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

April 17, 2014 (April 17, 2014)

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

 

 

Caesars Acquisition Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001- 36207   46-2672999

(State of

Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

One Caesars Palace Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(702) 407-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(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:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Overview

On April 17, 2014, Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC (“CGPH LLC”) and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc. (“CGPF Inc.” and, together with CGPH LLC, the “Issuers”) completed the offering of $675 million aggregate principal amount of their 9.375% second-priority senior secured notes due 2022 (the “Notes”). The Issuers are subsidiaries of Caesars Growth Partners, LLC (“Caesars Growth Partners”), which is a joint venture between Caesars Acquisition Company and Caesars Entertainment Corporation.

1. Escrow Agreement

Pursuant to an escrow agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014, among U.S. Bank National Association, as escrow agent and securities intermediary (the “Escrow Agent”), U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) under the Indenture (as defined below), and the Issuers (the “Escrow Agreement”), the Issuers deposited the gross proceeds of the offering of the Notes, together with additional amounts necessary to redeem the Notes, if applicable, into a segregated escrow account (the “Escrow Account”) until the date that certain escrow conditions are satisfied. The escrow conditions include, among other things, the consummation of the previously announced acquisition of the subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. that own the assets comprising The Cromwell (f/k/a Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon), The Quad Resort & Casino, Bally’s Las Vegas and Harrah’s New Orleans and the contribution by Caesars Growth Partners of the entity that owns the assets comprising the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (the “Transactions”) and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The funds held in the Escrow Account will be released to the Issuers upon delivery by the Issuers to the Escrow Agent and the Trustee of an officer’s certificate certifying that, prior to or concurrently with the release of funds from the Escrow Account, the escrow conditions have been met (the “Escrow Release Date”).

The Issuers granted the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, a first-priority security interest in the Escrow Account and all deposits therein to secure the note obligations pending disbursement.

2. Indenture and 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022

The Notes, which mature on May 1, 2022, were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of April 17, 2014, among the Issuers and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”).

The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes at 9.375% per annum, semi-annually to holders of record at the close of business on April 15 or October 15 immediately preceding the interest payment date on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on November 1, 2014.

The Issuers may redeem the Notes at their option, in whole or part, at any time prior to May 1, 2017, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date and a “make-whole” premium. The Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, on or after May 1, 2017, at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture and the Notes. In addition, at any time and from time to time on or before May 1, 2017, the Issuers may choose to redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to the issuance of additional notes) at a redemption price equal to 109.375% of the principal amount thereof with the net proceeds of one or more equity offerings so long as at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of additional notes) remain outstanding after each such redemption.


The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuers and rank equally and ratably in right of payment with all existing and future senior obligations and senior to all future subordinated indebtedness. Upon the Escrow Release Date, the Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each wholly owned, domestic subsidiary of CGPH LLC (other than CGPF Inc.) that is a subsidiary guarantor with respect to the new senior secured credit facilities to be entered into in connection with the Transactions (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”), and secured by a second-priority security interest, subject to permitted liens, in certain assets of the Issuers and such subsidiary guarantors. Neither Caesars Growth Partners nor Caesars Acquisition Company will guarantee the Notes.

The Indenture contains covenants that limit the Issuers’ (and their restricted subsidiaries’) ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares; (ii) pay dividends on or make other distributions in respect of their capital stock or make other restricted payments; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) sell certain assets; (v) create or permit to exist dividend and/or payment restrictions affecting their restricted subsidiaries; (vi) create liens on certain assets to secure debt; (vii) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; (viii) enter into certain transactions with their affiliates; and (ix) designate their subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions outlined in the Indenture. The Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes to be immediately due and payable.

The Issuers intend to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, on the Escrow Release Date, together with borrowings under new Senior Secured Credit Facilities and cash contributed to them by Caesars Growth Partners, to complete the Transactions and related transactions, including the repayment in full of all amounts then outstanding under the senior secured term loan of PHWLV, LLC, and to pay related fees and expenses.

The Notes were offered only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States, only to non-U.S. investors pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities laws.

3. Registration Rights Agreement

On April 17, 2014, in connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Issuers entered into a registration rights agreement with Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers of the Notes, relating to, among other things, the exchange offer for the Notes and the related subsidiary guarantees (as described above) (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).

Upon the Escrow Release Date, the subsidiary guarantors will execute a joinder to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Subject to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers will use their commercially reasonable efforts to have a registration statement that registers with the Securities and Exchange Commission notes having substantially identical terms as the Notes declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on or prior to 365 days after the issue date of the Notes as part of an offer to exchange freely tradeable exchange notes for the Notes.

The Issuers will use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the exchange offer to be completed within 30 business days after the effectiveness target date or, if required, to have one or more shelf registration statements declared effective within the time periods described in the Registration Rights Agreement.

If the Issuers fail to meet these targets, the annual interest rate on the Notes will increase by 0.25%. The annual interest rate on the Notes will increase by an additional 0.25% for each subsequent 90-day period during which the registration default continues, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.0% per year. If the registration default is corrected, the interest rate of the Notes will revert to the original level.


The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Escrow Agreement, the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit 4.1 and Exhibit 4.2, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation.

The information set forth under Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

  4.1    Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2014, among Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to the 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022.
  4.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014, by and among Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers.
10.1    Escrow Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014, by and among Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc., U.S. Bank National Association, as escrow agent and securities intermediary, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.


SIGNATURES

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

 

    CAESARS ACQUISITION COMPANY
Date: April 17, 2014     By:  

/s/ C RAIG J. A BRAHAMS

    Name:   Craig J. Abrahams
    Title:   Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

  4.1    Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2014, among Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to the 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022.
  4.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014, by and among Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers.
10.1    Escrow Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014, by and among Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc., U.S. Bank National Association, as escrow agent and securities intermediary, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

Exhibit 4.1

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.

as Issuers

9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of April 17, 2014

 

 

U.S. Bank National Association,

as Trustee

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I

  

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

  

SECTION 1.01.

   Definitions.      1   

SECTION 1.02.

   Other Definitions      40   

SECTION 1.03.

   Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act      41   

SECTION 1.04.

   Rules of Construction      42   

ARTICLE II

  

THE NOTES

  

SECTION 2.01.

   Amount of Notes      43   

SECTION 2.02.

   Form and Dating      44   

SECTION 2.03.

   Execution and Authentication      44   

SECTION 2.04.

   Registrar and Paying Agent      44   

SECTION 2.05.

   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust      45   

SECTION 2.06.

   Holder Lists      45   

SECTION 2.07.

   Transfer and Exchange      45   

SECTION 2.08.

   Replacement Notes      46   

SECTION 2.09.

   Outstanding Notes      46   

SECTION 2.10.

   [Intentionally Omitted.]      47   

SECTION 2.11.

   Cancellation      47   

SECTION 2.12.

   Defaulted Interest      47   

SECTION 2.13.

   CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, Etc      47   

SECTION 2.14.

   Calculation of Principal Amount of Notes      47   

SECTION 2.15.

   Mandatory Disposition Pursuant to Gaming Laws      48   

SECTION 2.16.

   Additional Interest      48   

ARTICLE III

  

REDEMPTION

  

SECTION 3.01.

   Redemption      48   

SECTION 3.02.

   Applicability of Article      48   

SECTION 3.03.

   Notices to Trustee      48   

SECTION 3.04.

   Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed      49   

SECTION 3.05.

   Notice of Optional Redemption      49   

SECTION 3.06.

   Effect of Notice of Redemption      50   

SECTION 3.07.

   Deposit of Redemption Price      50   

SECTION 3.08.

   Notes Redeemed in Part      50   

 

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          Page  

ARTICLE IV

  

COVENANTS

  

SECTION 4.01.    Payment of Notes      51   
SECTION 4.02.    Reports and Other Information      51   
SECTION 4.03.   

Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

     52   
SECTION 4.04.    Limitation on Restricted Payments      58   
SECTION 4.05.    Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries      64   
SECTION 4.06.    Asset Sales      66   
SECTION 4.07.    Transactions with Affiliates      69   
SECTION 4.08.    Change of Control      71   
SECTION 4.09.    Compliance Certificate      73   
SECTION 4.10.    Further Instruments and Acts      73   
SECTION 4.11.    Future Subsidiary Guarantors      74   
SECTION 4.12.    Liens      74   
SECTION 4.13.    After-Acquired Property      75   
SECTION 4.14.    Maintenance of Office or Agency      75   
SECTION 4.15.    Security Documents      76   
SECTION 4.16.    Covenant Suspension      76   
SECTION 4.17.    Maintenance of Insurance      77   
SECTION 4.18.    Activities of Issuers Prior to the Escrow Release Date      77   

ARTICLE V

  

SUCCESSOR COMPANY

  

SECTION 5.01.    When Issuers May Merge or Transfer Assets      77   

ARTICLE VI

  

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

  

SECTION 6.01.    Events of Default      79   
SECTION 6.02.    Acceleration      81   
SECTION 6.03.    Other Remedies      82   
SECTION 6.04.    Waiver of Past Defaults      82   
SECTION 6.05.    Control by Majority      82   
SECTION 6.06.    Limitation on Suits      82   
SECTION 6.07.    Rights of the Holders to Receive Payment      83   
SECTION 6.08.    Collection Suit by Trustee      83   
SECTION 6.09.    Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      83   
SECTION 6.10.    Priorities      83   
SECTION 6.11.    Undertaking for Costs      84   
SECTION 6.12.    Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws      84   

 

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          Page  

ARTICLE VII

  

TRUSTEE

  

SECTION 7.01.

   Duties of Trustee      84   

SECTION 7.02.

   Rights of Trustee      85   

SECTION 7.03.

   Individual Rights of Trustee      87   

SECTION 7.04.

   Trustee’s Disclaimer      87   

SECTION 7.05.

   Notice of Defaults      87   

SECTION 7.06.

   Reports by Trustee to the Holders      87   

SECTION 7.07.

   Compensation and Indemnity      88   

SECTION 7.08.

   Replacement of Trustee      89   

SECTION 7.09.

   Successor Trustee by Merger      89   

SECTION 7.10.

   Eligibility; Disqualification      90   

SECTION 7.11.

   Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuers      90   
ARTICLE VIII   

DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

  

SECTION 8.01.

   Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance      90   

SECTION 8.02.

   Conditions to Defeasance      91   

SECTION 8.03.

   Application of Trust Money      92   

SECTION 8.04.

   Repayment to Issuers      92   

SECTION 8.05.

   Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations      93   

SECTION 8.06.

   Reinstatement      93   

ARTICLE IX

  

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

  

SECTION 9.01.

   Without Consent of the Holders      93   

SECTION 9.02.

   With Consent of the Holders      94   

SECTION 9.03.

   Compliance with Trust Indenture Act      95   

SECTION 9.04.

   Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers      95   

SECTION 9.05.

   Notation on or Exchange of Notes      95   

SECTION 9.06.

   Trustee to Sign Amendments      96   

SECTION 9.07.

   Additional Voting Terms; Calculation of Principal Amount      96   

ARTICLE X

  

RANKING OF NOTE LIENS

  

SECTION 10.01.

   Relative Rights      96   

ARTICLE XI

  

COLLATERAL

  

SECTION 11.01.

   Security Documents      97   

SECTION 11.02.

   Collateral Agent      98   

 

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          Page  

SECTION 11.03.

   Authorization of Actions to Be Taken      99   

SECTION 11.04.

   Release of Collateral      99   

SECTION 11.05.

   Filing, Recording and Opinions      102   

SECTION 11.06.

   [Intentionally omitted.]      102   

SECTION 11.07.

   Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee      102   

SECTION 11.08.

   Release Upon Termination of the Issuers’ Obligations      102   

SECTION 11.09.

   Designations      103   

SECTION 11.10.

   Taking and Destruction      103   

ARTICLE XII

  

GUARANTEE

  

SECTION 12.01.

   Guarantee      103   

SECTION 12.02.

   Limitation on Liability      105   

SECTION 12.03.

   Successors and Assigns      106   

SECTION 12.04.

   No Waiver      106   

SECTION 12.05.

   Modification      106   

SECTION 12.06.

   Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Guarantors      106   

SECTION 12.07.

   Non-Impairment      106   

ARTICLE XIII

  

MISCELLANEOUS

  

SECTION 13.01.

   Trust Indenture Act Controls      107   

SECTION 13.02.

   Notices      107   

SECTION 13.03.

   Communication by the Holders with Other Holders      107   

SECTION 13.04.

   Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent      108   

SECTION 13.05.

   Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion      108   

SECTION 13.06.

   When Notes Disregarded      108   

SECTION 13.07.

   Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar      108   

SECTION 13.08.

   Legal Holidays      108   

SECTION 13.09.

   GOVERNING LAW      108   

SECTION 13.10.

   No Recourse Against Others      109   

SECTION 13.11.

   Successors      109   

SECTION 13.12.

   Multiple Originals      109   

SECTION 13.13.

   Table of Contents; Headings      109   

SECTION 13.14.

   Indenture Controls      109   

SECTION 13.15.

   Severability      109   

SECTION 13.16.

   Intercreditor Agreement      109   

SECTION 13.17.

   Acts of Holders      109   

SECTION 13.18.

   Security Advice Waiver      110   

SECTION 13.19.

   Patriot Act      110   

 

Appendix A

           Provisions Relating to Initial Notes, Additional Notes and Exchange Notes

 

-iv-


              Page

EXHIBIT INDEX

  

Exhibit A

     Form of Initial Note   

Exhibit B

     Form of Exchange Note   

Exhibit C

     Form of Transferee Letter of Representation   

Exhibit D

     Form of Supplemental Indenture Related to Subsidiary Guarantors   

 

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CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

 

TIA

Section

        Indenture
Section

310

   (a)(1)    7.10
   (a)(2)    7.10
   (a)(3)    N.A.
   (a)(4)    N.A.
   (b)    7.08; 7.10
   (c)    N.A.

311

   (a)    7.11
   (b)    7.11
   (c)    N.A.

312

   (a)    2.06
   (b)    13.03
   (c)    13.03

313

   (a)    7.06
   (b)(1)    N.A.
   (b)(2)    7.06
   (c)    7.06
   (d)    4.02; 4.09

314

   (a)    4.02; 4.09
   (b)    N.A.
   (c)(1)    13.04
   (c)(2)    13.04
   (c)(3)    N.A.
   (d)    N.A.
   (e)    13.05
   (f)    4.10

315

   (a)    7.01
   (b)    7.05
   (c)    7.01
   (d)    7.01
   (e)    6.11

316

   (a)(last sentence)    13.06
   (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)    2.05

318

   (a)    13.01

N.A. Means Not Applicable.

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

 

-iv-


INDENTURE dated as of April 17, 2014 among CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation (each an “ Issuer ” and, collectively, the “ Issuers ”), the Subsidiary Guarantors party hereto from time to time, and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of (i) $675,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022 issued on the date hereof (the “ Initial Notes ”), and (ii) exchange notes issued in exchange for the Initial Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act (the “ Exchange Notes ”) and (iii) Additional Notes issued from time to time as either Initial Notes or Exchange Notes (together with the Initial Notes and any Exchange Notes, the “ Notes ”):

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

SECTION 1.01. Definitions .

Acquired Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person:

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

Additional Notes ” means Notes issued under the terms of this Indenture subsequent to the Issue Date.

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

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to any Note on any applicable redemption date, as determined by the Company, the greater of:

(1) 1% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Note; and

(2) the excess of:

(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the Note, at May 1, 2017 (such redemption price being set forth in Paragraph 5 of the Note) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Note through May 1, 2017 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date, or in the case of a satisfaction and discharge of


this Indenture or a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance under this Indenture, the Treasury Rate as of two Business Days prior to the date on which funds to pay the Notes are deposited with the Trustee, plus 50 basis points; over

(b) the then outstanding principal amount of the Note.

Asset Sale ” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of property or assets (including by way of a Sale/ Leaseback Transaction) outside the ordinary course of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (each referred to in this definition as a “ disposition ”) or

(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by applicable law) of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than to an Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions),

in each case other than:

(a) a disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete, damaged or worn out property or equipment in the ordinary course of business;

(b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a manner permitted pursuant to Section 5.01 or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control;

(c) any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 4.04;

(d) any disposition of assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, which assets or Equity Interests so disposed or issued have an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of less than $25.0 million;

(e) any disposition of property or assets, or the issuance of securities, by a Restricted Subsidiary or the Company to another Restricted Subsidiary or the Company;

(f) any exchange of assets (including a combination of assets and Cash Equivalents) for assets related to a Similar Business of comparable or greater market value or usefulness to the business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the Company;

(g) foreclosure or any similar action with respect to any property or other asset of the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(h) any sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i) the lease, license, easement, assignment, sublease or sublicense of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(j) any sale of inventory or other assets in the ordinary course of business;

(k) any sales, licenses, sublicenses, grants or other dispositions or abandonment of intellectual property in the ordinary course of business;

(l) in the ordinary course of business, any swap of assets, or lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property, in exchange for services (including in connection with any outsourcing arrangements) of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the Company;

(m) a transfer of accounts receivable and related assets of the type specified in the definition of “Receivables Financing” (or a fractional undivided interest therein) by a Receivables Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables Financing;

(n) any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including any Sale/Leaseback Transaction or asset securitization permitted by this Indenture;

(o) dispositions in connection with or constituting Permitted Liens;

(p) any disposition of Capital Stock of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement or other obligation with or to a Person (other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) from whom such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired or from whom such Restricted Subsidiary acquired its business and assets (having been newly formed in connection with such acquisition), made as part of such acquisition and in each case comprising all or a portion of the consideration in respect of such sale or acquisition;

(q) any disposition made pursuant to an Operations Management Agreement;

(r) the sale of any property in a Sale/Leaseback Transaction within six months of the acquisition of such property;

(s) dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements;

(t) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind;

(u) [reserved];

(v) any leases, subleases, easements or licenses with respect to any Real Property entered into by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary so long as such transaction, lease, sublease, easement or license would not reasonably be expected to materially interfere with, or materially impact or detract from, the operation of a Project;

(w) the (i) lease, sublease or license of any portion of a Project to persons who, either directly or through Affiliates of such persons, intend to operate or manage nightclubs, bars, restaurants, recreation, spa, pool, exercise or gym facilities, or entertainment or retail venues or similar or related establishments or facilities within a Project and (ii) the grant of declarations of covenants, conditions and

 

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restrictions and/ or easements with respect to common area spaces and similar instruments benefiting such tenants of such lease and subleases generally and/or entered into connection with a Project (collectively, the “ Venue Easements ”); provided that (A) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall be required to maintain control (which may be through required contractual standards) over the primary aesthetics and standards of service and quality of the business being operated or conducted in connection with any such leased, subleased or licensed space and (B) no Venue Easements or operations conducted pursuant thereto would reasonably be expected to materially interfere with, or materially impair or detract from, the operation of a Project;

(x) the dedication of space or other dispositions of property in connection with and in furtherance of constructing structures or improvements reasonably related to the development, construction and operation of a Project; provided , that in each case such dedication or other disposition is in furtherance of, and does not materially impair or interfere with the use or operations (or intended use or operations) of, a Project; and

(y) the granting of easements, rights of way, rights of access and/or similar rights to any governmental authority, utility providers, cable or other communication providers and/or other parties providing services or benefits to a Project, the Real Property held by the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or the public at large that would not reasonably be expected to interfere in any material respect with the construction, development or operation of a Project.

Bank Indebtedness ” means any and all amounts payable under or in respect of the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Agreement Documents as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced, restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time (including after termination of the Credit Agreement), including principal, premium (if any), interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings), fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and all other amounts payable thereunder or in respect thereof.

Bankruptcy Code ” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors or managers, as applicable, of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company (or, if such Person is a partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of such Person) or any duly authorized committee thereof.

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City or the place of payment.

CAC ” means Caesars Acquisition Company.

Caesars Entertainment ” means Caesars Entertainment Corporation.

Capital Stock ” means:

(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock or shares;

(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

 

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(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Software Expenditures ” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of licensed or purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and such Restricted Subsidiaries.

Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1) U.S. dollars, pounds sterling, euros, the national currency of any member state in the European Union or, in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary, such local currencies held by it from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

(2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any country that is a member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case maturing not more than two years from the date of acquisition;

(3) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $250.0 million and whose long-term debt is rated “A” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency);

(4) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;

(5) commercial paper issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company) rated at least “A1” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) and in each case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;

(6) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision thereof having one of the two highest rating categories obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

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(7) Indebtedness issued by Persons (other than the Sponsors or any of their Affiliates) with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A-2” or higher from Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

(8) investment funds investing at least 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above;

(9) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000.0 million;

(10) time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and money market deposits in an aggregate face amount not in excess of 0.5% of the total assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries, on a combined or consolidated basis, as of the end of the Company’s most recently completed fiscal year; and

(11) instruments equivalent to those referred to in clauses (1) through (10) above denominated in any foreign currency comparable in credit quality and tenor to those referred to above and commonly used by corporations for cash management purposes in any jurisdiction outside the United States to the extent reasonably required in connection with any business conducted by any Subsidiary organized in such jurisdiction.

CEOC ” means Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc.

CERP ” means Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties, LLC.

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of either of the following:

(1) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to a Person other than any of the Permitted Holders; or

(2) the Company becomes aware (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) of the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than any of the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation, amalgamation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of (prior to a Holdco Qualified Public Offering) the Company or (upon or after a Holdco Qualified Public Offering) the Holdco Issuer.

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

Collateral ” means all property subject or purported to be subject, from time to time, to a Lien under any Security Documents.

 

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Collateral Agent ” means U.S. Bank National Association in its capacity as “Collateral Agent” under this Indenture and under the Security Documents and any successor thereto in such capacity.

Collateral Agreement ” means the collateral agreement to be entered into upon the expiration of the Escrow Period pursuant to Section 4.11(a) hereof among the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms and this Indenture.

Conditions Precedent Date ” means August 31, 2014.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means, with respect to the Company for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets, deferred financing fees and Capitalized Software Expenditures and amortization of unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses related to pensions and other post-employment benefits, of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

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

(1) consolidated interest expense of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income (including amortization of original issue discount, the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations and excluding additional interest in respect of the Notes, amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and expensing of any bridge, commitment or other financing fees); plus

(2) consolidated capitalized interest of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; plus

(3) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges Incurred in connection with any Receivables Financing which are payable to Persons other than the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries; minus

(4) interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to the Company, at any date the ratio of (i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness (other than Qualified Non-Recourse Debt) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) less the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents in excess of any Restricted Cash held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of determination to (ii) EBITDA of the Company for the four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred. In the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to

 

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the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is made (the “ Consolidated Leverage Calculation Date ”), then the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided that the Company may elect pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred at such time, in which case 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.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations (including the Transactions) and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, and any operational changes that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has determined to make and/or made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Consolidated Leverage Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations (including the Transactions), discontinued operations and other operational changes (and the change of any associated Indebtedness and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, discontinued operation or operational change, in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, discontinued operation, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or operational change had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, with respect to each New Project that commences operations and records not less than one full fiscal quarter’s operations during the four-quarter reference period, the operating results of such New Project will be annualized on a straight-line basis during such period. If since the beginning of such period any Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, then the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any event, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Company as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect (1) operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from the applicable event (including, to the extent applicable, from the Transactions) and (2) all adjustments of the nature used in connection with the calculation of “Estimated Range of Projected Run-Rate Adjusted EBITDA (incl. development project)—Pro Forma” as set forth in footnote (4) to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information and Other Financial Data” under “Summary” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.

 

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Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to the Company for any period, the aggregate of the consolidated Net Income of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis; provided, however, that:

(1) any net after-tax extraordinary, nonrecurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or income, expenses or charges, including any severance expenses, relocation expenses or other restructuring expenses, expenses or charges related to curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans, any expenses related to any reconstruction, decommissioning, recommissioning or reconfiguration of fixed assets for alternate uses and fees, expenses or charges relating to facilities closing costs, excess pension charges, acquisition integration costs, facilities opening costs, project start-up costs, business optimization costs, signing, retention or completion bonuses, expenses or charges related to any issuance of Equity Interests or debt securities, Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or issuance, repayment, refinancing, amendment or modification of Indebtedness (in each case, whether or not successful), and any fees, expenses, charges or change in control payments related to the Transactions (including any costs relating to auditing prior periods, transition-related expenses, and expenses related to the Transactions incurred before, on or after the Issue Date), in each case, shall be excluded;

(2) effects of purchase accounting adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Company and such Restricted Subsidiaries) in amounts required or permitted by GAAP, including those resulting from the application of purchase accounting, including those in relation to the Transactions or any consummated acquisition, or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded;

(3) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period;

(4) any net after-tax income or loss from disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations shall be excluded;

(5) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by management of the Company) shall be excluded;

(6) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of indebtedness, Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments shall be excluded;

(7) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Company, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof (other than a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary of the Company) in respect of such period;

(8) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (A) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit,” the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by

 

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such Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions have been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or converted into cash) by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person, to the extent not already included therein;

(9) an amount equal to the amount of Tax Distributions actually made to any parent or equity holder of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with Section 4.04(b)(xii) shall be included as though such amounts had been paid as income taxes directly by such Person for such period;

(10) any impairment charges or asset write-offs, in each case pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles adjustments arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;

(11) any non-cash charge or expense realized or resulting from stock option plans, employee benefit plans or post-employment benefit plans, or grants or sales of stock, stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, preferred stock or other rights shall be excluded;

(12) any (a) one-time non-cash compensation charges, (b) costs and expenses after the Issue Date related to employment of terminated employees, or (c) costs or expenses realized in connection with or resulting from stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options or other rights existing on the Issue Date of officers, directors and employees, in each case of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall be excluded;

(13) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Issue Date and that are so required to be established or adjusted in accordance with GAAP or as a result of adoption or modification of accounting policies shall be excluded;

(14) solely for purposes of calculating EBITDA, (a) the Net Income of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be calculated without deducting the income attributable to, or adding the losses attributable to, the minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary except to the extent of dividends declared or paid in respect of such period or any prior period on the shares of Capital Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary held by such third parties and (b) any ordinary course dividend, distribution or other payment paid in cash and received from any Person in excess of amounts included in clause (7) above shall be included;

(15) (a)(i) the non-cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense shall be excluded and (ii) the cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense which exceeds the amount expensed in respect of such rent expense shall be included and (b) non-cash gains, losses, income and expenses resulting from fair value accounting required by the applicable standard under GAAP and related interpretations shall be excluded;

(16) any currency translation gains and losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness, and any net loss or gain resulting from hedging transactions for currency exchange risk, shall be excluded;

 

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(17) (a) to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Company has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that such amount is (i) not denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days and (ii) in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within 365 days), expenses with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be excluded and (b) amounts estimated in good faith to be received from insurance in respect of lost revenues or earnings in respect of liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be included (with a deduction for amounts actually received up to such estimated amount to the extent included in Net Income in a future period); and

(18) non-cash charges for deferred tax asset valuation allowances shall be excluded.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.04 only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets from Unrestricted Subsidiaries or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such dividends, repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such Section pursuant to clauses (D) and (E) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit.”

Consolidated Non-cash Charges ” means, with respect to the Company for any period, the non-cash expenses (other than Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP, provided that if any such non-cash expenses represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA in such future period to the extent paid, but excluding from this proviso, for the avoidance of doubt, amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period.

Consolidated Taxes ” means, with respect to the Company for any period, the provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise, property and similar taxes, foreign withholding taxes (including penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from tax examinations) and any Tax Distributions taken into account in calculating Consolidated Net Income.

Consolidated Total Indebtedness ” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum (without duplication) of (1) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding any undrawn letters of credit or bank guarantees) consisting of Capitalized Lease Obligations and Indebtedness for borrowed money, plus (2) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries and all Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries, with the amount of such Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Contingent Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“ primary obligations ”) of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

 

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(2) to advance or supply funds:

(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or

(b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Credit Agreement ” means (i) the credit agreement to be entered into in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, among the Company, the financial institutions named therein, and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and the other parties named therein, as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise), restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement or indenture extending the maturity thereof, refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof and (ii) whether or not the credit agreement referred to in clause (i) remains outstanding, if designated by the Company to be included in the definition of “Credit Agreement,” one or more (A) debt facilities or commercial paper facilities, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, (B) debt securities, indentures or other forms of debt financing (including convertible or exchangeable debt instruments or bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances), or (C) instruments or agreements evidencing any other Indebtedness, in each case, with the same or different borrowers or issuers and, in each case, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, refinanced, restated, replaced or refunded in whole or in part from time to time.

Credit Agreement Documents ” means the collective reference to any Credit Agreement, any notes issued pursuant thereto and the guarantees thereof, and the collateral documents relating thereto, as amended, supplemented, restated, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, repaid, refinanced or otherwise modified, in whole or in part, from time to time.

Cross-License Agreement ” means the Omnibus License and Enterprise Services Agreement to be entered into by CEOC, CERP, the Company, Services, LLC, Caesars License Company, LLC and Caesars World, Inc. and certain of their subsidiaries upon the implementation of Services, LLC.

Cumulative Credit ” means the sum of (without duplication):

(A) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period), from the first day of the fiscal quarter in which the Issue Date occurs to the end of the Company’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), plus

(B) 100% of the aggregate net proceeds, including cash and the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of property other than cash, received by the Company after the Issue Date (other than net proceeds to the extent such net proceeds have been

 

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used to Incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xiii)) from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company (excluding Refunding Capital Stock, Designated Preferred Stock, Excluded Contributions, Management Fee Contributions and Disqualified Stock), including Equity Interests issued upon exercise of warrants or options (other than an issuance or sale to a Restricted Subsidiary), plus

(C) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the capital of the Company received in cash and the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of property other than cash after the Issue Date (other than Excluded Contributions, Refunding Capital Stock, Designated Preferred Stock and Disqualified Stock and other than contributions to the extent such contributions have been used to Incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xiii)), plus

(D) 100% of the principal amount of any Indebtedness or the liquidation preference or maximum fixed repurchase price, as the case may be, of any Disqualified Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary issued after the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock issued to a Restricted Subsidiary) which has been converted into or exchanged for Equity Interests in the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or any direct or indirect parent of the Company ( provided in the case of any parent, such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock is retired or extinguished), plus

(E) 100% of the aggregate amount received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash and the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of property other than cash received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date from:

(I) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries and from repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries by any Person (other than the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) and from repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constituted Restricted Investments (other than in each case to the extent that the Restricted Investment was made pursuant to Section 4.04(b)(vii)),

(II) the sale (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or

(III) a distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, plus

(F) in the event any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of the Investment of the Company in such Unrestricted Subsidiary (which, if the Fair Market Value of such investment shall exceed $50.0 million, shall be determined by the Board of Directors) at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable) (other than in each case to the extent that the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary was made pursuant to Section 4.04(b)(vii) or constituted a Permitted Investment).

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

 

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Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of non-cash consideration received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Designated Preferred Stock ” means Preferred Stock of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock), that is issued for cash (other than to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, on the issuance date thereof.

Destruction ” means any damage to, loss or destruction of all or any portion of the Collateral.

Discharge of Senior Lender Claims ” means, except to the extent otherwise provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, payment in full in cash (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made) of (a) all Obligations in respect of all outstanding First Priority Lien Obligations and, with respect to letters of credit or letter of credit guaranties outstanding thereunder, delivery of cash collateral or backstop letters of credit in respect thereof in compliance with the Credit Agreement, in each case after or concurrently with the termination of all commitments to extend credit thereunder and (b) any other First Priority Lien Obligations that are due and payable or otherwise accrued and owing at or prior to the time such principal and interest are paid; provided that the Discharge of Senior Lender Claims shall not be deemed to have occurred if such payments are made with the proceeds of other First Priority Lien Obligations that constitute an exchange or replacement for or a refinancing of such Obligations or First Priority Lien Obligations. In the event the First Priority Lien Obligations are modified and the Obligations are paid over time or otherwise modified pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, the First Priority Lien Obligations shall be deemed to be discharged when the final payment is made, in the manner provided for in the applicable plan of reorganization, in respect of such indebtedness and any obligations pursuant to such new indebtedness shall have been satisfied.

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is redeemable or exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event:

(1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale),

(2) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of such Person, or

(3) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale),

in each case prior to 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that only the portion of Capital Stock which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided, further, however , that if such Capital Stock is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute

 

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Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by such Person in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability; provided, further, that any class of Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.

Domestic Subsidiary ” means a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

EBITDA ” means, with respect to the Company for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period plus, without duplication, to the extent the same was deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income:

(1) Consolidated Taxes; plus

(2) Fixed Charges; plus

(3) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense; plus

(4) Consolidated Non-cash Charges; plus

(5) any expenses or charges (other than Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense) related to any issuance of Equity Interests, Investment, acquisition, New Project, disposition, recapitalization or the Incurrence, modification or repayment of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred by this Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the Transactions, the offering of the Notes and the Bank Indebtedness, (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Notes or other Indebtedness, (iii) any additional interest in respect of the Notes and (iv) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Qualified Receivables Financing; plus

(6) business optimization expenses and other restructuring charges, reserves or expenses (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include, without limitation, the effect of inventory optimization programs, facility closure, facility consolidations, retention, severance, systems establishment costs, contract termination costs, future lease commitments and excess pension charges) and, in each case, expected to be achieved, completed or realized within 24 months, in the good faith determination of the Company; plus

(7) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting, transaction and advisory fees and related expenses paid (or any accruals relating to such fees and related expenses) during such period to the extent otherwise permitted by Section 4.07; plus

(8) the amount of loss on sale of receivables and related assets to a Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Receivables Financing; plus

(9) any costs or expense Incurred pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation of the Cumulative Credit; plus

 

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(10) Pre-Opening Expenses; less , without duplication,

(11) non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding the recognition of deferred revenue or any items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and any items for which cash was received in a prior period).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture and subject to adjustments permitted in this Indenture with respect to acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions occurring following the Issue Date and/or on a “pro forma” basis, for purposes of determining EBITDA under this Indenture, EBITDA of The Quad in respect of each fiscal quarter until (and including) the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2015 will be deemed to be equal to the greater of (i) $17.0 million for such fiscal quarter and (ii) actual EBITDA of The Quad for such fiscal quarter.

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

Equity Offering ” means any public or private sale after the Issue Date of common stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, as applicable (other than Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to the Company’s or such direct or indirect parent’s common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8;

(2) issuances to the Company or its Subsidiaries; and

(3) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.

Escrow Account ” means a segregated account, under the sole control of the Trustee, that includes only cash and Cash Equivalents, the proceeds thereof and interest earned thereon, free from all Liens other than the Lien in favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes.

Escrow Agreement ” means the Escrow Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014, among U.S. Bank National Association, as escrow agent and securities intermediary, the Trustee and the Issuers.

Escrow Conditions ” means the following conditions: (a) the acquisition described in the Offering Memorandum under the heading “Summary—Recent Developments—The Transactions” has been consummated in accordance with the terms described thereunder; (b) borrowings (or release of escrow) under the term loan portion of the Credit Agreement have been made; (c) the contribution described in the Offering Memorandum under the heading “Summary—Recent Developments—The Transactions” has been consummated in accordance with the terms described thereunder; and (d) all regulatory approvals required for the consummation of the Transactions (other than in respect of Services, LLC) have been obtained.

Escrow Period ” means that period beginning on the Issue Date and ending on the date on which the funds held in the Escrow Account are released upon satisfaction of all conditions precedent to such release, as set forth in the Escrow Agreement.

Escrow Redemption Date ” means a day selected by the Issuers that is not more than five (5) Business Days following the Conditions Precedent Date.

 

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Escrow Redemption Price ” means an amount of cash equal to $675,000,000, plus interest accrued and unpaid on such amount from the Issue Date to, but excluding, the Escrow Redemption Date, calculated using a rate of 9.375% per annum.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement ” means the registration statement filed with the SEC in connection with the Registered Exchange Offer.

Excluded Assets ” means the property and other assets of the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors that is excluded from the grant of security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself, the Trustee and the holders, pursuant to the Security Documents.

Excluded Contributions ” means the Cash Equivalents or other assets (valued at their Fair Market Value as determined in good faith by senior management or the Board of Directors) received by the Company after the Issue Date from:

(1) contributions to its common equity capital, and

(2) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or to any Subsidiary management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of the Company,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by an Officer of the Company.

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length 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.

First Lien Agent ” has the meaning given to such term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

First Priority After-Acquired Property ” means any property of any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor that secures any First Priority Lien Obligations that is not already subject to the Lien under the Security Documents, other than any Excluded Assets.

First Priority Lien Obligations ” means (i) all Secured Bank Indebtedness and (ii) all other Obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of Hedging Obligations or Obligations in respect of cash management services in each case owing to a Person that is a holder of Secured Bank Indebtedness or an Affiliate of such holder at the time of entry into such Hedging Obligations or Obligations in respect of cash management services.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to the Company for any period, the ratio of EBITDA of the Company for such period to the Fixed Charges (other than Fixed Charges in respect of Qualified Non-Recourse Debt) of the Company for such period. In the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness (other than in the case of revolving credit borrowings or revolving advances under any Qualified Receivables Financing, in which case interest expense shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period) or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock

 

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subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Calculation Date ”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations (including the Transactions) and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, and any operational changes that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has determined to make and/or made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations (including the Transactions), discontinued operations and operational changes (and the change of any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, discontinued operation or operational change, in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, discontinued operation, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or operational change had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, with respect to each New Project that commences operations and records not less than one full fiscal quarter’s operations during the four-quarter reference period, the operating results of such New Project will be annualized on a straight line basis during such period. If since the beginning of such period any Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any event, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Company as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect (1) operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from the applicable event (including, to the extent applicable, from the Transactions) and (2) all adjustments of the nature used in connection with the calculation of “Estimated Range of Projected Run-Rate Adjusted EBITDA (incl. development project)—Pro Forma” as set forth in footnote (4) to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information and Other Financial Data” under “Summary” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period.

If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term in excess of 12 months). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation

 

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referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate.

For purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.

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

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of the Company for such period, and

(2) all cash dividend payments (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means a Restricted Subsidiary not organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state or territory thereof or the District of Columbia and any direct or indirect subsidiary of such Restricted Subsidiary.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect on the Issue Date. For the purposes of this Indenture, the term “ consolidated ” with respect to any Person shall mean such Person consolidated with its Restricted Subsidiaries and shall not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary, but the interest of such Person in an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be accounted for as an Investment.

Gaming Authorities ” means, in any jurisdiction in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries manages or conducts any casino, gaming business or activities, the applicable gaming board, commission, or other governmental gaming regulatory body or agency which (a) has, or may at any time after issuance of the Notes have, jurisdiction over the gaming activities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any successor to such authority or (b) is, or may at any time after the issuance of the Notes be, responsible for interpreting, administering and enforcing the Gaming Laws.

Gaming Laws ” means all applicable constitutions, treaties, laws, rules, agreements, regulations and orders and statutes pursuant to which any Gaming Authority possesses regulatory, licensing or permit authority over gaming, gambling or casino activities, and all rules, rulings, orders, ordinances, regulations of any Gaming Authority applicable to the gambling, casino or gaming businesses or activities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in any jurisdiction, as in effect from time to time, including the policies, interpretations and administration thereof by the Gaming Authorities.

Growth Partners ” means Caesars Growth Partners, LLC.

guarantee ” means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

 

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Guarantor ” means any Person that guarantees the Notes; provided that upon the release or discharge of such Person from its obligation to guarantee the Notes in accordance with this Indenture, such Person ceases to be a Guarantor.

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under:

(1) currency exchange, interest rate or commodity swap agreements, currency exchange, interest rate or commodity cap agreements and currency exchange, interest rate or commodity collar agreements; and

(2) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency exchange, interest rates or commodity prices.

Holdco Issuer ” means the issuer in any Holdco Qualified Public Offering.

Holdco Qualified Public Offering ” means any Qualified Public Offering in which a direct or indirect parent of the Company is the issuer.

holder ” or “ noteholder ” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

Incur ” means issue, assume, guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, amalgamation, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) the principal and premium (if any) of any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), (c) representing the deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property (except any such balance that constitutes (i) trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor Incurred in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (iii) liabilities accrued in the ordinary course of business), which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of placing the property in service or taking delivery and title thereto, (d) in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations, or (e) representing any net payments that such Person would have to make in the event of an early termination, on the date Indebtedness of such Person is being determined, in respect of outstanding Hedging Obligations, if and to the extent that any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;

(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, the obligations referred to in clause (1) of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and

 

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(3) to the extent not otherwise included, Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person); provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of: (a) the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of such asset at such date of determination, and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;

provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (1) Contingent Obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business and not in respect of borrowed money; (2) trade and other ordinary course payables, accrued expenses and intercompany liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business; (3) deferred or prepaid revenues; (4) purchase price holdbacks in respect of a portion of the purchase price of an asset to satisfy warranty or other unperformed obligations of the respective seller; or (5) Obligations under or in respect of Qualified Receivables Financing.

Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, Indebtedness shall not include, and shall be calculated without giving effect to, the effects of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose under this Indenture as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness; and any such amounts that would have constituted Indebtedness under this Indenture but for the application of this sentence shall not be deemed an Incurrence of Indebtedness under this Indenture.

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

Independent Financial Advisor ” means an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm or consultant, in each case of nationally recognized standing, that is, in the good faith determination of the Company, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

Intercreditor Agreement ” means (i) the intercreditor agreement to be entered into upon the expiration of the Escrow Period pursuant to Section 4.11(a) among Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit Agreement Documents, the Collateral Agent, the Issuers and each Subsidiary Guarantor, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Indenture and (ii) any other intercreditor agreement that is not materially less favorable to the holders of the Notes than the intercreditor agreement referred to in clause (i).

Interest Payment Date ” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit A and Exhibit B hereto.

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities ” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents),

 

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(2) securities that have a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or equivalent) by S&P, but excluding any debt securities or loans or advances between and among the Company and its Subsidiaries,

(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment and/or distribution, and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments and in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition.

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of the Company in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 4.04:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary equal to an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

Issue Date ” means April 17, 2014.

Junior Lien Obligations ” means Obligations with respect to other Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture, which is by its terms intended to be secured on a basis junior to the Liens securing the Notes; provided such Lien is permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or similar encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest

 

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in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction); provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

Management Group ” means the group consisting of the directors, executive officers and other management personnel of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, as the case may be, on the Issue Date together with (1) any new directors whose election by such boards of directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, as applicable, was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, as applicable, then still in office who were either directors on the Issue Date or whose election or nomination was previously so approved and (2) executive officers and other management personnel of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or Caesars Entertainment, as applicable, hired at a time when the directors on the Issue Date together with the directors so approved constituted a majority of the directors of the Company, any direct or indirect parent of the Company or Caesars Entertainment, as applicable.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

Mortgaged Properties ” means the Real Property owned or leased by any Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor encumbered by a Mortgage to secure the Notes Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, the Mortgaged Properties securing the Notes Obligations shall be the same as the Mortgaged Properties securing the First Priority Lien Obligations.

Mortgages ” means, collectively, the mortgages, trust deeds, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt, assignments of leases and rents, and other security documents delivered with respect to Mortgaged Properties, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Insurance Proceeds ” means the insurance proceeds (excluding liability insurance proceeds payable to the Trustee for any loss, liability or expense incurred by it and excluding the proceeds of business interruption insurance) or condemnation awards actually received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the Destruction or Taking of all or any portion of the Collateral, net of:

(1) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and fees relating to such Taking or Destruction (including, without limitation, expenses of attorneys and insurance adjusters); and

(2) repayment of Indebtedness that is secured by the property or assets that are the subject of such Taking or Destruction; provided that, in the case of any Destruction or Taking involving Collateral, the Lien securing such Indebtedness constitutes a Lien permitted by this Indenture to be senior to the Second Priority Liens.

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received in respect of or upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale and any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding the assumption by the acquiring person of Indebtedness relating to the disposed assets or other consideration received in any other non-cash form), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such

 

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Designated Non-cash Consideration (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions), and any relocation expenses Incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements related thereto), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium (if any) and interest on Indebtedness required (other than pursuant to Section 4.06(b)(i)) to be paid as a result of such transaction, and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Company after such sale or other disposition thereof, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

New Project ” means each capital project which is either a new project or a new feature of an existing project owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary which receives a certificate of completion or occupancy and all relevant licenses, and in fact commences operations.

Note Guarantee ” means any guarantee of the obligations of the Issuers under this Indenture and the Notes by any Person in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

Notes Obligations ” means Obligations in respect of the Notes, this Indenture and the Security Documents, including, for the avoidance of doubt, Obligations in respect of Exchange Notes and guarantees thereof (including all interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding).

Obligations ” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness (including interest, fees and other amounts accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding); provided that Obligations with respect to the Notes shall not include fees or indemnifications in favor of the Trustee and other third parties other than the holders of the Notes.

Offering Memorandum ” means the confidential offering memorandum, dated April 14, 2014, relating to the issuance of the Initial Notes.

Officer ” means the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company.

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by an Officer of the Company, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Company, which meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Operations Management Agreement ” means (i) each of the real estate management agreements, shared services agreements and any other operating management agreement entered into by the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries with Caesars Entertainment or with any other direct or indirect Subsidiary or Affiliate of Caesars Entertainment, (ii) the limited liability company agreement of Services, LLC, (iii) the Cross-License Agreement, (iv) the management agreements entered into by each Restricted Subsidiary and CEOC and/or its subsidiaries or Services, LLC, and (v), in each case, any and

 

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all modifications thereto, substitutions therefor and replacements thereof so long as such modifications, substitutions and replacements are not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the terms of such agreements as in effect on the Issue Date, as determined by the Company in good faith.

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 Second-Lien Obligations ” means other Indebtedness of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries that is equally and ratably secured with the Notes as permitted by this Indenture and is designated by the Company as an Other Second-Lien Obligation; provided that an authorized representative of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have executed a joinder to the Security Documents.

Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means:

(1) with respect to the Issuers, the Notes and any Indebtedness which ranks pari passu in right of payment to the Notes; and

(2) with respect to any Subsidiary Guarantor, its obligations in respect of the Notes and any Indebtedness which ranks pari passu in right of payment to such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations in respect of the Notes.

Permitted Encumbrances ” means those exceptions specified in the title policies delivered in respect of the Mortgaged Properties.

Permitted Holders ” means, at any time, each of (i) the Sponsors, (ii) the Management Group, (iii) Caesars Entertainment, (iv) CAC, (v) Growth Partners, (vi) any Person that has no material assets other than the Capital Stock of the Company or other Permitted Holders and, directly or indirectly, holds or acquires 100% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company, and of which no other Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), other than any of the other Permitted Holders, holds more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock thereof and (vii) any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) the members of which include any of the Permitted Holders specified in clauses (i) through (vi) above and that, directly or indirectly, hold or acquire beneficial ownership of the Voting Stock of the Company (a “ Permitted Holder Group ”), so long as (1) each member of the Permitted Holder Group has voting rights proportional to the percentage of ownership interests held or acquired by such member and (2) no Person or other “ group ” (other than Permitted Holders specified in clauses (i) through (vi) above) beneficially owns more than 50% on a fully diluted basis of the Voting Stock held by the Permitted Holder Group. Any Person or group whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control in respect of which a Change of Control Offer is made in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture will thereafter, together with its Affiliates, constitute an additional Permitted Holder.

Permitted Investments ” means:

(1) any Investment in the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

 

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(3) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, or (b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(4) any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting Cash Equivalents and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.06 or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(5) any Investment existing on, or made pursuant to binding commitments existing on, the Issue Date or an Investment consisting of any extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on the Issue Date; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased (x) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the Issue Date or (y) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(6) advances to employees, taken together with all other advances made pursuant to this clause (6), not to exceed $10.0 million at any one time outstanding;

(7) any Investment acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary, or (b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(8) Hedging Obligations permitted under Section 4.03(b)(x);

(9) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Similar Business having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company), taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (9) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $100.0 million and (y) 4.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (9) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (9) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

(10) additional Investments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company), taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (10) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $100.0 million and (y) 4.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (10) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (10) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

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(11) loans and advances to officers, directors or employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or to fund such person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company;

(12) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, as applicable; provided, however, that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (C) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit”;

(13) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted by and made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.07(b) (except transactions described in clauses (ii), (vi), (vii), (xi), (xii)(b) and (xix) of such Section);

(14) Investments consisting of the licensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

(15) guarantees issued in accordance with Section 4.03 and Section 4.11, including, without limitation, any guarantee or other obligation issued or Incurred under the Credit Agreement in connection with any letter of credit issued for the account of Caesars Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries (including with respect to the issuance of, or payments in respect of drawings under, such letters of credit);

(16) Investments consisting of or to finance purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, materials, services or equipment or purchases of contract rights or licenses or sublicenses (including in respect of gaming licenses) or leases of intellectual property;

(17) any Investment in a Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment by a Receivables Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Receivables Financing, including Investments of funds held in accounts permitted or required by the arrangements governing such Qualified Receivables Financing or any related Indebtedness;

(18) any Investment in an entity or purchase of a business or assets in each case owned (or previously owned) by a customer of a Restricted Subsidiary as a condition or in connection with such customer (or any member of such customer’s group) contracting with a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(19) any Investment in an entity which is not a Restricted Subsidiary to which a Restricted Subsidiary sells accounts receivable pursuant to a Receivables Financing;

(20) additional Investments in joint ventures not to exceed at any one time in the aggregate outstanding under this clause (20), the greater of $100.0 million and 5.0% of Total Assets; provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (20) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (20) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

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(21) Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Issue Date or of an entity merged into, amalgamated with or consolidated with the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 5.01 after the Issue Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;

(22) any Investment in any Subsidiary of the Company or any joint venture in connection with intercompany cash management arrangements or related activities arising in the ordinary course of business; and

(23) Investments in joint ventures established to develop or operate nightclubs, bars, restaurants, recreation, exercise or gym facilities, or entertainment or retail venues or similar or related establishments or facilities within a Project not to exceed at any one time in the aggregate outstanding under this clause (23) the greater of $50.0 million and 1.0% of Total Assets, which Investments may be made pursuant to (or in lieu of) dispositions in the manner contemplated under clause (w) of the definition of “Asset Sale” or received in consideration for dispositions under clause (w) of the definition of “Asset Sale.”

Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) pledges or deposits by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review;

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet due or payable or subject to penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

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(6) (A) Liens on assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor securing Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03, (B) Liens securing First Priority Lien Obligations in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (x) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(i) and (y) the maximum principal amount of Indebtedness that, as of the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, and after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and the application of proceeds therefrom on such date on a pro forma basis, would not cause the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio of the Company to exceed 4.25 to 1.00; and (C) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (iv), (xii), (xvi) or (xxiii) of Section 4.03(b) ( provided that (1) in the case of clause (iv), such Lien extends only to the assets and/or Capital Stock, the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of which is financed thereby and any proceeds or products thereof, (2) in the case of clause (xxiii) such Lien extends only to the assets and/or Capital Stock, the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of which is financed thereby and any proceeds or products thereof and (3) in the case of clause (xvi), such Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to clause (xvi) shall only be permitted under this clause (C) if, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and Liens, the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio of the Company would be no greater than immediately prior to such Incurrence);

(7) Liens existing on the Issue Date after giving effect to the Transactions (other than Liens in favor of the lenders under the Credit Agreement);

(8) Liens on assets, property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (including any after acquired property to the extent it would have been subject to the original Lien); provided, however , that such Liens (other than Liens to secure Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xvi)) are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided, further, however, that such Liens (other than Liens to secure Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xvi)) may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than such Person becoming a Subsidiary and Subsidiaries of such Person);

(9) Liens on assets or property at the time the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the assets or property, including any acquisition by means of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens (other than Liens to secure Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xvi)) are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided, further, however, that the Liens (other than Liens to secure Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xvi)) may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than pursuant to after acquired property clauses in effect with respect to such Lien at the time of acquisition or property of the type that would have been subject to such Lien notwithstanding the occurrence of such acquisition);

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03;

(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations not Incurred in violation of this Indenture; provided that with respect to Hedging Obligations relating to Indebtedness, such Lien extends only to the property securing such Indebtedness;

 

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(12) Liens on 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;

(13) leases and subleases of real property which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(15) Liens in favor of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(16) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets of the type specified in the definition of “Receivables Financing” Incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Financing;

(17) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(18) Liens on the Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

(19) grants of software and other technology licenses in the ordinary course of business;

(20) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (15); provided, however, that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property (including any after acquired property to the extent it would have been subject to the original Lien) that secured the original Lien ( plus improvements on such property), and (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (15) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Indenture, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement; provided further , however , that in the case of any Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal of Indebtedness secured by a Lien referred to in clause (6)(B), the principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred for such refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal shall be deemed secured by a Lien under clause (6)(B) and not this clause (20) for purposes of determining the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under clause (6)(B), for purposes of Section 11.04(a)(1) and for purposes of the definition of Secured Bank Indebtedness;

(21) Liens on equipment of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary granted in the ordinary course of business to the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s client at which such equipment is located;

 

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(22) judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;

(23) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(24) Liens Incurred to secure cash management services or to implement cash pooling arrangements in the ordinary course of business;

(25) other Liens securing obligations, the outstanding principal amount of which does not, taken together with the principal amount of all other obligations secured by Liens Incurred under this clause (25) that are at that time outstanding, exceed the greater of $50.0 million and 2.0% of Total Assets;

(26) any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

(27) any amounts held by a trustee in the funds and accounts under an indenture securing any revenue bonds issued for the benefit of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(28) Liens arising by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depository or financial institution;

(29) Permitted Encumbrances, provided that the same do not (i) materially interfere with the development, construction or operation of a Project or (ii) materially adversely affect or result in a judgment of foreclosure on any part of the Mortgaged Properties;

(30) the Venue Easements and any other easements, covenants, rights of way or similar instruments granted in connection with the leases contemplated under clause (v) of the definition of “Asset Sale” or otherwise entered into in connection with the Transactions, which in each case do not materially impact a Project in an adverse manner;

(31) the filing of a reversion, subdivision or final map(s), record(s) of survey and/or amendments to any of the foregoing over Real Property held by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary designed (A) to merge one or more of the separate parcels thereof together so long as the entirety of each such parcel shall be owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, (B) to separate one or more of the parcels thereof together so long as the entirety of each resulting parcel shall be owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(32) from and after the lease or sublease of any interest pursuant to clause (v) or (w) of the definition of “Asset Sale” or otherwise entered into in connection with the Transactions, any reciprocal easement agreement entered into between the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary and the holder of such interest; and

(33) Liens that rank junior to the Liens securing the Notes and secure Junior Lien Obligations.

 

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Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock issuer, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock ” means any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

Pre-Opening Expenses ” means, with respect to any fiscal period, the amount of expenses (other than interest expense) Incurred with respect to capital projects that are classified as “pre-opening expenses” or “project opening costs” (or similar classification) on the applicable financial statements of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Project ” means each project of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary which is either a new project or a new feature of an existing project.

Qualified Non-Recourse Debt ” means Indebtedness that (1) is (a) Incurred by a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary to finance (whether prior to or within 270 days after) the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of any property (real or personal) or equipment (whether through the direct purchase of property or the Equity Interests of any person owning such property and whether in a single acquisition or a series of related acquisitions) or (b) assumed by a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary, (2) is non-recourse to the Issuers and any Subsidiary Guarantor and (3) is non-recourse to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary. In addition, the Indebtedness of Corner Investment Company LLC and its subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date shall constitute Qualified Non-Recourse Debt.

Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary ” means (1) a Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor and that is formed or created after the Issue Date in order to finance an acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of any property or equipment (directly or through one of its Subsidiaries) that secures Qualified Non-Recourse Debt and (2) any Restricted Subsidiary of a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary. In addition, Corner Investment Company LLC and its subsidiaries shall constitute Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiaries as of the Issue Date.

Qualified Public Offering ” means any underwritten public Equity Offering.

Qualified Receivables Financing ” means any Receivables Financing of a Receivables Subsidiary that meets the following conditions:

(1) the Board of Directors shall have determined in good faith that such Qualified Receivables Financing (including financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions) is in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Company and the Receivables Subsidiary;

(2) all sales of accounts receivable and related assets to the Receivables Subsidiary are made at Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company); and

(3) the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms (as determined in good faith by the Company) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings.

 

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The grant of a security interest in any accounts receivable of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) to secure Bank Indebtedness, Indebtedness in respect of the Notes or any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to the Notes shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Financing.

Rating Agency ” means (1) each of Moody’s and S&P and (2) if Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the Company’s control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Rule 15cs-1(c)(2)(vi)(F) under the Exchange Act selected by the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, as the case may be.

Real Property ” means, collectively, all right, title and interests (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned, leased or operated by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all buildings, structures, parking areas and improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.

Receivables Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interests issued or sold in connection with, and all other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Financing.

Receivables Financing ” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (a) a Receivables Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries); and (b) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary), or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable and any Hedging Obligations entered into by the Company or any such Subsidiary in connection with such accounts receivable.

Receivables Repurchase Obligation ” means any obligation of a seller of receivables in a Qualified Receivables Financing to repurchase receivables arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including as a result of a receivable or portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off-set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller.

Receivables Subsidiary ” means a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary (or another Person formed for the purposes of engaging in Qualified Receivables Financing with the Company in which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes an Investment and to which the Company or any such Subsidiary transfers accounts receivable and related assets) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of accounts receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries, all proceeds thereof and all rights (contractual or other), collateral and other assets relating thereto, and any business or activities incidental or related to such business, and which is designated by the Board of Directors (as provided below) as a Receivables Subsidiary and:

(a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company (excluding guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings;

 

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(b) with which neither the Company nor any other Subsidiary of the Company had any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms which the Company reasonably believes to be no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company; and

(c) to which none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results.

Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.

Record Date ” has the meaning specified in Exhibits A and B hereto.

Representative ” means the trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Indebtedness; provided that if, and for so long as, such Indebtedness lacks such a Representative, then the Representative for such Indebtedness shall at all times constitute the holder or holders of a majority in outstanding principal amount of obligations under such Indebtedness.

Responsible Officer ” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

Restricted Cash ” means cash and Cash Equivalents held by Restricted Subsidiaries that is contractually restricted from being distributed to the Company, except for (i) such cash and Cash Equivalents subject only to such restrictions that are contained in agreements governing Indebtedness permitted under this Indenture and that is secured by such cash or Cash Equivalents and (ii) cash and Cash Equivalents constituting “cage cash.”

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such Person. Unless otherwise indicated in this Indenture, all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include any Issuer that is a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

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Reversion Date ” means the date on which one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating.

Sale/Leaseback Transaction ” means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person, other than leases between the Company and a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Second Priority Lien Obligations ” means all Obligations in respect of the Notes and any Other Second-Lien Obligations.

Second Priority Liens ” means the Liens upon the expiration of the Escrow Period securing the Obligations of the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture and all present and future Liens securing Other Second-Lien Obligations.

Secured Bank Indebtedness ” means any Bank Indebtedness that is secured by a Permitted Lien Incurred or deemed Incurred pursuant to clause (6) of the definition of Permitted Liens, as designated by the Company to be included in this definition.

Secured Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien.

Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to the Company, at any date the ratio of (i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness (excluding Qualified Non-Recourse Debt) constituting First Priority Lien Obligations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) less the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents in excess of any Restricted Cash held by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of determination to (ii) EBITDA of the Company for the four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred. In the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio is made (the “ Secured Leverage Calculation Date ”), then the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided that the Company may elect pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred at such time, in which case 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.

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations (including the Transactions) and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, and any operational changes that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has determined to make and/or made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on

 

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or prior to or simultaneously with the Secured Leverage Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations (including the Transactions), discontinued operations and other operational changes (and the change of any associated Indebtedness and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, discontinued operation or operational change, in each case with respect to an operating unit of a business, that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, discontinued operation, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or operational change had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, with respect to each New Project that commences operations and records not less than one full fiscal quarter’s operations during the four-quarter reference period, the operating results of such New Project will be annualized on a straight line basis during such period. If since the beginning of such period any Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, then the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any event, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Company as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, to reflect (1) operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from the applicable event (including, to the extent applicable, from the Transactions) and (2) all adjustments of the nature used in connection with the calculation of “Estimated Range of Projected Run-Rate Adjusted EBITDA (incl. development project)—Pro Forma” as set forth in footnote (4) to the “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information and Other Financial Data” under “Summary” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Security Documents ” means the security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, Mortgages 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 Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the holders of the Notes as contemplated by this Indenture.

Services, LLC ” means Caesars Enterprise Services, LLC.

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” of the Company, taken as a whole, within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC (or any successor provision).

 

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Similar Business ” means a business, the majority of whose revenues are derived from the business or activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Issue Date or any business or activity that is reasonably similar or complementary thereto or a natural outgrowth or reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or incidental or ancillary thereto.

Sponsors ” means (i) Apollo Management, L.P. and any of its respective Affiliates other than any portfolio companies (collectively, the “ Apollo Sponsors ”), (ii) Texas Pacific Group and any of its respective Affiliates other than any portfolio companies (collectively, the “ Texas Pacific Sponsors ”), (iii) any individual who is a partner or employee of an Apollo Sponsor or a Texas Pacific Sponsor that is licensed by a relevant gaming authority on the Issue Date or thereafter replaces such licensee and (iv) any Person that forms a group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) with any Apollo Sponsors and/or Texas Pacific Sponsors; provided that the Apollo Sponsors and/or the Texas Pacific Sponsors (x) owns a majority of the voting power and (y) controls a majority of the Board of Directors.

Standard Securitization Undertakings ” means representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and guarantees of performance entered into by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, which the Company has determined in good faith to be customary in a Receivables Financing including, without limitation, those relating to the servicing of the assets of a Receivables Subsidiary, it being understood that any Receivables Repurchase Obligation shall be deemed to be a Standard Securitization Undertaking.

Stated Maturity ” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer unless such contingency has occurred).

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means (a) with respect to an Issuer, any Indebtedness of such Issuer which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and (b) with respect to any Subsidiary Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to obligations in respect of the Notes.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, and (2) any partnership, joint venture or limited liability company of which (x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise, and (y) such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” means any Subsidiary of the Company that guarantees the Notes, as provided in this Indenture or a supplemental indenture; provided that upon the release or discharge of such Subsidiary from its obligations to guarantee the Notes in accordance with this Indenture or supplemental indenture, such Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

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Suspension Period ” means the period of time between a Covenant Suspension Event and the related Reversion Date.

Taking ” means any taking of all or any portion of the Collateral by condemnation or other eminent domain proceedings, pursuant to any law, general or special, or by reason of the temporary requisition of the use or occupancy of all or any portion of the Collateral by any governmental authority, civil or military, or any sale pursuant to the exercise by any such governmental authority of any right which it may then have to purchase or designate a purchaser or to order a sale of all or any portion of the Collateral.

Tax Distributions ” means any distributions described in Section 4.04(b)(xii).

The Quad ” means 3535 LV NewCo, LLC.

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

Total Assets ” means the total consolidated assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Company, without giving effect to any amortization of the amount of intangible assets since the Issue Date, calculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any subsequent acquisition or disposition of a Person or business.

Transactions ” means the transactions described in the Offering Memorandum under “Summary—Recent Developments—The Transactions.”

Transfer Restricted Notes ” means, each and collectively, the Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes and the Transfer Restricted Global Notes.

Treasury Rate ” means, as of the applicable redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2017; provided, however, that if the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2017 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

Trust Officer ” means:

(1) any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject, and

(2) who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

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

 

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

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means:

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

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of the Company) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness 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, in each case at the time of such designation; provided, however, that the Subsidiary to be so designated and its Subsidiaries do not at the time of designation have and do not thereafter Incur any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, further, however , that either:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total consolidated assets of $1,000 or less; or

(b) if such Subsidiary has consolidated assets greater than $1,000, then such designation would be permitted under Section 4.04.

The Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation:

(x) (1) the Company could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a), or (2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation, in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation, and

(y) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Any such designation by the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

U.S. Government Obligations ” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

 

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which, in each case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligations or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligations held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligations or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligations evidenced by such depository receipt.

Voting Stock ” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment, by (2) the sum of all such payments.

Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary ” is any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary.

Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares required to be held by Foreign Subsidiaries) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

SECTION 1.02. Other Definitions .

 

Term

  

Defined in
Section

“Additional Interest”

   Appendix A

“Affiliate Transaction”

   4.07(a)

“Asset Sale Offer”

   4.06(b)

“Bankruptcy Law”

   6.01

“Change of Control Offer”

   4.08(b)

“Company”

   Preamble

“covenant defeasance option”

   8.01(b)

“Covenant Suspension Event”

   4.16

“Custodian”

   6.01

“Definitive Note”

   Appendix A

“Depository”

   Appendix A

“Disqualified Holder”

   2.15

“Event of Default”

   6.01

“Excess Proceeds”

   4.06(b)

“Exchange Notes”

   Preamble

“Global Notes”

   Appendix A

“Global Notes Legend”

   Appendix A

“Guaranteed Obligations”

   12.01(a)

“IAI”

   Appendix A

“Increased Amount”

   4.12(d)

 

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Term

  

Defined in
Section

“Initial Notes”

   Preamble

“Initial Purchasers”

   Appendix A

“Issuers”

   Preamble

“legal defeasance option”

   8.01(b)

“Management Fee Contribution”

   4.07(b)

“Notes”

   Preamble

“Notes Custodian”

   Appendix A

“Notice of Default”

   6.01

“Offer Period”

   4.06(d)

“Paying Agent”

   2.04(a)

“protected purchaser”

   2.08

“QIB”

   Appendix A

“Refinancing Indebtedness”

   4.03(b)

“Refunding Capital Stock”

   4.04(b)

“Registered Exchange Offer”

   Appendix A

“Registrar”

   2.04(a)

“Registration Rights Agreement”

   Appendix A

“Regulation S”

   Appendix A

“Regulation S Notes”

   Appendix A

“Restricted Notes Legend”

   Appendix A

“Restricted Payment”

   4.04(a)

“Restricted Period”

   Appendix A

“Retired Capital Stock”

   4.04(b)

“Reversion Date”

   4.16

“Rule 501”

   Appendix A

“Rule 144A”

   Appendix A

“Rule 144A Notes”

   Appendix A

“Second Commitment”

   4.06(b)

“Shelf Registration Statement”

   Appendix A

“Successor Issuer”

   5.01(a)

“Successor Entity”

   5.01(b)

“Suspended Covenants”

   4.16

“Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes”

   Appendix A

“Transfer Restricted Global Notes”

   Appendix A

“Unrestricted Definitive Notes”

   Appendix A

“Unrestricted Global Notes”

   Appendix A

“Venue Easements”

   1.01

SECTION 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act . Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated in and made part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms have the following meanings:

Commission ” means the SEC.

indenture securities ” means the Notes and any Note Guarantee.

indenture security holder ” means a holder.

 

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indenture to be qualified ” means this Indenture.

indenture trustee ” or “ institutional trustee ” means the Trustee.

obligor ” on the indenture securities means each Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantor and any other obligor on the Notes.

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

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

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

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

(c) “ or ” is not exclusive;

(d) “ including ” means including without limitation;

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

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

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

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

(i) unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP;

(j) “ $ ” and “ U.S. dollars ” each refer to United States dollars, or such other money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; and

(k) whenever in this Indenture or the Notes there is mentioned, in any context, principal, interest or any other amount payable under or with respect to any Notes, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Interest, to the extent that, in such context, Additional Interest is, were or would be payable in respect thereof.

 

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ARTICLE II

THE NOTES

SECTION 2.01. Amount of Notes . The aggregate principal amount of Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture on the Issue Date is $675,000,000.

The Issuers may from time to time after the Issue Date issue Additional Notes under this Indenture in an unlimited principal amount, so long as (i) the Incurrence of the Indebtedness represented by such Additional Notes is at such time permitted by Section 4.03 and (ii) such Additional Notes are issued in compliance with the other applicable provisions of this Indenture. With respect to any Additional Notes issued after the Issue Date (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes pursuant to Sections 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 3.06, 4.06(e), 4.08(c) or Appendix A), there shall be (a) established in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors and (b) (i) set forth or determined in the manner provided in an Officer’s Certificate or (ii) established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of such Additional Notes:

(1) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture;

(2) the issue price and issuance date of such Additional Notes, including the date from which interest on such Additional Notes shall accrue;

(3) if applicable, that such Additional Notes shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Notes and, in such case, the respective depositaries for such Global Notes, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by such Global Notes in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Exhibit A hereto and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Section 2.2 of Appendix A in which any such Global Note may be exchanged in whole or in part for Additional Notes registered, or any transfer of such Global Note in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the depositary for such Global Note or a nominee thereof; and

(4) if applicable, that such Additional Notes that are not Transfer Restricted Notes shall not be issued in the form of Initial Notes as set forth in Exhibit A , but shall be issued in the form of Exchange Notes as set forth in Exhibit B .

If any of the terms of any Additional Notes are established by action taken pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate or the indenture supplemental hereto setting forth the terms of the Additional Notes.

The Initial Notes, including any Additional Notes, may, at the Issuers’ option, be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase; provided that if the Additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP number, if applicable.

 

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SECTION 2.02. Form and Dating . Provisions relating to the Initial Notes and the Exchange Notes are set forth in Appendix A , which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The (i) Initial Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication and (ii) any Additional Notes (if issued as Transfer Restricted Notes) and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall each be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The (i) Exchange Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication and (ii) any Additional Notes issued other than as Transfer Restricted Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall each be substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor is subject, if any, or usage ( provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Issuer). Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without interest coupons and in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that Notes may be issued in denominations of less than $2,000 solely to accommodate book-entry positions that have been created by the Depository in denominations of less than $2,000.

SECTION 2.03. Execution and Authentication . The Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery upon a written order of the Issuers signed by one Officer (a) Initial Notes for original issue on the date hereof in an aggregate principal amount of $675,000,000, (b) subject to the terms of this Indenture, Additional Notes in an aggregate principal amount to be determined at the time of issuance and specified therein and (c) the Exchange Notes for issue in a Registered Exchange Offer pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement for a like principal amount of Notes exchanged pursuant thereto or otherwise pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. Such order shall specify the amount of separate Note certificates to be authenticated, the principal amount of each of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated, the registered holder of each of the Notes and delivery instructions and whether the Notes are to be Initial Notes or Exchange Notes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or Appendix A, any issuance of Additional Notes after the Issue Date shall be in a principal amount of at least $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.

One Officer shall sign the Notes for each Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.

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

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

The Trustee may appoint one or more authenticating agents reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to authenticate the Notes. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument signed by a Trust Officer, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Issuers. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

SECTION 2.04. R egistrar and Paying Agent .

(a) The Issuers shall maintain (i) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “ Registrar ”) and (ii) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (the “ Paying Agent ”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of

 

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their transfer and exchange. The Issuers may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “ Registrar ” includes any co-registrars. The term “ Paying Agent ” includes the Paying Agent and any additional paying agents. The Issuers initially appoint the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent and the Notes Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

(b) The Issuers may enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent 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 Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any such agent. If the Issuers fail 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. Any Issuer or any of their domestically organized Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

(c) The Issuers may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) if applicable, acceptance of an appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuers and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar or Paying Agent may resign at any time upon written notice to the Issuers and the Trustee; provided, however, that the Trustee may resign as Paying Agent or Registrar only if the Trustee also resigns as Trustee in accordance with Section 7.08.

SECTION 2.05. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust . Prior to each due date of the principal of and interest on any Note, the Issuers shall deposit with each Paying Agent (or if an Issuer or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto) a sum sufficient to pay such principal and interest when so becoming due. The Issuers shall require each Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that a Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of holders or the Trustee all money held by a Paying Agent for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes, and shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuers in making any such payment. If an Issuer or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto. The Issuers 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 such Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section, a Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.

SECTION 2.06. Holder 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 holders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuers shall furnish, or cause the Registrar to 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 holders.

SECTION 2.07. Transfer and Exchange . The Notes shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Note for registration of transfer and in compliance with Appendix A . When a Note is presented to the Registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested if its requirements therefor are met. When Notes are presented to the Registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met. To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Notes at the Registrar’s request. The Issuers may require payment of a sum

 

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sufficient to pay all taxes, assessments or other governmental charges in connection with any transfer or exchange pursuant to this Section. The Issuers shall not be required to make, and the Registrar need not register, transfers or exchanges of Notes selected for redemption (except, in the case of Notes to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed) or of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest, if any, on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

Any holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such beneficial interest, agree that transfers of beneficial interests in such Global Note may be effected only through a book-entry system maintained by (a) the holder of such Global Note (or its agent) or (b) any holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, and that ownership of a beneficial interest in such Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book entry.

All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

SECTION 2.08. Replacement Notes . If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Note if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code are met, such that the holder (a) satisfies the Issuers and the Trustee within a reasonable time after such holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Registrar does not register a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (b) makes such request to the Issuers and the Trustee prior to the Note being acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303 of the Uniform Commercial Code (a “ protected purchaser ”) and (c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Issuers and the Trustee. If required by the Trustee or the Issuers, such holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuers to protect the Issuers, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar from any loss or liability that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced and subsequently presented or claimed for payment. The Issuers and the Trustee may charge the holder for their expenses in replacing a Note (including without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements in replacing such Note). In the event any such mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuers in their discretion may pay such Note instead of issuing a new Note in replacement thereof.

Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Issuers.

The provisions of this Section 2.08 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Notes.

SECTION 2.09. Outstanding Notes . Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes 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. Subject to Section 13.06, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because one of the Issuers or an Affiliate of one of the Issuers holds the Note.

 

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If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08 (other than a mutilated Note surrendered for replacement), it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuers receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser. A mutilated Note ceases to be outstanding upon surrender of such Note and replacement thereof pursuant to Section 2.08.

If a 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 Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and no Paying Agent is prohibited from paying such money to the holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

SECTION 2.10. [ Intentionally Omitted .]

SECTION 2.11. Cancellation . The Issuers at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and each Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures. The Issuers may not issue new Notes to replace Notes they have redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Trustee shall not authenticate Notes in place of canceled Notes other than pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

SECTION 2.12. Defaulted Interest . If the Issuers default in a payment of interest on the Notes, the Issuers shall pay the defaulted interest then borne by the Notes ( plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) in any lawful manner. The Issuers may pay the defaulted interest to the Persons who are holders on a subsequent special record date. The Issuers 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 or cause to be mailed to each affected holder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.

SECTION 2.13. CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, Etc . The Issuers in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP numbers, ISINs and “ Common Code ” numbers (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 Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes and that any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuers shall advise the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP numbers, ISINs and “ Common Code ” numbers.

SECTION 2.14. Calculation of Principal Amount of Notes . The aggregate principal amount of the Notes, at any date of determination, shall be the principal amount of the Notes at such date of determination. With respect to any matter requiring consent, waiver, approval or other action of the holders of a specified percentage of the principal amount of all the Notes, such percentage shall be calculated, on the relevant date of determination, by dividing (a) the principal amount, as of such date of determination, of Notes, the holders of which have so consented, by (b) the aggregate principal amount, as of such date of determination, of the Notes then outstanding, in each case, as determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, Section 2.09 and Section 13.06 of this Indenture. Any such calculation made pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall be made by the Company and delivered to the Trustee pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate.

 

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SECTION 2.15. Mandatory Disposition Pursuant to Gaming Laws . Each person that holds or acquires beneficial ownership of any of the Notes shall be deemed to have agreed, by accepting such Notes, that if any Gaming Authority requires such person to be approved, licensed, qualified or found suitable under applicable Gaming Laws, such holder or beneficial owner, as the case may be, shall apply for a license, qualification or finding of suitability within the required time period.

If a person required to apply or become licensed or qualified or be found suitable fails to do so (a “ Disqualified Holder ”), the Issuers shall have the right, at their election, (1) to require such person to dispose of its Notes or beneficial interest therein within 30 days of receipt of notice of such election or such earlier date as may be required by such Gaming Authority or (2) to redeem such Notes at a redemption price that, unless otherwise directed by such Gaming Authority, shall be at a redemption price that is equal to the lesser of:

(a) such person’s cost, or

(b) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the earlier of (i) the redemption date or (ii) the date such person became a Disqualified Holder.

The Issuers shall notify the Trustee and applicable Gaming Authority in writing of any such redemption as soon as practicable. The Issuers shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses any such holder may Incur in connection with its application for a license, qualification or finding of suitability.

SECTION 2.16. Additional Interest . The Issuers shall notify the Trustee within five Business Days after each and every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Additional Interest is required to be paid.

ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION

SECTION 3.01. Redemption . The Notes may be redeemed, in whole, or from time to time in part, subject to the conditions and at the redemption prices set forth in Paragraph 5 of the forms of Note set forth in Exhibit A and B hereto, which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

SECTION 3.02. Applicability of Article . Redemption of Notes at the election of the Issuers or otherwise, as permitted or required by any provision of this Indenture, shall be made in accordance with such provision and this Article.

SECTION 3.03. Notices to Trustee . If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Paragraph 5 of the Note, they shall notify the Trustee in writing of (i) the Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price. The Issuers shall give notice to the Trustee provided for in this paragraph at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date if the redemption is pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the Note, unless a shorter period is acceptable to the Trustee. Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel from the Issuers to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein, as well as such notice required to be delivered under Section 3.05 below. If fewer than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the record date relating to such redemption shall be selected by the Issuers and given to the Trustee, which record date shall be not fewer than 15 days after the date of notice to the Trustee. Any such notice may be canceled at any time prior to notice of such redemption being mailed to any holder or otherwise delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depository and shall thereby be void and of no effect.

 

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SECTION 3.04. Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed . In the case of any partial redemption, selection of the Notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (and, in such manner that complies with the requirements of the Depository, if applicable); provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. The Trustee shall make the selection from outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Notes that have denominations larger than $2,000. Notes and portions of them the Trustee selects shall be in amounts of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption. The Trustee shall notify the Issuers promptly of the Notes or portions of Notes to be redeemed.

SECTION 3.05. Notice of Optional Redemption .

(a) At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the Note, the Issuers shall mail or cause to be mailed by first-class mail, or otherwise deliver in accordance with the procedures of the Depository, a notice of redemption to each holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address (with a copy to the Trustee), except that redemption notices may be mailed or otherwise delivered more than 60 days prior to the redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to Article VIII.

Any such notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state:

(i) the redemption date;

(ii) the redemption price and the amount of accrued interest to the redemption date;

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

(iv) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price, plus accrued interest;

(v) if fewer than all the outstanding Notes are to be redeemed, the certificate numbers and principal amounts of the particular Notes to be redeemed, the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be outstanding after such partial redemption;

(vi) that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment or the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, interest on Notes (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

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

 

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

(b) At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee shall deliver the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ name and at the Issuers’ expense. In such event, the Issuers shall provide the Trustee with the information required by this Section at least one Business Day prior to the date such notice is to be provided to holders in the final form such notice is to be delivered to holders and such notice may not be canceled.

SECTION 3.06. Effect of Notice of Redemption . Once notice of redemption is mailed or otherwise delivered in accordance with Section 3.05, Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice, except as provided in the final sentence of paragraph 5 of the Notes. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Notes shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice, plus accrued interest, to, but not including, the redemption date; provided, however, that if the redemption date is after a regular Record Date and on or prior to the next Interest Payment Date, the accrued interest shall be payable to the holder of the redeemed Notes registered on the relevant Record Date. 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 3.07. Deposit of Redemption Price . With respect to any Notes, prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the redemption date, the Issuers shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if an Issuer or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on all Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed on that date other than Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption that have been delivered by the Issuers to the Trustee for cancellation. On and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Issuers have deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the principal of, plus accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes to be redeemed, unless the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

SECTION 3.08. Notes Redeemed in Part . Upon surrender and cancellation of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate for the holder (at the Issuers’ expense) a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered and cancellation.

SECTION 3.09. Special Mandatory Redemption . In the event that upon the earlier of (x) the date on which the Company determines in its sole discretion that any of the Escrow Conditions cannot be satisfied and (y) the Conditions Precedent Date, the Release Request (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) remains undelivered or the Company determines in its sole discretion that any of the Escrow Conditions cannot be satisfied prior to the Conditions Precedent Date, the Issuers shall be required to redeem the Notes on the Escrow Redemption Date at the Escrow Redemption Price. If the Issuers are required to redeem the Notes pursuant to this Section 3.09, the Issuers shall cause the notice of special mandatory redemption to be delivered to the Trustee at least three Business Days prior to the Escrow Redemption Date and the Trustee shall deliver the notice of special mandatory redemption to each noteholder on the next Business Day after the Trustee’s receipt thereof. Any redemption made pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Indenture and the Escrow Agreement; provided , however , for the avoidance of doubt, the notice provisions of Sections 3.03 and 3.05 shall not apply to any special mandatory redemption effected pursuant to this Section 3.09.

 

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ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

SECTION 4.01. Payment of Notes . The Issuers shall promptly pay the principal of and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture. An installment of principal of or interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds as of 12:00 p.m. Eastern time money sufficient to pay all principal and interest then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

The Issuers shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate borne by the Notes to the extent lawful.

SECTION 4.02. Reports and Other Information .

(a) Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Company shall file with the SEC (and provide the Trustee and holders with copies thereof, without cost to each holder, within 15 days after it files them with the SEC),

(i) within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations for non-accelerated filers, annual reports on Form 10-K (or any successor or comparable form) containing the information required to be contained therein (or required in such successor or comparable form), except to the extent permitted to be excluded by the SEC;

(ii) within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations for non-accelerated filers, reports on Form 10-Q (or any successor or comparable form) containing the information required to be contained therein (or required in such successor or comparable form), except to the extent permitted to be excluded by the SEC;

(iii) promptly from time to time after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported (and in any event within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations), such other reports on Form 8-K (or any successor or comparable form), except to the extent permitted to be excluded by the SEC; and

(iv) any other information, documents and other reports which the Issuers would be required to file with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

provided, however, that (i) at any time prior to the filing of an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or a Shelf Registration Statement by the Company, the Issuers shall not be required to provide financial statements or other financial information regarding any individual Issuer and may instead provide financial statements and other financial information on a combined basis consistent with the presentation in the Offering Memorandum and (ii) the Company shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filing, in which event the Company will make available such information to prospective purchasers of Notes in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the holders, in each case within 20 days after the time the Company would be required to file such information with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, subject, in the case of any such information, certificates or reports provided prior to the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement, to exceptions consistent with the presentation of financial information in the Offering Memorandum.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to furnish any information, certificates or reports required by Items 307 or 308 of Regulation S-K prior to the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement.

(b) In the event that:

(i) the rules and regulations of the SEC permit the Company and any direct or indirect parent of the Company to report at such parent entity’s level on a consolidated basis and such parent entity is not engaged in any business in any material respect other than incidental to its ownership, directly or indirectly, of the capital stock of the Company, or

(ii) any direct or indirect parent of the Company is or becomes a Guarantor of the Notes,

consolidating reporting at the parent entity’s level in a manner consistent with that described in this Section 4.02 and furnishing financial information relating to such direct or indirect parent for the Company will satisfy this Section 4.02; provided that such financial information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such direct or indirect parent and any of its Subsidiaries other than the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

(c) The Company will make such information available to prospective investors upon request. In addition, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding during any period when the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or otherwise permitted to furnish the SEC with certain information pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company will furnish to the holders of the Notes and to prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will be deemed to have furnished such reports referred to above to the Trustee and the holders if the Company has filed such reports with the SEC via the EDGAR filing system and such reports are publicly available. In addition, the requirements of this Section 4.02 shall be deemed satisfied prior to the commencement of the exchange offer contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement relating to the Notes or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement by (1) the filing with the SEC of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and/or Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the provisions of such Registration Rights Agreement, and any amendments thereto, and such registration statement and/or amendments thereto are filed at times that otherwise satisfy the time requirements set forth in Section 4.02(a) and/or (2) the posting of reports that would be required to be provided to the Trustee and the holders on the Company’s website (or that of any of its parent companies).

SECTION 4.03. Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock .

(a) (i) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue any shares of Disqualified Stock; and (ii) the Company shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Subsidiary Guarantor) to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and, subject to Section 4.03(c), any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer or a

 

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Subsidiary Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock or issue shares of Preferred Stock, in each case if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00 determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

(b) The limitations set forth in Section 4.03(a) shall not apply to:

(i) the Incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (including any Indebtedness Incurred and represented by any First Priority Lien Obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiaries, the proceeds of which First Priority Lien Obligations are used to repay Indebtedness under such Credit Agreement) up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at the time of Incurrence that does not exceed (x) $1,625.0 million plus (y) an additional aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness constituting First Priority Lien Obligations outstanding at any one time that does not cause the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available, determined on a pro forma basis, to exceed 4.25 to 1.00;

(ii) the Incurrence of up to $675.0 million of Indebtedness at any time outstanding under the Notes (and any Exchange Notes);

(iii) Indebtedness existing on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this Section 4.03(b));

(iv) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) Incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, Disqualified Stock issued by an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and Preferred Stock issued by any Restricted Subsidiary to finance (whether prior to or within 270 days after) the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets);

(v) Indebtedness Incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bank guarantees issued in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other benefits to employees or former employees or their families or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance, and letters of credit in connection with the maintenance of, or pursuant to the requirements of, environmental or other permits or licenses from governmental authorities, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims;

(vi) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, Incurred in connection with the Transactions or any other acquisition or disposition of

 

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any business, assets or a Subsidiary of the Company in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, other than guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

(vii) Indebtedness of the Company to any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (except in respect of intercompany current liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management, tax and accounting operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries) any such Indebtedness owed to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor is subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of the Issuers under the Notes or Subsidiary Guarantors under the Note Guarantees, as applicable; provided , further , that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (vii);

(viii) shares of Preferred Stock of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary that holds such shares of Preferred Stock of another Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an issuance of shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (viii);

(ix) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if a Subsidiary Guarantor Incurs such Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor (except in respect of intercompany current liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management, tax and accounting operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries), such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the Notes; provided , further , that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary holding such Indebtedness ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (ix);

(x) (A) Hedging Obligations entered into in connection with the Transactions and (B) Hedging Obligations that are not Incurred for speculative purposes but (1) for the purpose of fixing or hedging interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be outstanding; (2) for the purpose of fixing or hedging currency exchange rate risk with respect to any currency exchanges; or (3) for the purpose of fixing or hedging commodity price risk with respect to any commodity purchases or sales and, in each case, extensions or replacements thereof;

(xi) obligations (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bank guarantees) in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Project or in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or industry practice;

 

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(xii) other Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company or, subject to Section 4.03(c), Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount or liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (xii), does not exceed the greater of $150.0 million and 5.0% of Total Assets at the time of Incurrence (it being understood that any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xii) shall cease to be deemed Incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (xii) but shall be deemed Incurred for purposes of Section 4.03(a) from and after the first date on which the Company, or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, could have Incurred such Indebtedness under Section 4.03(a) without reliance upon this clause (xii));

(xiii) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference not greater than 100% of the net cash proceeds received by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries since immediately after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Company (which proceeds are contributed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) or cash contributed to the capital of the Company (in each case other than proceeds of Disqualified Stock or sales of Equity Interests to, or contributions received from, the Company or any Subsidiary) as determined in accordance with clauses (B) and (C) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit” to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash do not constitute Management Fee Contributions or have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to Section 4.04(b) or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) and (3) of the definition thereof);

(xiv) any guarantee by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness Incurred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of this Indenture; provided that (i) if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the obligations of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the Notes, as applicable, any such guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations with respect to the Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the Notes, as applicable and (ii) if such guarantee is of Indebtedness of the Company, such guarantee is Incurred in accordance with, or not in contravention of, Section 4.11 solely to the extent such Section is applicable;

(xv) the Incurrence by the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary which serves to refund, refinance or defease any Indebtedness Incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued as permitted under Section 4.03(a) and clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (xii), (xiii), (xv), (xvi), (xxiii) and (xxiv) of this Section 4.03(b) or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to so refund or refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, including any additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to pay premiums (including tender premiums), expenses, defeasance costs and fees in connection therewith (subject to the following proviso, “ Refinancing Indebtedness ”) prior to its respective maturity; provided, however, that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(1) has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred which is not less than the shorter of (x) the remaining Weighted

 

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Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded, refinanced or defeased and (y) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity that would result if all payments of principal on the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock being refunded or refinanced that were due on or after the date that is one year following the last maturity date of any Notes then outstanding were instead due on such date;

(2) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (a) Indebtedness junior to the Notes or the obligations of such Restricted Subsidiary in respect of the Notes, as applicable, such Refinancing Indebtedness is junior to the Notes or such obligations of such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, or (b) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness is Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; and

(3) shall not include (x) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor that refinances Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor, or (y) Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

provided, further, that subclause (1) of this clause (xv) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of any Secured Indebtedness constituting First Priority Lien Obligations;

(xvi) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) the Company or, subject to Section 4.03(c), any of the Restricted Subsidiaries Incurred to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided that after giving effect to such acquisition or merger, consolidation or amalgamation, either:

(1) the Company would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a); or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company would be equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition or merger, consolidation or amalgamation;

(xvii) Indebtedness Incurred by a Receivables Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables Financing that is not recourse to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than a Receivables Subsidiary (except for Standard Securitization Undertakings);

(xviii) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its Incurrence;

(xix) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary supported by a letter of credit or bank guarantee issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(xx) [reserved];

 

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(xxi) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of (1) the financing of insurance premiums or (2) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(xxii) Indebtedness consisting of Indebtedness issued by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to current or former officers, directors and employees thereof or any direct or indirect parent thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent companies to the extent described in Section 4.04(b)(iv);

(xxiii) Indebtedness constituting Qualified Non-Recourse Debt in an aggregate outstanding principal amount that, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (xxiii), does not exceed $250.0 million;

(xxiv) Indebtedness Incurred on behalf of, or representing guarantees of Indebtedness of, joint ventures of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not in excess, at any one time outstanding, of the greater of $100.0 million and 4.0% of Total Assets;

(xxv) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, agreements to pay service fees to professionals (including architects, engineers and designers) in furtherance of and/or in connection with a Project, in each case to the extent such agreements and related payment provisions are reasonably consistent with commonly accepted industry practices ( provided , that no such agreements shall give rise to Indebtedness for borrowed money); and

(xxvi) Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor; provided , however , that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness Incurred under this clause (xxvi), when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (xxvi), does not exceed the greater of $100.0 million and 4.0% of Total Assets at the time of Incurrence (it being understood that any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xxvi) shall cease to be deemed Incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (xxvi) but shall be deemed Incurred for the purposes of Section 4.03(a) from and after the first date on which such Restricted Subsidiary could have Incurred such Indebtedness under Section 4.03(a) without reliance upon this clause (xxvi)).

(c) Restricted Subsidiaries that are not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor may not incur Indebtedness or issue Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under Section 4.03(a) or clauses (xii) or (xvi)(x) of Section 4.03(b) if, after giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or issuance (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), the aggregate amount of Indebtedness and Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor incurred or issued pursuant to Section 4.03(a) and clauses (xii) and (xvi)(x) of Section 4.03(b), collectively, would exceed the greater of $100.0 million and 4.0% of Total Assets.

(d) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.03:

(i) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness described in clauses (i) through (xxvi) of Section 4.03(b) or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(a), the Company shall, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify, or later divide, classify or reclassify, such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 4.03; provided , however , Indebtedness Incurred under the Credit Agreement on the Issue Date will be deemed to have been Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(i) and may not later be reclassified; and

 

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(ii) at the time of Incurrence, the Company will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in Section 4.03(a) and (b) (or any portion thereof) without giving pro forma effect to the Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to another clause of Section 4.03(a) or Section 4.03(b) (or any portion thereof) when calculating the amount of Indebtedness that may be Incurred pursuant to any such clause of Section 4.03(a) or Section 4.03(b) (or any portion thereof).

Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, amortization of original issue discount, the accretion of liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this Section 4.03. Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Indebtedness which is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included in the determination of such amount of Indebtedness; provided that the Incurrence of the Indebtedness represented by such guarantee or letter of credit, as the case may be, was in compliance with this Section 4.03.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed or first Incurred (whichever yields the lower U.S. dollar equivalent), in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.03, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur pursuant to this Section 4.03 shall not be deemed to be exceeded, with respect to any outstanding Indebtedness, solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

SECTION 4.04. Limitation on Restricted Payments .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on account of any of the Company’s or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any payment made in connection with any merger, amalgamation or consolidation involving the Company (other than (A) dividends or distributions payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified

 

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Stock) of the Company; or (B) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities);

(ii) purchase or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company;

(iii) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, in each case prior to any scheduled repayment or scheduled maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor (other than the payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement of (A) Subordinated Indebtedness in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement and (B) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (vii) and (ix) of Section 4.03(b)); or

(iv) make any Restricted Investment

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Company could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under Section 4.03(a); and

(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (i), (ii) (with respect to the payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) pursuant to clause (C) thereof), (vi)(C), (viii), (xiii)(B) and (xix) of Section 4.04(b), but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.04(b)), is less than the amount equal to the Cumulative Credit.

(b) The provisions of Section 4.04(a) shall not prohibit:

(i) the payment of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption, as applicable, such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

(ii) (A) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“ Retired Capital Stock ”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company, any direct or indirect parent of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or contributions to the equity capital of the Company (other than any Disqualified Stock or any Equity Interests sold to a Subsidiary of the Company) (collectively, including any such contributions, “ Refunding Capital Stock ”);

 

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(B) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Retired Capital Stock out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of Refunding Capital Stock, and

(C) if immediately prior to the retirement of Retired Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under clause (vi) of this Section 4.04(b) and not made pursuant to clause (ii)(B), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent of the Company) in an aggregate amount per year no greater than the aggregate amount of dividends per annum that were declarable and payable on such Retired Capital Stock immediately prior to such retirement;

(iii) the redemption, repurchase, defeasance, or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor which is Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03 so long as:

(A) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest, of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, defeased, acquired or retired for value ( plus the amount of any premium required to be paid under the terms of the instrument governing the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired, any tender premiums, plus any defeasance costs, fees and expenses Incurred in connection therewith),

(B) such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations in respect of the Notes, as the case may be, at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed, repurchased, defeased, acquired or retired for value,

(C) such Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the earlier of (x) the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired and (y) 91 days following the last maturity date of any Notes then outstanding, and

(D) such Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time Incurred which is not less than the shorter of (x) the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, defeased, acquired or retired and (y) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity that would result if all payments of principal on the Subordinated Indebtedness being redeemed, repurchased, defeased, acquired or retired that were due on or after the date that is one year following the last maturity date of any Notes then outstanding were instead due on such date;

(iv) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or other agreement or arrangement; provided, however, that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (iv) do not exceed $15.0 million in

 

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any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being permitted to be carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $30.0 million in any calendar year (which shall increase to $50.0 million subsequent to the consummation of an underwritten public Equity Offering of common stock); provided, further, however, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

(A) the cash proceeds received by the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company (to the extent contributed to the Company) to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of the Company that occurs after the Issue Date ( provided that the amount of such cash proceeds utilized for any such repurchase, retirement, other acquisition or dividend will not increase the Cumulative Credit), plus

(B) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company (to the extent contributed to the Company) or the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date, plus

(C) the amount of any cash bonuses otherwise payable to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of the Company in connection with the Transactions that are foregone in return for the receipt of Equity Interests;

provided that the Company may elect to apply all or any portion of the aggregate increase contemplated by clauses (A), (B) and (C) above in any calendar year; and provided, further, that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from any present or former employees, directors, officers or consultants of the Company, any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or their direct or indirect parents in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parents will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.04 or any other provision of this Indenture;

(v) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary issued or Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03 to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Fixed Charges”;

(vi) (A) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued after the Issue Date;

(B) a Restricted Payment to any direct or indirect parent of the Company, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of any direct or indirect parent of the Company issued after the Issue Date; provided that the aggregate amount of dividends declared and paid pursuant to this clause (B) does not exceed the net cash proceeds actually received by the Company from any such sale of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued after the Issue Date; and

 

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(C) the declaration and payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock in excess of the dividends declarable and payable thereon pursuant to Section 4.04(b)(ii);

provided, however, in the case of each of (A) and (C) above of this clause (vi), that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance (and the payment of dividends or distributions) on a pro forma basis, the Company would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00;

(vii) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company), taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (vii) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of $50.0 million and 2.0% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(viii) the payment of dividends on the common stock of the Company (or a Restricted Payment to any direct or indirect parent of the Company to fund the payment by such direct or indirect parent of the Company of dividends on such entity’s common stock) of up to 6.0% per annum of the net proceeds received by the Company from any public offering of common stock of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s (or such direct or indirect parent’s) common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8 and other than any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution;

(ix) Restricted Payments that are made with or in an amount equal to any Excluded Contributions;

(x) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of $50.0 million and 2.0% of Total Assets at the time made;

(xi) the distribution, as a dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

(xii) the payment of dividends or other distributions to any direct or indirect parent of the Company that files a consolidated tax return that includes the Company and its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, by virtue of such parent being the common parent of a consolidated or combined tax group of which the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries are members) in an amount not to exceed the amount that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been required to pay in respect of federal, state or local taxes (as the case may be) if the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries paid such taxes as a stand-alone taxpayer (or stand-alone group);

(xiii) the payment of Restricted Payments, if applicable:

(A) in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent of the Company to pay fees and expenses (including franchise or similar taxes) required to maintain its corporate existence, customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, officers and employees of any direct or indirect parent of the Company and general corporate operating and overhead expenses of any direct or indirect parent of the Company in each case to the extent such fees and expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

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(B) in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent of the Company, if applicable, to pay interest and/or principal on Indebtedness the proceeds of which have been contributed to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and that has been guaranteed by, or is otherwise considered Indebtedness of, the Company Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03; and

(C) in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent of the Company to pay fees and expenses, other than to Affiliates of the Company, related to any equity or debt offering of such parent;

(xiv) any Restricted Payment used to fund the Transactions and the payment of fees and expenses Incurred in connection with the Transactions or owed by the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or Restricted Subsidiaries to Affiliates, and any other payments made, including any such payments made to any direct or indirect parent of the Company to enable it to make payments, in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, whether payable on the Issue Date or thereafter, in each case to the extent permitted by Section 4.07;

(xv) any Restricted Payment made under an Operations Management Agreement;

(xvi) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(xvii) purchases of receivables pursuant to a Receivables Repurchase Obligation in connection with a Qualified Receivables Financing and the payment or distribution of Receivables Fees;

(xviii) Restricted Payments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to allow the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares upon the exercise of options or warrants or upon the conversion or exchange of Capital Stock of any such Person;

(xix) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions similar to those described under Sections 4.06 and 4.08; provided that all Notes tendered by holders of the Notes in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value; and

(xx) payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that complies with Section 5.01; provided that as a result of such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer of assets, the Issuers shall have made a Change of Control Offer (if required by this Indenture) and that all Notes tendered by holders in connection with such Change of Control Offer have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;

provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (vi)(B), (vii), (x), (xi) and (xiii)(B) of this Section 4.04(b), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; provided , further that any Restricted Payments made with property other than cash shall be calculated using the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of such property.

 

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(c) The Company will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investments.” Such designation will only be permitted if a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment in such amount would be permitted at such time and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.04, the Company will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, make or pay any dividend or make any distribution (whether in cash or otherwise) on, or in respect of, the Capital Stock of the Company or purchase or otherwise acquire any Capital Stock of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company for the purpose of paying any dividend or making any distribution to, or acquiring Capital Stock of any direct or indirect parent of the Company from, the Sponsors, or guarantee any Indebtedness of any Affiliate of the Company for the purpose of paying such dividend, making such distribution or so acquiring such Capital Stock to or from the Sponsors, in each case by means of utilization of the cumulative Restricted Payment credit provided by Section 4.04(a), or the exceptions provided by clauses (9), (10), (15) or (20) of the definition of “Permitted Investments,” if (x) at the time and after giving effect to such payment, the Consolidated Leverage Ratio of the Company would be greater than 6.00 to 1.00 or (y) such payment is not otherwise in compliance with this Section 4.04.

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

(a) (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (1) on its Capital Stock; or (2) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits; or (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(b) make loans or advances to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; or

(c) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

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

(1) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Agreement Documents;

(2) this Indenture, the Notes (and any Exchange Notes) and the Note Guarantees;

(3) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

 

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(4) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary which was in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not created in contemplation thereof or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired;

(5) contracts or agreements for the sale of assets, including any restriction with respect to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of the Capital Stock or assets of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary;

(6) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Sections 4.03 and 4.12 that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(7) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(8) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(9) purchase money obligations for property acquired and Capitalized Lease Obligations in the ordinary course of business;

(10) customary provisions contained in leases, licenses and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(11) any encumbrance or restriction of a Receivables Subsidiary effected in connection with a Qualified Receivables Financing; provided, however, that such restrictions apply only to such Receivables Subsidiary;

(12) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (a) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that is an Issuer, a Subsidiary Guarantor or a Foreign Subsidiary, (b) of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer, a Subsidiary Guarantor or a Foreign Subsidiary so long as such encumbrances and restrictions contained in any agreement or instrument will not materially affect the Company’s ability to make anticipated principal or interest payments on the Notes (as determined in good faith by the Company) or (c) of any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in connection with any Qualified Non-Recourse Debt, provided that in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is permitted to be Incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to Section 4.03;

(13) any Restricted Investment not prohibited by Section 4.04 and any Permitted Investment;

(14) any encumbrance or restriction in any agreement related to the development or financing of a Project; or

(15) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (1) through (14) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company, no more restrictive with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the dividend or

 

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other payment restrictions prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.05, (i) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock and (ii) the subordination of loans or advances made to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances.

SECTION 4.06. Asset Sales .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, cause or make an Asset Sale, unless (x) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of, and (y) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:

(i) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or such Restricted Subsidiary’s obligations in respect of the Notes) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets or that are otherwise cancelled or terminated in connection with the transaction with such transferee,

(ii) any notes or other obligations or other securities 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 within 180 days of the receipt thereof (to the extent of the cash received),

(iii) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Sale, to the extent that the Company and each other Restricted Subsidiary are released from any direct obligation in respect of, or any guarantee of payment of, such Indebtedness in connection with the Asset Sale,

(iv) consideration consisting of Indebtedness of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) received after the Issue Date from Persons who are not the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, and

(v) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company), taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (v) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of $150.0 million and 5.0% of Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value)

shall be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for the purposes of this Section 4.06(a).

 

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(b) Within 15 months after the Company’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s receipt of the Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary may apply the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale, at its option:

(i) to repay (A) Indebtedness constituting First Priority Lien Obligations and other Pari Passu Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien permitted under this Indenture (and, if the Indebtedness repaid is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), (B) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, (C) Notes Obligations or (D) other Pari Passu Indebtedness (provided that if an Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall so reduce Obligations under Pari Passu Indebtedness that does not constitute First Priority Lien Obligations under this clause (i), the Issuers will equally and ratably reduce Notes Obligations as provided pursuant to Section 3.01, through open-market purchases (provided that such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof or, in the event that the Notes were issued with significant original issue discount, 100% of the accreted value thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all holders to purchase at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof or, in the event that the Notes were issued with significant original issue discount, 100% of the accreted value thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, the pro rata principal amount of Notes), in each case other than Indebtedness owed to the Company; or

(ii) to make an Investment in any one or more businesses ( provided that if such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock of a Person, such acquisition results in such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary), assets, or property or capital expenditures, in each case (a) used or useful in a Similar Business or (b) that replace the properties and assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale.

In the case of Section 4.06(b)(ii), a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment; provided that in the event such binding commitment is later canceled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are so applied, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another binding commitment (a “ Second Commitment ”) within six months of such cancellation or termination of the prior binding commitment; provided , further that the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary may only enter into a Second Commitment under the foregoing provision one time with respect to each Asset Sale and to the extent such Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds. Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility, if any, or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.

Any Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale that are not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first paragraph of this Section 4.06(b) (it being understood that any portion of such Net Proceeds used to make an offer to purchase Notes, as described in clause (i) of this Section 4.06(b), shall be deemed to have been invested whether or not such offer is accepted) will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $50.0 million, the Issuers shall make an offer to all holders of Notes (and, at the option of the Issuers, to holders of any Pari Passu Indebtedness) (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”) to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness), that is at least $2,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or, in the event such Pari Passu Indebtedness was issued with significant original issue discount, 100% of the accreted value thereof), plus accrued and unpaid

 

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interest and Additional Interest, if any (or, in respect of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such Pari Passu Indebtedness), to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 4.06. The Issuers will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten (10) Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceeds $50.0 million by mailing, or delivered electronically if held by DTC, the notice required pursuant to the terms of Section 4.06(f), with a copy to the Trustee.

To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness) tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuers may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose that is not prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness) surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased in the manner described in Section 4.06(e). Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

(c) The Issuers shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue thereof.

(d) Not later than the date upon which written notice of an Asset Sale Offer is delivered to the Trustee as provided above, the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate as to (i) the amount of the Excess Proceeds, (ii) the allocation of the Net Proceeds from the Asset Sales pursuant to which such Asset Sale Offer is being made and (iii) the compliance of such allocation with the provisions of Section 4.06(b). On such date, the Issuers shall also irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or with a paying agent (or, if an Issuer or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary is acting as the Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) an amount equal to the Excess Proceeds to be invested in Cash Equivalents, as directed in writing by the Issuers, and to be held for payment in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.06. Upon the expiration of the period for which the Asset Sale Offer remains open (the “ Offer Period ”), the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes or portions thereof that have been properly tendered to and are to be accepted by the Issuers. The Trustee (or the Paying Agent, if not the Trustee) shall, on the date of purchase, mail or deliver payment to each tendering holder in the amount of the purchase price. In the event that the Excess Proceeds delivered by the Issuers to the Trustee are greater than the purchase price of the Notes tendered, the Trustee shall deliver the excess to the Issuers immediately after the expiration of the Offer Period for application in accordance with Section 4.06.

(e) Holders electing to have a Note purchased shall be required to surrender the Note, with an appropriate form duly completed, to the Issuers at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days prior to the purchase date. Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the Issuers receives not later than one Business Day prior to the purchase date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the holder, the principal amount of the Note which was delivered by the holder for purchase and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased. If at the end of the Offer Period more Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness) are tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer than the Issuers are required to purchase, selection of such Notes for purchase shall be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which such Notes are listed, or if such Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (and in such manner as complies with the requirements of DTC, if applicable); provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be purchased in part. Selection of such Pari Passu Indebtedness shall be made pursuant to the terms of such Pari Passu Indebtedness.

 

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(f) Notices of an Asset Sale Offer shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or delivered electronically if held at DTC, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the purchase date to each holder of Notes at such holder’s registered address. If any Note is to be purchased in part only, any notice of purchase that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased.

SECTION 4.07. Transactions with Affiliates .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction or series of transactions, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”) involving aggregate consideration in excess of $25.0 million, unless:

(i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that could have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and

(ii) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $50.0 million, the Company delivers to the Trustee a resolution adopted in good faith by the majority of the Board of Directors, approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above.

(b) The provisions of Section 4.07(a) shall not apply to the following:

(i) transactions between or among the Company and/or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (or an entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction) and any merger, consolidation or amalgamation of the Company and any direct parent of the Company; provided that such parent of the Company shall have no material liabilities and no material assets other than cash, Cash Equivalents and the Capital Stock of the Company and such merger, consolidation or amalgamation is otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture and effected for a bona fide business purpose;

(ii) Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.04 and Permitted Investments;

(iii) [reserved];

(iv) the payment of reasonable and customary fees and reimbursement of expenses paid to, and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary, or any direct or indirect parent of the Company;

(v) payments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Sponsors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures, which payments are (x) made pursuant to the agreements with the Sponsors described in the Offering Memorandum or (y) approved by a majority of the Board of Directors in good faith;

 

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(vi) transactions in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of clause (i) of Section 4.07(a);

(vii) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to officers, directors, employees or consultants which are approved by a majority of the Board of Directors in good faith;

(viii) any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date or any amendment thereto (so long as any such agreement together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, is not more disadvantageous to the holders of the Notes in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Issue Date) or any transaction contemplated thereby as determined in good faith by the Company;

(ix) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of its obligations under the terms of any transaction, agreement or arrangement described in the Offering Memorandum and, in each case, any amendment thereto or similar transactions, agreements or arrangements which it may enter into thereafter; provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of its obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing transaction, agreement or arrangement or under any similar transaction, agreement or arrangement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (ix) to the extent that the terms of any such existing transaction, agreement or arrangement together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, or new transaction, agreement or arrangement, taken as a whole, are not otherwise more disadvantageous to the holders of the Notes in any material respect than the original transaction, agreement or arrangement as in effect on the Issue Date (as determined in good faith by the Company);

(x) the execution of the Transactions and the payment of all fees and expenses related to the Transactions, including fees to CEOC and its Affiliates or the Sponsors, if any, which are described in the Offering Memorandum or contemplated by the Transactions;

(xi) any transactions made pursuant to an Operations Management Agreement; provided that the payment of any portion of the management fees under the applicable Management Agreement in respect of the Purchased Properties that are payable to Growth Partners shall be (i) subordinated to all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Note Obligations and (ii) subject to (A) there not having occurred and being continuing any Event of Default and (B) the substantially simultaneous contribution by Growth Partners of such management fee to the Company (such contribution a “ Management Fee Contribution ”);

(xii) (A) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, or transactions otherwise relating to the purchase or sale of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture, which are fair to the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or senior management, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party or (B) transactions with joint ventures or Unrestricted Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry norm;

 

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(xiii) any transaction effected as part of a Qualified Receivables Financing;

(xiv) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to any Person;

(xv) the issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock option and stock ownership plans or similar employee benefit plans approved by the Board of Directors of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or of a Restricted Subsidiary, as appropriate, in good faith;

(xvi) the entering into of any tax sharing agreement or arrangement that complies with Section 4.04(b)(xii);

(xvii) any contribution to the capital of the Company;

(xviii) transactions permitted by, and complying with, Section 5.01;

(xix) transactions between the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Person, a director of which is also a director of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company; provided, however, that such director abstains from voting as a director of the Company or such direct or indirect parent, as the case may be, on any matter involving such other Person;

(xx) pledges of Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

(xxi) the formation and maintenance of any consolidated group or subgroup for tax, accounting or cash pooling or management purposes in the ordinary course of business;

(xxii) any employment agreements entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business; and

(xxiii) transactions undertaken in good faith (as certified by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company in an Officer’s Certificate) for the purpose of improving the consolidated tax efficiency of the Company and its Subsidiaries and not for the purpose of circumventing any provision set forth in this Indenture.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Caesars Entertainment, CAC, Growth Partners and their respective Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) shall not be considered Affiliates of the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to any transaction, so long as the transaction is in the ordinary course of business, pursuant to agreements existing on the Issue Date or pursuant to any management agreement or shared services agreement entered into with the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or, in each case, amendments, modifications or supplements thereto, or replacements thereof, that are not materially adverse to the Company or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (as determined in good faith by the Company).

SECTION 4.08. Change of Control .

(a) Upon a Change of Control, each holder shall have the right to require the Issuers to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the

 

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right of the holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date), in accordance with the terms contemplated in this Section 4.08; provided , however , that notwithstanding the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Issuers shall not be obligated to purchase any Notes pursuant to this Section 4.08 in the event that it has exercised its right to redeem such Notes in accordance with Article III of this Indenture. In the event that at the time of such Change of Control the terms of the Bank Indebtedness restrict or prohibit the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 4.08, then prior to the mailing of the notice to the holders provided for in Section 4.08(b) but in any event within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers shall: (i) repay in full all Bank Indebtedness or, if doing so will allow the purchase of Notes, offer to repay in full all Bank Indebtedness and repay the Bank Indebtedness of each lender and/or noteholder who has accepted such offer; or (ii) obtain the requisite consent under the agreements governing the Bank Indebtedness to permit the repurchase of the Notes as provided for in Section 4.08(b).

(b) Within 30 days following any Change of Control, except to the extent that the Issuers have exercised their right to redeem the Notes in accordance with Article III of this Indenture, the Issuers shall mail a notice (a “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each holder with a copy to the Trustee stating:

(i) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such holder has the right to require the Issuers to repurchase such holder’s Notes at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of the holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date);

(ii) the circumstances and relevant facts and financial information regarding such Change of Control;

(iii) the repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed); and

(iv) the instructions determined by the Issuers, consistent with this Section 4.08, that a holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.

(c) Holders electing to have a Note purchased shall be required to surrender the Note, with an appropriate form duly completed, to the Issuers at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days prior to the purchase date. The holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the Issuers receives not later than one Business Day prior to the purchase date a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the holder, the principal amount of the Note which was delivered for purchase by the holder and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased. Holders whose Notes are purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered.

(d) On the purchase date, all Notes purchased by the Issuers under this Section shall be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuers shall pay the purchase price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the holders entitled thereto.

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

 

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(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Issuers 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 Section 4.08 applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuers and purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

(g) Notes repurchased by the Issuers pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will have the status of Notes issued but not outstanding or will be retired and canceled at the option of the Issuers. Notes purchased by a third party pursuant to the preceding clause (f) will have the status of Notes issued and outstanding.

(h) At the time the Issuers delivers Notes to the Trustee which are to be accepted for purchase, the Issuers shall also deliver an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Notes are to be accepted by the Issuers pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.08. A Note 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.

(i) Prior to any Change of Control Offer, the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent contained herein to the right of the Issuers to make such offer have been complied with.

(j) The Issuers shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.08, the Issuers 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.

(k) If holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Issuers, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Issuers as described above, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such holders, the Issuers or such third party will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of redemption. Any such redemption shall be effected pursuant to Article III.

SECTION 4.09. Compliance Certificate . The Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuers, beginning with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2014, an Officer’s Certificate stating that in the course of the performance by the signer of his or her duties as an Officer of the Issuers he or she would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signer knows of any Default that occurred during such period. If he or she does, the certificate shall describe the Default, its status and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect thereto. The Issuers also shall comply with Section 314(a)(4) of the TIA. Except with respect to receipt of payments of principal and interest on the Notes and any Default or Event of Default information contained in the Officer’s Certificate delivered to it pursuant to this Section 4.09, the Trustee shall have no duty to review, ascertain or confirm the Issuers’ compliance with or the breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made in this Indenture.

SECTION 4.10. Further Instruments and Acts . Upon request of the Trustee, the Issuers 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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SECTION 4.11. Future Subsidiary Guarantors .

(a) Upon the expiration of the Escrow Period, the Company shall cause each Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary (other than Caesars Growth Partners Finance, Inc.) that is a Domestic Subsidiary (unless such Subsidiary is a Receivables Subsidiary, a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary or a Domestic Subsidiary that is wholly owned by one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and created to enhance the tax efficiency of the Company and its Subsidiaries) to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit D pursuant to which such Subsidiary Guarantor shall guarantee the Issuers’ obligations under the Notes and this Indenture and shall comply with the additional requirements of Section 12.06, provided that the Bank Indebtedness Incurred under the Credit Agreement is also then guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor.

(b) From and after the expiration of the Escrow Period, the Company will cause each Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary (other than Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc.) that is a Domestic Subsidiary (unless such Subsidiary is a Receivables Subsidiary, a Qualified Non-Recourse Subsidiary or a Domestic Subsidiary that is wholly owned by one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and created to enhance the tax efficiency of the Company and its Subsidiaries) that guarantees any Indebtedness of the Issuers or any other Guarantor of the Notes to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit D pursuant to which such Subsidiary will guarantee the Issuer’s obligations under the Notes and this Indenture and shall comply with the additional requirements of Section 12.06.

SECTION 4.12. Liens .

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, Incur, assume or suffer to exist (i) any Lien on any asset or property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness unless the Notes are equally and ratably secured with (or on a senior basis to, in the case of obligations subordinated in right of payment to the Notes) the obligations so secured until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien; provided , however , that this Section 4.12(a)(i) shall not require the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to secure the Notes if the Lien consists of a Permitted Lien, or (ii) any Lien securing any First Priority Lien Obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor without effectively providing that the Notes or the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the Notes, as the case may be, shall be granted a second priority security interest (subject to Permitted Liens) upon the assets or property constituting the collateral for such First Priority Lien Obligations, except to the extent that such assets or property constitute Excluded Assets.

(b) Any Lien which is granted to secure the Notes or the obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the Notes under clause (i) of Section 4.12(a) (unless also granted pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 4.12(a)) shall be automatically released and discharged at the same time as the release of the Lien that gave rise to the obligation to secure the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor obligations under such clause (i) of Section 4.12(a).

(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.12, (a) a Lien securing an item of Indebtedness need not be permitted solely by reference to one category of permitted Liens (or any portion thereof) described in the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a) but may be permitted in part under any combination thereof and (b) in the event that a Lien securing an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of permitted Liens (or any portion thereof) described in the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a), the Company shall, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify, or later divide, classify or reclassify, such Lien securing such item of Indebtedness

 

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(or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this covenant and will be entitled to only include the amount and type of such Lien or such item of Indebtedness secured by such Lien (or any portion thereof) in one of the clauses of the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a) and in such event, such Lien securing such item of Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) will be treated as being Incurred or existing pursuant to only one of such clauses or pursuant to Section 4.12(a).

(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, the accretion of accreted value, the amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms or in the form of common stock of the Company, the payment of dividends on Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock of the same class, accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference and increases 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 described in clause (3) of the definition of “Indebtedness.”

SECTION 4.13. After-Acquired Property .

From and after the expiration of the Escrow Period, upon the acquisition by any Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of any First Priority After-Acquired Property (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the acquisition described in the Offering Memorandum under the heading “Summary—Recent Developments—The Transactions” upon the expiration of the Escrow Period), such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor shall execute and deliver such mortgages, deeds of trust, security instruments, financing statements and certificates, opinions of counsel or such other documentation substantially similar to the documentation delivered to secure First Priority Lien Obligations as shall be reasonably necessary to vest in the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), a perfected security interest or lien, subject only to Permitted Liens, in such First Priority After-Acquired Property (including, upon the expiration of the Escrow Period, the execution and delivery of the Collateral Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement) and to have such First Priority After-Acquired Property (but subject to certain limitations, if applicable, including as described in Article XI and the Security Documents) added to the Collateral, and thereupon all provisions of this Indenture relating to the Collateral shall be deemed to relate to such First Priority After-Acquired Property to the same extent and with the same force and effect.

SECTION 4.14. Maintenance of Office or Agency .

(a) The Issuers shall maintain an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee or Registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuers shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the corporate trust office of the Trustee as set forth in Section 13.02.

(b) The Issuers may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided , however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve an Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency for such purposes. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

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(c) The Issuers hereby designate the corporate trust office of the Trustee or its agent as such office or agency of the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.04.

SECTION 4.15. Security Documents . To the extent that any instrument or deliverable under the Security Documents is required to be delivered and is not delivered on or prior to the expiration of the Escrow Period, the Issuers will use their commercially reasonable efforts to, and use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Subsidiary Guarantors to, deliver such instruments and deliverables within 120 days following the expiration of the Escrow Period or such longer period of time as agreed to by the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement with respect to perfecting security interests in such Collateral thereunder.

SECTION 4.16. Covenant Suspension . If on any date following the Issue Date, (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies, and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, then, beginning on that day (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “ Covenant Suspension Event ”), and subject to the provisions of the following paragraph, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be subject to Sections 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.11 and 5.01(a)(iv) (collectively the “ Suspended Covenants ”).

If and while the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants, the Notes will be entitled to substantially less covenant protection. In the event that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture with respect to future events.

The Company shall promptly upon its occurrence deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate notifying the Trustee of the occurrence of any Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date, and the date thereof. The Trustee shall not have any obligation to monitor the occurrence or dates of any Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date and may rely conclusively on such Officer’s Certificate. The Trustee shall not have any obligation to notify the holders of the occurrence or dates of any Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date.

On each Reversion Date, all Indebtedness Incurred, or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be classified as having been Incurred or issued pursuant to Section 4.03(a) or 4.03(b) (to the extent such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock would be permitted to be Incurred or issued thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness Incurred or issued prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date). To the extent such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock would not be so permitted to be Incurred or issued pursuant to Section 4.03(a) or 4.03(b) such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under Section 4.03(b)(iii). Calculations made after the Reversion Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.04 will be made as though Section 4.04 had been in effect since the Issue Date and prior, but not during, the Suspension Period. Accordingly, Restricted Payments made during the Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.04(a). As described above, however, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred on the Reversion Date as a result of any actions taken by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries during the Suspension Period. Within 30 days of such Reversion Date, the Company must comply with the terms of Section 4.11.

 

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For purposes of Section 4.06, on the Reversion Date, the unutilized Excess Proceeds amount will be reset to zero.

SECTION 4.17. Maintenance of Insurance . The Issuers shall maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance (subject to customary deductibles and retentions) in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by similarly situated companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors may self-insure with respect to such risks with respect to which companies of established reputation in the same general line of business in the same general area usually self-insure.

SECTION 4.18. Activities of Issuers Prior to the Expiration of the Escrow Period . Prior to the expiration of the Escrow Period, the primary activities of the Issuers shall be restricted to (i) issuing the Notes, (ii) issuing limited liability company interests or capital stock, as applicable, to, and receiving capital contributions from, Growth Partners, (iii) performing their obligations in respect of the Notes under this Indenture, the Escrow Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, (iv) consummating the Transactions or redeeming the Notes on the Escrow Redemption Date, as applicable, and (v) conducting such other activities as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the activities described above. Prior to the expiration of the Escrow Period, the Issuers shall not Incur or issue any Indebtedness other than the Notes or Indebtedness Incurred under the Credit Agreement or own, hold or otherwise have any interest in any assets other than the Escrow Account and cash or Cash Equivalents.

ARTICLE V

SUCCESSOR COMPANY

SECTION 5.01. When Issuers May Merge or Transfer Assets .

(a) The Company may not, directly or indirectly, consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up or convert into (whether or not the Company is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to any Person (other than in connection with the Transactions) unless:

(i) the Company is the surviving person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, winding up or conversion (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company or similar entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (the Company or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Issuer ”); provided that in the case where the surviving Person is not a corporation, at least one other Issuer is a corporation;

(ii) the Successor Issuer (if other than the Company) expressly assumes all the obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Notes pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

 

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(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Successor Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(iv) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Successor Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), either

(A) the Successor Issuer would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a); or

(B) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not less than such ratio for such prior Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

(v) if the Company is not the Successor Issuer, the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its obligations in respect of the Notes shall apply to such Person’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes; and

(vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, amalgamation or transfer and such supplemental indentures (if any) comply with this Indenture.

The Successor Issuer (if other than the Company) will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Company under this Indenture and the Notes, and in such event the Company will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 5.01(a), (a) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Issuer or to another Restricted Subsidiary and (b) the Company may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States or may convert into a limited liability company, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby. This Article V will not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 11.04 (which govern the release of assets and property securing the Notes upon the sale or disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary that is an Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor), neither such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor shall, and the Company shall not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to, consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not such Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions to, any Person (other than in any case in connection with the Transactions) unless:

(i) either (A) such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation or merger (if other than such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease,

 

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conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company or similar entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Entity ”) and the Successor Entity (if other than such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor) expressly assumes all the obligations of such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture and the Security Documents pursuant to documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, or (b) such sale or disposition or consolidation, amalgamation or merger is not in violation of Section 4.06; and

(ii) the Successor Entity (if other than such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor) shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.

Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, the Successor Entity (if other than such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor) will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture and such Issuer’s or Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations in respect of the Notes, and such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and such Issuer’s or Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations in respect of the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) an Issuer (other than the Company) or a Subsidiary Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of reincorporating in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States so long as the amount of Indebtedness of such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor is not increased thereby and (2) an Issuer (other than the Company) or a Subsidiary Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with another Subsidiary Guarantor or an Issuer.

In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, any Issuer (other than the Company) or Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up into, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets to an Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor.

ARTICLE VI

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

SECTION 6.01. Events of Default . An “ Event of Default ” occurs with respect to the Notes if:

(a) there is a default in any payment of interest (including any additional interest) on any Note when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

(b) there is a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any, of any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;

(c) the failure by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to comply for 60 days after notice with its other agreements contained in the Notes or this Indenture;

 

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(d) the failure by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness owing to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the acceleration of any such Indebtedness by the holders thereof because of a default, in each case, if the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $50.0 million or its foreign currency equivalent;

(e) either the Company or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(i) commences a voluntary case;

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

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

(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency;

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

(i) is for relief against either the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;

(ii) appoints a Custodian of either the Company or any Significant or for any substantial part of its property; or

(iii) orders the winding up or liquidation of either the Company or any Significant Subsidiary;

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

(g) failure by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $50.0 million or its foreign currency equivalent (net of any amounts which are covered by enforceable insurance policies issued by solvent carriers), which judgments are not discharged, waived or stayed for a period of 60 days;

(h) the Note Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms thereof);

(i) unless all of the Collateral has been released from the Second Priority Liens in accordance with the provisions of Article XI, the Second Priority Liens on any material Collateral cease to be valid or enforceable and such Default continues for 30 days, or an Issuer shall assert, in any pleading in any court of competent jurisdiction, that any such security interest is invalid or unenforceable and, in the case of any such Person that is a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company fails to cause such Subsidiary to rescind such assertions within 30 days after the Company has actual knowledge of such assertions; or

 

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(j) the failure by any Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply for 60 days after notice with its other agreements contained in the Security Documents except for a failure that would not be material to the holders of the Notes and would not materially affect the value of the Collateral taken as a whole.

The foregoing shall 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.

However, a default under clauses (c) or (j) above shall not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of 30% in principal amount of outstanding Notes notify the Issuers of the default and the Issuers do not cure such default within the time specified in clauses (c) or (j) hereof 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 Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee, within five (5) Business Days after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an Officer’s Certificate of any event which is, or with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default, its status and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 6.02. Acceleration . If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(e) or 6.01(f) hereof with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 30% in principal amount of outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuers may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable; provided , however , that so long as any Bank Indebtedness remains outstanding, no such acceleration shall be effective until the earlier of (1) five Business Days after the giving of written notice to the Issuers and the Representative under the Credit Agreement and (2) the day on which any Bank Indebtedness is accelerated. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(e) or (f) with respect to the Company occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences.

In the event of any Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(d) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding, however, any resulting payment default) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the holders of the Notes, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose the Issuers deliver an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that (x) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged or (y) the holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default or (z) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured, it being understood that in no event shall an acceleration of the principal amount of the Notes as described above be annulled, waived or rescinded upon the happening of any such events.

 

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SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies . If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes, this Indenture or the Security Documents.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. To the extent required by law, all available remedies are cumulative.

SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults . Provided the Notes are not then due and payable by reason of a declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes by written notice to the Trustee may waive an existing Default and its consequences except (a) a Default in the payment of the principal of or interest on a Note, (b) a Default arising from the failure to redeem or purchase any Note when required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or (c) a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of each holder affected. When a Default is waived, it is deemed cured and the Issuers, the Trustee and the holders will be restored to their former positions and rights under this Indenture, 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 Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that the action or proceeding so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees and/or Responsible Officers shall determine that the action or proceeding so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability or expense for which it is not adequately indemnified, or subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee 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 .

(a) 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 Notes unless:

(i) such holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing,

(ii) holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy,

(iii) such holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense,

(iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity, and

 

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(v) the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

(b) A holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another holder.

SECTION 6.07. Rights of the 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 Notes held by such holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in the Notes, 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(a) or (b) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuers or any other obligor on the Notes for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on overdue principal and (to the extent lawful) on any unpaid interest at the rate provided for in the Notes) 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, statements of interest and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation, expenses disbursements and advances of the Trustee (including counsel, accountants, experts or such other professionals as the Trustee deems necessary, advisable or appropriate)) and the holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors, their creditors or their property, shall be entitled to participate as a member, voting or otherwise, of any official committee of creditors appointed in such matters 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.

SECTION 6.10. Priorities . Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, any money or property collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article VI and any other money or property distributable in respect of the Issuers’ or any Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture after an Event of Default shall be applied in the following order:

FIRST: to the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder or in connection herewith) for amounts due under Section 7.07;

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

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

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

 

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SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs . In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as 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 and expenses, 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 principal amount of the Notes.

SECTION 6.12. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws . Neither the Issuers nor any Subsidiary Guarantor (to the extent it may lawfully do so) shall 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 Issuers and Subsidiary Guarantors (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive 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 VII

TRUSTEE

SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee .

(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Notes and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

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

(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and 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 (it being agreed that the permissive right of the Trustee to do things enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty); and

(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. The Trustee shall be under no duty to make any investigation as to any statement contained in any such instance, but may accept the same as conclusive evidence of the truth and accuracy of such statement or the correctness of such opinions. However, in the case of certificates or opinions required by any provision hereof to be provided to it, 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).

 

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

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

(ii) 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 negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

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

(iv) 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.

(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 7.01.

(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 Issuers.

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

(g) 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 conclusively 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 Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on the Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.

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

(d) The Trustee shall not be responsible or 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 willful misconduct or negligence.

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

(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document unless requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding, but the

 

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Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuers, personally or by agent or attorney, at the expense of the Issuers and shall Incur no liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(g) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be Incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

(h) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

(i) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith at the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Notes as to the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any remedy available to the Trustee or the exercising of any power conferred by this Indenture.

(j) Any action taken, or omitted to be taken, by the Trustee in good faith pursuant to this Indenture upon the request or authority or consent of any person who, at the time of making such request or giving such authority or consent, is the holder of any Note shall be conclusive and binding upon future holders of Notes and upon Notes executed and delivered in exchange therefor or in place thereof.

(k) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.

(l) The Trustee may request that the Issuers deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any Person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any Person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

(m) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of actions.

(n) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the execution of the trusts and powers under this Indenture.

(o) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; terrorism; wars and other military disturbances; sabotage; epidemics; riots; interruptions; loss or malfunction of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communication services; accidents; labor disputes; and acts of civil or military authorities and governmental action.

 

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(p) The Trustee shall have no duty to monitor or investigate the Issuers’ compliance with or breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or duty made in this Indenture. Delivery of reports, information and documents under Section 4.02 of this Indenture is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any of the information therein including the Issuers’ compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on Officer’s Certificates provided to it by an Issuer).

SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee . The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent or Registrar 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 Note Guarantees or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Issuers’ use of the proceeds from the Notes, and it shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication. The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default under Sections 6.01(c), (d), (e), (h), (i) or (j) or of the identity of any Significant Subsidiary unless either (a) a Trust Officer shall have actual knowledge thereof or (b) the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof in accordance with Section 13.02 hereof from the Issuers, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any holder. In accepting the trust hereby created, the Trustee acts solely as Trustee for the holders of the Notes and not in its individual capacity and all persons, including without limitation the holders of Notes and the Issuers having any claim against the Trustee arising from this Indenture shall look only to the funds and accounts held by the Trustee hereunder for payment except as otherwise provided herein.

SECTION 7.05. Notice of Defaults . If a Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each holder notice of the Default within the earlier of 90 days after it occurs or 30 days after it is actually known to a Trust Officer or written notice if it is received by the Trustee. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on any Note, 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 in the interests of the holders. The Issuers are required to deliver to the Trustee, annually, a certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any Default that occurred during the previous year. The Issuers also are required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any event which would constitute certain Defaults, their status and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take in respect thereof.

SECTION 7.06. Reports by Trustee to the Holders . 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 June 30 in each year, the Trustee shall mail to each holder a brief report dated as of such June 30 that complies with Section 313(a) of the TIA if and to the extent required thereby. The Trustee shall also comply with Section 313(b) of the TIA.

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the holders shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Notes are listed. The Issuers agree to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Notes become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

 

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SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity . The Issuers shall pay to the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder or in connection herewith) from time to time such compensation, as the Issuers and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing, for the Trustee’s acceptance of this Indenture and its services hereunder. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuers shall reimburse the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder or in connection herewith) upon request for all reasonable 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 Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors, jointly and severally shall indemnify the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder or in connection herewith), including its officers, directors, employees and agents, and shall hold them harmless, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) Incurred by or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture or Note Guarantee against the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against or investigating any claim (whether asserted by the Issuers, any Subsidiary Guarantor, any holder or any other Person). The obligation to pay such amounts, including any indemnification, shall survive the payment in full or defeasance of the Notes or the removal or resignation of the Trustee. The Trustee shall notify the Issuers of any claim for which it may seek indemnity promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge thereof; provided , however , that any failure so to notify the Issuers shall not relieve any Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of its indemnity obligations hereunder. The Issuers shall defend the claim and the indemnified party shall provide reasonable cooperation at the Issuers’ expense in the defense. Such indemnified parties may have separate counsel and the Issuers and such Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel; provided , however , that the Issuers shall not be required to pay such fees and expenses if it assumes such indemnified parties’ defense and, in such indemnified parties’ reasonable judgment, there is no conflict of interest between the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, and such parties in connection with such defense. The Issuers need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense Incurred by an indemnified party through such party’s own willful misconduct, negligence (except with respect to the Collateral Agent, which shall be held to a “gross negligence” standard) or bad faith.

To secure the Issuers’ and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes.

The Issuers’ and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ payment obligations pursuant to this Section shall survive the satisfaction or discharge of this Indenture, any rejection or termination of this Indenture under any bankruptcy law or the resignation or removal of the Trustee. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee Incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.01(f) or (g) with respect to the Issuers, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Law.

No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise Incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not assured to its satisfaction.

 

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SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee .

(a) The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuers. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuers shall remove the Trustee if:

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

(ii) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;

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

(iv) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

(b) If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Issuers or by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes 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 Issuers shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.

(c) A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuers. 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 the holders. 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.

(d) 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 Notes may petition at the expense of the Issuers any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(e) If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, unless the Trustee’s duty to resign is stayed as provided in Section 310(b) of the TIA, any holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Note for at least six months may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(f) Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section, the Issuers’ 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 Notes 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 Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Notes 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 Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

 

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SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification . There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

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

ARTICLE VIII

DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

SECTION 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance .

(a) This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes when:

(i) either (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuers and thereafter repaid to the Issuers or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (b) all of the Notes (1) have become due and payable, (2) will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or (3) if redeemable at the option of the Issuers, are to be called for redemption 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 Issuers, and the Issuers have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of deposit together with irrevocable instructions from the Issuers directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be; provided , that upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of the redemption only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of the redemption;

(ii) the Issuers and/or the Subsidiary Guarantors have paid all other sums payable under this Indenture; and

(iii) the Issuers have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s 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 Issuers at any time may terminate (i) all of their obligations under the Notes and this Indenture (with respect to the holders of the Notes) (“legal defeasance option”) or (ii) its obligations under Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13 and 4.15 and the operation of Section 5.01 for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, and

 

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Sections 6.01(c), 6.01(d) and Sections 6.01(e) and 6.01(f) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries only), 6.01(g), 6.01(h), 6.01(i) and 6.01(j) (“ covenant defeasance option ”). The Issuers may exercise their legal defeasance option notwithstanding their prior exercise of their covenant defeasance option. In the event that the Issuers terminate all of their obligations under the Notes and this Indenture (with respect to such Notes) by exercising their legal defeasance option or their covenant defeasance option, the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to the Notes and the Security Documents shall be terminated simultaneously with the termination of such obligations.

If the Issuers exercise their legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If the Issuers exercise their covenant defeasance option, payment of the Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(c), 6.01(d), 6.01(e) and 6.01(f) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries), 6.01(g), 6.01(h), 6.01(i) or 6.01(j) or because of the failure of the Issuers to comply with Section 5.01.

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

(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Issuers’ obligations in Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 7.07, 7.08 and in this Article VIII shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuers’ obligations in Sections 7.07, 8.05 and 8.06 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.

SECTION 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance .

(a) The Issuers may exercise their legal defeasance option or their covenant defeasance option only if:

(i) the Issuers irrevocably deposit in trust with the Trustee cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof sufficient to pay the principal of and premium (if any) and interest on the Notes when due at maturity or redemption, as the case may be, including interest thereon to maturity or such redemption date; provided , that upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of the redemption only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of the redemption;

(ii) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest when due on all the Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

(iii) no Default specified in Section 6.01(e) or (f) with respect to the Issuers shall have occurred or is continuing on the date of such deposit;

(iv) the deposit does not constitute a default under any other agreement binding on the Issuers and is not prohibited by Article X;

 

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(v) in the case of the legal defeasance option, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (1) the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (2) 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 will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by the immediately preceding sentence with respect to a legal defeasance need not be delivered if all of the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and payable or (y) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity 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 Issuers;

(vi) such exercise does not impair the right of any holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefore or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder’s Notes;

(vii) in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and

(viii) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Notes to be so defeased and discharged as contemplated by this Article VIII have been complied with.

(b) Before or after a deposit, the Issuers may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of such Notes at a future date in accordance with Article III.

SECTION 8.03. Application of Trust Money . The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations (including proceeds thereof) deposited with it pursuant to this Article VIII. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through each Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes so discharged or defeased.

SECTION 8.04. Repayment to Issuers . Each of the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Issuers upon request any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in this Article which, in the written opinion of nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee (which delivery shall only be required if U.S. Government Obligations have been so deposited), are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent discharge or defeasance in accordance with this Article.

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuers upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuers for payment as general creditors, and the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.

 

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SECTION 8.05. Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations . The Issuers 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 any Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII 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 Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes so discharged or defeased shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article VIII until such time as the Trustee or any Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII; provided , however , that, if the Issuers have made any payment of principal of, or interest on, any such Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

SECTION 9.01. Without Consent of the Holders .

(a) The Issuers and the Trustee may amend this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Notes without notice to or consent of any holder:

(i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency;

(ii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Issuer (with respect to an Issuer) of the obligations of the Issuers under this Indenture and the Notes;

(iii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Entity of the obligations of an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture, the Notes or its Note Guarantee, as applicable, and the Security Documents;

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

(v) to add a Subsidiary Guarantor or collateral with respect to the Notes or to secure the Notes;

(vi) to release or subordinate Collateral as permitted by this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

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(vii) to add additional secured creditors holding First Priority Lien Obligations, Other Second-Lien Obligations or other Junior Lien Obligations so long as such obligations are not prohibited by this Indenture or the Security Documents;

(viii) to add to the covenants of the Issuers for the benefit of the holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuers;

(ix) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder;

(x) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement to any provision of the “ Description of Notes ” in the Offering Memorandum 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 Notes, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, and the Issuers will confirm their good faith intention of any such textual change intended to be a verbatim recitation in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee;

(xi) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with qualifying or maintaining the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA; or

(xii) to make changes to provide for the issuance of the Additional Notes or Exchange Notes, which shall have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes, and which shall be treated, together with any outstanding Initial Notes, as a single issue of securities.

(b) After an amendment under this Section 9.01 becomes effective, the Issuers shall mail to the 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 an amendment under this Section 9.01.

SECTION 9.02. With Consent of the Holders .

(a) The Issuers and the Trustee may amend this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange for the Notes). However, without the consent of each holder of an outstanding Note affected, an amendment may not:

(1) reduce the amount of Notes whose holders must consent to an amendment;

(2) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Note;

(3) reduce the principal of or change the Stated Maturity of any Note;

(4) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed in accordance with Article III;

(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in such Note;

(6) expressly subordinate the Notes to any other Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(7) impair the right of any holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder’s Notes;

 

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(8) make any change in the amendment provisions which require each holder’s consent or in the waiver provisions; or

(9) make any change in the provisions in the Intercreditor Agreement or this Indenture dealing with the pro rata application of proceeds of Collateral that would adversely affect the holders of the Notes.

In addition, without the consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding, no amendment or waiver may release all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Lien of this Indenture and the Security Documents with respect to the Notes except, in each case, as provided in this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuers shall mail to the 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 an amendment under this Section 9.02.

SECTION 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act . From the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, every amendment, waiver or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall comply with the TIA as then in effect.

SECTION 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers .

(a) A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a holder of a Note shall bind the holder and every subsequent holder of that Note or portion of the Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Note. However, any such holder or subsequent holder may revoke the consent or waiver as to such holder’s Note or portion of the Note if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuers certifying that the requisite principal amount of Notes have consented. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every holder. An amendment or waiver becomes effective upon the (i) receipt by the Issuers or the Trustee of consents by the holders of the requisite principal amount of securities, (ii) satisfaction of conditions to effectiveness as set forth in this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto containing such amendment or waiver and (iii) execution of such amendment or waiver (or supplemental indenture) by the Issuers and the Trustee.

(b) The Issuers may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the holders 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 holders 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 Notes . If an amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of a Note, the Issuers may require the holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note regarding the changed terms and

 

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return it to the holder. Alternatively, if the Issuers or the Trustee so determine, the Issuers in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

SECTION 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments . The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article IX 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 shall be provided with, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof (including Section 9.03) and that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of the supplemental indenture have been complied with.

SECTION 9.07. Additional Voting Terms; Calculation of Principal Amount . All Notes issued under this Indenture shall vote and consent together on all matters (as to which any of such Notes may vote) as one class and no Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter. Determinations as to whether holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent shall be made in accordance with this Article IX and Section 2.14.

ARTICLE X

RANKING OF NOTE LIENS

SECTION 10.01. Relative Rights . After the expiration of the Escrow Period, the Intercreditor Agreement shall define the relative rights, as lienholders, of holders of Second Priority Liens and holders of Liens securing First Priority Lien Obligations. Nothing in this Indenture or the Intercreditor Agreement will:

(a) impair, as between the Issuers and holders of Notes, the obligation of the Issuers, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, premium and interest on Notes in accordance with their terms or to perform any other obligation of the Issuers or any other obligor under this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees and the Security Documents;

(b) restrict the right of any holder to sue for payments that are then due and owing, in a manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement;

(c) prevent the Trustee, the Collateral Agent or any holder from exercising against the Issuers or any other obligor any of its other available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default (other than its rights as a secured party, which are subject to the Intercreditor Agreement); or

(d) restrict the right of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent or any holder:

(1) to file and prosecute a petition seeking an order for relief in an involuntary bankruptcy case as to any obligor or otherwise to commence, or seek relief commencing, any insolvency or liquidation proceeding involuntarily against any obligor;

 

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(2) to make, support or oppose any request for an order for dismissal, abstention or conversion in any insolvency or liquidation proceeding;

(3) to make, support or oppose, in any insolvency or liquidation proceeding, any request for an order extending or terminating any period during which the debtor (or any other Person) has the exclusive right to propose a plan of reorganization or other dispositive restructuring or liquidation plan therein;

(4) to seek the creation of, or appointment to, any official committee representing creditors (or certain of the creditors) in any insolvency or liquidation proceedings and, if appointed, to serve and act as a member of such committee without being in any respect restricted or bound by, or liable for, any of the obligations under this Article X;

(5) to seek or object to the appointment of any professional person to serve in any capacity in any insolvency or liquidation proceeding or to support or object to any request for compensation made by any professional person or others therein;

(6) to make, support or oppose any request for order appointing a trustee or examiner in any insolvency or liquidation proceedings; or

(7) otherwise to make, support or oppose any request for relief in any insolvency or liquidation proceeding that it is permitted by law to make, support or oppose:

if it were a holder of unsecured claims; or

(x) as to any matter relating to any plan of reorganization or other

(y) restructuring or liquidation plan or as to any matter relating to the administration of the estate or the disposition of the case or proceeding (in each case except as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement).

ARTICLE XI

COLLATERAL

SECTION 11.01. Security Documents . After the expiration of the Escrow Period, the payment of the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on the Notes when due, whether on an Interest Payment Date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise and whether by the Issuers pursuant to the Notes or by the Subsidiary Guarantors pursuant to the Note Guarantees, the payment of all other Notes Obligations and the performance of all other obligations of the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees and the Security Documents shall be secured as provided in the Security Documents which the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall enter into upon the expiration of the Escrow Period and will be secured by Security Documents hereafter delivered as required or permitted by this Indenture. The Company shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, and each Restricted Subsidiary shall, make all filings (including filings of continuation statements and amendments to UCC financing statements that may be necessary to continue the effectiveness of such UCC financing statements) and all other actions as are necessary or required by the Security Documents to maintain (at the sole cost and expense of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) the security interest created by the Security Documents in the Collateral (other than with respect to any Collateral the security interest in which is not required to be perfected under the Security Documents) as a perfected security interest subject only to Permitted Liens.

 

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SECTION 11.02. Collateral Agent .

(a) The Collateral Agent shall have all the rights and protections provided in the Security Documents, as well as the rights and protections, as applicable, set forth in Article VII.

(b) Subject to Section 7.01, neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents will 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 obtaining or maintaining insurance on any Collateral, for the creation, perfection, priority, sufficiency or protection of any Second Priority Lien, or any defect or deficiency as to any such matters. Beyond the exercise of reasonable care in the custody thereof, the Trustee shall have no duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or bailee or any income thereon or as to preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto and the Trustee shall not be responsible for filing any financing or continuation statements or recording any documents or instruments in any public office at any time or times or otherwise perfecting or maintaining the perfection of any security interest in the Collateral. The Trustee shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody of the Collateral in its possession if the Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which it accords its own property and shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or diminution in the value of any of the Collateral, by reason of the act or omission of any carrier, forwarding agency or other agent or bailee selected by the Trustee in good faith.

(c) Subject to the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, (i) the Trustee shall direct the Collateral Agent and (ii) except as directed by the Trustee as required or permitted by this Indenture and any other representatives or pursuant to the Security Documents, the holders acknowledge that Collateral Agent will 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 Second Priority Lien; or

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

(d) The holders of Notes agree that the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to the rights, privileges, protections, immunities, indemnities and benefits provided to the Collateral Agent by the Security Documents. Furthermore, each holder of a Note, by accepting such Note, consents to the terms of and authorizes and directs the Trustee (in each of its capacities) and the Collateral Agent to enter into and perform the Intercreditor Agreement and Security Documents in each of its capacities thereunder.

(e) If the Issuers (i) Incur First Priority Lien Obligations at any time when the Intercreditor Agreement is not in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting First Priority Lien Obligations entitled to the benefit of an existing intercreditor agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) direct the Trustee to deliver to the Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the Intercreditor Agreement in effect on the Issue Date) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the First Priority Lien Obligations so Incurred, the holders acknowledge that the Collateral Agent is hereby authorized and directed to enter into such intercreditor agreement, bind the holders on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.

 

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SECTION 11.03. Authorization of Actions to Be Taken .

(a) Each holder of Notes, by its acceptance thereof, consents and agrees to the terms of each Security Document and the Intercreditor Agreement as originally in effect and as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time in accordance with its terms or the terms of this Indenture, appoints U.S. Bank National Association as its collateral agent, authorizes and directs the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Security Documents to which it is a party, authorizes and empowers the Trustee to direct the Collateral Agent to enter into, and the Collateral Agent to execute and deliver, the Intercreditor Agreement and authorizes and empowers the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to bind the holders of Notes and other holders of Obligations as set forth in the Security Documents to which it is a party and the Intercreditor Agreement and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights and powers thereunder.

(b) The Collateral Agent and Trustee are authorized and empowered to receive for the benefit of the holders of Notes any funds collected or distributed under the Security Documents to which the Collateral Agent or the Trustee is a party and to make further distributions of such funds to the holders of Notes according to the provisions of this Indenture.

(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 and Section 7.02 hereof, and the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, the Trustee may, in its sole discretion and without the consent of the holders, direct, on behalf of the holders, the Collateral Agent to take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to:

(1) foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any or all of the Second Priority Liens;

(2) enforce any of the terms of the Security Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party; or

(3) collect and receive payment of any and all Obligations.

Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee is authorized and empowered to institute and maintain, or direct the Collateral Agent to institute and maintain, such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to protect or enforce the Second Priority Liens or the Security Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party or to prevent any impairment of Collateral by any acts that may be unlawful or in violation of the Security Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee or the Collateral Agent may deem expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the holders of Notes in the Collateral, including power to institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the security interest hereunder or be prejudicial to the interests of holders, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent.

SECTION 11.04. Release of Collateral .

(a) Collateral may be released from the Lien and security interest created by the Security Documents to secure the Notes and obligations under this Indenture at any time or from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement or as provided hereby or in the

 

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Security Documents. The applicable assets included in the Collateral shall be automatically released from the Liens securing the Notes, and the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations under this Indenture and the Security Documents, under any one or more of the following circumstances or any applicable circumstance as provided in the Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents:

(1) upon the Discharge of Senior Lender Claims and concurrent release of all other Liens on such property or assets securing First Priority Lien Obligations (including all commitments and letters of credit thereunder); provided , however , that if any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor subsequently Incurs First Priority Lien Obligations that are secured by Liens on property or assets of any Issuer of the type constituting the Collateral and the related Liens are Incurred in reliance on clause (6)(B) of the definition of Permitted Liens, then the Issuers will be required to reinstitute the security arrangements with respect to the Collateral in favor of the Notes, which, in the case of any such subsequent First Priority Lien Obligations, will be Second Priority Liens on the Collateral securing such First Priority Lien Obligations to the same extent provided by the Security Documents and on the terms and conditions of the security documents relating to such First Priority Lien Obligations, with the Second Priority Lien held either by the administrative agent, collateral agent or other representative for such First Priority Lien Obligations or by a collateral agent or other representative designated by the Issuers to hold the Second Priority Liens for the benefit of the holders of the Notes and subject to an intercreditor agreement that provides the administrative agent or collateral agent substantially the same rights and powers as afforded under the Intercreditor Agreement;

(2) to enable any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor to consummate the disposition of such property or assets to a Person that is not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor to the extent not prohibited under Section 4.06;

(3) in respect of the property and assets of a Subsidiary Guarantor, upon the designation of such Subsidiary Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with Section 4.04 and the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary,” and such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations hereunder and under the Security Documents;

(4) in respect of the property or assets of an Issuer, upon the release or discharge of such Issuer’s Notes Obligations in accordance with this Indenture;

(5) in respect of the property and assets of a Subsidiary Guarantor, upon the release or discharge of the Note Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with this Indenture;

(6) in respect of any property and assets securing the First Priority Lien Obligations, upon the release of the security interests securing such assets or property securing any First Priority Lien Obligations, other than in connection with a Discharge of Senior Lender Claims; and

(7) as described under Article IX.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default under this Indenture exists on the date of Discharge of Senior Lender Claims, the Second Priority Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes will not be released pursuant to clause (1) of the preceding paragraph, except to the extent the Collateral or any portion thereof was disposed of in order to repay the First Priority Lien Obligations secured by the Collateral (but in such event, the Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes will be released when such Event of Default and all other Events of Default under this Indenture cease to exist).

 

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In addition, the security interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents securing the Notes Obligations shall automatically terminate and/or be released all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to the applicable Pledgor (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), as of the date upon (i) all the Obligations under the Notes and this Indenture (other than contingent or unliquidated obligations or liabilities not then due) have been paid in full in cash or immediately available funds; (ii) a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or discharge under Article VIII, or (iii) the holders of at least two thirds in aggregate principal amount of all Notes issued under this Indenture consent to the termination of the Security Documents.

In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section 11.04(a), the Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver to any Pledgor (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), at such Pledgor’s expense, all documents that such Pledgor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release (including, without limitation, UCC termination statements), and will duly assign and transfer to such Pledgor, such of the Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) that may be in the possession of the Collateral Agent and has not theretofore been sold or otherwise applied or released pursuant to this Indenture or the Security Documents. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 11.04(a) shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Collateral Agent. In connection with any release pursuant to this Section 11.04(a), the Pledgors shall be permitted to take any action in connection therewith consistent with such release including, without limitation, the filing of UCC termination statements.

Upon the receipt of an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuers, as described in Section 11.04(b) below, if applicable, and any necessary or proper instruments of termination, satisfaction or release prepared by the Issuers, the Collateral Agent shall execute, deliver or acknowledge 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.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in connection with any release of Collateral pursuant to Section 11.04(a), the Collateral Agent shall not be required to execute, deliver or acknowledge any instruments of termination, satisfaction or release unless, in each case, an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel certifying that all conditions precedent, including, without limitation, this Section 11.04, have been met and stating under which of the circumstances set forth in Section 11.04(a) above the Collateral is being released have been delivered to the Collateral Agent and the Trustee on or prior to the date on which the Collateral Agent executes any such instrument.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, at any time when a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the maturity of the Notes has been accelerated (whether by declaration or otherwise) and the Trustee has delivered a notice of acceleration to the Collateral Agent, no release of Collateral pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture or the Security Documents will be effective as against the holders, except as otherwise provided in the Intercreditor Agreement.

(d) To the extent necessary and for so long as required for any Issuer or Subsidiary not to be subject to any requirement pursuant to Rule 3-10 or Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act to file separate financial statements with the SEC (or any other governmental agency), the Capital Stock of any such Issuer or Subsidiary shall not be included in the Collateral with respect to the respective Notes so affected and shall not be subject to the Liens securing such Notes and the Notes Obligations in accordance with and only to the extent provided in the Security Documents.

 

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SECTION 11.05. Filing, Recording and Opinions .

(a) The Issuers will comply with the provisions of TIA Sections 314(b), 314(c) and 314(d), in each case following qualification of this Indenture pursuant to the TIA and except to the extent not required as set forth in any SEC regulation or interpretation (including any no-action letter issued by the Staff of the SEC, whether issued to an Issuer or any other Person). Following such qualification, to the extent the Issuers are required to furnish to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel pursuant to TIA Section 314(b)(2), the Issuers will furnish such opinion not more than 60 but not less than 30 days prior to each September 30.

Any release of Collateral permitted by Section 11.04 hereof will be deemed not to impair the Liens under this Indenture and the Security Documents in contravention thereof and any person that is required to deliver an Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 314(d) of the TIA, shall be entitled to rely upon the foregoing as a basis for delivery of such certificate or opinion. The Trustee may, to the extent permitted by Section 7.01 and 7.02 hereof, accept as conclusive evidence of compliance with the foregoing provisions the appropriate statements contained in such documents and Opinion of Counsel.

(b) Any certificate or opinion required by Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act may be made by an Officer of an Issuer, except in cases where Section 314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent engineer, appraiser or other expert.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Issuers and their Subsidiaries will not be required to comply with all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act if they determine, in good faith based on advice of counsel, that under the terms of that section and/or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its staff, including “no action” letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act is inapplicable to the released Collateral.

(d) Upon the request of the Trustee, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel in respect of any matter in furtherance of the foregoing transactions contemplated by this Section 11.05.

SECTION 11.06. [ Intentionally omitted .]

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 XI upon the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors 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 Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors or of any officer or officers thereof required by the provisions of this Article XI; 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 Issuers’ Obligations . In the event (i) that the Issuers deliver to the Trustee, in form and substance acceptable to it, an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel certifying that all the obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Security Documents have been satisfied and discharged by the payment in full of the Issuers’ obligations under the Notes, this Indenture and the Security Documents, and all such obligations have been so satisfied, or (ii) a discharge, legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of this Indenture occurs under Article VIII, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuers and the Collateral Agent a notice stating that the Trustee, on behalf of

 

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the holders, disclaims and gives up any and all rights it has in or to the Collateral, and any rights it has under the Security Documents, and upon receipt by the Collateral Agent of such notice, the 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.

SECTION 11.09. Designations . Except as provided in the next sentence, for purposes of the provisions hereof and the Intercreditor Agreement requiring the Issuers to designate Indebtedness for the purposes of the terms First Priority Lien Obligations and Other Second-Lien Obligations or any other such designations hereunder or under the Intercreditor Agreement, any such designation shall be sufficient if the relevant designation provides in writing that such First Priority Lien Obligations or Other Second-Lien Obligations are permitted under this Indenture and is signed on behalf of the Issuers by an Officer and delivered to the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement. For all purposes hereof and the Intercreditor Agreement, the Issuers hereby designates the Obligations pursuant to the Credit Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date, as First Priority Lien Obligations.

SECTION 11.10. Taking and Destruction . Following the Discharge of Senior Lender Claims, upon any Taking or Destruction of any Collateral, all Net Insurance Proceeds received by any Issuer or Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed Net Proceeds and shall be applied in accordance with Section 4.06.

ARTICLE XII

GUARANTEE

SECTION 12.01. Guarantee .

(a) Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, to each holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns (i) the performance and punctual payment when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all obligations of the Issuers under this Indenture (including obligations to the Trustee) and the Notes, whether for payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on in respect of the Notes and all other monetary obligations of the Issuers under this Indenture and the Notes and (ii) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Issuers whether for fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise under this Indenture and the Notes (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). The Guaranteed Obligations of all Subsidiary Guarantors shall be secured by perfected security interests (subject to Permitted Liens and Liens permitted by Section 4.12) in the Collateral owned by such Subsidiary Guarantor on a pari passu basis with all Other Second-Lien Obligations, pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from any Subsidiary Guarantor, and that each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain bound under this Article XII notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.

(b) Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Issuers of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives notice of any default under the Notes or the Guaranteed Obligations. The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (i) the failure of any holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Issuers or any other Person under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (ii) any extension or renewal of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (iii) any

 

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rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (iv) the release of any security held by any holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or each Subsidiary Guarantor; (v) the failure of any holder or Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (vi) any change in the ownership of each Subsidiary Guarantor, except as provided in Section 12.02(b) or Section 12.02(c). Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have its obligations hereunder divided among the Subsidiary Guarantors, such that such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations would be less than the full amount claimed.

(c) Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have the assets of the Issuers first be used and depleted as payment of the Issuers’ or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations hereunder prior to any amounts being claimed from or paid by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder. Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to require that the Issuers be sued prior to an action being initiated against such Subsidiary Guarantor.

(d) Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Note 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.

(e) The Note Guarantee of each Subsidiary Guarantor is, to the extent and in the manner set forth in Article XII, equal in right of payment to all existing and future Pari Passu Indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor. Pursuant to the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, the security interests securing the Note Guarantees will be equal in priority (subject to Permitted Liens and Liens permitted by Section 4.12) to all security interests in the Collateral granted to secure the Other Second-Lien Obligations.

(f) Except as expressly set forth in Sections 8.01(b), 12.02 and 12.06, the obligations of each Subsidiary 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 Subsidiary 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 Notes 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 any Subsidiary Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Subsidiary Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.

(g) Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that its Note Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor. Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Note 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 Issuers or otherwise.

(h) 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 Subsidiary Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuers to pay the principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the

 

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same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Guaranteed Obligation, each Subsidiary 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 (i) the unpaid principal amount of such Guaranteed Obligations, (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by applicable law) and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Issuers to the holders and the Trustee.

(i) Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the holders in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations. Each Subsidiary Guarantor further 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 guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article VI for the purposes of the Note 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 VI, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Subsidiary Guarantors for the purposes of this Section 12.01.

(j) Each Subsidiary Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) Incurred by the Trustee or any holder in enforcing any rights under this Section 12.01.

(k) Upon request of the Trustee, each Subsidiary Guarantor 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 although the Trustee shall have no obligation to make any such request.

SECTION 12.02. Limitation on Liability .

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

(b) A Note Guarantee as to any Subsidiary that executes a supplemental indenture in accordance with Section 4.11 hereof and provides a guarantee shall terminate and be of no further force or effect and such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed to be released from all obligations under this Article XII upon:

(i) the sale, disposition, exchange or other transfer (including through merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise) of the Capital Stock (including any sale, disposition or other transfer following which the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary), of the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor if such sale, disposition, exchange or other transfer is made in a manner not in violation of this Indenture;

(ii) the Issuers designating such Subsidiary Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.04 and the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”;

 

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(iii) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor of the Indebtedness which resulted in the obligation to guarantee the Notes;

(iv) the Issuers’ exercise of their legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option under Article VIII or if the Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture are discharged in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; and

(v) such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary as a result of any foreclosure of any pledge or security interest in favor of the First Priority Lien Obligations, subject to, in each case, the application of the proceeds of such foreclosure in accordance with Section 11.04.

SECTION 12.03. Successors and Assigns . This Article XII shall be binding upon each Subsidiary Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure 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 Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.

SECTION 12.04. 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 XII 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 XII at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

SECTION 12.05. Modification . No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article XII, nor the consent to any departure by any Subsidiary 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 Subsidiary Guarantor in any case shall entitle any Subsidiary Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

SECTION 12.06. Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Guarantors . Each Subsidiary and other Person which is required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.11 shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the form of Exhibit D hereto pursuant to which such Subsidiary or other Person shall become a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Article XII and shall guarantee the Notes. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Subsidiary or other Person and that, subject to the application of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer and other similar laws relating to creditors’ rights generally and to the principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity, the Note Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor is a valid and binding obligation of such guarantor, enforceable against such Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with its terms.

SECTION 12.07. Non-Impairment . The failure to endorse a Note Guarantee on any Note shall not affect or impair the validity thereof.

 

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ARTICLE XIII

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 13.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls . If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA Section 318(c) in respect of Sections of the TIA that are incorporated by reference in this Indenture pursuant to Section 1.03, the imposed duties shall control.

SECTION 13.02. Notices .

(a) Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and delivered in person, via facsimile or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:

if to an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor:

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC

c/o Caesars Acquisition Company

One Caesars Palace Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89101-8969

Telephone: (702) 407-6000

Facsimile: (702) 407-6418

Attn: General Counsel

if to the Trustee:

U.S. Bank National Association

60 Livingston Avenue

St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-1419

Telephone: (651) 466-6299

Facsimile: (651) 466-7430

Attn: Corporate Trust Services, Raymond S. Haverstock

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

(b) Any notice or communication mailed to a holder shall be mailed, first class mail, to the holder at the holder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed.

(c) Failure to mail a notice or communication to a holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except that notices to the Trustee are effective only if received.

SECTION 13.03. Communication by the Holders with Other Holders . The holders may communicate pursuant to Section 312(b) of the TIA with other holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuers, the Trustee, the Registrar and other Persons shall have the protection of Section 312(c) of the TIA.

 

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SECTION 13.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent . Upon any request or application by the Issuers to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture (other than the authentication of the Initial Notes), the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee at the request of the Trustee:

(a) an Officer’s Certificate in form 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

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

SECTION 13.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion . Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture (other than pursuant to Section 4.09) shall include:

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

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

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such 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

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

SECTION 13.06. When Notes Disregarded . In determining whether the holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors 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 Notes which the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Subject to the foregoing, only Notes outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.

SECTION 13.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar . The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of the holders. The Registrar and a Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

SECTION 13.08. Legal Holidays . If a payment date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, and no interest shall accrue on any amount that would have been otherwise payable on such payment date if it were a Business Day for the intervening period. If a regular Record Date is not a Business Day, the Record Date shall not be affected.

SECTION 13.09. GOVERNING LAW . THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

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SECTION 13.10. No Recourse Against Others . No director, officer, employee, manager, incorporator or holder of any Equity Interests in the Issuers or of any Subsidiary Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent corporation, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor under the Notes or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

SECTION 13.11. Successors . All agreements of an Issuer and a Subsidiary Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind such person’s successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

SECTION 13.12. 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 13.13. 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 13.14. Indenture Controls . If and to the extent that any provision of the Notes limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of this Indenture, such provision of this Indenture shall control.

SECTION 13.15. Severability . In case any provision in this Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.

SECTION 13.16. Intercreditor Agreement . The terms of this Indenture are subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

SECTION 13.17. Acts of Holders . Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuers. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuers, if made in the manner provided in this Section 13.17. The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to such officer the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than such signer’s individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of such signer’s authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

 

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The ownership of the Notes shall be proved by the register of the Notes kept by the Registrar.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the holder of any Note shall bind every future holder of the same Note and the holder of every Note issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Issuers in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

If the Issuers shall solicit from the holders any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Issuers may, at their option, by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof of such Issuer, fix in advance a record date for the determination of holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Issuers shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be holders for the purposes of determining whether holders of the requisite proportion of the outstanding Notes have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the outstanding Notes shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.

SECTION 13.18. Security Advice Waiver . The parties hereto acknowledge that to the extent regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency or other applicable regulatory entity grant them the right to receive brokerage confirmations for certain security transactions as they occur, they each specifically waive receipt of such confirmations to the extent permitted by law.

SECTION 13.19. Patriot Act . The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties hereto agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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

 

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.

By:  

/s/ Craig Abrahams

Name:   Craig Abrahams
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

[Signature Page to Indenture]


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

By:  

/s/ Raymond H. Haverstock

Name:   Raymond H. Haverstock
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Indenture]


APPENDIX A

PROVISIONS RELATING TO INITIAL SECURITIES, ADDITIONAL SECURITIES

AND EXCHANGE SECURITIES

 

  1. Definitions .

 

  1.1 Definitions .

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

Additional Interest ” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Definitive Note ” means a certificated Initial Note, Additional Note or Exchange Note (bearing the Restricted Notes Legend if the transfer of such Note is restricted by applicable law) that does not include the Global Notes Legend.

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

Global Note ” means a certificated Initial Note that includes the Global Notes Legend.

Global Notes Legend ” means the legend set forth under that caption in the applicable Exhibit to this Indenture.

IAI ” means an institutional “accredited investor” as described in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.

Initial Purchasers ” means Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Nomura Securities International, Inc. and UBS Securities LLC.

Notes Custodian ” means the custodian with respect to a Global Note (as appointed by the Depository) or any successor person thereto, who shall initially be the Trustee.

Purchase Agreement ” means the Purchase Agreement dated April 14, 2014 among the Issuers and the Representative of the Initial Purchasers entered into in connection with the sale and issuance of the Notes.

QIB ” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

Registered Exchange Offer ” means the offer by the Issuers, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, to certain holders of Initial Notes, to issue and deliver to such holders, in exchange for their Initial Notes, a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes registered under the Securities Act.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means (a) the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 2014 among the Issuers and the Representative of the Initial Purchasers relating to the Notes and (b) any other similar registration rights agreement relating to Additional Notes.

Regulation S ” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

Appendix A-1


Regulation S Notes ” means all Initial Notes offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S.

Restricted Notes Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.2(f)(i) herein.

Restricted Period ,” with respect to any Notes, means the period of 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the later of (a) the day on which such Notes are first offered to persons other than distributors (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) in reliance on Regulation S, notice of which day shall be promptly given by the Issuers to the Trustee, and (b) the Issue Date, and with respect to any Additional Notes that are Transfer Restricted Notes, it means the comparable period of 40 consecutive days.

Rule 501 ” means Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.

Rule 144A ” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

Rule 144A Notes ” means all Initial Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A.

Shelf Registration Statement ” means a registration statement filed by the Issuers in connection with the offer and sale of Initial Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes ” means Definitive Notes that bear or are required to bear or are subject to the Restricted Notes Legend.

Transfer Restricted Global Notes ” means Global Notes that bear or are required to bear or are subject to the Restricted Notes Legend.

Unrestricted Definitive Notes ” means Definitive Notes that are not required to bear, or are not subject to, the Restricted Notes Legend.

Unrestricted Global Notes ” means Global Notes that are not required to bear, or are not subject to, the Restricted Notes Legend.

 

  1.2 Other Definitions .

 

Term:

   Defined in Section:

Agent Members

   2.1(b)

Global Notes

   2.1(b)

Regulation S Global Notes

   2.1(b)

Rule 144A Global Notes

   2.1(b)

 

  2. The Notes .

 

  2.1 Form and Dating; Global Notes .

(a) The Initial Notes issued on the date hereof will be (i) privately placed by the Issuers pursuant to the Offering Memorandum and (ii) sold, initially only to (1) QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A and (2) Persons other than U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S. Such Initial Notes may thereafter be transferred to, among others, QIBs, purchasers in reliance on

 

Appendix A-2


Regulation S and, except as set forth below, IAIs in accordance with Rule 501. Additional Notes offered after the date hereof may be offered and sold by the Issuers from time to time pursuant to one or more agreements in accordance with applicable law.

(b) Global Notes . (i) Except as provided in clause (d) below, Rule 144A Notes initially shall be represented by one or more Notes in definitive, fully registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “ Rule 144A Global Notes ”).

Regulation S Notes initially shall be represented by one or more Notes in fully registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “ Regulation S Global Notes ”), which shall be registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of the Depository for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream.

The term “ Global Notes ” means the Rule 144A Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes. The Global Notes shall bear the Global Note Legend. The Global Notes initially shall (i) be registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of such Depository, in each case for credit to an account of an Agent Member, (ii) be delivered to the Trustee as custodian for such Depository and (iii) bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

Members of, or direct or indirect participants in, the Depository (collectively, the “ Agent Members ”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depository, or the Trustee as its custodian, or under the Global Notes. The Depository may be treated by the Issuers, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuers or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the Global Notes for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuers, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuers 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 governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of any Note.

(ii) Transfers of Global Notes shall be limited to transfer in whole, but not in part, to the Depository, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in the Global Notes may be transferred or exchanged for Definitive Notes only in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository and the provisions of Section 2.2. In addition, a Global Note shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes if (x) the Depository (1) notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for such Global Note and the Issuers thereupon fail to appoint a successor depository or (2) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act or (y) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to such Global Note and a request has been made for such exchange; provided that in no event shall the Regulation S Global Note be exchanged by the Issuers for Definitive Notes prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act. In all cases, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests therein shall be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depository in accordance with its customary procedures.

(iii) In connection with the transfer of a Global Note as an entirety to beneficial owners pursuant to subsection (i) of this Section 2.1(b), such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuers shall execute, and, upon written order of each Issuer signed by an Officer, the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depository in writing in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Notes of authorized denominations.

 

Appendix A-3


(iv) Any Transfer Restricted Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note pursuant to Section 2.2 shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.2, bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, through the Restricted Period, a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note may be held only through Euroclear or Clearstream unless delivery is made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 2.2.

(vi) The holder of any Global Note may 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 Notes.

 

  2.2 Transfer and Exchange .

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes . A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except as set forth in Section 2.1(b). Global Notes will not be exchanged by the Issuers for Definitive Notes except under the circumstances described in Section 2.1(b)(ii). Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Section 2.08 of this Indenture. Beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.2(b).

(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes . The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depository, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository. Beneficial interests in Transfer Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Beneficial interests in Global Notes shall be transferred or exchanged only for beneficial interests in Global Notes. Transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note . Beneficial interests in any Transfer Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Transfer Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Restricted Notes Legend; provided , however , that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in a Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person. A beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.2(b)(i).

(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes . In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in any Global Note that is not subject to Section 2.2(b)(i), the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar (1) a written order from an Agent Member given to the Depository in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository directing the Depository to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository containing information regarding the Agent Member account to be credited with such increase. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note pursuant to Section 2.2(i).

 

Appendix A-4


(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note . A beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Transfer Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.2(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note; and

(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note.

(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Transfer Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note . A beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.2(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note; or

(B) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note,

and, in each such case, if the Issuers or the Registrar so request or if the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers and the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Restricted Notes Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuers in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (iv).

(v) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in a Transfer Restricted Global Note . Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note.

 

Appendix A-5


(c) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes for Definitive Notes . A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.1(b)(ii). A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.1(b)(ii). In any case, beneficial interests in Global Notes shall be transferred or exchanged only for Definitive Notes.

(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in Global Notes . Transfers and exchanges of Definitive Notes for beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) below, as applicable:

(i) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Transfer Restricted Global Notes . If any holder of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Note for a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;

(B) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;

(C) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;

(D) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;

(E) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an IAI in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel, if applicable; or

(F) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Issuers or a Subsidiary thereof, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;

the Trustee shall cancel the Transfer Restricted Definitive Note, and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the appropriate Transfer Restricted Global Note.

(ii) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes . A holder of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such

 

Appendix A-6


Transfer Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note; or

(B) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note,

and, in each such case, if the Issuers or the Registrar so request or if the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers and the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Restricted Notes Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon satisfaction of the conditions of this subparagraph (ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (ii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuers in the form of an Officer’s Certificate, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Notes transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (ii).

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes . A holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Unrestricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Unrestricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (iii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuers in the form of an Officer’s Certificate, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Unrestricted Definitive Notes transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (iii).

(iv) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Transfer Restricted Global Notes . An Unrestricted Definitive Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note.

(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes . Upon request by a holder of Definitive Notes and such holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.2(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar

 

Appendix A-7


duly executed by such holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.2(e).

(i) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes . A Transfer Restricted Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note;

(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note;

(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note;

(D) if the transfer will be made to an IAI in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (A) through (D) above, a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note; and

(E) if such transfer will be made to an Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note.

(ii) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . Any Transfer Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note; or

(B) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note,

and, in each such case, if the Registrar so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Restricted Notes Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes . A holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may transfer such Unrestricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the holder thereof.

 

Appendix A-8


(iv) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes . An Unrestricted Definitive Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note.

At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depository at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depository at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

(f) Legend .

(i) Except as permitted by the following paragraph (iii), (iv) or (v), each Note certificate evidencing the Global Notes and any Definitive Notes (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (each defined term in the legend being defined as such for purposes of the legend only):

“THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY EXCEPT (A) TO THE ISSUERS OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (E) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE ISSUERS SO REQUEST), OR (F) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SECURITY IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

 

Appendix A-9


“THE TERMS OF THIS SECURITY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, BY AND AMONG CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS AGENT UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE OTHER PARTIES FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY THERETO, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME.”

Each Regulation S Note shall bear the following additional legend:

“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.”

Each Definitive Note shall bear the following additional 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.”

(ii) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note, the Registrar shall permit the holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Note for a Definitive Note that does not bear the legends set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note if the holder certifies in writing to the Registrar that its request for such exchange was made in reliance on Rule 144 (such certification to be in the form set forth on the reverse of the Initial Note).

(iii) After a transfer of any Initial Notes during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Initial Notes, all requirements pertaining to the Restricted Notes Legend on any such Initial Note will cease to apply, the requirements requiring any such Initial Note issued to certain holders be issued in global form will continue to apply, and an Initial Note or an Initial Note in global form, in each case without restrictive transfer legends, will be available to the transferee of the holder of such Initial Notes upon exchange of such transferring holder’s certificated Initial Note or directions to transfer such holder’s interest in the Global Note, as applicable.

(iv) Upon the consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer with respect to the Initial Notes pursuant to which holders of such Initial Notes are offered Exchange Notes in exchange for their Initial Notes, all requirements pertaining to such Initial Notes that Initial Notes issued to certain holders be issued in global form will still apply with respect to holders of such Initial Notes that do not exchange their Initial Notes, and Exchange Notes in certificated or global form, in each case without the Restricted Notes Legend, will be available to holders that exchange such Initial Notes in such Registered Exchange Offer.

(v) Upon a sale or transfer after the expiration of the Restricted Period of any Initial Note acquired pursuant to Regulation S, all requirements that such Initial Note bear the Restricted Notes Legend shall cease to apply and the requirements requiring any such Initial Note be issued in global form shall continue to apply.

 

Appendix A-10


(vi) Any Additional Notes sold in a registered offering shall not be required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

(g) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Note . At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 of this Indenture. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depository at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depository at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

(h) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Notes .

(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate, Definitive Notes and Global Notes at the Registrar’s request.

(ii) No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax, assessments, or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Sections 3.06, 4.06, 4.08 and 9.05 of this Indenture).

(iii) Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuers, the Trustee, a Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuers, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(iv) All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

(i) No Obligation of the Trustee .

(i) The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in the Depository or any 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 Notes 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 repurchase) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the holders and all payments to be made to the holders under

 

Appendix A-11


the Notes shall be given or made only to the registered holders (which shall be the Depository or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note 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.

(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 Note (including any transfers between or among Depository participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

Appendix A-12


EXHIBIT A

[FORM OF FACE OF INITIAL NOTE]

[Global Notes 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 DTC, 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 Note Only]

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.

[Restricted Notes Legend]

THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY EXCEPT (A) TO THE ISSUERS OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (E) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE ISSUERS SO REQUEST), OR (F) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE

 

A-1


SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SECURITY IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

THE TERMS OF THIS SECURITY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, BY AND AMONG CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS AGENT UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE OTHER PARTIES FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY THERETO, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME.

Each Definitive Note shall bear the following additional legends:

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.

 

A-2


[FORM OF INITIAL NOTE]

 

No.   

144A CUSIP No. [    ]

144A ISIN No. [    ]

    

12768W AA4

US12768WAA45

  

REG S CUSIP No. [    ]

REG S ISIN No. [    ]

    

U1230J AA3

USU1230JAA35

9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Note due 2022

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation, promise to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum set forth on the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in Global Security attached hereto on May 1, 2022.

Interest Payment Dates: May 1 and November 1

Record Dates: April 15 and October 15

Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.

 

A-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.

By:  

 

Name:   Craig Abrahams
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Dated: April 17, 2014

 

A-4


TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Trustee, certifies that this is

one of the Notes

referred to in the Indenture.

By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

 

*/ If the Note is to be issued in global form, add the Global Notes Legend and the attachment from Exhibit A captioned “TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL SECURITIES - SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL SECURITY.”

 

A-5


[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF INITIAL NOTE]

9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022

1. Interest

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation (such entities, and their successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum shown above. The Issuers shall pay interest semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year (each an “ Interest Payment Date ”), commencing November 1, 2014. Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from April 17, 2014, until the principal hereof is due. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The Issuers shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by the Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

2. Method of Payment

The Issuers shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered holders at the close of business on April 15 and October 15 (each a “ Record Date ”) next preceding the Interest Payment Date even if Notes are canceled after the Record Date and on or before the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders must surrender Notes to the Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Issuers shall pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depositary. The Issuers shall make all payments in respect of a certificated Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each holder thereof; provided , however , that payments on the Notes may also be made, in the case of a holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes, 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 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).

3. Paying Agent and Registrar

Initially, U.S. Bank National Association (the “ Trustee ”) will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may appoint and change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice. Any Issuer or any of its domestically incorporated Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

4. Indenture

The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa 77bbbb) as in effect on the date of the Indenture (the “ TIA ”). Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and the holders (as defined in the Indenture) are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms and provisions.

 

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The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuers. This Note is one of the Initial Notes referred to in the Indenture. The Notes include the Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Initial Notes or any Additional Notes pursuant to the Indenture. The Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes are treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things, make certain Investments and other Restricted Payments, pay dividends and other distributions, Incur Indebtedness, enter into consensual restrictions upon the payment of certain dividends and distributions by such Restricted Subsidiaries, issue or sell shares of capital stock of the Company and such Restricted Subsidiaries, enter into or permit certain transactions with Affiliates, create or Incur Liens and make Asset Sales. The Indenture also imposes limitations on the ability of each Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property.

To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal and interest on the Notes and all other amounts payable by the Issuers under the Indenture and the Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Notes and the Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantor that executes a Note Guarantee pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Indenture will unconditionally guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.

5. Optional Redemption

On or after May 1, 2017, the Issuers may redeem the Notes at their option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice delivered to each holder’s registered address, which in the case of Global Notes shall be the Depository, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, 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 12-month period commencing on May 1 of the years set forth below:

 

Period

   Redemption Price  

2017

     107.031

2018

     104.688

2019

     102.344

2020 and thereafter

     100.000

In addition, prior to May 1, 2017 the Issuers may redeem the Notes at their option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed by first-class mail, or delivered electronically to the Depository if held by DTC, to each holder’s registered address, which in the case of Global Notes shall be the Depository, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, the applicable 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).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time and from time to time on or prior to May 1, 2017, the Issuers may redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) with the net cash proceeds

 

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of one or more Equity Offerings (1) by the Company (as defined in the Indenture) or (2) by any direct or indirect parent of the Company to the extent the net cash proceeds thereof are contributed to the common equity capital of the Company or used to purchase Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof) of 109.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, 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); provided , however , that at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) must remain outstanding after each such redemption; provided , further , that such redemption shall occur within 90 days after the date on which any such Equity Offering is consummated upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice mailed to each holder of Notes being redeemed and otherwise in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.

6. Mandatory Redemption

Except as set forth in the Indenture, the Issuers will not be required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

7. Notice of Redemption

Other than with respect to a special mandatory redemption pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Indenture, notice of redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date, to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (with a copy to the Trustee) or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, 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 Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture pursuant to Article VIII thereof. If money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued and unpaid interest on all Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the redemption date is deposited with a Paying Agent on or before the redemption date and certain other conditions are satisfied, on and after such date, interest ceases to accrue on such Notes (or such portions thereof) called for redemption.

8. Repurchase of Notes at the Option of the Holders upon Change of Control and Asset Sales

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder shall have the right, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, to cause the Issuers to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of the 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. If holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Issuers, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer, purchases all of such Notes, the Issuers or such third party may redeem all of the Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

In accordance with Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuers will be required to offer to purchase Notes upon the occurrence of certain events.

 

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9. Ranking and Collateral

After the expiration of the Escrow Period (as defined in the Indenture), these Notes and any Note Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor will be secured by a second-priority security interest in the Collateral pursuant to certain Security Documents. The Second Priority Liens upon any and all Collateral are, to the extent and in the manner provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, second in priority behind all present and future First Priority Lien Obligations and pari passu in priority with all present and future Liens securing Other Second-Lien Obligations.

10. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange

The Notes are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A holder shall register the transfer of or exchange of Notes in accordance with the Indenture. Upon any registration of transfer or exchange, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay any taxes required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any Notes selected for redemption (except, in the case of a Note to be redeemed in part, the portion of the Note not to be redeemed) or to transfer or exchange any Notes for a period of 15 days prior to a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

11. Persons Deemed Owners

The registered holder of this Note shall be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

12. Unclaimed Money

If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and a Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Issuers at their written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, the holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuers for payment as general creditors and the Trustee and a Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.

13. Discharge and Defeasance

Subject to certain conditions, the Issuers at any time may terminate some of or all their obligations under the Notes and the Indenture if the Issuers deposit with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

14. Amendment; Waiver

Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (i) the Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Notes may be amended with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes and (ii) any past default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any holder, the Issuers and the Trustee may amend the Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Notes (i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency; (ii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Issuer (with respect to an Issuer) of the obligations of the Issuers under this Indenture and the Notes; (iii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Entity of the obligations of an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor under the

 

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Indenture, the Notes or its Note Guarantee, as applicable, and the Security Documents; (iv) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; provided, however, that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code; (v) to add a Subsidiary Guarantor or collateral with respect to the Notes or to secure the Notes; (vi) to release or subordinate Collateral as permitted by this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement; (vii) to add additional secured creditors holding First Priority Lien Obligations, Other Second-Lien Obligations or other Junior Lien Obligations so long as such obligations are not prohibited by this Indenture or the Security Documents; (viii) to add to the covenants of the Issuers for the benefit of the holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuers; (ix) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder (x) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement to any provision of the “Description of Notes” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Notes, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, and the Issuers will confirm their good faith intention of any such textual change intended to be a verbatim recitation in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee; (xi) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with qualifying or maintaining the qualification of, this Indenture under the TIA; or (xii) to make changes to provide for the issuance of the Additional Notes or Exchange Notes, which shall have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes, and which shall be treated, together with any outstanding Initial Notes, as a single issue of securities.

15. Defaults and Remedies

If an Event of Default occurs (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company) and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes, in each case, by notice to the Issuers, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. If an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes shall become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss, liability or expense and certain other conditions are complied with. 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 the Indenture or the Notes unless (i) such holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing, (ii) the holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee in writing to pursue the remedy, (iii) such holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense, (iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity and (v) the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period. Subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the Indenture, the Trustee 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.

 

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16. Trustee Dealings with the Issuers

Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Issuers or their Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.

17. No Recourse Against Others

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or holder of any equity interests in the Issuers or of any Subsidiary Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent corporation, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.

18. Authentication

This Note 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 Note.

19. Abbreviations

Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).

20. Governing Law

THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

21. CUSIP Numbers; ISINs

The Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers and ISINs to be printed on the Notes and have directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers and ISINs in notices of redemption as a convenience to the holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Issuers will furnish to any holder of Notes upon written request and without charge to the holder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Note.

 

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ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

I or we assign and transfer this Note 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 Note on the books of the Issuers. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Date:                               

       Your Signature:      

 

 

 

Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.

Signature Guarantee:

 

Date:                         

 

Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee     Signature of Signature Guarantee

 

A-12


CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR

REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED SECURITIES

This certificate relates to $             principal amount of Notes held in (check applicable space)      book-entry or      definitive form by the undersigned.

The undersigned (check one box below):

 

¨ has requested the Trustee by written order to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Note held by the Depository a Note or Notes in definitive, registered form of authorized denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest in such Global Note (or the portion thereof indicated above)

 

¨ has requested the Trustee by written order to exchange or register the transfer of a Note or Notes.

In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring while this Note is still a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note or a Transfer Restricted Global Note, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with its terms:

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW

 

(1)    ¨    to the Issuers; or
(2)    ¨    to the Registrar for registration in the name of the holder, without transfer; or
(3)    ¨    pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; or
(4)    ¨    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
(5)    ¨    outside the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act of 1933 and such Note shall be held immediately after the transfer through Euroclear or Clearstream until the expiration of the Restricted Period (as defined in the Indenture); or
(6)    ¨    to an institutional “ accredited investor ” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933) that has furnished to the Trustee a signed letter containing certain representations and agreements; or
(7)    ¨    pursuant to another available exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933.

Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any Person other than the registered holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5), (6) or (7) is checked, the Issuers or the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuers or the Trustee have 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.

 

A-13


 

Date:                               

       Your Signature:      

 

 

 

Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.

Signature Guarantee:

 

Date:                         

 

Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee     Signature of Signature Guarantee

 

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TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (4) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note 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 Issuers 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.

 

Date:                     

 

 

  NOTICE: To be executed by an executive officer

 

A-15


[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL SECURITIES] SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL SECURITY

The initial principal amount of this Global Note is $            . The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

   Amount of
decrease in
Principal
Amount of this
Global Note
   Amount of
increase in
Principal
Amount of this
Global Note
   Principal amount of
this Global Note
following such
decrease or increase
   Signature of
authorized
signatory of Trustee
or Notes Custodian
           
           
           
           

 

A-16


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.06 (Asset Sale) or 4.08 (Change of Control) of the Indenture, check the box:

 

Asset Sale   ¨

  

Change of Control   ¨

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.06 (Asset Sale) or 4.08 (Change of Control) of the Indenture, state the amount ($2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof):

$            

 

Date:                         Your Signature:   

 

      (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

Signature Guarantee:   

 

  
   Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee   

 

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EXHIBIT B

[FORM OF FACE OF EXCHANGE NOTE]

[Global Notes 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 DTC, 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.

THE TERMS OF THIS SECURITY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, BY AND AMONG CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS AGENT UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE OTHER PARTIES FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY THERETO, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME.

Each Definitive Note shall bear the following additional legends:

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.

 

B-1


[FORM OF EXCHANGE NOTE]

 

No.   

CUSIP No.            

ISIN No.

   [            ] [            ]

9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Note due 2022

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation, promise to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum set forth on the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in Global Security attached hereto on May 1, 2022.

Interest Payment Dates: May 1 and November 1

Record Dates: April 15 and October 15

Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.

 

B-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.

By:  

 

Name:   Craig Abrahams
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Dated:

 

B-3


TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Trustee, certifies that this is

one of the Notes

referred to in the Indenture.

By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

 

*/ If the Note is to be issued in global form, add the Global Notes Legend and the attachment from Exhibit A captioned “TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL SECURITIES - SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL SECURITY.”

 

B-4


[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF EXCHANGE NOTE]

9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022

1. Interest

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation (such entities, and their successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the “ Issuers ”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum shown above. The Issuers shall pay interest semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year (each an “ Interest Payment Date ”), commencing November 1, 2014. Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from April 17, 2014, until the principal hereof is due. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The Issuers shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by the Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

2. Method of Payment

The Issuers shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered holders at the close of business on April 15 and October 15 (each a “ Record Date ”) next preceding the Interest Payment Date even if Notes are canceled after the Record Date and on or before the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders must surrender Notes to the Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Issuers shall pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depositary. The Issuers shall make all payments in respect of a certificated Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each holder thereof; provided , however , that payments on the Notes may also be made, in the case of a holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes, 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 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).

3. Paying Agent and Registrar

Initially, U.S. Bank National Association (the “ Trustee ”) will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may appoint and change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice. Any Issuer or any of its domestically incorporated Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

4. Indenture

The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuers and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa 77bbbb) as in effect on the date of the Indenture (the “ TIA ”). Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and the holders (as defined in the Indenture) are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms and provisions.

 

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The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuers. This Note is one of the Exchange Notes referred to in the Indenture. The Notes include the Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Initial Notes or any Additional Notes pursuant to the Indenture. The Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes are treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuers and its Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things, make certain Investments and other Restricted Payments, pay dividends and other distributions, Incur Indebtedness, enter into consensual restrictions upon the payment of certain dividends and distributions by such Restricted Subsidiaries, issue or sell shares of capital stock of the Issuers and such Restricted Subsidiaries, enter into or permit certain transactions with Affiliates, create or Incur Liens and make Asset Sales. The Indenture also imposes limitations on the ability of each Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property.

To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal and interest on the Notes and all other amounts payable by the Issuers under the Indenture and the Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Notes and the Indenture, each Subsidiary Guarantor has unconditionally guaranteed the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.

5. Optional Redemption

On or after May 1, 2017, the Issuers may redeem the Notes at their option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice delivered to each holder’s registered address, which in the case of Global Notes shall be the Depository, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, 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 12-month period commencing on May 1 of the years set forth below:

 

Period

   Redemption Price  

2017

     107.031

2018

     104.688

2019

     102.344

2020 and thereafter

     100.000

In addition, prior to May 1, 2017 the Issuers may redeem the Notes at their option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed by first-class mail, or delivered electronically to the Depository if held by DTC, to each holder’s registered address, which in the case of Global Notes shall be the Depository, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, the applicable 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).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time and from time to time on or prior to May 1, 2017, the Issuers may redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (1) by the Company (as defined in the Indenture) or (2) by any direct or

 

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indirect parent of the Company to the extent the net cash proceeds thereof are contributed to the common equity capital of the Company or used to purchase Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof) of 109.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, 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); provided , however , that at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) must remain outstanding after each such redemption; provided , further , that such redemption shall occur within 90 days after the date on which any such Equity Offering is consummated upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice mailed to each holder of Notes being redeemed and otherwise in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.

6. Mandatory Redemption

The Issuers will not be required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

7. Notice of Redemption

Notices of redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date, to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (with a copy to the Trustee) or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, 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 Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture pursuant to Article VIII thereof. If money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued and unpaid interest on all Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the redemption date is deposited with a Paying Agent on or before the redemption date and certain other conditions are satisfied, on and after such date, interest ceases to accrue on such Notes (or such portions thereof) called for redemption.

8. Repurchase of Notes at the Option of the Holders upon Change of Control and Asset Sales

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder shall have the right, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, to cause the Issuers to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of the 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. If holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Issuers, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer, purchases all of such Notes, the Issuers or such third party may redeem all of the Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

In accordance with Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuers will be required to offer to purchase Notes upon the occurrence of certain events.

9. Ranking and Collateral

After the expiration of the Escrow Period (as defined in the Indenture), these Notes and the Note Guarantees will be secured by a second-priority security interest in the Collateral pursuant to certain Security Documents. The Second Priority Liens upon any and all Collateral are, to the extent and

 

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in the manner provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, second in priority behind all present and future First Priority Lien Obligations and pari passu in priority with all present and future Liens securing Other Second-Lien Obligations.

10. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange

The Notes are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A holder shall register the transfer of or exchange of Notes in accordance with the Indenture. Upon any registration of transfer or exchange, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay any taxes required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any Notes selected for redemption (except, in the case of a Note to be redeemed in part, the portion of the Note not to be redeemed) or to transfer or exchange any Notes for a period of 15 days prior to a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

11. Persons Deemed Owners

The registered holder of this Note shall be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

12. Unclaimed Money

If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and a Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Issuers at their written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, the holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuers for payment as general creditors and the Trustee and a Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.

13. Discharge and Defeasance

Subject to certain conditions, the Issuers at any time may terminate some of or all their obligations under the Notes and the Indenture if the Issuers deposit with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

14. Amendment; Waiver

Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (i) the Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Notes may be amended with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes and (ii) any past default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any holder, the Issuers and the Trustee may amend the Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Notes (i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency; (ii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Issuer (with respect to an Issuer) of the obligations of the Issuers under this Indenture and the Notes; (iii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Entity of the obligations of an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture, the Notes or its Note Guarantee, as applicable, and the Security Documents; (iv) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; provided, however, that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code; (v) to add a Subsidiary Guarantor or collateral with respect to the Notes or to secure the Notes; (vi) to release or

 

B-8


subordinate Collateral as permitted by this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement; (vii) to add additional secured creditors holding First Priority Lien Obligations, Other Second-Lien Obligations or other Junior Lien Obligations so long as such obligations are not prohibited by this Indenture or the Security Documents; (viii) to add to the covenants of the Issuers for the benefit of the holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuers; (ix) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder (x) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement to any provision of the “Description of Notes” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Notes, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, and the Issuers will confirm their good faith intention of any such textual change intended to be a verbatim recitation in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee; (xi) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with qualifying or maintaining the qualification of, this Indenture under the TIA; or (xii) to make changes to provide for the issuance of the Additional Notes or Exchange Notes, which shall have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes, and which shall be treated, together with any outstanding Initial Notes, as a single issue of securities.

15. Defaults and Remedies

If an Event of Default occurs (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company) and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes, in each case, by notice to the Issuers, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. If an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes shall become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss, liability or expense and certain other conditions are complied with. 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 the Indenture or the Notes unless (i) such holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing, (ii) the holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee in writing to pursue the remedy, (iii) such holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense, (iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity and (v) the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period. Subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the Indenture, the Trustee 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.

 

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16. Trustee Dealings with the Issuers

Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Issuers or their Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.

17. No Recourse Against Others

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or holder of any equity interests in the Issuers or of any Subsidiary Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent corporation, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.

18. Authentication

This Note 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 Note.

19. Abbreviations

Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).

20. Governing Law

THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

21. CUSIP Numbers; ISINs

The Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers and ISINs to be printed on the Notes and have directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers and ISINs in notices of redemption as a convenience to the holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Issuers will furnish to any holder of Notes upon written request and without charge to the holder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Note.

 

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ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

I or we assign and transfer this Note 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 Note on the books of the Issuers. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Date:                               

       Your Signature:      

 

 

 

Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.

Signature Guarantee:

 

Date:                         

 

Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee     Signature of Signature Guarantee

 

B-11


[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL SECURITIES] SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL SECURITY

The initial principal amount of this Global Note is $            . The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

   Amount of
decrease in
Principal
Amount of this
Global Note
   Amount of
increase in
Principal
Amount of this
Global Note
   Principal amount of
this Global Note

following such
decrease or increase
   Signature of
authorized
signatory of Trustee
or Notes Custodian
           
           
           
           

 

B-12


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.06 (Asset Sale) or 4.08 (Change of Control) of the Indenture, check the box:

 

Asset Sale   ¨

  

Change of Control   ¨

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.06 (Asset Sale) or 4.08 (Change of Control) of the Indenture, state the amount ($2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof):

$

 

Date:                         Your Signature:   

 

      (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

Signature Guarantee:   

 

  
   Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee   

 

B-13


EXHIBIT C

[FORM OF]

TRANSFEREE LETTER OF REPRESENTATION

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC

Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc.

c/o U.S. Bank National Association

Corporate Trust Services

EP-MN-W53C

60 Livingston Avenue

St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-1419

Attention: Vice President

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This certificate is delivered to request a transfer of $[            ] principal amount of the 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “ Notes ”) of CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation (together, the “ Issuers ”).

Upon transfer, the Notes would be registered in the name of the new beneficial owner as follows:

 

Name:  

 

Address:  

 

Taxpayer ID Number:  

 

The undersigned represents and warrants to you that:

1. We are an institutional “ accredited investor ” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”)), purchasing for our own account or for the account of such an institutional “ accredited investor ” at least $100,000 principal amount of the Notes, and we are acquiring the Notes not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in violation of the Securities Act. We have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the Notes, and we invest in or purchase securities similar to the Notes in the normal course of our business. We, and any accounts for which we are acting, are each able to bear the economic risk of our or its investment.

2. We understand that the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and, unless so registered, may not be sold except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree on our own behalf and on behalf of any investor account for which we are purchasing Notes to offer, sell or otherwise transfer such Notes prior to the date that is two years after the later of the date of original issue and the last date on which either the Issuers or any affiliate of such Issuers was the owner of such Notes (or any predecessor thereto) (the “ Resale Restriction Termination Date ”) only (a) in the United States to a person whom we reasonably believe is a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in rule 144A under the

 

C-1


Securities Act) in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, (b) outside the United States in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (c) pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144 thereunder (if applicable) or (d) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, in each of cases (a) through (d) in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. In addition, we will, and each subsequent holder is required to, notify any purchaser of the Note evidenced hereby of the resale restrictions set forth above. The foregoing restrictions on resale will not apply subsequent to the Resale Restriction Termination Date. If any resale or other transfer of the Notes is proposed to be made to an institutional “ accredited investor ” prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date, the transferor shall deliver a letter from the transferee substantially in the form of this letter to the Issuers and the Trustee, which shall provide, among other things, that the transferee is an institutional “ accredited investor ” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act and that it is acquiring such Notes for investment purposes and not for distribution in violation of the Securities Act. Each purchaser acknowledges that the Issuers and the Trustee reserve the right prior to the offer, sale or other transfer prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date of the Notes pursuant to clause 1(b), 1(c) or 1(d) above to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications or other information satisfactory to the Issuers and the Trustee.

Dated:                     

 

TRANSFEREE:                      ,
By:  

 

 

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EXHIBIT D

[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE]

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”) dated as of [            ], among [GUARANTOR] (the “ New Guarantor ”), a subsidiary of Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC (or its successor), CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation (together, the “ Issuers ”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as trustee under the indenture referred to below (the “ Trustee ”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS the Issuers have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Indenture ”) dated as of April 17, 2014, providing for the issuance of the Issuers’ 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “ Notes ”), initially in the aggregate principal amount of $675,000,000;

WHEREAS Section 4.11 of the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Issuers are required to cause the New Guarantor to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee all the Issuers’ Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture pursuant to a Note Guarantee on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the New Guarantor, the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of the Notes as follows:

1. Defined Terms . As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recital hereto are used herein as therein defined, except that the term “ holders ” in this Supplemental Indenture shall refer to the term “ holders ” as defined in the Indenture and the Trustee acting on behalf of and for the benefit of such holders. The words “ herein ,” “ hereof ” and “ hereby ” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof.

2. Agreement to Guarantee . The New Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally with all existing guarantors (if any), to unconditionally guarantee the Issuers’ Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article XII of the Indenture and to be bound by all other applicable provisions of the Indenture and the Notes and to perform all of the obligations and agreements of a guarantor under the Indenture.

3. Notices . All notices or other communications to the New Guarantor shall be given as provided in Section 13.02 of the Indenture.

4. Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indentures Part of Indenture . Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.

 

D-1


5. Governing Law . THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

6. Trustee Makes No Representation . The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture.

7. Counterparts . The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

8. Effect of Headings . The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not effect the construction thereof.

 

D-2


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

 

[NEW GUARANTOR]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

D-3

Exhibit 4.2

EXECUTION VERSION

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.

$675,000,000 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

April 17, 2014

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

As Representative of the Initial Purchasers listed

on Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement

c/o Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Finance ” and, together with the Company, the “ Issuers ” and each, an “ Issuer ”), propose to issue and sell to certain purchasers (the “ Initial Purchasers ”), for whom you (the “ Representative ”) are acting as representative, $675,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “ Notes ”), upon the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement, dated April 14, 2014, among the Issuers and the Representative (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), relating to the initial placement of the Notes (the “ Initial Placement ”) and the related Guarantees (as defined below). On or prior to the expiration of the Escrow Period (as defined in the Indenture), certain wholly owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company (the “ Subsidiary Guarantors ”) will enter into a joinder agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the “ Joinder Agreement ”), whereby each Subsidiary Guarantor will agree to observe and fully perform all of the rights, obligations and liabilities contemplated herein as if it were an original signatory hereto in the role specified therein.

For the avoidance of doubt, the authorizations, acknowledgments, covenants and agreements of the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth herein shall become effective upon the execution by each of them of the Joinder Agreement, at which time such authorizations, acknowledgements, covenants and agreements shall become effective as if made on the date hereof. The Subsidiary Guarantors will not have any rights contemplated herein until the execution by such entities of the Joinder Agreement.

To induce the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement and to satisfy a condition to your obligations thereunder, the Issuers agree and, upon execution of the Joinder Agreement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors agree, with you for your benefit


and the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Securities (as defined below) (including the Initial Purchasers) (each a “ Holder ” and, collectively, the “ Holders ”), as follows:

Upon execution of the Joinder Agreement, the Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed (the “ Guarantees ”) on a senior secured second-priority basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Notes, together with the Guarantees, are referred to herein as the “ Securities .”

1. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have their respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized defined terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional Interest ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 8 hereof.

Affiliate ” shall have the meaning specified in Rule 405 under the Securities Act and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

broker-dealer ” shall mean any broker or dealer registered as such under the Exchange Act.

Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York City.

Commission ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Deferral Period ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4(k)(ii) hereof.

Event Date ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 8(b) hereof.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Offer Registration Period ” shall mean the one-year period following the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, exclusive of any period during which any stop order shall be in effect suspending the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement ” shall mean a registration statement of the Issuers on an appropriate form under the Securities Act with respect to the Registered Exchange Offer, all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments thereto, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein and all exhibits thereto.

Exchanging Dealer ” shall mean any Holder (which may include any Initial Purchaser) that is a broker-dealer and elects to exchange for New Securities any Securities that it acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (but not directly from the Issuers or any Affiliate of the Issuers) for New Securities.

 

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Final Memorandum ” shall mean the offering memorandum, dated April 14, 2014, relating to the offer and sale of the Notes.

Finance ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

FINRA Rules ” shall mean the Conduct Rules and the By-Laws of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

Guarantees ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Holder ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Indenture ” shall mean the indenture relating to the Securities, dated as of April 17, 2014, among the Issuers and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Initial Placement ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Initial Purchasers ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Inspector ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4(q)(ii) hereof.

Issuers ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Joinder Agreement ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Losses ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(d) hereof.

Majority Holders ” shall mean, on any date, Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes registered under a Registration Statement.

Managing Underwriters ” shall mean the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that administer an underwritten offering, if any, under a Registration Statement.

New Securities ” shall mean debt securities of the Issuers and second-priority guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors, in each case, substantially identical in all material respects to the Notes and the related Guarantees (except that the new debt securities will not be subject to restrictions on transfer or to any increase in interest rate) to be issued under the Indenture in connection with sales or exchanges effected pursuant to this Agreement.

Notes ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Prospectus ” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A under

 

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the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Securities or the New Securities covered by such Registration Statement, and all amendments and supplements thereto, including any and all exhibits thereto and any information incorporated by reference therein.

Purchase Agreement ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Registered Exchange Offer ” shall mean the proposed offer of the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors to issue and deliver to the Holders of the Securities that are not prohibited by any law or policy of the Commission from participating in such offer, in exchange for each series of the Securities, a like aggregate principal amount of the related New Securities.

Registrable Securities ” shall mean (i) Securities other than those that have been (A) registered under a Registration Statement and exchanged or disposed of in accordance therewith or (B) sold to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule or regulation thereto that may be adopted by the Commission and (ii) any New Securities resale of which by the Holder thereof requires compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

Registration Default ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 8(a) hereof.

Registration Statement ” shall mean any Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement that covers any of the Securities or the New Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, any amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments (in each case including the Prospectus contained therein) and all exhibits thereto.

Securities ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

Shelf Registration ” shall mean a registration effected pursuant to Section 3 hereof.

Shelf Registration Period ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3(b)(ii) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement ” shall mean a “shelf” registration statement of the Issuers pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 hereof which covers some or all of the Securities or New Securities, as applicable, on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein and all exhibits thereto.

Shelf Request ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3(a) hereof.

 

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Trustee ” shall mean the trustee with respect to the Securities under the Indenture.

underwriter ” shall mean any underwriter of Securities in connection with an offering thereof under a Shelf Registration Statement.

2. Registered Exchange Offer . (a) Unless the Registered Exchange Offer would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the Commission, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to prepare, to cause to be filed with the Commission and to become effective on or prior to 365 days after the date hereof the Exchange Offer Registration Statement with respect to the Registered Exchange Offer.

(b) If an Exchange Offer Registration Statement is filed and becomes effective pursuant to Section 2(a) above, upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall promptly commence the Registered Exchange Offer, it being the objective of such Registered Exchange Offer to enable each Holder electing to exchange each series of Securities for the related New Securities (assuming that such Holder is not an Affiliate of the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors, acquires the New Securities in the ordinary course of such Holder’s business, has no arrangements with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Securities and is not prohibited by any law or policy of the Commission from participating in the Registered Exchange Offer) to trade such New Securities from and after their receipt without any limitations or restrictions under the Securities Act and without material restrictions under the securities laws of a substantial proportion of the several states of the United States. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to complete the Registered Exchange Offer not later than 30 Business Days after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement becomes effective.

(c) In connection with the Registered Exchange Offer, if an Exchange Offer Registration Statement is filed and becomes effective pursuant to Section 2(a) above, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall:

(i) mail or cause to be mailed to each Holder a copy of the Prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents;

(ii) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 Business Days after the date notice thereof is mailed to the Holders (or, in each case, longer if required by applicable law);

(iii) use their commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective under the Securities Act, supplemented and amended as required, to ensure that it is available for sales of New Securities by Exchanging Dealers during the Exchange Offer Registration Period;

(iv) utilize the services of a depositary for the Registered Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City, which may be the Trustee or an Affiliate of the Trustee;

 

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(v) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Securities at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last Business Day on which the Registered Exchange Offer is open;

(vi) prior to effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, provide a supplemental letter to the Commission (A) stating that the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors are conducting the Registered Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the Commission in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (pub. avail. May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc . (pub. avail. June 5, 1991); and (B) including a representation that the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors have not entered into any arrangement or understanding with any person to distribute the New Securities to be received in the Registered Exchange Offer and that, to the best knowledge of the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors, each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer is acquiring the New Securities in the ordinary course of business and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Securities; and

(vii) comply in all respects with all applicable laws.

(d) As soon as practicable after the close of the Registered Exchange Offer, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall:

(i) accept for exchange all Securities tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer;

(ii) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation in accordance with Section 4(r) all Securities so accepted for exchange; and

(iii) cause the Trustee promptly to authenticate and deliver to each Holder of Securities a principal amount of a series of New Securities equal to the principal amount of such series of the Securities of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

(e) Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that any broker-dealer and any such Holder using the Registered Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of the New Securities (x) could not under Commission policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the Commission in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (pub. avail. May 13, 1988) and Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc . (pub. avail. June 5, 1991), as interpreted in the Commission’s letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993 and similar no-action letters; and (y) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any secondary resale transaction, which must be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act if the resales are of New Securities obtained by such Holder in exchange for Securities acquired by such Holder directly from the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors or their respective Affiliates. Accordingly, each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer shall be required to represent to the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors that, at the time of the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer:

(i) any New Securities to be received by such Holder will be acquired in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(ii) such Holder will have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Securities or the New Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act; and

(iii) such Holder is not an Affiliate of the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors.

(f) If any Initial Purchaser determines that it is not eligible to participate in the Registered Exchange Offer with respect to the exchange of Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment, at the request of such Initial Purchaser, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall issue and deliver to such Initial Purchaser or the person purchasing New Securities registered under a Shelf Registration Statement as contemplated by Section 3 hereof from such Initial Purchaser, in exchange for such series of Securities, a like principal amount of such series of New Securities. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the CUSIP Service Bureau to issue the same CUSIP number for such series of New Securities as for such series of New Securities issued pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer.

3. Shelf Registration . (a) If (i) due to any applicable law or applicable interpretations thereof by the Commission’s staff, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors determine upon advice of their outside counsel that they are not permitted to consummate the Registered Exchange Offer as contemplated by Section 2 hereof or (ii) any Holder notifies the Issuers prior to the 20th day following the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer that (A) it is prohibited by law or Commission policy from participating in the Registered Exchange Offer; (B) it may not resell the New Securities acquired by it to the public without delivering a Prospectus (other than by reason of such Holder’s status as an Affiliate of the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors) and the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales; or (C) it is a broker-dealer and owns Securities acquired directly from the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors or one of their affiliates, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall effect a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with subsection (b) below.

(b) If a Shelf Registration Statement is required to be filed and declared effective pursuant to Section 3(a), (i) the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall, on or prior to 180 days after so required pursuant to Section 3(a), file the Shelf Registration Statement with the Commission, and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act on or prior to 365 days after the date such obligation arises; provided , however, that no Holder (other than an Initial Purchaser) shall be entitled to have the Securities held by it covered by such Shelf Registration Statement unless such Holder agrees in writing to be bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement applicable to such Holder; and provided further, that with respect to New Securities received by an Initial Purchaser in exchange for Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors may, if permitted by current interpretations by the Commission’s staff, file a post-effective amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement containing the information required by Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as

 

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applicable, in satisfaction of their obligations under this subsection with respect thereto, and any such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, as so amended, shall be referred to herein as, and governed by the provisions herein applicable to, a Shelf Registration Statement.

(ii) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the Securities Act, in order to permit the Prospectus forming part thereof to be usable by Holders for a period (the “ Shelf Registration Period ”) from the date the Shelf Registration Statement is (or becomes) effective until the earlier of (A) the date upon which the Securities cease to be Registrable Securities or (B) the date upon which all the Securities or New Securities, as applicable, covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be deemed not to have used their commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the Shelf Registration Period if they voluntarily take any action that would result in Holders of Securities covered thereby not being able to offer and sell such Securities at any time during the Shelf Registration Period, unless such action is (x) required by applicable law or otherwise undertaken by the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors in good faith and for valid business reasons (not including avoidance of the Issuers’ and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations hereunder), including the acquisition or divestiture of assets, and (y) permitted pursuant to Section 4(k)(ii) hereof.

(iii) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall cause the Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, as of the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement or such amendment or supplement, (A) to comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act; and (B) not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

4. Additional Registration Procedures . In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement and, to the extent applicable, any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the following provisions shall apply.

(a) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall:

(i) furnish to each of the Initial Purchasers and to counsel for the Holders, not less than five Business Days prior to the filing thereof with the Commission, a copy of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any Shelf Registration Statement, and each amendment thereof and each amendment or supplement, if any, to the Prospectus included therein (including all documents incorporated by reference therein after the initial filing) and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as the Initial Purchasers reasonably propose;

(ii) include the information set forth in Annex A hereto on the facing page of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, in Annex B hereto in the forepart of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in a section setting forth details of the Exchange

 

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Offer, in Annex C hereto in the underwriting or plan of distribution section of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and in Annex D hereto in the letter of transmittal delivered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer;

(iii) if requested by an Initial Purchaser, include the information required by Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as applicable, in the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement; and

(iv) in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, include the names of the Holders that propose to sell Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement as selling security holders.

(b) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that:

(i) any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and any Prospectus forming part thereof and any amendment or supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Securities Act; and

(ii) any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto does not, when it becomes effective, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

(c) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall advise counsel for the Initial Purchasers, the Holders of Securities covered by any Shelf Registration Statement and any Exchanging Dealer under any Exchange Offer Registration Statement that has provided in writing to the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors a telephone or facsimile number and address for notices, and, if requested by any Initial Purchaser or any such Holder or Exchanging Dealer, shall confirm such advice in writing (which notice pursuant to clauses (ii)-(v) hereof shall be accompanied by an instruction to suspend the use of the Prospectus until the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall have remedied the basis for such suspension):

(i) when a Registration Statement and any amendment thereto has been filed with the Commission and when the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;

(ii) of any request by the Commission after the effective date for any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information;

(iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the institution of any proceeding for that purpose;

(iv) of the receipt by the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the securities included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the institution of any proceeding for such purpose; and

 

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(v) of the happening of any event that requires any change in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus so that, as of such date, they (A) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact and (B) do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

(d) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the qualification of the securities therein for sale in any jurisdiction.

(e) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall furnish to each Holder of Securities covered by any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, at least one copy of such Shelf Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto and, if the Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto.

(f) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall, during the Shelf Registration Period, deliver to each Holder of Securities covered by any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including the preliminary prospectus) included in such Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Holder may reasonably request. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors consent to the use of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders of Securities in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities covered by the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, included in the Shelf Registration Statement.

(g) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall furnish to each Exchanging Dealer which so requests, without charge, at least one (1) conformed copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto and, if the Exchanging Dealer so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto.

(h) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall promptly deliver to each Initial Purchaser, each Exchanging Dealer and each other person required to deliver a Prospectus during the Exchange Offer Registration Period, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus included in such Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as any such person may reasonably request. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors consent to the use of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by any Initial Purchaser, any Exchanging Dealer and any such other person that may be required to deliver a Prospectus following the Registered Exchange Offer in connection with the offering and sale of the New Securities covered by the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

(i) Prior to the Registered Exchange Offer or any other offering of Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall arrange, if necessary, for the qualification of the Securities or the New Securities for sale under the laws

 

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of such jurisdictions as any Holder shall reasonably request and shall maintain such qualification in effect so long as required; provided that in no event shall the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors be obligated (A) to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not then so qualified or to take any action that would subject them to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the Initial Placement, the Registered Exchange Offer or any offering pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject or (B) to subject itself to taxation in excess of a nominal amount in respect of doing business in such jurisdiction.

(j) The Issuers shall cooperate with the Holders of Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing New Securities or Securities to be issued or sold pursuant to any Registration Statement free of any restrictive legends and in such denominations and registered in such names as Holders may request in writing at least three (3) Business Days prior to the closing date of any sales of New Securities.

(k) (i) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by subsections (c)(ii) through (v) above, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall promptly (or within the time period provided for by clause (ii) hereof, if applicable) prepare a post-effective amendment to the applicable Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to the related Prospectus or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to Holders of the securities included therein, the Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. In such circumstances, the period of effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement provided for in Section 2 shall be extended by the number of days from and including the date of the giving of a notice of suspension pursuant to Section 4(c) to and including the date when the Initial Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any known Exchanging Dealer shall have received such amended or supplemented Prospectus pursuant to this Section.

(ii) Upon the occurrence or existence of any pending corporate development or any other material event that, in the reasonable judgment of the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors, makes it appropriate to suspend the availability of a Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall give notice (without notice of the nature or details of such events) to the Holders that the availability of the Shelf Registration is suspended and, upon actual receipt of any such notice, each Holder agrees not to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration until such Holder’s receipt of copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus provided for in Section 3(i) hereof, or until it is advised in writing by the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors that the Prospectus may be used, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference in such Prospectus. The period during which the availability of the Shelf Registration and any Prospectus is suspended (the “ Deferral Period ”) (A) shall not exceed 60 consecutive days, (B) shall not occur more than three (3) times during any calendar year and (C) shall extend the number of days the Shelf Registration or any Prospectus is available by an amount equal to the Deferral Period.

 

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(l) Not later than the effective date of any Registration Statement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall provide a CUSIP number for each series of the Securities or the New Securities, as the case may be, registered under such Registration Statement and provide the Trustee with printed certificates for such Securities or New Securities, in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company.

(m) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall comply in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and shall make generally available to their security holders an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act as soon as practicable after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement and in any event no later than 45 days after the end of a 12-month period (or 90 days, if such period is a fiscal year) beginning with the first month of the Issuers’ first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement.

(n) [Reserved].

(o) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors may require each Holder of securities to be sold pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement to furnish to the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors such information regarding the Holder and the distribution of such securities as the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors may from time to time reasonably require for inclusion in such Registration Statement. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors may exclude from such Shelf Registration Statement the Securities of any Holder that fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request.

(p) In the case of any Shelf Registration Statement, upon the request of the Majority Holders, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall enter into customary agreements (including, if requested, an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take all other appropriate actions if any, as the Majority Holders shall reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the registration or the disposition of the Securities, and in connection therewith, if an underwriting agreement is entered into, cause the same to contain indemnification provisions and procedures no less favorable than those set forth in Section 6 hereof.

(q) In the case of any Shelf Registration Statement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall:

(i) make reasonably available for inspection at a location where they are normally kept and during normal business hours by the Majority Holders of Securities to be registered thereunder, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the Holders or any such underwriter all relevant financial and other records and pertinent corporate documents of the Company and its subsidiaries;

(ii) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Issuers’ officers, directors, employees, accountants and auditors to supply all relevant information reasonably requested by the Holders or any such underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent (each, an “ Inspector ”) in connection with any such Registration Statement as is

 

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customary for similar due diligence examinations; provided , however , that such Inspector shall first agree in writing with the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors that any information that is reasonably and in good faith designated by the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors in writing as confidential at the time of delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by such Inspector, unless (1) disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative order or is necessary to respond to inquiries of regulatory authorities, (2) disclosure of such information is required by law (including any disclosure requirements pursuant to federal securities laws in connection with the filing of such Registration Statement or the use of any Prospectus), (3) such information becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure or failure to safeguard such information by such person or (4) such information becomes available to such Inspector from a source other than the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors and such source is not known, after due inquiry, by the relevant Holder to be bound by a confidentiality agreement or is not otherwise under a duty of trust to the Issuers or the Subsidiary Guarantors;

(iii) make such representations and warranties to the Holders of Securities registered thereunder and the underwriters, if any, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings and covering matters including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Purchase Agreement;

(iv) obtain opinions of counsel to the Issuers and updates thereof (which counsel and opinions (in form, scope and substance) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Underwriters, if any) addressed to each selling Holder and the underwriters, if any, covering such matters as are customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by such Holders and underwriters;

(v) obtain “comfort” letters and updates thereof from the independent certified public accountants of the Issuers (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public accountants of any subsidiary of the Issuers or of any business acquired by the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included in the Registration Statement), addressed to the underwriters, if any, in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “comfort” letters in connection with primary underwritten offerings; and

(vi) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the Majority Holders or the Managing Underwriters, if any, including those to evidence compliance with Section 4(k) and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Issuers.

The actions set forth in clauses (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of this paragraph (q) shall be performed at (A) the effectiveness of such Registration Statement and each post-effective amendment thereto; and (B) each closing under any underwriting or similar agreement as and to the extent required thereunder.

 

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(r) If a Registered Exchange Offer is to be consummated, upon delivery of the Securities by Holders to the Issuers (or to such other person as directed by the Issuers) in exchange for the New Securities, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall mark, or caused to be marked, on the Securities so exchanged that such Securities are being cancelled in exchange for the New Securities. In no event shall the Securities be marked as paid or otherwise satisfied.

(s) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts if the Securities have been rated prior to the initial sale of such Securities, to confirm such ratings will apply to the Securities or the New Securities, as the case may be, covered by a Registration Statement.

(t) In the event that any broker-dealer shall underwrite any Securities or participate as a member of an underwriting syndicate or selling group or “assist in the distribution” (within the meaning of FINRA Rules) thereof, whether as a Holder of such Securities or as an underwriter, a placement or sales agent or a broker or dealer in respect thereof, or otherwise, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall assist such broker-dealer in complying with the FINRA Rules.

(u) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of the Securities or the New Securities, as the case may be, covered by a Registration Statement.

5. Registration Expenses . The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall bear all expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their obligations under Sections 2, 3 and 4 hereof and, in the event of any Shelf Registration Statement, will reimburse the Holders for the reasonable fees and disbursements of one firm or counsel (which shall initially be Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP , but which may be another nationally recognized law firm experienced in securities matters designated by the Majority Holders) to act as counsel for the Holders in connection therewith, and, in the case of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, will reimburse the Initial Purchasers for the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel acting in connection therewith in each case which counsel shall be approved by the Issuers (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld). Each Holder shall pay all expenses of its counsel other than as set forth in the preceding sentence, underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Securities or New Securities.

6. Indemnification and Contribution . (a) The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, covered by any Registration Statement, each Initial Purchaser and, with respect to any Prospectus delivery as contemplated in Section 4(h) hereof, each Exchanging Dealer, the directors, officers, employees, Affiliates and agents of each such Holder, Initial Purchaser or Exchanging Dealer and each person who controls any such Holder, Initial Purchaser or Exchanging Dealer within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or

 

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liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, and agree to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided , however , that the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors by or on behalf of the party claiming indemnification specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability that the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors may otherwise have.

The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors also agree to indemnify as provided in this Section 6(a) or contribute as provided in Section 6(d) hereof to Losses of each underwriter, if any, of Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, registered under a Shelf Registration Statement, their directors, officers, employees, Affiliates or agents and each person who controls such underwriter on substantially the same basis as that of the indemnification of the Initial Purchasers and the selling Holders provided in this Section 6(a) and shall, if requested by any Holder, enter into an underwriting agreement reflecting such agreement, as provided in Section 4(p) hereof.

(b) Each Holder of securities covered by a Registration Statement (including each Initial Purchaser that is a Holder, in such capacity) severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors, each of their respective directors and officers who sign such Registration Statement and each person who controls the Issuers or any Guarantor within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors to each such Holder, but only with reference to written information relating to such Holder furnished to the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that any such Holder may otherwise have.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 6 or notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent it did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses; and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to appoint

 

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counsel (including local counsel) of the indemnifying party’s choice at the indemnifying party’s expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel, other than local counsel if not appointed by the indemnifying party, retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below); provided , however , that such counsel shall be satisfactory to the indemnified party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party’s election to appoint counsel (including local counsel) to represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel), and the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of interest (based on the advice of counsel to the indemnified person); (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded (based on the advice of counsel to the indemnified person) that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party; (iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action; or (iv) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. An indemnifying party will not, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent is consented to by the indemnifying party, as applicable (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) and includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.

(d) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party for any reason, then each applicable indemnifying party shall have a joint and several obligation to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending any loss, claim, liability, damage or action) (collectively “ Losses ”) (other than by virtue of the failure of an indemnified party to notify the indemnifying party of its right to indemnification pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 8, where such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party (through the forfeiture of substantial rights or defenses)), each indemnifying party, in order to provide for just and equitable contribution, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by such indemnifying party, on the one hand, and such indemnified party, on the other hand, from the Initial Placement and the Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses; provided , however , that in no case shall any Initial Purchaser be responsible, in the aggregate, for any amount in excess of the purchase discount or commission applicable to such Security, or in the case of a New Security, applicable to the Security that was exchangeable into such New Security, as set forth in the Final Memorandum, nor shall any underwriter be responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount or commission applicable to the securities purchased by such underwriter under the Registration Statement

 

16


which resulted in such Losses. If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is unavailable for any reason, the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of such indemnifying party, on the one hand, and such indemnified party, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Issuers shall be deemed to be equal to the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued in the Initial Placement as set forth in the Final Memorandum. Benefits received by the Initial Purchasers shall be deemed to be equal to the total fees received in the Initial Placement, and benefits received by any other Holders shall be deemed to be equal to the value of receiving Securities or New Securities, as applicable, registered under the Securities Act. Benefits received by any underwriter shall be deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or any alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information provided by the indemnifying party, on the one hand, or by the indemnified party, on the other hand, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (d), 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. For purposes of this Section, each person who controls a Holder within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of such Holder shall have the same rights to contribution as such Holder, and each person who controls the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, each officer of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor who shall have signed the Registration Statement and each director of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall have the same rights to contribution as the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (d).

(e) The provisions of this Section will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Holder or the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors or any of the indemnified persons referred to in this Section 6, and will survive the sale by a Holder of securities covered by a Registration Statement.

7. Underwritten Registrations . (a) If any of the Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, covered by any Shelf Registration Statement are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the Managing Underwriters shall be selected by the Majority Holders, subject to the consent of the Issuers (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), and the Holders of Securities or New Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement shall be responsible for all underwriting commissions and discounts.

 

17


(b) No person may participate in any underwritten offering pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement, unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person’s Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, on the basis reasonably provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements; and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

8. Registration Defaults .

(a) In the event that (i) an Exchange Offer Registration Statement is required pursuant to Section 2(a) and (x) such Exchange Offer Registration Statement does not become effective on or prior to 365 days after the date hereof or (y) the Exchange Offer is not completed within 30 Business Days after the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement of the applicable date specified in clause (x) above becomes effective, (ii) a Shelf Registration Statement is required in accordance with Section 3(a) and such Shelf Registration Statement does not become effective on or prior to 365 days after the date such obligation arises, or (iii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective but ceases to be effective or the corresponding Prospectus ceases to be usable at any time during the Exchange Offer Registration Period or the Shelf Registration Period, as applicable, and such failure to remain effective or usable exists for more than 60 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period (any event referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) , (ii)  or (iii)  a “ Registration Default ”), then, in each case, the interest rate on such Securities will be increased by 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period immediately following such Registration Default and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum, in each case until the earlier of the date such Registration Default is cured. Any amounts payable under this paragraph shall also be deemed “ Additional Interest ” for purposes of this Agreement. In no event will the Issuers be obligated to pay Additional Interest for Registration Defaults under more than one of the clauses of this Section 8(a) at any one time.

In no event will the Issuers be obligated to pay additional interest for all Registration Defaults under more than one of the clauses in this Section 8(a) at any one time with respect to a series of Securities and, in the case of a Shelf Registration, it is expressly understood that additional interest would be payable only with respect to Securities so requested to be registered pursuant to Section 3(a).

(b) The Issuers shall notify the Trustee within five business days after each and every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Additional Interest is required to be paid (an “ Event Date ”). Any Additional Interest due shall be payable on each interest payment date to the Holder of such series of Notes with respect to which Additional Interest is due and owing. Each obligation to pay Additional Interest shall be deemed to accrue from and including the day following the applicable Event Date.

9. No Inconsistent Agreements . The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors have not entered into, and agree not to enter into, any agreement with respect to their securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders herein or that otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

 

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10. Amendments and Waivers . The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, qualified, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given with respect to any series of Securities, unless the Issuers and, following the execution of the Joinder Agreement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors have obtained the written consent of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of such series of Notes outstanding; provided that, with respect to any matter that directly or indirectly affects the rights of any Initial Purchaser hereunder, the Issuers and, following the execution of the Joinder Agreement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall obtain the written consent of each such Initial Purchaser against which such amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver or consent is to be effective; provided , further , that no amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver or consent with respect to Section 8 hereof shall be effective as against any Holder of Registered Securities unless consented to in writing by such Holder; and provided , further , that the provisions of this Article 10 with respect to any series of Securities may not be amended, qualified, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless the Issuers and, following the execution of the Joinder Agreement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors have obtained the written consent of the Initial Purchasers and each Holder of such series of Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing (except the foregoing provisos), a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, are being sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders may be given by the Majority Holders, determined on the basis of Securities or New Securities, as the case may be, being sold rather than registered under such Registration Statement.

11. Notices . All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail, telex, telecopier or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

(a) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such holder to the Issuers in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11, which address initially is, with respect to each Holder, the address of such Holder maintained by the Registrar under each Indenture;

(b) if to the Initial Purchasers, initially at the address or addresses set forth in the Purchase Agreement; and

(c) if to the Issuers, initially at its address set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given when received.

The Initial Purchasers or the Issuers by notice to the other parties may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

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12. Remedies . Each Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided to it herein, in the Indenture or in the Purchase Agreement or granted by law, including recovery of liquidated or other damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors agree that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by them of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agree to waive in any action for specific performance the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

13. Successors . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Issuers and their respective successors and assigns and, following the execution of the Joinder Agreement, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors and their respective successors and assigns, including, without the need for an express assignment or any consent by the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors thereto, subsequent Holders of Securities and the New Securities, and the indemnified persons referred to in Section 6 hereof. The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agree to extend the benefits of this Agreement to any Holder of Securities and the New Securities, and any such Holder may specifically enforce the provisions of this Agreement as if an original party hereto.

14. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

15. Headings . The section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

16. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York. The parties hereto each hereby waive any right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

17. Severability . In the event that any one of more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be in any way impaired or affected thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the parties shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

18. Securities Held by the Issuers, etc . Whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of principal amount of Securities or New Securities is required hereunder, Securities or New Securities, as applicable, held by the Issuers or their Affiliates (other than subsequent Holders of Securities or New Securities if such subsequent Holders are deemed to be Affiliates solely by reason of their holdings of such Securities or New Securities) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.

 

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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement between the Issuers and the Initial Purchasers and, following the execution of the Joinder Agreement, the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.

 

Very truly yours,
CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC
CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.
By:  

/s/ Craig Abrahams

Name:   Craig Abrahams
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and

accepted as of the date first above written.

 

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stuart G. Dickson

Name:   Stuart G. Dickson
Title:   Managing Director

For itself and as Representative of the other Initial Purchasers.

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


ANNEX A

Each broker-dealer that receives new securities for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new securities. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new securities received in exchange for securities where such securities were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The company has agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business one year after the expiration date, it will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution”.

 

A-1


ANNEX B

Each broker-dealer that receives new securities for its own account in exchange for securities, where such securities were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new securities. See “Plan of Distribution”.

 

B-1


ANNEX C

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each broker-dealer that receives new securities for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new securities. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new securities received in exchange for securities where such securities were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The company has agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business one year after the expiration date, it will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until                     ,             , all dealers effecting transactions in the new securities may be required to deliver a prospectus.

The company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of new securities by brokers-dealers. New securities received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the new securities or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such new securities. Any broker-dealer that resales new securities that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such new securities may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit of any such resale of new securities and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

For a period of one year after the expiration date, the company will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal. The company has agreed to pay all expenses incident to the Exchange Offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holder of the securities) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the securities (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

[ If applicable, add information required by Regulation S-K Items 507 and/or 508. ]

 

C-1


ANNEX D

Rider A

PLEASE FILL IN YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS BELOW IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.

 

Name:  

 

Address:  

 

 

 

Rider B

If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it acquired the New Securities in the ordinary course of its business, it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of New Securities and it has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in a distribution of the New Securities. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Securities for its own account in exchange for Securities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Securities; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

 

D-1


EXHIBIT A

JOINDER AGREEMENT TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

[DATE]

Reference is hereby made to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), by and among Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Finance ” and, together with the Company, the “ Issuers ”), Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the Initial Purchasers, concerning the registration rights relating to the Issuers’ $675,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “ Securities ”). Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Registration Rights Agreement and used herein shall have the respective meanings given to them in the Registration Rights Agreement.

1. Joinder of the Guarantors . The subsidiaries of the Company party hereto (the “ Subsidiary Guarantors ”) hereby agree to become bound by the terms, conditions and other provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement with all attendant rights, duties and obligations stated therein, with the same force and effect as if each was originally named as a “Subsidiary Guarantor” therein and as if each such party executed the Registration Rights Agreement on the date thereof.

2. Representations and Warranties and Agreements of the Subsidiary Guarantors . Each of the undersigned hereby represents and warrants to and agrees with the Initial Purchasers that it has all the requisite corporate or limited liability company power and authority, as the case may be, to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Joinder Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and under the Registration Rights Agreement and that when this Joinder Agreement is executed and delivered, it will constitute a valid and legally binding agreement enforceable against each of the undersigned in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors or by general equitable principles.

3. Governing Law . This Joinder Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

4. Counterparts . This Joinder 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.

5. Amendments . No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Joinder Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.


6. Headings . The headings in this Joinder Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Joinder Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

[GUARANTORS]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION VERSION

ESCROW AGREEMENT

ESCROW AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of April 17, 2014, among U.S. Bank National Association, as escrow agent and securities intermediary (in such capacities, the “ Escrow Agent ”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (in such capacity, the “ Trustee ”) under the Indenture (as defined herein), Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Finance ” and, together with the Company, the “ Issuers ” and each, an “ Issuer ”).

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS , this Agreement is being entered into in connection with the Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreemen t”) dated April 14, 2014, among the Issuers and the Representative (as defined therein) of the initial purchasers listed on Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “ Initial Purchasers ”) and in connection with the Indenture (the “ Indenture ”) dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Issue Date ”), as amended and supplemented from time to time, among the Issuers and the Trustee, relating to the Securities (as defined below) (for the avoidance of doubt U.S. Bank National Association, whether in its capacity as Escrow Agent, Trustee, Securities Intermediary or Collateral Agent is not a party to the Purchase Agreement, shall have no duties or obligations hereunder and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of its terms);

WHEREAS , pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and Purchase Agreement, the Issuers are selling $675,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 9.375% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “ Securities ”);

WHEREAS , concurrently with the closing of the sale of the Securities, the Initial Purchasers, on behalf of the Issuers, will deposit with the Escrow Agent, as hereinafter provided, the gross proceeds (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall equal $675,000,000) thereof, which together with the Additional Amount (as defined below) deposited directly by or on behalf of the Issuers (in both cases, in the form of immediately available funds, Treasury Securities (as defined below) or Cash Equivalents (as defined below) or, in the case of Additional Amounts, Letters of Credit (as defined below and valued at the face amount thereof)) shall equal an amount sufficient to pay when due the Escrow Redemption Price (as defined below), assuming redemption of the Securities occurs on the Escrow Redemption Date (as defined below);

WHEREAS , such funds will be used (i) (A) upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3(a), by the Company for the purposes set forth in Section 3(a) or (B) to fund the Escrow Redemption Price, and (ii) to pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Initial Purchasers in connection with the purchase and sale of the Securities payable by the Issuers pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt U.S. Bank National Association, whether in its capacity as Escrow Agent, Trustee, Securities Intermediary or Collateral Agent is not a party to the Purchase Agreement, shall have no duties or obligations hereunder and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of its terms);

WHEREAS , as security for its obligations under the Securities and the Indenture, the Issuers hereby grant to the Trustee, for the sole and exclusive benefit of the holders of the Securities, a first priority security interest in and lien on the Escrow Account (as defined herein) and the Collateral (as defined herein); and


WHEREAS , the parties have entered into this Agreement in order to set forth the conditions upon which, and the manner in which, funds will be held in and disbursed from the Escrow Account and released from the security interest and lien described above.

A G R E E M E N T

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

1. Defined Terms . All terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture. In addition to any other defined terms used herein, the following terms shall constitute defined terms for purposes of this Agreement and shall have the meanings set forth below:

Additional Amount ” means an amount of cash, Treasury Securities, Cash Equivalents or Letters of Credit or any combination thereof, which will, with the gross proceeds of the offering and with the anticipated income thereon, provide cash to the Escrow Agent in an amount sufficient to pay the Escrow Redemption Price (which, for the avoidance of doubt, assuming a redemption date August 31, 2014, shall equal $23,554,687.50).

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City.

Cash Equivalents ” means any investment in time deposits, demand deposits, certificates of deposit or money market deposits maturing on or before the Conditions Precedent Date, entitled to U.S. Federal deposit insurance for the full amount thereof or issued by a bank or trust company that is organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof having capital in excess of $500.0 million, so long as such investment is convertible into cash on not more than one Business Day’s notice. The Escrow Agent may purchase from or sell to itself or an Affiliate, as principal or agent, securities herein authorized.

Collateral ” see Section 6(a).

Collateral Agreement ” means the collateral agreement, dated as of the Release Date, by and among the Issuers, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent, as amended and supplemented from time to time.

Conditions Precedent Date ” means the earlier of (x) the date on which the Issuers determine in their sole discretion that any of the conditions precedent to the release of the Escrowed Property described in Section 3(a) hereof cannot be satisfied and (y) August 31, 2014.

Escrow Account ” means the escrow account established pursuant to Section 2.

Escrow Funds ” see Section 2(a)(i).

Escrow Redemption ” means the obligation of the Issuers to redeem all of the Securities pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Indenture if the assumption is not consummated by the Conditions Precedent Date.

Escrow Redemption Date ” means the date that is no later than five (5) Business Days after the Conditions Precedent Date.

 

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Escrow Redemption Price ” means 100% of the gross proceeds received from the sale of the Securities, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Securities from the date hereof to, but not including, the Escrow Redemption Date.

Indemnified Person ” see Section 5.

Letters of Credit ” means one or more irrevocable letters of credit issued by an issuing bank for the benefit of the Escrow Agent, which Letters of Credit shall provide that the face amount thereof may be drawn at any time (without further conditions) upon delivery by the Trustee and the Escrow Agent of certification that the Conditions Precedent Date has occurred.

Notes Collateral ” means all property subject or purported to be subject, from time to time, to a lien under the Security Documents.

Release Date ” shall mean the date when all of the conditions precedent to the release of the Escrowed Property described in Section 3(a) hereof are satisfied.

Release Documents ” means each of the Joinder Agreement, the Supplemental Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement Joinder (each as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and the Intercreditor Agreement (as defined in the Indenture) and the Collateral Agreement and such other documents necessary to satisfy all of the conditions precedent to the release of the Escrowed Property described in Section 3(a) hereof.

Release Request ” means an Officer’s Certificate requesting release of the Escrow Funds signed by Officers of the Issuers in the form attached hereto as Annex I , certifying as to the matters specified therein.

Representative Officer ” means any officer of the Escrow Agent who has direct responsibility for the administration of this Agreement and shall also mean any other officer of the Escrow Agent to whom any matter related to this Agreement is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject matter.

Secured Obligations ” see Section 6(a).

Security Documents ” means the Collateral Agreement and the security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, mortgages and related agreements, mortgages and related agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, repaid, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, creating a security interest in the collateral as contemplated in the Indenture.

Treasury Securities ” means any of the following that may be convertible into cash on not more than one Business Day’s notice: (i) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the government of the United States of America or any agency thereof for which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged to secure payment in full at maturity and which are not redeemable at the option of the Issuers prior to maturity, (ii) repurchase agreements with respect to debt obligations referred to in clause (i) above and (iii) money market accounts that invest solely in the debt obligations referred to in clause (i) above and/or repurchase agreements referred to in clause (ii) above.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York.

 

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2. Escrow Account; Escrow Agent .

(a) Establishment of Escrow Account .

(i) Concurrently with the execution and delivery hereof, (A) the Escrow Agent shall establish an escrow account in the name of the Trustee entitled “Escrow Account of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee” (the “ Escrow Account ”) at its office located at 60 Livingston Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55107, (B) the Initial Purchasers at the direction of the Issuers will deposit with the Escrow Agent the gross proceeds from the sale of the Securities and (C) the Issuers (or Caesars Growth Partners, LLC on behalf of the Issuers) shall deposit with the Escrow Agent the Additional Amount (the amounts referred to in clauses (B) through (C) the “ Escrow Funds ”).

(ii) The Escrow Agent shall accept the Escrow Funds and shall hold such securities, funds and the proceeds thereof in the Escrow Account. All amounts so deposited, and the interest on, and dividends, distributions and other payments or proceeds in respect of, any such deposits, less any amounts released pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, shall constitute the “ Escrowed Property .” The Escrow Agent shall invest any portion of the Escrowed Property that is cash in cash, in Treasury Securities or Cash Equivalents as may be directed by the Issuers in writing from time to time. The Escrow Agent is hereby directed to hold cash in a non-interest bearing transaction account and this authorization is a permanent investment direction until the Escrow Agent is directed in writing of permissible alternate instructions. In selecting any Treasury Securities or Cash Equivalents, the Issuers shall determine that the proceeds thereof at maturity, when added to the balance of the Escrowed Property without the reinvestment thereof or sale prior to maturity, provide funds to the Escrow Agent in an amount at least equal to the Escrow Redemption Price on the assumed Escrow Redemption Date. At any time prior to the Escrow Redemption Date, the Issuers may substitute any amount of cash included in the Escrowed Property as the Additional Amount by posting Letters of Credit in an equal amount with the Escrow Agent, and the Escrow Agent shall return such amount of cash to the Issuers upon receipt of such Letters of Credit in a face amount equal to the amount being returned. All such property shall be held in the Escrow Account until disbursed in accordance with the terms hereof. The Escrow Account and all property credited thereto, including the Escrowed Property, shall be under the control (within the meanings of Sections 8-106 and 9-106 of the UCC) of the Trustee for the benefit of the Trustee and the holders of the Securities.

(iii) The obligation and liability of the Escrow Agent to make the payments and transfers required by this Agreement shall be limited to the Escrowed Property and any other moneys on deposit with it pursuant to this Agreement, including any interest accruing thereon. The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any loss resulting from any investment made pursuant to this Agreement in compliance with the provisions hereof or from the sale of any Treasury Securities or Cash Equivalents required by the terms hereof or any shortfall in the value of the Escrowed Property that might result therefrom.

(b) Security Interest in Escrow Account and Escrow Funds . On the Issue Date, each of the Trustee and the Escrow Agent shall receive an opinion of counsel to the Issuers, which shall comply with Section 13.04 of the Indenture.

(c) Escrow Agent Compensation; Expense Reimbursement .

(i) The Issuers shall pay to Escrow Agent for services to be performed by it under this Agreement in accordance with the Escrow Agent’s fee schedule attached hereto as Exhibit I . The Escrow Agent shall be paid any compensation owed to it directly by the Issuers and shall not disburse from the Escrow Account any such amounts, nor shall the Escrow Agent have any interest in the Escrow Account with respect to such amounts. The provisions of this clause (i) shall survive the termination of this Agreement and survive the resignation or removal of the Escrow Agent.

 

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(ii) The Issuers shall reimburse the Escrow Agent upon request for all reasonable and documented expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Escrow Agent in implementing any of the provisions of this Agreement, including compensation and the reasonable expenses and disbursements of its counsel. The Escrow Agent shall be paid any such expenses owed to it directly by the Issuers and shall not disburse from the Escrow Account any such amounts, nor shall the Escrow Agent have any interest in the Escrow Account with respect to such amounts. The provisions of this clause (ii) shall survive the termination of this Agreement and survive the resignation or removal of the Escrow Agent.

(d) Substitution of Escrow Agent . The Escrow Agent may resign by giving no less than 30 Business Days’ prior written notice to the Issuers and the Trustee. Such resignation shall take effect upon the later to occur of (i) delivery of all Escrowed Property maintained by the Escrow Agent hereunder and copies of all books, records, plans and other documents in the Escrow Agent’s possession relating to such funds, or this Agreement, and, if applicable, delivery of an amendment to the Letters of Credit acknowledging the new escrow agent (with any necessary assistance for obtaining such an amendment to be provided by the Issuers), in each case to a successor escrow agent mutually approved by the Issuers and the Trustee (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and (ii) the Issuers, the Trustee and such successor escrow agent entering into this Agreement or any written successor agreement no less favorable to the interests of the holders of the Securities and the Trustee than this Agreement. The Escrow Agent shall thereupon be discharged of all obligations under this Agreement and shall have no further duties, obligations or responsibilities in connection herewith, except to the limited extent set forth in Section 4. If a successor escrow agent has not been appointed or has not accepted such appointment within 30 Business Days after notice of resignation is given to the Issuers, the Escrow Agent may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor escrow agent.

3. Release of Escrowed Property .

(a) If at any time on or prior to the Conditions Precedent Date, the Escrow Agent receives a Release Request from the Issuers certifying that, prior to or concurrently with the Release, (i) the Escrow Conditions (as defined in the Indenture) have been satisfied and (ii) concurrently with the release of the Escrowed Property to the Company (the “ Release ”): (A) the Release Documents will have been executed and delivered by all parties thereto; (B) the Escrow Funds will be used to pay the fees and expenses related to the issuance and sale of the Securities (including the Deferred Discount (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and the out-of-pocket expenses of the Initial Purchasers payable by the Issuers pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, if any), as set forth in a written direction to the Escrow Agent substantially as set forth in Annex I, the Escrow Agent will release all Escrowed Property then held by it to or for the account of the Issuers, upon presentation of a Release Request no later than 3 p.m. Eastern on the Business Day prior to such Release.

(b) If the Escrow Agent receives a written notice from the Issuers or the Trustee substantially in the form of Annex II that the conditions specified in 3(a) will not be satisfied and/or that the Escrow Redemption is to occur, which notice shall state the Escrow Redemption Date and the Escrow Redemption Price, the Escrow Agent will, on or before the Business Day prior to the Escrow Redemption Date, release to the Paying Agent an amount of Escrowed Property in cash equal to the Escrow Redemption Price specified in such notice from the Issuers or the Trustee. Concurrently with such release to the Paying Agent, the Escrow Agent shall release any excess of Escrowed Property over the Escrow Redemption Price to the Issuers.

 

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(c) The Trustee agrees to promptly execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered any instruments, documents and agreements and to promptly take all additional steps reasonably requested by the Issuers to evidence and/or confirm the release of the Collateral pursuant to the foregoing clause (a) or (b) of this Section 3, including authorizing filing of one or more UCC termination statements in such jurisdictions and filing offices as are reasonably necessary or advisable (as determined by the Company) in order to terminate the security interest granted herein. In connection with any release pursuant to this Section 3(c), the Issuers shall be permitted to take any action in connection therewith consistent with such release including, without limitation, the filing of UCC termination statements.

4. Limitation of Escrow Agent’s Liability; Responsibilities of Escrow Agent . The Escrow Agent’s responsibility and liability under this Agreement shall be limited as follows: (i) the Escrow Agent does not represent, warrant or guaranty to the Trustee or the holders of the Securities from time to time the performance of the Issuers; (ii) the Escrow Agent shall have no responsibility to the Issuers or the Trustee or the holders of the Securities from time to time as a consequence of performance or non-performance by the Escrow Agent hereunder, except for any gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Escrow Agent; (iii) the Issuers shall remain solely responsible for all aspects of the Issuers’ business and conduct; and (iv) the Escrow Agent shall not be obligated to supervise, inspect or inform the Issuers or any third party of any matter referred to above. In no event shall the Escrow Agent be liable (i) for relying upon any judicial or administrative order or judgment, upon any opinion of counsel or upon any certification, instruction, notice, or other writing delivered to it by the Issuers or the Trustee in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) for acting in accordance with or relying upon any instruction, notice, demand, certificate or document believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person, (iii) for any consequential, punitive or special damages, (iv) for the acts or omissions of its nominees, correspondents, designees, subagents or subcustodians or (v) for an amount in excess of the value of the Escrow Account, valued as of the date of deposit.

The rights and powers granted to the Escrow Agent hereunder are being granted in order to preserve and protect the Trustee’s and the holders’ of Securities security interest in and to the Collateral granted hereby and shall not be interpreted to, and shall not, impose any duties on the Escrow Agent in connection therewith other than those imposed under applicable law. The Escrow Agent shall exercise the same degree of care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral in its possession as it exercises toward its own similar property and shall not be held to any higher standard of care under this Agreement, nor be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the Issuers or any other party.

At any time the Escrow Agent may request in writing an instruction in writing from the Issuers (other than any disbursement pursuant to Section 6(b)(iii)), and may at its own option include in such request the course of action it proposes to take and the date on which it proposes to act, regarding any matter arising in connection with its duties and obligations hereunder; provided , however , that the Escrow Agent shall state in such request that it believes in good faith that such proposed course of action is not contrary to another identified provision of this Agreement. The Escrow Agent shall not be liable to the Issuers for acting without the Issuers’ consent in accordance with such a proposal on or after the date specified therein if (i) the specified date is at least five Business Days after the Issuers receive the Escrow Agent’s request for instructions and its proposed course of action, and (ii) prior to so acting, the Escrow Agent has not received the written instructions requested from the Issuers.

At the expense of the Issuers, the Escrow Agent may act pursuant to the advice of counsel chosen by it with respect to any matter relating to this Agreement and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted in accordance with such advice, except for any such action taken or omitted in bad faith.

 

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In the event of any ambiguity in the provisions of this Agreement with respect to any funds, securities or property deposited hereunder, or instruction, notice or certification delivered hereunder, the Escrow Agent shall be entitled to refuse to comply with any and all claims, demands or instructions with respect to such funds, securities or property, and the Escrow Agent shall not be or become liable for its failure or refusal to comply with conflicting claims, demands or instructions. The Escrow Agent shall be entitled to refuse to act until either any conflicting or adverse claims or demands shall have been finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or settled by agreement between the conflicting claimants as evidenced in a writing reasonably satisfactory to the Escrow Agent, or the Escrow Agent shall have received security or an indemnity satisfactory to the Escrow Agent sufficient to save the Escrow Agent harmless from and against any and all loss, liability or expense which the Escrow Agent may incur by reason of its acting. The Escrow Agent may in addition elect in its sole option to commence an interpleader action or seek other judicial relief or orders as the Escrow Agent may deem necessary. The costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred in connection with such proceedings shall be paid by, and shall be deemed an obligation of the Issuers.

No provision of this Agreement shall require the Escrow Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder.

The Escrow Agent shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond the control of the Escrow Agent (including but not limited to any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, any act of God, terrorism or war, the failure or malfunction of communication or computer systems, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex or other wire or communication facility).

5. Indemnity . The Issuers shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Trustee and the Escrow Agent and their respective directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling persons, (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) from and against any and all claims, actions, obligations, liabilities and expenses, including reasonable defense costs, reasonable investigative fees and costs, reasonable legal fees, and claims for damages, arising from the Trustee’s or the Escrow Agent’s performance or non-performance, or in connection with the Escrow Agent’s acceptance of appointment as the Escrow Agent under this Agreement, except to the extent that such liability, expense or claim is solely and directly attributable to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any such Indemnified Person. The provisions of this Section 5 shall survive any termination, satisfaction or discharge of this Agreement as well as the resignation or removal of the Escrow Agent.

6. Grant of Security Interest; Instructions to Escrow Agent .

(a) The Issuers hereby irrevocably grant a first priority security interest in and lien on, and pledges, assigns, transfers and sets over to the Trustee for its own benefit and the benefit of the holders of the Securities, all of its respective right, title and interest in, to the extent applicable, (i) the Escrow Account, the Escrow Funds, and all financial assets (as such term is defined in Section 8-102(a) of the UCC) and other property now or hereafter placed or deposited in, or delivered to the Escrow Agent for placement or deposit in, the Escrow Account, including, without limitation, all funds held therein, and all Treasury Securities or Cash Equivalents held by (or otherwise maintained in the name of) the Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 2; (ii) all security entitlements (as such term is defined in Section 8-102(a) of the UCC) from time to time credited to the Escrow Account; (iii) all claims and rights of whatever nature which the Issuers may now have or hereafter acquire against any third party in respect of any of the Collateral described in this Section 6 (including any claims or rights in respect of any security entitlements credited to an account of the Escrow Agent maintained at The Depository Trust Company or any other clearing corporation) or any other securities intermediary (as such terms are defined in

 

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Section 8-102(a) of the UCC); (iv) all rights which the Issuers have under this Agreement and all rights it may now have or hereafter acquire against the Escrow Agent in respect of its holding and managing all or any part of the Collateral; and (v) all proceeds (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a) of the UCC) of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Collateral ”), in order to secure all obligations and indebtedness of the Issuers under the Indenture, the Securities and any other obligation, now or hereafter arising, of every kind and nature, owed by the Issuers under the Indenture or the Securities to the holders of the Securities or to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee (collectively, the “ Secured Obligations ”). The Escrow Agent hereby acknowledges the Trustee’s security interest and lien as set forth above. The Issuers shall take all actions and shall direct the Trustee in writing to take all actions necessary on its part to insure the continuance of a perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral in favor of the Trustee in order to secure all Secured Obligations. The Issuers shall not grant or cause or permit any other person to obtain a security interest, encumbrance, lien or other claim, direct or indirect, in the Issuers’ right, title or interest in the Escrow Account or any Collateral.

(b) The Issuers and the Trustee hereby irrevocably instruct the Escrow Agent to, and the Escrow Agent shall:

(i) maintain the Escrow Account for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Trustee on its behalf and on behalf of the holders of the Securities to the extent specifically required herein; treat all property in the Escrow Account as financial assets (as defined in Section 8-102(a) of the UCC); take all steps reasonably specified in writing by the Issuers pursuant to this Section 6 to cause the Trustee to enjoy continuous perfected first priority security interest under the UCC, any other applicable statutory or case law or regulation of the State of New York and any applicable law or regulation of the United States in the Collateral and except as otherwise required by law, maintain the Collateral free and clear of all liens, security interests, safekeeping or other charges, demands and claims of any nature now or hereafter existing in favor of anyone other than the Trustee;

(ii) promptly notify the Trustee if a Representative Officer of the Escrow Agent receives written notice that any Person other than the Trustee has or purports to have a lien or security interest upon any portion of the Collateral; and

(iii) in addition to disbursing amounts held in escrow pursuant to and in accordance with Section 3, upon receipt of written notice from the Trustee of the acceleration of the maturity of the Securities and direction from the Trustee to disburse the Escrow Funds to the Trustee, as promptly as practicable, disburse all funds and other Collateral held in the Escrow Account to or as directed by the Trustee and, to the extent permissible by applicable law, transfer title to all Cash Equivalents held by the Escrow Agent hereunder to or as directed by the Trustee. In addition, upon an Event of Default and for so long as such Event of Default continues, the Trustee may, and the Escrow Agent shall on behalf of the Trustee when instructed by the Trustee, exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or other applicable law.

The lien and security interest provided for in this Section 6 shall automatically terminate and cease as to, and shall not extend or apply to, and the Trustee and the Escrow Agent shall have no security interest in, any funds disbursed by the Escrow Agent to the Issuers pursuant to this Agreement to the extent not inconsistent with the terms hereof. The Escrow Agent shall not have any right to receive compensation from the Trustee and shall have no authority to obligate the Trustee or to compromise or pledge its security interest hereunder. Accordingly, the Escrow Agent is hereby directed to cooperate with the Trustee in the exercise of its rights in the Collateral provided for herein.

 

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(c) Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6(b)(iii) shall be applied as provided in Section 6.10 of the Indenture. Any surplus of such cash or cash proceeds held by the Trustee and remaining after payment in full of all the Secured Obligations shall be paid over to the Company promptly or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct. Neither the Trustee nor the Escrow Agent shall have any liability for any shortfall to the extent of Escrow Redemption Price.

(d) The Issuers will execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered, or use its reasonable best efforts to procure, all assignments, instruments and other documents, deliver any instruments to the Trustee and take any other actions that are necessary or desirable to perfect, continue the perfection of, or protect the first priority of the Trustee’s security interest in and to the Collateral, to protect the Collateral against the rights, claims, or interests of third persons or to effect the purposes of this Agreement and agree to file or to cause to be filed one or more UCC financing statements and continuation statements in such jurisdictions and filing offices and containing such description of collateral as are reasonably necessary or advisable in order to perfect the security interest granted herein. The Issuers also hereby authorize the Trustee to file any financing or continuation statements with respect to the Collateral without their respective signature (to the extent permitted by applicable law). The Issuers shall pay all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with any of the foregoing, it being understood that the Trustee shall have no duty to determine whether to file or record any document or instrument relating to Collateral. Neither the Trustee nor the Escrow Agent shall have any duty or obligation to file or record any document or otherwise to see to the grant or perfection of any security interest granted hereunder.

(e) The Issuers hereby appoint the Trustee as attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution to do any act that the Issuers are obligated hereby to do, and the Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, exercise such rights as the Issuers might exercise with respect to the Collateral and take any action in the Issuers’ names to protect the Trustee’s security interest hereunder.

(f) If at any time the Escrow Agent shall receive any “entitlement order” (as such term is defined in Section 8-102(a)(8) of the UCC) or any other instructions issued by the Trustee directing the disposition of funds in the Escrow Account or otherwise related to the Escrow Account, the Escrow Agent shall comply with any such entitlement order or instructions without further consent by the Issuers or any other person.

(g) The Escrow Agent represents that it is a “securities intermediary” and that the Escrow Account is a “securities account” (as each such term is defined in the UCC).

(h) The Issuers hereby confirm that the arrangements established under this Section 6 constitute “control” (within the meanings of Sections 8-106 and 9-106 of the UCC) by the Trustee of the Escrow Account and the Escrow Funds credited thereto. The Escrow Agent and the Issuers have not entered and will not enter into any other agreement with respect to control of the Escrow Account or purporting to limit or condition the obligation of the Escrow Agent to comply with any orders or instructions of the Trustee with respect to the Escrow Account as set forth in this Section 6. In the event of any conflict with respect to control over the Escrow Account between this Agreement (or any portion hereof) and any other agreement now existing or hereafter entered into, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.

(i) The Escrow Agent hereby agrees that any security interest in, lien on, encumbrance, claim or right of setoff against, the Escrow Account or any funds therein or credited thereto that it now has or subsequently obtains shall be subordinate to the security interest of the Trustee in the Escrow Account and the funds therein or credited thereto. The Escrow Agent agrees not to exercise any

 

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present or future right of recoupment or set-off against the Escrow Account or to assert against the Escrow Account any present or future security interest, banker’s lien or any other lien or claim (including claim for penalties) that the Escrow Agent may at any time have against or in the Escrow Account or any funds therein or credited thereto.

(j) The Issuers represent and warrant that they have been duly organized and are validly existing as corporations or limited liability companies, as applicable, under the laws of the jurisdiction set forth in preamble to this Agreement, and during the term of this Agreement, no Issuer will change its legal name from that set forth in the signature pages attached hereto, identity or organizational structure or jurisdiction of organization without giving the Trustee written notice thereof within 30 days of any such change.

7. Termination . This Agreement and the security interest in the Collateral evidenced by this Agreement shall terminate automatically and be of no further force or effect upon the distribution of all Escrowed Property in accordance with Section 3 hereof; provided , however , that the obligations of the Issuers under Section 2(c) and Section 5 (and any existing claims thereunder) shall survive termination of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Escrow Agent. At such time, upon the written request of the Issuer, the Escrow Agent shall deliver to the Issuers all of the Escrowed Property hereunder that has not been disbursed or applied by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Indenture. Such delivery shall be without warranty by or recourse to the Escrow Agent in its capacity as such, except as to the absence of any liens on the Escrowed Property created by the Escrow Agent, and shall be at the sole expense of the Issuers.

8. Security Interest Absolute . All rights of the Trustee for its own benefit and the benefit of the holders of the Securities and security interests hereunder, and all obligations of the Issuers hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:

(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Indenture or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;

(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Indenture;

(c) any exchange, surrender, release or non-perfection of any Liens on any other collateral for all or any of the Secured Obligations; or

(d) to the extent permitted by applicable law, any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Issuers in respect of the Secured Obligations or of this Agreement (other than the payment in full of the Secured Obligations).

9. Miscellaneous .

(a) Waiver . Any party hereto may specifically waive any breach of this Agreement by any other party, but no such waiver shall be deemed to have been given unless such waiver is in writing, signed by the waiving party and specifically designating the breach waived, nor shall any such waiver constitute a continuing waiver of similar or other breaches.

(b) Invalidity . If for any reason whatsoever any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be inoperative, unenforceable or invalid in a particular case or in all cases, such circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering any of the other provisions of this

 

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Agreement inoperative, unenforceable or invalid, and the inoperative, unenforceable or invalid provision shall be construed as if it were written so as to effectuate, to the maximum extent possible, the parties’ intent.

(c) Assignment . This Agreement is personal to the parties hereto, and the rights and duties of the Issuers hereunder shall not be assignable except with the prior written consent of the other parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall inure to and be binding upon the parties and their successors and permitted assigns.

(d) Benefit . This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, shall give to any person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement.

(e) Entire Agreement; Amendments . This Agreement and the Indenture contain the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior agreements, understandings and commitments, whether oral or written. Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement and any consent to any departure by the Issuers from any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only if made or duly given in compliance with all of the terms and provisions of the Indenture, and neither the Escrow Agent nor the Trustee shall be deemed, by any act, delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise, to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default or in any breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. A waiver by the Escrow Agent or the Trustee of any right or remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy that the Escrow Agent or the Trustee would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or concurrently and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

(f) Notices . All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and received when actually received (i) on the day of delivery; (ii) three Business Days following the day sent, when sent by United States certified mail, postage and certification fee prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as set forth below; (iii) when transmitted by telecopy to the telecopy number set forth below with verbal confirmation of receipt by the telecopy operator; or (iv) one Business Day following the day timely delivered to a next-day air courier addressed as set forth below:

To the Escrow Agent:

US Bank -Corporate Trust Services

EP-MN-WS3C

60 Livingston Avenue

St. Paul MN 55107-1419

Attention: Raymond S. Haverstock

Facsimile: (651) 466-7430

 

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To the Trustee:

US Bank -Corporate Trust Services

EP-MN-WS3C

60 Livingston Avenue

St. Paul MN 55107-1419

Attention: Raymond S. Haverstock

Facsimile: (651) 466-7430

To the Issuers:

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC

Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc.

c/o Caesars Acquisition Company

One Caesars Palace Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: (702) 407-6418

With a copy to:

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

1285 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019-6064

Attention: Monica K. Thurmond, Esq.

Facsimile: (212) 492-0055

or at such other address as the specified entity most recently may have designated in writing in accordance with this Section 13(f). Notwithstanding the foregoing, notices and other communications to the Trustee or the Escrow Agent pursuant to clauses (ii) and (iv) of this Section 13(f) shall not be deemed duly given and received until actually received by the Trustee or the Escrow Agent, as applicable, at its address set forth above.

(g) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF transmission shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

(h) Captions . Captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered or referred to in resolving questions of interpretation of this Agreement.

(i) Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . THE EXISTENCE, VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND EFFECT OF ANY AND ALL TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY AGREE THAT JURISDICTION OVER SUCH PARTIES AND OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXERCISED BY A COMPETENT COURT OF THE CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, OR BY A COMPETENT UNITED STATES COURT, SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY. THE ISSUER, THE TRUSTEE AND THE ESCROW AGENT HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE PERSONAL JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS. FOR PURPOSES OF THE UCC, THE ESCROW AGENT’S JURISDICTION (WITHIN

 

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THE MEANING OF SECTIONS 8-110 AND 9-305 OF THE UCC) SHALL BE THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY AND TO ASSERT COUNTERCLAIMS OTHER THAN MANDATORY COUNTERCLAIMS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING FROM, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THIS AGREEMENT. THE ISSUERS HEREBY WAIVE PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS BY CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, DIRECTED TO THEM AT THE ADDRESS LAST SPECIFIED FOR NOTICES HEREUNDER, AND SUCH SERVICE SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETED TEN (10) CALENDAR DAYS AFTER THE SAME IS SO MAILED. FOR PURPOSES OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE, NEW YORK SHALL BE THE ESCROW AGENT’S JURISDICTION.

(j) Representations and Warranties of Issuers . Each Issuer hereby represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on its behalf and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency (including without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers), moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally and except as the enforcement thereof is subject to equitable principles regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Issuers do not violate any applicable law or regulation to which the Issuers are subject and do not require the consent of any governmental or other regulatory body to which the Issuers are subject, except for such consents and approvals as have been obtained and are in full force and effect. The Issuers are, with respect to the Collateral they are delivering pursuant to this Agreement, the beneficial owners of such Collateral, free and clear of any Lien or claims of any Person (except for the security interest granted under this Agreement) and are the only entitlement holders (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(7) of the UCC) of the Escrow Account and the financial assets (as defined in Section 8-102(a) of the UCC).

(k) Representations and Warranties of Escrow Agent and Trustee . The Escrow Agent hereby represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on its behalf and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms. The Trustee hereby represents and warrants that the person executing this Agreement is duly authorized to so execute this Agreement, and that this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on its behalf.

(l) No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements . This Agreement may not be used to interpret another pledge, security or debt agreement of any Issuer or any subsidiary thereof. No such pledge, security or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Agreement.

(m) Interpretation of Agreement . All terms not defined herein or in the Indenture shall have the meaning set forth in the UCC, except where the context otherwise requires. To the extent a term or provision of this Agreement relating to the Trustee or the Issuers conflicts with the Indenture, the Indenture shall control with respect to the subject matter of such term or provision. Acceptance of or acquiescence in a course of performance rendered under this Agreement shall not be relevant to determine the meaning of this Agreement even though the accepting or acquiescing party had knowledge of the nature of the performance and opportunity for objection.

(n) Survival of Provisions . All representations, warranties and covenants of the Issuers contained herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and shall terminate only upon the termination of this Agreement.

 

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(o) Patriot Act . To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. For a non-individual person such as a business entity, a charity, a Trust or other legal entity Agent will ask for documentation to verify its formation and existence as a legal entity. Agent may also ask to see financial statements, licenses, identification and authorization documents from individuals claiming authority to represent the entity or other relevant documentation.

(p) Security Advice . The Issuers acknowledge that regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency grant the Issuers the right to receive brokerage confirmations of the security transactions as they occur. The Issuers specifically waive such notification to the extent permitted by law and will receive periodic cash transaction statements that will detail all investment transactions.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day first above written.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Escrow Agent

By:  

/s/ Raymond S. Haverstock

Name:   Raymond S. Haverstock
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Escrow Agreement]


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

not in its individual capacity but solely as

Trustee

By:  

/s/ Raymond S. Haverstock

Name:   Raymond S. Haverstock
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Escrow Agreement]


CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC
CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.
By:  

/s/ Craig Abrahams

Name:   Craig Abrahams
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

[Signature Page to Escrow Agreement]


ANNEX I

FORM OF OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE - RELEASE REQUEST

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.

c/o CAESARS ACQUISITION COMPANY

One Caesars Palace Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

[            ], 2014

[            ] as Escrow Agent

[            ]

[            ]

Attention: [            ]

 

  Re: Release Request Officer’s Certificate

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Escrow Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Escrow Agreement ”), among you (the “ Escrow Agent ”), the Trustee under the indenture dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”), and Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ” and each, an “ Issuer ”). Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning given in the Escrow Agreement.

This Officer’s Certificate constitutes the Release Request under the Escrow Agreement.

The Issuers hereby notify you and certify to you as follows pursuant to Section 3(a) of the Escrow Agreement:

1. As of the date hereof, all of the conditions precedent to the release of the Escrowed Property described in Section 3(a) of the Escrow Agreement have been satisfied.

2. Concurrently with the release of the Escrow Funds to the Company, the Release Documents will have been executed and delivered by all parties thereto.

3. Concurrently with the release of the Escrow Funds to the Company, the Escrow Funds will be used to pay the fees and expenses related to the issuance and sale of the Securities (including the out of pocket expenses of the Initial Purchasers, if any).

4. The Release Documents (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) have been executed by all parties thereto and delivered to the Trustee and the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Section 5(d) of the Purchase Agreement (attached hereto as Annex A ).

 

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5. The opinions of counsel contemplated by Section 5(c) of the Purchase Agreement (attached hereto as Annex B ) have been furnished to the Trustee and the Initial Purchasers.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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The Issuers hereby notify you and certify to you that the release of the entire amount of funds from the Escrow Account is currently permitted in accordance with Section 3 of the Escrow Agreement and requests that you release such amount as set forth on Schedule A hereto. The Escrow Agent is entitled to rely on the foregoing in disbursing Escrow Funds as specified in this Release Request.

 

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

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Schedule A

WIRE INSTRUCTIONS

 

[ Company ]
Proceeds to be delivered:    [                    ]
Name of Bank:    [                    ]
ABA Number of Bank:    [                    ]
Account Number at Bank:    [                    ]
Name of Account:    [                    ]
OBI Field F/F/C #:    [                    ]
Attention:    [                    ]

 

[ Initial Purchasers ]
Proceeds to be delivered:    [                    ]
Name of Bank:    [                    ]
ABA Number of Bank:    [                    ]
Account Number at Bank:    [                    ]
Name of Account:    [                    ]
OBI Field F/F/C #:    [                    ]
Attention:    [                    ]

 

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ANNEX II

FORM OF FAILURE OF CONDITION NOTICE

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.

c/o CAESARS ACQUISITION COMPANY

One Caesars Palace Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

[            ], 2014

[            ] as Escrow Agent

[            ]

[            ]

Attention: [            ]

 

  Re: Failure of Conditions

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Escrow Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Escrow Agreement ”), among you (the “ Escrow Agent ”), the Trustee under the indenture dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”), and Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with the Company, the “ Issuers ” and each, an “ Issuer ”). Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning given in the Escrow Agreement.

This Officer’s Certificate constitutes notice that the required conditions set forth in Section 3(a) shall not be satisfied on or prior to the Escrow Redemption Date.

Escrow Redemption Date: [            ], 2014

Escrow Redemption Price: $[        ]

 

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CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

CAESARS GROWTH PROPERTIES FINANCE, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT I

FUNDS TO BE WIRED

 

Description

  

Amount

  

Instructions

Escrow Fee

   $ [            ]   

RBK:

ABA:

BNF:

BNF ACCT:

OBI:

REF#:

ATTN:

  

U.S. Bank, N.A.

[                    ]

[                    ]

[                    ]

[                    ]

[                    ]

[                    ]

[                    ]

 

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