the Company.

 

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SECTION 2.08. Outstanding Securities. Securities outstanding at any time are all Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section as not outstanding. A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Security.

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a protected purchaser (as defined in Section 8-303 of the Uniform Commercial Code).

If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal and interest payable on that date with respect to the Securities (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, then on and after that date such Securities (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

SECTION 2.09. Temporary Securities. Until definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Securities and deliver them in exchange for temporary Securities.

SECTION 2.10. Cancellation. The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel and destroy (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company unless the Company directs the Trustee to deliver canceled Securities to the Company. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities it has redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

SECTION 2.11. Defaulted Interest. If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities, the Company shall pay defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) in any lawful manner. The Company may pay the defaulted interest to the persons who are Securityholders on a subsequent special record date. The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed any such special record date and payment date to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee and shall promptly mail to each Securityholder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.

 

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SECTION 2.12. CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, etc. The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers, ISINs and “Common Code” numbers (in each case if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers, ISINs and “Common Code” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided , however , that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall advise the Trustee in writing of any change in any “CUSIP” numbers, ISINs or “Common Code” numbers applicable to the Securities.

SECTION 2.13. Issuance of Additional Securities. After the Issue Date, the Company shall be entitled, subject to its compliance with Section 4.03, to issue Additional Securities under this Indenture, which Securities shall have identical terms as the Initial Securities issued on the Issue Date, other than with respect to the date of issuance and issue price. The Securities and the Additional Securities, if any, shall be treated as a single class for all purposes of this Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase; provided , however , that in the event that any Additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, such nonfungible Additional Securities shall be issued with a separate CUSIP or ISIN number so that they are distinguishable from the Securities.

With respect to any Additional Securities, the Company shall set forth in a resolution of the Board of Directors and an Officers’ Certificate, a copy of each which shall be delivered to the Trustee, the following information:

(1) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Securities to be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture and the provision of Section 4.03 that the Company is relying on to issue such Additional Securities;

(2) the issue price, the issue date and the CUSIP number of such Additional Securities; and

(3) whether such Additional Securities shall be Initial Securities or shall be issued in the form of Exchange Securities as set forth in Exhibit A.

Article 3

Redemption

SECTION 3.01. Notices to Trustee. If the Company elects to redeem Securities pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Securities, it shall notify the Trustee in writing of the redemption date, the principal amount of Securities to be redeemed and the paragraph of the Securities pursuant to which the redemption will occur.

The Company shall give each notice to the Trustee provided for in this Section at least 60 days before the redemption date unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period. Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel from the Company to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein.

 

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SECTION 3.02. Selection of Securities to Be Redeemed. In the event that the Company chooses to redeem less than all of the Securities at any time, selection of the Securities for redemption shall be made by the Trustee either: (1) in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Securities are listed, or (2) on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate. If a partial redemption is made with the proceeds of a Public Equity Offering, the Trustee shall select the Securities only on a pro rata basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as is practicable (subject to the procedures of the Depository). The Trustee shall make the selection from outstanding Securities not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities that have denominations larger than $2,000. Securities and portions of them the Trustee selects shall be in principal amounts of $2,000 or any greater integral multiple of $1,000 thereof. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of the Securities or portions of Securities to be redeemed.

SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption. At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Securities, the Company shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at such Holder’s registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to the redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Securities or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. Any inadvertent defect in the notice of redemption, including an inadvertent failure to give notice, to any Holder selected for redemption shall not impair or affect the validity of the redemption of any other Security redeemed in accordance with provisions of this Indenture.

The notice shall identify the Securities to be redeemed and shall state:

(1) the redemption date;

(2) the redemption price;

(3) the name and address of the Paying Agent;

(4) that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

(5) if fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to be redeemed, the identification and principal amounts of the particular Securities to be redeemed;

(6) that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on Securities (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

(7) the “CUSIP” number, ISIN or “Common Code” number, if any, printed on the Securities being redeemed; and

 

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(8) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the “CUSIP” number, ISIN, or “Common Code” number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Securities.

At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense. In such event, the Company shall provide the Trustee with the information required by this Section.

SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice, plus accrued interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the related interest payment date), and such Securities shall be canceled by the Trustee. Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder shall not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.

SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or a Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on all Securities to be redeemed on that date other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption which have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation.

SECTION 3.06. Securities Redeemed in Part. Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder (at the Company’s expense) a new Security equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.

Article 4

Covenants

SECTION 4.01. Payment of Securities. The Company shall promptly pay the principal of and interest on the Securities on the dates and in the manner provided in the Securities and in this Indenture. Principal and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal and interest then due.

The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Securities, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

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SECTION 4.02. Reports to Holders. Whether or not the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall file with the Commission, subject to the next sentence, and provide the Trustee and Holders with such annual and other reports as are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and applicable to a U.S. corporation subject to such Sections, such reports to be so filed and provided at the times specified for the filings of such reports. If, at any time, the Company is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, the Company shall nevertheless continue filing the reports specified in the preceding sentence with the Commission within the time periods required unless the Commission will not accept such a filing. The Company agrees that it shall not take any action for the purpose of causing the Commission not to accept such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission will not accept such filings for any reason, the Company shall post the reports specified in the preceding sentence on its website within the time periods that would apply if the Company were required to file those reports with the Commission. To the extent any such report or information is not so filed or provided, as applicable, within the time periods specified and such information is subsequently filed or provided, as applicable, the Company will be deemed to have satisfied its obligations with respect thereto at such time and any Default with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been cured; provided that such cure shall not otherwise affect the rights of the Holders under Article 6 if Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Securities have declared the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities to be due and payable and such declaration shall not have been rescinded or canceled prior to such cure.

At any time that any of the Company’s Subsidiaries are Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraph shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company.

In addition, for so long as any Securities remain outstanding, the Company shall furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. The Company also shall comply with the other provisions of TIA § 314(a).

SECTION 4.03. Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, guarantee, acquire, become liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to, or otherwise become responsible for payment of (collectively, “incur”) any Indebtedness; provided , however , that if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of or as a consequence of the incurrence of any such Indebtedness, the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is or, upon such incurrence, becomes a Guarantor shall be entitled to incur Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness) if on the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, after giving effect to the incurrence thereof, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company is greater than 2.0 to 1.0.

 

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(b) The foregoing limitations in paragraph (a) shall not apply to:

(1) Indebtedness under the Securities issued under this Indenture in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $425,000,000, the Guarantees and the Exchange Securities (other than any Additional Securities) and the guarantees thereof;

(2) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement; provided that immediately after giving effect to any such incurrence, the then outstanding aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under this clause (2) does not exceed the greater of:

(a) $100,000,000 less (i) the amount of all mandatory principal payments pursuant to Section 4.06 actually made by the Company of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and (ii) any required permanent repayments (which are accompanied by a corresponding permanent commitment reduction) thereunder; and

(b) the sum of (i) 85.0% of the book value of the receivables of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries plus (ii) 50.0% of the book value of the inventory of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(3) Indebtedness incurred pursuant the Zena Agreements in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $35,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

(4) other Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date reduced by the amount of any scheduled amortization payments or mandatory prepayments when actually paid or permanent reductions thereon (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of this Section 4.03(b));

(5) Indebtedness represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations and Purchase Money Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business not to exceed, at any one time outstanding, the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) 5.0% of Total Assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(6) Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk, exchange rate risk or commodity pricing risk;

 

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(7) Indebtedness owed to the Company or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company for so long as such Indebtedness is held by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that (A) if as of any date any Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company holds any such Indebtedness, such date shall be deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not constituting permitted Indebtedness under this clause (7) by the issuer of such Indebtedness; (B) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to constitute the incurrence of such Indebtedness by the obligor thereon; (C) if the Company is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Securities; and (D) if a Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations of such Guarantor with respect to its Guarantee;

(8) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five business days of the Company’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s knowledge of its incurrence;

(9) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of performance bonds, bankers’ acceptances, workers’ compensation claims, surety or appeal bonds, payment obligations in connection with self-insurance or similar obligations, and bank overdrafts (and letters of credit in respect thereof) in the ordinary course of business;

(10) Refinancing Indebtedness;

(11) Indebtedness represented by guarantees by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred under this Indenture;

(12) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of guarantees, indemnities or other obligations in respect of purchase price adjustments in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets;

(13) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary incurred and outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired by the Company (other than Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was acquired by the Company); provided , however , that on the date of such acquisition and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Company would have been entitled to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.03(a); and

(14) additional Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $50,000,000 at any one time outstanding (which amount may, but need not, be incurred in whole or in part under the Credit Agreement).

 

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(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.03, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of clauses (1) through (14) of paragraph (b) above or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio provisions of paragraph (a) above, the Company shall, in its sole discretion, be entitled to divide and classify (or later reclassify) an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described above; provided that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Agreement up to the maximum amount permitted under clause (2) of paragraph (b) above shall be deemed to have been incurred pursuant to such clause (2). Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Capital Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Capital Stock shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Capital Stock for purposes of this Section 4.03.

(d) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness which by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) is expressly subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is also by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) made expressly subordinate to the Securities or the applicable Guarantee, as the case may be, to the same extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be. For purposes of the foregoing, no Indebtedness shall be deemed to be subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor solely by virtue of such Indebtedness being unsecured or by virtue of the fact that the holders of such Indebtedness have entered into one or more intercreditor agreements giving one or more of such holders priority over the other holders in the collateral held by them.

(e) For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness where the Indebtedness incurred is denominated in a different currency, the amount of such Indebtedness shall be the U.S. Dollar Equivalent determined on the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided , however , that if any such Indebtedness denominated in a different currency is subject to a Currency Agreement with respect to U.S. dollars covering all principal, premium, if any, and interest payable on such Indebtedness, the amount of such Indebtedness expressed in U.S. dollars shall be as provided in such Currency Agreement. The principal amount of any Refinancing Indebtedness incurred in the same currency as the Indebtedness being Refinanced shall be the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the Indebtedness Refinanced, except to the extent that (1) such U.S. Dollar Equivalent was determined based on a Currency Agreement, in which case the Refinancing Indebtedness shall be determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, and (2) the principal amount of the Refinancing Indebtedness exceeds the principal amount of the Indebtedness being Refinanced, in which case the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of such excess shall be determined on the date such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred.

 

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SECTION 4.04. Limitation on Restricted Payments. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make a Restricted Payment if at the time of such Restricted Payment or immediately after giving effect thereto:

(1) a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would result therefrom);

(2) the Company is not able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 4.03(b)) in compliance with Section 4.03; or

(3) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments (including such proposed Restricted Payment) made subsequent to the Issue Date (the amount expended for such purposes, if other than in cash, being the fair market value of such property as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company) shall exceed the sum of without duplication:

(a) 50% of the cumulative Consolidated Net Income (or if cumulative Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus 100% of such loss) of the Company beginning the first full fiscal quarter during which the Issue Date occurs (treating such period as a single accounting period) to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending at least 45 days prior to the date of such Restricted Payment; plus

(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company from any Person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company) from the issuance and sale subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to the date the Restricted Payment occurs (the “Reference Date”) of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or warrants, options or other rights to acquire Qualified Capital Stock of the Company (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Qualified Capital Stock); plus

(c) without duplication of any amounts included in clause (b) above, 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds of any equity contribution received by the Company from a holder of the Company’s Capital Stock subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to the Reference Date (excluding, in the case of clauses (b) and this clause (c), any net cash proceeds from a Public Equity Offering to the extent used to redeem the Securities in compliance with the second paragraph under paragraph 5 of the Securities); plus

 

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(d) the amount by which the principal amount of Indebtedness of the Company (other than Indebtedness owing to a Subsidiary) is reduced upon the conversion or exchange subsequent to the Issue Date of any Indebtedness of the Company convertible or exchangeable for Qualified Capital Stock of the Company (less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of any other property, distributed by the Company upon such conversion or exchange); provided , however , that the foregoing amount shall not exceed the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from the sale of such Indebtedness (excluding net cash proceeds from sales to a Subsidiary of the Company or to an employee stock ownership plan or a trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees); plus

(e) without duplication, the sum of (i) the aggregate amount returned in cash on or with respect to Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made subsequent to the Issue Date whether through interest payments, principal payments, dividends or other distributions or payments, (ii) the net cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from the disposition of all or any portion of such Investments (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company), and (iii) upon redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the fair market value of such Subsidiary;

provided , however , that the sum of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above shall not exceed the aggregate amount of all such Investments made subsequent to the Issue Date.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in Section 4.04(a) shall not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration of such dividend if the dividend would have been permitted on the date of declaration;

(2) if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the acquisition of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company, either (A) solely in exchange for shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or (B) through the application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;

(3) if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the acquisition of any Subordinated Indebtedness either (A) solely in exchange for shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, or (B) through the application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of (i) shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or (ii) Refinancing Indebtedness;

 

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(4) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, repurchases by the Company of Common Stock of the Company from officers, directors and employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their authorized representatives upon the death, disability or termination of employment of such employees or termination of their seat on the Board of Directors of the Company, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next two immediate succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum of $15,000,000 in any calendar year);

(5) cash payments in lieu of fractional shares issuable as dividends on Preferred Stock or upon the conversion of any convertible debt securities of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(6) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (6) not to exceed $35,000,000;

(7) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the making of any Restricted Payments if, at the time of making such payments, and after giving effect thereto (including the incurrence of any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.03 to finance such payment), the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio would not exceed 2.50 to 1.0;

(8) the declaration and payments of dividends on Disqualified Capital Stock issued pursuant to Section 4.03; provided , however , that, at the time of payment of such dividend, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom);

(9) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options if such Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price of such options;

(10) in the event of a Change of Control, and if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor, in each case, at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided , however , that prior to such payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement, the Company (or a third party to the extent permitted by this Indenture) has made a Change of Control Offer with respect to the Securities as a result of such Change of Control and has repurchased all Securities validly tendered and not withdrawn in connection with such Change of Control Offer;

(11) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would otherwise result therefrom), payments of intercompany Subordinated Indebtedness, the incurrence of which was permitted under Section 4.03(b)(7);

 

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(12) the declaration and payments of dividends on shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding on the Issue Date, up to an amount not to exceed 12% per annum of the liquidation preference of such shares issued and outstanding at the time of the declaration of such dividend, and shares of Series D Preferred Stock outstanding on the Issue Date, up to an amount not to exceed 6% per annum of the liquidation preference of such shares issued and outstanding at the time of the declaration of such dividend; provided , however , that, at the time of the declaration and the payment of such dividend, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided , further , that the aggregate amount of dividends paid under this clause (12) shall not exceed $300,000 in any calendar year; or

(13) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the declaration and payment of dividends on the Capital Stock of the Company pursuant to a publicly announced regular dividend policy of the Company in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 in the aggregate for any fiscal quarter.

In determining the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made subsequent to the Issue Date in accordance with Section 4.04(a)(3), amounts expended pursuant to Sections 4.04(b)(1), (2)(B), (3)(B)(i), (4) and (10) shall be included in such calculation.

SECTION 4.05. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries. The Company shall not, and shall not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to:

(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on or in respect of its Capital Stock;

(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary or to pay any Indebtedness or other Obligation owed to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or

(3) transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company,

except in each case for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(a) applicable law, rule, regulation or order;

(b) this Indenture, the Securities and the Guarantee;

(c) customary non-assignment provisions of any contract or any lease governing a leasehold interest of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

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(d) any instrument governing Acquired Indebtedness, which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person or the properties or assets of the Person so acquired;

(e) agreements existing on the Issue Date to the extent and in the manner such agreements are in effect on the Issue Date;

(f) the Credit Agreement, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, in each case in effect on the Issue Date;

(g) restrictions on the transfer of assets subject to any Lien permitted under this Indenture imposed by the holder of such Lien;

(h) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements (in each case relating solely to the respective joint venture or similar entity or the equity interests therein) entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(i) an agreement governing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance the Indebtedness issued, assumed or incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to in clauses (b), (d), (e) and (g) above; provided , however , that the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in any such Indebtedness are no less favorable to the Company in any material respect as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in their reasonable and good faith judgment than the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in agreements referred to in such clauses (b), (d), (e) and (g);

(j) restrictions on cash, Cash Equivalents or other deposits or net worth imposed under contracts entered into the ordinary course of business, including such restrictions imposed by customers or insurance, surety or bonding companies;

(k) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition; and

(l) provisions contained in any license, permit or other accreditation with a regulatory authority entered into the ordinary course of business.

SECTION 4.06. Limitation on Asset Sales. (I) (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate any Asset Sale of any assets that do not constitute ABL Priority Collateral (“Non-ABL Priority Collateral”), unless:

(1) the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of (as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors);

 

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(2) at least 75% of the consideration received by the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from such Asset Sale shall be in the form of cash, Cash Equivalents and is received at the time of such disposition; provided that the amount of:

(a) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet) of the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Securities or any Guarantee of a Guarantor) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets; and

(b) any securities, notes or other Obligations or assets received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of such cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 90 days following the closing of such Asset Sale (clause (a) and (b) collectively, “Non-Cash Consideration”) shall, in each case, be deemed to be cash for purposes of this clause (2);

(3) without limitation of the provisions described in Section 4.16, to the extent that any consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Non-Cash Consideration) consists of assets that constitute Notes Priority Collateral, such assets, including the assets of any Person that becomes a Guarantor as a result of such transaction, are concurrently with their acquisition added to the Notes Priority Collateral; and

(4) the Net Cash Proceeds from any such Asset Sale of Notes Priority Collateral is paid directly by the purchaser thereof to the Notes Collateral Agent to be held in trust in a Collateral Account for application in accordance with this Section 4.06.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.06(I)(a), the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be required to cause any Net Cash Proceeds to be held in a Collateral Account in accordance with Section 4.06(I)(a)(4) except to the extent the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from all Asset Sales of Notes Priority Collateral which are not held in a Collateral Account, or have not been previously applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.06 relating to the application of Net Cash Proceeds from Asset Sales of Notes Priority Collateral, exceeds $10,000,000.

 

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(b) Upon the consummation of an Asset Sale covered by Section 4.06(I), the Company shall apply, or cause such Restricted Subsidiary to apply, the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale within 365 days of receipt thereof:

(1) to make one or more offers to the Holders (and, at the option of the Company, the holders of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations) to purchase Securities (and such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations) pursuant to and subject to the conditions contained in this Indenture as further described below; provided , however , that in connection with any prepayment, repayment or purchase of Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (1), the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall permanently retire such Indebtedness and shall cause the related loan commitment (if any) to be permanently reduced in an amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid, repaid or purchased; provided further that if the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall so reduce any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the Company will equally and ratably reduce Indebtedness under the Securities by making an offer to all Holders to purchase at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, the pro rata principal amount of the Securities, such offer to be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Net Proceeds Offer but without any further limitation in amount;

(2) to make an investment in properties and assets that replace the properties and assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale or in properties and assets (including Capital Stock) that will be used in the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as existing on the Issue Date or in businesses reasonably related thereto (“Replacement Assets”); provided that, without limitation of the provisions described in Section 4.16 any such Replacement Assets, including the assets of any Person that becomes a Guarantor as a result of such transactions acquired with Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale of Notes Priority Collateral are concurrently with their acquisition added to the Notes Priority Collateral;

(3) to the extent such Net Cash Proceeds are from Asset Sales of Collateral or Capital Stock deemed not to be part of the Collateral pursuant to this Indenture and the Security Documents, to permanently reduce Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company, a Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(4) to make one or more Restricted Payments to the extent permitted under Section 4.04;

provided that, in the case of Section 4.06(I)(b)(2), if and to the extent that, within 365 days after the Asset Sale that generated the Net Cash Proceeds, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has entered into and not abandoned or rejected a binding agreement to consummate any such investment (an “Acceptable Commitment”) and such investment is thereafter completed within 180 days after such 365-day period, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be deemed to have complied with Section 4.06(I)(b)(2); provided further that if any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Cash Proceeds are applied, then such Net Cash Proceeds shall constitute a part of the Net Proceeds Offer Amount.

 

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(c) On the 366th day (or, if extended in accordance with the proviso in the preceding paragraph, the 546th day) after an Asset Sale covered by Section 4.06(I) or such earlier date, if any, as the Board of Directors of the Company or of such Restricted Subsidiary determines not to apply the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale as set forth in Sections 4.06(I)(b)(1), (2), (3) and (4) (each, a “Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date”), such aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds which have not been applied on or before such Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date as permitted in Sections 4.06(I)(b)(1), (2), (3) and (4) (each a “Net Proceeds Offer Amount”) shall be applied by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to make an offer to purchase (the “Net Proceeds Offer”) to all Holders and, to the extent required by the terms of any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to all holders of such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Securities and any such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations that may be purchased out of the Net Proceeds Offer Amount at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities and Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture or the agreements governing the Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as applicable, on a date not less than 30 nor more than 45 days following the applicable Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, from all Holders (and holders of any such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations) on a pro rata basis but in round denominations, which in the case of the Securities shall be minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount or any greater integral multiple of $1,000 thereof; provided , however , that if at any time any non-cash consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, in connection with any Asset Sale is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash (other than interest received with respect to any such non-cash consideration), then such conversion or disposition shall be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Cash Proceeds thereof shall be applied in accordance with this Section 4.06.

(d) The Company may defer the Net Proceeds Offer until there is an aggregate unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount equal to or in excess of $50,000,000 resulting from one or more Asset Sales (at which time, the entire unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount, and not just the amount in excess of $50,000,000, shall be applied as required pursuant to this Section 4.06).

 

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(e) Each Net Proceeds Offer shall be mailed to the record Holders as shown on the register of Holders within 25 days following the Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, with a copy to the Trustee, and shall comply with the procedures set forth in Section 4.06(V). Upon receiving notice of the Net Proceeds Offer, Holders may elect to tender their Securities in whole or in part in minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount or any greater integral multiple of $1,000 thereof in exchange for cash. To the extent Holders properly tender Securities and holders of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations properly tender such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations in an amount exceeding the Net Proceeds Offer Amount, the tendered Securities and Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations will be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the aggregate amounts of Securities and Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations tendered (and the Trustee shall select the tendered Securities of tendering Holders on a pro rata basis based on the amount of the Securities tendered). A Net Proceeds Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 business days or such longer period as may be required by law. If any Net Cash Proceeds remain after the consummation of any Net Proceeds Offer, the Company may use those Net Cash Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. Upon completion of each Net Proceeds Offer, the amount of Net Cash Proceeds covered by Section 4.06(I) will be reset at zero.

(II) (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate any Asset Sale of any ABL Priority Collateral, unless:

(1) the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of (as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors); and

(2) at least 75% of the consideration received by the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from such Asset Sale shall be in the form of cash (including Non-Cash Consideration) and/or Cash Equivalents and is received at the time of such disposition.

(b) Upon the consummation of an Asset Sale covered by this Section 4.06(II), the Company shall apply, or cause such Restricted Subsidiary to apply, the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale within 365 days of receipt thereof:

(1) to permanently reduce Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement or any other Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor that, in each case, is secured by a Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral that is prior to the Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral in favor of the Holders (and, in the case of revolving obligations, to effect a permanent reduction in the availability under such revolving facilities), in each case other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company;

(2) to make an Investment in Replacement Assets;

(3) to make one or more Restricted Payments to the extent permitted under Section 4.04; or

(4) a combination of the foregoing;

provided that, in the case of Section 4.06(II)(b)(2), an Acceptable Commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Cash Proceeds from the date of such commitment; provided further that if any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Cash Proceeds are applied, then such Net Cash Proceeds shall constitute a part of the Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount.

 

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(c) On the 366th day (or, if extended in accordance with the proviso in the preceding paragraph, the 546th day) after an Asset Sale covered by this Section 4.06(II) or such earlier date, if any, as the Board of Directors of the Company or of such Restricted Subsidiary determines not to apply the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale as set forth in Sections 4.06(II)(b)(1), (2), (3) and (4) (each, a “Net ABL Proceeds Offer Trigger Date”), such aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds which have not been applied on or before such Net ABL Proceeds Offer Trigger Date as permitted in Sections 4.06(II)(b)(1), (2), (3) and (4) (each a “Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount”) shall be applied by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to make an offer to purchase (the “Net ABL Proceeds Offer”) to all Holders and, to the extent required by the terms of any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to all holders of such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Securities and any such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations that may be purchased out of the Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities and Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture or the agreements governing the Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as applicable, on a date not less than 30 nor more than 45 days following the applicable Net ABL Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, from all Holders (and holders of any such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations) on a pro rata basis but in round denominations, which in the case of the Securities will be minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount or any greater integral multiple of $1,000 thereof; provided , however , that if at any time any Non-Cash Consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, in connection with any Asset Sale is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash (other than interest received with respect to any such Non-Cash Consideration), then such conversion or disposition shall be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Cash Proceeds thereof shall be applied in accordance with this Section 4.06.

(d) The Company may defer the Net ABL Proceeds Offer until there is an aggregate unutilized Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount equal to or in excess of $50,000,000 resulting from one or more Asset Sales (at which time, the entire unutilized Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount, and not just the amount in excess of $50,000,000, shall be applied as required pursuant to this paragraph).

 

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(e) Each Net ABL Proceeds Offer shall be mailed to the record Holders as shown on the register of Holders within 25 days following the Net ABL Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, with a copy to the Trustee, and shall comply with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. Upon receiving notice of the Net Proceeds Offer, Holders may elect to tender their Securities in whole or in part in minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount or any greater integral multiple of $1,000 thereof in exchange for cash. To the extent Holders properly tender Securities and holders of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations properly tender such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations in an amount exceeding the Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount, the tendered Securities and Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations will be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the aggregate amounts of Securities and Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations tendered (and the Trustee shall select the tendered Securities of tendering Holders on a pro rata basis based on the amount of the Securities tendered). A Net ABL Proceeds Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 business days or such longer period as may be required by law. If any Net Cash Proceeds remain after the consummation of any Net ABL Proceeds Offer, the Company may use those Net Cash Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. Upon completion of each Net ABL Proceeds Offer, the amount of Net Cash Proceeds covered by this clause (B) will be reset at zero.

(III) Pending the final application of Net Cash Proceeds pursuant to this Section 4.06, the Company may temporarily reduce borrowings under the Credit Agreement or any other revolving credit facility.

(IV) For the purposes of this Section 4.06, any sale by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that owns assets constituting Non-ABL Priority Collateral or ABL Priority Collateral shall be deemed to be a sale of such Non-ABL Priority Collateral or ABL Priority Collateral (or, in the event of a Restricted Subsidiary that owns assets that include any combination of Non-ABL Priority Collateral and ABL Priority Collateral, a separate sale of each of such Non-ABL Priority Collateral and ABL Priority Collateral). In the event of any such sale (or a sale of assets that includes any combination of Non-ABL Priority Collateral and ABL Priority Collateral), the proceeds received by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such sale shall be allocated to the Non-ABL Priority Collateral and ABL Priority Collateral as described in the Intercreditor Agreement. In addition, for purposes of this Section 4.06, any sale by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Capital Stock of any Person that owns only ABL Priority Collateral will not be subject to Section 4.06(I), but rather will be subject to Section 4.06(II).

(V) (1) Not later than the date upon which a copy of a Net Proceeds Offer or a Net ABL Proceeds Offer, as applicable, is delivered to the Trustee as provided in Sections 4.06(I)(e) or 4.06(II)(e), respectively, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate as to (A) the Net Proceeds Offer Amount or the Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount, as applicable, including information as to any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations included in the Net Proceeds Offer or Net ABL Proceeds Offer, (B) the allocation of the Net Cash Proceeds from the Asset Sale pursuant to which such Net Proceeds Offer or Net ABL Proceeds Offer is being made and (C) the compliance of such allocation with the provisions of Section 4.06(I) or 4.06(II), as applicable. On such date, the Company shall also irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) an amount equal to the Net Proceeds Offer Amount or the Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount, as applicable, to be held for payment in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.06(V). If the Net Proceeds Offer or Net ABL Proceeds Offer includes Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the deposit described in the preceding sentence may be made with any other paying agent pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee. Upon the expiration of the period for which the Net Proceeds Offer or the Net ABL Proceeds Offer, as applicable, remains open, as described in Sections 4.06(I)(e) or 4.06(II)(e), respectively, and (the “Offer Period”), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee for cancellation the Securities or portions thereof which have been properly tendered to and are to be accepted by the Company. The Trustee shall, on the date required by the applicable Net Proceeds Offer or Net ABL Proceeds Offer (such date, the “Offer Payment Date”), mail or deliver payment (or cause the delivery of payment) to each tendering Holder in the amount of the purchase price. In the event that the aggregate purchase price of the Securities delivered by the Company to the Trustee is less than the Net Proceeds Offer Amount or the Net ABL Proceeds Offer Amount, as applicable, applicable to the Securities, the Trustee shall deliver the excess to the Company immediately after the expiration of the Offer Period for application in accordance with this Section 4.06.

 

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(2) Holders electing to have a Security purchased shall be required to surrender the Security, with an appropriate form duly completed, to the Company at the address specified in the notice at least three business days prior to the Offer Payment Date. Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the Company receives not later than one business day prior to the Offer Payment Date, a telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Security which was delivered for purchase by the Holder and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Security purchased. Holders whose Securities are purchased only in part shall be issued new Securities equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Securities surrendered.

(3) At the time the Company delivers Securities to the Trustee which are to be accepted for purchase, the Company shall also deliver an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Securities are to be accepted by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Section. A Security shall be deemed to have been accepted for purchase at the time the Trustee, directly or through an agent, mails or delivers payment therefor to the surrendering Holder.

(VI) The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Securities pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with Section 4.06, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Section 4.06 by virtue thereof.

SECTION 4.07. Limitation on Affiliate Transactions. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of, any of its Affiliates (each, an “Affiliate Transaction”), other than (1) Affiliate Transactions permitted under Section 4.07(b) and (2) Affiliate Transactions on terms that are no less favorable than those that might reasonably have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm’s-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

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All Affiliate Transactions (and each series of related Affiliate Transactions which are similar or part of a common plan) involving aggregate payments or other property with a fair market value in excess of $5,000,000 shall be approved by a majority of the non-employee directors of the Board of Directors of the Company disinterested with respect to such Affiliate Transaction, such approval to be evidenced by a Board Resolution stating that such disinterested non-employee directors have in good faith determined that such transaction complies with the foregoing provisions. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company enters into an Affiliate Transaction (or a series of related Affiliate Transactions related to a common plan) that involves an aggregate fair market value of more than $15,000,000, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall, prior to the consummation thereof, obtain a favorable opinion as to the fairness of such transaction or series of related transactions to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of view, from an Independent Financial Advisor and file the same with the Trustee.

(b) The restrictions set forth in Section 4.07(a) shall not apply to:

(1) reasonable fees and compensation paid to and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors or senior management;

(2) transactions exclusively between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or exclusively between or among such Restricted Subsidiaries, provided that such transactions are not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture;

(3) any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date or any amendment thereto or any transaction contemplated thereby (including pursuant to any amendment thereto) in any replacement agreement thereto so long as any such amendment or replacement agreement is not more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Issue Date;

(4) Restricted Payments permitted by this Indenture;

(5) any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors of the Company;

(6) loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the past practices of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, but in any event not to exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any one time;

 

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(7) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries who are not employees of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(8) transactions with customers, clients, vendors, suppliers or other purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business (including pursuant to joint venture agreements);

(9) the issuance or sale of any Qualified Capital Stock of the Company; and

(10) any transaction on arm’s-length terms with any non-Affiliate that becomes an Affiliate as a result of such transactions.

SECTION 4.08. Conduct of Business. The Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not engage in any businesses which are not Related Businesses.

SECTION 4.09. Change of Control. (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder shall have the right to require that the Company purchase all or a portion of such Holder’s Securities pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

(b) Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of Control occurred (unless the Company has previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all outstanding Securities as described under paragraphs 5 and 6 of the Securities), the Company shall send, by first class mail, a notice to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer. Such notice shall state, among other things:

(1) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such Holder’s Securities at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date);

(2) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control;

(3) the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 45 days from the date such notice is mailed, other than as may be required by law) (the “Change of Control Payment Date”); and

 

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(4) the instructions, as determined by the Company, consistent with this Section 4.09, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Securities purchased.

(c) Holders electing to have a Security purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer shall be required to surrender the Security, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Security completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third business day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date. Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the Company receives not later than one business day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Security which was delivered for purchase by the Holder and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Security purchased.

(d) On the Change of Control Payment Date, all Securities purchased by the Company under this Section shall be delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall pay the purchase price plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Holders entitled thereto.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Securities validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

(f) A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

(g) The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Securities pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section by virtue thereof.

SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Liens. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit or suffer to exist any Liens (“Initial Lien”) of any kind against or upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after the Issue Date, or any proceeds therefrom, or assign or otherwise convey any right to receive income or profits therefrom other than:

(1) in the case of the Notes Priority Collateral, any Initial Lien if (a) such Initial Lien expressly ranks junior to the first-priority security interest intended to be created in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent, the Holders of Securities and the holders of any future Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations (if any), provided that the terms of such junior interest will be no more favorable to the beneficiaries thereof than the terms contained in the Intercreditor Agreement, or (b) such Initial Lien is a Permitted Collateral Lien;

 

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(2) in the case of the ABL Priority Collateral, any Initial Lien if (a) the Securities and the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured on a second-priority basis by such ABL Priority Collateral until such time as such Initial Lien is released or (b) such Initial Lien is a Permitted Lien; and

(3) in the case of any other asset or property, any Initial Lien if (a) the Securities and the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured with (or on a senior basis to, in the case such Initial Lien secures any Subordinated Indebtedness) the obligations secured by such Initial Lien or (b) such Initial Lien is a Permitted Lien.

(b) Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of Securities pursuant to Section 4.10(a)(2) or (3) will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of each Initial Lien to which it relates, which release and discharge in the case of any sale of any asset or property shall not affect any Lien that the Notes Collateral Agent may have on the proceeds from such sale.

(c) Any reference to a Permitted Collateral Lien or a Permitted Lien is not intended to subordinate or postpone, and shall not be interpreted as subordinating or postponing, or as any agreement to subordinate or postpone, any Lien in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent in respect of the Notes Priority Collateral or the ABL Priority Collateral.

(d) With respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any Increased Amount of such Indebtedness. The “Increased Amount” of any Indebtedness shall mean any increase in the amount of such Indebtedness in connection with any accrual of interest or fees, any accretion of accreted value, any amortization of original issue discount, any payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness containing the same terms or in the form of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, any payment of dividends on Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock of the same class or any accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference and any increase in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies or increases in the value of property securing Indebtedness.

 

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SECTION 4.11. Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale/Leaseback Transaction with respect to any property unless:

(a) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to (A) incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction pursuant to Section 4.03 and (B)(i) in the case of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction involving Notes Priority Collateral, create a Permitted Collateral Lien on such Notes Priority Collateral securing such Attributable Debt or (ii) in the case of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction involving ABL Priority Collateral or any other property or asset, create a Permitted Lien on such ABL Priority Collateral, property or asset, as applicable;

(b) the net proceeds received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Sale/Leaseback Transaction are at least equal to the fair market value of such property; and

(c) the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with Section 4.06.

SECTION 4.12. Future Guarantors. The Company shall not permit any of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries that are organized in the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, directly or indirectly, by way of the pledge of any intercompany note or otherwise, to incur any Indebtedness or assume, guarantee or in any other manner become liable with respect to Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor, including under the Credit Agreement, unless such Restricted Subsidiary is a Guarantor or contemporaneously executes and delivers to the Trustee a Guarantee Agreement pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall guarantee payment of the Securities on a senior secured basis on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in this Indenture and applicable to the other Guarantors and delivers to the Trustee joinders or supplements, as applicable, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, to the Security Documents and Intercreditor Agreement, as well as an Opinion of Counsel that such Guarantee Agreement, joinders and supplements, as applicable, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Restricted Subsidiary and constitute a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Securities shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, as described under Article 10 of this Indenture.

SECTION 4.13. Payments for Consent. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder of Securities for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Securities unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders of the Securities that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

 

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SECTION 4.14. Compliance Certificate. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an Officers’ Certificate stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signers know of any Default that occurred during such period. If they do, the certificate shall describe the Default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. The Company also shall comply with TIA § 314(a)(4).

SECTION 4.15. Information Regarding Collateral . (a) The Company shall furnish to the Notes Collateral Agent, with respect to the Company or any Guarantor, written notice within five business days of any change in such Person’s (i) organizational name, (ii) jurisdiction of organization or formation, (iii) identity or organizational structure or (iv) organizational identification number. The Company and the Guarantors shall agree to make all filings under the Uniform Commercial Code or equivalent statutes or otherwise that are required by applicable law in order for the Notes Collateral Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral.

(b) Each year, at the time of delivery of annual financial statements in accordance with Section 4.02 of this Indenture, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent a certificate of a financial officer setting forth the information required pursuant to the perfection certificate delivered on the Issue Date or confirming there has been no change in such information since the date of the prior delivered perfection certificate.

(c) The Company shall (i) furnish to the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (ii) ensure that the net proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Security Documents.

SECTION 4.16. Further Assurances and After-Acquired Property . (a) Subject to the applicable limitations set forth in the Security Documents and this Indenture (including with respect to Excluded Assets), the Company and the Guarantors shall execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all further action that may be required under applicable law, or that the Notes Collateral Agent may reasonably request, in order to grant, preserve, protect and perfect the validity and priority of the security interests created or intended to be created by the Security Documents in the Collateral. Subject to the applicable limitations set forth in the Security Documents and this Indenture (including with respect to Excluded Assets), if the Company or a Guarantor acquires property that is not automatically subject to a perfected security interest under the Security Documents and such property constitutes or would constitute Collateral (including any asset of the Company or a Guarantor that becomes Collateral subsequent to the Issue Date as a result of such asset ceasing to be an Excluded Asset) or an entity becomes a Guarantor, then the Company or such Guarantor shall, within 90 days after acquisition or 90 days after the date such asset ceases to be an Excluded Asset (with respect to real property and related fixtures) (in each case, or such longer period as the Notes Collateral Agent may agree in its sole discretion) and as soon as practicable (with respect to other assets), provide a security interest over such property (or, in the case of a new Guarantor, its assets that would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents) in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent and deliver certain joinder agreements or supplements as required by this Indenture and the Security Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, until the Discharge of ABL Obligations, the Company and the Guarantors shall only be required to comply with the foregoing requirements with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral to the extent that such ABL Priority Collateral is concurrently being pledged to secure the obligations under the Lenders Debt.

 

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(b) In addition, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(1) on or before the date that is 90 days after the Issue Date, deliver to the Notes Collateral Agent (A) counterparts of a mortgage with respect to all Issue Date Real Property Collateral, duly executed and delivered by the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, which owns such real property, (B) a policy or policies of title insurance (or pro forma therefor) issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of such mortgage as a valid and enforceable Lien on a first-priority basis on the mortgaged property described therein, free of any other Liens except Permitted Collateral Liens, together with customary endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance, (C) if such mortgaged property is located in an area determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to have special flood hazards, evidence of such flood insurance as may be required under applicable law, including Regulation H of the Board of Governors, and (D) such surveys, abstracts, appraisals, legal opinions and other documents as the Notes Collateral Agent may reasonably request with respect to any such mortgage or mortgaged property; and

(2) on or before the date that is 90 days after the Issue Date, deliver to the Notes Collateral Agent control agreements and related pledge agreements in respect of deposit accounts and securities accounts (if any) required pursuant to the Security Documents.

SECTION 4.17. Further Instruments and Acts. Upon request of the Trustee, the Company shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

 

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Article 5

Surviving Entity

SECTION 5.01. Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets. (a) The Company shall not, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into any Person, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of) all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries) whether as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any Person unless:

(1) either:

(a) the Company shall be the surviving or continuing corporation; or

(b) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition the properties and assets of the Company and of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries substantially as an entirety (the “Surviving Entity”) (i) shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and (ii) shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture or other documents or instruments (in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee), executed and delivered to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on all of the Securities and the performance of every covenant of the Securities, this Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement on the part of the Company to be performed or observed, and all obligations of the Company under the Security Documents and Intercreditor Agreement;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption contemplated by clause (1)(B)(ii) above (including giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction), the Company or such Surviving Entity, as the case may be, shall be able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 4.03(b)) pursuant to Section 4.03;

(3) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption contemplated by clause (1)(B)(ii) above (including, without limitation, giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred and any Lien granted in connection with or in respect of the transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing;

 

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(4) the Company or the Surviving Entity shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition and, if a supplemental indenture or other documents or instruments are required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture, documents or instruments, as applicable, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered are legal, valid and binding agreements enforceable against the Surviving Entity, comply with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and that all conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied;

(5) to the extent any assets of the Person which is consolidated with or merged with or into the Surviving Entity are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents, the Surviving Entity shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Security Documents in the manner and to the extent required in this Indenture or any of the Security Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by this Indenture and the Security Documents; and

(6) the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Surviving Entity shall: (a) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents, (b) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of Securities and (c) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Collateral Liens or Permitted Liens, as the case may be, and other Liens permitted under Section 4.10.

For purposes of this Section 5.01, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of one or more Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5), the Company may merge with an Affiliate that is a Person that has no material assets or liabilities and which was organized solely for the purpose of reorganizing the Company in another jurisdiction in the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company is not increased thereby.

Upon any consolidation, combination or merger or any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with this Section 5.01 in which the Company is not the surviving or continuing corporation, the Surviving Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Securities with the same effect as if such Surviving Entity had been named as such.

 

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(b) Each Guarantor (other than any Guarantor whose Guarantee is to be released in accordance with the terms of the Guarantee and this Indenture in connection with any transaction complying with Section 4.06) shall not, and the Company shall not cause or permit any Guarantor to, consolidate with or merge with or into any Person other than the Company or any other Guarantor, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of such Guarantor’s assets whether as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any Person other than the Company or any other Guarantor unless:

(1) the entity formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia;

(2) such entity assumes by supplemental indenture or other documents or instruments (in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee) all of the obligations of the Guarantor on the Guarantee and the applicable Security Documents and Intercreditor Agreement;

(3) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(4) to the extent any assets of the Person which is consolidated with or merged with or into such entity are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents, such entity shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Security Documents in the manner and to the extent required in this Indenture or any of the Security Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by this Indenture and the Security Documents; and

(5) the Collateral owned by or transferred to such entity shall (a) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents, (b) be subject to the Lien favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of Securities and (c) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens and other Liens permitted under Section 4.10.

Subject to certain limitations described in this Indenture, such entity will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and such Guarantor’s Guarantee.

Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5), any Guarantor may merge with an Affiliate that is a Person that has no material assets or liabilities and which was organized solely for the purpose of reorganizing the Guarantor in another jurisdiction in the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby

 

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Article 6

Defaults and Remedies

SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. Each of the following events is an “Event of Default”:

(1) the failure to pay interest on any Security when the same becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days;

(2) the failure to pay the principal on any Security, when such principal becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise (including the failure to make a payment to purchase Securities tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer, a Net Proceeds Offer or a Net ABL Proceeds Offer);

(3) the failure by the Company to comply with its obligations under Section 5.01;

(4) the failure by the Company to comply for 30 days after written notice with any of its obligations under Section 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06 (other than a failure to purchase Securities), 4.07, 4.08, 4.09 (other than a failure to purchase Securities), 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15 and 4.16 or any covenants contained in the Security Documents;

(5) the failure by the Company or any Guarantor to comply for 60 days after written notice with its other covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) through (4) above);

(6) the failure to pay at final maturity (giving effect to any applicable grace periods and any extensions thereof) the stated principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company, or the acceleration of the final stated maturity of any such Indebtedness (which acceleration is not rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured within 20 days of receipt by the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company of written notice of any such acceleration) if the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at final stated maturity or which has been accelerated (in each case with respect to which the 20-day period described above has elapsed), aggregates $25,000,000 or more at any time;

 

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(7) one or more judgments or decrees for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $25,000,000 (net of any amounts that are covered by insurance issued by a reputable and creditworthy insurance company) shall have been rendered against the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company and such judgments or decrees remain undischarged, unpaid or unstayed for a period of 60 days after such judgment or judgments become final and non-appealable;

(8) the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(a) commences a voluntary case;

(b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;

(c) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or

(d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

or takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency;

(9) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(a) is for relief against the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company in an involuntary case;

(b) appoints a Custodian of the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company or for any substantial part of its property; or

(c) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company, the Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company;

or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days;

(10) any Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Guarantee), is declared to be null and void and unenforceable by any final and non-appealable judgment or decree, or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms its liability under its Guarantee; or

 

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(11) (a) with respect to any Collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a fair market value in excess of $25,000,000, any of the Security Documents ceases to be in full force and effect, (b) any of the Security Documents ceases to give the Holders of Securities the Liens purported to be created thereby with the priority contemplated thereby, or (c) any of the Security Documents is declared null and void or the Company or any Guarantor denies in writing that it has any further liability under any Security Document or gives written notice to such effect (in each case (i) other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents or (ii) unless waived by the requisite lenders under the Credit Agreement if, after that waiver, the Company is in compliance with Section 4.16 and Article 11), except to the extent that any loss of perfection or priority results from the failure of the Notes Collateral Agent or the Bank Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Security Documents, or otherwise results from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent or the Bank Collateral Agent.

The foregoing will constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.

The term “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, United States Code , or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors. The term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

A Default under clauses (4) or (5) is not an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities notify the Company of the Default and the Company does not cure such Default within the time specified after receipt of such notice. Such notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a “Notice of Default”.

The Company shall deliver an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee promptly upon any such Officers obtaining knowledge of any Default or Event of Default ( provided that such Officers shall provide such certification at least annually whether or not such Officers have obtained knowledge of any Default or Event of Default) that has occurred and, if applicable, describe such Default or Event of Default and the status thereof.

SECTION 6.02. Acceleration. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(8) or (9) with respect to the Company) shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Securities may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all the Securities to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a “Notice of Acceleration” and the same shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(8) or (9) with respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, then all unpaid principal of, and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the outstanding Securities shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Securities as described above, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may rescind and cancel such declaration and its consequences:

 

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(a) if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree;

(b) if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of such acceleration;

(c) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid;

(d) if the Company has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and

(e) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 6.01(6), the Trustee shall have received an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of or interest on the Securities or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities 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. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

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 proceedings, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

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SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may waive any existing Default or Event of Default under this Indenture, and its consequences, except a Default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Security. When a Default is waived, it is deemed cured, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.

SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable. However, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture, the Securities and the Security Documents or, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders or would involve the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable in personal liability; provided , however , that the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action hereunder, the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities unless:

(1) the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice stating that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request during such 60-day period.

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder. In the event that the Definitive Securities are not issued to any beneficial owner promptly after the Registrar has received a request from the Holder of a Global Security to issue such Definitive Securities to such beneficial owner of its nominee, the Company expressly agrees and acknowledges, with respect to the right of any Holder to pursue a remedy pursuant to this Indenture, the right of such beneficial holder of Securities to pursue such remedy with respect to the portion of the Global Security that represents such beneficial holder’s Securities as if such Definitive Securities had been issued.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may any Holder enforce any Lien of the Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents.

SECTION 6.07. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on the Securities held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Securities, 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 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) 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 then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.07.

SECTION 6.09. 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 and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company, its creditors or its property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make 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 it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.

Priorities. Subject to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement with respect to any proceeds of Collateral, if the Trustee or Notes Collateral Agent collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property, together with other amounts held by the Trustee under this Indenture, in the following order:

FIRST: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07 and to the Notes Collateral Agent for amounts due under Article 11 or under any Security Document;

SECOND: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities for principal and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities for principal and interest, respectively; and

 

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THIRD: to the Company, or to the extent the Trustee collects any amount for any Guarantor, to such Guarantor.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section. At least 15 days before such record date, the Company shall mail to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.

SECTION 6.10. 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, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07 or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities.

SECTION 6.11. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) shall not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

Article 7

Trustee

SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee. (a) During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee shall exercise such rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(1) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee shall perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

 

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(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own gross negligent action, its own gross negligent failure to act or its own wilful misconduct, except that:

(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section;

(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05.

(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section.

(e) 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.

(f) Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

(g) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(h) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section and to the provisions of the TIA.

SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee. (a) The Trustee may rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on the Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.

 

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(c) The Trustee may act through agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or gross negligence of any agent appointed with due care.

(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided , however , that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Securities shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect to any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

SECTION 7.03. 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 Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or co-paying agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11.

SECTION 7.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, the Securities, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, and it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Securities or of any money paid to the Company at the Company’s direction pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Securities or in the Securities other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication.

SECTION 7.05. Notice of Defaults. If a Default occurs, is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of or interest on any Security, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is not opposed to the interests of the Securityholders. The Trustee shall not be deemed to know of any Default unless a Trust Officer has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is such a Default is received by the Trustee and such notice references this Indenture.

SECTION 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders. If required by Section 313(a) of the TIA, as promptly as practicable after each June 30 beginning with the June 30 following the date of this Indenture, and in any event prior to August 30 in each year, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder a brief report dated as of June 30 that complies with TIA § 313(a). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b).

 

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A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Securityholders shall be filed with the Commission and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Securities are listed. The Company agrees to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Securities become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity. The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its services. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances, and out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Company shall indemnify the Trustee and hold the Trustee harmless against any and all loss, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by it in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder. The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee’s own wilful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith.

To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Securities.

The Company’s payment obligations pursuant to this Section shall survive the discharge of this Indenture. When the Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.01(8) or (9) with respect to the Company, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Law.

SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Company shall remove the Trustee if:

(1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;

(2) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;

(3) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(4) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 

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If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Company or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Securityholders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07.

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Securityholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

 

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SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification. The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA § 310(a). The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. The Trustee shall comply with TIA § 310(b); provided , however , that there shall be excluded from the operation of TIA § 310(b)(1) any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Company are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in TIA § 310(b)(1) are met.

SECTION 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. The Trustee shall comply with TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated.

SECTION 7.12. Security Documents; Intercreditor Agreement . By their acceptance of the Securities, the Holders hereby authorize and direct the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, to execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents in which the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, is named as a party, including any Security Documents executed after the Issue Date. It is hereby expressly acknowledged and agreed that, in doing so, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent are not responsible for the terms or contents of such agreements, or for the validity or enforceability thereof, or the sufficiency thereof for any purpose. Whether or not so expressly stated therein, in entering into, or taking (or forbearing from) any action under or pursuant to, the Intercreditor Agreement or any other Security Document, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent each shall have all the rights, immunities, indemnities and other protections granted to it under this Indenture (in addition to those that may be granted to it under the terms of such other agreement or agreements).

Article 8

Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance

SECTION 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance. (a) This Indenture and the Security Documents shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange of the Securities, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Securities when:

(1) either:

(a) all the Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Securities which have been replaced or paid and Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

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(b) all Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year, under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities to the date of maturity or redemption, as the case may be, together with irrevocable instructions from the Company directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

(2) the Company has paid all other sums payable under this Indenture by the Company; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

(b) Subject to Sections 8.01(c) and 8.02, the Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have (1) all of its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors under the Securities and this Indenture discharged with respect to the outstanding Securities (“Legal Defeasance”) or (2) the obligations of the Company under Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12 and 4.13 and the operation of Sections 6.01(4), 6.01(6), 6.01(7), 6.01(8) and 6.01(9) (but, in the case of Sections 6.01(8) and (9), with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries and Guarantors) and the limitations contained in Section 5.01(a)(2) (“Covenant Defeasance”). The Company may exercise Legal Defeasance notwithstanding its prior exercise of Covenant Defeasance.

If the Company exercises Legal Defeasance, payment of the Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect thereto. If the Company exercises Covenant Defeasance, payment of the Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(4), 6.01(6), 6.01(7), 6.01(8) and 6.01(9) (but, in the case of Sections 6.01(8) and (9), with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries and Guarantors) or because of the failure of the Company to comply with Section 5.01(a)(2). If the Company exercises Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, each Guarantor, if any, shall be released from all its obligations with respect to its Guarantee.

Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Company, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Company terminates.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Company’s obligations in Sections 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 7.07 and 7.08 and in this Article 8 shall survive until the Securities have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Company’s obligations in Sections 7.07, 8.04 and 8.05 shall survive.

SECTION 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance. In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

(1) the Company shall irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as shall be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be;

(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:

(a) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

(b) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders shall not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and shall be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders shall not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and shall be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowings);

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under this Indenture (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowings) or 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;

 

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(6) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company or others;

(7) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with;

(8) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit and the 91st day following the date of deposit and that no Holder is an insider of the Company, after the 91st day following the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally; and

(9) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (2) above with respect to a Legal Defeasance need not be delivered if all Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable on the maturity date within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company.

Before or after a deposit, the Company may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Securities at a future date in accordance with Article 3.

SECTION 8.03. Application of Trust Money. The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article 8. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreement to the payment of principal of and interest on the Securities.

SECTION 8.04. Repayment to Company. The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Company upon request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon request any money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Securityholders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors.

 

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SECTION 8.05. Indemnity for Government Obligations. The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.

SECTION 8.06. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8 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 and each Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture, the Securities and each Guarantee shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article 8 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8; provided , however , that, if the Company has made any payment of interest on or principal of 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 money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

Article 9

Amendments

SECTION 9.01. Without Consent of Holders. From time to time, the Company , the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, without the consent of the Holders, may amend the Note Documents for certain specified purposes, including:

(1) to cure ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies;

(2) to provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under this Indenture;

(3) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities ( provided that the uncertificated Securities are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Securities are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code);

(4) to add Guarantees with respect to the Securities , including any Guarantee, or to secure the Securities;

(5) to add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor;

 

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(6) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder;

(7) to comply with any requirement of the Commission in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

(8) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Securities or any Guarantee to any provision of the “Description of Notes” to the extent that such provision in the “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Securities or such Guarantee;

(9) to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Securities; provided , however , that (A) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Securities being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (B) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Securities; or

(10) to release Collateral from the Lien or any Guarantor from its Guarantee, in each case pursuant to this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement when permitted or required by this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.

The Intercreditor Agreement may be amended from time to time with the consent of certain parties thereto. In addition, the Intercreditor Agreement may be amended from time to time at the sole request and expense of the Company, and without the consent of any Holder of Securities, the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent,

(1) ( A) to add other parties (or any authorized agent or representative thereof or trustee therefor) holding Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations that are incurred in compliance with, and that are secured solely by Liens permitted (in respect of their existence and the priority accorded to such Liens under the Intercreditor Agreement) by, the Credit Agreement, this Indenture and the Security Documents, (B) to establish that the Liens on any Notes Priority Collateral securing such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall be equal in priority under the Intercreditor Agreement with the Liens on such Notes Priority Collateral securing the Obligations under this Indenture and the Securities and senior to the Liens on such Notes Priority Collateral securing any Obligations under the Credit Agreement and other Lenders Debt, all on the terms provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement in effect immediately prior to such amendment and (C) to establish that the Liens on any ABL Priority Collateral securing such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall be equal in priority (to the extent required by the terms of such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations) under the Intercreditor Agreement with the Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral securing the Obligations under this Indenture and the Securities and junior and subordinated to the Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral securing any Obligations under the Credit Agreement and other Lenders Debt, all on the terms provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, and

 

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(2) ( A) to add other parties (or any authorized agent or representative thereof or trustee therefor) holding Indebtedness that is incurred in compliance with, and that is secured solely by Liens permitted (in respect of their existence and the priority accorded to such Liens under the Intercreditor Agreement) by, this Indenture, the Credit Agreement and the Security Documents, (B) to establish that the Liens on any ABL Priority Collateral securing such Indebtedness shall be equal in priority under the Intercreditor Agreement with the Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral securing the Obligations under the Credit Agreement and senior to the Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral securing any Obligations under this Indenture and the Securities and to any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, all on the terms provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement in effect immediately prior to such amendment and (C) to establish that the Liens on any Notes Priority Collateral securing such Indebtedness shall be equal in priority under the Intercreditor Agreement with the Liens on such Notes Priority Collateral securing the Obligations under the Credit Agreement and other Lenders Debt and junior and subordinated to the Liens on such Notes Priority Collateral securing any Obligations under this Indenture and the Securities and to any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, all on the terms provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement in effect immediately prior to such amendment.

(3) Any such additional party and the Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely upon an Officers’ Certificate delivered by the Company certifying that such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Indebtedness, as the case may be, were issued or borrowed in compliance with this Indenture and the Security Documents.

After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of such amendment.

SECTION 9.02. With Consent of Holders. The Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee and Collateral Agent may amend the Note Documents with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange for such Securities) and any past default or compliance with any provisions may also be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding. However, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, no amendment may:

(1) reduce the principal amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment;

 

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(2) reduce the rate of or change or have the effect of changing the time for payment of interest, including defaulted interest, on any Security;

(3) reduce the principal of or change or have the effect of changing the fixed maturity of any Security, or change the date on which any Security may be subject to redemption or reduce the redemption price therefor;

(4) change the provisions applicable to the redemption of any Security contained in Article 3 hereto or paragraph 5 of the Securities;

(5) make any Security payable in money other than that stated in the Security;

(6) make any change in Section 6.04 or 6.07 or the second sentence of this Section;

(7) after the Company’s obligation to purchase Securities arises under this Indenture, amend, change or modify in any material respect the obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer in the event of a Change of Control or make and consummate a Net Proceeds Offer or a Net ABL Proceeds Offer with respect to any Asset Sale that has been consummated or, after such Change of Control has occurred or such Asset Sale has been consummated, modify any of the provisions or definitions with respect thereto;

(8) modify or change any provision of this Indenture or the related definitions affecting the subordination or ranking of the Securities or any Guarantee in a manner which adversely affects the Holders;

(9) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Guarantee or this Indenture otherwise than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

(10) make any change in the Intercreditor Agreement or in the provisions of this Indenture or any Security Document dealing with the application of proceeds of the Collateral in a manner which adversely affects the Holders.

In addition, without the consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding, no amendment, supplement or waiver may release any Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents other than in accordance with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents.

If Holders of at least two-thirds in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding consent to any release of any Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents other than a release in accordance with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, the Notes Collateral Agent will be entitled to vote the total principal amount of the Securities then outstanding as a block in respect of any vote required for such release under the Security Documents.

 

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The consent of the Holders is not necessary under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of such amendment.

SECTION 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. Every amendment to this Indenture or the Securities shall comply with the TIA as then in effect.

SECTION 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder of a Security shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Security or portion of the Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent or waiver as to such Holder’s Security or portion of the Security if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date the amendment or waiver becomes effective. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Securityholder. An amendment or waiver becomes effective upon the execution of such amendment or waiver by the Trustee.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Securityholders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Securityholders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.

SECTION 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities. If an amendment changes the terms of a Security, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Security to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. 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 that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Security shall not affect the validity of such amendment.

SECTION 9.06. Trustee To Sign Amendments. The Trustee shall sign any amendment authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may but need not sign it. In signing such amendment the Trustee shall be entitled to receive indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it and to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

 

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Article 10

Guarantees

SECTION 10.01. Guarantees. Each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, jointly and severally, to each Holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns (a) the full and punctual payment of principal of and interest on the Securities when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, and all other monetary obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Securities and (b) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Company under this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Securities (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”). Each Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from such Guarantor and that such Guarantor shall remain bound under this Article 10 notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.

Each Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Company of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Guarantor waives notice of any default under the Securities or the Guaranteed Obligations. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (1) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Company or any other Person (including any Guarantor) under this Indenture, the Securities, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or any other agreement or otherwise; (2) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (3) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Securities, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or any other agreement; (4) the release of any security held by any Holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; (5) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (6) except as set forth in Section 10.06, any change in the ownership of such Guarantor.

Each Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment, performance and compliance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

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Except as expressly set forth in Sections 8.01(b), 10.02 and 10.06, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Indenture, the Securities, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the obligations, or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.

Each Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or otherwise.

In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder or the Trustee has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Company to pay the principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Guaranteed Obligation, each Guarantor hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holders or the Trustee an amount equal to the sum of (A) the unpaid amount of such Guaranteed Obligations, (B) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) and (C) all other monetary Guaranteed Obligations of the Company to the Holders and the Trustee.

Each Guarantor agrees that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 for the purposes of such Guarantor’s Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Article 6, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Guarantor for the purposes of this Section.

Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section.

SECTION 10.02. Limitation on Liability. Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereunder by any Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed without rendering this Indenture, as it relates to such Guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

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SECTION 10.03. Successors and Assigns. This Article 10 shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall enure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Securities shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.

SECTION 10.04. No Waiver. Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article 10 shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article 10 at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

SECTION 10.05. Modification. No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article 10, nor the consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

SECTION 10.06. Release of Guarantor. A Guarantor shall be released from its obligations under this Article 10 (other than any obligation that may have arisen under Section 10.07):

(1) in the event all of the Capital Stock of a Guarantor is sold or spun-off by the Company; provided that such sale or spin-off complies with Section 4.06 and in connection therewith the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions provided for in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with;

(2) upon the designation by the Company of such Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;

(3) upon the release or discharge of any Guarantee or Indebtedness that resulted in the creation after the Issue Date of the Guarantee pursuant to Section 4.12; or

(4) the Company’s exercise of Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance as described under Article 8 or if the Company’s obligations under this Indenture are discharged in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

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At the request of the Company, the Trustee shall execute and deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing such release.

Upon the release of a Guarantor from its Guarantee, such Guarantor will also be automatically and unconditionally released from its obligations under the Security Documents.

SECTION 10.07. Contribution. Each Guarantor that makes a payment under its Guarantee shall be entitled upon payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations under this Indenture to a contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

Article 11

Collateral

SECTION 11.01. Collateral and Security Documents . The due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Securities and the Guarantees when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an interest payment date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Securities and the Guarantees and performance of all other Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors to the Securityholder Secured Parties under this Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, shall be secured as provided in the Security Documents, which define the terms of the Liens that secure the Obligations, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement. The Trustee, the Company and the Guarantors hereby acknowledge and agree that the Notes Collateral Agent holds the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Securityholder Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. Each Holder, by accepting a Security, consents and agrees to the terms of the Security Documents (including the provisions providing for the possession, use, release and foreclosure of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreement as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and this Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreement, and authorizes and directs the Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith. The Company shall deliver to the Notes Collateral Agent copies of all documents required to be filed pursuant to the Security Documents, and shall do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be reasonably required by the next sentence of this Section 11.01, to assure and confirm to the Notes Collateral Agent the first-priority security interest in the Notes Priority Collateral and the second-priority lien in the ABL Priority Collateral contemplated hereby, by the Security Documents or any part thereof, as from time to time constituted, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the Securities secured hereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, take any and all actions and make all filings, registrations and recordations (including the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto) in all such jurisdictions reasonably required to cause the Security Documents to create, perfect and maintain, as security for the Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors to the Securityholder Secured Parties under this Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, a valid and enforceable perfected Lien and security interest in and on all of the Collateral (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents), in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Securityholder Secured Parties subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted pursuant to this Indenture.

 

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SECTION 11.02. Non-Impairment of Liens . Any release of Collateral permitted by Section 11.03 shall be deemed not to impair the Liens under this Indenture and the Security Documents in contravention thereof.

SECTION 11.03. Release of Collateral . (a) Subject to Section 11.03(b), Collateral may be released from the Lien and security interest created by the Security Documents at any time or from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and this Indenture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Security Document, the Liens on Collateral securing the Securities shall be immediately released with respect to the relevant Collateral under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) to enable the disposition of such property or assets, including Capital Stock (other than to the Company or a Guarantor) to the extent not prohibited by Section 4.06;

(2) in the case of a Guarantor that is released from its Guarantee, the release of the property and assets of such Guarantor;

(3) with respect to Collateral that is Capital Stock, upon the dissolution or liquidation of the issuer of that Capital Stock that is not prohibited by this Indenture or upon the release of a Guarantor that has pledged such Capital Stock;

(4) pursuant to an amendment, supplement or waiver in accordance with Article 9;

(5) if the Securities have been discharged or defeased pursuant to Article 8; or

(6) upon the payment in full of the principal of, and together with accrued and unpaid interest on, the Securities and all other obligations under this Indenture, the Guarantees and the Security Documents that are then due and payable (other than contingent indemnification obligations that, pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and the Security Documents, survive the termination thereof).

 

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(b) The second-priority Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the Securities and the Guarantees will terminate and be released automatically if the first-priority Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral are released by the Bank Collateral Agent (unless, at the time of such release of such first-priority Liens, an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing), other than (i) in connection with a Discharge of ABL Obligations under the Credit Agreement or (ii) to the extent prohibited under this Indenture. Notwithstanding the existence of an Event of Default, the second-priority Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the Securities and the Guarantees shall also terminate and be released automatically to the extent the first-priority Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral are released by the Bank Collateral Agent in connection with a sale, transfer or disposition of ABL Priority Collateral that occurs in connection with the foreclosure of, or other exercise of remedies with respect to, ABL Priority Collateral by the Bank Collateral Agent (except with respect to any proceeds of such sale, transfer or disposition that remain after satisfaction in full of the Lenders Debt).

(c) With respect to any release of Collateral permitted by this Section 11.03, upon receipt of a written request from the Company and supported by an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture and the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, if any, to such release have been met and that it is proper for the Trustee or Notes Collateral Agent to execute and deliver the documents requested by the Company in connection with such release, and any necessary or proper instruments of termination, satisfaction or release prepared by the Company, the Trustee shall, or shall cause the Notes Collateral Agent to, execute, deliver or acknowledge (at the Company’s expense) such instruments or releases to evidence the release of any Collateral permitted to be released pursuant to this Indenture or the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement. Neither the Trustee nor the Notes Collateral Agent shall be liable for any such release undertaken in reliance upon any such Officers’ Certificate, and notwithstanding any term hereof or in any Security Document or in the Intercreditor Agreement to the contrary, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to release any such Lien and security interest, or execute and deliver any such instrument of release, satisfaction or termination, unless and until it receives such Officers’ Certificate.

SECTION 11.04. Suits to Protect the Collateral . (a) Subject to the provisions of Article 7, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee, without the consent of the Holders, on behalf of the Holders, may or may direct the Notes Collateral Agent to take all actions it determines in order to:

(1) enforce any of the terms of the Security Documents; and

(2) collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the Obligations hereunder.

 

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(b) Subject to the provisions of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent shall have power to institute and to maintain such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may determine to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be unlawful or in violation of any of the Security Documents or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may determine to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders in the Collateral. Nothing in this Section 11.04 shall be considered to impose any such duty or obligation to act on the part of the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent.

SECTION 11.05. Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents . Subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the Holders distributed under the Security Documents, and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders according to the provisions of this Indenture.

SECTION 11.06. Purchaser Protected . In no event shall any purchaser in good faith of any property purported to be released hereunder be bound to ascertain the authority of the Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee to execute the release or to inquire as to the satisfaction of any conditions required by the provisions hereof for the exercise of such authority or to see to the application of any consideration given by such purchaser or other transferee; nor shall any purchaser or other transferee of any property or rights permitted by this Article 11 to be sold be under any obligation to ascertain or inquire into the authority of the Company or the applicable Guarantor to make any such sale or other transfer.

SECTION 11.07. Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee . In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this Article 11 upon the Company or a Guarantor with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Company or a Guarantor or of any Officer or Officers thereof required by the provisions of this Article 11; and if the Trustee shall be in the possession of the Collateral under any provision of this Indenture, then such powers may be exercised by the Trustee.

SECTION 11.08. Release Upon Termination of the Company’s Obligations . In the event that the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate certifying that (i) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest on, the Securities and all other Obligations under this Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees and the Security Documents that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, are paid (other than contingent indemnification obligations that, pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and the Security Documents, survive the termination thereof) or (ii) the Company shall have exercised its Legal Defeasance option or its Covenant Defeasance option, in each case in compliance with the provisions of Article 8, and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of such notice by the Trustee have been satisfied, the Trustee shall deliver to the Company and the Notes Collateral Agent a notice stating that the Trustee, on behalf of the Holders, disclaims and gives up any and all rights it has in or to the Collateral (other than with respect to funds held by the Trustee pursuant to Article 8), and any rights it has under the Security Documents, and upon receipt by the Notes Collateral Agent of such notice, the Notes Collateral Agent shall be deemed not to hold a Lien in the Collateral on behalf of the Trustee and shall do or cause to be done all acts reasonably necessary to release such Lien as soon as is reasonably practicable.

 

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SECTION 11.09. Notes Collateral Agent . (a) By accepting a Security, each Holder shall be deemed to have irrevocably appointed the Notes Collateral Agent to act as its agent under the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement and to have irrevocably authorized the Notes Collateral Agent to (i) perform the duties and exercise the rights, powers and discretions that are specifically given to it under the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or other documents to which it is a party, together with any other incidental rights, powers and discretions; and (ii) execute each document expressed to be executed by the Notes Collateral Agent on its behalf.

(b) The Notes Collateral Agent is authorized and empowered to appoint one or more subagents or co-collateral agents as it deems necessary or appropriate.

(c) The Notes Collateral Agent shall have all the rights and protection provided in the Note Documents as well as the rights and protections afforded to the Trustee in Sections 7.02 and 7.07; provided , however , that the Company shall not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Notes Collateral Agent through the Notes Collateral Agent’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith.

(d) Subject to Section 7.01, none of the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents shall be responsible or liable for the existence, genuineness, value or protection of any Collateral, for the legality, enforceability, effectiveness or sufficiency of the Security Documents, for the creation, perfection, priority, sufficiency or protection of any Lien securing the Securities or any defect or deficiency as to any such matters.

(e) Subject to the Security Documents, except as directed by the Trustee as required or permitted by this Indenture, the Holders acknowledge that the Notes Collateral Agent shall not be obligated:

(1) to act upon directions purported to be delivered to it by any other Person;

(2) to foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any Lien securing the Securities; or

(3) to take any other action whatsoever with regard to any or all Liens securing the Securities, the Security Documents or the Collateral.

(f) In acting as Notes Collateral Agent, co-collateral agent or sub-collateral agent, the Notes Collateral Agent, each co-collateral agent and each sub-collateral agent may rely upon and enforce each and all of the rights, powers, immunities, indemnities and benefits of the Trustee under Article 7.

 

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SECTION 11.10. Designations . Except as provided in the next sentence, for purposes of the provisions hereof and the Intercreditor Agreement requiring the Company to designate Indebtedness for the purposes of the terms “Lenders Debt” and “Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations” or any other such designations hereunder or under the Intercreditor Agreement, any such designation shall be sufficient if the relevant designation is set forth in writing, signed on behalf of the Company by an Officer and delivered to the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent and the Bank Collateral Agent. For all purposes hereof and the Intercreditor Agreement, the Company hereby designates the Obligations pursuant to the Credit Agreement as “Lenders Debt.”

SECTION 11.11. Limitation on Stock Collateral . (a) The Capital Stock and other securities of a Subsidiary of the Company that are owned by the Company or any Guarantor will constitute Notes Priority Collateral only to the extent that such Capital Stock and other securities can secure the Securities without Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act (or any other U.S. federal law, rule or regulation) requiring separate financial statements of such Subsidiary to be filed with the SEC (or any other U.S. federal governmental agency). In the event that Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act requires or is amended, modified or interpreted by the SEC to require (or is replaced with another rule or regulation, or any other law, rule or regulation is adopted, which would require) the filing with the SEC (or any other governmental agency) of separate financial statements of any Subsidiary due to the fact that such Subsidiary’s Capital Stock and other securities secure the Securities, then the Capital Stock and other securities of such Subsidiary shall automatically be deemed not to be part of the Notes Priority Collateral (but only to the extent necessary to not be subject to such requirement). In such event, the Security Documents may be amended or modified, without the consent of any Holder of Securities, to the extent necessary to release the first-priority security interests in the Capital Stock and other securities that are so deemed to no longer constitute part of the Notes Priority Collateral.

(b) In the event that Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act is amended, modified or interpreted by the SEC to permit (or is replaced with another rule or regulation, or any other law, rule or regulation is adopted, which would permit) such Subsidiary’s Capital Stock and other securities to secure the Securities in excess of the amount then pledged without the filing with the SEC (or any other U.S. federal governmental agency) of separate financial statements of such Subsidiary, then the Capital Stock and other securities of such Subsidiary shall automatically be deemed to be a part of the Notes Priority Collateral (but only to the extent necessary to not be subject to any such financial statement requirement). In such event, the Security Documents may be amended or modified, without the consent of the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent, any Holder of Securities or holder of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to the extent necessary to subject to the Liens under the Security Documents such additional Capital Stock and other securities.

 

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Article 12

Miscellaneous

SECTION 12.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls. If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which is required to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, the required provision shall control.

SECTION 12.02. Notices. Any notice or communication shall be in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:

if to LSB Industries, Inc.

16 South Pennsylvania Avenue

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107

Attention: Barry H. Golsen

if to the Trustee:

UMB Bank, n.a.

1010 Grand Blvd., 4th Floor

Kansas City, MO 64106

Attention: Doug Hare

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

Any notice or communication mailed to a Securityholder shall be mailed to the Securityholder at the Securityholder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed.

Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Securityholders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

SECTION 12.03. Communication by Holders with Other Holders. Securityholders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. The Company, any Guarantor, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

SECTION 12.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee or, if such action related to a Security Document or the Intercreditor Agreement, the Notes Collateral Agent:

 

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(1) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee 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

(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

SECTION 12.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture shall include:

(1) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

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

(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, 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

(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with.

SECTION 12.06. When Securities Disregarded. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Company or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Also, subject to the foregoing, only Securities outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.

SECTION 12.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Securityholders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

SECTION 12.08. Legal Holidays. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.

 

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SECTION 12.09. Governing Law. This Indenture, the Securities and the Guarantees shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to applicable principles of conflicts of law to the extent that the application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

SECTION 12.10. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Securities, any Guarantee or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Securities.

SECTION 12.11. Successors. All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

SECTION 12.12. Multiple 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. One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.

SECTION 12.13. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

SECTION 12.14. Electronic Transactions. The parties hereto agree that the transactions described herein may be conducted and related documents may be stored by electronic means. Copies, telecopies, facsimiles, electronic files and other reproductions of original executed documents shall be deemed to be authentic and valid counterparts of such original documents for all purposes, including the filing of any claim, action or suit in the appropriate court of law.

SECTION 12.15. Intercreditor Agreement Governs . Reference is made to the Intercreditor Agreement. Each Holder of Securities, by its acceptance of a Security, (a) consents to the subordination of Liens provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement, (b) agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (c) authorizes and instructs the Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement as Notes Collateral Agent and on behalf of such Holder. The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the lenders under the Credit Agreement to extend credit and such lenders are intended third party beneficiaries of such provisions and the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.,
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CEPOLK HOLDINGS, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CHEMEX I CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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CHEMICAL TRANSPORT L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CHEROKEE NITROGEN COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CHEROKEE NITROGEN HOLDINGS, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CLIMACOOL CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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THE CLIMATE CONTROL GROUP, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CLIMATECRAFT, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CLIMATECRAFT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

CLIMATE MASTER, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

EDC AG PRODUCTS COMPANY L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

EL DORADO ACID, L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

EL DORADO ACID II, L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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EL DORADO AMMONIA L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

EL DORADO NITRIC COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

EL DORADO NITROGEN, L.P.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:  

Executive Vice President

of the General Partner

 

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INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

NORTHWEST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

KOAX CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

LSB CAPITAL L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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LSB CHEMICAL CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

LSB-EUROPA LIMITED
By   /s/ David Goss
Name:   David Goss
Title:   Executive Vice President

 

PRIME FINANCIAL L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

PRIME HOLDINGS CORPORATION
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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PRYOR CHEMICAL COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

SUMMIT MACHINE TOOL MANUFACTURING L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

THERMACLIME, L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

THERMACLIME TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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TRISON CONSTRUCTION, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

XPEDIAIR, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

ZENA ENERGY L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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UMB BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE
By   /s/ Janet Lambert
Name:   Janet Lambert
Title:   Vice President

 

UMB BANK, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
By   /s/ Janet Lambert
Name:   Janet Lambert
Title:   Vice President

 

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RULE 144A/REGULATION S APPENDIX

PROVISIONS RELATING TO INITIAL SECURITIES

AND EXCHANGE SECURITIES

1. Definitions

1.1 Definitions

For the purposes of this Appendix the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or transaction involving a Regulation S Global Security or beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depository for such Global Security, Euroclear and Clearstream, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.

“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, or any successor securities clearing agency.

“Definitive Security” means a certificated Initial Security or Exchange Security bearing, if required, the appropriate restricted securities legend set forth in Section 2.3(e).

“Depository” means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and their respective successors.

“Distribution Compliance Period”, with respect to any Securities, means the period of 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the later of (i) the day on which such Securities are first offered to Persons other than distributors (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) in reliance on Regulation S and (ii) the issue date with respect to such Securities.

“Euroclear” means the Euroclear Clearance System or any successor securities clearing agency.

“Exchange Securities” means (1) the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 issued pursuant to this Indenture in connection with a Registered Exchange Offer pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement and (2) Additional Securities, if any, issued pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Commission under the Securities Act.

“Initial Purchasers means (1) with respect to the Initial Securities issued on the Issue Date, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc. and (2) with respect to each issuance of Additional Securities, the Persons purchasing such Additional Securities under the related Purchase Agreement.


“Initial Securities” means (1) $425,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 issued on the Issue Date and (2) Additional Securities, if any, issued in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

“Purchase Agreement” means (1) with respect to the Initial Securities issued on the Issue Date, the Purchase Agreement dated July 31, 2013, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, and (2) with respect to each issuance of Additional Securities, the purchase agreement or underwriting agreement among the Company and the Persons purchasing such Additional Securities.

“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

“Registered Exchange Offer” means the offer by the Company, pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, to certain Holders of Initial Securities, to issue and deliver to such Holders, in exchange for the Initial Securities, a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Securities registered under the Securities Act.

“Registration Rights Agreement” means (1) with respect to the Initial Securities issued on the Issue Date, the Registration Rights Agreement dated August 7, 2013, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers and (2) with respect to each issuance of Additional Securities issued in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, the registration rights agreement, if any, among the Company and the Persons purchasing such Additional Securities under the related Purchase Agreement.

“Rule 144A Securities” means all Securities offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A.

“Securities” means the Initial Securities and the Exchange Securities, treated as a single class.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933.

“Securities Custodian” means the custodian with respect to a Global Security (as appointed by the Depository), or any successor Person thereto and shall initially be the Trustee.

“Shelf Registration Statement” means the registration statement issued by the Company in connection with the offer and sale of Initial Securities pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement.

“Transfer Restricted Securities” means Securities that bear or are required to bear the legend relating to restrictions on transfer relating to the Securities Act set forth in Section 2.3(e) hereto.

 

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1.2 Other Definitions

 

Term

   Defined
in

Section:

“Agent Members”

   2.1(b)

“Global Securities”

   2.1(a)

“Regulation S”

   2.1(a)

“Regulation S Global Security”

   2.1(a)

“Rule 144A”

   2.1(a)

“Rule 144A Global Security”

   2.1(a)

2. The Securities.

2.1(a)  Form and Dating. The Initial Securities will be offered and sold by the Company pursuant to a Purchase Agreement. The Initial Securities will be resold initially only to (i) QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”) and (ii) Persons other than U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”). Initial Securities may thereafter be transferred to, among others, QIBs and purchasers in reliance on Regulation S, subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein. Initial Securities initially resold pursuant to Rule 144A shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global Securities in definitive, fully registered form (collectively, the “Rule 144A Global Security”); and Initial Securities initially resold pursuant to Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of one or more temporary global securities in fully registered form (collectively, the “Regulation S Global Security”), in each case without interest coupons and with the global securities legend and the applicable restricted securities legend set forth in Exhibit 1 hereto, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Initial Securities represented thereby with the Securities Custodian and registered in the name of the Depository or a nominee of the Depository, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as provided in this Indenture.

Beneficial interests in a Rule 144A Global Security may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in a Regulation S Global Security only if the transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in this Indenture) to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 903 or 904 of Regulation S or Rule 144 (if applicable). Beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Security shall not be exchangeable for interests in the Rule 144A Global Security or any other Security without a Restricted Securities Legend until the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period.

 

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The Rule 144A Global Security and the Regulation S Global Security are collectively referred to herein as “Global Securities”. The aggregate principal amount of the Global Securities may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depository or its nominee as hereinafter provided.

(b) Book-Entry Provisions. This Section 2.1(b) shall apply only to a Global Security deposited with or on behalf of the Depository.

The Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with this Section 2.1(b), authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Securities that (a) shall be registered in the name of the Depository for such Global Security or Global Securities or the nominee of such Depository and (b) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depository or pursuant to such Depository’s instructions or held by the Trustee as custodian for the Depository.

Members of, or participants in, the Depository (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by the Depository or by the Trustee as the custodian of the Depository or under such Global Security, and the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be entitled to treat the Depository as the absolute owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depository or impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of such Depository governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Security.

(c) Definitive Securities. Except as provided in this Section 2.1 or Section 2.3 or 2.4, owners of beneficial interests in Global Securities shall not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Definitive Securities.

2.2 Authentication.  The Trustee shall authenticate and deliver: (1) on the Issue Date, an aggregate principal amount of $425,000,000 7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 , (2) any Additional Securities for an original issue in an aggregate principal amount specified in the written order of the Company pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Indenture and (3) Exchange Securities for issue only in a Registered Exchange Offer pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, for a like principal amount of Initial Securities, in each case upon a written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of the Company. Such order shall specify the amount of the Securities to be authenticated and the date on which the original issue of Securities is to be authenticated and, in the case of any issuance of Additional Securities pursuant to Section 2.13 of this Indenture, shall certify that such issuance is in compliance with Section 4.03 of this Indenture.

 

4


2.3 Transfer and Exchange.

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Securities . When Definitive Securities are presented to the Registrar with a request:

(x) to register the transfer of such Definitive Securities; or

(y) to exchange such Definitive Securities for an equal principal amount of Definitive Securities of other authorized denominations,

the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met; provided , however , that the Definitive Securities surrendered for transfer or exchange:

(i) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing; and

(ii) if such Definitive Securities are required to bear a restricted securities legend, they are being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 2.3(b) or pursuant to clause (A), (B) or (C) below, and are accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:

(A) if such Definitive Securities are being delivered to the Registrar by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect; or

(B) if such Definitive Securities are being transferred to the Company, a certification to that effect; or

(C) if such Definitive Securities are being transferred (x) pursuant to an exemption from registration in accordance with Rule 144A, Regulation S or Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or (y) in reliance upon another exemption from the requirements of the Securities Act: (i) a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse of the Security) and (ii) if the Company so requests, an opinion of counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in Section 2.3(e)(i).

(b) Restrictions on Transfer of a Definitive Security for a Beneficial Interest in a Global Security. A Definitive Security may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global Security except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Trustee of a Definitive Security, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, together with:

 

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(i) certification (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Security) that such Definitive Security is being transferred (1) to the Company, (2) to the Registrar for registration in the name of a Holder, without transfer, (3) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (4) to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, (5) outside the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S and in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act or (6) pursuant to another available exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act; and

(ii) written instructions directing the Trustee to make, or to direct the Securities Custodian to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Security to reflect an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Securities represented by the Global Security, such instructions to contain information regarding the Depository account to be credited with such increase,

then the Trustee shall cancel such Definitive Security and cause, or direct the Securities Custodian to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between the Depository and the Securities Custodian, the aggregate principal amount of Securities represented by the Global Security to be increased by the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Security to be exchanged and shall credit or cause to be credited to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Global Security equal to the principal amount of the Definitive Security so canceled. If no Global Securities are then outstanding, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate, upon written order of the Company in the form of an Officers’ Certificate of the Company, a new Global Security in the appropriate principal amount.

(c) Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities.

(i) The transfer and exchange of Global Securities or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Depository, in accordance with this Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Depository therefor. A transferor of a beneficial interest in a Global Security shall deliver to the Registrar a written order given in accordance with the Depository’s procedures containing information regarding the participant account of the Depository to be credited with a beneficial interest in the Global Security. The Registrar shall, in accordance with such instructions instruct the Depository to credit to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Global Security and to debit the account of the Person making the transfer the beneficial interest in the Global Security being transferred.

 

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(ii) If the proposed transfer is a transfer of a beneficial interest in one Global Security to a beneficial interest in another Global Security, the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the Global Security to which such interest is being transferred in an amount equal to the principal amount of the interest to be so transferred, and the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and a corresponding decrease in the principal amount of the Global Security from which such interest is being transferred.

(iii) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Appendix (other than the provisions set forth in Section 2.4), a Global Security may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the Depository or by the Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository or a nominee of such successor Depository.

(iv) In the event that a Global Security is exchanged for Definitive Securities pursuant to Section 2.4 of this Appendix, prior to the consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Securities, such Securities may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of this Section 2.3 (including the certification requirements set forth on the reverse of the Initial Securities intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A, Regulation S or another applicable exemption under the Securities Act, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Company.

(d) Restrictions on Transfer of Regulation S Global Securities. (i) Prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, interests in the Regulation S Global Security may only be held through Euroclear or Clearstream. During the Distribution Compliance Period, beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Security may only be sold, pledged or transferred through Euroclear or Clearstream in accordance with the Applicable Procedures and only (1) to the Company, (2) so long as such security is eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, to a person whom the selling holder reasonably believes is a QIB that purchases for its own account or for the account of a QIB to whom notice is given that the resale, pledge or transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, (3) in an offshore transaction in accordance with Regulation S, (4) pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144 (if applicable) under the Securities Act or (5) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. Prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through the Rule 144A Global Security shall be made only in accordance with Applicable Procedures and upon receipt by the Trustee of a written certification from the transferor of the beneficial interest in the form provided on the reverse of the Initial Security to the effect that such transfer is being made to a QIB within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A. Such written certification shall no longer be required after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period.

 

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(ii) Upon the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Security shall be transferable in accordance with applicable law and the other terms of this Indenture

(e) Legend.

(i) Except as permitted by the following paragraphs (ii), (iii) and (iv), each Security certificate evidencing the Global Securities (and all Securities issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof), shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES: ONE YEAR] [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: 40 DAYS] AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY), ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

 

8


Each certificate evidencing a Security offered in reliance on Regulation S shall, in addition to the foregoing, bear a legend in substantially the following form:

BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

(ii) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Security (including any Transfer Restricted Security represented by a Global Security) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the Registrar shall permit the transferee thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security for a certificated Security that does not bear the legend set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Security, if the transferor thereof certifies in writing to the Registrar that such sale or transfer was made in reliance on Rule 144 (such certification to be in the form set forth on the reverse of the Security).

(iii) After a transfer of any Initial Securities pursuant to and during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Initial Securities all requirements pertaining to legends on such Initial Security will cease to apply, the requirements requiring any such Initial Security issued to certain Holders be issued in global form will cease to apply, and a certificated Initial Security or an Initial Security in global form, in each case without restrictive transfer legends, will be available to the transferee of the Holder of such Initial Securities upon exchange of such transferring Holder’s certificated Initial Security or directions to transfer such Holder’s interest in the Global Security, as applicable.

 

9


(iv) Upon the consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer with respect to the Initial Securities, all requirements pertaining to such Initial Securities that Initial Securities issued to certain Holders be issued in global form will still apply with respect to Holders of such Initial Securities that do not exchange their Initial Securities, and Exchange Securities in certificated or global form, in each case without the restricted securities legend set forth in Exhibit 1 hereto, will be available to Holders that exchange such Initial Securities in such Registered Exchange Offer.

(f) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Security. At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Security have either been exchanged for Definitive Securities, redeemed, purchased or canceled, such Global Security shall be returned to the Depository for cancellation or retained and canceled by the Trustee. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Security is exchanged for certificated Securities, redeemed, purchased or canceled, the principal amount of Securities represented by such Global Security shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Trustee (if it is then the Securities Custodian for such Global Security) with respect to such Global Security, by the Trustee or the Securities Custodian, to reflect such reduction.

(g) No Obligation of the Trustee .

(i) The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Security, a member of, or a participant in the Depository or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depository or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Securities or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depository) of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Securities. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Securities shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered Holders (which shall be the Depository or its nominee in the case of a Global Security). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depository subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository. The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depository with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

 

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(ii) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security (including any transfers between or among Depository participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

2.4 Definitive Securities.

(a) A Global Security deposited with the Depository or with the Trustee as Securities Custodian for the Depository pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of Definitive Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Security, in exchange for such Global Security, only if such transfer complies with Section 2.3 hereof and (i) the Depository notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for such Global Security and the Depository fails to appoint a successor depository or if at any time such Depository ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act, in either case, and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of such notice, or (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (iii) the Company, in its sole discretion, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Definitive Securities under this Indenture.

(b) Any Global Security that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be surrendered by the Depository to the Trustee located at its principal corporate trust office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Securities of authorized denominations. Any portion of a Global Security transferred pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount and any greater integral multiple of $1,000 thereof and registered in such names as the Depository shall direct. Any Definitive Security delivered in exchange for an interest in the Transfer Restricted Security shall, except as otherwise provided by Section 2.3(e) hereof, bear the applicable restricted securities legend and definitive securities legend set forth in Exhibit 1 hereto.

(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.4(b) hereof, the registered Holder of a Global Security shall be entitled to grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Securities.

 

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(d) In the event of the occurrence of one of the events specified in Section 2.4(a) hereof, the Company shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of Definitive Securities in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons. In the event that such Definitive Securities are not issued, the Company expressly acknowledges, with respect to the right of any Holder to pursue a remedy pursuant to Section 6.06 or 6.07 of this Indenture, the right of any beneficial owner of Securities to pursue such remedy with respect to the portion of the Global Security that represents such beneficial owner’s Securities as if such Definitive Securities had been issued.

 

12


EXHIBIT 1

to

RULE 144A/REGULATION S APPENDIX

[FORM OF FACE OF INITIAL SECURITY]

[Global Securities Legend]

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

[[FOR REGULATION S GLOBAL SECURITY ONLY] UNTIL 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF COMMENCEMENT OR COMPLETION OF THE OFFERING, AN OFFER OR SALE OF SECURITIES WITHIN THE UNITED STATES BY A DEALER (AS DEFINED IN THE SECURITIES ACT) MAY VIOLATE THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IF SUCH OFFER OR SALE IS MADE OTHERWISE THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144A THEREUNDER.]

[Restricted Securities Legend for Securities offered otherwise than in Reliance on Regulation]

THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION.


THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES: ONE YEAR] [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: 40 DAYS] AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY), ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

[Restricted Securities Legend for Securities Offered in Reliance on Regulation S.]

BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

[Definitive Securities Legend]

IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.

 

2


No.                         $         

7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019

LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, promises to pay to CEDE & CO. , or registered assigns, the principal sum of         Dollars on August 1, 2019.

Interest Payment Dates: February 1 and August 1.

Record Dates: January 15 and July 15.

Additional provisions of this Security are set forth on the other side of this Security.

Dated:

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
By    
Name:  
Title:  
By    
Name:  
Title:  

 

3


TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

UMB BANK, N.A.
as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Securities referred to in the Indenture.
By    
Authorized Signatory

 

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[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF INITIAL SECURITY]

7.75% Senior Secured Note Due 2019

1. Interest

LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (such corporation, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Security at the rate per annum shown above; provided , however , that if a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, additional interest will accrue on this Security at a rate of 0.25% per annum (increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum after each consecutive 90-day period that occurs after the date on which such Registration default occurs up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.00%) from and including the date on which any such Registration Default shall occur to but excluding the date on which all Registration Defaults have been cured. The Company will pay interest semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 2014. Interest on the Securities will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the date of issuance. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The Company will pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by this Security plus 1.0% per annum, and it will pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

2. Method of Payment

The Company will pay interest on the Securities (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered holders of Securities at the close of business on the January 15 or July 15 next preceding the interest payment date even if Securities are canceled after the record date and on or before the interest payment date. Holders must surrender Securities to the Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company will pay principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Securities represented by a Global Security (including principal, premium and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Depository. The Company will make all payments in respect of a certificated Security (including principal, premium and interest) at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each Holder thereof; provided , however , that payments on a certificated Security will be made by wire transfer to a U.S. dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 30 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion).

 

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3. Paying Agent and Registrar

Initially, UMB Bank, n.a., a national banking association (the “Trustee”), will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without notice to Holders. The Company or any of its domestically incorporated Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar.

4. Indenture

The Company issued the Securities under an Indenture dated as of August 7, 2013 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent. The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “Act”). Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Securities are subject to all such terms, and Securityholders are referred to the Indenture and the Act for a statement of those terms. To the extent any provision of this Security conflicts with express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

The Securities are senior secured obligations of the Company. The Company shall be entitled, subject to its compliance with Section 4.03 of the Indenture, to issue Additional Securities pursuant to Section 2.13 of the Indenture. The Initial Securities issued on the Issue Date, any Additional Securities and all Exchange Securities issued in exchange therefor will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture. The Indenture contains covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase capital stock; make investments; issue or sell capital stock of subsidiaries; engage in transactions with affiliates; create liens on assets; transfer or sell assets; guarantee indebtedness; restrict dividends or other payments of subsidiaries; consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets and the assets of its subsidiaries; and engage in sale/leaseback transactions. These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications.

5. Optional Redemption

Except as described below, the Securities shall not be redeemable before August 1, 2016. On or after such date, the Company shall be entitled to redeem the Securities at its option, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on August 1 of the year set forth below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2016

     103.875

2017

     101.938

2018 and thereafter

     100.000

 

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In addition, at any time, or from time to time, on or prior to August 1, 2016, the Company shall be entitled, at its option, to use the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities (which includes Additional Securities, if any) issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 107.75% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:

(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities (which includes Additional Securities, if any) issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after any such redemption (other than Securities held, directly or indirectly, by the Company or its Affiliates); and

(2) the Company makes such redemption not more than 90 days after the consummation of any such Public Equity Offering.

Prior to August 1, 2016, the Company shall be entitled at its option to redeem some or all of the Securities at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

6. Notice of Redemption

Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at his registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to the redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Securities or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. Any inadvertent defect in the notice of redemption, including an inadvertent failure to give notice, to any Holder selected for redemption shall not impair or affect the validity of the redemption of any other Security redeemed in accordance with provisions of the Indenture. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on Securities or portions thereof called for redemption as long as the Company has deposited with the Paying Agent funds in satisfaction of the applicable redemption price.

 

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7. Put Provisions

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder shall have the right to require that the Company purchase all or a portion of such Holder’s Securities at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.

8. Guarantee

The payment by the Company of the principal of, and premium and interest on, the Securities is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior basis by each of the Guarantors to the extent set forth in the Indenture.

9. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange

The Securities are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any greater integral multiple of $1,000. A Holder may transfer or exchange Securities in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of a Security to be redeemed in part, the portion of the Security not to be redeemed) or any Securities for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed or 15 days before an interest payment date.

10. Persons Deemed Owners

The registered Holder of this Security may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

11. Unclaimed Money

If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Company at its request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look only to the Company and not to the Trustee for payment.

12. Discharge and Defeasance

Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time shall be entitled to terminate some or all of its obligations under the Securities and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Securities to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

 

8


13. Amendment; Waiver

Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (a) the Indenture may be amended with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities and (b) Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may waive any existing Default or Event of Default under the Indenture, and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Securities. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of the Holders, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee shall be entitled to amend the Indenture to cure ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, or to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of the obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture, or to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities, or to add guarantees with respect to the Securities, including any Guarantee, or to add to the covenants or surrender rights and powers conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor, or to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder, or to comply with any requirement of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Act, or to conform the text of the Indenture, the Securities or any Guarantee to any provision of the “Description of Notes”, to make amendments to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of the Securities, or to release Collateral from the Lien under the Security Documents or a Guarantor from its Guarantee, in each case pursuant to and in accordance with the Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement when permitted or required by such documents.

14. Defaults and Remedies

Under the Indenture, Events of Default include (a) the failure to pay interest on any Security when the same becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days; (b) the failure to pay the principal on any Security, when such principal becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise (including the failure to make a payment to purchase Securities tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or a Net Proceeds Offer); (c) failure by the Company to comply with other agreements in the Indenture or the Securities, in certain cases subject to notice and lapse of time; (d) certain accelerations (including failure to pay within any applicable grace periods after final maturity) of other Indebtedness of the Company if the amount accelerated (or so unpaid) exceeds $25,000,000; (e) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary; (f) certain judgments or decrees for the payment of money in excess of $25,000,000; (g) certain defaults with respect to Guarantees; and (h) certain defaults with respect to Collateral and the Security Documents. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all the Securities to be due and payable immediately. Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency are Events of Default which will result in the Securities being due and payable immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.

 

9


Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, neither the Trustee nor the Notes Collateral Agent is under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees or the Security Documents at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, reasonable indemnity. Subject to all provisions of the Indenture and applicable law, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable. Holders of the Securities may not enforce the Indenture or the Securities except as provided in the Indenture and under the Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing in no event may any Holder enforce any Lien of the Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default (except a Default in payment of principal or interest) if a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines that withholding notice is not opposed to the interests of the Holders.

15. Trustee Dealings with the Company

Subject to certain limitations imposed by the Act, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Company or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.

16. No Recourse Against Others

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Securities, any Guarantee or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Securities.

17. Authentication

This Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Security.

18. Abbreviations

Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Securityholder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).

 

10


19. CUSIP Numbers

Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Securities and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Securityholders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

20. Holders’ Compliance with Registration Rights Agreement.

Each Holder of a Security, by acceptance hereof, acknowledges and agrees to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, including the obligations of the Holders with respect to a registration and the indemnification of the Company to the extent provided therein.

21. Governing Law.

THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

22. Security

The Securities and the Guarantees shall be secured by the Collateral on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture and the Security Documents. The Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hold the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders, in each case pursuant to the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. Each Holder, by accepting this Security, consents and agrees to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and the Indenture and authorizes and directs the Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith

The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon written request and without charge to the Security holder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Security in larger type. Requests may be made to:

LSB Industries, Inc.

16 South Pennsylvania Avenue

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107

Attention: David M. Shear, Corporate Secretary

 

11


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Security, fill in the form below:

I or we assign and transfer this Security to

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)

and irrevocably appoint                      agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Date:                                                 Your Signature:                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Security.

In connection with any transfer of any of the Securities evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the period referred to in Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act after the later of the date of original issuance of such Securities and the last date, if any, on which such Securities were owned by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, the undersigned confirms that such Securities are being transferred in accordance with its terms:

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW

 

¨ to the Company; or

 

  (1)     ¨ pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; or

 

  (2)     ¨ inside the United States to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933; or

 

  (3)     ¨ outside the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act; or

 

  (4)     ¨ pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

12


Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Securities evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered holder thereof; provided , however , that if box (4) is checked, the Trustee shall be entitled to require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Securities, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Company has reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144 under such Act.

 

Signature

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

Signature must be guaranteed    Signature

 

  

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

13


TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (2) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Security for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

 

Dated:                                          

 

  Notice:  

To be executed by

an executive officer

 

14


[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL SECURITIES]

SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL SECURITY

The following increases or decreases in this Global Security have been made:

 

Date of

Exchange

   Amount of decrease in
Principal amount of this
Global Security
   Amount of increase in
Principal amount of this
Global Security
   Principal amount of this
Global Security following
such decrease or increase
   Signature of authorized
officer of Trustee or
Securities Custodian

 

 

 

 

15


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Security purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.06 or 4.09 of the Indenture, check the box:

 

¨

If you want to elect to have only part of this Security purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.06 or 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount in principal amount: $

 

Dated:        Your Signature:     
       

(Sign exactly as your name appears

on the other side of this Security.)

 

Signature Guarantee:     
(Signature must be guaranteed)

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

16


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF FACE OF EXCHANGE SECURITY

*/

[Global Securities Legend]

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

 

* / [If the Security is to be issued in global form add the Global Securities Legend from Exhibit 1 to Appendix A and the attachment from such Exhibit 1 captioned “[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL SECURITIES]—SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL SECURITY”.]


No.                         $         

7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019

LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or registered assigns, the principal sum of             Dollars on August 1, 2019.

Interest Payment Dates: February 1 and August 1.

Record Dates: January 15 and July 15.

Additional provisions of this Security are set forth on the other side of this Security.

Dated:

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

by

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

by

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

2


 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
UMB BANK, N.A.
as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Securities referred to in the Indenture.
by    
  Authorized Signatory

 

3


FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF EXCHANGE SECURITY

7.75% Senior Secured Note Due 2019

1. Interest

LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (such corporation, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Security at the rate per annum shown above[; provided , however , that if a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, additional interest will accrue on this Security at a rate of 0.25% per annum (increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum after each consecutive 90-day period that occurs after the date on which such Registration default occurs up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.00%) from and including the date on which any such Registration Default shall occur to but excluding the date on which all Registration Defaults have been cured.] 1 The Company will pay interest semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 2014. Interest on the Securities will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the date of issuance. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The Company will pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by this Security plus 1.0% per annum, and it will pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

2. Method of Payment

The Company will pay interest on the Securities (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered holders of Securities at the close of business on the January 15 or July 15 next preceding the interest payment date even if Securities are canceled after the record date and on or before the interest payment date. Holders must surrender Securities to the Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company will pay principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Securities represented by a Global Security (including principal, premium and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company. The Company will make all payments in respect of a certificated Security (including principal, premium and interest) at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each Holder thereof; provided , however , that payments on a certificated Security will be made by wire transfer to a U.S. dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 30 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion).

 

1   Note: Insert if at the date of issuance of the Exchange Security any Registration Default has occurred with respect to the related Initial Securities during the interest period in which such date of issuance occurs.

 

4


3. Paying Agent and Registrar

Initially, UMB Bank, n.a., a national banking association (the “Trustee”), will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without notice to Holders. The Company or any of its domestically incorporated Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar.

4. Indenture

The Company issued the Securities under an Indenture dated as of August 7, 2013 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent. The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “Act”). Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Securities are subject to all such terms, and Securityholders are referred to the Indenture and the Act for a statement of those terms. To the extent any provision of this Security conflicts with express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

The Securities are senior secured obligations of the Company. The Company shall be entitled, subject to its compliance with Section 4.03 of the Indenture, to issue Additional Securities pursuant to Section 2.13 of the Indenture. The Initial Securities issued on the Issue Date, any Additional Securities and all Exchange Securities issued in exchange therefor will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture. The Indenture contains covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase capital stock; make investments; issue or sell capital stock of subsidiaries; engage in transactions with affiliates; create liens on assets; transfer or sell assets; guarantee indebtedness; restrict dividends or other payments of subsidiaries; consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets and the assets of its subsidiaries; and engage in sale/leaseback transactions. These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications.

5. Optional Redemption

Except as described below, the Securities shall not be redeemable before August 1, 2016. On or after such date, the Company shall be entitled to redeem the Securities at its option, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on August 1 of the year set forth below:

 

Year

   Percentage  

2016

     103.875

2017

     101.938

2018 and thereafter

     100.000

 

5


In addition, at any time, or from time to time, on or prior to August 1, 2016, the Company shall be entitled, at its option, to use the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities (which includes Additional Securities, if any) issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 107.75% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:

(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities (which includes Additional Securities, if any) issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after any such redemption (other than Securities held, directly or indirectly, by the Company or its Affiliates); and

(2) the Company makes such redemption not more than 90 days after the consummation of any such Public Equity Offering.

Prior to August 1, 2016, the Company shall be entitled at its option to redeem some or all of the Securities at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

6. Notice of Redemption

Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at his registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to the redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Securities or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. Any inadvertent defect in the notice of redemption, including an inadvertent failure to give notice, to any Holder selected for redemption shall not impair or affect the validity of the redemption of any other Security redeemed in accordance with provisions of the Indenture. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on Securities or portions thereof called for redemption as long as the Company has deposited with the Paying Agent funds in satisfaction of the applicable redemption price.

 

6


7. Put Provisions

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder shall have the right to require that the Company purchase all or a portion of such Holder’s Securities at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.

8. Guarantee

The payment by the Company of the principal of, and premium and interest on, the Securities is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior basis by each of the Guarantors to the extent set forth in the Indenture.

9. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange

The Securities are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any greater integral multiple of $1,000. A Holder may transfer or exchange Securities in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of a Security to be redeemed in part, the portion of the Security not to be redeemed) or any Securities for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed or 15 days before an interest payment date.

10. Persons Deemed Owners

The registered Holder of this Security may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

11. Unclaimed Money

If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Company at its request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look only to the Company and not to the Trustee for payment.

12. Discharge and Defeasance

Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time shall be entitled to terminate some or all of its obligations under the Securities and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Securities to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

 

7


13. Amendment; Waiver

Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (a) the Indenture may be amended with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities and (b) Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may waive any existing Default or Event of Default under the Indenture, and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Securities. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of the Holders, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee shall be entitled to amend the Indenture to cure ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, or to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of the obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture, or to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities, or to add guarantees with respect to the Securities, including any Guarantee, or to add to the covenants or surrender rights and powers conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor, or to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder, or to comply with any requirement of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Act, or to conform the text of the Indenture, the Securities or any Guarantee to any provision of the “Description of Notes”, to make amendments to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of the Securities, or to release Collateral from the Lien under the Security Documents or a Guarantor from its Guarantee, in each case pursuant to and in accordance with the Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement when permitted or required by such documents.

14. Defaults and Remedies

Under the Indenture, Events of Default include (a) the failure to pay interest on any Security when the same becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days; (b) the failure to pay the principal on any Security, when such principal becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise (including the failure to make a payment to purchase Securities tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or a Net Proceeds Offer); (c) failure by the Company to comply with other agreements in the Indenture or the Securities, in certain cases subject to notice and lapse of time; (d) certain accelerations (including failure to pay within any applicable grace periods after final maturity) of other Indebtedness of the Company if the amount accelerated (or so unpaid) exceeds $25,000,000; (e) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary; (f) certain judgments or decrees for the payment of money in excess of $25,000,000; (g) certain defaults with respect to Guarantees; and (h) certain defaults with respect to Collateral or the Security Documents. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all the Securities to be due and payable immediately. Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency are Events of Default which will result in the Securities being due and payable immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.

 

8


Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, neither the Trustee nor the Notes Collateral Agent is under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees or the Security Documents at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, reasonable indemnity. Subject to all provisions of the Indenture and applicable law, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable. Holders of the Securities may not enforce the Indenture or the Securities except as provided in the Indenture and under the Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing in no event may any Holder enforce any Lien of the Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default (except a Default in payment of principal or interest) if a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines that withholding notice is not opposed to the interests of the Holders.

15. Trustee Dealings with the Company

Subject to certain limitations imposed by the Act, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Company or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.

16. No Recourse Against Others

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Securities, any Guarantee or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Securities.

17. Authentication

This Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Security.

18. Abbreviations

Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Securityholder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).

 

9


19. CUSIP Numbers

Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Securities and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Securityholders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

[20.  Holders’ Compliance with Registration Rights Agreement

Each Holder of a Security, by acceptance hereof, acknowledges and agrees to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, including the obligations of the Holders with respect to a registration and the indemnification of the Company to the extent provided therein.] 2

21. Governing Law

THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

22. Security

The Securities and the Guarantees shall be secured by the Collateral on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture and the Security Documents. The Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hold the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders, in each case pursuant to the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. Each Holder, by accepting this Security, consents and agrees to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and the Indenture and authorizes and directs the Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith

The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon written request and without charge to the Security holder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Security in larger type. Requests may be made to:

LSB Industries, Inc.

16 South Pennsylvania Avenue

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107

Attention: David M. Shear, Corporate Secretary

 

 

2   Note: Delete if this Security is not being issued in exchange for an Initial Security.

 

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ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Security, fill in the form below:

I or we assign and transfer this Security to

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)

and irrevocably appoint                     agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

   
Date:          Your Signature:     
   

Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Security.

 

11


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Security purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.06 or 4.09 of the Indenture, check the box:

 

¨

If you want to elect to have only part of this Security purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.06 or 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount in principal amount: $

 

Dated:            Your Signature:        
          (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Security.)

 

Signature Guarantee:    
(Signature must be guaranteed)

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

147

Exhibit 4.2

EXECUTION VERSION

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT dated August 7, 2013 (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and among LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), the guarantors listed in Schedule 1 hereto (the “ Initial Guarantors ”) and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“ Wells Fargo ”), as representative (the “ Representative ”) of the initial purchasers listed in Schedule 1 to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below) (the “ Initial Purchasers ”).

The Company, the Guarantors (as defined below) and the Representative, for itself and on behalf of the several Initial Purchasers, are parties to the Purchase Agreement dated July 31, 2013 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), which provides for the sale by the Company to the Initial Purchasers of $425,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “ Securities ”) which will be guaranteed on an secured senior basis by each of the Guarantors (other than the Unsecured Guarantors (as defined in the Purchase Agreement)). As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors have agreed to provide to the Initial Purchasers and their direct and indirect transferees the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the closing under the Purchase Agreement.

In consideration of the foregoing, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional Guarantor ” shall mean any subsidiary of the Company that executes a Guarantee under the Indenture after the date of this Agreement.

Business Day ” shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed.

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall also include the Company’s successors.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

Exchange Dates ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(ii) hereof.

Exchange Offer ” shall mean the exchange offer by the Company and the Guarantors of Exchange Securities for Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration ” shall mean a registration under the Securities Act effected pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.


Exchange Offer Registration Statement ” shall mean an exchange offer registration statement on Form S-4 (or, if applicable, on another appropriate form) and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

Exchange Securities ” shall mean senior secured notes issued by the Company and guaranteed by the Guarantors under the Indenture containing terms identical to the Securities (except that the Exchange Securities will not be subject to restrictions on transfer or to any increase in annual interest rate for failure to comply with this Agreement) and to be offered to Holders of Securities in exchange for Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

Free Writing Prospectus ” means each free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) prepared by or on behalf of the Company or used or referred to by the Company in connection with the sale of the Securities or the Exchange Securities.

Guarantees ” shall mean the guarantees of the Securities and guarantees of the Exchange Securities by the Guarantors under the Indenture.

Guarantors ” shall mean the Initial Guarantors, any Additional Guarantors and any Guarantor’s successor that Guarantees the Securities.

Holders ” shall mean the Initial Purchasers, for so long as they own any Registrable Securities, and each of their successors, assigns and direct and indirect transferees who become owners of Registrable Securities under the Indenture; provided that, for purposes of Section 4 and Section 5 hereof, the term “Holders” shall include Participating Broker-Dealers.

Indemnified Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

Indemnifying Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

Indenture ” shall mean the Indenture relating to the Securities dated as of August 7, 2013 among the Company, the Guarantors and UMB Bank n.a., as trustee and as collateral agent, and as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Initial Purchasers ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Inspector ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(xiv) hereof.

Issuer Information ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

 

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Majority Holders ” shall mean the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities; provided that whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, any Registrable Securities owned directly or indirectly by the Company or any of its affiliates shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage or amount; and provided , further , that if the Company shall issue any additional Securities under the Indenture prior to consummation of the Exchange Offer or, if applicable, the effectiveness of any Shelf Registration Statement, such additional Securities and the Registrable Securities to which this Agreement relates shall be treated together as one class for purposes of determining whether the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities has been obtained.

Notice and Questionnaire ” shall mean a notice of registration statement and selling security holder questionnaire distributed to a Holder by the Company upon receipt of a Shelf Request from such Holder.

Participating Broker-Dealers ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

Participating Holder ” shall mean any Holder of Registrable Securities that has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company in accordance with Section 2(b) hereof.

Person ” shall mean an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prospectus ” shall mean the prospectus included in, or, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Act, deemed a part of, a Registration Statement, including any preliminary prospectus, and any such prospectus as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, including a prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, and by all other amendments and supplements to such prospectus, and in each case including any document incorporated by reference therein.

Purchase Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Registrable Securities ” shall mean the Securities; provided that the Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities (i) when a Registration Statement with respect to such Securities has become effective under the Securities Act and such Securities for which the Holders thereof have elected to exchange their Securities for Exchanged Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer and the terms hereof have been exchanged or disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) when such Securities cease to be outstanding or (iii) except in the case of Securities that otherwise remain Registrable Securities and that are held by an Initial Purchaser and that are ineligible to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer, when the Exchange Offer is consummated.

 

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Registration Default ” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the Exchange Offer is not completed on or prior to the Target Registration Date, (ii) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required pursuant to Section 2(b)(i) or Section 2(b)(ii) hereof, has not become effective on or prior to the Target Registration Date, (iii) if the Company receives a Shelf Request pursuant to Section 2(b)(iii), the Shelf Registration Statement required to be filed thereby has not become effective by the later of (a) the Target Registration Date and (b) 120 days after delivery of such Shelf Request, (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required by this Agreement, has become effective and thereafter ceases to be effective or the Prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable, in each case whether or not permitted by this Agreement, at any time during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, and such failure to remain effective or usable exists for more than 30 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period or (v) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required by this Agreement, has become effective and thereafter, on more than two occasions in any 12-month period during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective or the Prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable, in each case whether or not permitted by this Agreement.

Registration Expenses ” shall mean any and all expenses incident to performance of or compliance by the Company and the Guarantors with this Agreement, including without limitation: (i) all SEC, stock exchange or FINRA registration and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for any Underwriters or Holders in connection with blue sky qualification of any Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities), (iii) all expenses of any Persons that, at the request of the Company, were included in preparing or assisting in preparing, word processing, printing and distributing any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, any underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements or other similar agreements and any other documents relating to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, (iv) all rating agency fees, (v) all fees and disbursements relating to the qualification of the Indenture under applicable securities laws, (vi) the fees and disbursements of the Trustee and its counsel, (vii) the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and the Guarantors and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for the Participating Holders (which counsel shall be selected by the Participating Holders holding a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Registrable Securities held by such Participating Holders and which counsel may also be counsel for the Initial Purchasers) in an amount not to exceed $25,000 and (viii) the fees and disbursements of the independent registered public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors, including the expenses of any special audits or “comfort” letters required by or incident to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, but excluding fees and expenses of counsel to the Underwriters (other than fees and expenses set forth in clause (ii) above) or the Holders and underwriting discounts and commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable Securities by a Holder.

 

4


Registration Statement ” shall mean any registration statement of the Company and the Guarantors that covers any of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and all amendments and supplements to any such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

SEC ” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Shelf Effectiveness Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration ” shall mean a registration effected pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement ” shall mean a “shelf” registration statement of the Company and the Guarantors that covers all or a portion of the Registrable Securities (but no other securities unless approved by a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities held by the Participating Holders) on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC, and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

Shelf Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

Staff ” shall mean the staff of the SEC.

Target Registration Date ” shall mean the date that is 365 days from the date hereof.

Trust Indenture Act ” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended from time to time.

Trustee ” shall mean the trustee with respect to the Securities under the Indenture.

Underwriter ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(e) hereof.

Underwritten Offering ” shall mean an offering in which Registrable Securities are sold to an Underwriter for reoffering to the public.

Wells Fargo ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

5


2. Registration Under the Securities Act . (a) To the extent not prohibited by any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to (x) cause to be filed an Exchange Offer Registration Statement covering an offer to the Holders to exchange all the Registrable Securities for Exchange Securities and (y) have such Registration Statement become and remain effective until 180 days after the last Exchange Date for use by one or more Participating Broker-Dealers. The Company and the Guarantors shall commence the Exchange Offer promptly after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC and use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer to Holders electing to exchange their Securities for Exchanged Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer and the terms hereof not later than 180 days after such effective date.

The Company and the Guarantors shall commence the Exchange Offer by mailing the related Prospectus, appropriate letters of transmittal and other accompanying documents to each Holder stating, in addition to such other disclosures as are required by applicable law, substantially the following:

 

(i) that the Exchange Offer is being made pursuant to this Agreement and that all Registrable Securities validly tendered and not properly withdrawn will be accepted for exchange;

 

(ii) the dates of acceptance for exchange (which shall be a period of at least 20 Business Days from the date such notice is mailed) (the “ Exchange Dates ”);

 

(iii) that any Registrable Security not tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest but will not retain any rights under this Agreement, except as otherwise specified herein;

 

(iv) that any Holder electing to have a Registrable Security exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be required to (A) surrender such Registrable Security, together with the appropriate letters of transmittal, to the institution and at the address and in the manner specified in the notice, or (B) effect such exchange otherwise in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for such Registrable Security, in each case prior to the close of business on the last Exchange Date; and

 

(v) that any Holder will be entitled to withdraw its election, not later than the close of business on the last Exchange Date, by (A) sending to the institution and at the address specified in the notice, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such Holder, the principal amount of Registrable Securities delivered for exchange and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Securities exchanged or (B) effecting such withdrawal in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for the Registrable Securities.

 

6


As a condition to participating in the Exchange Offer, a Holder will be required to represent to the Company and the Guarantors that (1) any Exchange Securities to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (2) at the time of the commencement of the Exchange Offer it has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Securities in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (3) it is not an “affiliate” (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or any Guarantor and (4) if such Holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Securities for its own account in exchange for Registrable Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, then such Holder will deliver a Prospectus (or, to the extent permitted by law, make available a Prospectus to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.

As soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

 

(I) accept for exchange Registrable Securities or portions thereof validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer; and

 

(II) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Securities or portions thereof so accepted for exchange by the Company and issue, and cause the Trustee to promptly authenticate and deliver to each Holder, Exchange Securities equal in principal amount to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities tendered by such Holder.

The Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer as provided above with those Holders electing to exchange their Securities for Exchanged Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer and the terms hereof and shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable laws and regulations in connection with the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer shall not be subject to any conditions, other than that the Exchange Offer does not violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff.

(b) In the event that (i) the Company and the Guarantors determine that the Exchange Offer Registration provided for in Section 2(a) hereof is not available or the Exchange Offer may not be completed as soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date because it would violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, (ii) the Exchange Offer is not for any other reason completed by the Target Registration Date or (iii) upon receipt of a written request (a “ Shelf Request ”) from any Initial Purchaser representing that it holds Registrable Securities that are or were ineligible to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer by such Initial Purchaser because it would have violated applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause to be filed as soon as practicable after such determination, date or Shelf Request, as the case may be, a Shelf Registration Statement providing for the sale of all the Registrable Securities by the Holders thereof and to have such Shelf Registration Statement become effective; provided that no Holder will be entitled to have any Registrable Securities included in any Shelf Registration Statement, or entitled to use the prospectus forming a part of such Shelf Registration Statement, until such Holder shall have delivered a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire and provided such other information regarding such Holder to the Company as is contemplated by Section 3(b) hereof.

 

7


In the event that the Company and the Guarantors are required to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to clause (iii) of the preceding sentence, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to file and have become effective both an Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof with respect to all Registrable Securities and a Shelf Registration Statement (which may be a combined Registration Statement with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) with respect to offers and sales of Registrable Securities held by the Initial Purchasers after completion of the Exchange Offer.

The Company and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective until the earlier of (i) the date that the Securities cease to be Registrable Securities and (ii) 12 months from the date that such Shelf Registration Statement has become effective (such period, the “ Shelf Effectiveness Period ”). The Company and the Guarantors further agree to supplement or amend the Shelf Registration Statement, the related Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act or by any other rules and regulations thereunder or if reasonably requested by a Holder of Registrable Securities with respect to information relating to such Holder, and to use their reasonable best efforts to cause any such amendment to become effective, if required, and such Shelf Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to become usable as soon as thereafter practicable. The Company and the Guarantors agree to furnish to the Participating Holders copies of any such supplement or amendment promptly after its being used or filed with the SEC.

(c) The Company and the Guarantors shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with any registration pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) hereof. Each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

(d) An Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC. A Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC or is automatically effective upon filing with the SEC as provided by Rule 462 under the Securities Act.

 

8


If a Registration Default occurs, the interest rate on the Registrable Securities will be increased by (i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period beginning on the day immediately following such Registration Default and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case until and including the date such Registration Default ends, up to a maximum increase of 1.00% per annum. A Registration Default ends when the Securities cease to be Registrable Securities or, if earlier, (1) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (i) of the definition thereof, when the Exchange Offer is completed, (2) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (ii) or clause (iii) of the definition thereof, when the Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective or (3) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (iv) or clause (v) of the definition thereof, when the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective or the Prospectus again becomes usable. If at any time more than one Registration Default has occurred and is continuing, then, until the next date that there is no Registration Default, the increase in interest rate provided for by this paragraph shall apply as if there occurred a single Registration Default that begins on the date that the earliest such Registration Default occurred and ends on such next date that there is no Registration Default.

(e) Without limiting the remedies available to the Initial Purchasers and the Holders, the Company and the Guarantors acknowledge that any failure by the Company or the Guarantors to comply with their obligations under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof may result in material irreparable injury to the Initial Purchasers or the Holders for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of any such failure, the Initial Purchasers or any Holder may obtain such relief as may be required to specifically enforce the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof.

3. Registration Procedures . (a) In connection with their obligations pursuant to Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof, the Company and the Guarantors shall as expeditiously as possible:

(i) prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement on the appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form (A) shall be selected by the Company and the Guarantors, (B) shall, in the case of a Shelf Registration, be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by the Holders thereof and (C) shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include all financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith; and use their reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof;

(ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof and cause each Prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement and, as so supplemented, to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; and keep each Prospectus current during the period described in Section 4(3) of and Rule 174 under the Securities Act that is applicable to transactions by brokers or dealers with respect to the Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities;

(iii) to the extent any Free Writing Prospectus is used, file with the SEC any Free Writing Prospectus that is required to be filed by the Company or the Guarantors with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act and to retain any Free Writing Prospectus not required to be filed;

 

9


(iv) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Participating Holder, to counsel for the Initial Purchasers, to counsel for such Participating Holders and to each Underwriter of an Underwritten Offering of Registrable Securities, if any, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto, as such Participating Holder, counsel or Underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities thereunder; and, subject to Section 3(c) hereof, the Company and the Guarantors consent to the use of such Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law by each of the Participating Holders and any such Underwriters in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by and in the manner described in such Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law;

(v) use their reasonable best efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities under all applicable state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Participating Holder shall reasonably request in writing by the time the applicable Registration Statement becomes effective; cooperate with such Participating Holders in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA; and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each Participating Holder to complete the disposition in each such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities owned by such Participating Holder; provided that neither the Company nor any Guarantor shall be required to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (2) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (3) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not so subject;

(vi) notify counsel for the Initial Purchasers and, in the case of a Shelf Registration, notify each Participating Holder and counsel for such Participating Holders promptly and, if requested by any such Participating Holder or counsel, confirm such advice in writing (1) when a Registration Statement has become effective, when any post-effective amendment thereto has been filed and becomes effective, when any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed, (2) of any request by the SEC or any state securities authority for amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement, Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information after the Registration Statement has become effective, (3) of the issuance by the SEC or any state securities authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, including the receipt by the Company of any notice of objection of the SEC to the use of a Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, (4) if, between the applicable effective date of a Shelf Registration Statement and the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities covered thereby, the representations and warranties of the Company or any Guarantor contained in any underwriting agreement, securities sales agreement or other similar agreement, if any, relating to an offering of such Registrable Securities cease to be true and correct in all material respects or if the Company or any Guarantor receives any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose, (5) of the happening of any event during the period a Registration Statement is effective that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading and (6) of any determination by the Company or any Guarantor that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus would be appropriate;

 

10


(vii) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or, in the case of a Shelf Registration, the resolution of any objection of the SEC pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, including by filing an amendment to such Registration Statement on the proper form, at the earliest possible moment and provide immediate notice to each Holder or Participating Holder of the withdrawal of any such order or such resolution;

(viii) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Participating Holder, without charge, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto (without any documents incorporated therein by reference or exhibits thereto, unless requested);

(ix) in the case of a Shelf Registration, cooperate with the Participating Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends and enable such Registrable Securities to be issued in such denominations and registered in such names (consistent with the provisions of the Indenture) as such Participating Holders may reasonably request at least one Business Day prior to the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities;

(x) upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 3(a)(vi)(5) hereof, use their reasonable best efforts to prepare and file with the SEC a supplement or post-effective amendment to the applicable Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available) to purchasers of the Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and the Company and the Guarantors shall notify the Participating Holders (in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement) and the Initial Purchasers and any Participating Broker-Dealers known to the Company (in the case of an Exchange Offer Registration Statement) to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus as promptly as practicable after the occurrence of such an event, and such Participating Holders, such Participating Broker-Dealers and the Initial Purchasers, as applicable, hereby agree to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, until the Company and the Guarantors have amended or supplemented the Prospectus or the Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to correct such misstatement or omission;

 

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(xi) a reasonable time prior to the filing of any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment to a Registration Statement or amendment or supplement to a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus or of any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus after initial filing of a Registration Statement, provide copies of such document to the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, to the Participating Holders and their counsel) and make such of the representatives of the Company and the Guarantors as shall be reasonably requested by the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders or their counsel) available for discussion of such document; and the Company and the Guarantors shall not, at any time after initial filing of a Registration Statement, use or file any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment of or supplement to a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, or any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, of which the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders and their counsel) shall not have previously been advised and furnished a copy or to which the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders or their counsel) shall object;

(xii) obtain a CUSIP number for all Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be, not later than the initial effective date of a Registration Statement;

(xiii) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act in connection with the registration of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be; cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for the Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and execute, and use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable the Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner;

(xiv) in the case of a Shelf Registration, make available for inspection by a representative of the Participating Holders (an “ Inspector ”), any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement, any attorneys and accountants designated by a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities held by the Participating Holders and any attorneys and accountants designated by such Underwriter, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, all pertinent financial and other records, documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, and cause the respective officers, directors and employees of the Company and the Guarantors to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with a Shelf Registration Statement; provided that if any such information is identified by the Company or any Guarantor as being confidential or proprietary, each Person receiving such information shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of such information to the extent such action is otherwise not inconsistent with, an impairment of or in derogation of the rights and interests of any Inspector, Holder or Underwriter;

 

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(xv) in the case of a Shelf Registration, use their reasonable best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on any securities exchange or any automated quotation system on which similar securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any Guarantor are then listed if requested by the Majority Holders, to the extent such Registrable Securities satisfy applicable listing requirements;

(xvi) if reasonably requested by any Participating Holder, promptly include in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information with respect to such Participating Holder as such Participating Holder reasonably requests to be included therein and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as the Company has received notification of the matters to be so included in such filing;

(xvii) in the case of a Shelf Registration, enter into such customary agreements and take all such other actions in connection therewith (including those requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement) in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities including, but not limited to, an Underwritten Offering and in such connection, (1) to the extent possible, make such representations and warranties to the Participating Holders and any Underwriters of such Registrable Securities with respect to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Registration Statement, Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and documents incorporated by reference or deemed incorporated by reference, if any, in each case, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten offerings and confirm the same if and when requested, (2) obtain opinions of counsel to the Company and the Guarantors (which counsel and opinions, in form, scope and substance, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Participating Holders and such Underwriters and their respective counsel) addressed to each Participating Holder and Underwriter of Registrable Securities, covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings, (3) obtain “comfort” letters from the independent registered public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors (and, if necessary, any other registered public accountant of any subsidiary of the Company or any Guarantor, or of any business acquired by the Company or any Guarantor for which financial statements and financial data are or are required to be included in the Registration Statement) addressed to each Participating Holder (to the extent permitted by applicable professional standards) and Underwriter of Registrable Securities, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “comfort” letters in connection with underwritten offerings, including but not limited to financial information contained in any preliminary prospectus, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus and (4) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities being sold or the Underwriters, and which are customarily delivered in underwritten offerings, to evidence the continued validity of the representations and warranties of the Company and the Guarantors made pursuant to clause (1) above and to evidence compliance with any customary conditions contained in an underwriting agreement; and

 

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(xviii) so long as any Registrable Securities remain outstanding, cause each Additional Guarantor upon the creation or acquisition by the Company of such Additional Guarantor, to execute a counterpart to this Agreement in the form attached hereto as Annex A and to deliver such counterpart, together with an opinion of counsel as to the enforceability thereof against such entity, to the Initial Purchasers no later than five Business Days following the execution thereof.

(b) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company may require each Holder of Registrable Securities to furnish to the Company a Notice and Questionnaire and such other information regarding such Holder and the proposed disposition by such Holder of such Registrable Securities as the Company and the Guarantors may from time to time reasonably request in writing.

(c) Each Participating Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company and the Guarantors of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(a)(vi)(3) or Section 3(a)(vi)(5) hereof, such Participating Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement until such Participating Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus contemplated by Section 3(a)(x) hereof and, if so directed by the Company and the Guarantors, such Participating Holder will deliver to the Company and the Guarantors all copies in its possession, other than permanent file copies then in such Participating Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities that is current at the time of receipt of such notice.

(d) If the Company and the Guarantors shall give any notice to suspend the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall extend the period during which such Registration Statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when the Holders of such Registrable Securities shall have received copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus necessary to resume such dispositions. The Company and the Guarantors may give any such notice only twice during any 365-day period and any such suspensions shall not exceed 30 days for each suspension and there shall not be more than two suspensions in effect during any 365-day period.

 

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(e) The Participating Holders who desire to do so may sell such Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering. In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment bank or investment banks and manager or managers (each an “ Underwriter ”) that will administer the offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities included in such offering.

4. Participation of Broker-Dealers in Exchange Offer . (a) The Staff has taken the position that any broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own account in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Securities that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities (a “ Participating Broker-Dealer ”) may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.

The Company and the Guarantors understand that it is the Staff’s position that if the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement includes a plan of distribution containing a statement to the above effect and the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Exchange Securities, without naming the Participating Broker-Dealers or specifying the amount of Exchange Securities owned by them, such Prospectus may be delivered by Participating Broker-Dealers (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available to purchasers) to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligation under the Securities Act in connection with resales of Exchange Securities for their own accounts, so long as the Prospectus otherwise meets the requirements of the Securities Act.

(b) In light of the above, and notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors agree to amend or supplement the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement for a period of up to 180 days after the last Exchange Date (as such period may be extended pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof), in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of any Exchange Securities by Participating Broker-Dealers consistent with the positions of the Staff recited in Section 4(a) above. The Company and the Guarantors further agree that Participating Broker-Dealers shall be authorized to deliver such Prospectus (or, to the extent permitted by law, make available) during such period in connection with the resales contemplated by this Section 4.

(c) The Initial Purchasers shall have no liability to the Company, any Guarantor or any Holder with respect to any request that they may make pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof.

 

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5. Indemnification and Contribution . (a) The Company and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser and each Holder, their respective affiliates, directors and officers and each Person, if any, who controls any Initial Purchaser or any Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (1) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (2) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or any “issuer information” (“ Issuer Information ”) filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Initial Purchaser or information relating to any Holder furnished to the Company in writing through Wells Fargo or any selling Holder, respectively, expressly for use therein. In connection with any Underwritten Offering permitted by Section 3, the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will also indemnify the Underwriters, if any, selling brokers, dealers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the distribution, their respective affiliates and each Person who controls such Persons (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders, if requested in connection with any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or any Issuer Information.

(b) Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers and the other selling Holders, the directors of the Company and the Guarantors, each officer of the Company and the Guarantors who signed the Registration Statement and each Person, if any, who controls the Company, the Guarantors, any Initial Purchaser and any other selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Holder furnished to the Company in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus.

 

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(c) If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any Person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to either paragraph (a) or (b) above, such Person (the “ Indemnified Person ”) shall promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “ Indemnifying Person ”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under paragraph (a) or (b) above except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided , further , that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under paragraph (a) or (b) above. If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person (provided that with respect to this clause (iii), the Indemnifying Person will only be liable for legal costs incurred by such Indemnified Person with respect to such legal defenses); or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm (x) for any Initial Purchaser, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control Persons of such Initial Purchaser shall be designated in writing by Wells Fargo, (y) for any Holder, its directors and officers and any control Persons of such Holder shall be designated in writing by the Majority Holders and (z) in all other cases shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested that an Indemnifying Person reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by the Indemnifying Person of such request and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (A) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (B) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

 

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(d) If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors from the offering of the Securities and the Exchange Securities, on the one hand, and by the Holders from receiving Securities or Exchange Securities registered under the Securities Act, on the other hand, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors on the one hand and the Holders on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors on the one hand and the Holders on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company and the Guarantors or by the Holders and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

(e) The Company, the Guarantors and the Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5, in no event shall a Holder be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Securities or Exchange Securities sold by such Holder exceeds the amount of any damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 5 are several and not joint.

(f) The remedies provided for in this Section 5 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies that may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.

(g) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 5 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Initial Purchasers or any Holder or any Person controlling any Initial Purchaser or any Holder, or by or on behalf of the Company or the Guarantors or the officers or directors of or any Person controlling the Company or the Guarantors, (iii) acceptance of any of the Exchange Securities and (iv) any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement

 

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6. General .

(a) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company and the Guarantors represent, warrant and agree that (i) the rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of any other outstanding securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any Guarantor under any other agreement and (ii) neither the Company nor any Guarantor has entered into, or on or after the date of this Agreement will enter into, any agreement that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

(b) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company and the Guarantors have obtained the written consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent; provided that no amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent to any departure from the provisions of Section 5 hereof shall be effective as against any Holder of Registrable Securities unless consented to in writing by such Holder. Any amendments, modifications, supplements, waivers or consents pursuant to this Section 6(b) shall be by a writing executed by each of the parties hereto.

(c) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, telecopier, or any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery (i) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Company by means of a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c), which address initially is, with respect to the Initial Purchasers, the address set forth in the Purchase Agreement; (ii) if to the Company and the Guarantors, initially at the Company’s address set forth in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c); and (iii) to such other persons at their respective addresses as provided in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c). All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery. Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee, at the address specified in the Indenture.

 

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(d) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders; provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the Indenture. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such Person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such Person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof. The Initial Purchasers (in their capacity as Initial Purchasers) shall have no liability or obligation to the Company or the Guarantors with respect to any failure by a Holder to comply with, or any breach by any Holder of, any of the obligations of such Holder under this Agreement.

(e) Third Party Beneficiaries. Each Holder shall be a third party beneficiary to the agreements made hereunder between the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights or the rights of other Holders hereunder.

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

(g) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not a part of this Agreement and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(h) Governing Law. This Agreement, and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

(i) Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably waive, 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 Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

(j) Entire Agreement; Severability. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all oral statements and prior writings with respect thereto. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable or against public policy, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions contained herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. The Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CEPOLK HOLDINGS, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CHEMEX I CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CHEMICAL TRANSPORT L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

21


CHEROKEE NITROGEN COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CHEROKEE NITROGEN HOLDINGS, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CLIMACOOL CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
THE CLIMATE CONTROL GROUP, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CLIMATECRAFT, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

22


CLIMATECRAFT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CLIMATE MASTER, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
EDC AG PRODUCTS COMPANY L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
EL DORADO ACID, L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
EL DORADO ACID II, L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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EL DORADO AMMONIA L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
EL DORADO NITRIC COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
EL DORADO NITROGEN, L.P.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Executive Vice President of the General Partner
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
NORTHWEST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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KOAX CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
LSB CAPITAL L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
LSB CHEMICAL CORP.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
LSB-EUROPA LIMITED
By   /s/ David R. Goss
Name:   David R. Goss
Title:   Executive Vice President
PRIME FINANCIAL L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
PRIME HOLDINGS CORPORATION
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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PRYOR CHEMICAL COMPANY
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
SUMMIT MACHINE TOOL MANUFACTURING L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
THERMACLIME, L.L.C.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
THERMACLIME TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
TRISON CONSTRUCTION, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President
XPEDIAIR, INC.
By   /s/ Tony M. Shelby
Name:   Tony M. Shelby
Title:   Vice President

 

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ZENA ENERGY L.L.C.

By

  /s/ Tony M. Shelby

Name:

  Tony M. Shelby

Title:

  Vice President

 

Confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written:

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

For itself and on behalf of the Initial Purchasers

By

  /s/ Jake Petkovich
 

Authorized Signatory

Jake Petkovich

Managing Director

 

 

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Schedule 1

Initial Guarantors

 

1.    CEPOLK Holdings, Inc.   
2.    Chemex I Corp.   
3.    Chemical Properties L.L.C.   
4.    Chemical Transport L.L.C.   
5.    Cherokee Nitrogen Company   
6.    Cherokee Nitrogen Holdings, Inc.   
7.    ClimaCool Corp.   
8.    The Climate Control Group, Inc.   
9.    ClimateCraft, Inc.   
10.    ClimateCraft Technologies, Inc.   
11.    Climate Master, Inc.   
12.    Consolidated Industries Corp.   
13.    EDC Ag Products Company L.L.C.   
14.    El Dorado Acid, L.L.C.   
15.    El Dorado Acid II, L.L.C.   
16.    El Dorado Ammonia L.L.C.   
17.    El Dorado Chemical Company   
18.    El Dorado Nitric Company   
19.    El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P.   
20.    International Environmental Corporation   
21.    Northwest Financial Corporation   
22.    Koax Corp.   
23.    LSB Capital L.L.C.   
24.    LSB Chemical Corp.   
25.    LSB-Europa Limited   
26.    Prime Financial L.L.C.   
27.    Prime Holdings Corporation   
28.    Pryor Chemical Company   
29.    Summit Machine Tool Manufacturing L.L.C.   
30.    ThermaClime, L.L.C.   
31.    ThermaClime Technologies, Inc.   
32.    TRISON Construction, Inc.   
33.    XpediAir, Inc.   
34.    Zena Energy L.L.C.   


Annex A

Counterpart to Registration Rights Agreement

The undersigned hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably agrees as a Guarantor (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 7, 2013 by and among LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, on behalf of itself and the other Initial Purchasers) to be bound by the terms and provisions of such Registration Rights Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this counterpart as of         , 201    .

 

[GUARANTOR]

By

   

Name:

 

Title:

 

Exhibit 99.1

EXECUTION VERSION

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

This INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of August 7, 2013, and entered into by and between WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, INC. , in its capacity as agent under the ABL Loan Documents (as defined below), including its successors in such capacity from time to time (“ ABL Agent ”), and UMB BANK, N.A. , in its capacity as collateral agent under the Notes Documents (as defined below), including its successors in such capacity from time to time (“ Notes Agent ”) .

RECITALS

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), certain direct and indirect Subsidiaries of the Company, ABL Agent and the lenders party thereto from time have entered into that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 5, 2007, providing for a revolving credit facility (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ ABL Credit Agreement ”);

The Company, UMB Bank, n.a., as Trustee (the “ Trustee ”), Notes Agent and the Notes Guarantors (as defined below), have entered into that certain Indenture dated as of the date hereof (the “ Indenture ”) pursuant to which the Company’s 7.75% senior secured notes due 2019 (the “ Notes ”) were issued;

Pursuant to (i) Section 18 of the ABL Credit Agreement, the Company (with respect to primary obligations of its Subsidiaries party thereto) and certain of its Subsidiaries (the Company and such Subsidiaries in such capacity, each, an “ ABL Guarantor ” and collectively, jointly and severally, the “ ABL Guarantors ”) have guaranteed the Obligations (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) (the “ ABL Guaranty ”); and (ii) the Indenture, certain of the Company’s Subsidiaries (in such capacity, each, a “ Notes Guarantor ” and collectively, jointly and severally, “ Notes Guarantors ”; the Notes Guarantors, together with the ABL Guarantors, each a “ Guarantor ” and collectively, jointly and severally, the “ Guarantors ”) have guaranteed the Obligations (as defined in the Indenture) under the Notes Documents;

The obligations of (i) the Company under the ABL Credit Agreement and (ii) the ABL Guarantors under the ABL Guaranty are to be secured (x) on a first-priority basis by Liens (as defined below) on the ABL Priority Collateral (as defined below) and (y) on a second-priority basis by Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral (as defined below);

The obligations of the Company and the Notes Guarantors (other than Zena Energy L.L.C. and El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P.) under the Indenture are to be secured (x) on a first-priority basis by Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral and (y) on a second-priority basis by Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral;


The ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents provide, among other things, that the parties thereto shall set forth in this Agreement their respective relative rights, priorities and remedies with respect to their respective security interests in the Collateral (as defined below) and certain other matters; and

ABL Agent and Notes Agent have agreed to the intercreditor and other provisions set forth in this Agreement in order to provide for the orderly sharing among them, in accordance with such priorities, of the proceeds of Collateral upon foreclosure thereupon or other disposition thereof.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants and obligations herein set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Definitions; Rules of Construction .

1.1 UCC Terms . The following terms have the meanings given to them in the UCC and terms used herein without definition that are defined in the UCC have the meanings given to them in the UCC (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined): “account”, “account debtor”, “chattel paper”, “commercial tort claim”, “deposit account”, “equipment”, “fixture”, “general intangible”, “goods”, “instruments”, “inventory”, “letter-of-credit right”, “proceeds”, “record”, “securities account”, “security” and “supporting obligation”.

1.2 Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

ABL Agent ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

ABL Claimholders ” means, at any relevant time, the holders of ABL Obligations at that time, including ABL Agent, the ABL Lenders, each Issuing Lender (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), each other Indemnified Person (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and each other holder of any Obligation (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) of a Borrower (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) including each Bank Product Provider with respect to Bank Product Obligations and Hedge Agreement Obligations.

ABL Collateral ” means all of the assets and property of any Grantor, whether real, personal or mixed, with respect to which a consensual Lien is granted as security for any ABL Obligation.

 

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ABL Collateral Documents ” means the security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, hypothecs, collateral assignments, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt and related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments, in each case pursuant to which a Lien is granted to secure any ABL Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed.

ABL Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

ABL Default ” means any “Event of Default”, as such term is defined in any ABL Loan Document.

ABL Guaranty ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, but shall also include each other guaranty made by any other guarantor in favor of ABL Agent.

ABL Lenders ” means the “Lenders” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Loan Documents ” means the ABL Collateral Documents, the ABL Credit Agreement, the ABL Guaranty and each of the other Loan Documents (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement).

ABL Obligations ” means all obligations and all amounts owing, due or secured under the terms of the ABL Credit Agreement, any Hedge Agreement, any Bank Product Agreement or any other ABL Loan Document, whether now existing or arising hereafter, including all principal, premium, interest, fees, attorneys’ fees, costs, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, obligations to post cash collateral in respect of Letters of Credit, Bank Product Obligations, Hedge Agreement Obligations or indemnities in respect thereof, any other indemnities or guarantees, and all other amounts payable under or secured by any ABL Loan Document (including, in each case, all Obligations (as such term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), all Bank Product Obligations, all Hedge Agreement Obligations, and all amounts accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding relating to any Grantor, or that would have accrued or become due under the terms of the ABL Loan Documents but for the effect of the Insolvency Proceeding and irrespective of whether a claim for all or any portion of such amounts is allowable or allowed in such Insolvency Proceeding).

ABL Priority Collateral ” means all of each Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the following property of such Grantor, wherever located and whether now owned by such Grantor or hereafter acquired:

(a) all accounts (except to the extent that such accounts constitute identifiable proceeds of equipment, Investment Related Property or Real Estate Assets not otherwise identified as ABL Priority Collateral), and any and all supporting obligations in respect thereof;

(b) all inventory;

(c) all Books;

 

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(d) all Investment Related Property, but excluding the stock of the Company, each Guarantor, El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P. and each of their respective subsidiaries;

(e) all Letters of Credit, letter-of-credit rights, instruments, promissory notes, drafts, documents and chattel paper (including all tangible and electronic chattel paper), and any and all supporting obligations in respect thereof;

(f) all money or other assets of the Company and each Guarantor that arise from or relate to any ABL Priority Collateral listed in clauses (a) through (c) above that now or hereafter come into the possession, custody or control of any of the ABL Lenders or ABL Agent (or any successor thereto); and

(g) the proceeds and products, whether tangible or intangible, of any of the foregoing, including proceeds of insurance covering any or all of the foregoing, and any and all assets of the type described in clauses (a) through (e) above, money, deposit accounts or other tangible or intangible property resulting from the sale, exchange, collection or other disposition of any of the foregoing, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and the proceeds thereof; provided , however , that the ABL Priority Collateral shall not include any Notes Priority Collateral.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ABL Priority Collateral shall not include any Excluded Property.

Agent ” means ABL Agent or Notes Agent, as the context requires.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Bank Product Agreements ” means “Bank Product Agreements,” as that term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Bank Product Obligations ” means “Bank Product Obligations,” as that term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Bank Product Provider ” means “Bank Product Provider,” as that term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Bankruptcy Code ” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

Bankruptcy Law ” means (i) the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) any other federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors, and (iii) any other similar statute or law, in each case as applicable and as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

Books ” means books and records (including each Grantor’s records indicating, summarizing or evidencing such Grantor’s assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, each Grantor’s records relating to such Grantor’s business operations or financial condition, and each Grantor’s goods or general intangibles related to such information).

 

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Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which commercial banks in the state of New York are authorized or required by law to remain close.

Cash Equivalents ” means (a) any readily-marketable securities or any marketable direct obligation (i) issued by, or directly, unconditionally and fully guaranteed or insured by, the United States federal government or (ii) issued by any agency of the United States federal government the obligations of which are fully backed by the full faith and credit of the United States federal government, (b) any bankers acceptance or commercial paper of an issuer rated at least “A-1” by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“ S&P ”) or “P-1” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if one or both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper issuers generally, (c) any United States dollar-denominated time deposit, insured certificate of deposit, overnight bank deposit, repurchase agreements, reverse purchase agreements or bankers’ acceptance issued or accepted by (i) any ABL Lender or (ii) any commercial bank that (A) is organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (B) has combined capital and surplus of not less than $500,000,000 and (C) is rated at least “A-1” by S&P and “P-1” by Moody’s, or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if one or both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper issuers generally, and (d) shares of any United States money market fund that (i) complies with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (ii) is rated “AAA” by S&P and “Aaa” by Moody’s and (iii) has portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000; provided, however, that the maturities of all obligations specified in any of clauses (a), (b) or (c) above shall not exceed 365 days.

Claimholders ” means, with respect to the ABL Obligations, the ABL Claimholders, and with respect to the Notes Obligations, the Notes Claimholders.

Collateral ” means all of the assets and property of any Grantor, whether real, personal or mixed, which constitute ABL Collateral or Notes Collateral.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Default Disposition ” means any private or public Disposition of (i) all or any material portion of the ABL Priority Collateral by one or more Grantors with the consent of ABL Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an ABL Default (and prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations) or (ii) all or any material portion of the Notes Priority Collateral by one or more Grantors with the consent of Notes Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Notes Default (and prior to the Discharge of Notes Obligations), which Disposition is conducted by such Grantors with the consent of ABL Agent in the case of the former, or Notes Agent in the case of the latter, in connection with good faith efforts by ABL Agent or Notes Agent, as the case may be, to collect the ABL Obligations through the Disposition of ABL Priority Collateral or the Notes Obligations through the Disposition of Notes Priority Collateral.

 

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Discharge of ABL Obligations ” means, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.5 :

(a) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all ABL Obligations (other than outstanding Letters of Credit, Bank Product Obligations, Hedge Agreement Obligations and contingent indemnification obligations for which no underlying claim has been asserted);

(b) termination or expiration of all commitments, if any, to extend credit that would constitute ABL Obligations (other than commitments of a Bank Product Provider to extend credit that constitutes Bank Product Obligations pursuant to a Bank Product Agreement as to which satisfactory arrangements have been made with the applicable Bank Product Provider);

(c) termination or cash collateralization (in an amount and in the manner required by the ABL Credit Agreement) of all outstanding Letters of Credit; and

(d) termination or cash collateralization (in an amount reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Bank Product Provider) of any Hedge Agreement Obligations pursuant to Hedge Agreements issued or entered into by any Bank Product Provider.

Discharge of Notes Obligations ” means, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.5 , all Notes Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations for which no underlying claim has been asserted) have been indefeasibly paid, performed or discharged in full (with all such Notes Obligations consisting of monetary or payment obligations having been paid in full in cash).

Disposition ” or “ Dispose ” means the sale, assignment, transfer, license, lease (as lessor), exchange or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing).

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any State or other political subdivision of the United States.

Enforcement Notice ” shall mean a written notice delivered by either ABL Agent or Notes Agent to the other stating that an ABL Default or a Notes Default, as applicable, has occurred and is continuing under the ABL Credit Agreement or the Indenture, as applicable, and that an Enforcement Period has commenced with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral or Notes Priority Collateral, as applicable, specifying the relevant event of default, stating the current balance of the ABL Obligations or the Note Obligations, as applicable, and requesting the current balance of the ABL Obligations or Note Obligations, as applicable, owing to the noticed party.

 

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Enforcement Period ” shall mean the period of time following the receipt by either ABL Agent or Notes Agent of an Enforcement Notice from the other and continuing until the earliest of (a) in case of an Enforcement Period commenced by Notes Agent, the Discharge of Notes Obligations, (b) in the case of an Enforcement Period commenced by ABL Agent, the Discharge of ABL Obligations or (c) ABL Agent or Notes Agent (as applicable) terminating, or agreeing in writing to terminate, the Enforcement Period (including in connection with a waiver or cure of the default that gave rise to such Enforcement Notice).

Excluded Property ” means (a)(i) any fee-owned real property with a fair market value equal to or less than $10,000,000 (other than any Existing Lien Real Property Collateral and any Issue Date Real Property Collateral (as defined in the Notes Security Agreement)) and any leasehold interest in real property; (ii) motor vehicles, airplanes and other assets subject to certificates of title; (iii) letter-of-credit rights and commercial tort claims; (iv) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations to the extent security interest is prohibited or restricted thereby (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to any other applicable requirements of law, including pursuant to Section 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC); (v) pledges and security interests prohibited or restricted by applicable law (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any governmental authority or third party); (vi) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to such agreement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto or otherwise require consent thereunder (after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the UCC or other applicable law) (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the collateral securing the Secured Equipment Note), other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the UCC or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition; (vii) any assets of a Grantor to the extent that a security interest in such assets would reasonably be expected to result in material adverse tax consequences, as reasonably determined by such Grantor; (viii) any intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely during the period, if any, in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law; (ix) stock and assets of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; (x) interests in joint ventures and non-wholly owned subsidiaries which cannot be pledged without the consent of third parties after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the UCC or other applicable law; (xi) Capital Stock (as defined in the Indenture) representing voting stock in excess of 65% of the outstanding voting stock of any Foreign Subsidiary which, (A) pursuant to the terms of the ABL Credit Agreement, is not required to guaranty the ABL Obligations and (B) pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, is not required to guaranty the Notes Obligations; (xii) rolling stock; (xiii) property and assets of Zena Energy L.L.C. and El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P.; (xiv) with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral, general intangibles (other than those equity interests of each limited liability company, limited partnership or other business entity that is a Restricted Subsidiary); (xv) with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral, intellectual property; and (xvi) (A) in the case of any ABL Loan Document, assets where the cost of obtaining a security interest therein exceeds the practical benefit to the ABL Claimholders afforded thereby, as reasonably determined by ABL Agent and the Company and (B) in the case of any Notes Document, assets where the cost of obtaining a security interest therein exceeds the practical benefit to the Notes Claimholders afforded thereby, as reasonably determined by Notes Agent and the Company. For purposes of clause (xi) of this definition, “voting stock” means, with respect to any issuer of equity interests, the issued and outstanding shares of each class of equity interests of such issuer entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.956-2(c)(2)).

 

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Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies ” or “ Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies ” means (a) the taking of any action to enforce any Lien in respect of, exercise any right, remedy or power with respect to, or otherwise take any action to enforce its interest in or realize upon, or take any other action available to it in respect of, the Collateral, including the institution of any judicial or non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, the noticing of any public or private sale or other disposition pursuant to Article 9 of the UCC, having or seeking to have a trustee, receiver, liquidator or similar official appointed for or over the Collateral or taking any action to take possession of the Collateral, the noticing of any public or private sale or other Disposition pursuant to Article 9 of the UCC or any diligently pursued in good faith attempt to vacate or obtain relief from a stay or other injunction restricting any other action described in this definition, (b) the exercise of any right or remedy provided to a secured creditor under the ABL Loan Documents or the Notes Documents (including, in either case, any delivery of any notice to otherwise seek to obtain payment directly from any account debtor of any Grantor or the taking of any action or the exercise of any right or remedy in respect of the setoff or recoupment against the Collateral or proceeds of Collateral), under applicable law, at equity, in an Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise, including credit bidding or otherwise the acceptance of Collateral in full or partial satisfaction of a Lien, (c) the sale, assignment, transfer, lease, license, or other Disposition of all or any portion of the Collateral, by private or public sale or any other means, (d) the solicitation of bids from third parties to conduct the liquidation of all or a material portion of Collateral to the extent undertaken and being diligently pursued in good faith to consummate the Disposition of such Collateral within a commercially reasonable time, (e) the engagement or retention of sales brokers, marketing agents, investment bankers, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, or other third parties for the purposes of valuing, marketing, or Disposing of, all or a material portion of the Collateral to the extent undertaken and being diligently pursued in good faith to consummate the Disposition of such Collateral within a commercially reasonable time, (f) the exercise of any other enforcement right relating to the Collateral (including the exercise of any voting rights relating to any capital stock composing a portion of the Collateral or seeking relief from the automatic stay) whether under the ABL Loan Documents, the Notes Documents, under applicable law of any jurisdiction, in equity, in an Insolvency Proceeding, or otherwise, (g) the pursuit of Default Dispositions relative to all or a material portion of the Collateral to the extent undertaken and being diligently pursued in good faith to consummate the Disposition of such Collateral within a commercially reasonable time or (h) the commencement of, or the joinder with any creditor in commencing, any Insolvency Proceeding against any Grantor or any assets of any Grantor, but in all cases excluding (i) the establishment of borrowing base reserves, collateral ineligibles or other conditions for advances, (ii) the changing of advance rates or advance sublimits, (iii) the imposition of

 

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a default rate or late fee, (iv) the collection and application of accounts or other monies deposited from time to time in deposit accounts or securities accounts, in each case, to the extent constituting ABL Priority Collateral, against the ABL Obligations pursuant to the provisions of the ABL Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the notification of account debtors, depositary institutions or any other Person to deliver proceeds of Collateral to ABL Agent), (v) the cessation of lending pursuant to the provisions of the ABL Loan Documents, including upon the occurrence of a default on the existence of an overadvance, (vi) the filing of a proof of claim in any Insolvency, (vii) the consent by ABL Agent to disposition by any Grantor of any of the ABL Priority Collateral (other than in connection with liquidation of the ABL Priority Collateral at the request of ABL Agent) and (viii) the acceleration of the Notes Obligations or the ABL Obligations.

Existing Lien Real Property Collateral ” means, collectively, (a) the “Property” as defined in the Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated as of January 19, 2007, between Prime Financial Corporation and GE Commercial Finance Business Property Corporation and (b) the “Property” as defined in the Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated as of December 20, 2006 between Prime Holdings Corporation and GE Commercial Finance Business Property Corporation (the Liens arising under the filings described in (a) and (b), collectively the “Existing Liens”). Notwithstanding anything in the Notes Documents or the ABL Documents to the contrary, (a) no Grantor shall be required to take any action to perfect the security interests of the ABL Claimholders or the Note Claimholders on any Existing Lien Real Property Collateral and (b) each Agent shall release its Liens and security interests on the applicable Existing Lien Real Property Collateral when the applicable Existing Lien is terminated and released; provided that, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), the fair market value of the applicable Existing Lien Real Property Collateral is equal to or less than $10,000,000.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, a Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States of America or any other nation, any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Grantors ” means the Company and the Guarantors, and each other person that may from time to time execute and deliver an ABL Collateral Document or a Notes Collateral Document as a “debtor,” “grantor” or “pledgor” (or the equivalent thereof).

Guarantor ” and “ Guarantors ” have the respective meanings set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Hedge Agreement ” means “Hedge Agreement,” as that term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

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Hedge Agreement Obligations ” means all obligations, liabilities, contingent reimbursement obligations, fees and expenses of the Company or any ABL Guarantor under any Hedge Agreement.

Indenture ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Insolvency Proceeding ” means:

(a) any voluntary or involuntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law with respect to any Grantor;

(b) any other voluntary or involuntary insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation or other similar case or proceeding with respect to any Grantor or with respect to a material portion of its assets;

(c) any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of any Grantor (other than as permitted by the Notes Documents or the ABL Loan Documents) whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy; or

(d) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshaling of assets for creditors of any Grantor or any other similar arrangement in respect of such Grantor’s creditors generally.

Investment Related Property ” means any and all investment property (as that term is defined in the UCC).

Letters of Credit ” means the “Letters of Credit,” as that term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded, registered, published or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the UCC of any jurisdiction; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

Mortgage ” means each mortgage, deed of trust or deed to secure debt pursuant to which a Grantor grants to (a) ABL Agent, for the benefit of the ABL Claimholders, Liens upon the real estate Collateral owned by such Grantor, as security for the ABL Obligations or (b) Notes Agent, for the benefit of the Notes Claimholders, Liens upon the real estate Collateral owned by such Grantor, as security for the Notes Obligations.

Notes ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Notes Agent ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

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Notes Claimholders ” means holders of Notes, the Trustee, Notes Agent and any holders of, or trustees, collateral agents or other representatives with respect to, Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

Notes Collateral ” means any and all of the assets and property of any Grantor, whether real, personal or mixed, with respect to which a consensual Lien is granted as security for any Notes Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, the Notes Collateral shall not include any Excluded Property.

Notes Collateral Account ” means (i) the “Collateral Account” as defined in the Indenture.

Notes Collateral Documents ” means the Notes Security Agreement, the security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, hypothecs, collateral assignments, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt and related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments, in each case pursuant to which a Lien is granted to secure any Notes Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed.

Notes Default ” means any “Event of Default”, as such term is defined in the Indenture, or any event of default under any other Notes Document.

Notes Documents ” means the Notes Collateral Documents, the Indenture and the Notes.

Notes Obligations ” means all obligations and all amounts owing, due or secured under the Notes Documents, and all Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter, including all principal, premium, interest, fees, attorneys fees, costs, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, indemnities, guarantees and all other amounts payable under or secured by any Notes Document or Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agreement (including, in each case, all amounts accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding relating to any Grantor or that would have accrued or become due under the terms of any Notes Documents or Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agreement but for the effect of the Insolvency Proceeding and irrespective of whether a claim for all or any portion of such amounts is allowable or allowed in such Insolvency Proceeding).

Notes Priority Collateral ” means all now owned or hereafter acquired Notes Collateral that constitutes:

(a) all Pledged Stock (as defined in the Notes Security Agreement) (which, in the case of any first-tier Foreign Subsidiary, is limited to 65% of the equity interests of such first-tier Foreign Subsidiary (and none of the stock of any Subsidiary of any first-tier Foreign Subsidiary), provided that, for purposes of this clause (a), any Domestic Subsidiary the sole assets of which are capital stock of a Foreign Subsidiary and, if applicable, debt of such Foreign Subsidiary shall be treated as a first-tier Foreign Subsidiary);

 

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(b) all equity interests of each limited liability company, limited partnership or other business entity that is a Restricted Subsidiary constituting general intangibles and intercompany notes of the Company and the Notes Guarantors (other than Zena Energy L.L.C. and El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P.);

(c) all Investment Related Property that does not constitute ABL Priority Collateral;

(d) all equipment;

(e) all Pledged Debt Instruments (as defined in the Notes Security Agreement) that does not constitute ABL Priority Collateral;

(f) all Real Estate Assets;

(g) all instruments, Books and supporting obligations related to the foregoing and proceeds of the foregoing (except to the extent that any of the foregoing constitute ABL Priority Collateral); and

(h) all other goods (including but not limited to fixtures) and assets of each Grantor not constituting ABL Priority Collateral or Excluded Property, whether tangible or intangible and wherever located.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Notes Priority Collateral shall not include any Excluded Property.

Notes Security Agreement ” means the Security Agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, the Notes Guarantors (other than Zena Energy L.L.C. and El Dorado Nitrogen, L.P.) and Notes Agent.

Obligations ” shall mean, as applicable, (a) all ABL Obligations and (b) all Notes Obligations.

Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations ” means indebtedness or other obligations of the Grantors issued following the date of this Agreement to the extent (a) such indebtedness is not prohibited by the terms of the ABL Credit Agreement, the Indenture and each then existing Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agreement from being secured by Liens on the Notes Collateral ranking pari passu with the Liens securing the Notes, (b) the Grantors have granted Liens, consistent with clause (a), on the Notes Collateral to secure the obligations in respect of such indebtedness, (c) such indebtedness or other obligations constitute “Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations” as defined in the Indenture and (d) the Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agent, for the holders of such indebtedness has entered into a joinder agreement on behalf of the holders under such agreement acknowledging that such holders shall be bound by the terms hereof applicable to Notes Claimholders.

 

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Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agent ” means the person appointed to act as trustee, agent or representative for the holders of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations pursuant to any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agreement.

Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agreement ” means the indenture, credit agreement or other agreement under which any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations are incurred.

person ” means any natural person, corporation, trust, business trust, joint venture, joint stock company, association, company, limited liability company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Pledged Collateral ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a) .

Priority Collateral ” means, with respect to the ABL Claimholders, all ABL Priority Collateral, and with respect to the Notes Claimholders, all Notes Priority Collateral.

Real Estate Asset ” means, at any time of determination, any fee interest of any Grantor in owned real property; provided that such asset has a fair market value in excess of $10,000,000. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Real Estate Assets shall include all Existing Lien Real Property Collateral and Issue Date Real Property Collateral.

Recovery ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.8 .

Refinance ” means, in respect of any indebtedness, to refinance, modify, extend, renew, defease, supplement, restructure, replace, refund or repay, or to issue other indebtedness in exchange or replacement for such indebtedness, in whole or in part, whether with the same or different lenders, arrangers or agents.

Refinanced ” and “ Refinancing ” shall have correlative meanings.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Company which at the time of determination is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Subsidiary ” of a person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which that person directly or indirectly owns or controls the shares of capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or appoint other comparable managers) of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect in any applicable jurisdiction.

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Company designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to the Indenture subsequent to the date hereof.

 

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Use Period ” means the period commencing on the date that ABL Agent (or any ABL Claimholder acting with the consent of ABL Agent) commences the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies in connection with any ABL Priority Collateral in a manner as provided in Section 3.8 (having theretofore furnished Notes Agent with an Enforcement Notice) and ending on the earlier to occur of (i) 180 days thereafter and (ii) the Discharge of ABL Obligations. If any stay or other order that prohibits any of ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders from commencing and continuing to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies or to liquidate and sell the ABL Priority Collateral has occurred by operation of law or has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, such 180-day period shall be tolled during the pendency of any such stay or other order and the Use Period shall be so extended and upon lifting of the automatic stay, if there are fewer than 90 days remaining in such 180 day period, then such 180 day period shall be extended so that ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders have 90 days upon lifting of the automatic stay.

1.3 Construction . The definitions of terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine, and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” The term “or” shall be construed to have, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.” Any term used in this Agreement and not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement. Unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) except as otherwise provided herein, any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument, or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument, or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented, modified, renewed, extended, Refinanced, refunded, or replaced;

(b) any reference to any agreement, instrument, or other document herein “as in effect on the date hereof” shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument, or other document without giving effect to any amendment, restatement, supplement, modification, or Refinance after the date hereof;

(c) any definition of or reference to the ABL Obligations or the Notes Obligations herein shall be construed as referring to the ABL Obligations or the Notes Obligations (as applicable) as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented, modified, renewed, extended, Refinanced, refunded, or replaced;

(d) any reference herein to any person shall be construed to include such person’s successors and assigns;

(e) the words “herein,” “hereof,” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof;

 

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(f) all references herein to Sections shall be construed to refer to Sections of this Agreement; and

(g) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts, and contract rights.

SECTION 2. Lien Priorities .

2.1 Relative Priorities . Notwithstanding the date, time, method, manner, or order of grant, attachment, or perfection of any Liens securing (or purportedly securing) the ABL Obligations granted with respect to the Collateral or of any Liens securing (or purportedly securing) the Notes Obligations granted with respect to the Collateral (including, in each case, irrespective of whether any such Lien is granted (or secures Obligations relating to the period) before or after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding) and notwithstanding any contrary provision of the UCC or any other applicable law or the ABL Loan Documents or the Notes Documents, as applicable, or any defect or deficiencies in, or failure to attach or perfect, the Liens securing (or purportedly securing) any of the Obligations, or any other circumstance whatsoever, ABL Agent and Notes Agent hereby agree that:

(a) any Lien with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of, or created for the benefit of, ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing any Notes Obligations;

(b) any Lien with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral securing any Notes Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of, or created for the benefit of, Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral securing any ABL Obligations;

(c) any Lien with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing any Notes Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of, or created for the benefit of, Notes Agent, any other Notes Claimholders or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Obligations; and

(d) any Lien with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral securing any ABL Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of, or created for the benefit of, ABL Agent, any other ABL Claimholders or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral securing any Notes Obligations.

 

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The subordination of Liens provided for in this Agreement shall continue to be effective with respect to any part of the Collateral from and after the date hereof whether such Liens are declared, or ruled to be, invalid, unenforceable, void or not allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, as a result of any action taken by Notes Agent or ABL Agent, as applicable, or any failure by such person to take any action, with respect to any financing statement (including any amendment to or continuation thereof), mortgage or other perfection document.

2.2 Prohibition on Contesting Liens . Each of Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other Notes Claimholder, and ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other ABL Claimholder, agrees that it will not (and hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally waives any right to), directly or indirectly, contest (directly or indirectly), or support any other person in contesting (directly or indirectly), in any proceeding (including any Insolvency Proceeding) (a) the priority, validity, attachment, perfection or enforceability of a Lien in the Collateral held by or on behalf of ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder or by or on behalf of Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder, (b) the priority, validity, perfection or enforceability of any Obligations, including the allowability or priority of any Obligations in any Insolvency Proceeding, or (c) the validity or enforceability of, or the priorities, rights or duties established by, or other provisions of this Agreement; provided , however that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of ABL Agent, any other ABL Claimholder, Notes Agent, or any other Notes Claimholder to enforce the terms of this Agreement, including the provisions of this Agreement relating to the priority of the Liens securing the ABL Obligations and the Notes Obligations, as applicable, as provided in Sections 2.1 , 3 and 6.2 .

2.3 New Liens . During the term of this Agreement, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, the parties hereto agree, subject to Section 6 , that no Grantor shall:

(a) grant or suffer to exist any Liens on any asset to secure any Notes Obligation unless such Grantor also offers to grant, and, at the option of ABL Agent, grants a Lien on such asset to secure the ABL Obligations concurrently with the grant of a Lien thereon in favor of Notes Agent in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement; or

(b) grant or suffer to exist any Liens on any asset to secure any ABL Obligation unless such Grantor also offers to grant, and, at the option of Notes Agent, grants a Lien on such asset to secure the Notes Obligations concurrently with the grant of a Lien thereon in favor of ABL Agent in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.

 

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To the extent that the foregoing provisions are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other rights and remedies available to ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder, Notes Agent, on behalf of the Notes Claimholders, agrees that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens granted in contravention of this Section 2.3 shall be subject to Section 4.2 , and without limiting any other rights and remedies available to Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder, ABL Agent, on behalf of the ABL Claimholders, agrees that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens granted in contravention of this Section 2.3 shall be subject to Section 4.2 .

2.4 Cooperation in Designating Collateral . In furtherance of Section 9.8 , the parties hereto agree to and the Grantors shall, in each case subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, upon request by ABL Agent or Notes Agent, cooperate in good faith (and direct their counsel to cooperate in good faith) from time to time in order to determine the specific items included in the ABL Priority Collateral and the Notes Priority Collateral and the steps taken or to be taken to perfect their respective Liens thereon and the identity of the respective parties obligated under the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents.

SECTION 3. Exercise of Remedies .

3.1 Exercise of Remedies by Notes Agent . Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, Notes Agent and Notes Claimholders:

(a) will not exercise or seek to exercise (and instead shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally waived), any rights, powers, or remedies with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral (including any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral);

(b) subject to Section 3.4 and Section 3.7 , will not, directly or indirectly (and instead shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally waived any and all rights to), contest, protest, object to (and seek or be awarded any relief of any nature whatsoever based on any such objection), interfere with, hinder or delay any (i) action to enforce or collect (or attempt to collect) the ABL Obligations, or (ii) Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral (regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders is adverse to the interest of Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders), and have no right to direct ABL Agent to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies or take any other action under the ABL Loan Documents;

(c) will not object to (and waive any and all claims with respect to) any waiver or forbearance by ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders from Exercising any Secured Creditor Remedies;

(d) will not take or cause to be taken any action the purpose or effect of which is, or could be, to make any Lien that the Notes Claimholders have on ABL Priority Collateral equal with, or to give the Notes Claimholders any preference or priority relative to, any Lien that the ABL Claimholders have with respect to such ABL Priority Collateral;

 

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(e) will have no right to (i) direct ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder to exercise any right, remedy or power or (ii) consent to the exercise by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder of any right, remedy or power with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral;

(f) acknowledge and agree that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in the Note Documents shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the ABL Loan Documents; and

(g) will not attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to challenge the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement.

3.2 Exercise of Remedies by ABL Agent . Until the Discharge of Notes Obligations has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, ABL Agent and ABL Claimholders:

(a) will not exercise or seek to exercise (and instead shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally waived), any rights, powers, or remedies with respect to any Notes Priority Collateral (including any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Notes Priority Collateral);

(b) subject to Section 3.4 and Section 3.7 , will not, directly or indirectly (and instead shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally waived any and all rights to), contest, protest, object to (and seek or be awarded any relief of any nature whatsoever based on any such objection), interfere with, hinder or delay any (i) action to enforce or collect (or attempt to collect) the Notes Obligations, or (ii) Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder with respect to any Notes Priority Collateral (regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders is adverse to the interest of ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders), and have no right to direct Notes Agent to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies or take any other action under the Notes Documents;

(c) will not object to (and waive any and all claims with respect to) any waiver or forbearance by Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders from Exercising any Secured Creditor Remedies;

(d) will not take or cause to be taken any action the purpose or effect of which is, or could be, to make any Lien that the ABL Claimholders have on Notes Priority Collateral equal with, or to give the ABL Claimholders any preference or priority relative to, any Lien that the Notes Claimholders have with respect to such Notes Priority Collateral;

 

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(e) will have no right to (i) direct Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder to exercise any right, remedy or power or (ii) consent to the exercise by Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder of any right, remedy or power with respect to any Notes Priority Collateral;

(f) acknowledge and agree that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in the ABL Loan Documents shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the Notes Documents; and

(g) will not attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to challenge the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement.

3.3 Exclusive Enforcement Rights . (a) Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, ABL Agent shall have the exclusive right to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any ABL Priority Collateral (and in connection therewith, make determinations regarding the release or Disposition thereof or any restrictions with respect thereto), in each case without any consultation with or the consent of Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder, and (b) until the Discharge of Notes Obligations has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, Notes Agent shall have the exclusive right to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Notes Priority Collateral (and in connection therewith, subject to Section 3.8 , make determinations regarding the release or Disposition thereof or any restrictions with respect thereto), in each case without any consultation with or the consent of ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder. In connection with (x) any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, ABL Agent may enforce the provisions of the ABL Loan Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as it may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion, or (y) any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral, Notes Agent may enforce the provisions of the Notes Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as it may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by ABL Agent or Notes Agent, as applicable, to Dispose of Collateral, to incur expenses in connection with such Disposition, and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the UCC, the Bankruptcy Laws or other applicable law.

3.4 Permitted Actions . Anything to the contrary in this Section 3 notwithstanding, each of Notes Agent and ABL Agent may:

(a) if an Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, file a proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to its Collateral or otherwise with respect to the Notes Obligations or the ABL Obligations, as the case may be, or otherwise file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of such Grantor arising under any Insolvency Proceeding or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law (including the Bankruptcy Laws);

 

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(b) take any action (not adverse to the priority status of the Liens on the Collateral of the other, or the rights of the other Agent or any Claimholders to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies) in order to create or perfect its Lien in and to the Collateral;

(c) file any necessary responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding, or other pleading made by any person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance or subordination of its claims or the claims of its Claimholders, or the avoidance of its Liens;

(d) object to any proposed acceptance of (i) in the case of Notes Agent, ABL Priority Collateral by an ABL Claimholder pursuant to Section 9-620 of the UCC and (ii) in the case of ABL Agent, Notes Priority Collateral by a Notes Claimholder pursuant to Section 9-620 of the UCC;

(e) make any arguments and motions that are, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

(f) vote on any plan of reorganization in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

(g) join (but not exercise any control with respect to) any judicial foreclosure proceeding or other judicial lien enforcement proceeding with respect to the Priority Collateral of the other Agent initiated by such other Agent to the extent that any such action could not reasonably be expected, in any material respect, to restrain, hinder, limit, delay for any material period or otherwise interfere with the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by such other Agent (it being understood that, (i) with respect to ABL Priority Collateral, neither Notes Agent nor any other Notes Claimholder shall be entitled to receive any proceeds thereof unless otherwise expressly permitted herein and (ii) with respect to Notes Priority Collateral, neither ABL Agent nor any other ABL Claimholder shall be entitled to receive any proceeds thereof unless otherwise expressly permitted herein); and

(h) take any action described in clauses (i) through (viii) of the definition of Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies.

3.5 Retention of Proceeds .

(a) Notes Agent agrees that prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, Notes Claimholders will only be entitled to retain proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral in connection with an Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by Notes Agent that is not prohibited under Section 3.1 above. Notes Claimholders shall not be permitted to retain any proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies in any circumstance unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, and any such proceeds received or retained in any other circumstance will be subject to Section 4.2 .

 

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(b) ABL Agent agrees that prior to the Discharge of Notes Obligations, ABL Claimholders will only be entitled to retain proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral in connection with an Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by ABL Agent that is not prohibited under Section 3.2 above. ABL Claimholders shall not be permitted to retain any proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies in any circumstance unless and until the Discharge of Notes Obligations has occurred, and any such proceeds received or retained in any other circumstance will be subject to Section 4.2 .

(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of any Disposition or series of related Dispositions that includes ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral where the aggregate sales price is not allocated between the ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral being sold (including in connection with or as a result of the sale of the capital stock of a Grantor), then solely for purposes of this Agreement, the allocation of proceeds of such Disposition to the ABL Priority Collateral shall be based upon, in the case of (i) any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of inventory, the book value thereof as assessed on the date of such Disposition, (ii) any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of accounts receivable, the book value thereof as assessed on the date of such Disposition and (iii) all other ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral, the fair market value of such ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral sold, as determined by the Company in its reasonable judgment or, if the aggregate amount of such other ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral sold is greater than $20,000,000, an independent appraiser.

3.6 Non-Interference . Subject to Sections 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.3 , 3.4 and 6.5(b) , each of Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, and ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Claimholders, hereby:

(a) subject to Section 3.7 , agrees that it will not, directly or indirectly, take any action that would restrain, hinder, limit, delay, or otherwise interfere with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by the other Agent with respect to such other Agent’s Priority Collateral or that is otherwise prohibited hereunder, including any Disposition of the other Agent’s Priority Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise;

(b) subject to Section 3.7 , waives any and all rights it or its Claimholders may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which such other Agent seeks to enforce or collect such other party’s respective Obligations or the Liens securing such Obligations granted in any of such other Agent’s Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of such other Agent is adverse to the interest of it or its Claimholders.

 

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3.7 Commercially Reasonable Dispositions; Notice of Exercise .

(a) Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, hereby irrevocably, absolutely, and unconditionally waives any right to object (and seek or be awarded any relief of any nature whatsoever based on any such objection), at any time prior to or subsequent to any disposition of any of the ABL Priority Collateral, on the ground(s) that any such disposition of ABL Priority Collateral (x) would not be or was not “commercially reasonable” within the meaning of any applicable UCC and/or (y) would not or did not comply with any other requirement under any applicable UCC or under any other applicable law governing the manner in which a secured creditor (including one with a Lien on real property) is to realize on its collateral. ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Claimholders, hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally waives any right to object (and seek or be awarded any relief of any nature whatsoever based on any such objection), at any time prior to or subsequent to any disposition of any Notes Priority Collateral, on the ground(s) that any such disposition of Notes Priority Collateral (i) would not be or was not “commercially reasonable” within the meaning of any applicable UCC and/or (ii) would not or did not comply with any other requirement under any applicable UCC or under any other applicable law governing the manner in which a secured creditor (including one with a Lien on real property) is to realize on its collateral.

(b) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, each Notes Claimholder and each ABL Claimholder shall have any and all rights and remedies it may have as a creditor under any applicable law, including the right to the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies; provided , however , that the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Collateral (and any judgment Lien obtained in connection therewith) shall be subject to the Lien priorities set forth herein and to the provisions of this Agreement. ABL Agent may enforce the provisions of the ABL Loan Documents, Notes Agent may enforce the provisions of the Notes Documents and each may Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies, all in such order and in such manner as each may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and mandatory provisions of applicable law; provided , however , that each of ABL Agent and Notes Agent agrees to provide to the other (x) an Enforcement Notice prior to its Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies and (y) copies of any notices that it is required under applicable law to deliver to any Grantor; provided further , however , that ABL Agent’s failure to provide copies of any such notices to Notes Agent shall not impair any of ABL Agent’s rights hereunder or under any of the ABL Documents and Notes Agent’s failure to provide copies of any such notices to ABL Agent shall not impair any of Notes Agent’s rights hereunder or under any of the Notes Documents. Each of Notes Agent, each other Notes Claimholder, ABL Agent and each ABL Claimholder agrees that it will not institute any suit or other proceeding or assert in any suit, Insolvency Proceeding or other proceeding any claim, in the case of Notes Agent and each other Notes Claimholder, against either ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder, and in the case of ABL Agent and each other ABL Claimholder, against either Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder, seeking damages from or other relief by way of specific performance, instructions or otherwise, with respect to, any action taken or omitted to be taken by such person with respect to the Collateral which is consistent with the terms of this Agreement, and none of such parties shall be liable for any such action taken or omitted to be taken.

 

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3.8 Inspection and Access Rights .

(a) If Notes Agent, or any agent or representative of Notes Agent, or any receiver, shall, after any Notes Default, obtain possession or physical control of any Notes Priority Collateral or Notes Agent shall sell or otherwise dispose of any Notes Priority Collateral, Notes Agent shall promptly notify ABL Agent in writing of that fact, and ABL Agent shall thereafter notify the Notes Agent in writing as to whether ABL Agent desires to exercise access rights under this Section 3.8 . In addition, if ABL Agent, or any agent or representative or ABL Agent, or any receiver, shall, after any ABL Default, obtain possession or physical control of any of the real properties subject to a Mortgage or any of the tangible Notes Priority Collateral located on any premises other than real properties subject to a Mortgage or control over any intangible Notes Priority Collateral, following the delivery to Notes Agent of an Enforcement Notice, then ABL Agent shall thereafter notify Notes Agent in writing that ABL Agent is exercising its access rights under this Agreement under either circumstance. Upon delivery of such notice by ABL Agent to Notes Agent, the parties shall confer in good faith to coordinate with respect to ABL Agent’s exercise of such access rights. Consistent with the definition of “Use Period,” access rights may apply to differing parcels of real properties subject to a Mortgage and to different assets that constitute a portion of the Notes Priority Collateral, in each case at differing times, in which case, a differing Use Period will apply to each such property and to each such portion of the Notes Priority Collateral.

(b) Without limiting any rights ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder may otherwise have under applicable law or by agreement and whether or not Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder has commenced and is continuing to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies of Notes Agent, ABL Agent or any other person (including any ABL Claimholder) acting with the consent, or on behalf, of ABL Agent shall have an irrevocable, non-exclusive right to have access to, and a royalty-free and rent-free license and right to use, the Notes Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, equipment, fixtures and real property and equipment, processors, computers and other machinery related to the storage or processing of records, documents or files) during the Use Period (a) during normal business hours on any Business Day, to access the ABL Priority Collateral that (i) is stored or located in or on, (ii) has become an accession with respect to (within the meaning of Section 9-335 of the UCC), or (iii) has been commingled with (within the meaning of Section 9-336 of the UCC), Notes Priority Collateral, and (b) in order to assemble, inspect, copy or download information stored on, take actions to perfect its Lien on, process raw materials or work-in-process into finished inventory, take possession of, move, package, prepare and advertise for sale or disposition, sell (by public auction, private sale, “going out of business” sale or similar sale, whether in bulk, in lots or to customers in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and which sale may include augmented inventory of the same type sold in Grantors’ business), store, collect, take reasonable actions to protect, secure and otherwise enforce the rights of ABL Agent in and to the ABL Priority Collateral, or otherwise deal with the ABL Priority Collateral, in each case without the involvement of or interference by any Notes Claimholder or liability to any Notes Claimholder. This Agreement will not restrict the rights of Notes Agent to sell, assign or otherwise transfer the related Notes Priority Collateral prior to the expiration of the Use Period if (but only if) the purchaser, assignee or transferee thereof agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 3.8 .

 

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(c) During the period of actual occupation, use and/or control by the ABL Claimholders and/or ABL Agent (or their respective employees, agents, advisers and representatives) of any Notes Priority Collateral or other assets or property, the ABL Claimholders and ABL Agent shall be obligated to repair at their expense any physical damage (ordinary wear and tear excepted) to such Notes Priority Collateral caused by such occupancy, use or control by ABL Agent or its agents, representatives or designees, and to leave such Notes Priority Collateral or other assets or property in substantially the same condition as it was at the commencement of such occupancy, use or control, ordinary wear and tear excepted; provided , however , that ABL Agent and the ABL Claimholders will not be liable for any diminution in the value of the Notes Priority Collateral caused by the absence of the ABL Priority Collateral therefrom. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the ABL Claimholders or ABL Agent have any liability to the Notes Claimholders and/or to Notes Agent pursuant to this Section 3.8 as a result of any condition (including any environmental condition, claim or liability) on or with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral existing prior to the date of the exercise by the ABL Claimholders (or ABL Agent, as the case may be) of their rights under this Section 3.8 and the ABL Claimholders shall have no duty or liability to maintain the Notes Priority Collateral in a condition or manner better than that in which it was maintained prior to the use thereof by the ABL Claimholders, or for any diminution in the value of the Notes Priority Collateral that results solely from ordinary wear and tear resulting from the use of the Notes Priority Collateral by the ABL Claimholders in the manner and for the time periods specified under this Section 3.8 . Without limiting the rights granted in this Section 3.8 , the ABL Claimholders and ABL Agent shall cooperate with the Notes Claimholders and/or Notes Agent in connection with any efforts made by the Notes Claimholders and/or the Notes Agent to sell the Notes Priority Collateral.

(d) Consistent with the definition of the term “Use Period,” if any order or injunction is issued or stay is granted or is otherwise effective by operation of law that prohibits ABL Agent from exercising any of its rights hereunder, then the Use Period granted to ABL Agent under this Section 3.8 shall be stayed during the period of such prohibition and shall continue thereafter for the number of days remaining as required under this Section 3.8 . Notes Agent agrees, for the benefit of ABL Agent, that it shall not sell or dispose of any of the Notes Priority Collateral during the Use Period unless the buyer agrees in writing to acquire the Notes Priority Collateral subject to the terms of this Section 3.8 and agrees therein to comply with the terms of this Section 3.8 . The rights of ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders under this Section 3.8 during the Use Period shall continue notwithstanding such foreclosure, sale or other disposition by Notes Agent.

 

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(e) ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall not be obligated to pay any amounts to Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders (or any person claiming by, through or under the Notes Claimholders, including any purchaser of the Notes Priority Collateral) or to any Grantor, for or in respect of the use by ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders of the Notes Priority Collateral; provided that ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall be obligated to pay any third-party expenses related thereto, including costs with respect to heat, light, electricity and water with respect to that portion of any premises so used or occupied, or that arise as a result of such use. In the event, and only in the event, that in connection with its use of some or all of the premises constituting Notes Priority Collateral, ABL Agent requires the services of any employees of the Grantors, ABL Agent shall pay directly to any such employees the appropriate, allocated wages of such employees, if any, during the time periods that ABL Agent requires their services. In each case, all amounts paid by ABL Agent hereunder shall be added to the outstanding principal balance of the ABL Obligations.

(f) The ABL Claimholders shall use the Notes Priority Collateral in accordance with applicable law.

(g) Subject to Section 3.7 , Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders (i) will cooperate with ABL Agent in its efforts pursuant to Section 3.8(b) to enforce its security interest in the ABL Priority Collateral and to finish any work-in-process and assemble the ABL Priority Collateral, (ii) will not hinder or restrict in any respect ABL Agent from enforcing its security interest in the ABL Priority Collateral or from finishing any work-in-process or assembling the ABL Priority Collateral pursuant to Section 3.8(b) , and (iii) will, subject to the rights of any landlords under real estate leases, permit the ABL Collateral Agent, its employees, agents, advisers and representatives to exercise the rights described in Section 3.8(b) .

(h) Subject to the terms hereof, Notes Agent may advertise and conduct public auctions or private sales of the Notes Priority Collateral, without the involvement of or interference by any ABL Claimholder or liability to any ABL Claimholder, as long as, in the case of an actual sale, the respective purchaser assumes and agrees in advance in writing to the obligations of Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders under this Section 3.8 . If ABL Agent conducts a public auction or private sale of the ABL Priority Collateral at any of the real property included within the Notes Priority Collateral, ABL Agent shall provide the Notes Agent with reasonable notice and use reasonable efforts to hold such auction or sale in a manner which would not unduly disrupt the Notes Agent’s use of such real property.

(i) For the avoidance of doubt, and without limiting the generality of the other provisions of this Agreement, it is hereby acknowledged and agreed that ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall have the right to bring an action to enforce their rights under this Section 3.8 and Section 3.9 including an action seeking possession of the applicable Collateral and/or specific performance of this Section 3.8 and Section 3.9 .

 

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3.9 Sharing of Information and Access . In the event that ABL Agent shall, in the exercise of its rights under the ABL Collateral Documents or otherwise, receive possession or control of any books and records of any Grantor which contain information identifying or pertaining to the Notes Priority Collateral, ABL Agent shall, upon request from Notes Agent and as promptly as practicable thereafter, either make available to Notes Agent such books and records for inspection and duplication or provide to Notes Agent copies thereof. In the event that Notes Agent shall, in the exercise of its rights under the Notes Documents or otherwise, receive possession or control of any books and records of any Grantor which contain information identifying or pertaining to any of the ABL Priority Collateral, Notes Agent shall, upon request from ABL Agent and as promptly as practicable thereafter, either make available to ABL Agent such books and records for inspection and duplication or provide ABL Agent copies thereof.

3.10 Tracing of and Priorities in Proceeds . ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Claimholders, and Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, further agree that prior to an issuance of any Enforcement Notice by such Claimholder (unless a bankruptcy or insolvency ABL Default or Notes Default then exists), any proceeds of Collateral obtained in accordance with the terms of the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents, whether or not deposited under control agreements, which are used by any Grantor to acquire other property which is Collateral shall not (solely as between the Claimholders) be treated as proceeds of Collateral for purposes of determining the relative priorities in the Collateral which was so acquired. In addition, unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations occurs, Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, hereby consents to the application, prior to the receipt by ABL Agent of an Enforcement Notice issued by Notes Agent, of cash or other proceeds of Collateral deposited under deposit account control agreements to the repayment of ABL Obligations pursuant to the ABL Loan Documents.

SECTION 4. Proceeds .

4.1 Application of Proceeds .

(a) Prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.5 , any ABL Priority Collateral or proceeds thereof received in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies shall (at such time as such Collateral or proceeds has been monetized) be applied: (i)  first , to the payment in full in cash or cash collateralization of the ABL Obligations in accordance with the ABL Loan Documents, and in the case of payment of any revolving loans following any acceleration of the ABL Obligations and resulting from a foreclosure or “going out of business” sale or similar sale of ABL Priority Collateral, together with the concurrent permanent reduction of any revolving loan commitment thereunder in an amount equal to the amount of such payment, and (ii)  second , to the payment in full in cash of the Note Obligations in accordance with the Notes Documents.

(b) Prior to the Discharge of Notes Obligations, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.5 , any Notes Priority Collateral or proceeds thereof received in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies shall (at such time as such Collateral or proceeds has been monetized) be applied: (i)  first , to the payment in full in cash or cash collateralization of the Notes Obligations in accordance with the Notes Documents, and (ii)  second , to the payment in full in cash or cash collateralization of the ABL Obligations in accordance with the ABL Loan Documents.

 

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(c) If any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Collateral produces non-cash proceeds, then such non-cash proceeds shall be held by the Agent that conducted the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies as additional Collateral and, at such time as such non-cash proceeds are monetized, shall be applied as set forth above.

4.2 Turnover . Unless and until the earlier of Discharge of ABL Obligations or the Discharge of Notes Obligations has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.5 , (a) any ABL Priority Collateral, proceeds thereof (including assets or proceeds subject to Liens referred to in the final sentence of Section 2.3 ) or any insurance proceeds described in Section 5.2(a) received by Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder, pursuant to any Notes Document or by the exercise of any rights available to it under applicable law or in any Insolvency Proceeding pursuant to any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies or through any other exercise of remedies, after Notes Agent or such other Notes Claimholder obtains actual knowledge or notice from ABL Agent that it has possession of such ABL Priority Collateral and/or such proceeds or as a result of Notes Agent’s or any other Notes Claimholder’s collusion with any Grantor in violating the rights of ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder (within the meaning of Section 9-332 of the UCC), shall be segregated and held in trust and shall reasonably promptly be paid over to ABL Agent for the benefit of the ABL Claimholders in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, and (b) any Notes Priority Collateral, proceeds thereof (including assets or proceeds subject to Liens referred to in the final sentence of Section 2.3 ) or any insurance proceeds described in Section 5.2(b) received by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder, pursuant to any ABL Loan Document or by the exercise of any rights available to it under applicable law or in any Insolvency Proceeding pursuant to any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies or through any other exercise of remedies, after ABL Agent or such other ABL Claimholder obtains actual knowledge or notice from Notes Agent that it has possession of such Notes Priority Collateral and/or such proceeds or as a result of ABL Agent’s or any other ABL Claimholder’s collusion with any Grantor in violating the rights of Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder (within the meaning of Section 9-332 of the UCC), shall be segregated and held in trust and shall reasonably promptly be paid over to Notes Agent for the benefit of the Notes Claimholders in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct; provided , however , in the case of any proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral received by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder in connection with a Disposition of Notes Priority Collateral by any Grantor, if a Grantor does not provide prior written notice of such Disposition to ABL Agent specifying the amount and source of such proceeds, neither ABL Agent nor any other ABL Claimholder shall have any obligation to pay over any proceeds of such Disposition to Notes Agent. Each of Notes Agent and ABL Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the other or any Claimholders. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until the earlier of the Discharge of ABL Obligations or the Discharge of Notes Obligations.

 

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Notes Agent for itself and each other Notes Claimholder agrees that if, at any time, all or any part of any payment with respect to any ABL Obligations secured by any ABL Priority Collateral previously made shall be rescinded for any reason whatsoever, it will promptly pay over to ABL Agent any payment received by it in respect of any such ABL Priority Collateral and shall promptly turn any such ABL Priority Collateral then held by it over to ABL Agent, and the provisions set forth in this Agreement will be reinstated as if such payment had not been made, until the payment and satisfaction in full of such ABL Obligations.

ABL Agent for itself and each other ABL Claimholder agrees that if, at any time, all or any part of any payment with respect to any Notes Obligations secured by any Notes Priority Collateral previously made shall be rescinded for any reason whatsoever, it will promptly pay over to Notes Agent any payment received by it in respect of any such Notes Priority Collateral and shall promptly turn any such Notes Priority Collateral then held by it over to Notes Agent, and the provisions set forth in this Agreement will be reinstated as if such payment had not been made, until the payment and satisfaction in full of such Notes Obligations.

4.3 No Subordination of the Relative Priority of Claims . Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, the subordination of the Liens of Notes Claimholders in respect of the ABL Priority Collateral to the Liens of ABL Claimholders therein and of the Liens of ABL Claimholders in respect of the Notes Priority Collateral to the Liens of Notes Claimholders therein as set forth herein is with respect to the priority of the respective Liens held by or on behalf of them only and shall not constitute a subordination in right of payment of the Notes Obligations to the ABL Obligations or the ABL Obligations to the Notes Obligations.

4.4 Application of Payments . Subject to the other terms of this Agreement, all payments received (not in violation of this Agreement) by (a) ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders may be applied, reversed and reapplied, in whole or in part, to the ABL Obligations to the extent provided for in the ABL Loan Documents and (b) Notes Agent or the other Note Claimholders may be applied, reversed and reapplied, in whole or in part, to the Note Obligations to the extent provided for in the Note Documents.

4.5 Revolving Nature of ABL Obligations . Notes Agent, on behalf of the Notes Claimholders, acknowledges and agrees that the ABL Credit Agreement includes a revolving commitment and that the amount of the ABL Obligations that may be outstanding at any time or from time to time may be increased or reduced and subsequently reborrowed.

 

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SECTION 5. Releases; Dispositions; Other Agreements .

5.1 Releases .

(a) If, in connection with the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by ABL Agent as provided for in Section 3 , irrespective of whether an ABL Default or a Notes Default has occurred and is continuing, ABL Agent releases any of its Liens on any part of the ABL Priority Collateral, then the Liens of Notes Agent on such ABL Priority Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally, and simultaneously released so long as all proceeds therefrom are applied to permanently repay the ABL Obligations and the then outstanding commitments to extend credit under the ABL Credit Agreement are terminated; provided , however , that any proceeds remaining after the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall be subject to the Liens of the Notes Claimholders. Notes Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such Notes Claimholders, promptly shall execute and deliver to ABL Agent such termination or amendment statements, releases, and other documents as ABL Agent may request in writing to effectively confirm such release, without the consent or direction of any other Notes Claimholders.

(b) If, in connection with the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by Notes Agent as provided for in Section 3 , irrespective of whether an ABL Default or a Notes Default has occurred and is continuing, Notes Agent releases any of its Liens on any part of the Notes Priority Collateral, then the Liens of ABL Agent on such Notes Priority Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally, and simultaneously released so long as all proceeds therefrom are applied to permanently repay, repurchase or otherwise retire the Notes Obligations; provided , however , that any proceeds remaining after the Discharge of Notes Obligations shall be subject to the Liens of the ABL Claimholders. ABL Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such ABL Claimholders, promptly shall execute and deliver to Notes Agent such termination or amendment statements, releases, and other documents as Notes Agent may request in writing to effectively confirm such release, without the consent or direction of any other ABL Claimholders.

(c) If, in connection with any Disposition of any ABL Priority Collateral permitted under the terms of the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents as in effect at the time of such Disposition, ABL Agent, for itself or on behalf of any ABL Claimholders, releases any of its Liens on the portion of the ABL Priority Collateral that is the subject of such Disposition, other than (i) in connection with the Discharge of ABL Obligations, or (ii) after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Notes Default, then the Liens of Notes Agent on such Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally, and simultaneously released. Notes Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such Notes Claimholders, promptly shall execute and deliver to ABL Agent such termination or amendment statements, releases, and other documents as ABL Agent may request in writing to effectively confirm such release, without the consent or direction of any other Notes Claimholders.

(d) If, in connection with any Disposition of any Notes Priority Collateral permitted under the terms of the Notes Documents and the ABL Loan Documents as in effect at the time of such Disposition, Notes Agent, for itself or on behalf of any Notes Claimholders, releases any of its Liens on the portion of the Notes Priority Collateral that is the subject of such Disposition, other than (i) in connection with the Discharge of Notes Obligations, or (ii) after the occurrence and during the continuance of any ABL Default, then the Liens of ABL Agent on such Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally, and simultaneously released. ABL Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such ABL Claimholders, promptly shall execute and deliver to Notes Agent such termination or amendment statements, releases, and other documents as Notes Agent may request to effectively confirm such release, without the consent or direction of any other ABL Claimholders.

 

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(e) In the event that any Collateral that would be ABL Priority Collateral is no longer Collateral pursuant to the effects of clause (8) of the definition of “Excluded Assets” in the Indenture (or any comparable provision in any successor Notes Document), such Collateral shall automatically be deemed not to be Notes Collateral under the Notes Collateral Documents. Notes Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such Notes Claimholders, promptly shall execute and deliver to the Grantors such termination or amendment statements, releases, and other documents as any Grantor may request to effectively confirm such release, at the cost and expense of the Grantors and without the consent or direction of any other Notes Claimholders.

(f) ABL Agent, with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral, on behalf of the ABL Claimholders, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Notes Agent with respect to such Notes Priority Collateral and any officer or agent of Notes Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of ABL Agent or in ABL Agent’s own name, from time to time in Notes Agent’s discretion exercised in good faith, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 5.1 , to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Section 5.1 , including any endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.

(g) Notes Agent, with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, on behalf of the Notes Claimholders, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints ABL Agent with respect to such ABL Priority Collateral and any officer or agent of ABL Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of Notes Agent or in Notes Agent’s own name, from time to time in ABL Agent’s discretion exercised in good faith, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 5.1 , to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Section 5.1 , including any endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.

5.2 Insurance .

(a) Unless and until ABL Agent has provided written notice to Notes Agent that the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred: (i) ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of Grantors under the ABL Loan Documents, to adjust and settle any claim under any insurance policy covering the ABL Priority Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) affecting the ABL Priority Collateral; and (ii) all proceeds of any such insurance policy and any such award (or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation) if in respect of ABL Priority Collateral, shall be paid, subject to the rights of Grantors under the ABL Loan Documents, first , to the ABL Claimholders, until the Discharge of ABL Obligations, second , to the Notes Claimholders, until the Discharge of Notes Obligations, and third , to the owner of the subject property, such other person as may be entitled thereto, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. If Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders shall at any time receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall hold such proceeds in trust and upon request pay over such proceeds to ABL Agent.

 

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(b) Unless and until Notes Agent has provided written notice to ABL Agent that the Discharge of Notes Obligations has occurred: (i) Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of Grantors under the Notes Documents, to adjust and settle any claim under any insurance policy covering the Notes Priority Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) affecting the Notes Priority Collateral; and (ii) all proceeds of any such insurance policy and any such award (or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation) if in respect of Notes Priority Collateral, shall be paid, subject to the rights of Grantors under the Notes Documents, first , to the Notes Claimholders, until the Discharge of Notes Obligations, second , to the ABL Claimholders, until the Discharge of ABL Obligations, and third , to the owner of the subject property, such other person as may be entitled thereto, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. If ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders shall at any time receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall hold such proceeds in trust and upon request pay over such proceeds to Notes Agent.

In the event that any proceeds are derived from any insurance policy that covers ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral, ABL Agent and Notes Agent will work jointly and in good faith to collect, adjust or settle (subject to the rights of the Grantors under the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents) any claim under the relevant insurance policy.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that any proceeds are derived from any insurance policy that covers ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral where the allocation of proceeds is not stipulated between ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral, then the allocation of proceeds of such insurance policy to the ABL Priority Collateral shall be based upon, in the case of (A) any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of inventory, book value as assessed on the date of such loss, (B) any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of accounts receivable, the face amount thereof and (C) all other ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral, the fair market value of such ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral, as determined by Grantors in their reasonable judgment or, if the aggregate amount of such other ABL Priority Collateral and Notes Priority Collateral sold is greater than $20,000,000, an independent appraiser.

 

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(c) To effectuate the foregoing, Grantors shall provide ABL Agent and Notes Agent with separate lender’s loss payable endorsements naming themselves as loss payee and additional insured, as their interests may appear, with respect to policies which insure Collateral hereunder.

5.3 Amendments; Refinancings; Legend .

(a) The ABL Loan Documents may be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms and the ABL Obligations may be Refinanced in accordance with the terms of the ABL Loan Documents, in each case without notice to, or the consent of, Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, all without affecting the lien subordination or other provisions of this Agreement; provided , however , that, in the case of a Refinancing secured by any Collateral, the holders of such Refinancing debt (or an authorized representative on their behalf) bind themselves (in a writing addressed to Notes Agent for the benefit of itself and the other Notes Claimholders in a form reasonably acceptable to Notes Agent) to the terms of this Agreement; provided further , however , that any such amendment, restatement, supplement, modification, or Refinancing shall not result in a Notes Default under the Indenture; provided further , however , that, if such Refinancing debt is secured by a Lien on any Collateral the holders of such Refinancing debt shall be deemed bound by the terms hereof regardless of whether or not such writing is provided. For the avoidance of doubt, the sale or other transfer of indebtedness is not restricted by this Agreement but the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on all holders of ABL Obligations and Notes Obligations.

(b) The Notes Documents may be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms and the Notes Obligations may be Refinanced in accordance with the terms of the Notes Documents, in each case without notice to, or the consent of, ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders, all without affecting the lien subordination or other provisions of this Agreement; provided , however , that, in the case of a Refinancing secured by any Collateral, the holders of such Refinancing debt (or an authorized representative on their behalf) bind themselves (in a writing addressed to ABL Agent for the benefit of itself and the other ABL Claimholders in a form reasonably acceptable to ABL Agent) to the terms of this Agreement; provided further , however , that any such amendment, restatement, supplement, modification, or Refinancing shall not, without the prior written consent of ABL Agent, result in an ABL Default under the ABL Credit Agreement; provided further , however , that, if such Refinancing debt is secured by a Lien on any Collateral the holders of such Refinancing debt shall be deemed bound by the terms hereof regardless of whether or not such writing is provided. For the avoidance of doubt, the sale or other transfer of indebtedness is not restricted by this Agreement but the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on all holders of ABL Obligations and Notes Obligations.

 

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(c) So long as the Discharge of ABL Obligations has not occurred, Notes Agent agrees that each Notes Collateral Document entered into after the date hereof shall include the following language (or similar language acceptable to ABL Agent):

“Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the liens and security interests granted to UMB Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent under the Indenture, pursuant to this Agreement and the exercise of any right or remedy by UMB Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent hereunder, are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of August 7, 2013, (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”), by and between Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Inc., as ABL Agent, and UMB Bank, N.A., as Notes Agent. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.”

(d) So long as the Discharge of Notes Obligations has not occurred, ABL Agent agrees that each ABL Collateral Document entered into after the date hereof shall include the following language (or similar language acceptable to Notes Agent):

“Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the liens and security interests granted to Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Inc., as Agent under the ABL Credit Agreement, pursuant to this Agreement and the exercise of any right or remedy by Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Inc., as Agent hereunder, are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of August 7, 2013, (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”), by and between Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Inc., as ABL Agent, and UMB Bank, N.A., as Notes Agent. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.”

5.4 Bailee for Perfection .

(a) ABL Agent and Notes Agent each agree to hold or control that part of the Collateral that is in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees), to the extent that possession or control thereof is taken to perfect a Lien thereon under the UCC or other applicable law (such Collateral being referred to as the “ Pledged Collateral ”), as gratuitous bailee and as a non-fiduciary agent for the benefit of and on behalf of Notes Agent or ABL Agent, as applicable (such bailment and agency being intended, among other things, to satisfy the requirements of possession or control under Sections 8-301(a)(2), 9-313(c), 9-104, 9-105, 9-106, and 9-107 of the UCC), solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted under the Notes Documents or the ABL Loan Documents, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.4 . Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders hereby appoint ABL Agent as their gratuitous bailee for the purposes of perfecting their security interest in all Pledged Collateral in which ABL Agent has a perfected security interest under the UCC. ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders hereby appoint Notes Agent as their gratuitous bailee for the purposes of perfecting their security interest in all Pledged

 

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Collateral in which Notes Agent has a perfected security interest under the UCC. Each of ABL Agent and Notes Agent hereby accept such appointments pursuant to this Section 5.4(a) and acknowledge and agree that it shall act for the benefit of and on behalf of the other Agent and the applicable other Claimholders with respect to any Pledged Collateral and that any proceeds received by ABL Agent or Notes Agent, as the case may be, under any Pledged Collateral shall be applied in accordance with Section 4 . Unless and until the Discharge of Notes Obligations, ABL Agent agrees to promptly notify Notes Agent of any Pledged Collateral constituting Notes Priority Collateral held by it or known by it to be held by any other ABL Claimholders, and, immediately upon the request of Notes Agent in writing at any time prior to the Discharge of Notes Obligations, ABL Agent agrees to deliver to Notes Agent any such Pledged Collateral held by it or by any other ABL Claimholders, together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow Notes Agent to obtain control of such Pledged Collateral). Unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations, Notes Agent agrees to promptly notify ABL Agent of any Pledged Collateral constituting ABL Priority Collateral held by it or known by it to be held by any other Notes Claimholders, and, immediately upon the request of ABL Agent in writing at any time prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, Notes Agent agrees to deliver to ABL Agent any such Pledged Collateral held by it or by any other Notes Claimholders, together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow ABL Agent to obtain control of such Pledged Collateral). ABL Agent hereby agrees that upon the Discharge of ABL Obligations, upon the written request of Notes Agent, to the extent that the applicable control agreement is in full force and effect and has not been terminated, ABL Agent shall continue to act as such a gratuitous bailee and non-fiduciary agent for Notes Agent (solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted under the Notes Documents and at the expense of Grantors) with respect to the deposit account or securities account that is the subject of such control agreement, until the earlier to occur of (x) 30 days after the date when the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, and (y) the date when a control agreement is executed in favor of Notes Agent with respect to such deposit account or securities account.

(b) ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall have no obligation whatsoever to Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder to ensure that the Pledged Collateral is genuine or owned by any of Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any person except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.4 . Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders shall have no obligation whatsoever to ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder to ensure that the Pledged Collateral is genuine or owned by any of Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any person except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.4 . The duties or responsibilities of ABL Agent under this Section 5.4 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Pledged Collateral as a gratuitous bailee and a non-fiduciary agent in accordance with this Section 5.4 and delivering the Pledged Collateral upon a Discharge of ABL Obligations as provided in paragraph (d) of this Section 5.4 . The duties or responsibilities of Notes Agent under this Section 5.4 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Pledged Collateral as a gratuitous bailee and a non-fiduciary agent in accordance with this Section 5.4 and delivering the Pledged Collateral upon a Discharge of Notes Obligations as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 5.4 .

 

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(c) ABL Agent acting pursuant to this Section 5.4 shall not have by reason of the ABL Collateral Documents, the Notes Collateral Documents, or this Agreement a fiduciary relationship in respect of Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder. Notes Agent acting pursuant to this Section 5.4 shall not have by reason of the ABL Collateral Documents, the Notes Collateral Documents, or this Agreement a fiduciary relationship in respect of ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder.

(d) ABL Agent shall transfer to Notes Agent (i) any proceeds of any ABL Priority Collateral in which Notes Agent continues to hold a security interest remaining following any sale, transfer or other disposition of such ABL Priority Collateral (in each case, unless Notes Agent’s Lien on all such ABL Priority Collateral is terminated and released prior to or concurrently with such sale, transfer, disposition, payment or satisfaction), following the Discharge of ABL Obligations, or (ii) if ABL Agent is in possession of all or any part of such ABL Priority Collateral after the Discharge of ABL Obligations, such ABL Priority Collateral or any part thereof remaining, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder. At such time, ABL Agent further agrees to take all other action reasonably requested by Notes Agent in writing at the expense of the Grantors (including amending any outstanding control agreements) to enable Notes Agent to obtain a first-priority security interest in the Collateral. To the extent no Notes Obligations that are secured by such Pledged Collateral remain outstanding as confirmed in writing by Notes Agent (so as to allow such person to obtain possession or control of such Pledged Collateral), ABL Agent shall deliver the remaining Pledged Collateral (if any) together with any necessary endorsements to Company. Without limiting the foregoing, Notes Agent agrees for itself and each other Notes Claimholder that neither ABL Agent nor any other ABL Claimholder will have any duty or obligation first to marshal or realize upon the ABL Priority Collateral, or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the ABL Priority Collateral, in any manner that would maximize the return to the Notes Claimholders, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the Notes Claimholders from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.

(e) Notes Agent shall transfer to ABL Agent (i) any proceeds of any Notes Priority Collateral in which ABL Agent continues to hold a security interest remaining following any sale, transfer or other disposition of such Notes Priority Collateral (in each case, unless ABL Agent’s Lien on all such Notes Priority Collateral is terminated and released prior to or concurrently with such sale, transfer, disposition, payment or satisfaction), following the Discharge of Notes Obligations, or (ii) if Notes Agent is in possession of all or any part of such Notes Priority Collateral after the Discharge of Notes Obligations, such Notes Priority Collateral or any part thereof remaining, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder. At such time, Notes Agent further agrees to take all other action reasonably requested by ABL Agent in writing (including amending any outstanding control

 

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agreements) to enable ABL Agent to obtain a first-priority security interest in the Collateral. To the extent no ABL Obligations that are secured by such Pledged Collateral remain outstanding as confirmed in writing by ABL Agent (so as to allow such person to obtain possession or control of such Pledged Collateral), Notes Agent shall deliver the remaining Pledged Collateral (if any) together with any necessary endorsements to Company. Without limiting the foregoing, ABL Agent agrees for itself and each other ABL Claimholder that neither Notes Agent nor any other Notes Claimholder will have any duty or obligation first to marshal or realize upon the Notes Priority Collateral, or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Notes Priority Collateral, in any manner that would maximize the return to the ABL Claimholders, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the ABL Claimholders from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.

5.5 When Discharge of Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred .

(a) If the Grantors enter into any Refinancing of the ABL Obligations that is intended to be secured by the ABL Priority Collateral on a first-priority basis, then a Discharge of ABL Obligations shall be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement, and the obligations under such Refinancing of such ABL Obligations shall be treated as ABL Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, and ABL Agent under the ABL Loan Documents effecting such Refinancing shall be ABL Agent for all purposes of this Agreement. ABL Agent under such ABL Loan Documents shall agree (in a writing addressed to Notes Agent for the benefit of itself and the other Notes Claimholders) to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

(b) If the Grantors enter into any Refinancing of the Notes Obligations that is intended to be secured by the Notes Priority Collateral on a first-priority basis, then a Discharge of Notes Obligations shall be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement, and the obligations under such Refinancing of such Notes Obligations shall be treated as Notes Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, and the lender or group of lenders or any of their designees under the Notes Documents effecting such Refinancing shall be Notes Agent for all purposes of this Agreement. The lender or group of lenders or any of their designees under such Notes Documents shall agree (in a writing addressed to ABL Agent for the benefit of itself and the other ABL Claimholders) to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

5.6 Injunctive Relief . Should any Claimholder in any way take, attempt to take, or threaten to take any action contrary to terms of this Agreement with respect to the Collateral, or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, Notes Agent, ABL Agent or any other Claimholder may obtain relief against such Claimholder by injunction, specific performance, or other appropriate equitable relief, it being understood and agreed by each of ABL Agent, Notes Agent and each Claimholder that (a) non-breaching Claimholders’ damages from such actions may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable, and (b) each Claimholder waives any defense that such Claimholders cannot demonstrate damage and/or be made whole by the awarding of damages. ABL Agent, Notes Agent and each Claimholder hereby irrevocably waive any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders or Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, as the case may be.

 

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SECTION 6. Insolvency Proceedings .

6.1 Enforceability and Continuing Priority . This Agreement shall be applicable both before and after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding and all converted or succeeding cases in respect thereof. The relative rights of Claimholders in or to any distributions from or in respect of any Collateral or proceeds of Collateral shall continue after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding. Accordingly, the provisions of this Agreement (including the provisions of Section 2.1 hereof) are intended to be and shall be enforceable as a subordination agreement within the meaning of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

6.2 Financing .

(a) Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations, if any Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency Proceeding and ABL Agent consents to the use of cash collateral (as such term is defined in Section 363(a) of the Bankruptcy Code) constituting ABL Priority Collateral (herein, “ ABL Cash Collateral ”), or to permit any Grantor to obtain financing provided by any one or more ABL Claimholders under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law secured by a Lien on such ABL Priority Collateral that is (i) senior or pari passu with the Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the ABL Obligations and (ii) junior to the Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral securing the Notes Obligations (such financing, an “ ABL DIP Financing ”), and if the Grantors desire to obtain authorization from the Bankruptcy Court to use such ABL Cash Collateral or to obtain such ABL DIP Financing, then Notes Agent agrees that it will consent (and will be deemed to have consented) to, will raise no objection to, nor support any other person objecting to, the use of such ABL Cash Collateral or such ABL DIP Financing (including, except as set forth in clause (c) below, any objection based on an assertion that the Notes Claimholders are entitled to adequate protection of their interest in the Collateral as a condition thereto), and Notes Agent will subordinate its Liens in the ABL Priority Collateral to the Liens securing such ABL DIP Financing, to the extent any Liens securing the ABL Obligations are discharged, subordinated to, or made pari passu with any new Liens securing such ABL DIP Financing and to any replacement or additional Liens granted as adequate protection of the interests of the ABL Claimholders in the Collateral (“ ABL Adequate Protection Lien ”), in each case to the extent consistent with the other provisions of this Agreement; provided that (a) Notes Agent retains its Lien on the Collateral existing as of the date of the commencement of the Insolvency Proceeding to secure the Notes Obligations (in each case, including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of the Insolvency Proceeding) and, as to the Notes Priority Collateral only, such Lien has the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the Insolvency

 

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Proceeding and any Lien on the Notes Priority Collateral securing such ABL DIP Financing and any ABL Adequate Protection Lien on the Notes Priority Collateral (and all obligations relating thereto, including any “carve-out” in favor of fees and expenses of professionals retained by any debtor or creditors’ committee as agreed to by ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders with respect to ABL Priority Collateral) is junior and subordinate to the Lien of Notes Agent on the Notes Priority Collateral, (b) all Liens on ABL Priority Collateral securing any such ABL DIP Financing shall be senior to or made pari passu with the Liens of ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders securing the ABL Obligations on ABL Priority Collateral, (c) to the extent that ABL Agent is granted an ABL Adequate Protection Lien on Collateral arising after the commencement of the Insolvency Proceeding or additional payments or claims, the Notes Claimholders shall be entitled to seek a Lien on such additional Collateral with the relative priority set forth in Section 2.1 (and no ABL Agent or other ABL Claimholder shall oppose any motion by any Notes Claimholder with respect to the granting of such a Lien), and (d) the terms of such ABL DIP Financing or ABL Cash Collateral order do not either require such Notes Claimholders to extend additional credit pursuant to such ABL DIP Financing or authorize the use of cash collateral consisting of Notes Priority Collateral. The ABL Claimholders agree not to offer to provide any ABL DIP Financing that does not meet the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above. If ABL Claimholders offer to provide ABL DIP Financing that meets the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above in this paragraph, and if the Grantors desire to obtain authorization from the Bankruptcy Court to obtain such ABL DIP Financing, Notes Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the other Notes Claimholders, that no Notes Claimholder shall, directly or indirectly, provide, offer to provide, or support any financing competing with the ABL DIP Financing to be secured by a Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral that is senior to or pari passu with the Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the ABL Obligations. The foregoing provisions of this Section 6.2(a) shall not prevent Notes Agent from objecting to any provision in any ABL Cash Collateral order or ABL DIP Financing documentation relating to any provision or content of a plan of reorganization. ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the other ABL Claimholders, agrees that no such Person shall provide to such Grantor any financing under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent that ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder would, in connection with such financing, be granted a Lien on the Notes Priority Collateral senior to or pari passu with any Liens of Notes Agent. If, in connection with any ABL Cash Collateral use or ABL DIP Financing, any Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral held by ABL Claimholders are subject to a surcharge or are subordinated to an administrative priority claim, a professional fee “carve out,” or fees owed to the United State Trustee, then the Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral of Notes Claimholders shall also be subordinated to such interest or claim and shall remain subordinated to the Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral of ABL Claimholders consistent with this Agreement.

 

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(b) Until the Discharge of Notes Obligations, if any Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency Proceeding and Notes Agent consents to the use of cash collateral (as such term is defined in Section 363(a) of the Bankruptcy Code) constituting Notes Priority Collateral (herein, “ Notes Cash Collateral ”), or to permit any Grantor to obtain financing provided by any one or more Notes Claimholders under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law secured by a Lien on such Notes Priority Collateral that is (i) senior or pari passu with the Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral securing the Notes Obligations and (ii) junior to the Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the ABL Obligations (such financing, a “ Notes DIP Financing ”), and if the Grantors desire to obtain authorization from the Bankruptcy Court to use such Notes Cash Collateral or to obtain such Notes DIP Financing, then ABL Agent agrees that it will consent (and will be deemed to have consented) to, will raise no objection to, nor support any other person objecting to, the use of such Notes Cash Collateral or such Notes DIP Financing (including, except as set forth in clause (c) below, any objection based on an assertion that the ABL Claimholders are entitled to adequate protection of their interest in the Collateral as a condition thereto), and ABL Agent will subordinate its Liens in the Notes Priority Collateral to the Liens securing such Notes DIP Financing, to the extent any Liens securing the Notes Obligations are discharged, subordinated to, or made pari passu with any new Liens securing such Notes DIP Financing and to any replacement or additional Liens granted as adequate protection of the interests of the Notes Claimholders in the Collateral (“ Notes Adequate Protection Lien ”), in each case to the extent consistent with the other provisions of this Agreement; provided that (a) ABL Agent retains its Lien on the Collateral existing as of the date of the commencement of the Insolvency Proceeding to secure the ABL Obligations (in each case, including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of the Insolvency Proceeding) and, as to the ABL Priority Collateral only, such Lien has the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the Insolvency Proceeding and any Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral securing such Notes DIP Financing and any Notes Adequate Protection Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral (and all obligations relating thereto, including any “carve-out” in favor of fees and expenses of professionals retained by any debtor or creditors’ committee as agreed to by Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders with respect to Notes Priority Collateral) is junior and subordinate to the Lien of ABL Agent on the ABL Priority Collateral, (b) all Liens on Notes Priority Collateral securing any such Notes DIP Financing shall be senior to or made pari passu with the Liens of Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders securing the Notes Obligations on Notes Priority Collateral, (c) to the extent that Notes Agent is granted an Notes Adequate Protection Lien on Collateral arising after the commencement of the Insolvency Proceeding or additional payments or claims, the ABL Claimholders shall be entitled to seek a Lien on such additional Collateral with the relative priority set forth in Section 2.1 (and no Notes Agent or Notes Claimholder shall oppose any motion by any ABL Claimholder with respect to the granting of such a Lien), and (d) the terms of such Notes DIP Financing or Notes Cash Collateral order do not either require such ABL Claimholders to extend additional credit pursuant to such Notes DIP Financing or authorize the use of cash collateral consisting of ABL Priority Collateral. The Notes Claimholders agree not to offer to provide any Notes DIP Financing that does not meet the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above. If Notes Claimholders offer to provide Notes DIP Financing that meets the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above in this paragraph, and if the Grantors desire to obtain authorization from the Bankruptcy Court to obtain such Notes DIP Financing, ABL Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the other ABL Claimholders, that no ABL Claimholder shall, directly or indirectly, provide, offer to provide, or support any financing competing with the Notes DIP Financing to be secured by a Lien on the Notes

 

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Priority Collateral that is senior to or pari passu with the Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral securing the Notes Obligations. The foregoing provisions of this Section 6.2(b) shall not prevent ABL Agent from objecting to any provision in any Notes Cash Collateral order or Notes DIP Financing documentation relating to any provision or content of a plan of reorganization. Notes Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Notes Claimholders, agrees that no such Person shall provide to such Grantor any financing under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent that Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder would, in connection with such financing, be granted a Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral senior to or pari passu with any Liens of ABL Agent. If, in connection with any Notes Cash Collateral use or Notes DIP Financing, any Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral held by Notes Claimholders are subject to a surcharge or are subordinated to an administrative priority claim, a professional fee “carve out,” or fees owed to the United State Trustee, then the Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral of ABL Claimholders shall also be subordinated to such interest or claim and shall remain subordinated to the Liens on the Notes Priority Collateral of Notes Claimholders consistent with this Agreement.

(c) All Liens granted to ABL Agent or Notes Agent in any Insolvency Proceeding, whether as adequate protection or otherwise, are intended by the parties to be and shall be deemed to be subject to the Lien priorities in Section 2.1 and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement.

6.3 Sales . Subject to Sections 3.4(a) and 3.8 , each of Notes Agent and ABL Agent agrees that it will consent, and will not object or oppose, or support any party in opposing, a motion to Dispose of any Priority Collateral of the other Agent free and clear of any Liens or other claims under Section 363 or any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code if, in the case of ABL Priority Collateral, the requisite ABL Claimholders under the ABL Credit Agreement and ABL Agent have consented to such Disposition of such ABL Priority Collateral, or, in the case of Notes Priority Collateral, Notes Claimholders under the Indenture and Notes Agent have consented to such Disposition of such Notes Priority Collateral, such motion does not impair, subject to the priorities set forth in this Agreement, the rights of such party under Section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (so long as the right of any Notes Claimholder to offset its claim against the purchase price for any ABL Priority Collateral exists only after the ABL Obligations have been paid in full in cash, and so long as the right of any ABL Claimholder to offset its claim against the purchase price for any Notes Priority Collateral exists only after the Notes Obligations have been paid in full in cash), and the terms of any proposed order approving such transaction provide for the respective Liens to attach to the proceeds of the Priority Collateral that is the subject of such Disposition, subject to the Lien priorities in Section 2.1 and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each of Notes Agent and ABL Agent further agrees that it will not oppose, or support any party in opposing, the right of the other party to credit bid under Section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code, subject to the provision of the immediately preceding sentence.

 

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6.4 Relief from the Automatic Stay .

(a) Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, Notes Agent agrees not to seek (or support any other person seeking) relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of the ABL Priority Collateral, without the prior written consent of ABL Agent, unless (x) ABL Agent already has filed a motion (which remains pending) for such relief with respect to its interest in such Collateral and (y) a corresponding motion, in the reasonable judgment of Notes Agent, should be filed for the purpose of preserving such Agent’s ability to receive residual distributions pursuant to Section 4.1 , although Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders shall otherwise remain subject to the applicable restrictions in Section 3.1 following the granting of any such relief from the automatic stay.

(b) Until the Discharge of Notes Obligations has occurred, ABL Agent agrees not to seek (or support any other person seeking) relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of the Notes Priority Collateral, without the prior written consent of Notes Agent, unless (x) Notes Agent already has filed a motion (which remains pending) for such relief with respect to its interest in such Collateral and (y) a corresponding motion, in the reasonable judgment of ABL Agent, should be filed for the purpose of preserving such Agent’s ability to receive residual distributions pursuant to Section 4.1 , although ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall otherwise remain subject to the applicable restrictions in Section 3.2 following the granting of any such relief from the automatic stay.

6.5 Adequate Protection .

(a) In any Insolvency Proceeding involving a Grantor, each of ABL Agent, each other ABL Claimholder, Notes Agent and each other Notes Claimholder agrees that it will not oppose or contest (or support any other person opposing or contesting) (and instead shall be deemed to have hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally waived any right to do so): (i) any request by Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder, with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral prior to the Discharge of Notes Obligations, or any request by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder, with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, in each case, for adequate protection for the application of proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral to the ABL Obligations, or the proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral to the Notes Obligations, as applicable, and, with respect to Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral or the Notes Priority Collateral, as applicable, for replacement or additional Liens on post-petition assets of the same type as the ABL Priority Collateral or the Notes Priority Collateral, as applicable, or (ii) as applicable, (A) any (1) objection by ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders claiming a lack of adequate protection with respect to their Liens in the ABL Priority Collateral, or (2) request by ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders for relief from the automatic stay with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, or (B) any (1) objection by Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders claiming a lack of adequate protection with respect to their Liens in the Notes Priority Collateral or (2) request by Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders for relief from the automatic stay with respect to the Notes

 

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Priority Collateral; provided , however , that (x) ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders may object to any request for adequate protection that would result in any adequate protection payments to Notes Agent or other Notes Claimholders being made with any ABL Priority Collateral, or with any advances made pursuant to any ABL DIP Financing prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations and (y) Notes Agent and other Notes Claimholders may object to any request for adequate protection that would result in any adequate protection payments to ABL Agent or other ABL Claimholders being made with any Notes Priority Collateral, or with any advances made pursuant to any Notes DIP Financing prior to the Discharge of Notes Obligations. If ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Claimholders, seeks or requires (or is otherwise granted) adequate protection of its junior interest in the Notes Priority Collateral in the form of a replacement or additional Lien on the post-petition assets of the same type as the Notes Priority Collateral, then ABL Agent, for itself and the other ABL Claimholders, agrees that Notes Agent shall also be granted a replacement or additional Lien on such post-petition assets as adequate protection of its senior interest in the Notes Priority Collateral and that ABL Agent’s replacement or additional Lien shall be subordinated to the replacement or additional Lien of Notes Agent on the same basis as the Liens of ABL Agent on the Notes Priority Collateral are subordinated to the Liens of Notes Agent on the Notes Priority Collateral under this Agreement; in that regard, ABL Agent, for itself and the other ABL Claimholders, further agrees that it will not accept any such replacement or additional Liens on such post-petition assets of the same type as the Notes Priority Collateral unless Notes Agent shall also have received a replacement or additional Lien thereon as adequate protection of its senior interest in the Notes Priority Collateral that is superior to the additional or replacement Liens so granted to ABL Agent. If Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, seeks or requires (or is otherwise granted) adequate protection of its junior interest in the ABL Priority Collateral in the form of a replacement or additional Lien on the post-petition assets of the same type as the ABL Priority Collateral, then Notes Agent, for itself and the other Notes Claimholders, agrees that ABL Agent shall also be granted a replacement or additional Lien on such post-petition assets as adequate protection of its senior interest in the ABL Priority Collateral and that Notes Agent’s replacement or additional Lien shall be subordinated to the replacement or additional Lien of ABL Agent on the same basis as the Liens of Notes Agent on the ABL Priority Collateral are subordinated to the Liens of ABL Agent on the ABL Priority Collateral under this Agreement; in that regard, Notes Agent, for itself and the other Notes Claimholders, further agrees that it will not accept any such replacement or additional Liens on such post-petition assets of the same type as the ABL Priority Collateral unless ABL Agent shall also have received a replacement or additional Lien thereon as adequate protection of its senior interest in the ABL Priority Collateral that is superior to the additional or replacement Liens so granted to Notes Agent.

 

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(b) Subject to Sections 6.2 and 6.5(a ), and other provisions hereof, in any Insolvency Proceeding involving a Grantor, (i) Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders may seek, without objection from ABL Claimholders, adequate protection with respect to their rights in the Notes Priority Collateral, and (ii) ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders may seek, without objection from Notes Claimholders, adequate protection with respect to their rights in the ABL Priority Collateral; provided that if any of Notes Agent, the Notes Claimholders, ABL Agent or the ABL Claimholders are granted adequate protection in the form of a replacement or additional Lien (on existing or future assets of Grantors), claim, payment or otherwise, such replacement or additional Lien or other adequate protection shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

(c) Neither Notes Agent nor any other Notes Claimholder shall object to, oppose, or challenge any claim or order by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder for allowance or payment, including, without limitation, current payment, in any Insolvency Proceeding of ABL Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees, or expenses with the ABL Priority Collateral (so long as any post-petition interest paid as a result thereof is not paid from the proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral) or with any advances made pursuant to any ABL DIP Financing or for relief through the automatic stay with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral.

(d) Neither ABL Agent nor any other ABL Claimholder shall object to, oppose, or challenge any claim or order by Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder for allowance or payment, including, without limitation, current payment, in any Insolvency Proceeding of Notes Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees, or expenses with the Notes Priority Collateral (so long as any post-petition interest paid as a result thereof is not paid from the proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral) or with any advances made pursuant to any Notes DIP Financing or for relief through the automatic stay with respect to the Notes Priority Collateral.

(e) Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, may seek adequate protection of its junior interest in the ABL Priority Collateral, subject to the provisions of this Agreement (including Section 6.5(a) above); provided that (x) ABL Agent is granted adequate protection in the form of a senior replacement or additional Lien on post-petition assets of the same type as the ABL Priority Collateral and (y) such adequate protection required by Notes Agent is in the form of a junior replacement or additional Lien on post-petition assets of the same type as the ABL Priority Collateral.

(f) ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Claimholders, may seek adequate protection of its junior interest in the Notes Priority Collateral, subject to the provisions of this Agreement (including Section 6.5(a) above); provided that (x) Notes Agent is granted adequate protection in the form of a senior replacement or additional Lien on post-petition assets of the same type as the Notes Priority Collateral and (y) such adequate protection required by ABL Agent is in the form of a junior replacement or additional Lien on post-petition assets of the same type as the Notes Priority Collateral.

(g) Neither Notes Agent nor any other Notes Claimholder shall object to, oppose, or challenge any claim by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder for allowance in any Insolvency Proceeding of ABL Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees, or expenses.

 

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(h) Neither ABL Agent nor any other ABL Claimholder shall object to, oppose, or challenge any claim by Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder for allowance in any Insolvency Proceeding of Notes Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees, or expenses.

6.6 Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code .

(a) Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, shall not object to, oppose, support any objection to, or take any other action to impede, the right of any ABL Claimholder to make an election under Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. Notes Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, waives any claim they may hereafter have against any ABL Claimholder arising out of the election by any ABL Claimholder of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code and Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(b) ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Claimholders, shall not object to, oppose, support any objection to, or take any other action to impede, the right of any Notes Claimholder to make an election under Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Claimholders, waives any claim they may hereafter have against any Notes Claimholder arising out of the election by any Notes Claimholder of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code and Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code.

6.7 No Waiver . Except as set forth in this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit any Agent or any Claimholder from objecting in any Insolvency Proceeding involving a Grantor to any action taken by the other Agent or any other Claimholders, including the seeking by the other Agent or any other Claimholder of adequate protection or the assertion by the other Agent or any other Claimholders of any of its rights and remedies under the ABL Loan Documents or the Notes Documents, as applicable.

6.8 Avoidance Issues . If any Claimholder is required in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise to turn over, disgorge or otherwise pay to the estate of any Grantor any amount paid in respect of the Obligations of such Claimholder (a “ Recovery ”), then such Claimholders shall be entitled to a reinstatement of the applicable Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts, and all rights, interests, priorities and privileges recognized in this Agreement shall apply with respect to any such Recovery. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair, or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto from such date of reinstatement.

 

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6.9 Plan of Reorganization .

(a) If, in any Insolvency Proceeding involving a Grantor, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed or reinstated (in whole or in part) pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, both on account of ABL Obligations and on account of Notes Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the ABL Obligations and on account of the Notes Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.

(b) No Claimholder shall propose or support any plan of reorganization that is inconsistent with the priorities or other provisions of this Agreement.

6.10 Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification . ABL Agent, on behalf of the ABL Claimholders, and Notes Agent, on behalf of the Notes Claimholders, acknowledge and intend that the respective grants of Liens pursuant to the ABL Collateral Documents and the Notes Collateral Documents constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens, and because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Collateral (i) the Notes Obligations are fundamentally different from the ABL Obligations and (ii) the ABL Obligations are fundamentally different from the Notes Obligations and, in each case, must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or confirmed (or approved) in an Insolvency Proceeding. To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims of the ABL Claimholders and the Notes Claimholders in respect of the Collateral constitute claims in the same class (rather than at least two separate classes of secured claims with the priorities described in Section 2.1 ), then the ABL Claimholders and the Notes Claimholders hereby acknowledge and agree that all distributions shall be made as if there were two separate classes of ABL Obligations and Notes Obligations (with the effect being that, to the extent that (i) the aggregate value of the ABL Claimholders’ ABL Priority Collateral is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the Notes Claimholders thereon), the ABL Claimholders shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees or expenses that is available from their ABL Priority Collateral (regardless of whether any such claims may or may not be allowed or allowable in whole or in part as against the Grantor in the respective Insolvency Proceeding pursuant to Section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise), before any distribution is made in respect of the Notes Obligations with respect to such Collateral, with each Notes Claimholder acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to ABL Agent with respect to such Collateral amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the aggregate recoveries of the Notes Obligations and (ii) the aggregate value of the Notes Claimholders’ Notes Priority Collateral is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the ABL Claimholders thereon), the Notes Claimholders shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees or expenses that is available from their Notes Priority Collateral (regardless of whether any such claims may or may not be allowed or allowable in whole or in part as against the Grantor in the respective Insolvency Proceeding pursuant to Section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise), before any distribution is made in respect of the ABL Obligations with respect to such Collateral, with each ABL Claimholder acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to Notes Agent with respect to such Collateral amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the aggregate recoveries of the ABL Obligations).

 

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SECTION 7. Reliance; Waivers; Etc.

7.1 Reliance . Other than any reliance on the terms of this Agreement, ABL Agent, on behalf of the ABL Claimholders, acknowledges that it and the other ABL Claimholders have, independently and without reliance on Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into of the ABL Loan Documents and be bound by the terms of this Agreement and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the ABL Loan Documents or this Agreement. Other than any reliance on the terms of this Agreement, Notes Agent, on behalf of the other Notes Claimholders, acknowledges that it and the other Notes Claimholders have, independently and without reliance on ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into each of the Notes Documents and be bound by the terms of this Agreement and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Notes Documents or this Agreement.

7.2 No Warranties or Liability . ABL Agent, on behalf of the ABL Claimholders, acknowledges and agrees that Notes Agent and each of the other Notes Claimholders have made no express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability, or enforceability of any of the Notes Documents, the ownership of any Collateral, or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the Notes Documents in accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate. Notes Agent, on behalf of the Notes Claimholders, acknowledges and agrees that ABL Agent and each of the other ABL Claimholders have made no express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability, or enforceability of any of the ABL Loan Documents, the ownership of any Collateral, or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the ABL Loan Documents in accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate. Except as expressly provided herein, Notes Agent and other Notes Claimholders shall have no duty to ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders, and ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall have no duty to Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreements with any Grantor (including the ABL Loan

 

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Documents and the Notes Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof which they may have or be charged with. Notes Agent hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by law any claim that may be had against ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder arising out of any actions which ABL Agent or such other ABL Claimholder takes or omits to take (including actions with respect to the creation, perfection or continuation of Liens on any Collateral, actions with respect to the foreclosure upon, sale, release or depreciation of, or failure to realize upon, any of the Collateral and actions with respect to the collection of any claim for all or any part of the ABL Obligations from any account debtor, guarantor or any other party), or the valuation, use, protection or release of any security for such ABL Obligations. ABL Agent hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by law any claim that may be had against Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder arising out of any actions which Notes Agent or such Notes Claimholder takes or omits to take (including actions with respect to the creation, perfection or continuation of Liens on any Collateral, actions with respect to the foreclosure upon, sale, release or depreciation of, or failure to realize upon, any of the Collateral and actions with respect to the collection of any claim for all or any part of the Notes Obligations from any account debtor, guarantor or any other party), or the valuation, use, protection or release of any security for such Notes Obligations.

7.1 No Waiver of Lien Priorities .

(a) No right of ABL Claimholders, ABL Agent or any of them to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any ABL Loan Document shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any Grantor or by any act or failure to act by any ABL Claimholder or ABL Agent, or by any noncompliance by any person with the terms, provisions, and covenants of this Agreement, any of the ABL Loan Documents or any of the Notes Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which ABL Agent or other ABL Claimholders, or any of them, may have or be otherwise charged with. No right of Notes Claimholders, Notes Agent or any of them to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any Notes Document shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any Grantor or by any act or failure to act by any Notes Claimholder or Notes Agent, or by any noncompliance by any person with the terms, provisions, and covenants of this Agreement, any of the Notes Documents or any of the ABL Loan Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which Notes Agent or other Notes Claimholders, or any of them, may have or be otherwise charged with.

(b) Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph (but subject to any rights of Grantors under the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents and subject to the provisions of Section 5.3(a) ), ABL Claimholders, ABL Agent and any of them may, at any time and from time to time in accordance with the ABL Loan Documents and/or applicable law, without the consent of, or notice to, Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, without incurring any liabilities to Notes Agent or any Notes Claimholders and without impairing or releasing the Lien priorities and other benefits provided in this Agreement (even if any right of subrogation or other right or remedy of Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders is affected, impaired, or extinguished thereby) do any one or more of the following:

 

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(i) change the manner, place, or terms of payment or change or extend the time of payment of, or amend, renew, exchange, increase, or alter, the terms of any of the ABL Obligations or any Lien on any ABL Collateral or guarantee thereof or any liability of any Grantor, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof (including any increase in or extension of the ABL Obligations, without any restriction as to the tenor or terms of any such increase or extension) or otherwise amend, renew, exchange, extend, modify, or supplement in any manner any Liens held by ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders, the ABL Obligations, or any of the ABL Loan Documents;

(ii) sell, exchange, release, surrender, realize upon, enforce or otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any part of the ABL Priority Collateral or any liability of any Grantor to ABL Claimholders or ABL Agent, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof;

(iii) settle or compromise any ABL Obligation or any other liability of any Grantor or any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof and apply any sums by whomsoever paid and however realized to any liability (including the ABL Obligations) in any manner or order that is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement; and

(iv) exercise or delay in or refrain from exercising any right or remedy against any Grantor or any other person, elect any remedy and otherwise deal freely with any Grantor or any ABL Priority Collateral and any security and any guarantor or any liability of any Grantor to ABL Claimholders or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, Notes Agent also agrees that ABL Claimholders and ABL Agent shall have no liability to Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, and Notes Agent hereby waives any claim against any ABL Claimholder or any other ABL Agent, arising out of any and all actions which ABL Claimholders or ABL Agent may, pursuant to the terms hereof, take, permit or omit to take with respect to:

(i) the ABL Loan Documents;

(ii) the collection of the ABL Obligations; or

(iii) the foreclosure upon, or sale, liquidation, or other Disposition of, or the failure to foreclose upon, or sell, liquidate, or otherwise Dispose of, any ABL Priority Collateral. Notes Agent agrees that ABL Claimholders and ABL Agent have no duty to the Notes Claimholders in respect of the maintenance or preservation of the ABL Priority Collateral, the ABL Obligations, or otherwise.

 

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(d) Subject to any rights of Grantors under the Notes Documents and subject to the provisions of Section 5.3(b) , Notes Agent may, at any time and from time to time in accordance with the Notes Documents and/or applicable law, without the consent of, or notice to, ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders, without incurring any liabilities to ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders and without impairing or releasing the Lien priorities and other benefits provided in this Agreement (even if any right of subrogation or other right or remedy of ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders is affected, impaired, or extinguished thereby) do any one or more of the following:

(i) change the manner, place, or terms of payment or change or extend the time of payment of, or amend, renew, exchange, increase, or alter, the terms of any of the Notes Obligations or any Lien on any Notes Collateral or guarantee thereof or any liability of any Grantor, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof (including any increase in or extension of the Notes Obligations, without any restriction as to the tenor or terms of any such increase or extension) or otherwise amend, renew, exchange, extend, modify, or supplement in any manner any Liens held by Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, the Notes Obligations, or any of the Notes Loan Documents;

(ii) subject to Section 3.8 , sell, exchange, release, surrender, realize upon, enforce or otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any part of the Notes Priority Collateral or any liability of any Grantor to Notes Claimholders or Notes Agent, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof;

(iii) settle or compromise any Notes Obligation or any other liability of any Grantor or any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof and apply any sums by whomsoever paid and however realized to any liability (including the Notes Obligations) in any manner or order that is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement; and

(iv) exercise or delay in or refrain from exercising any right or remedy against any Grantor or any other person, elect any remedy and otherwise deal freely with any Grantor or any Notes Priority Collateral and any security and any guarantor or any liability of any Grantor to Notes Agent or other Notes Claimholders or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof.

(e) Except as otherwise provided herein, ABL Agent also agrees that Notes Claimholders and Notes Agent shall have no liability to ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders, and ABL Agent hereby waives any claim against any Notes Claimholder or Notes Agent, arising out of any and all actions which Notes Claimholders or Notes Agent may, pursuant to the terms hereof, take, permit or omit to take with respect to:

(i) the Notes Documents;

(ii) the collection of the Notes Obligations; or

 

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(iii) the foreclosure upon, or sale, liquidation, or other Disposition of, or the failure to foreclose upon, or sell, liquidate, or otherwise Dispose of, any Notes Priority Collateral. ABL Agent agrees that Notes Claimholders and Notes Agent have no duty to the ABL Claimholders in respect of the maintenance or preservation of the Notes Priority Collateral, the Notes Obligations, or otherwise.

(f) Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations and the Discharge of Notes Obligations, each of ABL Agent and Notes Agent agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead, or otherwise assert, or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshaling, appraisal, valuation, or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the other Agent’s Priority Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law.

7.4. Obligations Unconditional . For so long as this Agreement is in full force and effect, all rights, interests, agreements and obligations of ABL Agent and other ABL Claimholders and Notes Agent and other Notes Claimholders, respectively, hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any ABL Loan Documents or any Notes Documents;

(b) except as otherwise expressly restricted in this Agreement, any change in the time, manner, or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the ABL Obligations or Notes Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any ABL Loan Document or any Notes Document;

(c) except as otherwise expressly restricted in this Agreement, any exchange of any security interest in any Collateral or any other collateral, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the ABL Obligations or Notes Obligations or any guarantee thereof,

(d) the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any Grantor; or

(e) any other circumstances which otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor in respect of ABL Agent, the ABL Obligations, any ABL Claimholder, Notes Agent, the Notes Obligations or any Notes Claimholder in respect of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 8. Representations and Warranties .

8.1 Representations and Warranties of Each Party . Each party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto as follows:

(a) Such party is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.

(b) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such party, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(c) The execution, delivery, and performance by such party of this Agreement (i) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with or any other action by any governmental authority and (ii) will not violate any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation, or of the certificate or articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents or by-laws of such party or any order of any governmental authority or any provision of any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon such party.

8.2 Representations and Warranties of Each Agent . ABL Agent and Notes Agent each represents and warrants to the other that it has been authorized by ABL Lenders or holders of the Notes, as applicable, under the ABL Credit Agreement or the Indenture, as applicable, to enter into this Agreement and that each of the agreements, covenants, waivers, and other provisions hereof is valid, binding, and enforceable against the other ABL Claimholders or the other Notes Claimholders, as applicable, as fully as if they were parties hereto.

SECTION 9. Miscellaneous .

9.1 Conflicts . Except to the extent expressly provided in Section 9.15 , in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any of the ABL Loan Documents or any of the Notes Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control; provided that nothing in this Intercreditor Agreement, as between the Notes Agent, the other Notes Claimholders and the Grantors, shall be deemed to waive any rights, protections, privileges, immunities or indemnities of the Notes Agent as set forth in the Indenture and the other Notes Documents.

9.2 Effectiveness; Continuing Nature of this Agreement; Severability . This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto. This is a continuing agreement of lien subordination (as opposed to debt or claim subordination) and ABL Claimholders may continue, at any time and without notice to Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholder, to extend credit and other financial accommodations to or for the benefit of any Grantor constituting ABL Obligations in reliance hereof. Each of Notes Agent and ABL Agent hereby waives any right it may have under applicable law to revoke this Agreement or any of the provisions of this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement shall survive, and shall continue in full force and effect, in any Insolvency Proceeding. Consistent with, but not in limitation of, the preceding sentence, ABL Agent and the Notes Agent, on behalf of the applicable Claimholders, irrevocably acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes a “subordination agreement” within the meaning of both New York law and Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. All references to any Grantor shall include such Grantor as debtor and debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Grantor in any Insolvency Proceeding. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect:

 

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(a) with respect to ABL Agent, ABL Claimholders, and the ABL Obligations, on the date that the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred; and

(b) with respect to Notes Agent, Notes Claimholders, and the Notes Obligations, on the date that the Discharge of Notes Obligations has occurred.

9.3 Amendments; Waivers . Except as provided in the last two sentences of this Section, no amendment, modification, or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing signed on behalf of each party hereto or its authorized agent and each waiver, if any, shall be a waiver only with respect to the specific instance involved and shall in no way impair the rights of the parties making such waiver or the obligations of the other parties to such party in any other respect or at any other time. Any amendments, modifications or waivers can be effected by ABL Agent, at the direction of the requisite ABL Claimholders under the ABL Credit Agreement, and by Notes Agent, at the direction of the requisite Notes Claimholders under the Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no Grantor shall have any right to consent to or approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement except to the extent its rights under the ABL Loan Documents or under the Notes Documents are directly affected, (ii) any Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agent, on behalf of itself and such holders, may become a party to this Agreement, without any further action by any other party hereto, upon execution and delivery by the Grantors and such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations Agent of a properly completed joinder agreement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to each of ABL Agent and Notes Agent) to each of the other parties hereto, (iii) any duly appointed agent for the holders of ABL Obligations described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof, on behalf of itself and such holders, may become a party to this Agreement, without any further action by any other party hereto, upon execution and delivery by the Grantors and such agent of a properly completed joinder agreement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to each of ABL Agent and Notes Agent) to each of the other parties hereto and delivery to Notes Agent by Issuer of an officer’s certificate certifying that such obligations are permitted by the Indenture to be included hereunder as ABL Obligations, (iv) technical modifications may be made to this Agreement to facilitate the inclusion of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations without any further action by any other party hereto to the extent such Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents and (v) technical modifications may be made to this Agreement to facilitate the inclusion of ABL Obligations described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof without any further action by any other party hereto to the extent such Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents. In connection with any Refinancing of the Notes Obligations or ABL Obligations pursuant to Section 5.3(a) or 5.3(b) , as applicable, this Agreement may be amended at the request and sole expense of the Grantors, and without the consent of either ABL Agent or Notes Agent, (i) to add parties (or any authorized agent or trustee therefor) providing any such Refinancing, (ii) to establish that Liens on any Notes Priority Collateral securing such Refinanced debt shall have the same priority as the Liens on any Notes Priority Collateral securing the debt being Refinanced and (iii) to establish that the Liens on any ABL Priority Collateral securing such Refinanced debt shall have the same priority as the Liens on any ABL Priority Collateral securing the debt being Refinanced. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement may be amended from time to time at the sole request and expense of the Company (as defined under the Indenture), (x) as set forth in the second paragraph of Section 9.01 of the Indenture, without the consent of Notes Agent, and (y) as set forth in the second paragraph of such Section 9.01 as in effect on the date hereof, without the consent of ABL Agent.

 

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9.4 Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Grantors . ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall be responsible for keeping themselves informed of (a) the financial condition of the Grantors and all endorsers and/or guarantors of the ABL Obligations and (b) all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the ABL Obligations. ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders shall have no duty to advise Notes Agent or any Notes Claimholder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders shall have no duty to advise ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event ABL Agent or any other ABL Claimholders, or Notes Agent or any other Notes Claimholders, in its or their sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party to this Agreement, it or they shall be under no obligation:

(a) to make, and ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders, or Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders, as the case may be, shall not make, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or validity of any such information so provided;

(b) to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion;

(c) to undertake any investigation; or

(d) to disclose any information, which pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.

 

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9.5 Subrogation . (a) With respect to any payments or distributions in cash, property, or other assets that any Notes Claimholders or Notes Agent pays over to ABL Agent or ABL Claimholders under the terms of this Agreement, Notes Claimholders and Notes Agent shall be subrogated to the rights of ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders and (b) with respect to any payments or distributions in cash, property, or other assets that any ABL Claimholders or ABL Agent pay over to Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders under the terms of this Agreement, ABL Claimholders and ABL Agent shall be subrogated to the rights of Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders; provided , however , that, ABL Agent and Notes Agent each hereby agrees not to assert or enforce any such rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of ABL Obligations or Discharge of Notes Obligations, as applicable, has occurred. Any payments or distributions in cash, property or other assets received by ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders that are paid over to Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders pursuant to this Agreement shall not reduce any of the ABL Obligations. Any payments or distributions in cash, property or other assets received by Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders that are paid over to ABL Agent or ABL Claimholders pursuant to this Agreement shall not reduce any of the Notes Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.5 , none of the ABL Claimholders shall have any claim against any of the Notes Claimholders for any impairment of any subrogation rights herein granted to the Notes Claimholders and none of the Notes Claimholders shall have any claim against any of the ABL Claimholders for any impairment of any subrogation rights herein granted to the ABL Claimholders.

9.6 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVERS .

(a) ALL JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST ANY PARTY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING HERETO SHALL BE BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE, COUNTY, AND CITY OF NEW YORK. BY EXECUTING AND DELIVERING THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY, FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, IRREVOCABLY:

(i) ACCEPTS GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY THE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF SUCH COURTS;

(ii) WAIVES ANY DEFENSE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS;

(iii) AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, TO THE APPLICABLE PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 9.7 ; AND

(iv) AGREES THAT SERVICE AS PROVIDED IN CLAUSE (iii) ABOVE IS SUFFICIENT TO CONFER PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER THE APPLICABLE PARTY IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND OTHERWISE CONSTITUTES EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY RESPECT.

 

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(b) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO (INCLUDING THE PARENT ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES) HEREBY WAIVES ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING HEREUNDER. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP THAT EACH HAS ALREADY RELIED ON THIS WAIVER IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, AND THAT EACH WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON THIS WAIVER IN ITS RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS. EACH PARTY HERETO FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE; MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING (OTHER THAN BY A MUTUAL WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS SECTION 9.6(b) AND EXECUTED BY ABL AGENT AND NOTES AGENT), AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS, OR MODIFICATIONS HERETO. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

9.7 Notices . All notices to Notes Claimholders and ABL Claimholders permitted or required under this Agreement shall also be sent to Notes Agent and ABL Agent, respectively. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice hereunder shall be in writing and may be personally served or sent by facsimile or United States mail or courier service or electronic mail and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service and signed for against receipt thereof, upon receipt of facsimile or electronic mail, or 3 Business Days after depositing it in the United States mail with postage prepaid and properly addressed. For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto shall be as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties. Grantors shall provide written notice to ABL Agent within ten (10) business days after Grantors receive notice from Notes Agent of the Discharge of Notes Obligations and shall provide written notice to Notes Agent within ten (10) business days after Grantors receive notice from ABL Agent of the Discharge of ABL Obligations.

9.8 Further Assurances . ABL Agent and Notes Agent each agrees to take such further action and shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as ABL Agent or Notes Lien Agent may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of and the Lien priorities contemplated by this Agreement.

 

55


9.9 APPLICABLE LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

9.10 Binding on Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon ABL Agent, ABL Claimholders, Notes Agent, Notes Claimholders, and their respective successors and assigns.

9.11 Headings . Section headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

9.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in connection herewith by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement or such other document or instrument, as applicable.

9.13 No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement and the rights and benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties hereto and its respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of and bind each of ABL Claimholders and Notes Claimholders. In no event shall any Grantor be a third party beneficiary of this Agreement.

9.14 Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights . The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of ABL Agent and other ABL Claimholders on the one hand and Notes Agent and other Notes Claimholders on the other hand. No Grantor or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights hereunder and no Grantor may rely on the terms hereof. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair, as between Grantors and ABL Agent and the other ABL Claimholders, or as between Grantors and Notes Agent and the other Notes Claimholders, the obligations of Grantors to pay principal, interest, fees and other amounts as provided in the ABL Loan Documents and the Notes Documents, respectively.

9.15 Costs and Attorneys Fees . In the event it becomes necessary for ABL Agent, any other ABL Claimholder, Notes Agent, or any other Notes Claimholder to commence or become a party to any proceeding or action to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the court or body before which the same shall be tried shall award to the prevailing party all costs and expenses thereof, including reasonable attorneys fees, the usual and customary and lawfully recoverable court costs, and all other expenses in connection therewith.

 

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9.16 Specific Performance . Each of ABL Agent and Notes Agent may demand specific performance of this Agreement. ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the other ABL Claimholders, and Notes Agent, on behalf of itself and the Notes, hereby irrevocably waive any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by ABL Agent or the other ABL Claimholders or Notes Agent or the other Notes Claimholders, as applicable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of the other provisions of this Agreement, in seeking specific performance in any Insolvency Proceeding, ABL Agent or Notes Agent may seek such or any other relief as if it were the “holder” of the claims of the other agent’s Claimholders under Section 1126(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise had been granted an irrevocable power of attorney by the other Agent’s Claimholders.

9.17 Indenture and Notes Security Agreement Protections . In connection with its execution and acting under this Agreement, Notes Agent is entitled to all rights, privileges, protections, immunities, benefits and indemnities provided to it under the Indenture and the Notes Security Agreement, all of which are incorporated by reference herein mutatis mutandis.

9.18 No Trust or Fiduciary Relationship; Duties of the Notes Agent . (a) The Notes Agent shall not be deemed to be in a relationship of trust or confidence with the ABL Agent, any ABL Claimholders, or any other Person by reason of this Agreement, and shall not owe any fiduciary, trust or other special duties to the ABL Agent, any ABL Claimholders, or any other Person by reason of this Agreement.

(b) The parties hereto acknowledge that the Notes Agent’s duties do not include any discretionary authority, determination, control or responsibility with respect to any Notes Collateral Documents or any Collateral, notwithstanding any rights or discretion that may be granted to the Notes Agent in such Notes Collateral Documents.

(c) The Notes Agent shall be responsible only for the performance of such duties as are expressly set forth herein.

[signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, INC. , as ABL Agent

By:

 

/s/ Matt Mouledous

Name: Matt Mouledous

Title: Vice President

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]


UMB BANK, N.A., as Notes Agent

By:

 

/s/ Janet Lambert

Name: Janet Lambert

Title: Vice President

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Each of the undersigned hereby acknowledge that they have received a copy of the foregoing Intercreditor Agreement and consent thereto, agree to recognize all rights granted thereby to ABL Agent, ABL Claimholders, Notes Agent, and Notes Claimholders, and will not do any act or perform any obligation which is not in accordance with the agreements set forth therein. Each of the undersigned further acknowledge and agree that they are not an intended beneficiary or third party beneficiary under the foregoing Intercreditor Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]


ACKNOWLEDGED AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE:

THE COMPANY:

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

By:

 

/s/ Jack E. Golsen

Name: Jack E. Golsen

Title: Chief Executive Officer

THE NOTES GUARANTORS (OTHER THAN ZENA ENERGY L.L.C. AND EL DORADO NITROGEN, L.P.) AND THE ABL GUARANTORS:

CEPOLK HOLDINGS, INC.

CHEMEX I CORP.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES L.L.C.

CHEMICAL TRANSPORT L.L.C.

CHEROKEE NITROGEN COMPANY

CHEROKEE NITROGEN HOLDINGS, INC.

CLIMACOOL CORP.

THE CLIMATE CONTROL GROUP, INC.

CLIMATECRAFT, INC.

CLIMATECRAFT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CLIMATE MASTER, INC.

CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES CORP.

EDC AG PRODUCTS COMPANY L.L.C.

EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY

EL DORADO NITRIC COMPANY

INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION

NORTHWEST FINANCIAL CORPORATION

KOAX CORP.

LSB CHEMICAL CORP.

LSB-EUROPA LIMITED

PRIME FINANCIAL L.L.C.

PRIME HOLDINGS CORPORATION

PRYOR CHEMICAL COMPANY

SUMMIT MACHINE TOOL MANUFACTURING L.L.C.

THERMACLIME, L.L.C.

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO ACKNOWLEDGMENT]


THERMACLIME TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

XPEDIAIR, INC.

by:

  /s/ Jack E. Golsen
 

Name: Jack E. Golsen

 

Title: Chairman of the Board

LSB CAPITAL L.L.C.

by:

  /s/ Jack E. Golsen

Name: Jack E. Golsen

Title: President

TRISON CONSTRUCTION, INC.

by:

  /s/ Jack E. Golsen

Name: Jack E. Golsen

Title: Executive Vice President

EL DORADO ACID, L.L.C.

EL DORADO ACID II, L.L.C.

EL DORADO AMMONIA L.L.C.

by:

  /s/ David R. Goss

Name: David R. Goss

Title: Executive Vice President

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO ACKNOWLEDGMENT]

Exhibit 99.2

 

LOGO

 

COMPANY CONTACT:    Investor Relations Contact:
Tony M. Shelby, Chief Financial Officer    Fred Buonocore (212) 836-9607
(405) 235-4546    Linda Latman (212) 836-9609
   The Equity Group Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LSB COMPLETES ISSUANCE OF $425 MILLION

OF NEW SENIOR SECURED NOTES

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – August 7, 2013 – LSB Industries, Inc. (NYSE: LXU) (“LSB”) today announced the completion of the previously announced offering of $425 million principal amount of new 7.75% senior secured notes due 2019 (the “Notes”). The net proceeds from the Notes offering are approximately $418.0 million, after deducting the estimated expenses of the Notes offering. LSB intends to use the net proceeds from the Notes offering to (a) repay the $67.2 million unpaid principal balance and the prepayment penalty under its existing term loan facility, plus all accrued and unpaid interest due thereon and (b) for general corporate purposes, which LSB expects to include, among other things, the construction of an ammonia plant, nitric acid plant and concentrator at its chemical facility located in El Dorado, Arkansas; improvement of reliability, mechanical integrity, and safety at all of its chemical facilities; and development of its acquired natural gas leaseholds during the next three years.

The Notes and certain guarantees of the Notes issued by subsidiaries of LSB will be secured, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens.

The Notes were offered pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), only to Qualified Institutional Buyers as permitted under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, or outside the United States to certain persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any sales of Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.


Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation, statements about the use of proceeds from the offering. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, general market conditions. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and LSB expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in LSB’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of LSB, including the most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q for additional information about LSB and about the risks and uncertainties related to LSB’s business which may affect the statements made in this press release.

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